Tonight we bring you an excerpt to By Sword and Star a novel out from Anthropomorphic Dreams Publishing, written by Renee Carter Hall. It is a fantasy story and the first few chapters are shared with you here in hopes they might pique your interest. 

By Sword and Star novel excerpt by Renee Carter Hall

Read by Peter Katt

Music cues by Infinity Squared

Tonight's story is a memorial for the author Michael Bard. Michael W. “Morgan” Bard was an avid follower and participant in the science fiction, anthropomorphic animals, and transformation fandoms, as well as a prolific writer. Friends remember collaborating on story ideas and long talks on subjects ranging the wide gamut of the genres. He had a great love for ideas and stories, and that shines through in his writing. Michael lived in Toronto, and his love for that city and his Canadian pride are also evident in many of his stories.

Stories by Michael Bard

"Friendship" read by Peter Katt

"Winter" and "Stained Glass Window"

Read by Chris Hvidsten of the Outcast Novel Podcast

Music cues by Infinity Squared

"Friendship" appeared in the fiction anthology Different Worlds, Different Skins.

Michael Bard's memorial anthology is A Horse of Many Colours.

"There's no crying allowed in here. Boss is really strict about it. Sours the ice cream." She managed a flicker of a smile before the tears spilled over.

“Sweet Nothings” by by Renee Carter Hall

Read by Chris Hvidsten of the Outcast Novel podcast

Music cues by Infinity Squared

Years before, before he became a rancher, before he found his mate, before she had shown him someone could actually care and love, he had been a killer.

"Love is Golden" by Gene Wolf

Read by Christopher Williams

Music cues by Infinity Squared

Are you ready to play Survivor?

"Survivor" by Vixyy Fox

Read by Chris Hvidsten of the Outcast Novel podcast

Music cues by Infinity Squared

These three vignettes offered here show lyrical visions, different glimpses of the aspects of love. Happy Valentine’s Day.

"Animal Attractions" by Nancy Cook

Read by Peter Katt

Music cues by Infinity Squared

"Ohio" by Lamb

Read by Stoker Bramwell

Music cues by Infinity Squared

Nothing compares to a river... Lamb's story is a lyrical tale of life and loss and finding your way in the world amidst family tragedy and the journey of adolescence.

Lamb notes that this story is dedicated to Eldyran, who probably didn't know what he did for me in my bizarre time of need. Thank you, coyote.

Ymirling, a frost giant from Jotunheim, makes his way to Midgard and the frozen North of the New World. However, before he can claim those lands for himself, he must defeat the elusive spirit Shingebiss.

Cathy Smith is a member of Six Nations of the Grand, an Indian Reservation in Canada but she has an interest in folklore from other cultures besides her own. This translates into a desire to write fantasy stories based on different cultures.

Story: “Where is Shingebiss” by Cathy Smith

Read by Christopher Williams

Music cues by Infinity Squared

Merry Christmas, we have another holiday episode for you before the close of the year. Tonight's stories offer different takes on a visit by Saint Nicholas, with anthropomorphic twists.

"Damage Control" by Cindy Ray
Read by Peter Katt

"Greytiger Saves Christmas" by Will A. Sanborn
Read by Chris Hvidsten of the Outcast Novel Podcast

Music cues by Infinity Squared

We have two dramatic stories for the Christmas season tonight; tales of love and loss and an offer of a new chance for happiness.

"Jingle Bells" by Vixyy Fox

Read by Chris Hvidsten of the Outcast Novel Podcast

"An Older World" by Renee Carter Hall

Read by Peter Katt

Music cues by Infinity Squared

Sound effects used from the Freesound Project