If you’re looking for something devilishly dark and diabolically
delightful – besides Gehennardelli cacao chocolate, that is – then why not take
a bite out of this latest offering from Heroes in Hell.
Inside the wrapper you’ll find a titillating compilation of tales that are not only fiendishly flavorsome, but so Tartarean on the tongue that you’ll be salivating from the bittersweet images they invoke.
So what are you waiting for?
Don’t be
square! Tuck in, and sample the very best in what shared universes should be
like, bar none!
If you’re hoping to exorcise your gray matter, then look no further than
this latest misadventure from the Heroes in Hell Universe. It’s one hex of an
anthology.
Inside, you’ll find an unworthy cast of miscreants who wouldn’t be out of place in Dante’s Inferno. But as you’ll soon find out, there’s nothing divine about this comedy of errors, for its jam-packed with Satanic soothsayers, pestilent prophets, ruinous rune casters, and telestic transgressors of all kinds. You know the type, those who would rather cross your throat with silver than your palm . . . especially if a knife or other sharp object is involved.
Yes, if
you like tales of hi-jinx and madcap, cryptic capers,
where necromantic antics abound, then the
Heroes in Hell universe is the arcane
insane asylum for you! Dive in without delay. You’ll soon feel right at home,
bouncing off the walls of your illmagination in the company of hags, harpies
and heretics galore. (Long-sleeved jackets not included)
It’s
monstrously good fun and augurs well for you not to delay clicking on the link.
As fans of Heroes in Hell will already be aware, the latest in a long line of accursed anthologies from the greatest shared universe under miscreation will soon be with us.
And in anticipation of its imminent release, I’m pleased to announce that I have two short stories included within this particular edition. Here’s a brief taster of what’s in store:
The
Come Right Inn
In
the Come Right Inn, we meet one of Satan’s most secretive and ill-usive agents. A charming
woman with a finger – and most other body parts – in every pie. She’s bewitching, beguiling, and
bedeviled to be sure, but won’t think twice about skinning you alive if you
cross her.
Why don't you book yourself a room in the Come Right Inn. (Evidently, the menu is to die for).
The
Sorcerous Apprentice
In The Sorcerous Apprentice, Daemon Grim learns new
tricks from an old dog. And just as well. There’s a fallen saint to bring to
heel, and she’s not known for playing ball . . . crystal or otherwise.
It doesn’t take second sight to exercise foresight
and realize that Satan’s Reaper won’t be chasing his own tail as he hunts his
latest adversary. Like it or not, his bite is so much worse than his bark that by the time he’s finished, there’ll be bones aplenty piling up on the
Undertaker’s slab.
******
And these are only two of the many thaumaturic temptations laid out within the pages of this latest ill-omened offering from the most spell-tacular shared universe in existence. Yes, there will be mishaps and arcane antics aplenty in . . .
Mystics in Hell
If you want to satisfy the hunger gnawing at your
soul, stay tuned to this blog, or:
For more information and the forthcoming buy links.
As I mentioned in my previous blog item, every year sees another layer
added to the foul and fiendish creation that is Janet Morris' Heroes in
Hell Universe. With good reason. When you look at the simmering
cauldron that is mankind and the pathetic specimens who lurk in its darkest
corners, it doesn’t take a lot to skim the dross and sift out the dregs.
But it begs the question . . . Who is next?
What seditious segment of society has been targeted for reassignment on the Undertaker’s Slab, only to be served up for your misentertainment?
Well, I’m glad to announce, that the next installment of Heroes in Hell
is. . .
Mystics in Hell
Well, as I mentioned previously, I have the privilege of contributing to the Heroes in Hell universe in two ways: through the themed anthologies, and more comprehensively, via those adventures relating to Satan’s Reaper and Chief Bounty Hunter, Daemon Grim.
*************
Hell is a wondrous place, where all sorts of
dastardly deeds are allowed to spiral out of control. However, the HIH concept
has certain rules – certain limits and boundaries. In devising a character, I
didn’t want to create ‘just another someone’ – you know –
another unhinged psychopath who creates mayhem wherever he or she goes. (Well I
did, but I wanted them to bring a certain order and pedigree to the universe).
So I thought…what if my main character was
someone close to Satan himself? Someone powerful and fiercely loyal? Someone
who was the worst of them all and who stood out because he leads by the purity
of his service and example he sets? And to add a certain fear factor,
what if that character was cursed with the bane of never being able to lie?
Someone who turns such a trait to his advantage to create a dread and chilling
reputation. He’s bold, brash and confident, because he's perfectly capable
of carrying out whatever assignment he’s given.
THE Grim Reaper. (Ding Dong!)
This is the kind of guy who – if you appear on his list – you’re dead. Simple as that. You can’t buy, bribe, or wheedle your way out of it. And to make it even more unsettling, I’d give him one of the most outrageous sense of humors anyone could ever wish for, and a degree of loyalty toward his team that is almost paradoxical. But for all that, if Satan’s decrees it, he’d still snuff anyone out of existence without the slightest remorse.
*************
After consulting with Janet from the outset, we decided it would be a
great idea to have Daemon Grim’s adventures maintain their continuity by
evolving from the original ‘breakout’ short story (Grim – Doctors in Hell), and then leapfrogging from anthology to novel and
from novel to anthology
Grim – Doctors in Hell
Hell Bound
Pieces of Hate – Pirates in Hell
Hell Hounds
Devil’s Trull – Lovers in Hell
Hell Gate
And now, in this latest anthology, Mystics in Hell, I’m delighted to announce that Daemon Grim’s exploits continue in The Sorcerous Apprentice, a murder, mystery misadventure, revealing how Satan’s Reaper is forced to turn to the Al-Jinn of Jahannam for help in ridding the undervese of a pandemic threatening to undo everything that Satan has worked so hard to achieve.
It’s diabolically dark and delicious. And even better, the Sorcerous Apprentice is only one of a number of stories that clearly reveals how you can’t second-guess those with second sight. Be they psychic, prophet, soothsayer or clairvoyant, none of those possessing extra sinsory perceptions can be relied on to reveal the truth.
For more information, keep an eye out on further details, soon to be revealed in both;
AND
Mystics in Hell.
A fetish-filled
extravaganza that will charm your socks off and toast your toe-tems. (And yes,
you won’t need a crystal ball to know it’ll be a
puntacular page-turner of epic proportions).
Do yourselves a favor.
Avoid the need for further diabolical
double-entendres by making sure you get your copy as soon as is inhumanely possible
Mystics in Hell – Buy Links to follow!
Last time out, we took a quick peek at the anthologies making up the
underworld of Heroes in Hell. As I
mentioned, there are currently seven anthologies available to choose from,
involving an equal number of warped and wonderful themes, all of them
expounding the many vagaries you’ll find throughout the many levels of hell.
*************
In hell, all souls believe they don’t belong there. To sweeten their torment, Satan offers the damned the illusion of escape. Job, the Ombudsman, has the bitter job of trying to be their advocate. If no soul gets saved, the illusion shatters, so Satan gives Job the almost impossible task: help a soul escape from hell. With the help of the poets Hart Crane, Emily Dickinson, and Ezra Pound, and through the magic of the Brooklyn Bridge, they seek to redeem the soul of Washington A. Roebling, the builder of the bridge.
*************
It’s a great premise,
and I had the pleasure of reading this story along with the other anthologies
in my preparations to join the Heroes in Hell team. Find out what I thought of Bridge Over Hell here:
Hell Bound, Hell Hounds, and Hell Gate.
Here’s a brief taster of what those stories
contain:
In hell, none of the condemned believes
they deserve to be there. And that’s fine, so long as they’re not foolish
enough to try and do anything about it. For those that do, there’s always
Satan’s Reaper–and chief bounty hunter–Daemon Grim.
Feared throughout the many layers of the underverse, no one in their right mind
dares to cross him.
However, when Grim discovers that someone has attempted to evade injustice, and
seems hell-bent on gaining access to ancient angelic artifacts, proscribed
since the time of the original rebellion in heaven, circumstances point to the
fact they may be doing just that.
The question is...why?
Thus begins an investigation that leads Grim throughout the many contradictory
and baffling levels of the underworld, where he unearths a conspiracy that is
not only eating its way like a cancer through the highest echelons of Hellion
society, but one which threatens the very stability of Satan’s rule.
How does Daemon Grim Respond?
Rest assured. It’ll be bloody, brutal, and despicably wicked.
Feared throughout the many circles of
the underworld, Satan’s Reaper – and chief bounty hunter – Daemon Grim, is
known as a true force to be reckoned with.
Having eliminated a major player in the uprising eating its way like a cancer
through the underbelly of hell, Grim is stunned to discover he cannot afford to
rest on his laurels, for the rebellion runs far deeper than was ever imagined.
New players have emerged – denizens with uncanny abilities – who seem
determined to support Chopin and Tesla’s revolutionary agenda.
Ever keen to test their mettle, the Sibitti – personified weapons of the
ancient Babylonian plague god, Erra – also appear eager to capitalize on the
growing unrest, and set about maneuvering events in order to place themselves
in direct opposition to Grim’s investigation.
And if that was not cause for concern enough, there’s an insane angel on the
loose, a creature as hell-bent on creating havoc as he is to return home.
How do Grim and his rabid pack of bounty hunters respond?
Baying for blood – doesn’t even begin to describe it.
The Angel Grislington is dead, effaced
from existence during an epic battle with Daemon Grim that destroyed a Zion
forged blade and one of Satan’s premier palaces in the process.
Chopin and Tesla have gone to ground. So much so, that they might as well be
six feet under helping to push up hell-daisies.
Even Erra and the Sibitti, his living weapons of vengeance and destruction,
seem reticent to show their faces.
Rioting sweeps the length and breadth of the underworld. Yet the halls of the
Mortuary lie vacant, for someone is stealing soul-essence, the very means by
which Satan condemns sinners to everlasting torment.
But who would do such a thing? And how does the hush that descends upon the
dirty streets of latterday hell tie into ancient prophecy relating to the
Reaper’s destiny?
It’s often calmest before the storm.
Just imagine how bad things will get with the apocalypse approaching.
*************
So, just how bad DO things get?
Well, to find out the answer to that – and indeed, how Job fared with his
assignment in Bridge Over Hell – I’d ask you click on any of the links within
this actual article, or in the sidebar of the blog itself, to find out. Failing
that, why not pop along to Perseid Press to see everything on offer?
And when you’ve done that, just bear in mind that this is an ever-expanding universe. There are no bounds to its reach and influence. Good news indeed for those who like to delve into the foul and fiendish tales on offer.
Why?
Because there’s further mischief afoot. That’s why!
As to what that mischief is, exactly, why not stop by next time to find out the
very latest news from the Heroes in Hell
universe, and indeed, the latest exploits of Satan’s Reaper in his never-ending
mission to bring hell’s miscreants to heel. You'll be glad you did.
For those of you who have might not be familiar with the Heroes in Hell universe, here’s what Wikipedia has to say about it:
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Heroes in Hell is a series of shared world fantasy books, within the genre Bangsian fantasy/horror, created and edited by Janet Morris and written by her, Chris Morris, C. J. Cherryh and others. The first 12 books in the series were published by Baen Books between 1986 and 1989, and stories from the series include both Hugo Award winners and Nebula nominees.
*************
Janet resurrected the series through her own publishing company – The Perseid Press – in 2011 with Lawyers in Hell, and the universe has continued to expand with six anthologies and four novels since then:
As you can see from this quick glimpse, there’s a wealth of dark and despicable delights to delve into. And what a choice! Bent lawyers; devious rogues; hopeless dreamers; cursed poets; censured doctors; dastardly pirates, and hapless lovers.
But why so many?
Ah, that’s what you have to understand about hell, it’s an ever expanding smorgasbord of shameful deviants with all sorts of perverted desires that ends up dooming them to eternal suffering.
Here’s a little equation I like to use to explain why Heroes in Hell keeps getting bigger and better.
dS >> 0ᵑ
Or at your favorite online book retailer to find out more.
And if you’re unsure as to where might be a good place to start, why not pick a theme that appeals. After all, there are plenty topics to choose from, and the choice is only going to get bigger.
Stay tuned, you’ll find out what I mean in the next post.
