The Dark Cry of Astrid by William Brian Johnson

A forgotten village strikes a desperate bargain - and brings down the wrath of the gods. The village of Elta was once the first protection against giant attacks in the kingdom. But since the threat has been extinguished, the village has been forgotten... just when the villagers need protection the most. A late summer hailstorm destroys the crops and livestock that will take Elta through the winter. The White Citadel refuses aid. To stave off starvation, the local midwife turns to witchcraft forbidden by the Allfather. Lofn summons an ancient entity by accident. She is found guilty and sentenced to execution. When her burning at the stake goes horribly awry. The investigative arm of the White Citadel dispatches the magistrate during Elta’s endless night and it ignites a civil war and threatens to start a war between the gods. The Dark Cry of Aristid is based on Norse mythology and folklore. For readers of Tolkien, Glen Cook, and Grimdark adventures.

Middle-Aged Man in a Trashcan by William Brian Johnson

Joe's lived here all his life, but he's not from around here. Street names are different, landmarks lie, and even money shows presidents he's never known. Some versions of Fort Wayne, Indiana are apocalyptic wastelands, others harbor darker secrets. When trouble strikes, Joe opens a trash can and tears a sixth-dimensional rift in reality. Inside lies a void where he glimpses the multiverse and rides unknown currents to another Fort Wayne, hoping this one might finally feel like home. He emerges at the same time, same date, in a different universe. With each crossing, his memories slip away. Only Nobuyuki, his shape-shifting kitsune companion, remain constant, and they are hiding secrets about Joe's past that he may never remember. In a multiverse where the next trash can might lead to salvation or doom, Joe must find his way back before he forgets what home is.