Borderlanz: Tales From the Edges

“A collection that refuses easy categorization … spanning cosmic fantasy, noir mystery, and psychological horror. … Balancing scale with intimacy is one of the collection’s strengths, and Smith excels in character work. … Takeaway: Diverse examinations of the opposing forces that propel humanity." — Booklife (Editor’s Pick)

“Smith’s impeccable third collection of short stories — chock-full of award-winning and award-nominated selections—contains a diversity of compelling speculative fiction tales … a testament to Smith’s mastery at crafting short stories. … Aspiring short-form writers could well use this flawless collection as a primer … sure to delight from the first story to the last.” — Blueink Review (Starred Review)

“Smith always has an original take that elevates his stories above the regular clichés. … Only a truly brilliant author can write something where the same reader can discover a new level or a new relevance when re-reading it at different point in their life. Guaranteed to take your mind off things while still saying something important about life, the world, and our place in it.” —The Ottawa Review of Books

Take a trip to the edges of imagination in this stunning collection of short stories from the five-time award-winning author described by Library Journal as “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction.”

There’s something here for every reader. Award winners and finalists. “Best of” selections. Science fiction and fantasy. Mystery and horror. Darkness and humor. Love and revenge.

·      An immortal battles the Lords of Order and Chaos to save the woman he loves.

·      A woman plans a very special homecoming for the body of her soldier husband.

·      Strange radio broadcasts haunt a man trying to change the past.

·      A shapeshifter confronts his own dark past as a covert agency hunts him.

·      Bizarre deaths threaten a private eye’s favorite restaurant.

·      A woman makes an unexplained stopover on a transatlantic flight.

·      Disaster strikes a space freighter when an unlucky newcomer joins the crew.

·      The House promises wealth and fame...if it doesn’t kill you first.

·      A thief’s attempt to lift a curse goes less than perfectly.

·      A boy has a plan to find his missing brother—a deeply disturbing one.

·      A new father questions his ability to love his disabled son.

·      To win her freedom, a woman must simply prove she’s human.

·      A shapeshifter must overcome her hatred of humans to help a young girl.

·      Four warriors set out to slay the last dragon.

·      Two young lovers are hunted across dimensions and time.

Welcome to the Borderlanz.

“Doug Smith is quite simply, the finest short-story writer Canada has ever produced in the science fiction and fantasy genres. ... His stories are a treasure trove of riches that will touch your heart while making you think.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

“The man is Sturgeon good. Zelazny good. I don’t give those up easy.” —Spider Robinson, Hugo and Nebula Awards winner

“A great storyteller with a gifted and individual voice.” —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner

“An extraordinary author whom every lover of quality speculative fiction should read.” —Fantasy Book Critic

“Smith’s writing, evocative yet understated, gracefully brings to life his imagined realms.” — Quill and Quire

“Stories you can’t forget, even years later.” —Julie Czerneda

“A master of beginnings … [with] endings that feel satisfying and right.” —Canadian Science Fiction Reviews