Unveiling the beyond: paranormal, supernatural, or urban fantasy

Working with other writers to promote books that would otherwise be ignored is fun. Thus, I participate in many (digital) book fairs and giveaways. The other day, someone asked me why I participated in an urban fantasy giveaway, even though I write paranormal. It made me think about how urban fantasy, paranormal, and supernatural fiction differ. 

Here is how I define these concepts:

Paranormal fiction

The word “paranormal” comes from the Latin prefix “para,” meaning “beyond” or “outside” the normal. Basically, the paranormal defies known scientific laws and evidence. The key point is that they’re beyond our current scientific understanding. There might be a scientific explanation down the line, however improbable—think of phenomena like psychic abilities, UFO, and alien sightings, time travel, and other unexplained occurrences.

If you search ‘paranormal fiction’, you'll mostly find paranormal romance books about vampires and zombies. I think paranormal fiction goes beyond those limits. For me, the paranormal includes extrasensory perception, unexplained forces, and mental phenomena like empathy, telekinesis, and clairvoyance. Furthermore, paranormal fiction explores cryptozoology, potentially explaining creatures like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster.

Paranormal fiction in literature

• The Chrysalids by John Wyndham (1955)
• Telempath by Spider Robinson (1976)
• Firestarter by Stephen King (1980)
• The X-Files: Goblins by Charles L. Grant (1996)
• The Colorado Kid by Stephen King (2005)
• Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (2011)
• The Empath Series by SK Alexander (2021)

Supernatural fiction

The word “supernatural” comes from the Latin words “super,” meaning above or beyond, and “natura,” meaning nature. It explains things, powers, or occurrences that exist or function beyond the bounds of natural laws or what is achievable based on those laws.

Supernatural phenomena and religious beliefs often intersect as they examine concepts beyond scientific comprehension such as the afterlife, resurrection, souls, gods, and angels. Supernatural fiction, to me, includes werewolves, vampires, and other mythical creatures from folklore and fairy tales, like fae.

Supernatural fiction in literature

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1823)
• Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897)
• Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice (1976)
• Pet Cemetery by Stephen King (1983)
• American Gods by Neil Gaiman (2001)  
• Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer (2005)
• Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward (2005)
• Prince of Hellscape Series by SK Alexander (2024)

Urban fantasy in literature

• Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (1996)  
• The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher (2000)
• Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter (2000) and Merry Gentry (2000) series by Laurell K. Hamilton
• The Hollows series by Kim Harrison (2004)
• October Daye series by Seanan McGuire (2009)
• The Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews (2007)
• The Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch (2011)

Urban fantasy

“Urban fantasy” narratives weave paranormal and supernatural elements into the fabric of real-world urban societies from the 19th to the 21st century. These places are usually bustling cities but can also be in quaint small towns. The story may explore parallel worlds or universes, instead of being confined to our reality.

These stories often explore the complex interplay between humanity and the paranormal or supernatural entities, such as telepaths, clairvoyants, or demons. To achieve that, urban fantasy uses gritty action, a dark atmosphere, and a procedural plot.

The importance for "The Omniverse"

I have far too many “Tales From The Omniverse” to tell in a single lifetime. I’m drawn to extraordinary narratives, so I will write speculative fiction—paranormal, supernatural, (urban) fantasy, and science fiction.

The beauty of these genres lies in their overlapping elements with other genres. For instance, Nathaniel Colt, the main character from The Empath Series, uses his empathic abilities to catch serial killers.

Buy The Empath Series

The Empath Series follows empath Nathaniel Colt as he rejoins the world and the people he left behind. As the empath grapples with his inner demons, the pulse-pounding action and the unpredictable twists will keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you enjoy stories with a psychic investigator, serial killers, and an insolent dog, then you will love The Empath Series.