Three Curses and Other Dark Tales by Leanbh Pearson

Come closer, let me tell you a tale or three. Sit nearer the firelight and if you notice the folk in the shadows, best not garner their attention. Beware the gifts, treasures and promises you make along this journey. There are temptations and curses too, plenty of those. From the tricks of jinn, vengeful Ancient Mesopotamian goddesses, the Hidden People and shadowy deals with demons & devils—many. In our journey through fairy tales reimagined, legends and folklore, and alternate histories, beware the uncanny folk who prey on unwary travellers. Mind your step now, keep your senses sharp, take nothing offered and you might evade those beings hidden just beyond the reach of the firelight.

Cursed Shards: Tales of Dark Folklore by Leanbh Pearson

Be careful what you wish for… We’ve all heard childhood fairy tales and hearthside stories passed from generation to generation warning us of unseen dangers lurking in the dark forest, the glimpse of a future in watery reflections and to be wary of objects and people offering impossible gifts. The Fae are ageless beings dwelling between light and shadow, stalking the moonlit nights and wielding powerful gifts and curses. Welcome to Cursed Shards, a collection of dark fantasy stories inspired by folklore, legends, fairy tales and mythology. Ten authors spin ten different tales ranging from deserts, icy mountains and dark forests to legendary warriors to the mythical Fae. A realm where the landscape is as volatile as the rulers and an ancient cursed mirror, a once-powerful magical artefact created with blood magic was shattered before it could be used against the realm. A cursed mirror broken but never destroyed. Ten shards remain: now disguised and repurposed into ordinary items that are traded, stolen, and sold between rulers, common folk and the Fae. Whenever a shard re-appears its curse influences the decisions of all who come within reach. Table of Contents: FOREWORD – Kirstyn McDermott (Australia) THE CURSED HUNT – Leanbh Pearson (Australia) TATTERMOG – Louise Pieper (Australia) THE WITHERED – Mendel Mire (Australia) THE PHANTOM QUEEN – K. B. Elijah (Australia) LADY MARIAN’S GAMBIT – Clare Rhoden (Australia) THE STRENGTH OF BONES – McKenzie Richardson (USA) ONCE UPON AN AUTOMATON – Nikky Lee (New Zealand) THE WRAITH OF MURKDRES – Stephen Herczeg (Australia) CHILDREN OF THE WOODS – Amber M. Simpson (USA) THE LADY OF STRANGENESSE – Leife Shallcross (Australia)

Performances of a Death Metal Bard: A Brutal Novella by Rob Leigh

Unfortunately, Death Metal doesn’t get much play in this sleepy, peaceful, actually kind of boring kingdom. Of course not. It’s tough inventing a genre on your own, and it doesn’t help when all the instruments you’ve tried up to this point don’t match the brutality necessary for a dark and heavy performance. My coin only seems to be enough to get me to the next run-down village, and it’s dwindling fast. To make matters worse, my newest lute is not normal. It never stays in tune, it’s barely holding together, and it keeps whispering to me. Over and over, demands for vengeance and murder echo in my head, with the promise that I’ll find the sound I need if I just listen to the voices. So what’s a starving bard to do? Performances of a Death Metal Bard is a brutal fantasy adventure inspired by The Witcher and Metalocalypse, merging the episodic travels of a musical elf with the darkness, blood, and raw riffs of the heaviest metal the kingdom has ever seen.

Monster Mixer Vol. 1 by Robin Jo Margaret

Five stories. Four relationships. One place where they all met. A collection of short stories centered around the Monster Mixer, a place where creatures of all kinds gather to meet in search of intimacy. In this anthology you’ll find diverse monsters, diverse queer identities and diverse body types, for a short but spicy entertainment.

Abandoned by the Gods by Ronit J

Welcome to Adeva... A land abandoned by the Gods themselves. The mortals that were left behind built a rich thousand-year history full of legendary exploits. But history doesn’t remember everyone. Written by the victors, written for them, history has a bad habit of neglecting many. This collection features four tales of those hapless souls that history forgot. A girl sold into divine servitude who would threaten to change the face of Adeva's history, a noble forced into dacoity fuelled by vengeance, a princess in forbidden love compelled to make an impossible choice, and an ordinary woman fighting to survive through a mad god-king's reign, this collection is an attempt to honour their humanity, to celebrate those who dared to defy norms, dared to thrive despite fate being against them. Welcome to Adeva. Your faith will not protect you. ——————————————————————————————————————— The stories: * Servant of God: Sold into bonded slavery to a temple, Jagadasi discovers that not everything is as pure as she had believed. She turns to her God for a way to cleanse the temple, but the solution she receives is bloody, with the potential to change the face of Adeva’s history. * The Princess Who Loved Her Maid: Princess Ilava is deeply in love with her maid, Raci. When her father arranges her marriage with Emperor Mahamara, Ilava is forced to choose between losing Raci, or antagonising an avatar of God. * Dacoit, Son of a Noble: Bhola’s rich life is uprooted when King Ananda’s conquering forces usurp his domain and kill his father. Forced into a life of dacoity, Bhola’s life is fueled with a singular motive: Kill King Ananda before he ascends to godhood. * Bittersweet Chutney: An account of an ordinary woman’s life set against the backdrop of one of Adeva’s most significant historical events—the killing of a mad god-king.

Dragonmeat by Angela Boord

SFINCS

Dragonmeat is poison. But what if you’re starving? Peri will do anything to keep her chronically ill father alive in their starving city. Using her now useless scholarly talents to research thievery, she’s become a highly successful food thief—small, ordinary—invisible. In Medeas, gripped in the iron fist of its mad governor, ravaged by dragons, hiding is a way of life. Then her stealing triggers a riot, and a mysterious stranger steps in to save her. Frost has food and he’s willing to share his secret...but talking to him might be the most dangerous thing Peri’s ever done. How can she find the courage to leave her safe shadows and take a stand when her father’s life hangs in the balance? Dragonmeat is a fast-paced novella set in award-winning author Angela Boord’s Eterean Empire universe--a lush, dangerous world of empire and resistance inspired by Rome and Renaissance Italy.

