Magic PortalsMost people will never see one.Most will never even hear of one.Those few who dousually only getone chance to go through.Dare you step through?We've all dreamed of going someplace far, far away.Someplace magical. Here are seventeen tales of magical adventures to take you to those far away places.Featuring stories by Aaron Haden, Brenda Carre, Carol Hightshoe, Carolyn Kay, Claire Davon, Dana Bell, David Boop, Di...

**THE FIRST AGENT OF HEL NOVEL!“Jacqueline Carey proves her versatility with this compelling and delightful piece of urban fantasy.”—#1 New York Times Bestselling Author Charlaine Harris**The Midwestern resort town of Pemkowet boasts a diverse population: eccentric locals, wealthy summer people, and tourists by the busload—not to mention fairies, sprites, vampires, naiads, ogres, and a whole host of eldritch folk, presided over by Hel, a reclusive Norse goddess.

Featuring short stories from Jim Butcher, Seanan McGuire, Kevin J. Anderson, and Rob Thurman, this dark and gritty “must-read anthology for UF fans”(RT Book Reviews) proves that nothing is as simple as black and white, light and dark, good and evil...In #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher’s Cold Case, Molly Carpenter—Harry Dresden’s apprentice-turned-Winter Lady—must collect a tribute from a remote Fae colony and discovers th...

The first three volumes of The Best Horror of the Year have been widely praised for their quality, variety, and comprehensiveness.With tales from Laird Barron, Stephen King, John Langan, Peter Straub, and many others, and featuring Datlow’s comprehensive overview of the year in horror, now, more than ever, The Best Horror of the Year provides the petrifying horror fiction readers have come to expect—and enjoy.

Werewolves rule the night in urban fantasy, but everyone knows there are other were-creatures out there just as dangerous and deadly, if not as common, each with their own issues as they struggle to fit into—or prey upon—society. What about the were-goats? The were-crows and were-wasps?Here are seventeen stories of urban fantasy by today’s leading science fiction and fantasy authors that introduce you to some of those other were-creatures, the ones hiding in the dark background sha...

The darkness creeps upon us and we shudder, or it suddenly startles and we scream. There need be no monsters for us to be terrified in the dark, but if there are, they are just as often human and supernatural. Join us in this outstanding annual exploration of the year's best dark fiction that includes stories of quiet fear, the utterly fantastic, the weirdly surreal, atmospheric noir, mysterious hauntings, seductive nightmares, and frighteningly plausible futures. Featuring thirty-five tal...

For over three decades, Ellen Datlow has been at the center of horror. Bringing you the most frightening and terrifying stories, Datlow always has her finger on the pulse of what horror readers crave. Now, with the eighth volume of the series, Datlow is back again to bring you the stories that will keep you up at night.Encompassed in the pages of The Best Horror of the Year have been such illustrious writers as:Neil GaimanKim Stanley RobinsonStephen King...

Bright lights, big city . . . magic spells, witchcraft, wizardry, fairies, devilry, and more. Urban living, at least in fantasy fiction, is full of both magical wonder and dark enchantment. Street kids may have supernatural beings to protect them or have such powers themselves. Brujeria may be part of your way of life. Crimes can be caused (and solved) with occult arts and even a losing sports team's "curse" can be lifted with wizardry. And be careful of what cab you call—it might take you...

Paranormal romance was never going to be content with just vampires and werewolves - and the fantastic stories within this collection lay claim to much, much more.Here you will find well-loved, bestselling authors writing under pseudonyms, fresh stars, and steadfast favourites, together offering an assorted feast of mythical beasts, magical creatures of all shapes and sizes, heart-stoppingly handsome ghosts, angels and mortals with extra-sensitive sensory perception play out the th...

The fourth volume of the annual Unidentified Funny Objects series features the theme of dark humor.What happens when you ask some of the genre's masters to interpret this theme? The enclosed twenty-three darkly humorous tales range from black comedy to biting satire to morbid irony and everything in between.Inside this book you'll find Faustian bargains gone awry, time-traveling ghosts, flawed supervillains, talking hamsters, and much more.Featuring stories by:

"Nobody thrills like Nicholson does. Nobody." - J.A. Konrath, THE LISTBAD STACKS is the complete text of three story collections covering suspense, psychological mystery, and paranormal tales. A total of 29 stories originally published in professional magazines and anthologies such as Writers of the Future, The Third Alternative, Cemetery Dance, Crimewave, and more. The box set of 118,000 words also includes a bonus essay.Scott Nicholson is the international bestselling aut...

A hunted outlaw and her smart fox. A valkyrie and her dragon shifter. Mermaids, werewolves, and a "zombie" with her...pug. In this collection, you'll find 10 "tails" about kickass heroines and their beastly sidekicks--stories about power, love, and loyalty.All proceeds of this collection will be donated to the Animal Welfare Institute, an A+ charity (Charity Watch), dedicated to reducing animal suffering. Learn more at: awionline.org/Scroll up to one-click your copy...