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Echoes of the Arcane: A Collection of Short Fiction
Echoes of the Arcane is a collection of short fiction by Cody D. Campbell. It contains several works of general fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and poetry.
The places and times where these stories are set range from ancient worlds of magic to distant dystopian futures. They have different perspectives and voices, different magic systems, and scientific frameworks, but many of them revolve around a common theme – loss.
21 different works of fiction and poetry are featured in this collection, including:
Little Bugs follows a young woman who’s exploring the forest near her family’s home where her grandfather died. She marvels at the insect-like robots that were designed to clean the pollution that rendered the area toxic but laments that they were necessary and wonders whether the land will ever be the same.
Pan’s Shadow is about Dante, an elderly man who is having a final conversation with one of his oldest friends as he lies on his deathbed. He reminisces about their misspent youth and slowly realizes that his friend’s involvement in these events was more fantastical than he ever knew.
Crossing Over is the story of a girl named Poll. It’s set in a dystopian near future where the United States is locked in a civil war between nationalist factions. Poll is a refugee who has made her way to Canada, but is powerless to save the loved ones she left behind.
Last of the Legion is a novelette and the longest story in the collection. It tells the tale of a Roman centurion named Hadrian who was one of the few remaining soldiers protecting the city before it was sacked by the Germanic Vandals. After the fall of the city, his journey eventually leads him into the mountains where he discovers a strange creature and a millennia-old plot of revenge.
The places and times where these stories are set range from ancient worlds of magic to distant dystopian futures. They have different perspectives and voices, different magic systems, and scientific frameworks, but many of them revolve around a common theme – loss.
21 different works of fiction and poetry are featured in this collection, including:
Little Bugs follows a young woman who’s exploring the forest near her family’s home where her grandfather died. She marvels at the insect-like robots that were designed to clean the pollution that rendered the area toxic but laments that they were necessary and wonders whether the land will ever be the same.
Pan’s Shadow is about Dante, an elderly man who is having a final conversation with one of his oldest friends as he lies on his deathbed. He reminisces about their misspent youth and slowly realizes that his friend’s involvement in these events was more fantastical than he ever knew.
Crossing Over is the story of a girl named Poll. It’s set in a dystopian near future where the United States is locked in a civil war between nationalist factions. Poll is a refugee who has made her way to Canada, but is powerless to save the loved ones she left behind.
Last of the Legion is a novelette and the longest story in the collection. It tells the tale of a Roman centurion named Hadrian who was one of the few remaining soldiers protecting the city before it was sacked by the Germanic Vandals. After the fall of the city, his journey eventually leads him into the mountains where he discovers a strange creature and a millennia-old plot of revenge.
183 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2024
2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Cody D. Campbell
2 books13 followersCody D. Campbell lives in Corvallis, Oregon with his wife Shelby and their Jack-Russel mix Echo. He’s been a lover of science fiction and fantasy for as long as he can remember. He consumed everything he could get his hands on, from Homer and Asimov to Star Wars and Princess Mononoke.
Cody started writing when he was 15 and never stopped. He got his degree in English from Oregon State University while simultaneously volunteering at the Corvallis Benton County Public Library. This is also when his first published story, Here and Gone, was printed by The North Dakota Quarterly. He then began teaching prose writing and sci-fi/fantasy writing workshops at Linn-Benton Community College. From there, he also started his career in gaming and tech journalism, writing for High Ground Gaming, Looper, SVG, and SlashGear.
Cody started writing when he was 15 and never stopped. He got his degree in English from Oregon State University while simultaneously volunteering at the Corvallis Benton County Public Library. This is also when his first published story, Here and Gone, was printed by The North Dakota Quarterly. He then began teaching prose writing and sci-fi/fantasy writing workshops at Linn-Benton Community College. From there, he also started his career in gaming and tech journalism, writing for High Ground Gaming, Looper, SVG, and SlashGear.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 11, 2024
Excellent collection of interesting poetry and short stories. Everything is unique and kept you intrigued. I very much enjoyed reading them all.
January 17, 2025
✨A thought-provoking, poignant, and gripping anthology that explores themes of survival, humanity, and resilience ✨
Echoes of the Arcane is a collection of 21 distinct stories and emotional poems. Cody Campbell captivated me from the very first story, Little Bugs. It reminded me of the days of isolation, loneliness, and grief. Little Bugs felt eerily similar to our experiences during the COVID days, but with a clever twist. Although the story was cut short, I thoroughly enjoyed how Cody captured the emotions and experiences of the characters. It left me wanting more. This story is undoubtedly one of my favorites.
I also have to mention Clean Slate, New Eyes, Hands, Bones of the Giant, Crossing Over, and Last of the Legion—these stories stayed with me long after I finished reading.
