The Shadow Galaxy

J. Dianne Dotson · Jendia Gammon

Mar 2023 · Trepidatio Publishing

About this ebook

“These stories are as lyrical, uplifting, otherworldly and unsettling as any faerie tale, and demonstrate Dotson’s ability to write confidently across a wide range of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, and horror.” —Gareth L. Powell, author of Stars and Bones

“A deeply satisfying collection of fantasies that ranges from Americana to outer space, charming and precise in equal measure.” —Paul Cornell, author of Witches of Lychford and I Walk With Monsters

A mesmerizing first collection from the cross-genre author, science writer, and artist J. Dianne Dotson, The Shadow Galaxy features short stories and poetry spanning magical realism, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and Appalachian tales. With stories and poetry spanning three decades of work, the author taps into journeys both fantastical and deeply personal. Categories include Shadow Shores: Tales from the Sea; Other Futures: Tales of the Galaxy and a Place Called Earth; Into the Darkest Hollow: Tales of Horror; Love and Other Moments: Traces of the Heart; Far Appalachia: Tales from the Ancient Mountains; and Resonant Thoughts: Some Poetry.

 

Among these pages, Dotson captures the longing, regrets, and dreams of those living by the sea, such as in “One Evening in Fogvale.” In “RODER,” a young woman risks her life to help find a robot who captured her heart. “Topaz Sundered” explores an exoplanet mining expedition gone horribly wrong. In “The Queen and the Mountain Laurel,” a young Appalachian girl teaches her father an important lesson with the help of mountain spirits. The poem “Obsidian” eviscerates with raw pain from betrayal. Dotson weaves these and many other tales and poems of mysticism, exploration, horror, pain, nostalgia, and wonder, for no shadow can exist without light.

Ratings and reviews

Excellent beyond a shadow of a doubt. This collection of short stories and poetry follows up the self published "Questrison Saga" and shows that J. Dianne Dotson is neither limited to one genre and excels in those she chooses to tackle. Ghost pirates, sentient robots a cave few dare to drive through among the examples. Each of the stories is rich in texture and world building no matter the length. Anthologies or collections do not garner the attention they should, let alone one comprised by a the works of a single author and this one is worth your time. Crossing space and time, these stories draw you in and leave you in wonder and wondering. I have my favorites, but you will likely have your own as their are so many to choose from. Roder Topaz Sundered These are but two among many. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I look forward to all the author's upcoming publications and believe if you read this and past works you will too.