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Epic Fantasy Short Stories
George R.R. Martin drew on Tolkien, who was inspired by William Morris, Medieval epics, and Norse mythology. This new collection of epic fantasy tales explores the classic themes of good vs evil, the low-born hero, and the arrogant overlord, and laced them with a taste of sorcery that reaches back to the early sources, and stirs them in with the brand new storytellers of today.
This new title in our successful Gothic & Fantasy short stories collection contains a fabulous mix of classic and brand new writing, with contemporary authors from the US, Canada, and the UK.
This new title in our successful Gothic & Fantasy short stories collection contains a fabulous mix of classic and brand new writing, with contemporary authors from the US, Canada, and the UK.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 24, 2025
Epic Fantasy Short Stories is an eclectic collection—part anthology, part sampler—featuring 31 tales that span centuries. The volume combines classic fantasy works, excerpts that are openings of longer novels, and a range of contemporary short stories. While the quantity offers strong value, the content is uneven, especially for readers seeking self-contained narratives.
I purchased this collection specifically for short stories, so the inclusion of teaser-like beginnings for longer works held little appeal. Similarly, while some of the older selections—such as The Tale of Satampra Zeiros (1931) and The Black Thief (1890)—are undeniably worth reading, the presence of 13 antiquated pieces felt excessive. The 18 newer stories could have stood on their own as a more focused and satisfying anthology.
The opening tale, The History of Caliph Vathek (1786), was particularly disappointing. Rambling and directionless, it failed to engage me and became a DNF (Did Not Finish). Its placement as the lead story is puzzling and, in my view, ill-advised.
Many of the stories, unfortunately, did not hold my attention. However, several newer entries stood out and made the collection worthwhile: Faith in the Flame, The Longest Night, Diplomatic Ties, The Miller’s Daughter, The Tracks of the Pi Nereske, Scars of Sentiment, and Weave Us a Way. Alongside two of the older tales, these nine selections carried the volume for me—though that still leaves roughly two-thirds of the book feeling like filler.
That said, I appreciated the absence of profanity and explicit content, and I recognize that other readers may find value in the stories that didn’t resonate with me. Like a box of assorted candies, this anthology offers a variety of flavors—some delightful, others forgettable, but all part of the same indulgent assortment.
Despite its inconsistencies, the gems within merit a generous four-star rating.
I purchased this collection specifically for short stories, so the inclusion of teaser-like beginnings for longer works held little appeal. Similarly, while some of the older selections—such as The Tale of Satampra Zeiros (1931) and The Black Thief (1890)—are undeniably worth reading, the presence of 13 antiquated pieces felt excessive. The 18 newer stories could have stood on their own as a more focused and satisfying anthology.
The opening tale, The History of Caliph Vathek (1786), was particularly disappointing. Rambling and directionless, it failed to engage me and became a DNF (Did Not Finish). Its placement as the lead story is puzzling and, in my view, ill-advised.
Many of the stories, unfortunately, did not hold my attention. However, several newer entries stood out and made the collection worthwhile: Faith in the Flame, The Longest Night, Diplomatic Ties, The Miller’s Daughter, The Tracks of the Pi Nereske, Scars of Sentiment, and Weave Us a Way. Alongside two of the older tales, these nine selections carried the volume for me—though that still leaves roughly two-thirds of the book feeling like filler.
That said, I appreciated the absence of profanity and explicit content, and I recognize that other readers may find value in the stories that didn’t resonate with me. Like a box of assorted candies, this anthology offers a variety of flavors—some delightful, others forgettable, but all part of the same indulgent assortment.
Despite its inconsistencies, the gems within merit a generous four-star rating.
August 6, 2021
3.5
It was ok, but a few of the stories were a little bland.
It was ok, but a few of the stories were a little bland.
March 6, 2023
The stories were a little bland.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews