Hartwell showcases new works by stellar literary artists--acknowledged masters of the genre and exceptionally talented newcomers alike. Astonishing worlds come alive in these pages--realms of strange creatures and remarkable sorceries, as well as twisted shadow versions of our inhabited earthly plane. A bold and breathtaking compendium of tales--including a new Earthsea story from the incomparable Ursula K. Le Guin--YEAR'S BEST FANTASY 2 is the state-of-the-art of a unique and winning genre, offering unforgettable excursions into new realities wondrous, bizarre, enchanting.. and terrifying.*"The Finder" by Ursula K. Le Guin*"Senator Bilbo" by Andy Duncan*"Big City Littles" by Charles de Lint*"What the Tyger Told Her" by Kage Baker*"In the Shadow of her Wings" by Ashok Banker*"The Heart of the Hill" by Marion Zimmer Bradley & Diana L. Paxson*"Queen" by Gene Wolfe*"The Black Heart" by Patrick O'Leary*"On the Wall" by Jo Walton*"Hell is the Absence of God" by Ted Chiang*"The Man Who Stole the Moon" by Tanith Leen*"Firebird" by R. Garcia y Robertson*"My Case for Retributive Action" by Thomas Ligotti*"The Shadow" by Thomas M. Disch*"Stitchery" by Devon Monk*"To Others We Know Not Of" by Kate Riedel*"The Lady of the Winds" by Poul Anderson*"His Own Back Yard" by James P. Blaylock*"A Place to Begin" by Richard Parks*"Nucleon" by David D. Levine*"My Stolen Sabre" by Uncle River*"Apologue" by James Morrow

    Inspired by old favorites as well as lesser-known tales, find retellings of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Old Rinkrank, King Thrushbeard, The Princess and the Pea, and many more - all with fresh, romantic twists - just in time for Valentine’s Day~ THE GLASS MOUNTAIN - Alethea Kontis On the way to her wedding, brave and clever Princess Sabine falls into a Glass Mountain, where she is trapped with a crotchety man she calls “Old Rinkrank.” The two form a unique, unlikely friendship while working to escape. THE BAKERS GRIMM - Hailey Edwards When two struggling business owners compete for the contract of a lifetime, it’s all bakers on deck. Mix in a dollop of rivalry, a tablespoon of romance, and a pinch of magic, and you’ve got the recipe for one heck of a bake-off. May the best decorator win! GALATEA AND PYGMALION - Kate Danley A young woman in ancient Greece is tasked with carving a new statue for Aphrodite's temple. But what happens when she falls in love with her art? RED– Sarra Cannon Charlotte is searching for a cure to save her sister, but what she finds in the woods is not at all what she expects... PRINCESS CHARMING – Yasmine Galenorn Sometimes, the road to Happily Ever After leads a girl right past Prince Charming... into the arms of his sister. MAD ABOUT YOU – Jennifer Blackstream Alice doesn't want to marry the Mad Hatter. Will an unexpected trip to Wonderland change her mind? THE SEA KING'S DAUGHTER—Anthea Sharp A mermaid gives up everything to be with the mortal man she loves – but can there be a happy ending when the Sea Witch intervenes? ROMEO AND JULIET: THE AFTERLIFE – Julia Crane Juliet enters the afterlife and discovers the truth behind her relationship with Romeo and Paris - and that their greatest challenge is yet to come. SOOT AND STONE: A Fae Tale of the Otherworld - Jenna Elizabeth Johnson Aisling, a young Faelorehn artist, finds herself falling for the son of one of the famed Tuatha De Danann. The only problem is, she’s unaware of his true identity, and her selfish uncle will do anything to keep her from realizing her dreams. THE HUNTSMAN'S SNOW – Mandy M. Roth Sometimes, a prince isn’t as charming as history would like you to believe. And sometimes, a princess needs an alpha male shifter to find her happily ever after. RUMPELIMPSKIN - Debra Dunbar An imp finds herself in a fairytale world without her infernal powers facing an impossible task. Will Sam barter away her firstborn? Will her angelic main-squeeze save her? Or will she come up with a devilish solution of her own? THE GLASS SKY - Alexia Purdy Star’s refusal of suitors lined up for her hand has her family in knots, but when the city is bombed and overthrown, she loses everything. After she’s rescued by a handsome stranger named Clyde, she sneaks away to save her parents but finds herself trapped in the new president’s clutches. RUSH - C. Gockel Misogyny is a beast. When the incarnation of Creation gets angry at Rush for innocently stating his opinion, she curses him to find true love in two weeks … or else. PERCHANCE TO DREAM – Phaedra Weldon Her first love has been placed under a spell.THE TOAD PRINCE - Nikki JeffordIsabel Ivers’s stepfather will do anything to secure his place as Far North’s new ruler, even if it means marrying her off to the depraved prince of the lowlands.CRAFTED WITH A KISS - Shawntelle MadisonDespite fighting in countless battles to bring peace to warring kingdoms, Pynnelope, a warrior maiden made of wood, knows no fear. Becoming human is all she desires until she discovers she can have so much more.A SMALL MAGIC - Devon MonkA cursed princess, a talking pea, and a wish that changes everything.

