First published 2016
This contemporary bestiary presents imaginary creatures arranged alphabetically, plus an ampersand entry and one invisible letter. Each fantastical being springs from the imagination of a different celebrated fantasy author. The collection gathers contributions from internationally recognized writers including Karen Lord, Dexter Palmer, Brian Evenson, China Mieville, Felix Gilman, Catherynne M. Valente, Rikki Ducornet, and Karin Lowachee. These authors craft original mythological beings that range across the alphabet, creating a diverse menagerie of invented fauna. The book functions as both creative anthology and reference work, offering readers encounters with creatures that exist nowhere else in literature. Each entry provides a window into how contemporary fantasy writers approach world-building and creature design, resulting in a collaborative mythology that spans cultures and writing styles.
Genres: fiction, fantasy, contemporary
Vibes: atmospheric, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, world-building
280 pages · Hardcover · Centipede Press