Incorrect Eyes by Andromeda Ruins

Be Not Afraid Those three words have haunted me my entire life, and now I'm close. I know I am. I'm close to finding out the truth behind the words, the truth behind the Seraphim. The closer I get to uncovering the truth, to proving that the Seraphim are real, the further my mind slips. I can't sleep - can't dream - without seeing them. Life has become difficult all of a sudden and I know it's tied to them. I just have to keep going, keep learning, keep discovering. Everything will be better once I complete my research... Incorrect Eyes is a psychological religious horror involving paranoia, angels with too many eyes, and the least mentally stable protagonist I’ve ever written. Please read with caution.

Holiday Headaches by Melina Druga

Nobody said parenthood was going to be easy, but the holidays are really taking it out of Cassandra Hardwick’s family in the third Christmas interlude of The Rock Star’s Wife. Cassie and her husband haven’t established a solid parenting routine, given that he’s usually on tour. Now, with Nat at home in the Chicago suburbs and the 2004 holiday season fast approaching, these first-time parents have their hands full with baby Megan. Meanwhile, back in Sterling, Cassie’s cousin and his wife are experiencing what can only be described as Murphy’s Law run amok. From a photo with Santa gone horribly wrong to an automotive accident that keeps right on giving, these two sure aren’t getting the gladdest of tidings this year. Finally, in Minneapolis, Cassie’s sister and brother-in-law try to salvage some merriment for their sons and daughter in the face of mounting debt — one that threatens to force them to move back to Sterling. Can these three couples find some Yuletide magic, or are they headed for a disastrous holiday season? Told in three vignettes that range from side-splitting to serious, Holiday Headaches is the perfect Christmastime read for fans on the go.

Tales from Beyond the Veil by E. B. Hunter

Eight twisted tales as told by the victims of the supernatural.

Includes three previously published works, and two top stories on Vocal Media. 

Come with me if you dare.

Burrows of Blood and Shadow by Rebekah L Webb

An enigmatic entity's journey to process a trauma he can't even remember. The dreamers dream all the time, free to go anywhere, to be anything, to see worlds outside themselves, inside themselves and beyond themselves. The Dream Surfer has no past or memory and can only experience life through the dreams and memories of others. He is stuck in a world of doors and windows leading to quiet lives, where pain and tragedy flow like the inevitable path of gentle streams. There is one spot he refuses to go, a dank corner where burrows dive down to dark and brutal depths. He yearns to break free of his cage and create an existence of his own. But nothing he's done so far has brought him closer to freedom. Maybe the key to escape lies where he has so far feared to tread. The Dream Surfer takes the plunge into the depths of the burrows, where he will travel the turbulent current of pain and cruelty intersecting through various narratives. Will this give him the freedom he craves? Or is it just a way to add more chains? Thirty-seven tales weave together to shape multiple plots, some which dig into literal flesh, while others rip at the flesh of the mind. Neither guilty or innocent, young or old, are safe in this twisting path of mental and physical horrors.

Living Color: Angie Rubio Stories by Donna Miscolta

We first meet Angie Rubio at age five, being scolded by her kindergarten teacher for not knowing how to skip properly. Set in California in the 1960s and '70s, Living Angie Rubio Stories takes Angie year by year from kindergarten through high school, offering a portrait of the artist as a shy, awkward Mexican-American girl. Taking place against the backdrop of the Cold War and civil rights eras--the Cuban missile crisis, the Watts riots, Beatlemania, the Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics-- Living Angie Rubio Stories also surveys the milestones of American girlhood. We see Brownies, slumber parties, training bras, cheerleader tryouts, and proms through the eyes of a "brown, skinny, and bespectacled" Latina who soon learns that pageant winners as well as high school cheerleaders are always white. Angie is relegated to the fringes of the popular cliques at school, led by opinionated girls whose self-confidence seems as unattainable to her as their perfect teeth and blonde hair. But Angie resists internalizing societal messages about who is beautiful, important, and valid. When a white classmate is cast as Juliet in the school play, she can't resist taunting Angie with "Don't forget who the heroine of this play is," to which Angie "She dies in the end." In "the unfun funhouse that was high school," Angie decides to reinvent herself. Reminding herself to "be bold, be heard, be provocative," she writes articles for the student newspaper raising critical questions about venerable institutions like homecoming, prom, and the tradition of naming students "most likely to succeed," "best looking," and other mosts and bests. Living Rubio Stories traces Angie's formation as a writer, from the child who loves Scrabble and jots down new words she learns in a notebook to the teenager publishing controversial opinions about success and belonging, a person whose voice is now "loud-enough-to-be-heard."

