The novella-sized release features five stand-alone short stories that have a connection in that all of the tales are set in different aspects of Hell. Readers can look forward to some recurring characters as the collection unfolds, as well as a wide variety of environments and styles of stories.
"I'm really excited about this collection," Stephen commented. "I love the horror genre, as it gives writers some great options for storytelling that are not as readily accessible in other genres. Some of my fantasy, urban fantasy, and steampunk readers might be surprised about this release, but there are plenty of moments in my other books that show this side of me. I've always been a big fan of the genre, and Clive Barker is one of my all-time favorite authors. Having been long enthralled with more medieval-type depictions of Hell such as Dante's Inferno, and other representations such as can be found in Milton's Paradise lost, I've wanted to explore a theme like this for quite awhile. This project has been wonderful to undertake and readers can expect much more in the future."
The eBook will be available on Friday, September 6, and print availability will arrive in the following week.
Here is the official synopsis: Journey into realms of darkness and explore the regions where angels fear to tread! Welcome to the Hellscapes, featuring tales of the infernal in settings where the horror never ends and the inhabitants experience the ultimate nightmare.
In “Blood Dreams” follow the tale of a woman who knew great political authority and influence in life, as she discovers the reward awaiting her in the next world.
“The Grove” welcomes a new arrival, a wealthy man who is looking forward to a weekend of indulging in lust and libation, as he has for many years in this secluded convocation for the elite. Something is different this time, though, and he soon finds that his visit will be taking a very different turn.
In “The Smallest Fish”, the story is told of a ruthless business mogul who finds himself in an abandoned, ruined version of the city he knew well … in life. This city won’t be remaining vacant for long.
“Drowning in Tears” tells the story of a young man’s unhealthy obsession for a suicidal girlfriend that leads him on a path of severe transformation.
The final tale of Volume 1, “Lords of War”, follows the story of a man who wielded military power on a worldwide scale as a Secretary of Defense, who now learns the deeper nature of war and what kinds of monstrosities it breeds.
More volumes of Hellscapes are forthcoming. For further information on Seventh Star Press, please visit www.seventhstarpress.com and for information on the author visitwww.stephenzimmer.com
Seventh Star Press is a publisher of speculative fiction based in Lexington, Kentucky.
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