Past, Present, or Future?

Thinking about the three general time periods available in literature, I realized that I don't seem to have one favorite, anymore. I used to read mostly books that took place in the past, but I have noticed that my tastes are changing quite drastically. Don't get me wrong, I still love a good book set in a time long ago, but I seem to have branched out quite a bit. Lately, I have been primarily reading two genres: urban fantasy and dystopian. All of my urban fantasies have had a present setting, while my dystopian reads are all in the distant future. I have also started reading a little steampunk, though I won't profess to knowing all there is to know about the subject. I've just enjoyed a couple of the books I have read that fit into the category.

As far as the urban fantasy and dystopian books, however, I have noticed a few specific things that appeal to me most. With urban fantasy, I enjoy the sense that even in the modern era, there are still fantastical things beneath the surface. There is still a sense of magic and mystery in a world filled with technology and cynicism. Dystopian books cater to a different interest. It is sort of a way to try out different ideas about what could happen with the world in the future if things continue as they are. It can be frightening, but often sheds a lot of light on the human condition.

Some of my favorite urban fantasies include:

• The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa
• The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
• Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

and some of my favorite dystopians are:

• Wither by Lauren DeStefano
• The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins

I have so many more of all three genres I've mentioned marked on my to-read list and I can not wait to dive into them all. Currently waiting for me on my shelf are:

• The Map of Time by Felix J. Palma
• Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
• Fallen by Lauren Kate
• Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter
• The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
• Die for Me by Amy Plum
• Wondrous Strange & Darklight by Leslie Livingston
• Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
• Evernight by Claudia Gray
• Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr
• Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Not to mention many others that fall outside those three categories. How about you? What are your favorites?

Thanks to Jenny @ New Books for New Bloggers for the prompt. It was a great question and a lot of fun to think about!