The Cosy Cosmic by Edited by Frances Lu-Pai Ippolito

Some argue existence is an exercise in futility. They claim there are no winners in life. Ultimately, we are insignificant in the face of vast cosmic intelligences that were old when the Universe began. The best minds gibber at the incomprehensibility of it all. Other minds lose themselves in strange geometries because they can't comprehend any alternative. Whatever. The rest of us have to get up in the morning, feed the cat, and go to work. The Cozy Cosmic contains 33 stories of the horrors hidden within the micro-aggressions, the horrors trapped beneath the floorboards, and the horrors waiting patiently on the windowsill. This is the horror that forgets to turn off the light at night. This is the horror of waiting for the tea to boil, knowing full well who you just buried-for the second time-in the yard less than a hour ago. This is the horror of knowing where the dark wool comes from, but you wear the sweater anyway because it was a gift—an expression of love—and, well, being alone is worse than the horror of the unknowable, isn't it? The full table of contents for The Cozy Cosmic is as follows: John Shirley “Death, in Two” Tais Teng “On Hearing the First Shoggoth in Spring” Tyler Battaglia “What the Sea Provides” Ellis Bray “My Grandmother's Sacristy” E. E. Marshall “Right and Bright” Devan Barlow “Dinner, Overlooking the Sea” Scotty Milder “A Little God in Their Hands” Maxwell I. Gold “Great Cosmic Itch” Remy Nakamura “Wet Dreams in R'lyeh” Andrew S. Fuller “A Perfectly Fine Hobby” Kiera Lesley “Obsolescent” Kurt Newton “A Mournful Melancholia of Things Forever Lost” J. B. Kish “Lo-Fi Chocolate Cake” Rajiv Moté “Carrisa and Kevin Gaze into the Abyss” Daniel David Froid “In Another Distant Land, in a Luminescent Land” Kate Ristau “Shine” Erik Grove “Fuzzy Fuzzy Kitty Kitties” William J. Connell “Poe's Guys Respond to Their Significant Others” Paul Jessup “The Museum of Endless Summer” Ngo Binh Anh Khoa “Through Life and Death, Forevermore” Jonathan Wood “Javapocalypse” L. E. Daniels “Final Cycle” Ken Hueler “The Unknowable Ones” Tania Chen “A Study of Metamorphosis Calamity” Eric Shanower “The Purple Emperor” Kevin Wetmore “A Child's Christmas in Innsmouth” Megan Lee Beals “Splinterbone” Corinne Hughes “The Sheep Rancher's Husband” Shanna Germain “A Napkin Upon Your Glass” Simone Cooper “Gnocchi” Jessie Kwak “Blood and Glitter” Cody T Luff “Den Mother” R. Ostermeier “The Dark Young”

Common Bonds: An Aromantic Speculative Story by Claudie Arseneault, C. T. Callahan, RoAnna Sylver, B. R. Sanders

Common Bonds is an anthology of speculative short stories and poetry featuring aromantic characters. At the heart of this collection are the bonds that impact our lives from beginning to end: platonic relationships. Within this anthology, a cursed seamstress finds comfort in the presence of a witch, teams of demon hunters work with their rival to save one of their own, a peculiar scholar gets attached to those he was meant to study, and queerplatonic shopkeepers guide their pupil as they explore their relationship needs and desires. Through nineteen stories and poems, Common Bonds explores the ways platonic relationships enrich our lives.

Tales of Novia, Volume 1, Book 1 by Jessica Cage

When vampires play with their food, new creatures are born. Remy's hope to rid her territory of a vampire invasion backfires when she gets captured outside of the vampire's new home. Though she hoped to escape, Xavier, the head of the den, had other thoughts. Tempted by the sweet delicacy that was fairy blood, he kept her. What started as an innocent effort to preserve the fairies' way of life ended in death. Remy's misguided efforts would set off a chain of events that would change the face of Novia forever. Inspired by creators found on TikTok, Tales of Novia is a new project written by USA Today Bestselling Author, Jessica Cage! Grab your copy today and dive into this collection of interconnected stories that will take you on an exciting new adventure!

The Quantum Entanglement Party: Adventures of the Miso Mice by Annette Czech Kopp

Oh no! The treasure chest and magical button are gone! Did the nefarious Lobsta Clamdestino steal them? Without them, will the Miso Mice be able to complete their quest to find The Answer Book? Explore more of their crazy and magical adventures as the Miso Mice attend a very entangled party, receive the rare gift of Tem-E-Laks, and then go timewalking! Enjoy the next fantastical volume in the “Adventures of the Miso Mice” 5-star acclaimed series.

The Stories They Told Their Children by Izabela Raittila

This is an anthology of fantasy short stories depicting the culture and beliefs of a fictional continent called the Gragiyan Empire. Inspired by the works of J.R.R.Tolkien and various European myths, these mythical tales follow powerful deities known as the Erai, their immortal servants—the enchanting Enai, and courageous mortals. This anthology includes the tragic love story of Avarrin and Amara, a touching romance inside the bleak Halls of Makar, the legend of the Orealisi Oasis, the battles of the Atarai and more.

In All Our Forms: A Shifter Anthology by Nikki Manchel

Pay close attention when meeting strangers. A flash in an eye, a curl of a lip, a sway to a step… All is not as it seems, when we’re In All Our Forms. Within this anthology, you will find a diverse collection of stories tied together by one thing: shapeshifters. Each story has an element of shifting within it, but that is all. Genres, styles, and the rest of the content were entirely up to each individual author. Look within to experience a myriad of shapeshifter short stories! All proceeds in the first two years are guaranteed to go to Doctors Without Borders.

