What do you think?
Rate this book
Borderlanz: Tales From the Edges
Not yet published
Expected 15 Mar 26Travel 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
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 15, 2026
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Smith
51 books192 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 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!
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
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 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!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews