Greetings morsels, I mean... mortals,

Though, surely, plenty of you would make a perfectly substantive meal if you put your minds to it. As you all know, I am nothing if not a watchful connoisseur always on the lookout from on high for the next flavorful fictions and fantasies into which I can sink my meticulously polished, if not proverbial, teeth. During my travels this past month, I have come across a good many delicious stories and announcements to share with all of you.

After all, short as all your lives are, I feel it is my personal duty as a living god to make sure you are all as seasoned…sorry, satisfied (and seasoned, I’m not really sorry for that one) as possible before you die of measles, or cat maulings, or stubbed toes—whatever it may be. As Bilbo Baggins… that conniving, halfling knave of a horde robber…once said, ‘It’s a dangerous business going out your front door.’ Too true. Ever-present is the threat of a lethally stubbed toe to you feeble creatures and thus I bring you art! I bring literature! And the great privilege of supporting your fellow Grendel worshippers out there in the greater publishing world.

Morsel #1: Super Leviathan Bros by Stuart Docherty (Published by Maudline House)

I’ll admit, I flew over this one mostly because of the name. Nothing is quite so satisfying as a roast leviathan tail on a lazy Monday afternoon. Though I was disappointed by the distinct lack of a flesh and blood leviathan, I was greatly pleased by Stuart’s work in this story.

In the narrative, the main character debates the morality and philosophical efficacy of Super Mario Brothers—and through that lens, the general pursuits so many of us find ourselves endlessly chasing.

This story is a fun, if strange, exploration of some philosophical pondering alongside one of history’s sociological MVPs and I certainly recommend checking it out.

You can do so right here:https://maudlinhouse.net/super-leviathan-bros/

After all, I’m sure you all have pursuits and passions that seem never-ending, that may seem like just attaining the ‘current desire’ in order to pursue ‘the desires of the future.’

As I sit here upon my heaping horde of gold, enchanted items, sports cars, and first-edition comic books, I am filled with pity for all you weak-minded fools in your constant pursuits for ‘more.’

But alas, I shan’t tell you how to live your lives. That would take away time from my collecting, which cannot be stalled nor deviated from for obvious reasons. 

Morsel #2: Nothing is Normal About Irene Adler by Kit Walker (Published on Medium)  

As an avid treasure collector, I am no stranger to a good mystery. That is, of course, half the fun most times. The only thing that makes collecting a well-hidden, thoroughly guarded item from some devoted cult or powerful sorcerer more fun, is a truly worthy adversary to race against for the prize. You all may remember my recent foray into the lands of spiders and dark elves for my mithril staff, as detailed in my story series Thief.

Well, as devious and impressive as my adversary was in that story, they scarcely hold a candle to the legendary Irene Adler from the Sherlock Holmes series. A woman who not only sold out concert venues around the world and snogged a Bohemian prince, but also went one-on-one with Mr. Holmes himself and came out the victor.

But here I am, gushing. Sorry, I’m just such a fan. I hope one day to add an Adler autograph to my collection—only then will it be truly complete.

That aside, one of our very own Grendalians (I’m trying that one out. What do you think? I mean, obviously it’s perfect, but how perfect is it?) Kit Walker has written an article about this very subject and I must say, it is a truly scrumptious piece of blog writing. Consider it my bidding that you go read it as soon as you are able.

Go on… do the thing: https://medium.com/counterarts/nobody-is-normal-about-irene-adler-9b03d406bd0e

Morsel #3: New Edge Sword and Sorcery Press

I talked about this newly opened fantasy press in a recent letter, but wanted to bring it up again, since we have some Grendalian authors accepted in the latest issue! (See how perfect it is? Grendalian… it rolls off the tongue like a perfectly heated blast of dragonfire. I mean, obviously you see it, but what about it do you see that makes it such a perfect name for my minions?)

This will be New Edge’s second edition and they are truly on fire. Trust me, that is not a term I assign to non-dragons lightly. They are killing it over there. Plus, they have some amazing merch that would make an excellent holiday gift, should you still be embroiled in the neo-capitalist tradition of gift exchange. Though I will say that none of their shirt designs include wingholes…so that may be something to consider if you really want to be inclusive…just saying.

They are a fantasy magazine with a truly special mission: To gild the classic fantasy tropes and story mechanics in inclusivity and boundary-pushing stories.

As a dragon, I am obviously a huge fan of this movement (and not just literally, though I am quite impressively gargantuan). We have, after all, been the scapegoats for forest fires and treasure theft over the centuries now.

Just because it’s often true, does not make that acceptable and it certainly doesn’t make it okay to send people out slaying us and stealing that treasure back. Where is the common decency?

So if you’re looking to spice up your fantasy reading with some marginalized perspectives and fresh takes on the narratives you love, get over to New Edge and read what they have brewing, it’s a truly marvelous adventure.

You can read their free sample issue here: https://payhip.com/b/dVNuB

Morsel #4: Grendel Press is seeking ARC readers!

Last and certainly most important, I am seeking new minions to peruse those passages which will, upon publishing, be added to my horde and admired like the glittering glory of my scales the world over.

We need ARC readers and book reviewers for our new releases. You, as a reader, get free content in exchange for an honest review.

That’s right. We’re practically giving this stuff away and all we want from you is to tell the internet what you thought about it.

And don’t worry, we want honesty—not flattery (when it comes to our stories, that is. All Grendalians are obligated to flatter me as often as possible).

Even if you leave a one star review, I won’t come to your village and burn it to the ground. I won’t devour your flocks and herds or lay your crop to waste. Well, I won’t devour your entire herd, in any case.

If you want to read for Grendel Press, we’d love to have you. Reach out to us here and get those juicy details:

And, maybe, you just want to buy our books and read like a normal person... you know, pay your money, put it in your TBR pile, and read it in seven years or so when the world inevitably dissolves into a nuclear winter apocalypse. If that sort of reading is more your speed, all our books ar available now and they make the perfect holiday gifts!

Buy Now!

Storytime With Grendal

Another thing that makes a wonderful holiday gift? A story by me.

In fact, barring one of the above-listed books from our wonderful press, this is probably the best gift you'll receive this year, so enjoy it!

Happy Holidays from Grendal!

You’re welcome for the opportunity to listen to me today, mortals. Until next time, I’ve been Grendel, your favorite dragon, and the pleasure... has been yours.