Each story delved into themes of survival, grief, loyalty, redemption, hope, and a challenging future. Some of these stories made me tear up, others made me gasp in surprise, and a few even had my jaw drop. Cody Campbell knows exactly how to twist your stomach in knots, leave you breathless, and make you crave more. I especially wished for more pages to devour after finishing Clean Slate, Bones of the Giant, Crossing Over, and Last of the Legion.
I feel so fortunate to have read this wonderful collection of stories, beautifully written by Cody Campbell. I can't wait to share it with you all—especially if you’re someone who loves to relax on the beach with a book of short stories. This anthology is perfect for anyone who enjoys captivating, bite-sized tales.
A huge thanks to Cody Campbell for sending me this phenomenal anthology—one of the most unforgettable I’ve ever read.
✨WHAT I LIKED:
📌 Terrance saved his family from the upcoming tragedy
📌 The giant that saved Tick
📌 Dominus saved his children
📌 Aelia’s newfound power
✨TROPES:
📌Survival
📌Found Family
📌Quarantined Forest
📌Vampires
📌Space
📌Fall of Rome
📌Revenge
📌No Spice
Echoes of the Arcane is a collection of 21 distinct stories and emotional poems. Cody Campbell captivated me from the very first story, Little Bugs. It reminded me of the days of isolation, loneliness, and grief. Little Bugs felt eerily similar to our experiences during the COVID days, but with a clever twist. Although the story was cut short, I thoroughly enjoyed how Cody captured the emotions and experiences of the characters. It left me wanting more. This story is undoubtedly one of my favorites.
I also have to mention Clean Slate, New Eyes, Hands, Bones of the Giant, Crossing Over, and Last of the Legion—these stories stayed with me long after I finished reading.
Each story delved into themes of survival, grief, loyalty, redemption, hope, and a challenging future. Some of these stories made me tear up, others made me gasp in surprise, and a few even had my jaw drop. Cody Campbell knows exactly how to twist your stomach in knots, leave you breathless, and make you crave more. I especially wished for more pages to devour after finishing Clean Slate, Bones of the Giant, Crossing Over, and Last of the Legion.
I feel so fortunate to have read this wonderful collection of stories, beautifully written by Cody Campbell. I can't wait to share it with you all—especially if you’re someone who loves to relax on the beach with a book of short stories. This anthology is perfect for anyone who enjoys captivating, bite-sized tales.
A huge thanks to Cody Campbell for sending me this phenomenal anthology—one of the most unforgettable I’ve ever read.
✨WHAT I LIKED:
📌 Terrance saved his family from the upcoming tragedy
📌 The giant that saved Tick
📌 Dominus saved his children
📌 Aelia’s newfound power
✨TROPES:
📌Survival
📌Found Family
📌Quarantined Forest
📌Vampires
📌Space
📌Fall of Rome
📌Revenge
📌No Spice
November 26, 2024
Wow! What a pleasure to read this collection of short stories!
Cody D. Campbell has compiled a mix of 21 short stories, poems, and a novelette. They range in genre from fantasy, sci-fi, speculative fiction, mythology and horror. The connective tissue of these works is a sense of loss, grief, and hopelessness. Grieving family, your own life, and the longing of things that never were. No matter how other-worldly the stories may be, it all comes down to that shared thread of humanity.
I especially loved "Clean Slate", "Hands", "Ghosts in the Drywall", "Pan's Shadow" and "Last of the Legion". But don't get me wrong, this is an especially strong collection of stories and those just happen to be my favourites! Although the topics at hand could be quite heavy, I found myself chuckling a few times and there was a definite levity present as well. Campbell balances his writing very well, so as a reader you don't feel smothered by the darker themes.
Overall, I recommend this book and it's a great read for fans of speculative fiction!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Cody for sending me a copy of this book to read and provide and honest review!
Cody D. Campbell has compiled a mix of 21 short stories, poems, and a novelette. They range in genre from fantasy, sci-fi, speculative fiction, mythology and horror. The connective tissue of these works is a sense of loss, grief, and hopelessness. Grieving family, your own life, and the longing of things that never were. No matter how other-worldly the stories may be, it all comes down to that shared thread of humanity.
I especially loved "Clean Slate", "Hands", "Ghosts in the Drywall", "Pan's Shadow" and "Last of the Legion". But don't get me wrong, this is an especially strong collection of stories and those just happen to be my favourites! Although the topics at hand could be quite heavy, I found myself chuckling a few times and there was a definite levity present as well. Campbell balances his writing very well, so as a reader you don't feel smothered by the darker themes.
Overall, I recommend this book and it's a great read for fans of speculative fiction!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Cody for sending me a copy of this book to read and provide and honest review!
October 26, 2024
The author kindly provided me a copy of Echoes of the Arcane for me to review.
