Here's a beautiful Japanese sci-fi piece by new contributor Russell Hemmell. The first story in Part II, our literary section. 'The Fireflies of Todaiji' by Russell Hemmell They strolled along Sinus Iridum’s walking area, luscious and green—the dome’s borders looming in the distance. Artificiality nonetheless, it’s an awesome place, Chandra thought. “Thanks for having me... Continue Reading →
Excerpt: ‘Jentayu’s Tear’ by Anna Tan
'Jentayu's Tear' is a wonderful story based on a Malaysian folktale. Enjoy! 'Jentayu's Tear' by Anna Tan The men screamed and pointed as he transformed back to his true form. His golden feathers blazed in the sun, his horn burning with pure fire; hot white, deep black, flickering blue. He spread his wings and took... Continue Reading →
Excerpt: ‘I Found Love in an Urn Full of Ashes’ by Joyce Chng
This Chinese demon-world story is just as exciting as the title! Written by the amazing Joyce Chng, who's stories have appeared now in all 4 Insignia Series anthologies. 'I Found Love in an Urn Full of Ashes' by Joyce Chng The entire cave kingdom gathered for the wedding ceremony. The bats escorted the foxes, the... Continue Reading →
Excerpt: ‘Four Claws’ by Allison Thai
'Four Claws' is the first story in Insignia: Asian Fantasy Stories. 'Four Claws' by Allison Thai Yifei had never left the palace before. Had no good reason to do so, until now. And she hadn’t the slightest clue where she was headed. All she knew was that she had to get as far away... Continue Reading →
The Smashwords Summer Sale is on!
Need more summer reading? Now's your chance to pick up any anthology from 'The Insignia Series' for just 99c! That's right, all 3 books are 50% off during the Smashwords Summer Sale, which runs until July 31st. Follow the link below to see 'The Insignia Series' books on Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/byseries/18403 ~~~~~
Excerpt: ‘Spirit of Regret’ by Eliza Chan
The final story in Insignia: Southeast Asian Fantasy is a moving Vietnamese piece by UK based author, Eliza Chan. 'Spirit of Regret' by Eliza Chan I had read the same line thirty times. No matter how I tried, I could not find meaning in the words. Sighing, I looked up and realised the street lights... Continue Reading →
Excerpt: ‘Never Seen’ by Kelly Matsuura
We have two Vietnamese themed stories in Insignia: Southeast Asian Fantasy. Here's an excerpt from my fantasy lit piece, 'Never Seen'. Never Seen by Kelly Matsuura Today is my turn. Cool ocean waves set a rhythm for the Trong Com drummers and temple singers. I walk along the shadowed beach; strips of colored sunset on... Continue Reading →
Excerpt: ‘Running from Shadows’ by Joyce Chng
Our second story from Singapore is by regular contributor, Joyce Chng! Her previous stories have been YA fantasy, but this one is definitely for the adult category this time around. 🙂 'Running from Shadows' by Joyce Chng Siri took her time climbing the stairs leading to the nightclub. She could hear the steady techno bass... Continue Reading →
Excerpt: ‘The Island’ by Melvin Yong
The first Singaporean story in Insignia: Southeast Asian Fantasy was written by Melvin Yong and explores the myth of the Singapore Stone. 'The Island' by Melvin Yong If I could have foreseen the unspeakable horror that was to come from the old family home, I would have run out of that decrepit building and never... Continue Reading →
Excerpt: ‘Interlude’ by Eve Shi
Next excerpt is for a story from Indonesian contributor, Eve Shi. It's a literary-style flash piece, based on an old Indonesian folktale. 'Interlude' by Eve Shi The largest lake in Sumatra came into being because of me. That isn't bragging, just plain fact. It was also the major, if dubious, accomplishment in my tediously... Continue Reading →