Bellator: An Anthology of Warriors of Space & Magic

by Mia Darien (Editor and Contributor), Chantal Boudreau (Contributor), A.L. Butcher (Contributor)

Science Fiction and Fantasy, two genres that are both unalike and inextricably entwined, stretching the imagination to the expansive boundaries of time, space, and magic. These boundaries are often filled with warriors and war, fights and causes worth fighting for, and that's what you'll find in this anthology. From fighting aliens in space to demons in a world of magic, you'll find many stories to suit your starship's entertainment collection or your favorite bard at the local tavern...or just your imagination here and now. Sit back and enjoy twelve stories from authors both familiar and new!

100% of the proceeds to be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

librarian note:
The book was re-released with slight changes.

stories:
Sarah by Lee Pletzers
he Summoned Rise of the Phantom Knights by Kenny Emmanuel
Border Patrol by B.R. Kingsolver (this is missing in the re-release)
The Twelve by K.B. Thorne (previously credited to Mia Darien)
Ghosts by Christi Rigby
Outside the Walls by A.L. Butcher & Diana L. Wicker
My Brother’s Keeper by Raphyel M. Jordan
With Our Own Blood by Viola Dawn (previously credited to Jessica Nicholls)
The Connection by Crystal G. Smith
A Fly on the Wall by Chantal Boudreau
Slacker by Doug Dandridge
The Light Bless Thee and Keep Thee by Mason Darien

270 pages, ebook

First published August 1, 2014

About the author

Born a Connecticut Yankee in nobody’s court, Mia Darien grew up to brave snow and talk fast. She started reading when she was three and never looked back, soon frequently falling asleep with a book under her cheek. (Something she still does, though these days it’s her Nook as often as a paperback.)

At eleven, she discovered “Night Mare” by Piers Anthony and entered the world of grown-up fantasy fiction and it was all over from there. She started writing at fourteen, then met vampires as a teenager and the concept for what would become Adelheid was soon born. Epic fantasy remains her first love, but she enjoys writing whatever stories come to mind in any genre.

Now she loves both writing and helping her indie community with her freelancing. A geek till the end, she enjoys role-play by email games and World of Warcraft when she has the time. Married to her very own Named Man of the North, she lives with him, their mini-tank (also known as their son) and pets, who usually act more childish than the child.

Reviews

[Mia Darien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another anthology, so I won't review my work. But there are eleven other stories in this book from some fantastic authors. I think each story is great and brings its own element to the science fiction and fantasy warriors tales herein.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve only read one book in this collection so far, Border Patrol by BR Kingsolver, but it alone is worth the download. I’ve recently become addicted to this author, having read her urban fantasy series (Rosie O'Grady's Paranormal Bar and Grill series, The Telepathic Clans Saga series, the Chameleon Assassin series and the Dark Streets series. All were easily 5 stars - every single freakin’ book. As For Border Patrol, it is the only pure sci-fi story I’ve read by BR Kingsolver but was frustratingly perfect. Military sci-fi, the heroine here is the commander of an assault troop unit, it was an absolute total blast (and I’ve been reading this stuff since Robert A. Heinlein’s Starship Troopers was first published, so I should know). Perfect characters and storyline. The frustration is that while it ends in a very satisfying manner, I’m massively frustrated that this was only a short story. I’m truly hoping the author turns it into the first book in a new series.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great value, excellent reading a lovely gift idea and it involves charity. Bellator contains twelve short stories and all of the proceeds go to The Wounded Warrior Project. Completely disregarding my own tale, this is a worthwhile anthology. The mix of sci-fi and high fantasy is excellent. The warrior theme is adhered to, but each author really brings something different to this collection. All the stories have action. The tones range from poignant, to amusing and playful, to mystical and thrilling. I am not normally a sci-fi reader, but I enjoyed the sci-fi stories. It would be interesting to poll people about which tale was their favorite. Mine was Mia Darien's The Twelve, really quite freaky and unique. But then again I enjoyed them all. If you yourself or anyone you know is into fantasy and sci-fi, you love tales that revolve around warriors in varying worlds, I highly recommend Bellator.

[Crystal G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be included in this anthology so I won't review my work, however I will the other stories. A must read for everyone. Even if you're like me, I mainly read and write romance, this book opened a new liking to sci-fi and fantasy for me. This also goes toward a wonderful cause. The Wounded Warrior Project is very dear to my heart and so many of our troops need our support. This anthology offers that. Together, we can make a difference.