This is very different than my normal reads. I typically do not read poetry or short stories, however, this provided a nice break from some of the larger novels I tend to read. The content was thought provoking and the stories had interesting concepts.
Because this is a collection of such different works it is hard to rate it on an overall scale. There is a little of everything in this book and it is a unique experience.
This is very different than my normal reads. I typically do not read poetry or short stories, however, this provided a nice break from some of the larger novels I tend to read. The content was thought provoking and the stories had interesting concepts.
Because this is a collection of such different works it is hard to rate it on an overall scale. There is a little of everything in this book and it is a unique experience.
July 23, 2024
This was such a great collection. I genuinely loved every story and the few poems that were included. Super well done, glad I found this one!
Recommended: definitely
for stories full of emotion and humanity, for stories that make you think after each one, for stories that make you reflect on what it means to be human for better or worse
Thoughts:
Anthologies or short stories can be tough for me, but this collection is a shining example of how well they can work. Every single story was a winner. Every single one. Seriously. I finished one and though, that was great, that might be my favorite so far. And then I'd think the same after the next, and next....
The author's notes at the start made me laugh and rang true when he noted that he found each story to be bittersweet, while his partner just called them all depressing. xD Both are true. There's a lot of beauty in the pain somehow though, like even when there's suffering there's also hope behind it. Admittedly, sometimes the hope turns into the suffering, because what greater pain can there be than unfulfilled hope? Anyway, point here is that each story taps into that deep-hearted primal feeling of some kind that connects all people through world and time.
Don't get it in your head that these are all very heavy, serious stories though. While their topics are often fairly somber, the way they're written is eminently approachable. They don't feel lofty or holier-than-though, thankfully. They just made me feel alive and grateful and, yes, sometimes a bit sad. But even the sadness was nice in that it was a soft sadness, a reminder that I'm here kind of sadness rather than the drowning sorrow that crops up in life sometimes.
Overall, I fucking LOVED this collection. I am extremely glad that I happened to see a random silly post by the author that had a kind of humor I appreciated so much I bought his book because if a short message could make me laugh like that, surely I'd enjoy his longer form writing. While it's a very different tone, it certainly did generate strong reactions still. Come to this one for stories that balance loss and hope in a way that kind of breaks your heart and makes you keep moving forward.
Recommended: definitely
for stories full of emotion and humanity, for stories that make you think after each one, for stories that make you reflect on what it means to be human for better or worse
Thoughts:
Anthologies or short stories can be tough for me, but this collection is a shining example of how well they can work. Every single story was a winner. Every single one. Seriously. I finished one and though, that was great, that might be my favorite so far. And then I'd think the same after the next, and next....
The author's notes at the start made me laugh and rang true when he noted that he found each story to be bittersweet, while his partner just called them all depressing. xD Both are true. There's a lot of beauty in the pain somehow though, like even when there's suffering there's also hope behind it. Admittedly, sometimes the hope turns into the suffering, because what greater pain can there be than unfulfilled hope? Anyway, point here is that each story taps into that deep-hearted primal feeling of some kind that connects all people through world and time.
Don't get it in your head that these are all very heavy, serious stories though. While their topics are often fairly somber, the way they're written is eminently approachable. They don't feel lofty or holier-than-though, thankfully. They just made me feel alive and grateful and, yes, sometimes a bit sad. But even the sadness was nice in that it was a soft sadness, a reminder that I'm here kind of sadness rather than the drowning sorrow that crops up in life sometimes.
Overall, I fucking LOVED this collection. I am extremely glad that I happened to see a random silly post by the author that had a kind of humor I appreciated so much I bought his book because if a short message could make me laugh like that, surely I'd enjoy his longer form writing. While it's a very different tone, it certainly did generate strong reactions still. Come to this one for stories that balance loss and hope in a way that kind of breaks your heart and makes you keep moving forward.
October 20, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
The short stories are just that, short. Even so, I could still feel connected to a good portion of the characters and plots in this collection. The stories & poems are a mix of fantasy and sci-fi elements, which I can tell the author put a lot of thought and effort into. I found myself wishing that some of the sci-fi stories in particular were longer, because they had such interesting and unique concepts!
As for the writing, I did enjoy it too, for the most part. When it was good it was 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝, but when it wasn’t I couldn’t help wanting to skip ahead. Like I mentioned before, some of the short stories in this collection were so good I didn’t want them to end, but on the other hand there were also a few that confused me and left me wanting more, in a different sense.
All in all, I did enjoy reading this collection though! And since the stories and poems are so short, it doesn’t feel like a task to get through the ones you may not like as much.
The short stories are just that, short. Even so, I could still feel connected to a good portion of the characters and plots in this collection. The stories & poems are a mix of fantasy and sci-fi elements, which I can tell the author put a lot of thought and effort into. I found myself wishing that some of the sci-fi stories in particular were longer, because they had such interesting and unique concepts!
