Now, in one collection, are five original short stories by fantasy/horror author Elizabeth Hirst. From the excitement and swordplay of 'Beyond Nemra' to the unique and powerful worldbuilding of 'Mr. Oon', this book offers a glimpse into fantastic new worlds... and a few unusual looks at our own world, as well. Beyond Nemra: After swallowing a dangerous magical talisman, Nemra the swordswoman embarks on a dangerous mission to capture the Idol of Zephmal, but the enchantments surrounding the idol are designed to prey on her mental weaknesses. Will her partner, Kerimar, be able to unlock the...

We've all read tales of heroes and monsters in far-away lands... But what happens when the strangest monsters are the ones next door? Rebekah and her family are coping with two issues: the first is her husband's death in a car accident. The second is his surprising return as a zombie. Will the Neimans keep their new, more clumsy Dad, or will they choose to say goodbye to him a second time? Zinnia has a weird skin problem that won't go away. She longs for an answer to the itching and the teasing, but the truth about her skin condition, and its cure, are far beyond the scope of any human...

Artificial life forms are often created to serve human ends... but do they have the capacity to understand human emotions and sexuality? In this volume, seventeen authors address this question. Their answers are sexy, funny, sweet and sometimes chilling. Read on for an exploration of the boundaries of our human experience, and a look at the possibilities inherent in artificial consciousness. Raymond falls in love with a robot courtesan... but will loving him back destroy her programming forever? A grieving father buys a robotic love doll to take home to his family... but is there more to his...