Following the success of All These Shiny Worlds and All These Shiny Worlds II, anthologies showcasing some of the best independent fantasy and science-fiction short stories, Jefferson Smith is compiling a third volume. Unlike the previous two, which were nomination-only, this one will be open to all subscribers to his Liar's Hearth Newsletter. Further details … Continue reading Submission Call: All These Shiny Worlds III
Feener merges the traditional myths of the fairy tithe to hell and the power of a willing sacrifice, providing a fresh and plausible reason for that competition between teenagers which defines one subgenre of young adult fiction. One of Arden Archer’s ancestors was cursed to see the Unseelie; a curse that has travelled down through … Continue reading Tithe by Chani Lynn Feener
While binaries are almost never true, there is a common division in fiction critique between literature (seen as worthy) and genre (seen as second-rate)—or, to reverse it, between literature (seen as pretentious tedium) and genre (seen as genuine entertainment). Many of those who fall into the second perspective go further, claiming that—rather than a division … Continue reading Literature Lacks Character
Elizabeth shrinks the post-apocalyptic settlement trope down almost to a single family, starkly portraying how close the edge of human control becomes without ubiquitous civilisation. One moment, Zara is wondering whether her uncle will turn his music down enough that she can revise and what the searing flash outside the kitchen window is. The next … Continue reading Bunker Boy by Jordan Elizabeth
As I mentioned last week, my story "Shoulders of Giants" appears in the newly available Impossible Hope anthology. Last night several of the contributors recorded a hangout to discuss inspirations. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it but there's plenty of interesting insight into other people's contributions: https://youtu.be/H_Yz6QQ-MP4 For those interested in my inspirations, I posted an … Continue reading Impossible Hangout
Cox continues to blend classic horror tropes, the issues common to teenagers, and unique perspectives, creating another young-adult vampire tale that will appeal to readers of all ages and on many levels. This novel is the third in Cox’s Vampire Innocent series. Spoilers might lurk ahead. With the mood swings her transformation brought fading, her … Continue reading The Artist of Ruin by Matthew S. Cox
The newly published Impossible Hope anthology, includes my short story "Shoulders of Giants" along with nineteen others in a variety of genres. And the proceeds go to a good cause. The anthology will be available via Amazon later in the year, but everyone who donates to this GoFundMe can get a copy straight away. What … Continue reading Charity Anthology: Impossible Hope
Davis mixes real historical attitudes and events with Nazi super-science to create a war story that is driven more by character than flashy effects. Adok is one of many non-German children believed to be of superior Aryan stock taken by the Nazis to build the next generation. But, rather than being adopted by a “pure” … Continue reading The Lebensborn Experiment, Book I by Joyce Yvette Davis
Earlier today a scholar of cosmicism, one of we few who strive to see the world without the comfortable lies so warning of true threats might be given, proposed the laggard and insipid action on climate change was the result of a secret war against the Deep Ones. While none but a fool would suggest … Continue reading Toxic Politics
Cox skilfully balances the extremism inherent in both vampires and teenagers with the unique complexity of every person, creating young adult urban fantasy with both passion and depth. This novel is the second in Cox’s Vampire Innocent series. Spoilers might lurk ahead. With a whole fortnight of being a vampire under her belt, Sarah Wright … Continue reading A Beginner’s Guide to Fangs by Matthew S. Cox
