LORE Anthology

by S.L. Dooley, Bridgette O'Hare (editor), Alice Sullivan

Castles, kilts, and curses. What more could you ask for?
Step into the enchanting world of LORE , an anthology that celebrates the rich tapestry of Scotland's heritage and the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands. This collection features stories from multiple authors, each weaving their own unique tale inspired by the lore, legends, and landscapes of this storied land. From ancient curses and mythical creatures to timeless love and fierce battles, these stories span genres like fantasy, historical fiction, romance, mystery, and adventure. Immerse yourself in the haunting melodies of the bagpipes, the whispers of the wind over misty glens, and the echo of ancient footsteps on castle ruins. "LORE" invites you to journey through the heart of Scotland and experience its magic and mystery, long after the final page is turned.

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2024

About the author

Bestselling and award-winning author SL Dooley crafts fantasy worlds where darkness lurks behind enchanting facades. Weaving the paranormal and horrific into both small towns and alternate dimensions, she explores the power of faith against dark forces. Every story underscores the bonds of family, spiritual resilience, and the love of our Creator.
Through realms of haunting beauty and hidden malevolence, Dooley's stories reveal that only the brightest faith can withstand the gathering shadows.

Her acclaimed series have captivated readers worldwide, earning her recognition for her distinctive voice that bridges the gap between traditional fantasy and psychological horror. Her novel, Haunted: Into the Abyss, won the Realm Makers Award for paranormal fiction in 2025. Her ability to create immersive worlds where glittering waterfalls and soaring castles conceal raging evils straining to be released. Dooley's background in folklore and mythology infuses her narratives with authentic depth, while her exploration of faith amid darkness resonates with readers seeking stories of spiritual resilience.

When not building haunted worlds, SL Dooley mentors emerging writers and speaks on the transformative power of dark fantasy as a vehicle for hope and redemption. She has spoken at numerous events, including the Realm Makers Conference, The Bookfest Spring Festival, WriterCon, Oklahoma Writer’s Federation, Inc, and the Christian Vision Conference. She lives in Texas with her husband, where she collects old books and new journals.

Reviews

[Olivia Gratehouse]

Let’s play a game called “how many different versions of Hamish and the Ghost Haunting the Billiards Room can we find?” The answer might shock you! 😂

This is truthfully a wonderful anthology. After spending over a week on the Scottish highlands, crammed together with fellow writers and creatives, given a collection of prompts and told to write to our hearts’ content? How could our creativity NOT run wild? How could the friendships NOT blossom and unfold in ways I never could have expected?

I vividly remember Brianna reading an excerpt of her eerie story about the woman who found a haunted bathtub in the garden, and waiting TEN MONTHS to read its conclusion. I laughed with delight when beta reading Rachel’s wonderful retelling of a Scottish fable. I admired when Denica told me about breaking of the fourth wall in her story, and laughed when Lauren gave us all the details about mother-naked Hamish. (Just one of the many versions of the groundskeeper we get to meet. 😉)

All these stories come alive on the page, and even more so because of how I recognize my friends in them. And it was SO COOL to see how many different versions of a story can be told, how one prompt can diverge in near infinite possible paths.

In short, I will cherish this book forever because it was contributed to by so many amazing people I’ve come to love and care for. I hope you’ll come to love Hamish and the Ghost as much as I did. 😉

[Answer Peter]

The LORE Anthology is not just a collection of stories; it is an immersive journey. From the very beginning, this multi-author masterpiece accomplishes exactly what it promises: it transports you, heart and soul, into the misty glens, ancient ruins, and rich, beating heart of Scotland’s legendary landscape. The evocative call of “Castles, kilts, and curses” is merely the opening note to a symphony of tales that will enchant you utterly.
What is most remarkable about this anthology is the seamless yet diverse tapestry it weaves. Each author brings a unique voice and vision, yet all are unified by a profound love and respect for their inspiration. The result is a breathtaking range of experiences you might find yourself swept into a fierce historical battle in one story, unraveling a magical curse in a fairy-tale glen in the next, and swooning over a timeless romance in a Highland castle thereafter. The genres blend as beautifully as the heather on the hills, offering something wondrous for every reader.
The true magic of LORE lies in its atmosphere. You can feel the whisper of the wind over the moor, hear the distant skirl of bagpipes, and sense the ancient footsteps echoing through stone corridors. The anthology captures the essence of Scotland its wild beauty, its deep sorrow, its enduring legends, and its defiant joy with stunning clarity. It is a celebration of heritage that feels both authentically rooted and wildly imaginative.
This is the perfect book to savor by a fireside or to devour in a single, captivated sitting. Whether you are a lifelong devotee of Scottish lore or a newcomer eager for an introduction to its charms, LORE offers a gateway to a world of magic and mystery that promises to linger long after the journey's end. A triumphant, unified, and utterly enchanting collection. A well-deserved 5-star celebration of story and spirit.

[Rae Graham]

Feels weird to rate a book I’m in 😅 But as there are many other talented authors included I’m doing it anyway!
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Brought back so many good memories. And I’m pleased to see I wasn’t the only one to give Hamish a nod 😉