You I Lie With by Meghan Davis

Have you ever watched an apocalypse movie and, instead of admiring the stunts in the foreground, found yourself distracted wondering about the fate of a sweet-looking, nameless couple in the background? This is their story. Sam and Ally are stranded in a hotel during a catastrophic winter storm. Their bond with each other grows stronger as the world around them begins to crumble. A romantic, atmospheric, slice-of-life apocalypse novella that explores what it means to love unconditionally and grapples with what it means to die well.

The Naughty Corner by Mark Towse

Are you ready to get put into the Naughty Corner? Three uniquely fresh novellas in one collection, including Towse's wildest old-people horror yet, 'The Generation Games.' Also includes, ‘The Naughty Corner’ and ‘My Name is Brian.’ The Generation Games. The population crisis is out of control. Earth’s resources are close to depletion. A mandate has been put into effect condemning people to death when they hit the age of seventy. Only A lucky few will have the opportunity to compete for a passport to the latter years. It’s about to get savage. My Name Is Brian. Brian's an odd one, always with his head in the books or packet of chips. He doesn't mix well with the other kids but doesn't seem to care. Or is he just a ticking time bomb ready to explode? Coming of age horror on steroids. The Naughty Corner A new start in a gorgeous location. The house of their dreams. But behind the gates of this well-do-do community, our family is about to uncover rules and secrets that will turn their lives upside down. And trust me, you don't want to be in the naughty corner. "Towse is a master of narrative juggling. He makes his readers squirm and laugh in equal measure. His work should be treasured." - E.C. Hanson, author of WICKED BLOOD

All Who Wander Are Lost: Destination Horror Stories by Gemma Amor

ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST. First Landing State Park. Antarctica. Mongolia. France. Norway. Ireland. Somerset. Egypt. A giant glacier in an unnamed land. What do all these places have in common? They’re the perfect place to set a horror story, is what. In this brand new collection of destination based tales of terror, Bram Stoker and British Fantasy Award nominated author Gemma Amor (The Folly, Full Immersion, Six Rooms, Dear Laura) takes us on a series of adventures through the weird and the wonderful, the strange and the unexplainable, across the remotest, wildest parts of this world, and through lands yet to be discovered. Expect dark and deranged encounters, beautiful vistas, old gods, ghosts, peculiar creatures, vampires, and that most terrifying of all monsters: mankind. Told strictly through the eyes of intrepid travellers (we are only ever visitors in this realm), you too can become an explorer without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. So come, join us on a voyage across lands both familiar and strange, and witness sights beyond your wildest imaginings in a book written for the the wanderers, the adventurers, the endlessly curious, the constantly dislocated, the restless and the sleepless, the speakers of many tongues or of none, the seers of many sights, the dreamers who follow their feet, pick stones from between their toes, taste salt on their tongue, feel dust blow hot and hard against their skin…. But remember, not all journeys have a happy ending. In fact, in this book, quite the opposite: for All Who Wander are often Lost…

When the Devil by Emma E. Murray

In When the Devil, Libby finds salvation in a new sapphic partner, homebrewed poison, and facing a God she no longer believes in.

