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Lore: A Miss-Fortunate Adventures Prequel
Welcome to AearthBrave Adventurers Wanted!
This collection of six short stories will introduce you to the broken world of Aearth. Glimpse moments in time. Where magic and the gods still influence the world. Step foot into the world since the loss of magic. Where monsters haunt more than nightmares.
Aearth was once a place of magic and wonder. A world where the gods were said to walk among its people and gift champions with great power. Aearth, once so powerful and grand, fell to the Great War over two-thousand years ago.
When the Gods created Aearth, they gave a country to each of their races. The forest of the north to the elves and fawn folk. The mountains to the dwarves and small people. The desert was given to those brave enough to survive among the monsterkin. The southern jungle was gifted to the elementals. While the plains and swamps were given to those that would live close to nature. The central plains were gifted to humanity.
Humanity quickly outgrew its borders and so started the Human Expansion. A dark power promised humanity the world, and they were out to take it.
When the Great War broke out, the gods saw fit to intercede. Their Chosen were Marked and given gifts no other mortal possessed along with the weapons to fight the armies of undead humanity created to fight their war. A group of heroes meant to unite and bind the world with them. A task they never completed. They failed.
The world of Aearth broke. Magic broke the world apart at the seams. The gods saved their people and their world, piecing it back together. They took magic from mortals, infusing it into Aearth to hold it together.
The gods left their people to survive without magic, in a world that is starved for it.
Two thousand years later, the cracks in the world are widening. Magic is leaking into reality.
Aearth and its stories are inspired by a private Fantasy 5e Homebrew. Lore is just the prequel to a much larger world and book saga.
This collection of six short stories will introduce you to the broken world of Aearth. Glimpse moments in time. Where magic and the gods still influence the world. Step foot into the world since the loss of magic. Where monsters haunt more than nightmares.
Aearth was once a place of magic and wonder. A world where the gods were said to walk among its people and gift champions with great power. Aearth, once so powerful and grand, fell to the Great War over two-thousand years ago.
When the Gods created Aearth, they gave a country to each of their races. The forest of the north to the elves and fawn folk. The mountains to the dwarves and small people. The desert was given to those brave enough to survive among the monsterkin. The southern jungle was gifted to the elementals. While the plains and swamps were given to those that would live close to nature. The central plains were gifted to humanity.
Humanity quickly outgrew its borders and so started the Human Expansion. A dark power promised humanity the world, and they were out to take it.
When the Great War broke out, the gods saw fit to intercede. Their Chosen were Marked and given gifts no other mortal possessed along with the weapons to fight the armies of undead humanity created to fight their war. A group of heroes meant to unite and bind the world with them. A task they never completed. They failed.
The world of Aearth broke. Magic broke the world apart at the seams. The gods saved their people and their world, piecing it back together. They took magic from mortals, infusing it into Aearth to hold it together.
The gods left their people to survive without magic, in a world that is starved for it.
Two thousand years later, the cracks in the world are widening. Magic is leaking into reality.
Aearth and its stories are inspired by a private Fantasy 5e Homebrew. Lore is just the prequel to a much larger world and book saga.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2025
5 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Megan Russ
27 books112 followersMegan has been writing since she was a child. Her dream of being a published author has never faded despite the struggles of life. After taking a few years away from the keyboard she is back. Megan now works as a LMT, with three kids and a houseful of pets. She could not do anything without her amazing support system, mainly her best friend and partner in crime.
Megan enjoys writing Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror, with little limitation on the Sub-genres she will stretch into. Writing as a passion hobby is now what she does to fill the time between work, family, and hiking the Nevada desert. She finds inspiration in everyday life, art, and most of all her crazy vivid dreams.
Find more of Megan's work in Writers United Anthologies, and Butchered Writers Terror Monthly.
Her own collections can be found on Amazon Kindle Unlimited and Paperback.
Short Story Collections:
Shadows of the Great Basin
Night Creature's Lair
Lore
Novellas:
Waves of Green
Finding Forgiveness
Megan enjoys writing Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror, with little limitation on the Sub-genres she will stretch into. Writing as a passion hobby is now what she does to fill the time between work, family, and hiking the Nevada desert. She finds inspiration in everyday life, art, and most of all her crazy vivid dreams.
