Swords and Sorceries: Tales of Heroic Fantasy Volume 3
Edited by David A. Riley
Parallel Universe Publications

"Strike while the iron is hot." That is exactly what David A. Riley and Parallel Universe Publications have done. Three unique anthologies all published within the last thirteen months with a fourth volume on the way this year. Parallel Universe continues to publish heroic adventures in strange worlds by authors of growing renown.

Volume three brings us another ten tales. Several authors you might recognize from the previous installments such as: Tais Teng, Mike Chinn, Chadwick Ginther, and veteran writer Adrian Cole.

Sorcerous Vengeance by Lorenzo D. Lopez
A moment's decision to grasp power brings unexpected consequences.

A short tale including reavers, rapine, shape shifting jaguars, and snow apes.

Seal Snatchers of Jorsaleem by Tais Teng
Teng returns to the world he introduced us to in Highjacking the Lord of Light, found in Volume 2.

Featuring a trickster, two poor siblings, a sea voyage with a singular captain, a heavenly host, and a gambit for a magic ring.

When the Gods Send You Rats by Chadwick Ginther
One of my personal favorites.

A Midwife, a Ratcatcher, and a small dog are all that stand against The Crawling Chaos.

Mother's Bones by Carson Ray
Another personal favorite.

The indomitable Knox has lived his entire life for this moment: the recovery of his mother's bones. Is he prepared for the abomination born of sorcery that awaits him?

In the Lair of the Snake Witch by Darin Hlavaz
A barbarian youth with debts, an old man claiming to be a wizard, and a treasure guarded by the Snake Witch.

The Rains of Barofonn by Mike Chinn
Chinn returns to the world he introduced us to in The Essence of Dust in Volume Two.

An alien, shape shifting villain is collecting staffs of power.

Wardark by Craig Herbertson
A village beset by enemies from the land and sea, a young warrior sent to light the signal pyre and his adventure within the mountain.

The Foliage by Rab Foster
People are disappearing within the woods. A party of seven is sent to investigate. Answers will be found at the hub of a mysterious ivy that has taken over the woodland.

In the Lair of the Moonmen by Jon Hansen
Perhaps my favorite of the bunch. It came as a great surprise. An old school adventure story; something right out of the pulps.

Predations from a mysterious foe from beyond, the advent of an old man claiming knowledge to fight this foe, a flying conveyance and a journey to the moon.

Sailing on the Thieves Tide by Adrian Cole
Return to Atlantis with Henry Kuttner's Elak.

Learning about a fabled treasure accessible only one time a year, our heroes embark on a sea voyage. Donning disguises, Elak and Lycon find berths as common sailors. There is more to this mysterious island and treasure than anyone knows.

2021 has been a stellar year for sword and sorcery fiction. Parallel Universe has certainly added to the excitement with this series of anthologies. In fact, Volume four is due for publication in June of 2022.

The first three volumes are available in paperback and digital editions. Please continue to support indie publishers like Parallel Universe.