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Surrender
Surrender, the first book in S.C. Eston’s The Baneseeker Chronicles plunges the reader into a hauntingly atmospheric dark fantasy. The story follows Lyna, a troubled elf with the power to manipulate time, as she confronts her personal demons while navigating the cursed Territories of Sij. Lyna’s journey, fueled by regret and self-doubt, intertwines with her mission to destroy a malevolent artifact known as a bane core. The narrative balances introspection with bursts of action, making it both a deeply personal and harrowing epic.
One of the strongest points is its vivid, almost oppressive atmosphere. From the moment Lyna steps into Tanasu, a decaying village on the edge of the cursed Territories, the tension is palpable. Eston’s descriptions of Sij—with its dying trees, shadowy wraiths, and spectral lights—are chilling and immersive. I found myself gripping the book tightly during Lyna’s encounters with the ghostly apparitions, especially when she confronts the wraith’s eerie hunger for sacrifices. The writing here is evocative, almost cinematic, and it’s impossible not to feel as though you’re walking alongside Lyna through the gloom.
The novel does have a tendency to linger in Lyna’s inner turmoil, which I feel occasionally slows the pacing. Her frequent reflections on her painful past—including abandonment, addiction to her time-bending powers, and guilt over past sacrifices—are raw and impactful. Lyna herself is a compelling protagonist. She’s flawed, weary, and at times unlikable, which makes her relatable and refreshingly human (despite being an elf). Her interactions with others, such as the boy Danor, reveal glimpses of her buried compassion and add layers to her character. The bane core’s ominous presence adds external pressure to her internal struggles, creating a dynamic push and pull that keeps the reader engaged.
The book’s exploration of addiction—manifested through Lyna’s compulsive need to use her time-manipulating ability—is handled with sensitivity and depth. It’s rare to see such a nuanced depiction of dependence in fantasy. Lyna’s powers, which initially seem like a gift, are revealed to be a consuming burden. Her moments of relapse and the physical toll they take are written with brutal honesty.
Surrender leaves a lasting impression. Its grim tone and thought-provoking themes make it ideal for fans of dark fantasy who appreciate morally complex characters and richly detailed settings. Readers of Andrzej Sapkowski or R. A. Salvatore will feel at home here. While it’s not a light read—and the pacing might challenge those who prefer more action-driven narratives—the emotional depth and haunting atmosphere make it worthwhile. I’d recommend Surrender to anyone looking for a fantasy story that delves into the shadowy corners of the human (or elven) spirit.
Pages: 221 | ASIN : B0DJTWZBVM
Twists and Turns
Once Upon a Time Machine is a dazzling anthology of short stories that traverse genres, from time travel to alien encounters, with themes ranging from heartbreak to whimsical absurdity. What was the inspiration for this collection of short stories?
I am inspired by everyday life. Is there anything more absurd than that? Some of my ideas come directly from weird news stories, while others are just continuations of something that happened to me during the day. For example, in the story “The Mystical Rock,” Annie trips on a rock and it changes her luck. That story was hatched the day I tripped on a mangled coat hanger and felt lucky not to be injured.
What draws you to the genre of speculative fiction and makes it ripe for you to write such great short stories in it?
When I was seven years old, I watched my first episode of Star Trek and was immediately hooked on science fiction. I was fascinated by the idea of time travel, aliens, and visiting different worlds. I then began watching The Twilight Zone and was mesmerized by the brilliant stories, and excited by all the twists and turns each episode would take. When I began to write, it felt only natural to write about the things I loved.
What story in the collection did you have the most fun writing?
This is a very hard question. It’s almost like asking which one of my children I have the most fun with. Truthfully, I had fun writing all of the stories, even the serious ones. Two of my quirkier stories, “The Pet from Outer Space” and “Necessary Exclusion” were particularly fun because I actually laughed out loud as I was writing them.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in that collection?
Not a series, but there will be a new collection of short stories entitled Twice Upon a Time Machine, which I hope to get started on early in the next year.
Author Links: X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
Once Upon a Time Machine is a journey through the eerie and enchanting, where ghosts linger, aliens visit, and time itself is a plaything. A collection of speculative fiction shorts from author Peggy Gerber, each page is an invitation to step into a world where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary. Prepare to be enchanted, unsettled, and thoroughly entertained…because we could all use a little magic in our lives.
It Started with a 1968 Impala
Automobilia is an anthology of short stories and poems that use automobiles as a central motif to explore a tapestry of human experiences. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the book?
I’ve loved automobiles since the day my father bought a new 1968 Impala from a dealer and drove it home. I was seven years old. He pulled into the driveway with the shiny, big car and it was a huge moment of excitement for the family. I still have that car today. In my early years of writing–when I was learning how to write a good story or poem–I had experiences related to automobiles that made me write about them. One was a poem I wrote about a high school acquaintance who was killed in an automobile crash just a few years after our graduation. A few years later I had a dream about someone killed by an automobile. And then I read a poem in a copy of Modern Maturity magazine that featured a writer’s memory of being a boy riding in the backseat of the family car, watching the moon following along on the ride. Those three things made me think that assembling an anthology of stories (and poems) by others featuring the automobile might be a cool idea that some readers might enjoy.
What were some goals you set for yourself as the editor of this book?
I wanted to assemble a collection of stories featuring automobiles as an integral part of the plot from famous or established authors like Matheson, Finney, and Nolan, along with newer writers. I also included some poems because the first professional sales I made as a new writer were poems to a couple science fiction and horror magazines. Stories from all genres were welcome in the anthology — from mainstream to science fiction to ghost stories — since the automobile is such an influential technology on the planet. Just about every perspective for a possible story can be connected to an automobile.
What was the process you used to collect the stories and poems for this collection and then narrow them down?
First, I set about looking for stories from known writers I might be able to buy reprint rights from. Each of those authors–or their agents for those no longer living–were very accommodating. I cannot thank them enough. Then I issue a call-for-submissions to the major writer’s markets listed on the internet, like Duotrope. I believe in paying writers (since I’m a writer too) a fair wage for their work. So, I offered the Science Fiction Writers Association per-word minimum at the time, which was eight cents per word and a dollar a line for poems.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the next anthology take readers?
Thank you for that good hope! There were so many GOOD stories featuring automobiles I could not get the rights to or include in a single volume I plan to publish two more anthologies featuring autos to make a trilogy. Right now, however, I already have a call for submissions out for the next two thematic anthologies. One is ALIENS AMONG US and the other is TRAIN TALES. I’m open for submissions for those until November 30, 2024. I’m paying a little more this time: 10 cents per word and $2 per line for poems. Publication for both books is planned for the first quarter of 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
41 stories • 9 poemsSince the first automobiles rolled down a street, the range of human emotions attached to these machines has run from love to hate, humor to horror, joy to sadness. This book is a sampling of how fiction writers have viewed the automobile, from yesteryear to tomorrow.
Famous writers, experienced story tellers, and new literary voices are mixed together between these covers.
Automobilia is the first in a trilogy of stories and poems featuring that one machine that has changed the face of the earth, for the good and for the bad…the automobile.
Authors include: Jack Finney, George Clayton Johnson, Richard Christian Matheson, Richard Matheson, J. P. Seewald, Bruce Boston, Marge Simon, Kevin David Anderson, Katherine Tomlinson, James S. Dorr, William F. Nolan, Dean Wild, Sarah Key, Robbie Sheerin, and J.R. Hayslett, among many others.
Automobilia
Automobilia, compiled and edited by Jason J. Marchi and Jeffery L. Buford Jr, is an intriguing anthology that interweaves short stories and poems, using automobiles as a central motif to explore a tapestry of human experiences. This collection skillfully spans multiple genres, including thriller, drama, and horror, providing a varied literary landscape.
In this anthology, vehicles are not merely background elements but pivotal to the narrative structure. For instance, “Duel” is a gripping tale where protagonist Mann faces off against a relentless truck driver in a high-stakes road chase to San Francisco. “Passages” delves into the poignant story of Beth, grappling with the loss of her boyfriend Rick and his Mustang in a tragic accident. Meanwhile, “Homeless” introduces us to Max, whose late-night walk leads to an unexpected encounter at an accident site.
The stories in Automobilia are characterized by their exploration of themes such as loss, grief, resilience, redemption, courage, and the bonds of friendship. Each narrative offers a unique perspective on life’s complexities, enhancing the reader’s appreciation of the human condition. A standout feature of these stories is their unpredictability, which injects a sense of excitement and keeps the reader engaged. The use of automobiles as a unifying theme is not only original but demonstrates remarkable creativity. The stories are crafted with skill, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and a flair for capturing the reader’s imagination. While the anthology presents a rich variety of stories, a broader cultural context in some narratives could have offered an even more diverse and enriching experience. The writing throughout is concise and compelling, making each story a satisfying read.
Automobilia contains mature themes and hence, is more suitable for an adult audience. Readers who appreciate an inventive approach to storytelling and the exploration of human emotions and experiences will find this book particularly engaging.
Pages: 299 | ASIN : B0CVPZY4QV
The Curse of Balar
The Curse of Balar by Marcel M. du Plessis is a notable addition to the horror genre. It presents a series of interconnected stories that delve into the supernatural and the human psyche. The book commences with “The Sharpest Shadows,” a tale laced with tragedy and retribution. The murder of a young woman leads to a chilling sequence of vengeful events. This story sets the tone for the book, blending the eerie and the grotesque with a poignant examination of guilt.
In another gripping narrative, “The Beast of Scaffold Hill,” du Plessis crafts a vivid depiction of the decaying town of Balar, a setting that becomes a character in its own right. The story’s protagonists, Cutter and Scratch, are grave robbers whose grisly profession leads them into a spiral of supernatural encounters. The tension escalates as Cutter, haunted by memories of his abusive father, confronts both the literal and metaphorical ghosts of his past. du Plessis excels in creating an atmosphere that is both foreboding and immersive. The book’s setting, with its dark woods, ominous church, and ruined castle, plays a crucial role in heightening the sense of dread. The stories, while rooted in the supernatural, offer a profound exploration of themes like the consequences of one’s actions, guilt, and supernatural justice. Through characters like Cutter, du Plessis explores the complex interplay of past trauma and present horrors. While the book’s supernatural elements are compelling, it is the human element – the exploration of characters’ moral dilemmas and their struggles with guilt and punishment – that resonates most deeply.
The Curse of Balar is a spine-tingling horror recommendation that is sure to send shivers down your spine. This captivating tale not only scares but also delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring the darker aspects of the human condition. With its thought-provoking narrative and expertly crafted plot, this collection of short stories is a must-read for any fan of horror.
Pages: 349 | ASIN : B0C99HBPTY
LITERARY TITAN 