Tuesday, June 14, 2016

A New YA Genre? Para-Historical Fiction

With the relatively recent success of the "insert Jane Austen or classic title here" and "Monsters" books and subsequent films, I've noticed a certain trend emerging in YA and elsewhere - paranormal historical fiction (or that's what I'm calling it).

Maybe this recent trend is a result of Cassandra Clare's popular Infernal Devices series or perhaps we're all looking for a Downton ala Buffy fix? As someone who ADORES historical fiction and paranormal/supernatural/fantasy this is the perfect Mash Up!

So what do I think qualifies as Para Historical Fiction?
1. It occurs in a recognisable time period like regency, ancient egypt/rome, victorian etc.
2. There is some element of supernatural/paranormal/fantasy. This can vary from something of a subplot to the main story.
3. Once you have these two factors - have FUN! So a perfect example of this form (IMO), is Gail Carriger's Soulless series - A Victorian novel with supernatural beings crossed with alternative history and steampunk.

Regardless of definition, 2016 seems to be fast shaping up to be the year for this sub-genre. (and I LOVE IT).

Here's a taster of some of these (ranging from alternative history to steampunk, all with a dash of the Sup or Para)

First - Queen of the Form has just released a new book/series

Gail Carriger's Poison or Protect Novella - June 21st




Alison Goodman's Dark Days Club Series (just bought this off the book shelf. Cannot wait to read.)




Evelyn Skye's The Crown's Game Series 


Jessica Cluess' A Shadow Bright and Burning (Kingdom on Fire #1)


I'm currently compiling a lovely list of books for this Genre - so please any further suggestions would be great!


NOW come one let's do the MONSTER MASH!!

2 comments:

Megan said...

I would add the Glamourist series by Mary Robinette Kowal.

Emily Cross said...

Thanks Megan for the comment. Definitely will add this :D

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