Danielle Ackley-McPhail – författare

On July 4th, 2014 the world lost CJ Henderson, an iconic author and all-around great guy. He lost his battle with cancer, but he did not go quietly and he will not be forgotten. His work is immortalized in over seventy novels and works of non-fiction, and at least as many collections, anthologies, and magazines. In fact, new works by CJ Henderson will publish for years to come thanks to his heroic efforts to finish and find homes for those projects as-yet-unpublished at the time of his illness, one of which is printed here.

CJ always did what he could to give other authors a boost. Encouraged them, mentored them, and sent opportunities their way. With that in mind, those of us who called him friend feel there is no better tribute we can raise in his memory than an anthology filled with people he has helped over the years, writing stories inspired by CJ or his work.

We hope you enjoy these tales of fantasy, science fiction, and horror, and that they might inspire you as well.

Featuring stories by John L. French, Jean Rabe, Patrick Thomas, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Jeff Young, Robert M. Price, Leona Wisoker, James Chambers, and, as always, CJ Henderson.

Mortal. Immortal. Musician. Mage.  

On a journey from the boroughs of New York to the heart of Tir na nÓg, from innocence to the deepest darkest crevices of her soul, Kara O’Keefe found power and strength in the discovery of self. But with that peace came a hard truth. As a bridge connecting many worlds, none of them held a place for her.

She must find her own way, forge her own path.

To honor a vow to Granddame Rose, a matriarch of the Kalderaš Clan, Kara joins the Romani caravan, only to find herself even more of an outsider than before. While she strives for acceptance, and to honor her vow, little does she know she has once more become a lure to an ancient and deadly enemy, drawing danger into the midst of her unsuspecting hosts.

Once savior of the world, Kara must now save herself and the innocents around her.

She has come into her legacy, but where will destiny take her?

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Based on the Eternal Cycle Series of Novels:

Yesterday's DreamsTomorrow's MemoriesToday's Promise

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Includes six bonus short stories.

Once upon a time, in a century not too long ago, we all recognized what a hero looked like. What they did. Why they did it. Once upon a time, we were more concerned with discovering the secret of who they were, than what their weakness was or what mistakes they may have made.

People need heroes. They need to remember what it is to stand up for the little guy, the oppressed, those preyed upon by others. They need to remember that one person can make a difference and it needn’t be about superpowers or expensive gadgets—though we happen to think those things are great—but about the willingness to step forward, put on that spandex suit, and say “not today, Evil, not today.”

People need an example to live by. They need hope.

We would like to remind you of that bygone era of heroic figures doing what is right because it needs to be done, from the small things to the large, with no need for reward and knowing the cost may be sacrifice. But more important yet, let us remind you that one need not risk life and limb to be heroic, to make another’s life better. Open these pages and watch these tales unfold, then take them with you into the day-to-day, and ask yourself: In what way can I be a hero today?

With stories by comic book and literary masters: Bryan J.L. Glass, Robert Greenberger, Gail Z. Martin and Larry N. Martin, James Chambers, Walt Ciechanowski, John L. French, and Kathleen David this collection is guaranteed to be super.

Featuring a never-before-published Furious(TM) short story!

NOTE: This book paired with The Side of Evil (B016X95RC2) make up the print book The Side of Good / The Side of Evil (978-1942990031) 

Everyone loves a hero....but sometimes you can't help but root for the villain. Turn your allegiance for the other side's story. We bring you seven stories of mayhem and machinations by Peter David, James M. Ward, Aaron Rosenberg, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Janine K. Spendlove, Drew Bittner, and James Chambers.

NOTE: This book paired with The Side of Good (B016Z5GEF8) make up the print book The Side of Good / The Side of Evil (978-1942990031)

A collection of speculative microfiction by award-winning author Danielle Ackley-McPhail, featuring works of fantasy, science fiction and steampunk. With an economy of words, yet decadently lyrical, each story looks deep into the heart...of the matter... of a star... of darkness...and finds the strength and beauty of humanity shining through.

*** From the Archives ***

Stories by Mike McPhail and Danielle Ackley-McPhail based on the 1986-96 military science fiction role-playing game The Alliance Archives.

By the late 21st century, humanity has final reached for the stars and established an off-world colony in the system of Tau Ceti, only to discover that man's greatest enemy is still man.

On the colony world of Demeter, ADF power-armored troopers and their Parr scouts fight a desperate, covert war against invading corporate mercenaries.

Even in the vastness of space, there is no room for lasting peace.

Once Upon a Time, ageless tales were told from one generation to the next, filled with both wonders and warnings. Tales of handsome princes and wicked queens, of good-hearted folk and evil stepmothers. Tales of danger and caution and magic...classics that still echo in our hearts and memories even to this day, told from old, cherished books or from memory at Grandma''s knee.Oh yes, tales have been told...but never quite like these. Journey with us through the pages of Gaslight and Grimm to discover timeless truths through lenses polished in the age of steam.With tales by James Chambers, Christine Norris, Bernie Mojzes, Danny Birt, Jean Marie Ward, Jeff Young, Gail Z. and Larry N. Martin, Elaine Corvidae, David Lee Summers, Kelly A. Harmon, Jonah Knight, Diana Bastine, and Jody Lynn Nye.

In a Flash, the eSpec Books annual flash fiction anthology, features the highlights of the press’s monthly flash fiction contests from the preceding year. This collection of speculative microfiction runs the gambit from steampunk, westerns, and urban fantasy to science fiction and horror, with stories by Christopher J. Burke, Jim Knipp, Herika R Raymer, Anton Kukal, Marie Vibbert, CB Droege, David Bartell, Jeff Young, Rie Sheridan Rose, Jean Buie, David M. Hoenig, and Jamie Gilman Kress.

History...Legacy...Destiny...

An act of self-sacrifice transforms Kara O'Keefe's simple life into one both magical and menacing. Overwhelmed by the expenses of her father’s cancer treatments, Kara finds herself forced to give up Quicksilver, her cherished violin.

At Yesterday's Dreams, a pawnshop tucked away on a quiet New York back street, she discovers her true destiny and danger begins to stalk her. Pursued by malevolent forces she does not understand, Kara O'Keefe must place her trust in a dead man she loved but never truly knew and the living myth that would teach her what it is to be other. Has she inherited the tenacious strength of her Celtic ancestors, or will she fall beneath the onslaught of uncompromising fate? 

“Have you heard about this book, Bad-Ass Faeries? I have to get a copy because faeries are not all goodness and light.” —Brian Froud, Faeriecon 2007

Ten years ago, four editors joined forces to bring the dark and dangerous root of the faerie legend into the modern day. And that's how Bad-Ass Faeries was born. We brought you bikers and cowboys, mobsters and assassins, luchadores and just about everything else you can think of that is bad-ass, all wreathed in the magic of the fae.

After a decade, love for this award-winning series is still going strong. In celebration, we give you: The Best of Bad-Ass Faeries, with stories by Brian Koscienski & Chris Pisano, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Adam P. Knave, Jesse Harris, James Chambers, CJ Henderson, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, John Passarella, Jeffrey Lyman, Bernie Mojzes, L. Jagi Lamplighter, John L. French, James Daniel Ross, Robert E. Waters, Kelly A. Harmon, DL Thurston, Patrick Thomas, Jody Lynn Nye, Lee C. Hillman, and NR Brown…

Do you believe in Bad-Ass Faeries? Then clap your hands...NOW!

’Tis Said We All Return to Whence We Began…

Is it any wonder then why so many are drawn to the sea? Throughout the history of Man the crash of the waves has been a siren song…a promise…a curse. Above the waves is a challenge that makes or breaks many a man or woman. Below is another world both magical and menacing.

In Consigned to the Sea you will find the vast spectrum of what the oceans have to offer. The wonder of a mermaid yearning to reach the sky… The wrath of the selkie protecting its own… A dragon waging war against pirates…

Whether you root for the sailor or the sea, here is a collection you can treasure.

Everyone loves a hero…but sometimes we can’t help but root for the villain…

Indulge both impulses with this nostalgic flipbook anthology—The Side of Good / The Side of Evil. After all, everyone is the hero of their own story and sometimes a change in perspective can make a world of difference. 

Superheroes inspire us to be more than we can be, and on the flip side, Supervillains are reminders of the potential for darkness within us all. The Side of Good / The Side of Evil looks at the best and worst that über-mankind is capable of.

With stories by comic book and literary masters: James M. Ward, Bryan J.L. Glass, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Aaron Rosenberg, Robert Greenberger, Gail Z. Martin and Larry N. Martin, Janine K. Spendlove, James Chambers, Walt Ciechanowski, Drew Bittner, John L. French, and Kathleen David this collection is guaranteed to be super…no matter which side you pledge your allegiance to.

Featuring a never-before-published Furious(TM) short story! 

Turn your eyes to the heavens and be amazed…

With one small step, mankind embarked on a journey fraught with potential and danger in equal measure. In A Legacy of Stars, Danielle Ackley-McPhail delves into those same depths as humanity ventures out into the complexity of space.

New worlds…dangers…marvels… Unearthly landscapes and beings that transcend alien. The conflicts of man versus, well… everything, including man. The bittersweet triumph of survival out among the stars.

Explore the harsh realities and boundless possibilities of mankind let loose on the greater universe. Pirates and gypsies, elite armed forces and scientific pioneers, all faced with the horror, wonder, and unexpected challenges that life in space has to offer. Pitch battles, political intrigues, military conquest, wondrous discoveries… glimpse what it is to be human, or not, in the technological age, beyond the bounds of humanity’s cradle.

Havoc...Destruction...Revenge...

With triumph heavy on their hearts, Kara O'Keefe and the survivors from the battle atop Yesterday's Dreams rush to Ireland and Tír na nÓg, carrying with them a weapon feared by gods and men. There they seek solace and healing for their warriors, and a miracle for Patrick, Kara's father, mortally wounded in the battle.

What they find is a siege of ancient enemies. Carmán's children have returned, united with a foe from the very dawn of the Tuatha de Danaan. Their combined forces threaten to be more than the immortal Sidhe and their human allies can combat.

Still coming to grips with her magical heritage, Kara must once more face ultimate evil and help to save the immortal bloodline from which she is descended.

Love...Life...Liberty...

Never before had Kara O'Keefe had cause to doubt in any of these, and yet she was now called to defend all three or lose them for all time.

Though the Battle of the Knock was counted a victory, the war—as they say—was not won. Carman's Children have resurfaced after millennia and have reunited against their common foe once more. These adversaries from the ancient history of the Tuatha de Danaan have one goal: dominate all. Kara and the Sidhe Fianna must find a way to end this threat forever or find themselves and all humanity shackled to the will of evil demigods.

As this journey of self-discovery comes to an end, will Kara find herself and retain her freedom, or will all be lost for eternity?