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Borderlanz: Tales From the Edges
Travel to the edges of imagination in this stunning collection of stories from the five-time award-winning author described by Library Journal as “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction.”
There’s something here for every reader. Award winners and finalists. “Best of” selections. Science fiction and fantasy. Mystery and horror. Darkness and humor. Love and revenge.
An immortal defies the Lords of Order and Chaos to save the woman he loves.
A widow plans a special homecoming for the body of her soldier husband.
Strange radio broadcasts haunt a man trying to change the past.
A shapeshifter confronts his dark past as a covert agency hunts him.
Bizarre deaths threaten a private eye’s favorite restaurant.
A woman makes an unexplained stopover on a transatlantic flight.
Disaster strikes a space freighter when bad luck joins the crew.
The House promises wealth and fame...if it doesn’t kill you first.
A thief’s attempt to lift a curse goes less than perfectly.
A boy has a plan to find his brother—a deeply disturbing one.
A new father questions his ability to love his disabled son.
To win her freedom, a woman must prove she’s human.
A shapeshifter must overcome her hatred of humans to help a child.
Four warriors set out to slay the last dragon.
Two young lovers are hunted across dimensions and time.
Welcome to the Borderlanz.
“Doug Smith is quite simply, the finest short-story writer Canada has ever produced in the science fiction and fantasy genres. ... His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
“The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don’t give those up easy.” —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
“A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice.” —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
“An extraordinary author whom every lover of quality speculative fiction should read.” —Fantasy Book Critic
“Smith’s writing, evocative yet understated, gracefully brings to life his imagined realms.” — Quill and Quire
“Stories you can’t forget, even years later.” —Julie Czerneda
“A master of beginnings … [with] endings that feel satisfying and right.” —Canadian Science Fiction Reviews
There’s something here for every reader. Award winners and finalists. “Best of” selections. Science fiction and fantasy. Mystery and horror. Darkness and humor. Love and revenge.
An immortal defies the Lords of Order and Chaos to save the woman he loves.
A widow plans a special homecoming for the body of her soldier husband.
Strange radio broadcasts haunt a man trying to change the past.
A shapeshifter confronts his dark past as a covert agency hunts him.
Bizarre deaths threaten a private eye’s favorite restaurant.
A woman makes an unexplained stopover on a transatlantic flight.
Disaster strikes a space freighter when bad luck joins the crew.
The House promises wealth and fame...if it doesn’t kill you first.
A thief’s attempt to lift a curse goes less than perfectly.
A boy has a plan to find his brother—a deeply disturbing one.
A new father questions his ability to love his disabled son.
To win her freedom, a woman must prove she’s human.
A shapeshifter must overcome her hatred of humans to help a child.
Four warriors set out to slay the last dragon.
Two young lovers are hunted across dimensions and time.
Welcome to the Borderlanz.
“Doug Smith is quite simply, the finest short-story writer Canada has ever produced in the science fiction and fantasy genres. ... His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
“The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don’t give those up easy.” —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner
“A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice.” —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
“An extraordinary author whom every lover of quality speculative fiction should read.” —Fantasy Book Critic
“Smith’s writing, evocative yet understated, gracefully brings to life his imagined realms.” — Quill and Quire
“Stories you can’t forget, even years later.” —Julie Czerneda
“A master of beginnings … [with] endings that feel satisfying and right.” —Canadian Science Fiction Reviews
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2026
About the author
Douglas Smith
51 books206 followersDouglas Smith is a multi-award-winning author described by Library Journal as “one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction.”
His latest work is the multi-award-winning YA urban fantasy trilogy, The Dream Rider Saga (The Hollow Boys, The Crystal Key, and The Lost Expedition). Other books include the urban fantasy novel, The Wolf at the End of the World; the collections, Chimerascope, Impossibilia, and La Danse des Esprits (translated); and the writer's guide Playing the Short Game: How to Market & Sell Short Fiction.
His short fiction has appeared in the top markets in the field, including The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Amazing Stories, InterZone, Weird Tales, Baen’s Universe, Escape Pod, On Spec, and Cicada.
Published in 27 languages, Doug is a 4-time winner of Canada's Aurora Award, most recently in 2023 for The Hollow Boys, as well as the juried IAP Award for the same book. He's been a finalist for the Astounding Award, CBC's Bookies Award, Canada's juried Sunburst Award, the juried Alberta Magazine Award for Fiction, and France's juried Prix Masterton and Prix Bob Morane.