    This collection will whisk you from Christmas season in steampunk London to Yule celebrations with the coven to Hanukkah celebrations with a supernatural twist. Battle Krampus, ghosts, vampires, demons, and a hell of an eggnog hangover in this special collection of paranormal, horror, urban fantasy, and steampunk holiday tales.PEPPERMINT AND PENTACLES: A Steampunk Christmas Fairy Tale by Melanie KarsakHELL'S SILVER BELLS by Margo Bond CollinsA HARKER CHRISTMAS by Erin HayesPOINSETTIAS and POLTERGEISTS: A Southern Stones Short by Blaire EdensHEARTLESS IN NEW ORLEANS by Pauline CreedenALL IS BRIGHT by Jayne FuryMISTLETOE AND MONSTERS by Katie HayozTHAT OLD FAMILIAR FEELING by S. K. Gregory'TWAS THE NIGHT by Evan WintersHOLIDAY MAGIC by Carrie L. WellsFESTIVAL OF GASLIGHTS by Bokerah BrumleyTHE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST by Anna AlbergucciDAWN by T.K. BradleyTHE TOWN IN THE MOUNTAIN by Angelique Archer & J. MillsEGGNOG & EXORCISM by Deb Christie & Margo Bond CollinsHIGH TIDE HOLIDAY by Ella Malone

    How will the future unfold for both species? Are the undead capable of controlling their urges? Can we resist the desire to stake them through the heart? Will we be the best of friends, or will our sinfully-seductive new neighbors literally have us over for dinner?In this shocking, sometimes amusing, always thought-provoking anthology, 22 of the world’s finest horror and dark fantasy writers reveal the future as they imagine it, moving from this century to the next. Whether vampires help or hinder us, affect or infect us, editor Nancy Kilpatrick is sure you will agree: we definitely have not seen the last of the undead!

    L. N. Hanover“Demon Lover” copyright © 2010 by Cecelia Holland“The Wayfarer’s Advice” copyright © 2010 by Melinda Snodgrass“Blue Boots” copyright © 2010 by Robin Hobb“The Thing About Cassandra” copyright © 2010 by Neil Gaiman“After the Blood” copyright © 2010 by Marjorie M. Liu“You, and You Alone” copyright © 2010 by Jacqueline Carey“His Wolf” copyright © 2010 by Lisa Tuttle“Courting Trouble” copyright © 2010 by Linnea Sinclair“The Demon Dancer” copyright © 2010 by Mary Jo Putney“Under/Above the Water” copyright © 2010 by Tanith Lee“Kaskia” copyright © 2010 by Peter S. Beagle“Man in the Mirror” copyright © 2010 by Yasmine Galenorn“A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows” copyright © 2010 by Diana Gabaldon

     Dive into the holiday spirit this season with fifteen bite-sized paranormal shorts full of mystery, danger, humor, and romance. Experience the wonder as you journey alongside werewolves, vampires, djinn, monsters, fae, hellhounds, witches, druids, and one seriously pissed-off fairy godmother. From New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling authors, every selection in this rare, limited edition set will keep you spellbound from page one. But make sure you've been good and your stockings are hung with care, because this Christmas there's no telling what's coming down the chimney. Including: Yule Moon by Aimee Easterling Miami Twist by A. Blythe Fall by Demelza Carlton Frost Bitten by Katie Salidas The Angel and the Beast by C.N. Crawford Santa Meets Mrs. Claus by J.L. Hendricks The Witch of Christmas Present by Katerina Martinez A Stone's Throw Christmas by Hailey Edwards Simon Says by Rachel McClellan Frost by K.N. Lee Druid Spirit by Amy Hopkins Matchsticks by May Sage Bloody Jolly Christmas by Rick Gualtieri Heart of Ice by Erin Bedford Kris Kringle Rides Again by P. Joseph Cherubino Grab Magic & Mistletoe today and enjoy the holidays with not just one good story, but fifteen!

    Valente, and many others. Selecting the best fiction from Asimov's, F&SF, Strange Horizons, Subterranean, Tor.com, and other top venues, The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy is your guide to magical realms and worlds beyond tomorrow.

    From fairy tales to fims to fiction, witches cast their spells and capture our imaginations.Now the biggest names in fantasy and young adult literature have come together to make a little magic of their own. Neil Gaiman, Holly Black, Diana Peterfreund, Margo Lanagan, Peter S. Beagle, and Garth Nix are just a few of the authors who have toiled over their cauldrons and conjured up bewitching new creations inspired by and celebrating the might and mystery of the witch. Assembled by one of the most well-regarded anthologists in the science fiction/fantasy world, this rich, intelligent collection will enchant readers of all ages.Contents: Stray Magic by Diana PeterfreundPayment Due by Frances HardingeA Handful of Ashes by Garth NixLittle Gods by Holly BlackBarrio Girls by Charles de LintFelidis by Tanith LeeWitch Work by Neil GaimanThe Education of a Witch by Ellen KlagesThe Threefold World by Ellen KushnerThe Witch in the Wood by Delia ShermanWhich Witch by Patricia A. McKillipThe Carved Forest by Tim PrattBurning Castles by M. RickertThe Stone Witch by Isobelle CarmodyAndersen’s Witch by Jane YolenB is for Bigfoot by Jim Butcher (also included in Brief Cases)Great-Grandmother in the Cellar by Peter S. BeagleCrow and Caper, Caper and Crow by Margo Lanagan

    Her life has never been "normal." Talking to plants and controlling cloud formations aren't things most seventeen year olds are into. Tate "Nighthawk" Taylor is perfect. Star quarterback and all around dreamy boy next door he never thought about his "extra" abilities. What quarterback wouldn't want night vision? That's not weird, right? It's cool! But on the night of their first meeting a deadly tornado brings them together and awakens their true abilities - the power to control the element air. Unbeknown to Tate and Foster, they are the first in a group of teens that were genetically manipulated before birth to bond with the elements. Which truly sucks for Foster, as she has to face the fact that Dr. Rick Stewart, her beloved scientist father, betrayed her and now wants to use her and the others for his own nefarious world domination plot. Foster and Tate must stop Dr. Stewart and his minions before he destroys their lives and the world.

    1 The Bastard Stepchild - George R.R. Martin 2 Death by Dahlia - Charlaine Harris 3 The Bleeding Shadow - Joe R. Lansdale 4 Hungry Heart - Simon R. Green 5 Styx and Stones - Steven Saylor 6 Pain and Suffering - S.M. Stirling 7 It's Still the Same Old Story - Carrie Vaughn8 The Lady is a Screamer - Conn Iggulden 9 Hellbender - Laurie R. King 10 Shadow Thieves - Glen Cook 11 No Mystery, No Miracle - Melinda M. Snodgrass 12 The Difference Between a Puzzle and a Mystery - M.L.N. Hanover13 The Curious Affair of the Deodand - Lisa Tuttle 14 Lord John and the Plague of Zombies - Diana Gabaldon15 Beware the Snake - John Maddox Roberts 16 In Red, with Pearls - Patricia Briggs 17 The Adakian Eagle - Bradley Denton

    Now some of today's most inventive scriveners have decided to tell their own tall tales-from an alewife's attempt to transfer the gods' curse to Gilgamesh, to Odin's decision to introduce Vikings to the Ur-Bar, from the Holy Roman Emperor's barroom bargain, to a demon hunter who may just have met his match in the ultimate magic bar, to a bouncer who discovers you should never let anyone in after hours in a world terrorized by zombies.AN ALEWIFE IN KISH - Benjamin TateWHY THE VIKINGS HAD NO BARS - S. C. ButlerTHE EMPEROR’S NEW GOD - Jennifer DunneTHE TALE THAT WAGGED THE DOG - Barbara AshfordSAKE AND OTHER SPIRITS - Maria V. SnyderTHE FORTUNE-TELLER MAKES HER WILL - Kari SperringTHE TAVERN FIRE - D.B. JacksonLAST CALL - Patricia BrayTHE ALCHEMY OF ALCOHOL - Seanan McGuireTHE GRAND TOUR - Juliet E. McKennaPARIS 24 - Laura Anne GilmanSTEADY HANDS AND A HEART OF OAK - Ian TregillisFORBIDDEN - Avery ShadeWHERE WE ARE IS HELL - Jackie KesslerIZDU-BAR - Anton Strout

    Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships.

    Here are 25 tales created especially for this volume by some of today's most imaginative crafters of the fantastic.WOODWORK – Humor and ingenuity are part of the job requirementsThe Forest's Not for Burning by Katherine Lawrence"I'll Give You Three Wishes...." by Kevin Andrew MurphyThe Triple Death by Ken St. AndreOut of the Woods by Lawrence Watt-EvansSPEAKING WORDS – The view from the branchesViridescence by Connie HirschFiat Silva by Jack OakleyWeeds by Brook West and Julia H. WestBenbow by Nancy EtchemendyINHERITANCES – Different dances to a single tuneThe Prism of Memory by Jo ClaytonThe Force That Through the Green Fuse by Mark KreighbaumMy Soul Into the Boughs by Teresa EdgertonTHE SCARS OF WAR – Echoes in flesh and woodThese Shoes Strangers Have Died Of by Bruce Holland RogersThe Clearing by Lois TiltonVICTORIAN VARIATIONS – New shoots from an old trunkHow the Ant Made a Bargain by Karawynn LongIn Fear of Little Nell by Gregory FeeleyTHE NEW WORLD THAT NEVER WAS – Branchings from historyWood Song by Kate DanielVirginia Woods by Janni Lee SimnerIMPOSSIBLE LOVES – Joy comes in many shapesTies of Love short fiction by Lawrence SchimelThe Heart of the Forest by Dave SmedsHoly Ground by Thomas S. RocheGhostwood novelette by Michelle WestSANCTUARY – There is danger in the Forest but also peaceThe Monsters of Mill Creek Park novelette by Susan ShwartzThe Memory of Peace novelette by Kate ElliottEverything Has a Place by Barbara A. DenzTrees Perpetual of Sleep by Nina Kiriki Hoffman

    In Snafu, a young Jane shows up for her internship with a securities firm. But before she even gets her foot in the door, she’s accosted by two street toughs and is forced to draw on her new-found Beast-magic to defend herself… In Black Water, Jane encounters a dire situation involving an escaped prisoner and endangered hostages. With a helpful—and oddly sane—werewolf, Jane goes after the criminals, but can she stop them in time to bring the kidnapped women home alive? In Off the Grid, Jane goes on what looks like a simple mission for the Knoxville blood-master—finding a missing Mithran. Her search leads Jane to a young woman named Nell, a woman with a scarred past and a strange power, a woman who may hold the key to saving the missing vampire, if Jane can convince her to assist.Includes an exclusive preview of the Jane Yellowrock novel, Broken Soul, coming October 2014 from Roc!Snafu and Off the Grid are never before published.The story Black Water was previously published as an Audible Audio Edition.

    There are typical vampires who would be right at home in a horror story or a gothic romance; historical vampires; contemporary, gritty, urban vampires; fang-in-cheek comedy; boy-meets-girl sweetheart stories (if a little bloodier!); and erotic tales of inhuman passions and midnight pleasures. Look out, too, for stand-alone stories relating to existing series and characters of contributing authors, or stories which develop more fully characters who have only walk-on parts in those authors' longer fiction. Includes writing by big-name authors such as Jennifer Ashley, Kim Harrison writing as Dawn Cook, Caitlin Kittredge, Diane Whiteside and Eileen Wilks.