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John Shirley

    February 10, 1953

    John Shirley crafts narratives that are as visceral as they are thought-provoking, delving into the shadows of the human psyche and the grim possibilities of the future. His work is distinguished by a raw intensity and stark imagery, exploring themes of identity erosion, societal breakdown, and the individual's struggle against overwhelming forces. Influenced by his background in punk music, Shirley's prose carries a wild energy and an unflinching, often brutal, realism. He is a writer who immerses readers in worlds brimming with tension, compelling them to question the boundaries of their own reality.

    John Shirley
    Eclipse
    Ralph Compton Broken Rider
    The Voice of the Burning House
    The Cozy Cosmic
    Really, Really, Really, Really Weird Stories
    Axle Bust Creek
    • Axle Bust Creek

      • 352 pages
      • 13 hours of reading

      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.

      Axle Bust Creek
      4.7
    • Really, Really, Really, Really Weird Stories

      A New Edition with Four New Stories

      • 402 pages
      • 15 hours of reading

      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.

      Really, Really, Really, Really Weird Stories
      5.0
    • The Cozy Cosmic

      • 274 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      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.

      The Cozy Cosmic
      4.6
    • The Voice of the Burning House

      Poems

      • 112 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      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.

      The Voice of the Burning House
      4.7
    • Ralph Compton Broken Rider

      • 304 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      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. . .

      Ralph Compton Broken Rider
      4.4
    • Eclipse

      • 341 pages
      • 12 hours of reading

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

      Eclipse
      4.3
    • FORBIDDEN FUTURES 11

      • 48 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      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.

      FORBIDDEN FUTURES 11
      4.0
    • Gunsight

      • 320 pages
      • 12 hours of reading

      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.

      Gunsight
      4.3
    • Eclipse Penumbra

      • 322 pages
      • 12 hours of reading

      The Second Alliance is determined to extend its absolute power over the space colony and eliminate the New Resistance once and for all

      Eclipse Penumbra
      4.3
    • Eclipse Corona

      • 293 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      A deadly combination of fascism and technology haunts a future Europe and threatens entire races with extinction, and an unlikely alliance between Israeli and Moslem fighters may be the only force that can prevent genocide

      Eclipse Corona
      4.0