As for the writing, I did enjoy it too, for the most part. When it was good it was 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝, but when it wasn’t I couldn’t help wanting to skip ahead. Like I mentioned before, some of the short stories in this collection were so good I didn’t want them to end, but on the other hand there were also a few that confused me and left me wanting more, in a different sense.
All in all, I did enjoy reading this collection though! And since the stories and poems are so short, it doesn’t feel like a task to get through the ones you may not like as much.
January 3, 2025
This short story collection uses creative elements of sci-fi, dystopia and fantasy to capture the emotions that accompany loss. It’s striking, memorable and moving, filled with mythological trivia and sharp observations.
From a world that has lost the colour blue, to a space station watching the destruction of Earth, to the final days of the Roman Empire, the settings are creative and thought-provoking. In precious few words you grow to feel for the characters in all their flawed humanity. The author has a talent for writing believable people, even in fantastical situations.
My favourite tales of the bunch are the ones with characters intimately acquainted with suffering who nonetheless choose to stand strong, focus on the light and move forward. There’s no sugarcoating the hard times or the fear, but there’s triumph in the girls who strike out from the only homes they’ve known, men who fight for their family, and those who take hold of the power they’ve been given and the shreds of hope they are able to find.
If you’re feeling like a darker, more emotional read, or if you like dipping in and out of short fiction, I recommend it.
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
From a world that has lost the colour blue, to a space station watching the destruction of Earth, to the final days of the Roman Empire, the settings are creative and thought-provoking. In precious few words you grow to feel for the characters in all their flawed humanity. The author has a talent for writing believable people, even in fantastical situations.
My favourite tales of the bunch are the ones with characters intimately acquainted with suffering who nonetheless choose to stand strong, focus on the light and move forward. There’s no sugarcoating the hard times or the fear, but there’s triumph in the girls who strike out from the only homes they’ve known, men who fight for their family, and those who take hold of the power they’ve been given and the shreds of hope they are able to find.
If you’re feeling like a darker, more emotional read, or if you like dipping in and out of short fiction, I recommend it.
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2024
Echoes of the Arcane is a collection of short stories written by up and coming author Cody D. Campbell. The collection features stories of loss, strength and redemption. The stories range from ones based in a world of science fiction, dystopian futures and fantasy along with a sprinkling of poems throughout to break up the order of the short stories and let me tell you...you'll never look at strawberries the same way again :p
A few notes:
Little Bugs was one of my favorites of the collection - it's about a future where forests have been closed due to toxic waste and pollution and a young woman's observations on the struggles this caused her family.
Ghosts in the Drywall will break your damn heart (enough said).
New Eyes makes us wonder...how would you react if the color blue disappeared from the world and no one knew why...
Word of warning, be prepared to cry while you read a few of them because they definitely pull at the heart strings. The collection features 21 different works of fiction and poetry and is definitely worth the read.
A few notes:
Little Bugs was one of my favorites of the collection - it's about a future where forests have been closed due to toxic waste and pollution and a young woman's observations on the struggles this caused her family.
Ghosts in the Drywall will break your damn heart (enough said).
New Eyes makes us wonder...how would you react if the color blue disappeared from the world and no one knew why...
Word of warning, be prepared to cry while you read a few of them because they definitely pull at the heart strings. The collection features 21 different works of fiction and poetry and is definitely worth the read.
December 16, 2024
“Books are living proof that people didn’t always used to be so stupid.”
Full review up at: https://www.sffinsiders.com/blog/revi...
Echoes of the Arcane was an emotional shattering mix of poetry and dystopian short stories collected together. The author indicated that he had been working on some of these for 10 years, and I believe it. This is a great coffee table book, including some longer stories and some poems that are a single page.
This is going on my emotionally heart shattering book list. With just 183 pages, Echoes of the Arcane is the perfect length to help meet your end-of-year reading goals. It's ideal for new readers or anyone looking to get back into reading, as the stories are short but deeply impactful.
Would I reread? Yes, and I would read a full-length novel of the Last of the Legion as well!
Would I recommend? Yes! I’s say fans for poetry and mythology would enjoy it, but also fans of dystopian contemporary fantasy.
January 6, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📖 love to read short stories
👻 have ever communicated with ghosts
👽 once saved the life of a man while working at a secret base facility
🎣 used to go ice fishing with your dad as a kid
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
The places and times where these stories are set range from ancient worlds of magic to distant dystopian futures. They have different perspectives and voices, different magic systems, and scientific frameworks, but many of them revolve around a common theme – loss.
21 different works of fiction and poetry are featured in this collection, including:
• Little Bugs follows a young woman who’s exploring the forest near her family’s home where her grandfather died. She marvels at the insect-like robots that were designed to clean the pollution that rendered the area toxic but laments that they were necessary and wonders whether the land will ever be the same.
