Extraterrestrial colonies with otherworldly secrets. A science-themed art installation about to go nova. A computer shop with a truly hellish customer. These tales show a deeply personal side to the fantastic worlds they imagine, whether it’s the struggle of a troubled teen roped into an ages-old battle between light and dark or the loneliness of a grieving rabbi in outer space.
Arlene F. Marks, multi-genre novelist published for more than thirty years, shares eleven stories of wonder, beauty, and terror in this collection. Get ready, it’s time to go on a magical ride and meet some extraordinary friends… and foes.
Stories in this collection
Bemused
Comfort Food
Witch in the ‘Hood
Candles
Freudian Slip
Business Is Business
Maury and Shred Go Ballistic
Doubling Back
Mightier Than the Sword
The Best Defence
Manua’s Children
ISBN: 978-1-928011-71-2
Genre: Science fiction/Fantasy/Short stories
Age: 14+
Pages: 236
Formats: Paperback, ebook
Released: May 2022
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Toronto Star
It’s always a treat to open a debut collection of short stories from an author who has been publishing them for years. Underlying all of it is Marks’s fascination with storytelling itself. Without becoming overly meta she presents characters who feel aware in different ways of the genre they find themselves performing in, conscious of being a part of stories that they both shape and are shaped by.
Booklist
The worlds and stories [Marks] touches on in this collection are vast and amazing. Whether the stories are previously published, connected to the universes of her novels, or wholly original, there is something for everyone who appreciates sf, dark humor, or captivating characters.
Amazing Stories
Arlene has the knack of writing intelligent and original stories full of surprises and psychologically realistic characters. They’re all good and several are superb.
Hugh A. D. Spencer, multiple award-nominated author of The Hard Side of the Moon
Marks and her imaginary friends take us on some pretty fantastic voyages – ones that make even the most jaded of SF reader thing they are back reading that first paperback full of really great stories!
Ottawa Review of Books
Her ability to make even minor characters real to me with just a single line or action is on full display in this one: so much character stuffed into so few words.
Readers Favorite 5-star review
Marks combines many genres to offer a compelling collection of short stories. Imaginary Friends will easily capture the attention of the thoughtful reader.
“Manua’s Children” named a Year’s Best Novella
Year’s Best Canadian Fantasy & Science Fiction vol. 1