"An irresistible lineup of tales ... Satisfying twists and turns join with humor and deliciously vibrant descriptions to immerse readers in their compelling and eccentric worlds. ... A must-read for anyone craving layered and offbeat chills and thrills. A dazzling array of stories." — Kirkus Reviews (Starred review)
"A collection that refuses easy categorization ... spanning cosmic fantasy, noir mystery, and psychological horror. ... Balancing scale with intimacy is one of the collection's strengths, and Smith excels in character work. ... Takeaway: Diverse examinations of the opposing forces that propel humanity." — Booklife (Editor's Pick)
"Smith's impeccable third collection of short stories — chock-full of award-winning and award-nominated selections—contains a diversity of compelling speculative fiction tales ... a testament to Smith's mastery at crafting short stories. ... Aspiring short-form writers could well use this flawless collection as a primer ... sure to delight from the first story to the last." — Blueink Review (Starred Review)
"Smith always has an original take that elevates his stories above the regular cliches. ... Only a truly brilliant author can write something where the same reader can discover a new level or a new relevance when re-reading it at different point in their life. Guaranteed to take your mind off things while still saying something important about life, the world, and our place in it." —The Ottawa Review of Books
Take a trip to the edges of imagination in this stunning collection of short stories from the five-time award-winning author described by Library Journal as "one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction."
There's something here for every reader. Award winners and finalists. "Best of" selections. Science fiction and fantasy. Mystery and horror. Darkness and humor. Love and revenge.
· An immortal battles the Lords of Order and Chaos to save the woman he loves.
· A woman plans a very special homecoming for the body of her soldier husband.
· Strange radio broadcasts haunt a man trying to change the past.
· A shapeshifter confronts his own dark past as a covert agency hunts him.
· Bizarre deaths threaten a private eye's favorite restaurant.
· A woman makes an unexplained stopover on a transatlantic flight.
· Disaster strikes a space freighter when an unlucky newcomer joins the crew.
· The House promises wealth and fame...if it doesn't kill you first.
· A thief's attempt to lift a curse goes less than perfectly.
· A boy has a plan to find his missing brother—a deeply disturbing one.
· A new father questions his ability to love his disabled son.
· To win her freedom, a woman must simply prove she's human.
· A shapeshifter must overcome her hatred of humans to help a young girl.
· Four warriors set out to slay the last dragon.
· Two young lovers are hunted across dimensions and time.
Welcome to the Borderlanz.
About the Author
Douglas Smith is a five-time award-winning author described by Library Journal as "one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction."
His latest work is the multi-award-winning YA urban fantasy trilogy, The Dream Rider Saga (The Hollow Boys, The Crystal Key, and The Lost Expedition). His other books include the urban fantasy novel, The Wolf at the End of the World; the collections Borderlanz, Chimerascope, Impossibilia, and La Danse des Esprits (translated); and the writer's guide Playing the Short Game: How to Market & Sell Short Fiction.
Published in 28 languages, Doug is a 4-time winner of Canada's Aurora Award, most recently for The Hollow Boys, as well as the juried IAP Award for the same book. He's also been a finalist for the Astounding Award, CBC's Bookies Award, Canada's juried Sunburst Award, the juried Alberta Magazine Award for Fiction, and France's juried Prix Masterton and Prix Bob Morane.
His short fiction has appeared in the top markets in the field, including The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Amazing Stories, InterZone, Weird Tales, Baen's Universe, Escape Pod, On Spec, Cicada, The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror, and The Year's Best Canadian Fantasy & Science Fiction (vol.2).
Doug lives near Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
"The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don't give those up easy." —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
"A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice." —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
"His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think." —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
"Stories you can't forget, even years later." —Julie Czerneda, multi-award-winning author and editor
