Beltane: Ten Tales of Witchcraft (Fantasy Stories)

Ten witchcraft stories by ten authors, edited by Rayne Hall If you meet a witch, will you know if they're the kind or the evil sort? If you hear about someone practising witchcraft, how do you judge if their magic is real? If rumours spread through your neighbourhood or mass hysteria sweeps through your community, will you be able to keep a clear head? If the only way to solve your problem is by resorting to witchcraft, will you desist or give it a try? In this book, all the witches are real. They practice different kinds of witchcraft: Traditional, Stregheria, Santeria, Wicca and more. Some are good, some are evil, and others are in between, so beware of jumping to early conclusions. Ten authors share their visions of witches and witchcraft, and each tells their story in a different writing style. To reflect the authors' individual voices, you will find both American and British English words and spellings in this book. See which story of these ten resonates most with you. Enjoy the tales - but be warned: these witches may not be what they seem. 1. AN ACCIDENTAL WITCH by Liv Rancourt A little harmless magic nearly turns into more than this Wiccan can handle. 2. ALBA by Karen Heard In a race against the clock, will Sgt. Taylor discover the witch behind the murders at Bindings Wood? 3. BY THE PRICKING OF MY THUMBS by Jonathan Broughton Hell hath no fury like a witch scorned. 4. THE CAT MAIDEN by Mertianna Georgia This kitty cat is a lot more than what she seems. 5. THE MAY LADY VANISHES by Pamela Turner A missing witch may tear this coven apart. 6. HANGING WITCH OF PAINTER MOUNTAIN by Lawrence Barker On Painter Mountain, your lust for life or death is measured. 7. THIRTEEN STEPS by Debbie Christiana The past returns, seeking justice. 8. FOUR BONY HANDS by Rayne Hall Nasty things sometimes come in small packages. 9. MISHMASH MAGICK by Carole Ann Moleti Surviving in The Bronx requires new ways of doing things. 10. LOVE MAGICK by Debra Dunbar Sometimes magic will only show you what was there all along. Some of these stories have been previously published in magazines, ezines, anthologies and collections.