The end of the world has always been a topic diligently mined by the religious, the political, and the creative. John of Patmos wrote about four horsemen, Norse literature had Ragnarok. H.G. Wells thought it might come from beyond the stars, Stephen King from a world-wide pandemic. The 21st Century has seen no downturn in such fascination with Cormac McCarthy, Emily St. John Mandel, and plenty others putting pen to paper to take about what happens to what is left. ‘Tales From the Ruins’ brings together 14 tales of urban, rural, and psychological decay for you to while away your evenings once you’ve tired of seeing how the end of the world plays out on the news or Netflix.

Brittany-based Black Beacon Books have brought anthologies based on Hitchcock, Apocalyptic fiction, and mysteries in the past and will soon be bringing anthologies of Ghost stories and Horror to bookstore shelves. Writers including Joseph S. Walker, Malcolm Timberley (his ‘Help, Scotland’ was my personal favorite) and Black Beacon’s own Cameron Trost offer their different takes on searches for a new home, conflicting tribes, and hope. There are also tales which reflect present day concerns. What will happen to the less fortunate or the at risk among us? Will an apocalypse only trigger humanity’s worse impulses? Thoughtful pieces by Karen Bayly and Adam Breckenbridge offer thoughts on those. There’s action and teenage kicks too courtesy of Kurt Newton’s Chasing the White Limousine. The less said about my effort ‘Homecoming’ the better – I shouldn’t appear biased

Featuring a range of stories and styles, Black Beacon are a publisher to look out for if you want a good read. And especially if you are a writer who wants to work with a committed and dedicated team. Tales From the Ruins will not be their only release this year. Check out https://blackbeaconbooks.blogspot.com/ for updates, interviews, and more.

Tales From the Ruins is available on Amazon, Kinokuniya and a range of other outlets.