Buy Doug's books
Follow Doug on Amazon
His latest work is the multi-award-winning YA urban fantasy trilogy, The Dream Rider Saga (The Hollow Boys, The Crystal Key, and The Lost Expedition). Other books include the urban fantasy novel, The Wolf at the End of the World; the collections, Chimerascope, Impossibilia, and La Danse des Esprits (translated); and the writer's guide Playing the Short Game: How to Market & Sell Short Fiction.
His short fiction has appeared in the top markets in the field, including The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Amazing Stories, InterZone, Weird Tales, Baen’s Universe, Escape Pod, On Spec, and Cicada.
Published in 27 languages, Doug is a 4-time winner of Canada's Aurora Award, most recently in 2023 for The Hollow Boys, as well as the juried IAP Award for the same book. He's been a finalist for the Astounding Award, CBC's Bookies Award, Canada's juried Sunburst Award, the juried Alberta Magazine Award for Fiction, and France's juried Prix Masterton and Prix Bob Morane.
Buy Doug's books
Follow Doug on Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have long been a fan of Douglas Smith's writing. He is one of the pre-eminent authors of short fiction of our time. Being a member of his newsletter, I have had the privilege of reading many of the included stories already, but they are deep enough for a second read. Each story is unique, entertaining and often thought provoking. You truly can't go wrong with this collection!
March 15, 2026
Skillfully crafted tales, imaginative descriptions, "creatures not entirely describable in only three dimensions", ...
an entertaining and engaging collection of very different tales, all intriguing and rewarding, many thought-provoking, mostly speculative fiction with much variety in themes and stories where the quality stays high all throughout (as to be expected of an author of this caliber), can warmly recommend
Pleasant surprises await in this treasure chest of wonders
Tales of and love and loss, of revenge and of kindness, bravery and curiosity, beauty and darkness, wisdom and fun, with genres ranging from sword&sorcery to scifi and horror and suspense, including the most personal story thus far written by the author who has a knack for creating fascinating worlds and memorable characters, writing compelling stories both heavier and lighter.
Has the reader delighting in the often unexpected turns the stories take as they slowly unfurl the mystery or the journey of discovery (though the pace is not slow, rather just right, reminding us again why these are of high aclaim), the comfort and joy of tenderness, the rage at indifference, the defiance, the sorrow, the suspense, the longing, the --- the range of emotions depicted and awakened in the reader as well, impressive. (and no, even though the name ends in z there is no Swedish dansband inside. however, some of the stories take place in the author's Heroka shapeshifter and the Merged Corporate Entity universes and sometimes the wisest words come from the mouths of fools)
As always, the works of Douglas Smith are easy to recommend. Also, the afterwords bring added value in the form of insights from behind the scenes that many readers will find fascinating. If you're looking for variety, entertainment, or just something short to enjoy for several days in a row, to reawaken your curiosity and imagination, these creative and unpredictable stories will be your companion for a wonderful journey, time well spent. Something to cherish, indeed, and here's to hoping there shall be plenty of such collections in the future as well!
an entertaining and engaging collection of very different tales, all intriguing and rewarding, many thought-provoking, mostly speculative fiction with much variety in themes and stories where the quality stays high all throughout (as to be expected of an author of this caliber), can warmly recommend
Pleasant surprises await in this treasure chest of wonders
Tales of and love and loss, of revenge and of kindness, bravery and curiosity, beauty and darkness, wisdom and fun, with genres ranging from sword&sorcery to scifi and horror and suspense, including the most personal story thus far written by the author who has a knack for creating fascinating worlds and memorable characters, writing compelling stories both heavier and lighter.
Has the reader delighting in the often unexpected turns the stories take as they slowly unfurl the mystery or the journey of discovery (though the pace is not slow, rather just right, reminding us again why these are of high aclaim), the comfort and joy of tenderness, the rage at indifference, the defiance, the sorrow, the suspense, the longing, the --- the range of emotions depicted and awakened in the reader as well, impressive. (and no, even though the name ends in z there is no Swedish dansband inside. however, some of the stories take place in the author's Heroka shapeshifter and the Merged Corporate Entity universes and sometimes the wisest words come from the mouths of fools)
As always, the works of Douglas Smith are easy to recommend. Also, the afterwords bring added value in the form of insights from behind the scenes that many readers will find fascinating. If you're looking for variety, entertainment, or just something short to enjoy for several days in a row, to reawaken your curiosity and imagination, these creative and unpredictable stories will be your companion for a wonderful journey, time well spent. Something to cherish, indeed, and here's to hoping there shall be plenty of such collections in the future as well!
