Step into the thrilling world of InCryptid, where cryptozoologists dance with danger and monsters are just misunderstood neighbors! Seanan McGuire’s urban fantasy series follows the Price family, a quirky clan dedicated to protecting supernatural creatures from humanity—and vice versa. With humor, heart, and a dash of romance, InCryptid has charmed readers and snagged Hugo Award nominations, making it a must-read for fans of fantastical adventures.
Blending the grit of city life with the wonder of hidden creatures, InCryptid offers a fresh take on urban fantasy. From talking mice to dragon princesses, McGuire’s world is a wild ride that celebrates coexistence and conservation. Ready to meet the Prices and their monstrous allies? Let’s dive in!
How InCryptid Began
Seanan McGuire, a Hugo-winning author known for her vivid storytelling, launched InCryptid in 2012 with *Discount Armageddon*. Inspired by her love of mythology and folklore, McGuire crafted a universe where cryptids—creatures like sasquatches and gorgons—live in secret. Her goal? To explore a family defying a monster-hunting legacy to protect these beings. The series’ multi-generational scope and witty tone set it apart, earning it a spot on the New York Times bestseller list.
The Heart of InCryptid
The series kicks off with *Discount Armageddon*, where Verity Price, a cryptozoologist and ballroom dancer, guards Manhattan’s cryptids while dodging the Covenant of St. George, a cryptid-killing society. In *Midnight Blue-Light Special*, Verity teams up with her ex-Covenant boyfriend Dominic to fend off a purge, blending action with snarky banter. *Half-Off Ragnarok* shifts to Alex Price, studying reptilian cryptids in Ohio, while *Chaos Choreography* sees Verity return to save cryptids via reality TV dance competitions.
InCryptid’s themes of conservation and coexistence shine through its diverse cast of cryptids, from Aeslin mice to swamp fairies. McGuire’s playful prose and intricate worldbuilding draw from global myths, creating a vibrant urban fantasy setting. The series balances humor—think talking mice reciting family history—with darker stakes, like the Prices’ rebellion against the Covenant’s genocidal ideals.
Each book rotates narrators, offering fresh perspectives from Verity’s daring to Alex’s nerdy charm. This multi-generational approach, spanning decades, keeps the series dynamic, exploring family, duty, and identity in a world where monsters need saving too.
Why InCryptid Resonates
InCryptid’s blend of humor, heart, and high stakes has won over urban fantasy fans, earning Hugo Award nominations for Best Series in 2018, 2020, and 2025. Its celebration of misunderstood creatures resonates with readers who root for the underdog. McGuire’s inclusive storytelling, featuring queer characters and diverse myths, adds depth, while her prolific output—13 books and counting—keeps fans hooked.
The series’ impact lies in its ability to make the fantastical feel relatable. By championing coexistence, InCryptid invites readers to rethink ‘monsters’ in fiction and life, cementing its place as a beloved urban fantasy saga.
- About InCryptid
- First published: 2012
- Books: 13 (as of 2025)
- Awards: Hugo Award nominations (2018, 2020, 2025)
- Author: Seanan McGuire
Grab *Discount Armageddon* and dive into InCryptid’s wild, witty world of cryptozoology and courage!