Dive into the shadowy streets of Los Angeles with the City of the Lost series, a dark urban fantasy saga by Stephen Blackmoore that’s equal parts gritty noir and supernatural thrill ride. Follow necromancer Eric Carter as he navigates a world of restless ghosts, vengeful gods, and ancient magic, where every choice teeters on the edge of life and death. This isn’t your typical fantasy—it’s a pulse-pounding blend of mystery, horror, and raw emotion that hooks you from page one.
With its vivid depiction of a supernatural L.A. and a flawed, snarky hero, City of the Lost offers a fresh take on urban fantasy. Whether you’re a fan of dark magic or hard-boiled detective vibes, this series delivers a hauntingly unforgettable journey.
How City of the Lost Began
Stephen Blackmoore, a Los Angeles-based writer, kicked off the City of the Lost universe with his 2012 standalone novel of the same name, which introduced a zombie anti-hero, Joe Sunday. The book’s dark, noir-infused take on L.A.’s magical underbelly set the stage for the Eric Carter series, a companion and sequel saga that began with Dead Things in 2013. Blackmoore’s inspiration? A love for blending gritty crime fiction with the supernatural, drawing from L.A.’s vibrant, seedy atmosphere and his own fascination with mythology, particularly Aztec lore.
Blackmoore’s background in writing short stories for noir and horror magazines shaped the series’ sharp dialogue and relentless pace. His goal was to craft a world where magic feels dangerous and real, with a hero who’s as much a survivor as a sorcerer. The result is a series that feels like a love letter to both L.A. and the urban fantasy genre.
The Heart of City of the Lost
The Eric Carter series, sometimes called City of the Lost, follows necromancer Eric Carter, a man who sees ghosts, talks to the dead, and makes a living banishing troublesome spirits—for a price. In Dead Things (2013), Eric returns to L.A. after 15 years to investigate his sister’s murder, only to face old enemies and the Aztec death goddess Santa Muerte. Broken Souls (2014) deepens the stakes as Eric grapples with his forced marriage to Santa Muerte and a shapeshifting killer. Hungry Ghosts (2017) takes him to the Aztec underworld, Mictlan, to confront gods and his own sins. Cult Classic (2023), the ninth book, sees Eric battling a time-manipulating Oracle in a Jazz Age L.A. that’s bleeding into the present.
The series shines through its themes of power, mortality, and moral ambiguity. Eric’s necromancy, fueled by full-body tattoos in dead languages, is both a gift and a curse, reflecting his struggle to balance survival with humanity. Blackmoore’s L.A. is a character itself—grimy, magical, and alive with ghosts, voodoo loas, and mages. The noir style, packed with snappy dialogue and dark humor, pairs perfectly with the supernatural, making every book a fast-paced, bloody romp.
What sets City of the Lost apart is its unflinching grit. Eric isn’t a noble hero; he’s a flawed, violent man haunted by his past, yet his loyalty and wit make him compelling. The series weaves ancient mythology—especially Aztec and voodoo elements—into a modern setting, creating a world where magic feels tangible and terrifying.
Why City of the Lost Resonates
City of the Lost has carved a niche in urban fantasy for its bold, unapologetic storytelling. Fans praise its breakneck pace, complex characters, and vivid world-building, often comparing it to Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files but with a darker, less heroic edge. Reviews on Goodreads highlight the series’ addictive quality, with readers hooked by Eric’s sarcastic charm and the seamless blend of noir and magic. Blackmoore’s ability to evolve the series—improving his writing and deepening Eric’s arc—has kept it fresh through nine books.
Its impact lies in its authenticity. By grounding the supernatural in L.A.’s real streets and cultures, Blackmoore crafts a world that feels lived-in and believable. For urban fantasy fans craving something raw and unpredictable, City of the Lost is a hidden gem that deserves more spotlight.
- First Book: City of the Lost (2012, standalone); Dead Things (2013, Eric Carter series)
- Number of Books: 9 in the Eric Carter series, plus 1 standalone
- Genre: Dark urban fantasy, noir, horror
Ready to get lost in a world of ghosts, gods, and gritty magic? Grab Dead Things and step into Eric Carter’s Los Angeles—you won’t look at the City of Angels the same way again!