March 15, 2026
Douglas Smith’s collection of short stories is a wonderful read. Each story is packed with full novel feels. The characters, worlds, plots - all feel solid and well crafted. The writing flows and carries you along without rushing. At times, I found myself wondering how Douglas was able to fit so much into so few pages of a story I had just finished reading. The collection is varied and the author’s notes after each story grant you a brief look into his inspirations and astounding imagination. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection!
March 15, 2026
It's not hyperbole to say this collection of short stories is perfect. There are Sci-Fi tales, speculative and even one of a more personal nature that thankfully the author chose to share. Each and every story features believable characters set in fully realised worlds. Many stayed with me long after I'd finished reading them that I felt I surely had to read them again. Douglas Smith has included some authors notes after each one to give his readers an insight into how he works. A must-have collection for anyone who loves quality writing.
March 16, 2026
The anthology is chock-full of great stories. The breadth of types of stories and styles is amazing. I have my favorites but none were disappointing. After reading this collection, it is no surprise that Douglas Smith has also created masterpieces like the Dream Rider Saga.
Definitely worth reading.
Definitely worth reading.
March 15, 2026
Review of Douglas Smith’s “Borderlanz: Tales from the Edges”
Doug’s book consists of several very well written short stories, speculative fiction at its best. All the stories in “Borderlanz: Tales from the Edges” were very well paced and thought provoking. I found myself gripped, right from the very first sentence of the first story, “The Walker of the Shifting Borderland” to the last sentence in the final story “If I Should Fall Behind.”
The character’s in the first story, as in all the following stories, were very well fleshed out. I liked how Doug explored the concept of Law & Chaos in that story. The stories were all interesting page-turners. While I really enjoyed all of the stories in this book, I will briefly mention a few of my favourites.
I loved “Spirit Dance”, which is the prequel to Doug’s fantastic Heroka novel, “The Wolf at the End of the World”.
“A Bird in the Hand” is another great story in Doug’s Heroka Universe.
“Dream Flight” is a stand-alone sequel to “A Bird in the Hand” It was very heartwarming. I can’t wait until Doug produces more stories in that Universe.
“Murphy’s Law” is a humorous Sci-Fi story in which having bad luck can actually be a good thing. I enjoyed it quite a bit.
“If I Should Fall Behind” is a great story about a mysterious force chasing the protagonist through the multiverse.
“Borderlanz: Tales from the Edges” is a very satisfying collection of stories that warrant re-reading and anticipation of Doug’s further works.
Doug’s book consists of several very well written short stories, speculative fiction at its best. All the stories in “Borderlanz: Tales from the Edges” were very well paced and thought provoking. I found myself gripped, right from the very first sentence of the first story, “The Walker of the Shifting Borderland” to the last sentence in the final story “If I Should Fall Behind.”
The character’s in the first story, as in all the following stories, were very well fleshed out. I liked how Doug explored the concept of Law & Chaos in that story. The stories were all interesting page-turners. While I really enjoyed all of the stories in this book, I will briefly mention a few of my favourites.
I loved “Spirit Dance”, which is the prequel to Doug’s fantastic Heroka novel, “The Wolf at the End of the World”.
“A Bird in the Hand” is another great story in Doug’s Heroka Universe.
“Dream Flight” is a stand-alone sequel to “A Bird in the Hand” It was very heartwarming. I can’t wait until Doug produces more stories in that Universe.
“Murphy’s Law” is a humorous Sci-Fi story in which having bad luck can actually be a good thing. I enjoyed it quite a bit.
“If I Should Fall Behind” is a great story about a mysterious force chasing the protagonist through the multiverse.
“Borderlanz: Tales from the Edges” is a very satisfying collection of stories that warrant re-reading and anticipation of Doug’s further works.
March 16, 2026
Borderlanz Tales From the Edges is a remarkable collection that invites readers to explore the far reaches of imagination through a wide range of speculative stories. Douglas Smith demonstrates a masterful ability to move seamlessly between science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and moments of quiet human reflection. Each story offers a unique doorway into a different world while maintaining a consistent sense of emotional depth and thoughtful storytelling.
What makes this collection especially compelling is the diversity of themes and experiences presented throughout the book. From tales of immortality and sacrifice to stories of love, revenge, identity, and redemption, each narrative carries its own atmosphere and impact. Smith’s writing is both vivid and restrained, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the worlds he creates while still reflecting on the deeper ideas beneath the surface.