Find more of Megan's work in Writers United Anthologies, and Butchered Writers Terror Monthly.
Her own collections can be found on Amazon Kindle Unlimited and Paperback.
Short Story Collections:
Shadows of the Great Basin
Night Creature's Lair
Lore
Novellas:
Waves of Green
Finding Forgiveness
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 4, 2025
monsters???
If u like all mystical forms. Elves dwarfs and others this i a book for u! Where the human race is the enemy! Magic and shapeshifters alike. But magic in wrong hands is never a good thing! She catches u with this book and never lets go! A must read.
If u like all mystical forms. Elves dwarfs and others this i a book for u! Where the human race is the enemy! Magic and shapeshifters alike. But magic in wrong hands is never a good thing! She catches u with this book and never lets go! A must read.
December 6, 2025
I loved this book. I don't usually read books that have world building in them, but this book captured my attention from the start. You have Elves, God's, and other mystical creatures. Then you have magic, and by the time you finish the book, you want to read more. I've read some of Megan Russ books before, and they were good, but she really captured my attention with her Balance of Fates books. If you like fantasy books, full of adventure, and mystical creatures, you will love this book.
August 2, 2025
Wow
Next please! This artfully well written novella left me craving for more! Undead Dragon kin and murder mushrooms, sign me up for all of these!!!!
Next please! This artfully well written novella left me craving for more! Undead Dragon kin and murder mushrooms, sign me up for all of these!!!!
October 18, 2025
Marvelous and wondrous
Lore is an exceptional beginning and I’m eager to see what Megan Russ has in store for us. This collection of short stories smoothly weaves a world swallowed by war. From the agony of unnecessary loss, to the sorrow of those left behind, to the triumphs that pave the way for hope. Though there is much darkness along the way, the book ends with light. Well done Megan Russ. I highly recommend this book, and can’t wait for the novel!
Lore is an exceptional beginning and I’m eager to see what Megan Russ has in store for us. This collection of short stories smoothly weaves a world swallowed by war. From the agony of unnecessary loss, to the sorrow of those left behind, to the triumphs that pave the way for hope. Though there is much darkness along the way, the book ends with light. Well done Megan Russ. I highly recommend this book, and can’t wait for the novel!
September 1, 2025
I can not wait until my children are older so that they can be brought into the wonderful world that is Russ' mind.
Magic. Creatures. Shape shifters. Flame and Spore. Best part of the read, by the way. With a bunch of interconnected pieces, Russ brings you into this wonderful yet scary post-something world and keeps you there.
Your imagination will run rampant as you are pulled deeper and deeper into this world. A world where trees come to life. Where fire and fungi create the perfect duo to battle, what lies ahead.
I can't wait to see where the author takes this world. If Megan Russ isn't on your bookshelf, what are you waiting for.
Magic. Creatures. Shape shifters. Flame and Spore. Best part of the read, by the way. With a bunch of interconnected pieces, Russ brings you into this wonderful yet scary post-something world and keeps you there.
Your imagination will run rampant as you are pulled deeper and deeper into this world. A world where trees come to life. Where fire and fungi create the perfect duo to battle, what lies ahead.
I can't wait to see where the author takes this world. If Megan Russ isn't on your bookshelf, what are you waiting for.
May 18, 2025
As always Megan's work dose not disappoint.
This collection of future fantasy stories is filled with fantasy creatures of all shapes and sizes with a whole lot of magic thrown in to hold it all together. I particularly enjoyed the way the stories felt like they were being told from the perspective of a storyteller passing down ancient legends down to the next generation. a must read.
This collection of future fantasy stories is filled with fantasy creatures of all shapes and sizes with a whole lot of magic thrown in to hold it all together. I particularly enjoyed the way the stories felt like they were being told from the perspective of a storyteller passing down ancient legends down to the next generation. a must read.
August 21, 2025
What I really enjoyed about this book is the depth of its history. The author doesn’t just throw you into a generic fantasy land you get a true sense of how the gods shaped the world, how each race was given its place, and how humanity’s ambition led to the Great War that shattered everything. The idea that the gods’ chosen heroes failed in their mission adds a bittersweet, almost tragic weight to the story, which I found refreshing compared to the usual “heroes save the day” trope.