The Star Catcher by Tar Atore

In a galaxy that set her up to fail, Etria’s journey to capture stars redefines acceptance. Etria, a determined stella, defies expectations and becomes a Star Catcher despite her disfigurement. Teaming up with Maron, her own personal Star Keeper, they set off on a mission to catch stars. Through their partnership, Etria’s self-perception changes and echoes into her cluster, challenging the stella culture’s narrow ideals. Join these mesmerizing space mermaids in this short and tear-jerking sci-fi adventure as they defy conventions and ignite the spirit of acceptance, inspiring others to embrace their differences.

The Heart of the Labyrinth and Other Stories by DK Mok

Twelve tales of adventure, wonder and heart from Aurealis Award-shortlisted author DK Mok. These diverse stories of courage and hope celebrate fierce women, curious minds, and unexpected kindness. A warrior librarian makes a pact to save the monsters of her realm. A high school girl ferries refugees from broken, enchanted worlds. An underfunded roboticist builds a robot kraken to explore the abyssal depths. The Heart of the Labyrinth and Other Stories features six Aurealis Award-shortlisted stories, as well as two stories original to this collection.

Nothing Short of Odd by Loredano Cafaro

It's genre fiction, that's for sure. What genre? Well, that's a different question. Nothing Short of Odd is a collection of short stories and flash fiction, an unlikely patchwork in which light and dark share the pages and what is everyday reality stands next to what is not. Sixteen stories. Different themes. A potpourri of pieces that made their way out of the slush pile of unsolicited submissions and were selected for publication in literary webzines. This book is dedicated to those who believed in these stories and gave them a chance. “An enthralling read for anyone who loves peculiar and unexpected narratives.” ― Doreen Chombu, Readers' Favorite “An unconventional collection that serves as fuel to imagination’s fire.” ― Nicky Flowers, Indies Today

The King’s Decree (The Commune’s Curse Short) by Lucy A. McLaren

King Cosmo Septimus of Septima: ruler, leader… Fool. In truth, the kingdom has been under the authority of the Commune for some years—a ruthless government whose leader, the Grand Magister, holds the king under his control. Enter a world where the powers gifted to mortals by an ancient god present themselves in unsuspecting members of the kingdom, and where the Grand Magister will do everything to ensure they are brought under his sway or executed as traitors. In this short story, you will begin to understand just why King Cosmo is unable to fight against the ruthless guidance of a selfish, power-hungry man. And why it may be hopeless for him to even try. The King’s Decree is part of the world of The Commune’s Curse series, and is set three years before the first book in the series, Awakening, which is available now. Book 2 is due for release in late 2024, so now’s a great time to delve into this dark fantasy series!

Sing No Suns, Sing the Night: Stories by Michael Michel

When the light that guides us fails, we must face the darkness within…or perish. A warlord’s bitter crusade. A starship’s crew caught between a mindless monster and a race against starvation. Conflicted aliens unable to stop their conquest. The unhappy life of a sentient gun. Sing No Suns, Sing The Night is an SFF short story collection and an ode to Grimdark. Hope and despair. Love and hate. Sweet beginnings and sour ends. These stories cover themes that challenge our beliefs about self, society, and the nature of living. If you’re ready to be dragged to the lip of the abyss and dangled over the edge, read on.

Marshbank by Josh Hanson

When a child goes missing, the spirit of the marsh takes on a corporeal form and teams up with the village witch to find the source of the evil haunting the nearby village. A dark fantasy of love, story, and the deep powers of place.

Someone Else’s Horror Story by Rebecca Crunden

Jace Venable lives a quiet life in the house his father left him. He dreams of fixing up the barn out back so that he doesn’t have to return to the city he’s only too happy to leave behind. He likes to be left alone, thank you very much. And then, one night, he finds a runaway in his barn. A boy with a horrifying story that’s about to upend Jace’s quiet life permanently.

A Huntress Of The Night In Cold Embrace by Gwen Leonhard

Discover Herzkirch, a city in the middle of a monster-infested wasteland, on top of a hollowed-out mountain. The Reinblut Kirche, a religious institution, holds it firmly – rallying the people against Blendlings, the half-blood offspring of Biest and humans. Freyja is such a Blendling, that manages really well to stealth between humans. So well that the Reinblut Kirche hires her to slay a Biest in the lower part of the city. This monster has dared to take a nun of the church hostage – at least that is what Freyja is told. But all is not as it seems, and maybe her target isn’t as much a threat as a companion to be enjoyed … In this story, powerful women take center stage – foremost Freyja as a homosexual trans woman –, carving their paths through adversity and religious norms. Still, at the heart of this narrative lies a love story that doesn’t shy away from showing intimacy between its protagonists – it rather likes to indulge in it.

I Tried Calling by Austin Abbott

"This book is a collection of the voices you hear after a tape rewinds. The voices from your past you never thought you'd hear again. The voices that wash over the quiet of your apartment when you walk inside from the rain and see a blinking light and press play." Written by Austin Abbott, this is a book of short stories formatted as transcripts of messages left on answering machines. AUDIO VERSION AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER HERE: https://numerochair.bandcamp.com/album/i-tried-calling-the-recordings

Tales of Mundane Magic: Volume One by Shaina Krevat

Nothing too strange ever happens to Gertie and Bridget Mallon. The sisters don’t have magical adventures fighting off dark lords or saving the world. Gertie spends her time learning the skill of enchantment, and Bridget has the ability to see things no one else can see with her left eye, which was bewitched in an accident many years ago. Sure, they attend Flories Boarding School, where Gertie takes a potions class and Bridget plays basketball, and the occasional magical anomaly takes place, but who doesn’t deal with the occasional poltergeist or curse? Life is relatively calm for the Mallon sisters, but things might not be quite as mundane as they appear.

Whispers from Hell by E.J. V'Kanty

A collection of haunted and horrific short stories exploring the supernatural and unreal. Explore haunted houses, ghostly possessions, and surreal realms in these short, easily digestible tales.

The Weird & Unexpected World of Ronald Taylor by Jack T Canis

Recently retired, Ronald Taylor worried about his future, stuck in his bungalow w his wife of 40yrs. Then he encounters a Brownie relieving itself in his hedge. And he was worried he was going to be bored!

Did You Know the Porters? by Jack T Canis

The Porters have a successful international business, but to attain this something had to give – their marriage. 'I am a facilitator. My professional techniques were required. I did my job - too well!'

Christmas Night of the Scurry Furry by E. Reyes

Amber, a young woman working in a small retail store on Christmas Eve, finds herself amid chaos when the hot holiday toy, Scurry Furry, comes to life and begins wreaking havoc. The once-adorable creatures become a horde of vicious monsters, leaving a trail of destruction and gore in their wake. With no outside help, Amber and her employees must take matters into their own hands and fight against the Scurry Furry army. The situation is darkly humorous, as Amber and her team wield anything they can find as a weapon, from baseball bats to candy canes. The battle is gory and intense, but Amber refuses to back down. Will she be able to save the store and survive the night?

The Mysterious World of Professor Darkk And Miss Shadow: The Short Story Collection Book #0 by Jeff Walker

It is a secondary world that remains hidden in the depths of the shadows, where fears and nightmares become a reality, and evil shrouds itself to all. That is where you will find Professor Darkk and his faithful student, Miss Shadow. Two mysterious individuals with unique abilities.They are the ones protecting us and safeguarding society from the strange, the bizarre, and the unexplainable things that emerge from out of darkness. These are six short stories of their adventures; Confronting demonic creatures, stepping into a haunted house, uncover horrors hidden out of sight, and travel to destinations out of time and into space.Prepare to step into their domain and push back the evil trying to breech into our reality. And read the included preview chapter of the coming novel (Book #1) to see where the journey will continue next. Welcome to the mysterious world of Professor Darkk and Miss Shadow.