At its heart, Borderlanz Tales From the Edges celebrates the power of speculative fiction to explore both the extraordinary and the deeply human. The stories move effortlessly between wonder, tension, and introspection, leaving readers with moments that linger long after the final page. It is a captivating collection that will resonate with readers who appreciate imaginative storytelling that is both entertaining and thought provoking.
What makes this collection especially compelling is the diversity of themes and experiences presented throughout the book. From tales of immortality and sacrifice to stories of love, revenge, identity, and redemption, each narrative carries its own atmosphere and impact. Smith’s writing is both vivid and restrained, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the worlds he creates while still reflecting on the deeper ideas beneath the surface.
At its heart, Borderlanz Tales From the Edges celebrates the power of speculative fiction to explore both the extraordinary and the deeply human. The stories move effortlessly between wonder, tension, and introspection, leaving readers with moments that linger long after the final page. It is a captivating collection that will resonate with readers who appreciate imaginative storytelling that is both entertaining and thought provoking.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Borderlanz was excellent, I really can't recommend it enough. Although I usually prefer my stories novel length, and was a bit unsure of a book of short stories, I found myself drawn into and engrossed with each and every one of these.
Every tale is so well constructed and satisfying. A series of perfect stories that sucked me into the characters lives straight away. They hooked me from the first lines every time. The author managed to stuff entire stories into very few pages with nothing left out. It felt like I'd read a whole novel each time I finished one. The settings were varied, the prose was excellent and I never grew tired of moving from story-world to story-world. I was almost always left wanting more and sitting for a few moments after each tale thinking about how good what I'd just read was, or simply wanting more.
I did have a favourite story, which I won't spoil, but it was a very hard call to make deciding what I thought was the 'best' story in the collection as they were all so good.
Every tale is so well constructed and satisfying. A series of perfect stories that sucked me into the characters lives straight away. They hooked me from the first lines every time. The author managed to stuff entire stories into very few pages with nothing left out. It felt like I'd read a whole novel each time I finished one. The settings were varied, the prose was excellent and I never grew tired of moving from story-world to story-world. I was almost always left wanting more and sitting for a few moments after each tale thinking about how good what I'd just read was, or simply wanting more.
I did have a favourite story, which I won't spoil, but it was a very hard call to make deciding what I thought was the 'best' story in the collection as they were all so good.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Borderlanz: Tales from the Edges by Douglas Smith is a wonderful collection of short stories across a range of genres and themes. Many of these stories will stay with me for a long time and included some of my new favourites! This collection includes background notes on each story which adds further depth and interest for the reader.
Part of the fun of any short story is discovering the themes or surprises so I will try not to give away any spoilers. Smith’s collection includes unique storylines, settings, and characters that you will care about. I look forward to further explorations of some of the worlds and characters introduced here in other works by Smith. In particular, there are a couple of beautiful stories that will resonate with many readers.
I highly recommend this collection and hope you enjoy the stories as much as I did.
Disclaimer note: I received an ARC from the author however the opinions expressed are solely my own.
Part of the fun of any short story is discovering the themes or surprises so I will try not to give away any spoilers. Smith’s collection includes unique storylines, settings, and characters that you will care about. I look forward to further explorations of some of the worlds and characters introduced here in other works by Smith. In particular, there are a couple of beautiful stories that will resonate with many readers.
I highly recommend this collection and hope you enjoy the stories as much as I did.
Disclaimer note: I received an ARC from the author however the opinions expressed are solely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a wonderful short story collection that I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of fiction. The stories are diverse and wonderful, each one so different from the previous, immaculately crafted with tight prose, wonderful characters and settings, and often emotional beats that land and stick with you well after reading.
The more I read this collection, the more I enjoyed each new story and Douglas Smith’s writing. The stories are unique and original, with compelling characters at their core. My favourites include Radio Nowhere, Oregon Shooters, Murphy’s Law, Doorways, The Balance and many others.
It's a beautiful collection of short stories that you won’t regret picking up.
The more I read this collection, the more I enjoyed each new story and Douglas Smith’s writing. The stories are unique and original, with compelling characters at their core. My favourites include Radio Nowhere, Oregon Shooters, Murphy’s Law, Doorways, The Balance and many others.
It's a beautiful collection of short stories that you won’t regret picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Douglas Smith’s writing is always wonderful to read, and his latest collection Borderlanz: Tales from the Edges offers a wide range of genres, from sci fi and fantasy to horror and mainstream—and everything in between. This collection will take you on a journey of every emotion imaginable.