Two thousand years later, the world feels scarred yet alive, with magic seeping back into reality like cracks forming in old stone. That tension between a broken past and an uncertain future is what really stuck with me. It’s not just a story about magic and gods, but also about consequences, legacy, and what happens when history threatens to repeat itself.
If you enjoy fantasy worlds inspired by tabletop storytelling, or you love lore-rich settings that feel like they could host countless adventures, Aearth is
Two thousand years later, the world feels scarred yet alive, with magic seeping back into reality like cracks forming in old stone. That tension between a broken past and an uncertain future is what really stuck with me. It’s not just a story about magic and gods, but also about consequences, legacy, and what happens when history threatens to repeat itself.
If you enjoy fantasy worlds inspired by tabletop storytelling, or you love lore-rich settings that feel like they could host countless adventures, Aearth is
April 21, 2025
Wonderfully imaginative and rich with potential
This collection bursts with creativity and a deep love for myth and folklore. Each story introduces a new and intriguing creature, and the world the author builds is layered with imagination and originality. There’s no shortage of fascinating ideas here, and it’s clear the author has a real gift for dreaming up new worlds.
While I occasionally found myself wishing for more cohesion—perhaps longer stories or a more focused structure per creature to help with clarity—the overall experience was still enjoyable. There’s so much heart and effort poured into these stories.
A bit of additional editing would help the flow and polish, but the bones of something special are here. Readers who enjoy myth, magic, and fresh takes on legendary beings will find plenty to love in this collection. I’m looking forward to seeing how Megan continues to grow and refine their storytelling voice.
This collection bursts with creativity and a deep love for myth and folklore. Each story introduces a new and intriguing creature, and the world the author builds is layered with imagination and originality. There’s no shortage of fascinating ideas here, and it’s clear the author has a real gift for dreaming up new worlds.
While I occasionally found myself wishing for more cohesion—perhaps longer stories or a more focused structure per creature to help with clarity—the overall experience was still enjoyable. There’s so much heart and effort poured into these stories.
A bit of additional editing would help the flow and polish, but the bones of something special are here. Readers who enjoy myth, magic, and fresh takes on legendary beings will find plenty to love in this collection. I’m looking forward to seeing how Megan continues to grow and refine their storytelling voice.
April 20, 2025
Russ continues to shine in her exploration of short story genres while remaining true to the vein of horror and fright. In Lore you get the partial experience of a litRPG but get characters you quickly get to know and fear for. And what do you mean that thing is alive?
Every story ventures into the darkest portions of the mind in chilling tales that show happy endings aren’t mandatory. My personal favorite in this one is Hallowed Horn because what quest doesn’t start in ye olde tavern. But it’s much more than that it’s a tale weaved about courage and sacrifice with a twist that while I saw coming I still needed to see the ending of it.
If you’re looking for a great anthology to flip through before bedtime this one will satisfy your need for a little jaunt through some haunted woods while still allowing you to sleep.
Every story ventures into the darkest portions of the mind in chilling tales that show happy endings aren’t mandatory. My personal favorite in this one is Hallowed Horn because what quest doesn’t start in ye olde tavern. But it’s much more than that it’s a tale weaved about courage and sacrifice with a twist that while I saw coming I still needed to see the ending of it.
If you’re looking for a great anthology to flip through before bedtime this one will satisfy your need for a little jaunt through some haunted woods while still allowing you to sleep.
April 2, 2025
This collection of short stories is set in a world similar to our own, but with a few hundred more eccentric characters, because who doesn't love a good dose of crazy, offering a glimpse into the unusual events that will unfold in this world where hope prevails, mostly because the sanity of its inhabitants is barely holding on. I will have to say, some of these incidents were hard for me to follow but this isn't my usual genre because I'm a sucker for HEA romance type of girl. Yet Megan Russ's is one of my favorite authors, her books always draw me into the unique characters she creates and her imagination just never ceases to amaze me!