Envy (Seven Deadly Sins Book 4) by Various

The desire for others’ traits, status, abilities, or situation. An Infinity of Penance by Andrea Eaker The Elm of Dreams by Clint Foster The Sin by David Green The Favourite by Destiny Eve Pifer Urning Back Lost Things by Frances Tate We'll Always Have the Moon by J.W. Garrett Foreigner by James Lipson Eternal Reflection by Jessica Chanese Not Mine by Jo Niederhoff Til Death Don't Us Part by Jodi Jensen E.N.V.I.E. by K.B. Elijah Sacrilege by Kaitlyn Lynch Heaven by Kelly Matsuura

The Chromatic Court by Various

Have you ever been haunted by a work of art? You may not be merely captured by the craft, but by something that lies in the work's depths. Something admiring you as you admire it. Do you know the King in Yellow? The Sepia Prince? The Duke of Rust? Have you heard their whispers coming to you from dried up parchment and faded photographs? Maybe another member of the King's court has lit upon your life, casting shadows and doubts. Do you worship them, fear them, revere them, or simply seek to understand them? These hallowed nobles who hold court around the King. Each noble holds an artform in their wavelength. For their color to shine, that art must practiced. There are no older or younger members of the court. Each has existed since before time was a concept they entertained. All of culture has evolved to suit their needs. Art is in the eye of the beholder, and color is only an abstract concept. The Chromatic Court is very real, you reading this has assured that... A Lovecraftian dark fantasy collection from Peter Rawlik, featuring all new stories by: Glynn Owen Barass, David Bernard, Jon Black, Simon Bucher-Jones, John Linwood Grant, Micah S. Harris, Rick Lai, MaTT Loughlin, Paul StJohn Mackintosh, Christine Morgan, Logan Noble, & Joseph S. Pulver Sr. Illustrations by Johannes Chazot. Design by Sophie Iles.

White Magic: Russian Emigre Tales of Mystery and Terror by Various

The thirteen tales in this volume – a baker’s dozen of stories – were all written by Russian émigrés, writers who fled their native country in the early twentieth century to avoid the turmoil of war and revolution. And while the stories are the work of nine very different writers, who all had very different experiences of exile, all are united by a single theme: mystery. You will also find a fair dose of magic and mysticism here, of terror and the supernatural. There are Petersburg revenants, grief-stricken avengers, Lithuanian vampires, flying skeletons, murders and duels, and even a ghostly Edgar Allen Poe.

The Book of Orm by A.J Dalton

This exciting new collection brings together the writing talents of international fantasy author A J Dalton, Nadine West (Bridport Anthology) and Matt White (prize-winning scriptwriter). Magic, myth and heroic mayhem combine in a world that is eerily familiar yet beautifully liberating.

Murmured In Dreams (The Harvester Series Book 3) by Stephen Bacon

“With Murmured in Dreams Stephen Bacon takes us everywhere. Science fiction, the supernatural, the mythic and the horrific collide with both a future Britain and that of the not-so-distant past, with the quiet breezes of a Greek island and with war-ravaged Rwanda and Chad.” Priya Sharma “Stephen Bacon has a keen instinct for the horror of the ordinary, his prose is considered, his voice distinct. But what also distinguishes his fiction is the ability to startle readers; to instigate the re-reading of sentences to make certain that something that disturbing was actually intended. Bacon prods with pins.” Adam Nevill author of ‘The Ritual’ and ‘Some Will Not Sleep’ “Stephen Bacon is a born writer who cares deeply about story and the way it is delivered. This intoxicating collection – an object lesson in tension, subtlety and power – is littered with broken, beautiful characters operating within the uncertain margins of society and sanity. It is a book fully deserving of a wide audience.” Conrad Williams author of ‘One’ and ‘I Will Surround You’

And The House Lights Dim by Various

"And the House Lights Dim is an immensely worthwhile read." From Laura Mauro's review on Black Static. (British Fantasy Award Winner, 2018) 5* "This is an anthology of dark fantasy and with one of the stories entitled Finding Waltzer 3, you know there are going to be more twists than a curly wurly. The author has a talent for making the hair on the back of your neck stand on ends, whether its because of an over-protective house, a teenage gamer or someone wishing to have the mind of a rival. Do not go camping to St Erth and never disturb a Greenland Shark. The stories are varied and imaginative and all are beautifully written and thought provoking, as in the case of 'Winter in the Vivarium'.

Reign of Queens: A Dragon Soul Press Anthology by Various

In these eleven stories, women rule and worlds governed by men are a thing of the past. Whether righteous or downright sadistic, these authoritative female figures shape their worlds for better or worse despite the trials thrown their way.Featuring stories by Alanna Robertson-Webb, Paulene Turner, Clint Foster, Wondra Vanian, Peter VanGelderen, John Greville, Jarrett Mazza, Simone Oldman Green, McKenzie Richardson, Carrie Gessner, and Marcus Bines.Delve into an irresistible collection of mixed genres by these talented authors today!

Gorgon: Stories of Emergence by Various

Be changed.GORGON: STORIES OF EMERGENCE contains 42 transformative stories spanning all genres from both emerging and new voices alike, with all new stories by Gwendolyn Kiste, Richard Thomas, Annie Neugebauer, Eden Royce, Beth Cato, D.A. Xiaolin Spires and more, and featuring 10 illustrations by Carrion House.

Booktober: A PNR Charity Anthology by Marian Thayer

Gather round, pretties, for a host of thrilling stories featuring vampires, shifters, demons, and everything in between—all looking for love, lust, and a happily ever after. Dive in, but keep your senses sharp. Things are bound to get wild and steamy on All Hallow’s Eve. Dare you venture into this delicious dark? Help us celebrate the magic and mystery of the spooky season with a steamy paranormal romance charity anthology. Inside this limited edition Halloween collection of bite-sized stories, you will find plenty of swoon-worthy romance, explicit language, bloody action sequences, and sizzling sex scenes. R18+ readers only, please. All proceeds will be donated in support of the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center. For more information about the NIWRC, please visit their website.

Cogs, Crowns, and Carriages: A Steampunk Anthology (Second Edition) by Phoebe Darqueling

Twelve international authors have come together to bring you a fresh collection of Steampunk and Gaslamp Fantasy inspired tales. Our stories range from light and comedic to dark and full of drama, so fans of the genre both old and new are bound to find something they love within these pages. Featuring: Secrets and Airships - An airship pirate's daughter schemes to escape the reach of her father and discover a long lost treasure. By A. F. Stewart Regicide and Prejudice - An unexpected inventor has the chance to prove his mettle when he is asked to protect Prince George from assassins. By Paul Michael Gho-Power - A steam carriage designer harnesses an unusual new energy source with surprising consequences. By Michael Chandos Nihon Daitan'na - The Americans will stop at nothing to force Japan to open its borders, but they can't predict what the Emperor has in store for them. By T.J. O'Hare Monster of the Deep - A steamship signals for help, but when it arrives, the crew has disappeared without a trace. By Thomas Roggenbuck Where the Light Enters - An apprentice's loyalty is tested when an inventor's young wife looks to him for an escape from her loveless marriage. By Crysta K. Coburn

For the Love of Gears: A Steampunk Fairytale by Maita Rue

Journey to a world where fantasy and gears collide!Three stories set in an alternative world, three fairytale-inspired stories with a Steampunk twist.This collection contains:* The Shoemaker’s Daughter* The Doll House* Battle Opera ArenaIf you don’t follow the Steam Theatre Series, you can still enjoy the stories in this book. You can follow the characters in my series or see snippets of their lives on my various social media pages.Enjoy!