You Fed Us To the Roses: Short Stories by Carlie St. George

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Final girls who take care of each other. Dead boys still breathing. Ghosts who whisper secrets you can never share. Angels beyond the grave, yet not of heaven. Wolves who wear human skins. Featuring ten contemporary dark fantasy and horror stories, You Fed Us To the Roses is a visceral, triumphant collection by Carlie St. George that you won’t want to miss. Stop by for the murder…and stick around for the feels. Cover art: Evangeline Gallagher ISBN: 978-1-949936-47-6 (ebook) | ISBN: 978-1-949936-48-3 (paperback)

These Imperfect Reflections: Short Stories by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor

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What’s the price of revolution backed by artificial intelligence? Can you change the past to free ghosts trapped in endless loops? Do fairy tales always end the same way? Follow a battle poet on aer quest to save a kingdom; witness the last documentary about alien whales; and travel with the Wolf who is prophesied to eat the sun as they look for alternatives to their fate. From living trains to space stations populated with monsters, these eleven fantasy and science fiction stories from Merc Fenn Wolfmoor will take you on otherworldly adventures that are tethered to the heart. ISBN: 978-1-949936-32-2 (ebook) | ISBN: 978-1-949936-33-9 (print)

Good Monsters and Friends: Stories by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor

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Making friends with monsters is easy—bring them cookies! A young man must find a new reality to live in when his disappears. Birds team up to right the wrongs of classic literature. An android raises baby dinosaurs after the human world ends. Grandma reveals how she invented intergalactic diplomacy…and more. Good Monsters and Friends collects 33 stories about astronauts and cats, dragons and witches, portals and quests, ghosts and robots, and, of course, all the monsters and their buddies.

Unlikely Wonders by Juliet Kemp

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An exciting collection of short Science Fiction and Fantasy stories from a stellar group of Robot Dinosaur Press authors! Sign up for our newsletter to read this anthology for free! Featuring stories by: Andi C. Buchanan Novae Caelum Lore Graham Byron M. Kain Juliet Kemp Sarah Loch Jennifer Mace A. Z. Louise Emmie Mears Rhiannon Rasmussen Julia Rios Simon Oscar Pike V. Astor Solomon R J Theodore Merc Fenn Wolfmoor Come explore new worlds and visit unlikely wonders in this first newsletter-exclusive anthology from Robot Dinosaur Press!

Finding Fire and Other Stories by Rachel Churcher

'This series is raising the standard for YA dystopian fiction, and I can’t give it less than 5 stars' - AyJayPageFarer Book Blog * What happened between Margie and Dan at Makepeace Farm? * How did Jackson really feel about Ketty? * What happens next to the survivors of the Battle Ground Series? Step behind the scenes of the series with six new short stories and five new narrators – Margie, Jackson, Maz, Dan, and Charlie – plus bonus blogs and insights from the author. The Battle Ground series is set in a dystopian near-future UK, after Brexit and Scottish independence.

Friends for Robots: Short Stories by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor

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In this upbeat, positive collection of SFF short stories from Merc Fenn Wolfmoor, author of So You Want to Be A Robot, you’ll find hope, humor, friendship—and of course, robots. Have you heard the one about… …a neural network who wants humans to drink more water? …a person stranded on Mars with only an obsolete robotic toy? …a cyborg caught in a time loop with a frightened ship? …a self-aware mech who doesn’t want to be a weapon anymore? …an AI sent into the deepest part of the ocean—and finds a god? You’ll also meet entrepreneurial barbarians, an astronaut making first contact, a boy who might have (accidentally) started Armageddon, magical birds, a bot who wants to tell jokes, and more. Whether you’re a robot or not, come make some new friends.

The Midnight Games: Six Stories About Games You Play Once by Rhiannon Rasmussen

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OF COURSE IT’S DANGEROUS. THAT’S HALF THE THRILL, ISN’T IT? Games and rituals are a part of humanity as old as language. Since time immemorial, we have passed down rituals, allowing future generations a chance to harness the powers our forebears discovered-if they follow the rules just right. Have you ever wanted to know your future? Have you ever wanted a peek at the other side? Fancy a wager or a party with powers unknown? Six stories await you inside this anthology, with step by step instructions for those brave—or desperate—enough to play. Stories by Casey Lucas, M. Lyn Hall, M.B. Hare, Rhiannon Rasmussen, Shi Briggs, Veles Svitlychny, and illustrated by Andrey Garin.

