Deep Magic December 2016

by Charlie N. Holmberg (Editor), Michael J. Sullivan (contributor), Jeff Wheeler

If you want to read gripping stories that don’t rely on sex, swearing, and graphic violence—you’ve come to the right place!

DEEP MAGIC is a bi-monthly electronic magazine that publishes clean short fiction in the fantasy and science fiction genres (epic, paranormal, steampunk, etc). Our issues are also filled with author interviews, art features, book reviews and tips for writers.


In this issue you'll find bestselling author Michael J Sullivan! If you're not familiar with his amazing Riyria novels and the witty Royce and Hadrian, then give "Professional Integrity" a try and learn why everyone loves these characters. We also feature Adele Gardner's fabulous fantasy "Lake Heart", Melion Traverse's ode to epic fantasy "To the Last", and some science fiction pieces we were blown away by, Walter Dinjos' "A Hundred Lifetimes" and Arinn Dembo's "Imperial Ghosts."

We also include the first chapters of Jeff Wheeler's latest novel "The Maid's War" which will be published in January 2017. It's a prequel to his Wall Street Journal bestselling Kingfountain series. We also took to time to speak to a guy who has interviewed just about every famous fantasy author on the planet in his weekly podcast--Hank Garner--who will share with you some lessons he's learned after doing so many interviews. And if you like Jeff's audiobooks, meet the voice behind his many amazing characters, the award winning Kate Rudd, who we interview in this issue about narrating books. And if you've ever wanted a fantasy tattoo, you might have heard of our cover artist this month, the charming Anne Stokes from the UK. Last but not least, author Erin Summerill will teach you in her writing craft article the tools of the trade for "Real Life Romance in Fantasy Novels."

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Science Fiction

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2016

About the author

Charlie N. Holmberg is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of fantasy and romance fiction, including the Paper Magician series, the Spellbreaker series, and the Whimbrel House series, and writes contemporary romance under C. N. Holmberg. She is published in over twenty languages and is a Goodreads Choice Award, ALA, and RITA finalist. Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. A BYU alumna, she discovered in her thirties that she’s actually a cat person. She lives with her family in Utah. Visit her at www.charlienholmberg.com.

Amazon: amzn.to/2BXoQNZ
Instagram: Instagram.com/cnholmberg
Facebook: Facebook.com/cnholmberg
Twitter: Twitter.com/cnholmberg

Reviews

[Jeff Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan for a while of Michael J Sullivan's Riyria novels, and so I was more than thrilled after reaching out to him that he was willing to let Deep Magic publish one of his short stories "Professional Integrity" which does a brilliant job introducing readers to his world. It's featured in this issue. Some of my other favorites include "A Hundred Lifetimes" by Walter Dinjos. He's a fresh new voice and I love that he came to us from Nigeria and wrote such a compelling story about how technology can create multiple iterations of a person...almost like a cat with nine lives. Great story! I also loved "Imperial Ghosts" which was a sci-fi mash-up with ancient Roman history, which I studied a lot in college. It had a great voice and the story built up to a great finale. Then there's "To the Last" which reminded me of all the D&D campaigns I was part of growing up. What a great tribute and a moving read about an adventurer beyond her prime. The last of her group. And then there was Adele Gardner's creative take on magic in "Lake Heart". Loved her story and especially a new kind of dragon that I haven't seen before. Very original.

On top of this, we had Hank Garner. He interviewed me last year for his podcast and so I turned the tables on him. After interviewing over a hundred of the top selling fantasy authors, I asked him what he learned from the experience of talking to so many authors about their writing journey. We also got a great craft article by Erin Summerill - her debut novel just came out - on making relationships realistic. And then we interviewed my awesome audiobook narrator, Kate Rudd, who has brought my books to life and won awards for her brilliant narration. It's a great issue. Pick up a copy!

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean Fantasy - Who Knew?

I still want to get my hands on the old editions, but I thoroughly enjoy each edition. In particular with this one ghosts and dragons dominate. I also like the excerpt from the novella I already read and reviewed. I’ve hooked up with a few authors and their blogs. As a fellow author and blogger I appreciated the connections

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

As exquisite as the stories are, my favourite part has to be the cover with the snow maiden and her pet dragon.

Perfect for me

Enjoyable, worked for me
* "Imperial Ghosts" by Arinn Dembo - Beautiful, extended scenes set in the imperial garden.
* "Professional Integrity" by Michael J. Sullivan - Loads of fun.
"To the Last" by Melion Traverse - Poignant tale about an old hero.
* "Lake Heart" by Adele Gardner - Love story

Fine, but doesn't speak for me
"A Hundred Lifetimes" by Walter Dinjos - Lots of lovely imagery but I struggled to follow the plot.

Not my cup of tea

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I blew through these stories in a single day. While I enjoyed them all, Imperial Ghosts, by Arinn Dembo and Professional Integrity, by Michael Sullivan were probably my favorites. Royce and Hadrian were such great characters in Professional Integrity that I'm going to have to read more of Sullivan's Riyria series.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this..the stories are excellent! It is always wonderful to read something you know for sure will be interesting and clean. I rely on this magazine to help me find new authors I will enjoy! There is a great book insert by Jeff Wheeler that is really good..you will definitely want to read his books!

[Charlene Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful as usual

I look forward to reading this every month. It's so refreshing to read and enjoy stories without gutter language and smut. Thank you.

[Katie Tillwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved each story. A well done magazine, recommend.