Upside Down: Inverted Tropes in Storytelling by Various

Upside Down: Inverted Tropes in Storytelling is an anthology of short stories, poetry, and essays edited by Monica Valentinelli and Jaym Gates. Over two dozen authors, ranging from NYT-bestsellers and award winners to debut writers, chose a tired trope or cliche to challenge and surprise readers through their work. Read stories inspired by tropes such as the Chainmaille Bikini, Love at First Sight, Damsels in Distress, Yellow Peril, The Black Man Dies First, The Villain Had a Crappy Childhood, The Singularity Will Cause the Apocalypse, and many more...then discover what these tropes mean to each author to find out what inspired them. Join Maurice Broaddus, Adam Troy-Castro, Delilah S. Dawson, Shanna Germain, Sara M. Harvey, John Hornor Jacobs, Rahul Kanakia, Alethea Kontis, Valya Dudycz Lupescu, Haralmbi Markov, Sunil Patel, Kat Richardson, Nisi Shawl, Ferrett Steinmetz, Anton Strout, Michael Underwood, Alyssa Wong, and many other authors as they take well-worn tropes and cliches and flip them upside down.

Once Upon A Wish: 16 Dreamy Faerie Tales (Once Upon Series Book 6) by Various

Dreaming of a magical world? Your wish is our command! These sixteen fairytale retellings from bestselling authors will sweep you away into enchanted lands where wishes have the power to change lives. With wistful twists on Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and more, you'll be enthralled by these all-new tales. Just be careful what you wish for... INCLUDES: The Dust Wish - Alethea Kontis A prince attempting to win the hand of a princess is helped by an enthusiastic boy, a snarky maid, and a wish-granting dust bunny. Ashes to Ashes - Phaedra Weldon Bounty Hunter Cynder's latest job is to hunt down a Djinn who refuses to fulfill his third wish. Not quite believing in such things as Wish Givers (especially Fairy Godmothers), Cynder's world capsizes when she discovers what that third wish is all about.

Once Upon A Star: 14 SF-Inspired Faerie Tales (Once Upon Series Book 4) by Various

From the bestselling authors of the award-winning Once Upon Anthologies! Revisit your favorite faerie tales, masterfully retold in science fiction settings with delightful (and sometimes chilling) twists. What if the Twelve Dancing Princesses were undead clones? What if the witch in Hansel and Gretel was an AI-sentient house? Are you ready for the Three Little Pigs… in space? These fourteen tales will entertain and inspire you, and you’ll never see your favorite faerie tales quite the same way again. Grab your copy of Once Upon A Star, and don’t forget the five other anthologies for more magical retellings! ESCAPE: A Liza Roth Adventure by Anthea Sharp - A princess on the run and her feline companion find adventure - and danger - on Starhub Station in this story based on the Icelandic fairy tale Kisa the Cat. TRUE.LOVE by Alethea Kontis - In this futuristic retelling of Sleeping Beauty, a gamer hacktivist tries to take down the world’s largest matchmaking site…and stumbles on a side quest he never bargained for. BLOW YOUR PLANET DOWN by Shawntelle Madison - After the Wolverine Horde nearly destroyed her home world, Commander Cressida Van Der Snout is prepared to use the Horde’s greatest weapon to exact her revenge.

The Cold And The Dark: Four stories of Kaijus, Giant Mechs, Girl Kings, and Hollow Earth by James R. Tuck

James R. Tuck comes with four exciting stories. THE COLD AND THE DARK- Frost Giants return to modern-day Oslo, Norway. A fighter pilot named Arne finds himself confronted with Norse dark magick and a ten-story tall Mech fashioned after the Allfather Odin. Is there hope? Or only the cold and the dark that waits for us all? THE GIRL KING- When Christina, only daughter of King Gustavas the Remorseless, finds the Devil's Bible in a bone church she will never be the same. And neither will the world she lives in. GODRIDER- Tokyo, Kaiju, a wounded soldier, and a gigantic Mech Death God. What more could you ask for? CHAMPION OF HOLLOW EARTH- A spell drags Big Jim Magnum from Detroit and 1972 into the midst of Hollow Earth where he finds humans enslaved to Occult Nazi Lizard-men called the Kurg. Can the Kung-Fu P.I. with the .44 caliber attitude make a difference in such a world? Find out in this rollicking pulp novella.

Valhalla with a Twist of Lethe: and Other Strange Tales by Satyros Phil Brucato (Author), Sandra Damiana Swan (Artist)

Dragons' daughters. Rock-star gods. A loophole-finding lawyer with a literal Faerie Godfather. Twenty-five tales of music, magic, and various forms of mayhem from Satyros Phil Brucato (Mage: The Ascension, Weird Tales, Powerchords: Music, Magic & Urban Fantasy). In this collection of fantasy and horror, you'll find ravenous rock bands, decadent courtiers, wintry fiddlers, and eerie flowers that sing to the stars, plus the paranormal romance novella Dream Along the Edge (originally published under the name Cedar Blake) and author notes for the stories behind each tale.

Were Tales: A Shapeshifter Anthology by Various

Werewolves. Berserkers. Kitsune. From the most ancient times, tales have been told of people who transform into beasts. Sometimes they’re friendly and helpful. Sometimes they’re tricksters, playing jokes on their hapless victims. And sometimes, they’re terrifying. Were Tales is a collection of scary, thrilling, dark, mysterious, and even humorous short stories and poems of shapeshifters, from the talented minds of Jonathan Maberry, Stephanie Ellis, Gabino Iglesias, Laurel Hightower, Eric J. Guignard, Michelle Garza and Melissa Lason, Shane Douglas Keene, Clara Madrigano, Kev Harrison, Beverley Lee, S.H. Cooper, Elle Turpitt, Catherine McCarthy, Alyson Faye, Theresa Derwin, Ruschelle Dillon, Baba Jide Low, H.R. Boldwood, Ben Monroe, Cynthia Pelayo, Cindy O’Quinn, Sara Tantlinger, Stephanie M. Wytovich, Linda Addison, Villimey Mist, Tabatha Wood, and Christina Sng.

