IFWG is excited to announce the global release of Cursed Shards: Tales of Dark Folklore, edited by Leanbh Pearson. “This has been a long journey for Pearson and the anthology’s contributors,” said Gerry Huntman, Managing Director of IFWG Publishing, “as there were a few delays to get to publication. Nevertheless, IFWG never lost sight of the quality of fiction by its contributors and, with the benefit of early pre-release give-aways/reviews, and selected pre-release sales, we are cognisant of the buzz that has been generated. We are proud of this themed anthology and we know it will sell well and be particularly embraced by lovers of reimagined fairytales and folklore.”
The striking cover is by Greg Chapman.
Be careful what you wish for…
We’ve all heard childhood fairy tales and hearthside stories passed from generation to generation warning us of unseen dangers lurking in the dark forest, the glimpse of a future in watery reflections and to be wary of objects and people offering impossible gifts. The Fae are ageless beings dwelling between light and shadow, stalking the moonlit nights and wielding powerful gifts and curses.
Welcome to Cursed Shards, a collection of dark fantasy stories inspired by folklore, legends, fairy tales and mythology. Ten authors spin ten different tales ranging from deserts, icy mountains and dark forests to legendary warriors to the mythical Fae. A realm where the landscape is as volatile as the rulers and an ancient cursed mirror, a once-powerful magical artefact created with blood magic was shattered before it could be used against the realm.
A cursed mirror broken but never destroyed. Ten shards remain: now disguised and repurposed into ordinary items that are traded, stolen, and sold between rulers, common folk and the Fae. Whenever a shard re-appears its curse influences the decisions of all who come within reach.
Table of Contents:
FOREWORD – Kirstyn McDermott
THE CURSED HUNT – Leanbh Pearson
TATTERMOG – Louise Pieper
THE WITHERED – Mendel Mire
THE PHANTOM QUEEN – K. B. Elijah
LADY MARIAN’S GAMBIT – Clare Rhoden
THE STRENGTH OF BONES – McKenzie Richardson
ONCE UPON AN AUTOMATON – Nikky Lee
THE WRAITH OF MURKDRES – Stephen Herczeg
CHILDREN OF THE WOODS – Amber M. Simpson
THE LADY OF STRANGENESSE – Leife Shallcross
Cursed Shards is now available from all quality print and ebook stores, online and bricks and mortar. NB: There will be a lag in print availability in Australia and New Zealand for the next few months.
IFWG Publishing 