Stars in the Darkness is a collection of stories about why being just matters, and what the ramifications are for individuals, groups, towns, countries, or even worlds if justice is not expected, encouraged, or enforced. The stories cover a wide range, from historical fiction to fantasy to alternate realities. Every tale, whether set in ancient Egypt, in a future where only the rich can afford to increase their children’s intelligence through genetic engineering, or about a man turned into a zombie by accident, sends a message about what matters. These stories show bravery, compassion, courage—and consequences.

And the wide variety of stories presented in this latest volume of Fiction River make that case. Of the fifteen powerful stories in this volume, some will twist your heart, others will pound you in the gut, and still others will make you feel like the world has meaning. From a man avenging a wrongful conviction, to heroic women fighting to reclaim their homeland, to kids trying to find justice in the chaotic world of adults, this volume will prove one you won’t soon forget.

Humans prove great fodder for fiction. But what about the universe of possibilities offered by the nonhuman protagonist? The eighteen daring humans of Fiction River’s latest volume explore just that.

Twenty-three authors ride with Mercedes Lackey to her magical land of Valdemar, adding their own unique voices to the Heralds, Bards, Healers, and other heroes of this beloved fantasy realm.

From a reluctant warrior fighting a battle in her own backyard, to a man coming to terms with the racial inequality of his youth, to a romance blooming out of adversity, Readers’ Choice offers up favorite stories from the first four years of Fiction River. Spanning genre lines from historical mystery to science fiction to Regency romance, this volume proves why Adventures Fantastic says: “[Fiction River] is one of the best and most exciting publications in the field today.”

What if magic were right in front of you every day, but hidden from your sight?

For all you know, it is.

Maybe the reason you love the tasty creations from the nearby chocolate shop is that one of the ingredients is magic.

Perhaps some of the dreadlocks of the beautiful young girl you saw at the grocery store are snakes, not hair.

The woman you just passed on the street appeared to be on her cell phone, but she might really be speaking with a ghost.

How do you know for sure?

Witches. Ghosts. Faeries. Monsters. Magic ...

Enter twenty different worlds, each with a different flavor of magic.

Expect the unexpected in this latest volume of Fiction River Presents. Be it a twist you won’t see coming, an unusual character voice, or a surprising elicitation of emotion, these wonderful stories will catch you off guard and keep you hooked. From some unique retellings of classic tales to some not-so-typical detectives to expressions of love and heroism from the most unlikely of misfits, these ten stories eloquently demonstrate why Astro Guys calls the Fiction River series “a wonderful mind-expanding read.” Table of Contents “Generations” by Steve Perry “Case Cracked” by Joe Cron “Role Model” by Kevin J. Anderson “Finally Family” by Ray Vukcevich “Time, Expressed as an Entrée” by Robert T. Jeschonek “One-Night Stands for Love and Glory” by David H. Hendrickson “Earth Day” by Kristine Kathryn Rusch “Jelly’s Heroes” by Louisa Swann “Nice Timestream Youse Got Here” by Lee Allred “In the Play of Frigid Women” by Dean Wesley Smith “[Fiction River] is one of the best and most exciting publications in the field today. Check out an issue and see why I say that.” —Keith West, Adventures Fantastic

The end of the world might come in many forms: ecological disaster, alien invasion, cosmic chaos…the possibilities for destruction seem endless. So, how will those facing the end of the world deal with impending doom? The fourteen talented authors of Fiction River’s latest volume explore just that. From an intrepid adventurer fleeing a world-destroying terror to a man who discovers the most savage destroyers of civilization are closer than he thought, to a chilling tale of our whole planet hurled into the icy black reaches of space, these gripping stories demonstrate why Astro Guyz calls Fiction River “a wonderful, mind-expanding read.”

Eighteen authors join Mercedes Lackey, adding their own unique voices to the Heralds, Bards, and Healers of Valdemar.

Eleven skilled authors explore science fiction’s military dimension as this latest volume of Fiction River celebrates the bravery and courage beating within the human heart.