September 2, 2025
Lore: A Miss-Fortunate Adventures Prequel isn’t just a prequel, it’s the doorway into Aearth, a world once blessed by gods and broken by war. These six stories don’t read like background notes; they feel like living fragments of history, stitched with loss, faith, and the dangerous promise of magic returning.
What struck me most was the tension: heroes chosen yet failing, gods who intervene only to vanish, and mortals left to rebuild a world starved of wonder. It reminded me of what Tolkien meant when he said the best storytellers “surprise even God”, because Russ gives us a world that feels ancient, mythic, and yet heartbreakingly unfinished.
This isn’t just for fantasy readers. It’s for anyone who craves stories where belief is tested, where the ruins of old magic still whisper, and where even in failure, hope waits for its chance to rise again.
What struck me most was the tension: heroes chosen yet failing, gods who intervene only to vanish, and mortals left to rebuild a world starved of wonder. It reminded me of what Tolkien meant when he said the best storytellers “surprise even God”, because Russ gives us a world that feels ancient, mythic, and yet heartbreakingly unfinished.
This isn’t just for fantasy readers. It’s for anyone who craves stories where belief is tested, where the ruins of old magic still whisper, and where even in failure, hope waits for its chance to rise again.
April 19, 2025
A few stories in and my favorite was Black Bark. I continued reading and quickly changed my favorite to Errant mark I loved being able to follow the timeline with the journal setting. I was sure that one would be the one I held to for the need to know what happened to Agnus, until I got to Flame & Spore. That one is by far the one I loved. I just need to know more and what happens to Saren and Esme. Oh and did I mention there's an undead army. I mean what more can you want in a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2025
This has 6 short stories, introducing you to the broken world of Aearth. Elves, dwarves, elementals, halflings, orcs, and other magical beings fight humans and the evil magic they use to create undead to destroy and kill. The Gods marked some as Their Chosen and gave them gifts stronger than no other and a special weapon to help fight the dark power of Humanity. I absolutely loved Lore and can't wait to read more of Megan's work.
August 6, 2025
I can not even begin to describe how magical the works of Mrs Russ are. I love her works. Her works are so exceptional with detail of myths. lore is no exception. I can't wait to dive into the rest of this series. Mrs russ has a way of capturing and drawing you in from start to finish
August 3, 2025
A little step into the dark... and loving it
I was hesitant at first because I'm not usually into the dark fantasy but the style of writing brings the characters to life and just sucks you into the story! I can't wait for more!
I was hesitant at first because I'm not usually into the dark fantasy but the style of writing brings the characters to life and just sucks you into the story! I can't wait for more!
September 23, 2025
This has got to be one of the best books about dark fantasy that I've ever read. Every short story in this book was absolutely amazing. the imagination, the characters, the description. I read through this book thinking to myself, "Megan Russ has one heck of an imagination." While Black Bark was one of my faves, every story had an element that really brought the story to life. I'm an avid horror fan, and this book has monsters in it that will blow you away.
I'm beyond excited to read the next in line.
I'm completely enamored with this book. I'm so glad i got a physical copy, because this one definitely earns it's place on my bookshelf.
I'm beyond excited to read the next in line.
I'm completely enamored with this book. I'm so glad i got a physical copy, because this one definitely earns it's place on my bookshelf.
August 4, 2025
Welcome to Aearth offers a compelling collection of short stories that serve as both an introduction and a tease into a much larger world brimming with lore, history, and untapped magic. Each standalone tale subtly weaves into a greater tapestry, hinting at a deeper mythology and a conflict centuries in the making.
What truly sets this collection apart is its immersive world-building. From the remnants of a divine war to the fading echoes of magic, the author crafts a universe that feels ancient, lived-in, and ripe with mystery. The balance between mythical exposition and character-driven storytelling is well-executed, giving the reader enough to be intrigued without feeling overwhelmed.
Whether you're a fan of Dungeons & Dragons-style narratives or simply enjoy fantasy worlds with rich backstories and moral complexity, Welcome to Aearth delivers a thoughtful and promising beginning to what could become a truly epic saga.
What truly sets this collection apart is its immersive world-building. From the remnants of a divine war to the fading echoes of magic, the author crafts a universe that feels ancient, lived-in, and ripe with mystery. The balance between mythical exposition and character-driven storytelling is well-executed, giving the reader enough to be intrigued without feeling overwhelmed.
