Step into the shadowy, spellbinding world of the Hidden Cities series, where the streets of iconic cities pulse with secrets and magic! Penned by horror and dark fantasy maestros Tim Lebbon and Christopher Golden, this gripping saga unveils the mystical underbellies of London, New Orleans, Venice, and Boston. Each novel whisks readers into alternate realities and hidden histories, blending chilling suspense with rich historical tapestries that make every city a character in its own right.
With its unique mix of urban realism, paranormal intrigue, and heart-pounding adventure, Hidden Cities invites you to explore what lies beneath the surface of the world’s most storied locales. Ready to uncover the magic lurking in plain sight? Let’s dive into this enchanting series!
How Hidden Cities Began
The Hidden Cities series was born from the collaborative genius of Christopher Golden, a New York Times bestselling author, and Tim Lebbon, a British Fantasy Award winner. Inspired by their shared love for horror, fantasy, and the layered histories of great cities, the duo set out to craft standalone novels that share a common thread: each city has a soul, brimming with magic and menace. Their first novel, Mind the Gap, hit shelves in 2008, kicking off a journey that would span four books by 2010, each one weaving a tale of ordinary people facing extraordinary paranormal forces.
The Heart of Hidden Cities
The series comprises four novels, each set in a different city with its own magical pulse. Mind the Gap, set in London, follows teenager Jasmine Towne as she flees mysterious pursuers into the city’s underground tunnels, uncovering a ghostly conspiracy. The Map of Moments transports readers to post-Katrina New Orleans, where history professor Max Corbett uses a magical map to navigate the city’s traumatic past, seeking to save a lost love. In The Chamber of Ten, Venice’s sinking streets reveal a hidden chamber where archaeologists Geena and Nico battle ancient magicians bent on reclaiming the city. Finally, The Shadow Men splits Boston into three parallel versions, as Jim and Trix race to rescue Jim’s vanished family from a mad magician’s grasp.
These novels blend historical fiction with dark fantasy, grounding their supernatural elements in real-world events like Hurricane Katrina or Venice’s flooding. Themes of loss, identity, and the clash between past and present resonate throughout, while the cities themselves—rich with magical realism—become living entities. Lebbon and Golden’s vivid prose and fast-paced storytelling make each book a page-turner, perfect for fans of Stephen King or Neil Gaiman.
Why Hidden Cities Resonates
Hidden Cities stands out for its ability to transform familiar urban landscapes into realms of wonder and terror. By rooting their stories in the cultural and historical fabric of each city, Lebbon and Golden create a sense of intimacy that draws readers in, making the paranormal feel eerily plausible. The series has earned praise for its atmospheric depth and diverse characters, including strong female leads and inclusive representation, as noted in reviews of The Shadow Men. Though niche, its cult following cherishes its unique premise and cinematic potential, with some novels sparking early film interest.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its invitation to see the world differently—to imagine the hidden forces shaping our cities and our lives. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling to uncover magic in the everyday, making it a gem for horror and fantasy enthusiasts seeking something fresh.
- Publication Years: 2008–2010
- Number of Books: 4
- Authors: Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon
- Genres: Horror, Dark Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Ready to explore the haunted heart of London or the enchanted streets of New Orleans? Grab Mind the Gap and dive into the thrilling, magical world of Hidden Cities today!