Dark Fantasy Short Stories

In this set of four short stories, the perennial struggle to catch the bad guys gets the supernatural treatment. Like holding a murder trial in a twilight zone, anything can happen—but in the end, justice will be served. In “Judge and Jury,” a violent gang tries to make its own rules. But out West, a kangaroo court is the only law, and this time, there’s a ghost in attendance. He knows the truth about their terrible crimes, and he won’t stop until someone pays for it. Capital punishment gets a vengeful twist in “The Wheel,” as the victim’s family gets involved in choosing ...

A wide-ranging collection, these stories take readers on a journey through the wondrous and the worldly, the familiar and the fantastical. From vampires, fallen angels, and knights of lore, to lawyers, detectives, and school teachers, the characters walk with you, traversing the many and varied paths of the human psyche. Turn the pages, step forward onto the journey, leave behind your… Masks

Dame Armaelle Níallach, a battle-worn knight sworn to protect her sovereign, races through the moonlit forests, cradling an infant princess in her arms. Pursued by ruthless assassins, she seeks refuge in the ancient cemetery of Caer Mawnog, where stone statues of grieving widows and faceless wraiths stand as silent sentinels of forgotten tragedies. Wounded and desperate, Armaelle pleads with the old gods for help—only to find her prayers answered by something far older and more dangerous than she ever imagined. With its vivid world-building, rich in ancient lore and primal forces, the ...

Dreamy fantasy stories have actually been a trend. They’ve inspired millions. As opposed to the lengthy novels, these stories are short but cut to the chase in an instant. They light up the weird and the uncanny, the marvelous as well as the fantastic: All the things we know are going beyond the reasonable and instantly realistic - into looking-glass, beyond the songs of the impossibly haunting violin, with the twisted trees of the ancient timbers.

The sequel to the best-selling Zombie, Ohio, this explosive supernatural thriller from Scott Kenemore tells the story of three Chicagoans who have been thrown together by a bizarre, interconnected series of events during the first 24 hours of a zombie outbreak in the Midwest's largest city. A partnership is crafted between a pastor from Chicago's rough South Side, an intrepid newspaper reporter, and a young female musician, all of whom are fighting for survival as they struggle to protect themselves and their communities in a city overrun with the walking dead.

* Originally Shortlisted in a 2023 Writing Competition * From the author of Aevalorn Tales comes a fantasy story about loneliness and connection. Delve into a world where sunflowers bloom, plums ripen, and love is forged by two unlikely strangers. Far away, in the Hamlet of Hollowgarde, Harlan Springbrook is a peculiar, curmudgeonly halfling who prefers his own company. Eldewine Kettlebloom, a nurturing gardener, tries to draw him out by building a bridge of neighborly communication. Unfortunately, things go amiss, and she nearly kills him. Will Harlan—if not their relationship—survive?...

A prophecy has told Lord Kevar a boy with a magic sword and the aid of a wizard will bring about Kevar’s doom, but Kevar is not waiting. He sets out with his servant mage Ghee to thwart all parts of the prophecy, even seeking to end the source of all prophecies within his world. “The Prison of His Tyranny” is a fantasy tale of one dark lord’s mission to ultimately destroy the world of men, but can he succeed where so many others have failed? From the author of The Kobalos Trilogy and The Unwilling God Trilogy

From Juan Carlos Boíza López, acclaimed author of The Book of Toth, Sindone, and Taste of Earth, comes The Book of Reflections—a unique anthology featuring over thirty short stories that span thriller, drama, science fiction, and horror. But beyond genres, all these stories share a common goal: to use fantasy and fiction as a mirror—one that provokes, stirs emotions, and inspires reflection on the world we inhabit. Dare to step through the looking glass and immerse yourself in unsettling tales such as: An agoraphobic man trapped in a world that seems to have forgotten him. A future ...

Orson Scott Card, Kevin J. Anderson, and Larry Niven have seen the future. Now you can, too. A constellation of the brightest lights in the science fiction and fantasy firmament have judged these authors to be the best, the brightest, the truest emerging stars in the field.

Syngor, the monstrous octopus with tentacles like black serpents, haunted the high seas for centuries. Ships quivered as he emerged, wrapping vessels in a watery grip, leaving fear in his wake. Once a decade, citizens of Elysium Isle converge at the Calm Seas Serenade, offering one innocent maiden to appease the vengeful Syngor's hunger. Will the sea monster devour his sacrificial maiden, or will she tame the beast and become a legend on her own? If you love monster romance short stories that feature possessive monsters, innocent maidens, and insta-love, then buy now!