• Pan’s Shadow is about Dante, an elderly man who is having a final conversation with one of his oldest friends as he lies on his deathbed. He reminisces about their misspent youth and slowly realizes that his friend’s involvement in these events was more fantastical than he ever knew.
• Crossing Over is the story of a girl named Poll. It’s set in a dystopian near future where the United States is locked in a civil war between nationalist factions. Poll is a refugee who has made her way to Canada, but is powerless to save the loved ones she left behind.
• Last of the Legion is a novelette and the longest story in the collection. It tells the tale of a Roman centurion named Hadrian who was one of the few remaining soldiers protecting the city before it was sacked by the Germanic Vandals. After the fall of the city, his journey eventually leads him into the mountains where he discovers a strange creature and a millennia-old plot of revenge.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Wow! I’m not generally a fan of short stories as it can be difficult to tell a meaningful story in so few pages, but Campbell really knocked it out of the park with these fantasy/sci-fi stories. Some of the stands out for me were Pan’s Shadow, Ghosts in the Drywall, How to Look a Wolf in the Eye, Here and Gone, and Bones of the Giant! Each of these was super unique and so interesting to me. I don’t want to spoil the stories, but they all took twists and turns that I just never saw coming. If I had to choose just one though, I’d probably pick Here and Gone. It was about a machine that copies you and teleports you elsewhere in a newly created body so to speak. I could see this being written into an even longer story, which could be a lot of fun. Cody is a talented writer with a lot of imagination. I can’t wait to see what else he writes in the future!
📖 love to read short stories
👻 have ever communicated with ghosts
👽 once saved the life of a man while working at a secret base facility
🎣 used to go ice fishing with your dad as a kid
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
The places and times where these stories are set range from ancient worlds of magic to distant dystopian futures. They have different perspectives and voices, different magic systems, and scientific frameworks, but many of them revolve around a common theme – loss.
21 different works of fiction and poetry are featured in this collection, including:
• Little Bugs follows a young woman who’s exploring the forest near her family’s home where her grandfather died. She marvels at the insect-like robots that were designed to clean the pollution that rendered the area toxic but laments that they were necessary and wonders whether the land will ever be the same.
• Pan’s Shadow is about Dante, an elderly man who is having a final conversation with one of his oldest friends as he lies on his deathbed. He reminisces about their misspent youth and slowly realizes that his friend’s involvement in these events was more fantastical than he ever knew.
• Crossing Over is the story of a girl named Poll. It’s set in a dystopian near future where the United States is locked in a civil war between nationalist factions. Poll is a refugee who has made her way to Canada, but is powerless to save the loved ones she left behind.
• Last of the Legion is a novelette and the longest story in the collection. It tells the tale of a Roman centurion named Hadrian who was one of the few remaining soldiers protecting the city before it was sacked by the Germanic Vandals. After the fall of the city, his journey eventually leads him into the mountains where he discovers a strange creature and a millennia-old plot of revenge.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Wow! I’m not generally a fan of short stories as it can be difficult to tell a meaningful story in so few pages, but Campbell really knocked it out of the park with these fantasy/sci-fi stories. Some of the stands out for me were Pan’s Shadow, Ghosts in the Drywall, How to Look a Wolf in the Eye, Here and Gone, and Bones of the Giant! Each of these was super unique and so interesting to me. I don’t want to spoil the stories, but they all took twists and turns that I just never saw coming. If I had to choose just one though, I’d probably pick Here and Gone. It was about a machine that copies you and teleports you elsewhere in a newly created body so to speak. I could see this being written into an even longer story, which could be a lot of fun. Cody is a talented writer with a lot of imagination. I can’t wait to see what else he writes in the future!
December 10, 2024
Cody D. Campbell’s Echoes of the Arcane is a mesmerizing collection of short stories that blends fantasy and literary fiction. Each tale brings readers to an imaginative world filled with magic and deeply human experiences, creating a powerful exploration of loss, resilience, and the human spirit.
This anthology brings together 21 diverse stories, each with its own unique tone and style. From the haunting odyssey of an aging warrior in "Last of the Legion" to the tender and transformative "Beneath the Ice," Campbell does a great job using fantastical elements to dive into human emotions. In the foreword, Campbell sets the stage by sharing his struggles with creating the stories and inviting readers to find strength and hope in their pages.
Campbell has an incredible talent for world-building and storytelling. Each story stands on its own yet shares a common emotional core that ties them together. His ability to combine relatable human struggles with speculative elements is a standout, especially in stories like "Hands," where the mundane becomes magical.
The recurring themes of grief, perseverance, and hope are deeply moving and relatable on a universal scale. Campbell’s personal reflections in the foreword add an extra layer of connection, making the entire collection feel both intimate and impactful.
