Epic Fantasy Short

Seventeen-year-old mage apprentice Rielle accompanies her master, Leigh, on a mission to save a viscount from a town under mercenary control. But mercenaries aren't the only newcomers to town. When the mission goes awry, Rielle must choose whether to follow her orders or her conscience.

Such a long life of killing has left plenty of dangerous enemies in its wake. An ancient witch coven, a jealous assassin, and even a demon lord all have old scores to settle. With one last contract to fulfill, Yrlissa hopes to be free from her past and her guild forever so she can disappear with her husband and young daughter. But the past doesn't forget so easily, and neither will a betrayed guild of magical assassins. Yrlissa's only concern is to keep her new family safe, but with enemies closing in on all sides, will they become a distraction she cannot afford?

Far from the kingdom of Torvald, on the Western Isles near the coast, sea dragons rule the skies. Lila is the daughter of the Raider leader, destined to take his place one day aboard their plundering ships. Her people value only what trinkets they can get their hands on, but she aspires to much more than that: Lila wants the Raiders to become Dragon Mercenaries, dragon riders who help protect merchant fleets and navies from attack. Her father Kasian is skeptical, but a young monk named Danu comes bearing a prophecy claiming that Lila is the lost heir of Roskilde, a born Dragon Rider.

Venir didn't choose to be the defender of this unforgiving world full of bloodthirsty, magic-wielding underlings set on world domination. The helm of power and his waraxe called Brool chose him. And there's no turning back. With enemies closing in from all directions, Venir, his thief friend, Melegal, and their companions must battle through an endless cycle of backstabbing royals, bloody skirmishes, and waves of lies and deceit. Or see their home descend into total chaos and devastation.

Thanquil Darkheart is a witch hunter for the Inquisition, on a holy crusade to rid the world of heresy. He’s also something else...expendable. When the God Emperor gives Thanquil an impossible task, he knows he has no choice but to venture deep into the Wilds to hunt down a fallen Inquisitor.

Fred the Mermaid has taken the bait and chosen to date Artur, Prince of the Black Sea, over human marine biologist Thomas. And just in time. The existence of the Undersea Folk is no longer a secret, and someone needs to keep them from floundering in the media spotlight. Fred has all the right skills for that job, but has a hard time when her real father surfaces and tries to overthrow Artur's regime.

Journey to the world of the Queen’s Thief in this beautifully illustrated collection, featuring bestselling and award-winning author Megan Whalen Turner’s charismatic and incorrigible thief, Eugenides. Discover and rediscover friends old and new, and explore the inspiration behind Megan Whalen Turner’s rich and original world. A stunning and collectible volume to return to again and again.

"A Song For Sadye" offers new insights into the life of the bard, Sadye, who plays an important role in the second half of the DemonWars Saga. "The Education of Brother Thaddius" picks up the DemonWars story immediately following Immortalis, the last book of DemonWars, and opens to door for the next saga in the world of Corona.

Ten years ago, deep within a rift, a choice was granted. Defeat the Demon King and end the apocalypse. Or take his power for themselves and keep the rifts open. Sloan chose an ending. His party turned against him. They killed him. They split his legacy and belongings amongst themselves. They hid the truth. They profited. Those heroes who betrayed the world. Now he’s back. Reborn. Reincarnated in a world where the system is life.

Bradley receives a second chance on a steampunk planet where the wondrous sights captivate, the gizmos fascinate, and it is all possible with steam. Attempting the wilds, Bradley experiences a dash of heart-pumping adventure that unlocks new opportunities and brings unwanted problems. With proper application, a bit of wit, and a dash of luck, he might achieve greatness.

As Captains of the Haven City Guard, Hawk and Fisher deliver justice, root out corruption, and fight crime with a deadly combination of sharp steel and even sharper instincts. But it isn't easy. A volatile mix of natural and supernatural violence, Haven is a terrible place to be after dark . . . and not much better during daylight. Guards of Haven collects books #4 through #6 of New York Times bestselling author Simon R. Green's beloved Hawk & Fisher series: Wolf in the Fold, Guard Against Dishonor, and The Bones of Haven.

A martial artist falls from a cliff to his death. A rival stands, triumphant above. The beginning of an all too familiar story. Yet, in the time of recuperation and return, time passes and sometimes, the transformation that occurs is not the one you expect. This is a 4,500-word short story set in the A Thousand Li universe featuring as yet to be seen characters in the universe. Does not need to be listened to to follow the main series.

Return to the Alveria Akademy in an all-new dragon fantasy adventure! Includes the three books: Dragon Untameable, Dragon Gods, and Dragon Family.

Eist has recovered from her last brush with death, and Fior is finally learning to fly. Everything should be peachy now, right? Unfortunately, the forces of evil are growing stronger, and there may be nothing standing in their way. Can Eist and her friends stop everything the Blight plans to unleash, or is their world doomed to fall into darkness?

Justan knew what he wanted. He was to join the Dremaldrian Battle Academy and become one of the greatest fighters in the known lands, but nothing is going his way. He is forced to train with a strange warrior woman, and after an ancient elemental marks his chest with a frost-covered scar, magic seems to be determining his fate. His future will be determined at the mage school, where his strange talents can be explored.

Everson is mentally gifted, and yet, he feels broken. Cursed with non-functional legs, he dreams of nothing more than being useful. His sister, Quinn, is brave, relentless, and will do anything to protect him, so when Everson is sent to a school of magic and invention, Quinn joins a military academy to remain near him. Danger lurks within the fabled institutions. Quinn becomes embroiled in a struggle she doesn't understand, one with dire consequences as her training shifts from difficult to deadly. Her determination might help her survive. If she only knew whom she could trust.

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!

Noblewoman and cultivator Li Yao is called to a small village to investigate a mysterious illness that has drained residents of their chi. Accompanying her are her suitors, Xiang An and Shen Wei, both more trouble than they're worth in Li Yao's eyes. Perhaps not all is as it seems.

Here is Old Man's War author John Scalzi's sendup of the heroic fantasy genre, now a finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Short Story.

Draw your blade. Fasten your armor. Prepare for war. The Unsheathed collection brings to life nine powerhouse tales of epic fantasy filled with daring duels, gruesome slaughter, and the ringing cacophony of battle.