Listen to the latest issue of Savage Realms Monthly and fill up on stalwart heroes doing battle with the forces of evil in this epic collection of short sword and sorcery fiction. This month brings you an exciting crop of stories; Robert Price brings us a new Thongor tale, the talented Matthew X. Gomez delivers another swashbuckling adventure, and Richard L. Rubin is here with a new mercenary mission. Don't miss the latest issue of Savage Realms!

A Doomed Mission. A Sister’s Despair. A Warrior with Nothing Left to Fight For. Nightbreeze has spent centuries in battle, but war no longer holds meaning. Ready to take the great sleep, he returns home for one final farewell—only to find his sister, Starlily, preparing for her own end. A powerful mage, Starlily has given up hope of ever finding her soul mate. Seeking an escape, she joins an elite expedition to recover a lost sword—one hidden deep in the under realms, guarded by an ancient demon. The mission is suicidal, but she doesn’t care. But their powerful parents forbid her ...

Deep in the quiet town of Garibaldi, Oregon, lies a dark and mysterious secret. Zoey follows her heart from Idaho to the Oregon coast where she is drawn into a world filled with romance, mystery, and danger as she navigates the small coastal village plagued with ghosts, dark magic, murder, and even a dragon. Will Zoey find what she's been searching for, or will the evil lurking in the mists of Garibaldi consume her completely? Join Zoey and the other inhabitants of this tiny fishing village as they move through perilous challenges and uncover hidden truths. If you enjoy thrilling tales of ...

These stories present electric messiahs, identity constructs, the Beatles, and even a nuclear Armageddon, which serve as comic foils for Lain's everyman characters. Here is an America where packets of Sea Monkeys arrive in the mail containing secret messages, and the girl next door can breathe underwater. With Last Week's Apocalypse, Douglas Lain arrives with a punch line and a warning.

A volume of short stories by the best-selling author of The Broken Empire series, Mark Lawrence This is a collection of 14 stories of murder, mayhem, pathos, and philosophy, all set in the world of the Broken Empire. Within this audiobook, you will find tales of men such as Red Kent, Sir Makin, Rike, Burlow and the Nuban, telling of their origins and the events that forged them.

Fugitive Brides: A Steamy Monster Romance Series Run from the law. Fall into the arms of a monster. Four daring women are on the run—escaping kingdoms, curses, and corrupt justice. But freedom has a price… and love comes in the form of ruthless beasts, possessive kings, and otherworldly predators who would claim them as their own. ✨ Perfect for fans of monster romance, fated mates, and spicy short reads with fast-burn passion and fantasy stakes. ✨ Each standalone story blends romantic tension, wild chemistry, and brave heroines who meet their match in monstrous men. Included in this...

From the author of Aevalorn Tales comes a story about the woe of omniscience. Dundermutton is a magical ram who can perceive everything in the universe. Tired of his otherworldly obligations, he sleeps in to enjoy a holiday. Still, the universe isn’t having it—fate screams for his attention. Terror approaches! Opening his mind’s eye, Dundermutton witnesses an unfolding tragedy. Far away, Gammond Brandyford, a troublesome halfling of the Aevalorn Parishes, has stumbled upon a magical chalice capable of transforming water into wine. What could possibly go wrong? Ignoring the universe's ...

From the author of Aevalorn Tales comes a dark fantasy story about self-discovery. Lured by the promise of treasure, Gammond Brandyford, a halfling with a knack for trouble, takes Vongur, a dwarven companion whose soul is trapped within an amulet, to a sacred sanctuary hidden in the mountains. In all truthfulness, Vongur might be looking for a connection to his past, but Gammond only wants a quick buck. Still, at the sanctuary, Gammond must defeat its steadfast guardian to acquire the memories Vongur’s been searching for. Together, they confront a challenge that tests their courage and ...

From the author of Aevalorn Tales comes a story about the power of words, deception and subterfuge, and helping out an old friend. When esteemed emissary Ser Roham Baz falls victim to a mysterious curse that twists his words, it's up to his loyal friend, Joliver Barleywood, the clever Halfling Bard of the Aevalorn Parishes, to unravel the mystery. Joliver must use his cunning tongue to root out those who cursed Ser Roham, undo Roham’s affliction, and save the kingdom from falling into war. Set amid diplomatic negotiations fraught with tension and deceit, The Taunting Tongue weaves ...

From the author of Aevalorn Tales comes a story about remembering and commitment. When Benzie Fernbottom - an eager, helpful halfling innkeeper - learns that Elina Hogsbreath, the inn’s proprietor, will shut down her business for a day, Benzie becomes very concerned. Unable to accept her explanation, Benzie makes more than one very foolish decision and ends up witnessing more than he gambled for. With his and Elina’s lives on the line, can Benzie help save the inn and maybe learn something about unhealthy attachment along the way? Fans of Brandon Sanderson, Travis Baldree, and S. L. ...