While the collection is a fantastic read, some stories could benefit from tighter pacing or more fully developed secondary characters. A few endings feel a bit rushed, leaving readers wanting just a little more closure. Adding a touch of humor or lighter moments might have balanced the overall tone, giving readers a break from the heavier themes.
The writing is clear and polished, striking a perfect balance between literary sophistication and accessibility. The clean formatting and thoughtful arrangement of the stories create a natural rhythm that keeps readers engaged.
If you love literary fantasy or short fiction, this collection is for you. Fans of Neil Gaiman or Ray Bradbury will especially appreciate how Campbell weaves the mystical and the everyday into meaningful and unforgettable stories.
Echoes of the Arcane is a breathtaking anthology that explores the depths of the human condition through the lens of fantasy. Cody D. Campbell delivers a collection that will challenge, inspire, and stay with fans for a long time.
This anthology brings together 21 diverse stories, each with its own unique tone and style. From the haunting odyssey of an aging warrior in "Last of the Legion" to the tender and transformative "Beneath the Ice," Campbell does a great job using fantastical elements to dive into human emotions. In the foreword, Campbell sets the stage by sharing his struggles with creating the stories and inviting readers to find strength and hope in their pages.
Campbell has an incredible talent for world-building and storytelling. Each story stands on its own yet shares a common emotional core that ties them together. His ability to combine relatable human struggles with speculative elements is a standout, especially in stories like "Hands," where the mundane becomes magical.
The recurring themes of grief, perseverance, and hope are deeply moving and relatable on a universal scale. Campbell’s personal reflections in the foreword add an extra layer of connection, making the entire collection feel both intimate and impactful.
While the collection is a fantastic read, some stories could benefit from tighter pacing or more fully developed secondary characters. A few endings feel a bit rushed, leaving readers wanting just a little more closure. Adding a touch of humor or lighter moments might have balanced the overall tone, giving readers a break from the heavier themes.
The writing is clear and polished, striking a perfect balance between literary sophistication and accessibility. The clean formatting and thoughtful arrangement of the stories create a natural rhythm that keeps readers engaged.
If you love literary fantasy or short fiction, this collection is for you. Fans of Neil Gaiman or Ray Bradbury will especially appreciate how Campbell weaves the mystical and the everyday into meaningful and unforgettable stories.
Echoes of the Arcane is a breathtaking anthology that explores the depths of the human condition through the lens of fantasy. Cody D. Campbell delivers a collection that will challenge, inspire, and stay with fans for a long time.
May 5, 2024
“Echoes of the Arcane” is a collection of short science fiction and fantasy stories and some poems from Pacific Northwestern author Cody D. Campbell. The places and times range from ancient worlds of magic to dystopian futures. They have different perspectives and voices, different magic systems, and scientific frameworks, but many of them revolve around a common theme—loss.
It features several award winning stories such as:
Little Bugs—the story of a young woman who ventures into a forest that has been closed due to toxic contamination for years, but is now open thanks to nanobots that have been cleaning the pollution.
Crossing Over—A speculative story about a refugee fleeing Canada from a war-torn future United States. It chronicles her journey across the border and her struggle to come to terms with the people she was forced to leave behind.
Bones of the Giant—A story about a young girl who lives inside the husk of a metal giant. Alone in the heart of a dense forest, she hardly ever sees another soul until she encounters a stranger in need of help.
Last of the Legion—A fantasy novelette about a centurion who is trying to save his family from ruthless invaders in the final days of the Roman Empire. Over the course of this journey, he discovers that there are powers at play hailing from beyond the realms of mortal men.
It features several award winning stories such as:
Little Bugs—the story of a young woman who ventures into a forest that has been closed due to toxic contamination for years, but is now open thanks to nanobots that have been cleaning the pollution.
Crossing Over—A speculative story about a refugee fleeing Canada from a war-torn future United States. It chronicles her journey across the border and her struggle to come to terms with the people she was forced to leave behind.
Bones of the Giant—A story about a young girl who lives inside the husk of a metal giant. Alone in the heart of a dense forest, she hardly ever sees another soul until she encounters a stranger in need of help.
Last of the Legion—A fantasy novelette about a centurion who is trying to save his family from ruthless invaders in the final days of the Roman Empire. Over the course of this journey, he discovers that there are powers at play hailing from beyond the realms of mortal men.
April 12, 2025
I found this to be a really uneven collection of stories. Some of them (Clean Slate, Here and Gone,
Ghosts in the Drywall) were moving and/or thought-provoking - I think Here and Gone in particular will rattle around in my head for a little bit longer.
The rest of the stories were just ok, and a couple of them were objectively bad. Beneath the Ice especially aggravated me. The juxtaposition of traditional Inuit stories (which...maybe aren't his to play with like this?) with drug addiction is a choice, and the ending is simplistic to the point of childishness. I don't even want to talk about that fact that there is a story in this collection told from the perspective of a dream catcher (wtf), that is also quite the choice.
There's a lot of potential in these stories, but somebody needed to tell the author to cut the tired stereotypes (Canada is either snowy or rainy all the time and everyone speaks French there!) and dispense with the overly neat endings - "write what you know" is perennial advice for a reason, and when you slap the reader in the face with the point you're trying to make (I'm looking at you, Little Bugs), it detracts from the power of the story.
The cover is very pretty though, 10/10 for that.
Ghosts in the Drywall) were moving and/or thought-provoking - I think Here and Gone in particular will rattle around in my head for a little bit longer.
The rest of the stories were just ok, and a couple of them were objectively bad. Beneath the Ice especially aggravated me. The juxtaposition of traditional Inuit stories (which...maybe aren't his to play with like this?) with drug addiction is a choice, and the ending is simplistic to the point of childishness. I don't even want to talk about that fact that there is a story in this collection told from the perspective of a dream catcher (wtf), that is also quite the choice.
There's a lot of potential in these stories, but somebody needed to tell the author to cut the tired stereotypes (Canada is either snowy or rainy all the time and everyone speaks French there!) and dispense with the overly neat endings - "write what you know" is perennial advice for a reason, and when you slap the reader in the face with the point you're trying to make (I'm looking at you, Little Bugs), it detracts from the power of the story.
The cover is very pretty though, 10/10 for that.
September 11, 2025
I very much enjoyed this collection! From the cover design to the first short, it was clear from the start that Mr. Campbell brings an ease and expertise not consistently seen in the realm of independent publishing. His years of creative writing dedication stand on full display through each of these stories.
There's a tale for everyone's interests in this collection—from vampires to teleportation to Russian cooking recipes—and the pervasive theme of loss entwines itself through each. In exploring this theme, Mr. Campbell's stories ultimately serve as a reminder to celebrate what we DO have, as characters eke out solace in unlikely places like the bones of a giant, an ice lake at midnight, and Canada.
I would have loved to see several of these stories developed further into novelettes like his capstone tale, "Last of the Legion"—there were several cases where a short's intended payoff ends right as it feels the story was truly beginning, or where the protagonist's fate was ambiguous enough to prevent a feeling of full closure.
I look forward to enjoying Mr. Campbell's further works and longer form tales! It was a privilege to attend a reading of this story in person last year, and I am grateful for the chance to have enjoyed this collection.
There's a tale for everyone's interests in this collection—from vampires to teleportation to Russian cooking recipes—and the pervasive theme of loss entwines itself through each. In exploring this theme, Mr. Campbell's stories ultimately serve as a reminder to celebrate what we DO have, as characters eke out solace in unlikely places like the bones of a giant, an ice lake at midnight, and Canada.
I would have loved to see several of these stories developed further into novelettes like his capstone tale, "Last of the Legion"—there were several cases where a short's intended payoff ends right as it feels the story was truly beginning, or where the protagonist's fate was ambiguous enough to prevent a feeling of full closure.
I look forward to enjoying Mr. Campbell's further works and longer form tales! It was a privilege to attend a reading of this story in person last year, and I am grateful for the chance to have enjoyed this collection.
April 15, 2024
Cory does a fantastic job weaving detailed and interesting short stories in such a way that, even though they may be unrelated directly, share a common vibe or thread throughout.
He really shows his skills as a writer by writing from several perspectives and points of view, taking on a varied cast of characters. You can tell he's been working on this and iterating on it for some time from the depth and quality of the stories.
I would recommend someone to pace themselves on this, to really savor each story and feel the impact of it. Though as I say that, I kept on reading story after story!
By far my favorites in the book were "Bones of the Giant" and "The Last Legion", both gave me goosebumps.
I did appreciate that there was a heads up near the start mentioning that many of these shorts are a bit heavy emotionally. But I will say I'm glad for pushing through, because each story was so unique! I would compare this in some part to Black Mirror, Love Death and Robots, or Tales from the Loop.
Thanks for the ARC! Would love to read more from Cory 👍
He really shows his skills as a writer by writing from several perspectives and points of view, taking on a varied cast of characters. You can tell he's been working on this and iterating on it for some time from the depth and quality of the stories.
I would recommend someone to pace themselves on this, to really savor each story and feel the impact of it. Though as I say that, I kept on reading story after story!
By far my favorites in the book were "Bones of the Giant" and "The Last Legion", both gave me goosebumps.
I did appreciate that there was a heads up near the start mentioning that many of these shorts are a bit heavy emotionally. But I will say I'm glad for pushing through, because each story was so unique! I would compare this in some part to Black Mirror, Love Death and Robots, or Tales from the Loop.
Thanks for the ARC! Would love to read more from Cory 👍
December 21, 2024
I love it when a story can give me a true emotional reaction. Most of the stories in this collection did just that. Cody D. Campbell has a way of capturing a bittersweet feeling that had me tearing up at regular intervals. My favorites in this vein were "Clean Slate," "Ghosts in the Drywall," "Pan's Shadow," and "Beneath the Ice."
Overall, there was a mix of futurism, natural elements/settings, gothic romanticism, a little bit of horror and a lot of clever storytelling which I found very satisfying. There were a couple of the stories I had a hard time getting in to, and I'm not crazy about poetry either. Why did I give it 5/5? There are very few if any short story collections that I liked 100% of. What I did like in this collection I want to read a lot more of.
If you pick up this book and only read a few, these are the ones I most highly recommend - not including the ones listed and in no particular order: (1) Glamour (2) The trouble with Strawberries (3) Here and Gone and (4) Family Recipe.
Overall, there was a mix of futurism, natural elements/settings, gothic romanticism, a little bit of horror and a lot of clever storytelling which I found very satisfying. There were a couple of the stories I had a hard time getting in to, and I'm not crazy about poetry either. Why did I give it 5/5? There are very few if any short story collections that I liked 100% of. What I did like in this collection I want to read a lot more of.
If you pick up this book and only read a few, these are the ones I most highly recommend - not including the ones listed and in no particular order: (1) Glamour (2) The trouble with Strawberries (3) Here and Gone and (4) Family Recipe.
April 18, 2025
A Mosaic of Magic and Melancholy...
Echoes of the Arcane feels like a grab‑and‑go mix of magic, sci‑fi, and down‑to‑earth emotion. Twenty‑one short pieces whisk you from ruined futures to hidden forests, from battle‑scarred veterans to wandering dreamers—all with a refreshing blend of snappy action and slower, mood‑soaked moments. Campbell’s stories stick with you, whether you’re craving quick thrills or a deeper dive into loss and longing. It’s the kind of collection you’ll devour in one sitting and keep thinking about afterward. Highly recommended.
Echoes of the Arcane feels like a grab‑and‑go mix of magic, sci‑fi, and down‑to‑earth emotion. Twenty‑one short pieces whisk you from ruined futures to hidden forests, from battle‑scarred veterans to wandering dreamers—all with a refreshing blend of snappy action and slower, mood‑soaked moments. Campbell’s stories stick with you, whether you’re craving quick thrills or a deeper dive into loss and longing. It’s the kind of collection you’ll devour in one sitting and keep thinking about afterward. Highly recommended.
July 25, 2025
Book Review: Echoes of the Arcane by Cody D. Campbell
A beautifully varied collection of stories and poems that drift between ancient magic, dystopian futures, and quiet moments of reflection. Each piece carries a thread of loss, but also wonder.
From insect-like robots cleaning up pollution to Roman soldiers stumbling into ancient secrets, Echoes of the Arcane is both thoughtful and imaginative. A lovely read for fans of speculative fiction with heart.
A beautifully varied collection of stories and poems that drift between ancient magic, dystopian futures, and quiet moments of reflection. Each piece carries a thread of loss, but also wonder.
From insect-like robots cleaning up pollution to Roman soldiers stumbling into ancient secrets, Echoes of the Arcane is both thoughtful and imaginative. A lovely read for fans of speculative fiction with heart.
March 28, 2024
This book is a collection of short stories and poems. The stories range from literary, sci-fi, to fantasy. Every story has a theme or something to learn from. For instance, “Clean Slate” is a sci-fi about a man who’s struggling in life and doesn’t think highly of himself only to learn that luck isn’t just purely for the smart and wealthy, it’s also for the people who are there at the right time; “Glamour” is a fantasy vampire story about revenge, and “Beneath the Ice” is about family and addiction. The poems are a fun add. They’re all very thought-provoking.
Overall, this is a nice collection of stories and poems if you’re not into reading a long novel or if you just want to sample a variety of different types of literature.
Overall, this is a nice collection of stories and poems if you’re not into reading a long novel or if you just want to sample a variety of different types of literature.
September 6, 2025
I really liked how short most of these short stories were so I could dip in and out. Overall, none of them are super memorable, but it was nice to get a mix of different genres.
October 27, 2024
Let me start by saying I'm not normally a fan of short stories, as I prefer spending more time with the characters and the world.
Most of these were just what I expected - good stories, but too short for me to develop any kind of emotional connection.
BUT. Some of these were a punch to the gut (in a good way). So definitely worth the read for the gems between the ordinary.
Most of these were just what I expected - good stories, but too short for me to develop any kind of emotional connection.
BUT. Some of these were a punch to the gut (in a good way). So definitely worth the read for the gems between the ordinary.
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