Corvidae (Rhonda Parrish’s Magical Menageries Book 2) by Various

A flock of shiny stories! Associated with life and death, disease and luck, corvids have long captured mankind’s attention, showing up in mythology as the companions or manifestations of deities, and starring in stories from Aesop to Poe and beyond. In Corvidae birds are born of blood and pain, trickster ravens live up to their names, magpies take human form, blue jays battle evil forces, and choughs become prisoners of war. These stories will take you to the Great War, research facilities, frozen mountaintops, steam-powered worlds, remote forest homes, and deep into fairy tales. One thing is for certain, after reading this anthology, you’ll never look the same way at the corvid outside your window. Featuring works by Jane Yolen, Mike Allen, C.S.E. Cooney, M.L.D. Curelas, Tim Deal, Megan Engelhardt, Megan Fennell, Adria Laycraft, Kat Otis, Michael S. Pack, Sara Puls, Michael M. Rader, Mark Rapacz, Angela Slatter, Laura VanArendonk Baugh, and Leslie Van Zwol.

Sirens (Rhonda Parrish's Magical Menageries Book 4) by Various

Sirens are beautiful, dangerous, and musical, whether they come from the sea or the sky. Greek sirens were described as part-bird, part-woman, and Roman sirens more like mermaids, but both had a voice that could captivate and destroy the strongest man. The pages of this book contain the stories of the Sirens of old, but also allow for modern re-imaginings, plucking the sirens out of their natural elements and placing them at a high school football game, or in wartime London, or even into outer space. Featuring stories by Kelly Sandoval, Amanda Kespohl, L.S. Johnson, Pat Flewwelling, Gabriel F. Cuellar, Randall G. Arnold, Michael Leonberger, V. F. LeSann, Tamsin Showbrook, Simon Kewin, Cat McDonald, Sandra Wickham, K.T. Ivanrest, Adam L. Bealby, Eliza Chan, and Tabitha Lord, these siren songs will both exemplify and defy your expectations.

C is for Chimera (Alphabet Anthologies) by Various

This installment of Rhonda Parrish’s alphabet anthology series asks skilled storytellers to write around the theme of chimera. The resulting tales are part fable, part poem, part dream. But like any chimera, the parts make up a greater whole. Blend reality with fantasy. Mesh science fiction with mystery. Mix history with what should have been. They are all chimera. A shadow tells a tale of schoolyard bullies. A long-vanished monster returns from the cold dark. Make-up makes up a life. Alchemy, Atlantis, and apocalypse. These 26 tales bring both chaos and closure to dark and elusively fantastic geographies. Contributing authors include: ~ Alexandra Seidel ~ KV Taylor ~ Marge Simon ~ Pete Aldin ~ Michael M. Jones ~ Simon Kewin ~ BD Wilson ~ Gabrielle Harbowy ~ Sara Cleto ~ Megan Engelhardt ~ Michael Fosburg ~ Megan Arkenberg ~ Lilah Wild ~ Laura VanArendonk Baugh ~ Milo James Fowler ~ Brittany Warman ~ Michael B. Tager ~ L.S. Johnson ~ Beth Cato ~ C.S. MacCath ~ Sammantha Kymmell-Harvey ~ Steve Bornstein ~ Suzanne van Rooyen ~ Michael Kellar ~ Jonathan C. Parrish ~ Amanda C. Davis ~

F is for Fairy (Alphabet Anthologies) by Various

“Anyone who believes that faeries are wee, golden-haired creatures with dragon-fly wings and sweet intentions has never met a real faerie.” –Suzanne Willis, “A Silver Thread Between Worlds” Retellings of familiar favourites from new perspectives, and brand new stories share the pages of this fairy-themed collection. Within these offerings you’ll find fairy music and food, contracts (making and breaking them), changelings, circles and curses–these stories deliver all the things you already love about fairies and a few new tricks as well. A dusting of dragons, shapeshifters and ogres accompany these tales which include feminist fairies overcoming trauma, Norse fairies breaking the rules to interfere in human affairs, intergalactic fairies hitching a ride to a new home, political satire featuring an idiot king and talking animals, a new Robin Archer story, fairy run nightclubs and so, so much more. Altogether this anthology includes twenty-six brand new tales–one for each letter of the alphabet–from contributors Pete Aldin, Steve Bornstein, Andrew Bourelle, Stephanie A. Cain, Beth Cato, Sara Cleto, Cory Cone, Danielle Davis, Megan Engelhardt, Michael Fosburg, Joseph Halden, Lynn Hardaker, L.S. Johnson, Michael M. Jones, Jeanne Kramer-Smyth, Samantha Kymmell-Harvey, C.S. MacCath, Jonathan C. Parrish, Alexandra Seidel, Michael B. Tager, Rachel M. Thompson, Laura VanArendonk Baugh, Brittany Warman, Lilah Wild, Suzanne J. Willis and BD Wilson.

Tales of the Sunrise Lands: Anthology of Fantasy Japan by Various

Japan has long fascinated with its unique culture and elaborate folklore. This anthology collects fantasy stories inspired by the culture and literary traditions of the Japanese. From steadfast samurai and contemplative monks, to transforming animals, horrifying spirits, end everyday items come to life, these tales transport you to the magical world of the Sunrise Lands. *An itinerant monk and his animal companion follow an evil wind to a desolate village. *An onmyōji astrologer investigates the murder of a man who held secrets of the Imperial family. *The gods' gift of good luck is accompanied by an invisible cat. *The daughter of a fallen samurai is drawn back into her violent past to defend a village from attacking rōnin. *A little girl is caught between a mischievous fox and a talking fish. 18 stories of magical Japan, by: Mike Adamson, Stewart C Baker, Laura VanArendonk Baugh, Jaap Boekestein, Evan Dicken, Alice Dryden, Steven Grassie, Alison Akkiko McBain, Harry Elliot, Marta Murvosh, Kirstie Olley, Richard Parks, Frances Pauli, TS Rhodes, Douglas Smith, Lyn Thorne-Adler, Josh Wagner, Will Weisser.

Scarecrow (Rhonda Parrish’s Magical Menageries Book 3) by Various

Hay-men, mommets, tattie bogles, kakashi, tao-tao—whether formed of straw or other materials, the tradition of scarecrows is pervasive in farming cultures around the world. The scarecrow serves as decoy, proxy, and effigy—human but not human. We create them in our image and ask them to protect our crops and by extension our very survival, but we refrain from giving them the things a creation might crave—souls, brains, free-will, love. In Scarecrow, fifteen authors of speculative fiction explore what such creatures might do to gain the things they need or, more dangerously, think they want. Within these pages, ancient enemies join together to destroy a mad mommet, a scarecrow who is a crow protects solar fields and stores long-lost family secrets, a woman falls in love with a scarecrow, and another becomes one. Encounter scarecrows made of straw, imagination, memory, and robotics while being spirited to Oz, mythological Japan, other planets, and a neighbor’s back garden. After experiencing this book, you’ll never look at a hay-man the same. Featuring all new work by Jane Yolen, Andrew Bud Adams, Laura Blackwood, Amanda Block, Scott Burtness, Virginia Carraway Stark, Amanda C. Davis, Megan Fennell, Kim Goldberg, Kat

Fae (Rhonda Parrish’s Magical Menageries Book 1) by Various

Meet Robin Goodfellow as you’ve never seen him before, watch damsels in distress rescue themselves, get swept away with the selkies and enjoy tales of hobs, green men, pixies and phookas. One thing is for certain, these are not your grandmother’s fairy tales. Fairies have been both mischievous and malignant creatures throughout history. They’ve dwelt in forests, collected teeth or crafted shoes. Fae is full of stories that honor that rich history while exploring new and interesting takes on the fair folk from castles to computer technologies and modern midwifing, the Old World to Indianapolis. Fae covers a vast swath of the fairy story spectrum, making the old new and exploring lush settings with beautiful prose and complex characters. Enjoy the familiar feeling of a good old-fashioned fairy tale alongside urban fantasy and horror with a fae twist. With an introduction by Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman, and all new stories from Sidney Blaylock Jr., Amanda Block, Kari Castor, Beth Cato, Liz Colter, Rhonda Eikamp, Lor Graham, Alexis A. Hunter, L.S. Johnson, Jon Arthur Kitson, Adria Laycraft, Lauren Liebowitz, Christine Morgan, Shannon Phillips, Sara Puls, Laura VanArendonk Baugh, and Kristina Wojtaszek.

Mythical Doorways (Fellowship of Fantasy Book 3) by Various

Eleven Tales of Magical, Mysterious, Mythical Doorways! Step through portals and into adventure as the authors of the Fellowship of Fantasy take you on another journey into fantastic worlds. Travel through time, space, and realities to encounter monsters, mechanical foxes, and the Fates themselves. You'll fly with dragons, save implausible beasts, and perhaps find your true home. Choose your path wisely, for dangers lurk in the lands beyond. In the third anthology from the Fellowship of Fantasy, eleven authors promise you journeys into fairy lands hidden within the modern world, futuristic universities, and lands of ancient myth. So what are you waiting for? Cross through our Doorways for the adventure of a lifetime!

Fantastic Creatures: A Fellowship of Fantasy Anthology Kindle Edition by Various

Here be dragons ... and selkies and griffins and maybe even a mermaid or two. Twenty fantasy authors band together to bring you a collection of thrilling tales and magical monsters. Do you like to slay dragons? Or befriend them? Do you prefer to meet cephalopods as gigantic kraken or adorable tree octopuses? Each story focuses around a fantastic creature from folklore or mythology, and they range from light and playful tales for the whole family to darker stories that may make you wish to leave the lights on. These stories carry the Fellowship of Fantasy seal of approval. While our monsters may be horrifying, you won't stumble into questionable content. Perfect for the fantasy lover who can't get enough of mythical beasts.

Paws, Claws, and Magic Tales: A Fellowship of Fantasy Anthology by Various

There's just something magical about cats. Fierce hunters content to rest upon our sofas. Sweet friends but stubbornly independent. Fluffy little murder balls with jellybean toes and razor-sharp claws. It's easier to answer what cats aren't than what they are. In this purr-fect collection, awesome authors pounce upon the challenge of the mysterious cat like the elusive little red dot it is. Curl up with sixteen stories all featuring our furry, frisky, fabulous feline friends. Inside, you'll find adorable house cats, majestic big cats, and imperious cat-dragons. You'll meet cats who are their owners' protectors, who help them find true love, and who tackle the challenges of caring for their clumsy human companions in hilarious, heartwarming, and harrowing ways. This fifth anthology from the Fellowship of Fantasy features new and returning authors, dedicated to giving you the best in cat-related fantasy fiction.

Hall of Heroes: A Fellowship of Fantasy Anthology by Various

Twenty-Seven Thrilling Tales from Amazing Fantasy Authors! Whether they are unwitting, plucky, or just plain epic, heroes capture the imagination and rescue us from everyday life. With stories set in fantastic, magical realms, gritty urban landscapes, and fairytale kingdoms, our heroes stand fast as defenders of good. Struggling against evil governments, wicked demi-gods, wrathful nature, supernatural con-men, and their own insecurities, each must find the strength to triumph and the will to persevere. In the second anthology from the Fellowship of Fantasy, twenty-three authors explore the theme of heroes, covering genres ranging from steampunk and fairytale to urban and Arthurian. These are the heroes you've been waiting for. Enjoy Heroes: A Fellowship of Fantasy Anthology and join the adventures!

Grimm, Grit, and Gasoline: Dieselpunk and Decopunk Fairy Tales by Various

Dieselpunk and decopunk are alternative history re-imaginings of (roughly) the WWI and WWII eras: tales with the grit of roaring bombers and rumbling tanks, of 'We Can Do It' and old time gangsters, or with the glamour of flappers and Hollywood starlets, smoky jazz and speakeasies. The stories in this volume add fairy tales to the mix, transporting classic tales to this rich historical setting. Two young women defy the devil with the power of friendship. The pilot of a talking plane discovers a woman who transforms into a swan every night and is pulled into a much more personal conflict than the war he’s already fighting. A pair of twins with special powers find themselves in Eva Braun’s custody and wrapped up in a nefarious plan. A team of female special agents must destroy a secret weapon–the spindle–before it can be deployed. Retellings of The Little Mermaid, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, Cinderella, The Monkey King, Swan Lake, Pinocchio and more are all showcased alongside some original fairy tale-like stories. Featuring stories by Zannier Alejandra, Alicia K. Anderson, Jack Bates, Patrick Bollivar, Sara Cleto, Amanda C. Davis, Jennifer R. Donohue, Juliet Harper, Blake Jessop, A.A. Medina, Lizz Donnelly, Nellie Neves, Wendy Nikel, Brian Trent, Alena Van Arendonk, Laura VanArendonk Baugh, Sarah Van Goethem, and Robert E. Vardeman.

Gilded Glass: Twisted Myths and Shattered Fairy Tales by Various

A mirror is far more than meets the eye. When you gaze into the gilded glass, what do you see—and what looks back at you? A beautiful woman hiding an ugly secret? A malevolent king who delivers a fate worse than death? An urban legend who will become an unlikely ally? An alien gladiator with reflective armor? A monster to the rescue? A goddess? A distorted version of yourself? Dare to gaze into these 24 original tales of sweet deceptions and cursed truths by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jonathan Maberry, Alan Dean Foster, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Michaelbrent Collings, and more. Edited by international bestseller Kevin J. Anderson and Allyson Longueira and their Publishing graduate students at Western Colorado University, Gilded Glass: Twisted Myths and Shattered Fairy Tales offers stories with diverse roots, characters, and cultures, from frightening to funny, from once upon a time to far-flung futures and back to the modern day. Deals are made and wishes granted. Friendships forged and enemies vanquished. You’ll love this anthology of modern myths, lore, and fairy tales, because everyone enjoys a happily ever after... ...or do they? Stare deep into the gilded glass. What you find might haunt you.

Girls of Might and Magic: An Anthology By Diverse Books With Magic by Various

Find your might. Discover your magic. A disabled teen tracks down an elusive sea beast. A young, Indian detective finds a magical artifact. A Black teen who can see the dead solves a murder mystery. An Ethiopian girl discovers magical secrets when she is kidnapped by her teacher. A teen survivor of a deadly plague realizes she and her robot companion are not alone. Across realms, worlds, and dimensions we bring you sixteen fantasy and/or science fiction tales that explore the tribulations of growing up. In Girls of Might and Magic, we aim to put characters of color, characters with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ characters front and center in stories about strength and resilience. Full of diverse characters and #ownvoices authors, the protagonists in these coming-of-age YA adventures will not only discover powerful magic but discover themselves along the way. Don't miss this magical collection of stories about witches, fae, ghosts, vampires, werewolves, jinn, and more! The collection includes: Heartburn by E. M. Lacey Wind and Silk by Alice Ivinya Faith by Sudha Kuruganti Grace and Ghosts by K. R. S. McEntire The Outside by C. C. Solomon Daughter of Soil and Gold by Meghan Rhine Check Yourself by Kat Zaccard A Meeting in the Woods by Nicole Givens Kurtz Pretty Young Things by LaLa Leo Funnel Cake by Amanda Ross Outcast by D. L. Howard Serenity Dawn by C. I. Raiyne The Cursed Gift by Courtney Dean Chasing Waves by Kendra Merritt Sight by Tamika Brown Memories of Magic by Ashley Ford

Thralls of the Fairie: and Other Tales by Craig Comer

In these tales of high adventure and low fantasy, thieves quest for lost honor, the abandoned hunt for justice, and common farmers struggle merely to survive. Collected within are eleven stories of magic, grit, and honor, including three award winners. For readers of Sword & Sorcery, and fans of Robert E. Howard's Conan and David Eddings' Sparhawk. TALES OF LOST LANDS - To reclaim the heart of her god, Mior bargains with mages and delves deep into the temple of a cult. Caita Halftallow finds strength amongst the herd, the better to crush her enemies, while Jaelyn’s song lends her the strength to slay fiends. TALES OF KUTHAHAAR - In Kuthahaar, the Sultan lords over imprisoned oracles, wraith-like assassins, and underground rivers filled with the dead. For Saja and Akil, uncovering these mysteries will seal their fates, whether they wish it or not. For Rajheb, it is enough to wander the city, and remember what was. TALES OF BALDAIRN MOTTE - Far away in Baldairn, the king is dead. As armies march and lords grasp for an empty throne, the villagers of Burn Gate find themselves caught between protecting their families and defending their lands. For the crofter, Trask, the decision is simple, but the cost will shape the fortunes of those he loves.

Seasons of Magic Volume 2 by Selina J. Eckert

The heat of summer, the colors of fall, the chill of winter, and the fresh breath of spring... This collection combines the second year of the Seasons of Magic standalone fairy tale retellings into one volume, including the previously newsletter-exclusive short story Queen of Mist and Fog. Inside, find: Carnival of Curses (Frog Prince) Nell is a pro at hiding from the world... until it lands her forgotten and trapped in a dark Fae carnival. Can Nell break the curse before the carnival moves on? Or will she be stuck there forever? The Patch (Jack and the Beanstalk) Jack is desperate to save her family's farm. But when she trades their last hope for a box of pumpkin seeds, all she gets is a pumpkin patch full of ghosts... and a curse! Can Jack confront the spirits, break the curse, and save her friend? Or will she lose more than just the farm? Cold Snap (Snow White) Mermaid princess Iclyn finally inherited her ice magic. But instead of bringing her closer to her family, she finds herself exiled and on the run from the very woman meant to be her mother. Can she stop the queen's dark, illegal magic? Or will her people freeze under the spell forever? Flotsam (The Bee and the Orange Tree) Rue was rescued from the lake for one purpose only... to marry a monster's son. But when a piece of her past washes ashore, she begins to see what she may be missing. Can she escape to find the life she never knew? Or will she be nothing more than the next meal? Queen of Mist and Fog (A Short Story) One person on the run. One magical queen in pursuit. One dangerous game.

Mothers of Enchantment: New Tales of Fairy Godmothers by Various

We remember her best as the generous fairy who dresses Cinderella and handles transportation while she’s at it. But that’s just the most famous fairy godmother’s tale. With a little imagination, you’ll find that fairy godmothers and godfathers appear in many varied forms. The authors in this anthology have crafted new tales that re-imagine the fairy godmother and her role. A young fairy grapples with imposter syndrome as she takes up her new appointment as godmother. Immortal sisters bestow blessings and curses on princesses as a way to battle the patriarchal fairy godfathers. A struggling artist receives a godmother’s help to impress at her high school reunion. Sparing the life of a moth leads to magical help from an unexpected protector. Retellings of Pinocchio, Rumpelstiltskin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Frog Prince show the magic of these stories in a whole new light. Infused with modern sensibilities but honoring the tradition of fairy tales, these dozen stories will enchant and inspire you.

Forgotten Ones: Drabbles of Myth and Legend (Eerie Drabbles of Fantasy and Horror) by Various

The battle is upon us, and the old gods are waking. Tremble as you rediscover the darkness that came before, the darkness that could eat the world. Within these pages gods of fable, creatures of lore, and ancient rituals have been brought back to life in over two hundred drabbles of exactly one hundred words each. Delve into the madness created by award-winning horror and fiction authors from around the world. We dare you to remember the fear of the unknown, and to dive headfirst into ancient mysteries. The old gods have awoken, and with them lose chaos will reign again. Featuring Authors: Abiran Raveenthiran, Al Provance, Al-Hazred, Alanna Robertson-Webb, Alice de Sampaio, Amber M. Simpson, Andra Dill, Andrew Anderson, Andy Leavy, Ann Wycoff, Arnie May, Brian Rosenberger, Bryan Dyke, C. Marry Hultman, Callum Pearce, Charles Reis, Charlotte O’Farrell, Chris Bannor, Chris Hewitt, Clint Foster, David A.F. Brown, DeBickel, Derek Dunn, Dickon Springate, Drew Starling, Elin Olausson, Elizabeth Nettleton, Emma K. Leadley, Faith Pierce, Fred Williamson, Gabriella Balcom, Galina Trefil, Hannah Hulbert, Heidi Ann Willits, Heinrich von Wolfcastle, Henry Herz, Holley Cornetto, Hunter LaCross, Jacek Wilkos, Jaclyn Fulscher, James Bates, Jen Chichester, Jennifer Winters, Jess Rhodes, Joe Scipione, Joel R. Hunt, Josh Herz, Joshua E. Borgmann, K. B. Elijah, K.R. Nox, K.T. Tate, Karen Heslop, Kase Glidewell, Kathleen Halecki, Kerry E.B. Black, Kevin J. Kennedy, Kim Plasket, Kimberly Rei, Laurence Sullivan, LP Hernandez, Mark Anthony Smith, Mark Kodama, Matt Lucas, Matthew A Clarke, Melody Grace, Michael D. Nadeau, Michelle River, N.M. Brown, Nerisha Kemraj, Nick Moore, Noa Covo, Paddy Armstrong, Patricia Elliott, Paul Benkendorfer, Regina Kenney, Robin Braid, Ron Davis, Russell Smeaton, Ryan Rosenberry, S. C. Morgan, Sandy Butchers, Sarah Matthews, Sean P. Chatterton, Sheldon Woodbury, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Steve Stred, T.J. Lea, Thomas Wake, Timothy Friesenhahn, Tor-Anders Ulven, Wendy Cheairs, Willem V Much, Ximena Escobar, Yvonne Glasgow, Zoey Xolton

Whispers in the Dark: A Black Hare Press Underground Book by K.B. Elijah

Two decades into an eternal sentence in the impenetrable Void for daring to rebel against the might of the Empire, and Agent Ivory is ready to give up on life entirely, even if the unseen Warden of the prison won’t ever let him die. But when a mysterious voice in the darkness visits him in his isolation, the prisoner is determined to see the sun on his face once again, even if the outside world is not what it once was...

Twenty Twenty: A horror celebration of the Roaring Twenties (BHP Writers' Group Special Edition Book 4) by Various

Celebrating 100 years since the Roaring Twenties, come with us on a look back at the jazz era. Historical stories with dark and terrible twists - the speakeasy girl with two mouths, Mafia gangs with secrets more sinister than history suggests, bloodthirsty flappers, dark tales from the Depression, and many more. SUPPORTING AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE WILDLIFE ORGANISATIONS ALL PROFITS from TWENTY TWENTY will be donated to the following organisations who are providing emergency veterinary care, etc to wildlife in the affected bushfire zones; ~NSW (New South Wales) WIRES ~Zoos Victoria Love Always, Vera by A.R. Dean Just One Bottle by Amber M. Simpson Blood Talkies by Andrea Allison Body Parts by Andrew Kurtz The Cost of Diamonds by Catherine Kenwell Death Was Her Voice by Chris Bannor The Sacrifice by D.J. Elton Leahy Castle by D.J. Tyrer Nosferatu by D.M. Burdett Little Brass Tin by David Bowmore When the Leonids Come by David M. Hoenig

Famine (4 Horsemen Book 2) by Various

Iron Faerie Publishing brings you... Famine! The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse! Four figures in the Book of Revelations who symbolize the evils to come at the end of the world. Take a look at the stories these talented writers can tell in just 100 words! Featuring: Amber M. Simpson Andrea L. Staum Beth W. Patterson Charlotte Langtree Chisto Healy Chris Bannor Chris Hall Chris Hewitt Claire Davon Connor Sassmannshausen David Green Dawn Debraal DJ Elton Ella Everly Emma K Leadley Jacqueline Moran Meyer Jasiah Witkofsky Jessica Wilcox Katie Jordan Kimberly Rei Kristin Cragg Luis Manuel Torres Maggie D Brace Majanka Verstraete McKenzie Richardson Michelle Brett Natasha Sinclair Nerisha Kemraj Olivia Arieti Patrick Winters R.A. Goli S.O. Green Sam. Phebe-McGarvey Scarlett Lake William Snider