Modern Urban Fantasy is a popular subgenre of fantasy, consisting of works set in the modern or post-modern world with paranormal or magical themes and subplots. The modern urban fantasy protagonist faces extraordinary circumstances as plots unfold in either open (where magic or paranormal events are commonly accepted to exist) or closed (where magical powers or creatures are concealed) worlds. The protagonists in modern urban fantasy are typically human or human with paranormal characteristics. Females protagonists have become increasingly popular in the genre.
The history of modern urban fantasy can be traced as far back as the 1920's. Current authors include Kelley Armstrong, Laurell K. Hamilton, and Kim Harrison.