Deep Magic - Fall 2019

by Jeff Wheeler, Michael J. Sullivan, Charlie N. Holmberg

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

"Pile of Bones", by NYT bestselling author, Michael J. Sullivan
"Treaty's Imposter", by Marjorie King
"Forget-Me-Nots for the Potter's Field", by Wendy Nikel
"Weep No More for the Willow", by Wulf Moon
"Experiments with Time", by Jeremy Essex

*Plus* bonus stories from the board members:
Jeff Wheeler, Charlie N. Holmberg, Brendon Taylor, Dan Hilton, Steve Yeager & Kristin J. Dawson

Extended sample chapters for novels:

"The Lady in the Coppergate Tower", by Nancy Campbell Allen
"The Redwood Palace", by MK Hutchins

DEEP MAGIC is an electronic magazine that publishes clean short fiction in the fantasy and science fiction genres (epic, paranormal, steampunk, etc).

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2019

About the author

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler took an early retirement from his career at Intel in 2014 to write full-time. He is a husband, father of five, and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff lives in the Rocky Mountains.

Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).

Reviews

[Jeff Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite issues of Deep Magic and not just because of the cover art. Isn't it fabulous though? I was so happy we got an original story "Pile of Bones" from Michael J Sullivan, NYT bestselling author that is part of his Legends of the First Empire series. In this issue, another favorite story was Treaty's Imposter, a great sci-fi tale. It was a great read. We also feature Wulf Moon's "Weep No More For the Willow". Wulf is the winner of many prestigious award and this was his first tale in Deep Magic, a story about a ship captain and mermaids. Fun stuff.

My favorite part of the issue may have been the Board stories. We did this last year too where each member of the Board was given a writing prompt and had to create a story around it. This year, the theme was to do a scary story with a non-scary element supplied by our readers and randomly assigned. I think my favorite was Brendon Taylor's SPACE TOILET. It's not what you think. My story had to include a mariachi band, so I hope you enjoy EL CHUPACABRA.

Happy reading!

[Greg Garguilo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, the novel excerpts were a miss for me this issue - the first I can recall where I didn't immediately go and "borrow" at least one of showcased books via Kindle Unlimited after finishing the issue. They will be a hit for some, likely many, avid Deep Magic readers, they just aren't my preferred genre and pacing.

On the other hand, the Author submitted short stories are, in my view, the best Deep Magic has had all year. "Weep no more for the Willow" being my personal favorite. Additionally, the Board members took on a challenge, writing scary stories which had to include a reader suggested non-scary element. These I enjoyed primarily for the insight into the writer's craft - most aren't spectacular on their own, but improve once you understand that the writers were commanded to create a scary story on a very short time frame incorporating an element over which they had no control.

Given the gimmick and the short time frame, these are remarkably good. "A Tale of Lazaranth Prison" has a single flaw, which would have been corrected in edit, given just a little more time. The "Space Toilet" is, by far, the most successful. Even w/o the gimmick, this one stands on its own and would have found paying publication on the merits. "Chupacabra" is a not too distant second. Trust me on this.

Finally, full disclosure time. I'm a First Reader for Deep Magic, wading thru the slush in an effort to pick out the truly best of the hundreds of author submissions they receive each month. Its an unpaid position, and my reviews are my own. I'm particularly proud of the short stories picked for inclusion this time, because I believe I had a hand in picking each of them for elevation to the Board's consideration for inclusion. Usually, I'm good for 2-3 stories out of 5, a normally enviable average - so batting 100% is both exceptional and a freak occurrence.

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

as always top notch

I did tag a few grammatical errors this time but the stories were all good. Respecting the teaser prompts leads to more involved readers so that is a good thing. Finding new authors is cool here too.

[Happy Reading Watching]

Short Novellas or samples of books collection. This is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and try out other genres. Also, check out new to you authors and sww if their style of writing is for you.
I have found a lot of authors this way, and I love the Deep Magic collections.

[Kathe Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are such good story tellers. Extremely creative.
I enjoyed this very much.

[Andrew Brooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lots of stories at a nice price. However some years Editors &/or writers get weird and I could only get into one of the stories.

[Candice Lisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Sense of Wonder is Enthralled. No sex, violence, or swearing. Just excellent writing!! I have been looking for something like this for years. So happy! I will be reading past issues of this ezine for sure.

[Arun Andhavarapu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deep Magic - Spring 2019 was much better

Loved all the Deep Magic issues, cannot wait to get a hold of them. wish there was an easy way to access the ones prior to the ones available for Kindle. This edition is probably my least favorite one