Film Flam by David Perlmutter

The International League of Girls With Guns, the world's mightiest superheroines, discover that they are the victims of identity theft. Aliens have been using their names and identities in the making of movies! But it will take more than just their powers for them to get revenge....

Fandom by David Perlmutter

The International League of Girls With Guns, the world's mightiest superheroines, discover that some obsessive "fans" of theirs are trying to expose their identities via a bizarre "museum". Can they intervene before it's too late?

The Singular Adventures of Jefferson Ball by David Perlmutter

There never was a heroine like Jefferson Ball. And, thankfully, there may never be. She is, simply, the most powerful humanized female dog in a universe full of them. Faster, stronger, more attractive to boys. Unbeatable as a lover. Unfortunately, her brains are not up to this quality, but don’t tell her that. About the only one who can is Major Hamilton Pomeranian, the diminutive ex-soldier who is Jeff’s best friend and conscience. When she gets too big for her limited clothing, Hamilton tells her what for. And it’s usually only after that point that they are able to escape from whatever convoluted situation they find themselves in. This potential collection will have readers both laughing and awestruck at the events that happen. And, hopefully, you will be one of them.

Nothing About Us Without Us by David Perlmutter

Anybody who loves animated cartoons should be interested in knowing the truth about them. Which is that they have lives after the camera stops filming, and pretty interesting ones at that. This book will give you the truth about who they are and what they feel, direct from their lips. Particularly about how the leaders of the world want them out of the way, for good....

A Ballad of Hate and Hope by Kaylea Prime

Hope has no beginning, and no end. As a Lantíé with both antlers and wings, and a Storyteller able to recall stories from the past, Nensola has always felt like an anomaly. Dark shadows of her peryton ancestors prowl the peripheries of her soul, threatening to consume her if she loses control. When her mom is murdered by pirates to harvest the magic in her wings, Nensola struggles to lead with hope. Sailing the West Indies in 1715, Kit is determined not to let his pirate stepfather die to claim a prize for the device he stole. He has always felt unanchored between Spanish and English cultures, harbouring hate for his parents’ deaths. When Kit falls through a maelstrom portal into the world of Arwé and meets Nensola, his anchor begins to lower. While hope burgeons in Nensola and Kit’s hearts, hate festers on the borders. Just when Kit finally feels he belongs, he is cast adrift, faced with the prospect of returning to Earth. With her home and people threatened by a sinister force, and her trust in Kit uncertain, Nensola fears hate’s grip on her heart is stronger than the clinging droplet of hope. But even a droplet can create ripples. And all it takes is a ripple to change the world. A Ballad of Hate and Hope is a prequel novella taking place almost two hundred years before the events in A Spark From Embers - volume one in the fantasy series, Tears of Flame.

Christmas Creepers: A Flash Fiction Horror Story Collection by Justin Schenker

Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but not for the people in these stories. In these first-person narratives, each account walks you through a terrifying experience during the Holiday season. A porch pirate’s latest haul leads to a life-changing transformation. A woman’s life takes a dark turn when her Secret Santa gift backfires during the office Holiday party. A grocery clerk awakens a disturbing figure on Christmas Eve. A family has a frightful encounter with a snowman. In these stories and more, it is time for you to sit back, bundle up, and take a sip from your cup of fear.

KJK Presents: Collected Christmas Horror Shorts III by Shaun Hutson, Gage Greenwood, R.J. Roles, Lex H Jones, Daemon Manx, P.J. Blakey-Novis, John Durgin, Matthew Cash, Veronica Smith, David Watkins

Kennedy has brought a wealth of quality anthologies to the horror genre over the years. It’s no secret he has a taste for Christmas horror. This year he brings you another collection of dark Christmas tales from some of his favourite authors. Grab yourself some hot cocoa, dim the lights, get yourself comfy, sit back and enjoy.

Merry Fuckin’ Christmas: And Other Yuletide Shit by Kevin J. Kennedy

Kevin J. Kennedy has brought the horror world three bestselling Christmas horror anthologies. Now, for the first time ever he collects his own tales of Christmas madness between these pages. You will find a mix of extreme, comedy, gross and bizarro Christmas horror, and there is even a few drabbles thrown in. WARNING: This book isn't for everyone. If you are easily offended, it's not going to be for you. “As gritty as Irvine Welsh and as horrific as anything King has put out. Christmas has never been so dark. This is a collection horror fans do not want to miss.” Lee Mountford, Author of The Demonic. "Kennedy is one of the modern greats of seasonal horror. Sit by the fireplace, pour yourself a drink and get this read." Lex H. Jones, author of The Old One and The Sea. “Superb! Stylistic! Downright terrifying! Kennedy does not pull any punches.” Christopher Motz, author of Pine Lakes, and Tenants. "Freaky, disturbing, unpleasant... These stories could ruin your Christmas!" Mark Cassell, author of The Shadow Fabric. “Everything Kennedy touches turns to gold. And for good reason. A gruesome, rock 'n' roll, festive feast.” Kyle M. Scott, author of The Club.

A Tricker-Treater Christmas by Briana Morgan

Get ready to experience a monster’s high-stakes game. When one man’s wish goes horribly wrong, he must make an impossible choice. Faced with his own demons, and at the Tricker-Treater’s mercy, how far will Luke go to keep his daughter from leaving? For fans of The Tricker-Treater and Other Stories comes a fresh, festive tale of a desperate father and his struggle to preserve his family—fitting for the holiday season

The Advent of Winter: A Fantasy Anthology by Thiago Abdalla, Kian N. Ardalan, Zack Argyle, Cal Black, Ryan Cahill, T.L. Greylock, Tim Hardie, Natalie Kelda, Christer Lende, L.L. Macrae,

Also featuring stories from: Dom McDermott, Andrew D. Meredith, H.C. Newell, Tatiana Obey, Quenby Olson, Palmer Pickering, J.D.L. Rosell, Kerstin Espinosa Rosero, D.W. Ross, Karim Soliman, Tori Tecken, H.L. Tinsley, Jim Wilbourne, A.R. Witham. 24 Authors, 24 Stories, 1 Unique Advent Calendar Step into the magical realms of "The Advent of Winter," where twenty-four self-published authors craft enchanting tales that will transport you to a realm of frost-kissed wonders. This winter-themed fantasy anthology invites you to journey through December, one captivating story at a time. With each story, you'll discover a new world, a new adventure, and a new facet of the season. From tales of joy and beauty that warm your heart to stories filled with danger and horror that send shivers down your spine, "The Advent of Winter" is a treasure trove of diverse narratives. Let these evocative tales wrap you in the spirit of the season, as you explore the many faces of winter's magic. Whether you're seeking the comfort of familiar traditions or the thrill of unexpected surprises, this anthology will make your December days truly enchanting.

Lantern by Burgundy Athena Pendragon

In this dark high fantasy adventure, a grumpy middle-aged mage is asked by an old friend to take on an Impossible Task for her: finding a cure for her son's curse when all else have given up. Aiding Devyn on zir quest to cure Lio of his horrifying curse that he acquired by stealing a lindworm's treasure, is the teenager himself, a family of werewolves, and a mysterious demonic lantern forever bound to zir soul. But as the clock waxes and wanes and Lio's curse worsens, so do the dangers lurking in the shadows for them. And all of them human.

Hanging On by Iseult Murphy

“You’re in danger.” The red wooden box Angelina found under the tree on Christmas morning wasn’t what she wanted when she asked Mam for a phone. It looked like something for a toddler. She didn’t expect to hear a woman speak to her through the toy when she played with it, nor did she expect her warning. “You need to get out of the house.” Seven-year-old Angelina doesn’t know what the danger is, or when to expect it. Can she trust the woman? Will she be able to hang on, or will this Christmas be her last? Hanging On, a Christmas ghost story.

Mark’s Merry Mayhem by Mark Tufo

Most of you know I'm not known for my short stories; apparently I'm much too long-winded. But on occasion there are some things I just need to pull from my head and put out there. I hope you enjoy this small glimpse into the things that keep me up at night.

Worth His Salt by Dr. Joel Anthony Hamilton

Where is salt? It pumps through your veins, dusts your fingertips in the drive-thru, and has seeped into that comforting bite of your favorite childhood meal. Surprisingly, salt is not in the earth’s crust, not anymore. Centuries of overharvesting, spurred by human gluttony and the food industry, have depleted every source of salt beneath the surface. To make matters worse, global pollution has become so severe that other sources of salt, like seawater, have become too toxic to ingest. The Armageddon that ensued would convince you the world was at war or a zombie apocalypse had begun. This lasted until Pillars, mysterious human-like creatures made entirely of salt, suddenly appeared in one country. The government seized this opportunity to reignite their economy, spurred by powerful food companies, and gathered them into salt farms. The country’s profits and standing in the world blossomed with this newfound resource. In order to keep this momentum, it became law to turn every Pillar into the government. However, one small restaurant defied this order when they agreed to hide a water-bottle-sized Pillar named Geo. They risk their careers, families, and very lives keeping him hidden from random inspections, salt hounds, and Inspector Hans. To save their future, all it takes is a phone call to turn him in and obtain their monetary reward. To keep him concealed takes a sacrifice few are willing to make anymore. They weigh these choices each day and must decide if he is truly worth his salt.

Going Home by Jack T Canis

A short Gothic tale about a 9yo boy who is lost on his birthday outing - all he wants to do is go home.

Nightmares From A Desk: A Collection by Willie R. Heredia

Enter “Nightmares from a Desk.” A chilling collection of horror stories bound to take you on a rollercoaster of terror and suspense. Each tale is meticulously crafted to take you through twists and turns, designed to lure you into a world of spine-tingling encounters, unearthly creatures, and unspeakable nightmares

Kindness by Michael R. Goodwin

EVERY FAMILY HAS THEIR SECRETS... Jay and his siblings live in fear of their father, a man with a strict set of rules enforced by his brutal temper. One of the many rules Father stresses the most is to stay out of the garage, which is always kept locked. When his father invites him inside the garage one day, Jay notices that the rest of his family is nowhere to be seen. Once inside, he is overwhelmed by a horrible, rotten smell. Then, Father takes out an axe. Dark secrets and horrible truths are revealed in this harrowing and dark tale, all in the pursuit of one coveted thing: REVENGE

Midnight Son: A Prophecies of Ragnarok Story by Marie Sinadjan

Prince. Warrior. Son. Brother. Baldr has always been destined for greatness. As Odin’s heir and firstborn legitimate son, he’s been raised to succeed Odin as king of Asgard and ruler of the Nine Realms, and to lead the worlds into an era of peace and prosperity. But the brightest of lights casts the darkest of shadows, and in Baldr’s wake looms his younger twin brother, Hodr, who has already betrayed Asgard once before. This is a prequel short story to THE PROPHECIES OF RAGNAROK trilogy by Meri Benson and Marie Sinadjan, beginning years before and leading up to the events of Hotel Fen, and a retelling of the myths involving Baldr, a Norse god whose death is said to herald the coming of Ragnarok, the prophesied end of the worlds.

Exposed by Alex R Carver

Some secrets should remain hidden, exposing them can get you killed. Julian wants a normal life, the only trouble is, he isn't normal. When Adam and Harry come into the petrol station looking for trouble, though, their actions threaten to expose his secret, a secret that would make him a wanted man - wanted by lots of people, for lots of reasons. Now he has to leave behind the life he's been building and start over again, but before he does that, Adam and Harry must pay. This is a novella of approx 8,000 words