Just in time for Halloween, I have a new story in the latest issue of Grimdark Magazine that’s perfectly on theme.

"The Rule of the Isotope,” with cover art inspired by the story by Carlos Diaz, is a zombie story with a twist about memory, love, and why we forget. Like many well-worn tropes, zombie stories aren’t really about zombies anymore. I found writing a zombie story particularly delightful: the conventions are already so familiar that I could spend less time on worldbuilding and more time playing with the twist.

My story is just one of many by awesome authors in this issue (see cover listing above). I also want to highlight an interview in this issue with Caroline Yoachim and me, where we answer questions about our collaborations and different approaches to the craft of writing.

You can purchase a copy from the magazine’s site or The Broken Binding. A Kindle version is available on Amazon.

While my mini-tour celebrating the launch of my latest collection has ended, I have more good news to share.

The book received a wonderful review from Stuart Kelly, writing for The Scotsman:

The more I think about it, the more Liu reminds me oddly of Dostoyevsky, or rather Bakhtin’s The Problems of Dostoyevsky’s Poetics. Bakhtin argues that Fyodor’s greatness lay in holding opposing arguments or positions in suspension. That is exactly what Liu does: he is neither a Luddite nor a Utopian, a sceptic or a zealot.

Jamie Buxton likewise reviewed it favorably for The Daily Mail:

Sitting down with this collection of short stories is like spending time with your cleverest, kindest, more brilliant friend. The register is unique: intimate, sharp and uninhibitedly brainy.

An ask: Reader reviews are the most important way to help a book find its audience. If you read the book and enjoyed it, please leave a review on Goodreads, Amazon, BN, StoryGraph, or wherever else you like to review books. Reviews really help connect books with readers, and I'd appreciate it if you leave a review that honestly reflects your feelings about the book.

My daughter recently helped me restock my Etsy shop, with new copies of All That We See or Seem (US, UK, and special editions). Jo Walton recently reviewed Julia Z’s first adventure and said, “If you like thrillers and being on the edge of your seat, absolutely read this.”

Also, more Dandelion Dynasty and my translation of Laozi’s Dao De Jing.

Every book in my store is signed, and I can personalize them according to your wishes. Signed books make great gifts!

As always, thank you for supporting my work. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without you, and I’m grateful every day that I get to make a living telling stories.