Grimdark Magazine 10th anniversary issue tops Amazon charts, Unavowed anthology funded in under an hour

As a longtime reader and supporter of independent and self-published works, I can confidently say that the current state of indie sci-fi and fantasy is nothing short of exhilarating! The rapid success of Sean Speakman’s Grim Oak Press’s latest anthology, Unavowed, is a testament to the passion and talent within this community.

There’s a lot of buzz in the science fiction and fantasy literature scene, particularly in the realm of anthologies, where several captivating projects are receiving overwhelming reader support. On October 1st, the long-standing genre publication Grimdark Magazine unveiled its 40th issue, which is particularly notable as it also marks their 10th anniversary. Grimdark Magazine is generally a reliable read, but this special edition boasts an astonishing roster of authors who have contributed stories, essays, or other work to it.

Instead of just trusting me, check out Grimdark Magazine Issue #40. It showcases short fiction from authors like Mark Lawrence, Wendy Nikel, Angela Slatter, Ben Galley, Aaron Dries, Christopher Buehlman, Andrea Stewart, Cat Rambo, Anna Smith Spark, and a new short story from Scott Lynch (you’ll find the second part in the January 2025 issue). As for essays and interviews, we have contributors such as Krystle Matar, Shauna Lawless, Graham McNeill, Richard Swan, Essa Hansen, and Aaron S. Jones. We also review some highly anticipated fantasy books like “The Fury of the Gods” by John Gwynne and “The Devils” by Joe Abercrombie. And don’t forget, Grimdark Magazine editor Beth Tabler interviews J. Michael Straczynski, the creator of Babylon 5, and the man behind Harlan Ellison’s posthumous final anthology, “The Last Dangerous Visions”.

In this edition, you’ll find a captivating short story by Mark Lawrence Jorg, which marks the debut of characters from Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastards series. This issue is jam-packed with not just one, but ten such short stories! Additionally, it offers three insightful articles, three interviews, and two comprehensive book reviews. If you’re a fan of engaging content, this issue is definitely worth checking out. You can get your copy right here: [Link to the issue]
— Grimdark Magazine (@Grimdark_Mag) October 1, 2024

Absolutely, when I refer to something being stacked, I mean it’s packed with quality. Notably, as of this morning, the 10th anniversary issue of Grimdark Magazine has claimed the top spot on Amazon’s new release chart for science fiction and fantasy anthologies. Despite slipping to third place, its performance is nothing short of remarkable, standing tall amidst tough competition such as a fresh collection of stories from Naomi Novik, author of Temeraire. I wouldn’t be shocked if it regains its leading position soon.

You can grab Grimdark Magazine Issue #40 right now from Amazon and our official website! Priced at just $3.99 for the ebook version, it’s a fantastic bargain. And if you’re enrolled in Kindle Unlimited, you can access it there as well!

In just an hour, I’ll have secured funding for my hidden collection, titled “Anthology Unveiled,” which features my new short story, “The Storm.” This is the opening tale of my upcoming series, “Cycle Chronicles,” a sequel to the Riyria Revelations set of books.
— Michael J. Sullivan (@author_sullivan) October 3, 2024

Grim Oak Press Unavowed anthology raises $50k in under an hour on Kickstarter

Apart from the current buzz surrounding the special issue of Grimdark Magazine, another indie anthology project is generating a lot of excitement lately. Yesterday, a crowdfunding campaign was launched for Unavowed, an upcoming anthology published by Sean Speakman’s Grim Oak Press. Speakman has gathered 22 independent and self-published science fiction and fantasy authors for this anthology, and the table of contents reads like a list of notable figures in the genre. Given the reputation of these authors, it’s no wonder that Unavowed reached its funding goal so quickly. However, the rapidity at which it did so was still remarkable. The crowdfunding campaign surpassed its $50,000 target within an hour. As I write this article, it has already collected over $105,000 after just a day. (I’ve had to update the amount three times due to the continuous influx of backers!)

Speakman established Grim Oak Press in 2011, earning a strong reputation for top-tier anthologies featuring impressive lineups of authors. The upcoming release, “Unavowed,” aims to preserve this legacy. It includes a new tale from Michael J. Sullivan following his “Riyria Revelations” series, as well as a story by R.R. Virdi set in the realm of “The First Binding.” Additionally, it features stories from Ryan Cahill (“The Bound and the Broken”), Michael R. Miller (“Songs of Chaos”), M.L. Wang (“The Sword of Kaigen”), and Kevin Hearne (“The Iron Druid Chronicles”). This is merely a glimpse into what “Unavowed” has in store. Here’s the complete list of contents for the anthology:

The Touch of the Eternal by J. A. Andrews
The Last Ride of Kanashimi by Zack Argyle
Rival of Ghosts by Dyrk Ashton
The Old Lie by Ryan Cahill
My Soul Has Teeth by Sarah Chorn
The Wanderer by A. C. Cobble
Lord of Vengeance by Michael R. Fletcher
The Last Sentinel by Rob J. Hayes
Sinner’s Grave by Kevin Hearne
Curse These Metal Hands by Ben Galley
Hild the Humble by Michael R. Miller
A Mother’s Love by Andy Peloquin
The Power of Perception by J. Zachary Pike
Fragile Gods by J. D. L. Rosell
The Unavowed Light-Weaver by Shawn Speakman
A Darker Talent by M. L. Spencer
Sails at Dusk by Patrick Swenson
The Storm by Michael J. Sullivan
The Darkdancer by Ramon Terrell
The Parable of the Silk Weaver by R. R. Virdi
How the Dragons Became Extinct by M. L. Wang
The Brotherhood of Shadows by Jeff Wheeler

The ongoing Kickstarter campaign for “Unavowed” is available, so if you’re interested in being part of this intriguing sci-fi and fantasy anthology, you can pledge your support here. What a thrilling day for the indie sci-fi and fantasy community!

2024-10-03 20:43