Urban fantasy readers are a special breed of book lover… and I should know, because I am one! You know the type — the ones who thrive on stories where magic hides in plain sight, supernatural creatures blend into city crowds, and danger lurks just past the neon glow of a streetlamp.
If that sounds familiar… well, you might just be one of us.
Here are 15 unmistakable signs you’re definitely an urban fantasy reader:
1. You secretly assume every big city has a hidden supernatural underworld.
Sure, tourists see restaurants, office buildings, and buses…
But you? You’re wondering which alleyway the shifters use or which skyscraper hides the vampire court.
2. You love a good mix of magic + mayhem.
Throwing spells in a dark alley?
Chasing demons between speeding cars?
A battle scene in a parking garage?
Perfection.
3. You think magical abilities should come with emotional baggage.
Teleportation? Cool.
The crushing guilt from accidentally teleporting someone’s coffee into a wall? Even better.
4. You prefer your heroes flawed, fierce, and just a little morally gray.
Sure, save the world…
But maybe also threaten a demon for information or bend the rules of magic if necessary.
We get it.
5. You’ve definitely fallen for at least one brooding supernatural love interest.
Angel? Demon? Vampire? Shapeshifter? You have a type — and it’s “dangerous but has a redemption arc.”
6. You believe every tattoo in an urban fantasy book means something important.
Runes. Wards. Ancient symbols. You don’t even need context. If a character has ink, you’re already suspicious.
7. You love when a city becomes its own character.
From gritty alleyways to rooftop hideouts, you’re here for stories where the setting breathes just as much as the characters.
8. Your favorite trope? The hidden magic society.
And you’ll happily devour every book where the “normal world” has no idea what’s happening right under their noses.
9. You’ve said “just one more chapter” at 2 a.m. and meant it.
Urban fantasy is addictive. Cliffhangers? Even worse. Sleep? Optional.
10. You love a strong female lead who doesn’t back down.
Bonus points if she’s sarcastic, stubborn, and has a tendency to run directly toward danger.
11. You get overly excited by supernatural group dynamics.
The loyal best friend. The unstable magic-user. The mysterious mentor. The team that shouldn’t work… but does. Give you a found-family cast and you’re all in.
12. You enjoy when villains believe they’re the hero.
Urban fantasy thrives on moral complexity — and you’re here for every deliciously complicated antagonist.
13. You judge books by their supernatural creatures.
“Oh, this one has vampires AND fae? Say less.” Your TBR pile: instantly grows by seven.
14. You believe magic belongs in the modern world.
Skyscrapers and sorcery? Parking lots and prophetic visions? Cell phones and spell books?
Absolutely. Bring it on.
*15. You’ve imagined yourself living in an urban fantasy world.
Would you be the hunter? The witch? The elemental? The reluctant chosen one?
You’ve definitely decided — probably more than once. COMMENT BELOW AND LET ME KNOW!
If you nodded along to most of these… congratulations — you’re officially an urban fantasy reader. And honestly? It’s one of the best fandoms to be part of.
The worlds are exciting, the characters unforgettable, and the blend of magic + modern life is endlessly addictive.
So go ahead — pour yourself another cup of coffee, grab your next read, and dive back into the shadows where all the magic lives.
Want to read my books? Even better, click HERE or on the image below to see all of my Urban Fantasy novels and pick up your favorite(s) today!
Nina Soden 