Picture a Londoner weaving magic from the city’s electric pulse—meet Kate Griffin, the pseudonym of Catherine Webb, whose urban fantasy novels transform gritty streets into spellbinding realms! Known for her Matthew Swift and Magicals Anonymous series, Griffin crafts stories where magic hums in tube stations and alleyways, earning her a cult following among fantasy fans.
Born in 1986, Griffin (as Webb) was a literary prodigy, penning her debut young adult novel, Mirror Dreams, at just 14. Her unique take on urban magic, blending humor, darkness, and lyrical prose, makes her a standout voice in contemporary fantasy. Let’s dive into her world!
The Making of Kate Griffin
Catherine Webb grew up in London, a city that would become the beating heart of her Kate Griffin novels. Educated at the Godolphin and Latymer School and later the London School of Economics, she studied history, fueling her fascination with London’s past and present. Her father, author Nick Webb, encouraged her early writing, leading to Mirror Dreams’ publication in 2002, which drew comparisons to Terry Pratchett. Webb adopted the Kate Griffin pseudonym to write adult urban fantasy, a genre where her love for London’s chaotic energy could shine. She also trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, adding a performative flair to her storytelling.
Kate Griffin’s Unforgettable Stories
Griffin’s novels redefine urban fantasy by rooting magic in the modern city. Her Matthew Swift series, starting with A Madness of Angels (2009), follows sorcerer Matthew Swift, resurrected in a London where magic flows from urban life—think spells powered by rush-hour chaos or pigeon flocks. The Midnight Mayor (2010) ramps up the stakes as Swift battles a mystical threat to London’s magical wards, blending humor with gritty action. The Neon Court (2011) and The Minority Council (2012) deepen the series’ lore, showcasing Griffin’s knack for complex characters and vivid settings.
Her Magicals Anonymous series, beginning with Stray Souls (2012), takes a lighter tone, following shaman Sharon Li as she runs a support group for London’s magical misfits. The Glass God (2013) continues this quirky saga, blending supernatural hijinks with Griffin’s signature city-as-character vibe. Her prose, often described as lyrical and immersive, paints London as a living entity, with every street and tube line pulsing with magic. Readers praise her for avoiding genre clichés, focusing on world-building over romance.
Why Kate Griffin Matters
Kate Griffin’s work has carved a niche in urban fantasy, inspiring readers and writers to see cities as magical ecosystems. Her innovative magic systems, tied to urban rhythms, have influenced the genre, offering a fresh alternative to traditional fantasy tropes. Fans on platforms like Reddit laud her Matthew Swift series for its rich world-building and minimal romance, appealing to those craving action-packed, imaginative stories. Griffin’s love for London resonates globally, inviting readers to find magic in their own cities.
Her impact extends beyond books. As Claire North, she’s won awards like the 2017 World Fantasy Award for The Sudden Appearance of Hope, proving her versatility. Griffin’s ability to juggle pseudonyms and genres while maintaining a distinct voice cements her as a literary chameleon.
About Kate Griffin
- Born: 1986 in London, England
- Key Works: A Madness of Angels, The Midnight Mayor, Stray Souls
- Pseudonyms: Catherine Webb (young adult), Claire North (science fiction)
- Notable Achievement: Carnegie Medal nomination
Ready to explore London’s magical underbelly? Snag A Madness of Angels and dive into Kate Griffin’s electrifying urban fantasy!