Swords & Sorceries: Tales of Heroic Fantasy Volume Four
Edited by David A. Riley
Parallel Universe Publications
June 2022

The Sword & Sorcery renaissance continues with the release of Volume Four of David A. Riley's ongoing anthology series Swords and Sorceries: Tales of Heroic Fantasy. Eleven total stories. Out of the eleven authors, five are returning. Many with recurring characters. Most notably, Adrian Cole returns with another new Voidal story. As if that wasn't enough, the book boasts another striking cover by the esteemed Jim Pitts. Pitts artwork also graces many of the pages within too!

In the Iron Woods by Dev Agarwal
A sequel to “Stone Snake” from Volume Two. Simeon, the Stone Snake, and his royal charge must travel through hostile territory. Even disguised, his companion draws unwanted attention. The reputation of a named man can be a hindrance at the best of times, today it spells disaster.

My People Were Fair with Stars in Their Hair by Andrew Darlington
An ancient soldier is resurrected for the memories his mind may contain. A desperate woman seeks the solace and freedom that ancient lost lore may contain.

At Sea by Geoff Hart
A sequel to “Chain of “Command found in Volume One. This feminine duo finds themselves troubled by pirates. This particular crew employs a sorcerer. Freya uses a very cool way to diffuse this sorcery. One minor quibble, shouldn't a female sorcerer be called a sorceress?

The Flesh of Man by Frank Sawielijew
A barbarian on a quest for the dread lizard's heart. He seeks a guide through the mountains. These mountains are infested with carnivorous harpies. His companion has her secrets. Plus, there's dinosaurs!

City at the Mouth of Chaos by Adrian Cole
Adrian Cole has graced the pages of all four installments of this anthology. He regales us with another tale of the Voidal. Elfloq has been abducted from the Voidal's ship. He is being used as bait to trap the Voidal. The Voidal summons the Skaveen and their ship the Scavenger to assist. Mordruin and his crew also appear in “A Ship of Monstrous Fortune,” published in the DMR Books release Renegade Swords III.

In the Belly of the Beast by Edward Ahern
This one didn't really work for me. I didn't really get it. Some interesting ideas. Something about sorcerers and coupling. The reveal at the end was superbly done though. Made some things click.

The Tracks of Pi Nereske by Wendy Nikel
The Pi Nereske are monsters that leave death and devastation in their wake. Sashura hunts the Pi Nereske. An unlikely survivor will change everything.

Slaves of the Monolith Paul D. Batteiger
I love a good story from a first-person perspective! Brona and several other locals seek to free their neighbors from a raid. The assailants are unknown to all but the grizzled veteran Joran. The unclean horror in the dark woods is overwhelming and enthralling making slaves of everyone who heeds its call.

The Green Wood by Daniel Dubrow
A couple of peerless soldiers are tapped to play escort. A princess is being offered in marriage to gain a dearly needed ally. Things go south almost immediately. An ancient evil has taken root and continues to spread. The ending left me with so many questions.

Demonic by Phil Emery
Mercenaries are escorting a princess home through a jungle. She is taken. Men desert. Everything culminates in a temple where something evil is forged.

The Whips of Malmac by H. R. Laurence
A barbarian encounters a cat burglar. Both masters of their chosen professions. Seemingly unconnected. One betrays the other for the bounty. Right? Things are not as they appear. Awesome traditional type story such a nice way to close the anthology.

On June 25th Riley confirmed that PUP will return with Volume Five in November. So, fans get to look forward to an early Christmas present and writers be sure to keep your pencils sharp because he will most likely open submissions once again. That's a win-win.