Urban Fantasy discussion

Before I forget, I want to ask all of you something because I think it could end up being fairly important when it comes to the marketability of my book. Lucifer is a main character in my novel. My characterization, interpretation and portrayal of him is very different than anything I have ever seen before. He is the main characters love interest in my story. In my story he is not evil and he is not The Devil nor a Fallen Angel. He is an Angel still in my story. He is ruled by his feelings and emotions. He is an introverted, idealistic, intuitive, protective, romantic, sensual, artistic and creative type of character (and really OMG sexy). Do you all think that this is something that the average reader will be able to stomach or do you think that the average reader will have a hard time getting past the stigma of Lucifer being evil which he has been painted as by one of the worlds major religions? Would you guys read a book with such a characterization of Lucifer?

I have actually read a few books with Lucifer as the main character where he is not really the "devil" we all think he is...when done well I have enjoyed the books I have read...

I have never read a book with Lucifer as a sympathetic character before. What were the names of those books? I would love to read them after I am done writing my book. :)

I learned the hard way to be more selective about whom I allow to Beta Read for me by being a little more transparent about the involvement of Lucifer in my novel to weed out anyone whom might have a religious agenda.

Sounds intriguing!

Thank you! :)

Jillian wrote: "I have never read a book with Lucifer as a sympathetic character before. What were the names of those books? I would love to read them after I am done writing my book. :)"

Eve Langlais has some, while Lucifer is not the main character but a frequent secondary character in the Princess of Hell series...and a few others books both stand alones and series that she writes

Again, secondary character but the Devil's Bargain series by Terri Garey (the first book he is secondary but I believe the second book is his).

not romance but I thought this was a good oneFor Love of Evil

I know there are a couple more but I cannot remember the titles or authors at the moment...when I do I can post them

I never consider myself religious because it reminds me of people use is a shield to excuse whatever they say or do. I am a person who has a relationship with God. I think people who can't tell the difference between fact & fiction. Shouldn't read fiction. They should stick to nonfiction. I think any well written book could pull it off. Easily.

Years ago I read a small snippet by Anne Rice (I'm pretty sure it was her, again, many years) where a man overhears 2 people in a cafe. It's God & Lucifer and they are about the switch places, something they do every 10K years because otherwise it was too boring being the same for all eternity. I always liked that one. :)

Linda Poitevin's Grigori series has a unique spin on God, Lucifer, etc.

Jeri Smith-Ready's Requiem for the Devil has Lucifer falling in love.

I know there are more, but I'm going to need more coffee to remember them.

Yes, there are some people who won't read your book if Lucifer is a good guy, but as for fantasy or UF fans, I think most just care about a good story.

There are a few books I can think of that are like this. One is a spoof called . Another is a creepy, noir book called (view spoiler)[ - the Lucifer thing is a twist at the end of the book (hide spoiler)].

Thanks guys! I'll definitely look into these books after I am done writing mine. :)

Kindle-aholic wrote: "Years ago I read a small snippet by Anne Rice (I'm pretty sure it was her, again, many years) where a man overhears 2 people in a cafe. It's God & Lucifer and they are about the switch places, some..."

She also wrote a book called . I started reading it, but it wasn't my cuppa at the time. It was pretty intricate. Someday, I'd like to read it again.

(btw...I'm moving this thread. Kudos to Jillian for posting it in the 'self promotion' thread, but I think it could stand a bigger audience as it is a great topic.)

You should look at Richard Cadrey's Sandman Slim novels. Lucifer shows up, and he's not at all what we think of "Lucifer." And the poor guy is sick of running hell. While not a main character, Lucifer does become more integral to the story in the last book. And he has a pretty funny and kind of sympathetic role.

I'd love to read a Lucifer as sexy love interest book. I think there's nothing wrong with creating your own lore. :)

Thank you so much! I will definitely look into these books when I'm done writing. I'm on a fiction fast right now. :)

Good luck to you, that definitely sounds like something I would read! Lucifer is definitely a very complex character with all of the portrayals of him over the years--from Milton's tragic hero to Lilith St. Crow's evil incarnate jerk.

To add to the list, I read The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff that focuses primarily on Lucifer and Lilith's daughter, and the daughter's relationship with Lilith. Then there's I, Lucifer by Glen Duncan. Also for more background info on what contemporary authors have envisioned Hell to be like, you could check out God's Demon by Wayne Barlowe.

Hi Heather,

I will have to check those books out. Thank you for the recommendations. :)

Heather wrote: "Good luck to you, that definitely sounds like something I would read! Lucifer is definitely a very complex character with all of the portrayals of him over the years--from Milton's tragic hero to L..."

Those books sound terrific.

Its a comic, but Lucifer by Mike Carey is a spin-off of Sandman. You'd have to read Sandman first, but they are both excellent reads.

Jillian wrote: "Before I forget, I want to ask all of you something because I think it could end up being fairly important when it comes to the marketability of my book. Lucifer is a main character in my novel. My..."

This sounds right up my alley, and similar to stuff I've written. Not going to self-promote here, but would be happy to talk about it if you message me.

There are many gnostics who believe that Jesus was actually Lucifer come to Earth, not the son of God.

Please let me know when your book comes out.

Hi guys. I am sorry I have been offline for a while. I am looking forward to speaking with all of you. :)

I dunno, I don't think I' ever be able to get into it (speaking for the other side + just being honest). It's because I'm Christian. IMO it's a bit like reading a romance story where Hitler is the love interest. Even if you give him a misunderstood back story it's not something I can accept

Scribble wrote: "I dunno, I don't think I' ever be able to get into it (speaking for the other side + just being honest). It's because I'm Christian. IMO it's a bit like reading a romance story where Hitler is the ..."

That's an interesting point. I'm more of an agnostic, but I still don't like the devil as a good guy, either. It's like Satan=evil.

I have read a few comedies about the devil playing upon sympathies, and those were okay because they were silly. But one book I read had Lucifer as an ex-boyfriend and I couldn't get into it at all.