Clarkesworld is a Hugo and World Fantasy Award-winning science fiction and fantasy magazine. Each month we bring you a mix of fiction, articles, interviews and art. Our September 2026 issue (#240) contains:Fiction* "Water-Eaters" by Beth Goder* "When Humans Are No Longer Born Human" by Zhu Yixuan* "To Walk This Distant Shore with You" by A.D. Sui* "And So I Open My Fists" by Rachel Sobel* "Fistful of Antimatter" by Rich Larson* "Count...

Previously published as MISSING.Excalibur is Missing. A Killer is on the Loose. One Reporter is Determined to Uncover the Truth.James has a nose for trouble. But that's nothing new.This time, things are different......his life is on the line.James is the chief editor of a small newspaper. It's hardly captivating work. He's bored. But all of that is about to change.Late one evening, he returns home to discover...

Micah is a small-town mechanic with a big-time dream. He’s found his soulmate in high school social studies teacher Coleman Pierce, but while Micah’s out and proud of it, Coleman’s closet door is closed, locked, and welded shut. Stolen nights are all they’ll ever have, unless Micah can find some way to convince Cole that coming out won’t be the end of his dreams.Cole moved to Blueridge Junction to escape his past. He planned to make himself a new life, far from home and the betraya...

Come to Blueridge Junction and meet the BJ Boys. Blueridge is a small town with BIG love between real men. This box set contains all three full-length novels.Fight for It - Micah is a small-town mechanic with a big-time dream. He’s found his soulmate in high school social studies teacher Coleman Pierce, but while Micah’s out and proud of it, Coleman’s closet door is closed, locked, and welded shut. Stolen nights are all they’ll ever have, unless Micah can find some way to convince ...

Tempting the man of the house is an accident, but the result is hotter than I ever imagined. It's our first movie night since I came home from college. I was laying on the sofa when I noticed how he was looking at me, where he was looking at me. I didn't mean to tempt him, but I'm very glad I did.

Army specialist Brody King is a successful and respected soldier. With only a year left in his commitment, he devises a plan to help him save money—a plan that requires him to marry.Nick Ferguson is working toward college graduation and his community services management career. With his lease about to expire, he’s more than willing to take Brody up on his crazy marriage scheme.A solution that seems quick and easy turns into more than either man anticipated. When Brody’s fea...

Jase Rafferty grew up hiding his sexual curiosities—until he meets Bryan Keating. Bryan’s sexuality is no secret, and being deployed overseas together allows the two men to forge a solid friendship. The sexual attraction is undeniable, but after one lust-filled week, they must go their separate ways.Several years pass before Jase finally accepts the desperate longing in his heart and body. But when fear and hatred threaten to tear them apart, Jase must make a tough decision, one he...

Despite the curve balls thrown at him throughout his childhood, Barrett Kenner is now a successful musician. The only thing missing is romance.Ivan Romanov killed a man to save his sister’s life. Although he’s served his time, Ivan’s past left him with baggage far heavier than the meager belongings he carries out of prison.Barrett clings to the memory of a fervent kiss, a kiss Ivan tries to pretend meant nothing. When the two men finally accept their feelings for each other...

I tricked my stepdad, but it turned into a treat. Coming home for the annual Halloween block party was a last minute decision. I didn't have a costume, so I raided Mom's box from Halloweens past. When my stepdad mistakes me for my mom I think it's funny, until he starts touching me, then I can't think at all. What will he do when I tell him, will he stop, or will he keep going?

Divan of Shams of Tabriz: By Rumi - In English and Farsi, Presented Side by Side brings readers into the passionate, mystical, and timeless world of Jalal al-Din Rumi, one of the most beloved poets of Persian literature.Inspired by Rumi's profound spiritual connection with Shams of Tabriz, the Divan of Shams is a remarkable collection of poetry exploring divine love, longing, transformation, self-discovery, separation, reunion, and the soul's search for th...

Divan of Shams of Tabriz: In English - By Rumi, Translated by Hojat Naghshejahan presents the timeless poetry of Jalal al-Din Rumi in an accessible English translation for modern readers.The Divan of Shams of Tabriz is one of Rumi's most celebrated works, inspired by his profound spiritual connection with Shams of Tabriz. In these passionate and mystical poems, Rumi explores love, longing, devotion, separation, union, spiritual awakening, and the soul's jo...

Cameron Lewis is left reeling when his perfect life—two beautiful children, an adoring husband, and a house on the lake—is ripped apart by loss.Kade Ramsey is living the American dream with a wife, two amazing children, and a comfortable job. But dreams are often only illusions, and Kade discovers his life isn’t all he thought it to be.Kade and Cam have been friends for years. When their lives begin to fall apart, they turn to each other for support. Is friendship all they ...