Whether you're a fan of Dungeons & Dragons-style narratives or simply enjoy fantasy worlds with rich backstories and moral complexity, Welcome to Aearth delivers a thoughtful and promising beginning to what could become a truly epic saga.
July 22, 2025
I just finished Lore: A Miss-Fortunate Adventures Prequel and I’m still thinking about Aearth and its broken magic. These six stories pulled me into a world that feels ancient, wounded, and still burning with hope.
I loved how each piece hints at the bigger history and the gods who left, the war that shattered everything, and the cracks that refuse to stay closed. It’s like holding a lantern in the dark, a glimpse of something much bigger coming.
If you love short stories that whisper about lost worlds and second chances, this one is worth every page. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Aearth.
I loved how each piece hints at the bigger history and the gods who left, the war that shattered everything, and the cracks that refuse to stay closed. It’s like holding a lantern in the dark, a glimpse of something much bigger coming.
If you love short stories that whisper about lost worlds and second chances, this one is worth every page. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Aearth.
April 8, 2025
Love Megan Russ's writing and mind! The stories she creates are always captivating and this collection of short stories did NOT let me down. My favorite was Black Bark! I so hope we can have more like we did from Shadows of the Great Basin with Waves of Green. An expansion of this particular story would be AMAZING!
May 12, 2025
This was such a fun read! You get to see the creation of a realm, and meet some amazing characters I can't wait to see more of. Each chapter is like reading a character backstory, some of them dark and creepy, and made me miss playing tabletop D&D, it was awesome! Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good dark fantasy!!
October 23, 2025
Aearth feels like stepping into a legend that never ended, just fractured. Megan crafts a world of divine ruin and flickering hope, where ancient magic hums beneath the surface and every story feels like the beginning of something much bigger. It’s beautifully built, hauntingly written, and impossible to forget.
October 23, 2025
So, I opened “Aearth” thinking I’d read one story before bed. Next thing I know, it’s 3 a.m., I’ve mentally adopted three gods, and I’m wondering if I can roll to survive the Great War. Megan takes familiar fantasy tropes and breaks them in the best possible way, like an RPG campaign that got too real.
April 2, 2025
I enjoyed reading this unique and imaginative book. It's a great book about adventure and good vs evil (though evil seems to be winning here 🫣). I recommend this book!
September 1, 2025
dark, gripping, and beautifully written. Aearth feels alive and free and dangerous in the best way
September 1, 2025
The perfect balance of lore and emotion. Now i have to dive into the miss fortunate adventures series
September 1, 2025
Six stories one unforgettable world. perfect for fans of epic fantasy and adventure.
September 1, 2025
Megan russ delivers a masterclass in prequel storytelling mystery, magic, and myth all in one
April 12, 2025
I love Megan Russ's short stories, and this was no exception! The world the author creates is truly captivating. My personal favorite in this collection was Black Bark. If you enjoy horror, but are limited on time give this a spin!
December 9, 2025
Want to dive into the history and lore of a fantasy world? Lore is the collection for you.
I loved the little tale in the beginning from the debut author. The rest of the tales sucked me in and I cannot wait to see where this world of Aearth is going.
From Black Bark giving us a new type of villain, to Shifting Sands where we see a familiar evil with a fresh face.
A world where humanity made the wrong choices and threw all of Aearth into darkness.
We get to see moments in the past and moments in the current time after the collapse that humanity caused.
Elves, Beastkin, and gods.
This D&D inspired short story collection leads right into a epic fantasy saga. I cannot wait to read more.
I loved the little tale in the beginning from the debut author. The rest of the tales sucked me in and I cannot wait to see where this world of Aearth is going.
From Black Bark giving us a new type of villain, to Shifting Sands where we see a familiar evil with a fresh face.
A world where humanity made the wrong choices and threw all of Aearth into darkness.
We get to see moments in the past and moments in the current time after the collapse that humanity caused.
Elves, Beastkin, and gods.
This D&D inspired short story collection leads right into a epic fantasy saga. I cannot wait to read more.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews