John Shirley Books

From the acclaimed author of Ralph Compton's Prairie Fire, Kansas, the first in an action-packed new series starring Civil War veteran Cleveland Trewe, a master gunfighter, horseman, and lawman who's looking to strike it rich in the gold fields of Axle Bust, Nevada...From the battlefield of Shiloh to the prisoner camp at Slocum, former Union soldier Cleveland Trewe has seen more than enough carnage for one lifetime. Now that the war is over he's found work as a peacekeeper and prospector--the perfect set of survival skills for a town like Axle Bust, Nevada, a place seething with danger.Cleve's uncle staked a claim in Axle Bust only to lose it to a murderous con-man partnered with Duncan Conroy, owner of the Golden Fleece Mine and a man determined to build an empire by means fair and foul. The only person keeping Conroy in check is his sister Berenice, a freethinker whose scientific education benefits the family interests--even while catching Cleve's eye.To reclaim his uncle's mine, and bring justice to a town under tyranny, Cleve finds himself turning the streets into a bullet-riddled battlefield. Conroy is about to learn there just isn't room for both men in a town like Axle Bust.GOLD FEVER. BLOOD FEVER.

Dive into the unconventional universe crafted by John Shirley, where the bizarre and the extraordinary intertwine. This collection showcases his unique storytelling style, blending elements of science fiction, horror, and dark humor. Readers will encounter a range of eccentric characters and thought-provoking themes, all set against imaginative backdrops that challenge reality. Shirley's work invites exploration of the surreal and the strange, making it a captivating experience for those seeking something truly different in literature.

Exploring existential themes, the book delves into the notion that life may be inherently futile, suggesting that human beings are insignificant compared to ancient cosmic intelligences. It challenges readers to confront the idea of life's meaning and the absence of true winners in the grand scheme of existence, provoking deep reflection on our place in the universe.

Drawing inspiration from the greats of Weird Poetry, this work pays homage to the styles of Clark Ashton Smith, H. P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, and George Sterling. It weaves together themes of the uncanny and the surreal, exploring the boundaries of reality and imagination. The collection promises to immerse readers in a rich tapestry of haunting imagery and thought-provoking verse, inviting them into a world where the strange and the beautiful intertwine.

In this exciting new Ralph Compton western, a man without a memory meets an unforgettable ally: the one and only Bat Masterson. Riding into the town of Smoky River on a mangy mule, Dane looks as broken down as his old mount. His Stetson is ragged, his boots are tied together with leather thongs, and he wears a Colt Army revolver with exactly three bullets. He wouldn't know what to say if you asked him where he got the gun, or how he learned to shoot it so well. He doesn't know if Dane is his first name or his last. Something happened that cost him much of his memory, and he can't remember what that something was. For three years he's been traveling the West as a cowboy, a buffalo hunter, a farmhand. Smoky River looks to be a fine place to settle down. If only his past didn't decide to catch up to him here. . .

Rickenharp, a jaded rock musician joins the NR, or New Resistance, in order to fight against the fascist totalitarian government

Hippocampus Press is proud to commemorate ten years of our acclaimed journal of weird poetry, Spectral Realms, with the publication of the twentieth issue. As before, it contains a diverse array of poetry by today's leading versifiers in the realm of horror and the supernatural-John Shirley, Scott J. Couturier, Frank Coffman, Manuel Pérez-Campos, Ngo Binh Anh Khoa, Leigh Blackmore, Ann K. Schwader, and a host of others. Maxwell I. Gold and Jay Sturner contribute provocative prose poems, while a cadre of poets pen tributes to Dylan Thomas (Carl E. Reed's Echoing Dylan Thomas"), Robert W. Chambers (David J. Kopaska-Merkel's "A Vision of Carcosa"), Emily Brontë (Michael Potts's "After Heathcliff Digs Up Cathy"), and the imperishable Shakespeare (Kyla Lee Ward's "Malvolio's Revenge"). Among the classic reprints are poems by the Scottish writer William Sharp and the Weird Tales poet Mary C. Shaw. The issue concludes with a detailed index of poets and poem titles to issues 11-20.

Exploring the vibrant realm of "punk" literature, this installment invites readers to embrace their inner rebel through a collection of daring narratives. It showcases innovative storytelling that challenges societal norms and ignites the imagination. With a focus on themes of resistance and individuality, the book presents a diverse array of characters and settings that reflect the essence of punk culture. Readers are encouraged to dive into a world where creativity knows no bounds, making it a must-read for fans of edgy literature.

Set in the vibrant and chaotic universe of the Gearbox Borderlands games, this story immerses readers in a world filled with eccentric characters, thrilling adventures, and a unique blend of humor and action. It explores the lives of vault hunters and their quests for treasure, confronting dangerous foes and uncovering hidden secrets. The narrative captures the essence of the games, offering fans a deeper understanding of the lore and the richly developed settings that define the Borderlands experience.

John Shirley, a prominent figure in weird fiction, showcases his versatility by exploring the fantasy genre in two new unpublished works. Known for his contributions across science fiction, supernatural horror, and psychological terror, these stories mark a new chapter in his literary journey, inviting readers to experience his imaginative storytelling in a fantastical setting.