First published 1995
This collection brings together practitioners of every magical persuasion across one hundred stories. Some witches brew love potions while others concoct deadly mixtures. Born sorceresses work alongside those who discovered their powers later. White magic devotees clash with followers of darker arts. A few defy all categories entirely. The anthology spans from witches who resent mortal treatment to those unaware they possess supernatural abilities. Male and female magic workers populate these tales, each fundamentally human despite their paranormal gifts. Contributors include Martin Mundt with "Hunger Gulag," Juleen Brantingham's "Burning in the Light," Joe R. Lansdale's "By the Hair of the Head," and Simon McCaffery's "Blood Mary." Terry Campbell offers "Retrocurses" while Lawrence Schimel contributes "Coming Out of the Broom Closet." The stories explore how magical power intersects with ordinary human desires and grievances. These witches face the same emotional struggles as anyone, but their supernatural abilities amplify the consequences of love, revenge, ambition, and fear.
Genres: short-stories, fantasy, horror
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful
Tropes: clash-of-ideologies, found-family
624 pages · Hardcover · Barnes & Noble
Content warnings: violence