Delve Into the Dark
Speculative fiction is a powerful tool for exploring not only the darkest and most challenging aspects of our world, but of worlds beyond it—and in the psyche. It can take us on harrowing and haunting journeys and introduce us to fascinating and frightening characters. It can leave us shaken and sorrowful and scared. But it is within the darkest stories that hope burns brightest: acts of desperation, passion, and overcoming that showcase the power and resilience of the human—and perhaps non-human—spirit. And in the terrifying unknown, in the gaping maw of the blackest abyss, beauty and wonder await. After all, fear is a component of awe—and of courage. The unknown is filled with possibility for those willing to face it.
In this third All Worlds Wayfarer anthology, encounter 34 character-driven dark fantasy and fantastical horror stories that take on challenging themes, spark fear and wonder and so many other emotions, and immerse the reader in extremes of experience. Throw off the shackles of the safe and mundane and delve Into the Dark.
Release Date: Q3-Q4 2025
Authors & Stories
The Angel in the Trunk by Mariah Southworth
Phalanges and Flames by H.V. Patterson
The First Woman of the Qingyan Sect by Chezza Lee
What We Lose in the Weeds by Shelly Jones
Common Flora of the Ghostlands by Nicola Kapron
My Son, My Son by Carol Holland March
Yellow Tavern by J. M. Turner
The Orange by D.J. Thiess
Imperfect Monsters by Nico Martinez Nocito
This Sinkhole Is For Wishing by Karen M. Vaughn
The Feeding by Tyler John Kasishke
Baobhan-sith by Briar Crawford
Sand Giants by Elana Gomel
A Frozen Woman of Balecrocus by Devan Barlow
Kissing Bug Day by J. Neira
Eye of the Basilisk by Danielle Davis
The Jormungand Foundation by Andrea Giusto
The Antler Shed by Em Harriett
Forlorn Hope by C. K. DeLeskie
The Woods are Quiet Now by J.S. Rogers
Puppy Love Makes Men of Monsters by Kathleen Danielson
Second Love by Alan Mark Tong
Limited Time Offer by Vex Kaztro
Until Morning by Rachael Vega
Into the Shadow by Solar Hoàng
Holding On by Claire Wallace
The Girls in the Cave by Arda Mori
The Red Shoes by Laura Chilibeck
Broken by Caroline Ashley
Lightkeeping by Ele Selthun
The Monsters We Made by Mad Brake
The Merciful Whole by Charlie Winter
Plus two bonus stories by the editors for a total of 34 stories!
Kickstarter Coming Soon!
We'll be launching an experimental Kickstarter campaign for Into the Dark prior to publication, which will include goals for larger author payments, designer cover art, an ambitious marketing budget, and more. We want to make this anthology the best it can be and get into the hands of as many readers as possible. Rewards for backers will include pins, bookmarks, themed journals, ebooks of past magazine issues, discounted editions of the anthology, and more! The estimated launch date for the Kickstarter campaign is Q2 2025, but we'll post more details on this website and on our social media soon! If you'd like to stay up to date, feel free to sign up for our newsletter.