No matter the subject Smith explores, he remains consistent in many ways: his mastery of language and worldbuilding, his unbounded imagination, and his exploration of the human condition. Philosophy trickles through everything he writes, too, but his prose never feels heavy-handed or too dense. His are the kinds of stories that are like sipping a fine liqueur, and can be drank—I mean, read—more than once. I know; I have.
No matter the subject Smith explores, he remains consistent in many ways: his mastery of language and worldbuilding, his unbounded imagination, and his exploration of the human condition. Philosophy trickles through everything he writes, too, but his prose never feels heavy-handed or too dense. His are the kinds of stories that are like sipping a fine liqueur, and can be drank—I mean, read—more than once. I know; I have.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Borderlanz - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Borderlanz is an incredible anthology of 15 tales by Douglas Smith, that could belong to another time or realm, or take place here on Earth. It begins with an entertaining fantasy that I found very thought-
provoking, about the entities of Order and Chaos that rule the eponymous Borderlanz...
what happens when their son falls in love with a 'human' woman, whose name means Balance?
Borderlanz has incredible variety, huge entertainment capability and is an amazing value-for-money collection, with tales for every taste and mood - why not see if you'll fall under its spell!
Borderlanz is an incredible anthology of 15 tales by Douglas Smith, that could belong to another time or realm, or take place here on Earth. It begins with an entertaining fantasy that I found very thought-
provoking, about the entities of Order and Chaos that rule the eponymous Borderlanz...
what happens when their son falls in love with a 'human' woman, whose name means Balance?
Borderlanz has incredible variety, huge entertainment capability and is an amazing value-for-money collection, with tales for every taste and mood - why not see if you'll fall under its spell!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fifteen stories you’ll want to read again and again:
Douglas Smith is a mind master, spell making and eye opening writer that can capture you forever in Borderlandz.
If you are a lover/reader of short stories - this book is for you.
If you are a lover/reader of fiction - this book is for you.
If you are a lover/reader of stories that
bring into them ideas that make
you think - this book is for you.
If you are a lover/reader of mixed
up got you twisting plots - this book is for you.
Douglas Smith is a mind master, spell making and eye opening writer that can capture you forever in Borderlandz.
If you are a lover/reader of short stories - this book is for you.
If you are a lover/reader of fiction - this book is for you.
If you are a lover/reader of stories that
bring into them ideas that make
you think - this book is for you.
If you are a lover/reader of mixed
up got you twisting plots - this book is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A collection of amazing short stories by the wonderful author, Douglas Smith. Every story is completely different, ranging from fantasy to science fiction, and every story is completely gripping, populated with interesting characters who elicit an emotional response. A really great collection of stories for everyone. Thank you, Douglass!
(I received an ARC copy of Borderlanz in exchange for an honest review.)
(I received an ARC copy of Borderlanz in exchange for an honest review.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fascinating and diverse collection from a wonderful storyteller. Douglas Smith has a nasty sense of humor that he mixes with poignant, even heartbreaking, situations. The charactera feel like real people and the events are delighfully improbable while remaining plausible most of the time.
Read this on as soon as you can
Read this on as soon as you can
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fabulous set of short stories, such quality writing and an absolute pleasure to read. I loved them all, which is unusual for the contents of an anthology.
Douglas Smith's imagination never ceases to amaze me, and his characters and world building are full and believable. Expect the unexpected, folks!
Douglas Smith's imagination never ceases to amaze me, and his characters and world building are full and believable. Expect the unexpected, folks!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wonderful collection.
These short stories are best read over a period of time. One makes you laugh out loud and another makes you feel sad. They all should be read with a break in between as each one has a deep meaning. they all are very enjoyable. What is very nice is the afterword on each one's inspiration.
These short stories are best read over a period of time. One makes you laugh out loud and another makes you feel sad. They all should be read with a break in between as each one has a deep meaning. they all are very enjoyable. What is very nice is the afterword on each one's inspiration.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing collection of short stories! Great overview of Smith's writing. Stories range from SF to Fantasy, as well as one very personal piece of contemporary fiction. Highly recommended.
Want to Read
April 30, 2026I didn't get the chance to read it
Review of advance copy received from Author
Borderlanz is proof positive that Douglas Smith can and does expertly write any genre! Each and every short story in the marvelous anthology is top notch. Highly recommended! I won’t waste any more of your time so you can buy it, enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews