Publisher: Perennial Press
Being trapped in the steaming h—l of Venus is no excuse for forgetting one's manners—but anyone abducted, marooned, tricked, kept from tea might well crack under the strain!
When the witches and wizards are away, the familiars will play! Gifted adventurers across time and space often travel with an animal familiar—usually a cat, but possibly other fuzzy, scaly, or prickly creatures. These magical companions lead their humans into mischief, help them out of sticky situations, or offer opinionated commentary along the way. We're familiar with familiars ... or are we? Compiled by New York Times bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson and award-winning editor Allyson Longueira—and their Publishing graduate students at Western Colorado University—Feisty Felines and Other Fantastical Familiars features 26 never-before-published short stories and poems crafted by Mercedes Lackey, Heather Graham, Jody Lynn Nye, John Hartness, Steve Rasnic Tem, and many others. You’ll love this collection kitty-littered with surprises at every turn. Some stories are whimsical, some are sad, some will tug at your heartstrings—and some will stay with you long after you close this book. From mischievous cats to cunning ravens, skittering spiders to—a cow?—these feisty familiars will take you on a magical trip to places even wizards don’t tread.Show book
Deep down you know that darkness has a tail. Stories and poems of malevolent and merciless merfolk from Mercedes Lackey, D. J. Butler, and others.Think deep. The deep of the sea, the deep of space, the deep of our souls, our fears . . . ourselves. Fear not the monsters under your bed—but the mermaids under your boat. Merciless Mermaids: Tails from the Deep features thirty original stories and poems by Mercedes Lackey, Rick Wilber, D.J. Butler, Gama Ray Martinez, Julia Vee, Ken Bebelle, and many others. From Japanese legends to mafia mermen, from carnival freaks to flying aces, from bayou legends to kraken-like behemoths, these tales explore the darker side of merfolk: desire, envy, love unfulfilled, grace ungranted, loneliness turned to rage . . . Can you see the shapes in the waters that watch you? Do you hear the lure of a siren’s call?Show book
Beyond the gates of heaven's last city, demons trade in human souls. One girl dares to enter their realm. One angel risks everything to help her. In the divine sanctuary of Celestiafall, Mary Conners watches helplessly as her younger brother George vanishes without a trace. Defying the celestial hierarchy, she embarks on a forbidden quest into demon-controlled territories. The warrior angel Ezekiel becomes her unexpected ally, guiding her through the treacherous Wildlands and into the corrupt city of Malevorthorn. Here, where innocence is currency and darkness reigns, they meet Mr. Creighton, a fallen angel whose mysterious agenda could either save or doom them all. As ancient prophecies begin to unfold, Mary discovers her brother's disappearance is part of a cosmic plot that threatens to unravel the very fabric of existence. Will she choose to save her brother or preserve the delicate balance between heaven and hell? This breathtaking adventure marks a stunning entry into the supernatural fantasy genre. If you're drawn to angelic warriors, cosmic conspiracies, and edge-of-your-seat action, you'll be spellbound by this extraordinary tale of love and sacrifice. Grab your copy of this celestial thriller and step into a world where divinity meets darkness.Show book
Rose and William Thorn have returned to his manor for a much-needed vacation from adventure but adventure comes knocking on their door. Literally. They are visited by three dragon shifters, the members of the council who have heard about their union and are making inquiries. However, Will senses they have an ulterior motive that spells trouble for his mate and him. That trouble involves an old foe who seeks revenge against Will and Rose for their first adventure together. To complicate matters, Rose discovers she’s pregnant. The rare occurrence draws the keen interest of the council members and lures more trouble to the manor. As the problems mount and Rose’s pregnancy distracts Will, they find themselves trapped in a corner of lies and deceit. They must discover a way out before they lose everything.Show book
Experience the end of the world as we know it in two classic novels from “one of science fiction’s most revered writers” (USA Today). Now in one volume: two post-apocalyptic adventures from the visionary mind of Grand Master of Science Fiction and Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author Poul Anderson. The Winter of the World A second Ice Age has destroyed civilization. From its ruins arises the powerful Rahidi empire, bent on seeking world domination and leaving devastation in its wake. But its invasion of the primitive Rogaviki may not go as planned, for at the head of their forces is the indomitable Donya of Hervar, a woman of courage and conviction who will not let her people perish without a fight . . . “An intriguing mystery about the Rogaviki people . . . Quite a worthwhile read. Certainly [Anderson] put a lot of thought into this novel and he’s achieved something worthwhile and exhilarating.” —SFReviews.net Twilight World After the nuclear holocaust of World War III, humanity has to rebuild in the midst of famine, savagery, and chaos. Residual radiation has resulted in an increasing rate of mutant births. But as the human race faces its own extinction, some of the so-called abnormal children may have just what it takes to survive . . . Praise for Science Fiction Grand Master Poul Anderson “Anderson has produced more milestones in contemporary science fiction and fantasy than any one man is entitled to.” —Stephen Donaldson “The great canvas of interstellar space comes alive under Anderson’s hand as it does under no other.” —Gordon R. Dickson “One of science fiction’s most influential and prolific writers.” —The Daily TelegraphShow book
“Readers bored with Tolkien-clone fantasies will be enthralled by the intricately detailed world and characters Anderson brings to life here.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review The Grand Master of Science Fiction delivers “a Dark Age saga based on Old Scandinavian mythology and the exploits of the legendary Danish King Hadding . . . A brilliantly accomplished yarn” (Kirkus Reviews). In a scheme arranged by the god Odin, Hadding is born to King Gram Skjoldung of Denmark but is sent to be raised by giants for his own safety. After his father is murdered, Hadding must claim his destiny. Prey to the follies of humans and gods, he rises to the challenges of war, fate, and love in a mythic adventure “episodic in character, gory in detail, fatalistic in atmosphere, and spiked with sinister, chthonic Norse magic” (Interzone). “War of the Gods struck me like a hammer-bolt out of the sky.” —Black Gate Praise for Poul Anderson “Anderson has produced more milestones in contemporary science fiction and fantasy than any one man is entitled to.” —Stephen Donaldson “One of science fiction’s most revered writers.” —USA Today “The great canvas of interstellar space comes alive under Anderson’s hand as it does under no other.” —Gordon R. Dickson “One of science fiction’s most influential and prolific writers.” —The Daily TelegraphShow book
