Issue #5 August 2019 - The Book Smuggler's Den

We live in a fantasy world, a world of illusion. The great task in life is to find reality. – Iris Murdoch

Drifting away into another realm, and escaping reality for a while, is always a welcome feeling in my mind. Fantasy novels and short stories are some of the most creative works available on the market. Authors who dare to write such a tough genre have a lot of courage. There are so many working parts to fantasy. Creating creatures of a whole new breed, defining worlds with different rules, and the names of the characters are always my favorite part.

Fantasy gives you the opportunity to explore modern-day problems and take it to a whole new level. The emotions behind these issues disappear as the reader now has to choose a side unknown to them. There is a hint of psychology behind these types of stories. Good always triumphs over evil, even if that means committing murder.

Authors who write fantasy illuminate the inner workings and desires of the mind. There are so many different ways to take a story; like swords and shields versus guns, or castles and palaces versus mansions. Above all, fantasy stories offer hope. There is nothing better than seeing a dragon or centaur rescue the main character in what seems like it is the end of their existence.

The real world is boring! Let’s dive into another world and read some of the best fantasy short stories from this month’s Book Smuggler’s Den contributors. Thanks again to all of you who submitted!