Short Stories I Read in October 2025

Only two short stories this month.

Conan: Black Starlight by John C. Hocking (Titan Books, 2023) 

Originally serialized in twelve parts in Marvel’s Conan the Barbarian comic book in 2019, this story takes place between Conan and the Emerald Lotus, which I read last month, and Conan and the Living Plague. It's now available as a digital short as part of Titan’s Heroic Legends Series. This was a blast to read. A great cast of characters, Conan’s characterization is spot on, and the supernatural threats are chilling. An excellent combination of prose, pacing, and action. 

Grimnirsson by Graham Thomas Wilcox (Black Library, 2023)

Genseric, a dwarf berserker tired of war and now part of a group of free peoples, fights to stay in control after a group of Sigmarite Crusaders show up demanding supplies and fighting men. A story about oaths, chosen kin and found family, and the warrior's way. Genseric’s back story was interesting as was his relationship with the human Aoife and the action scenes were well done. On top of that, I really enjoyed the prose and the melancholic atmosphere throughout. 

Instead of reading I watched lots of movies this month. I'm not sure if that trend will continue next month or not. We'll see.

Warhammer: Raiders of the Realms Short Stories

Black Library released five digital short stories set in their Warhammer fantasy universe last month. They were available as part of their Raiders of the Realms eShort Subscription Week which offered all five stories for the price of four. I wasn’t sure if I’d be interested in them based on their descriptions alone, but after reading a review online I decided to go for it and I’m glad I did.

Slinktalon by Robbie MacNiven 

Things don’t go as planned after Skaven (rat-like creatures of the Warhammer universe) assassins are hired to take out a mark. Clear action with interesting twists and turns. 

Rating: 3.5/5

Conn Crowhand’s Last Oath by Graham Thomas Wilcox

Two Darkoath warriors are faced with difficult decisions regarding loyalty and oaths when their chieftain sends them on a mission to root out those he perceives as disloyal. A page turner of a story with fascinating characters and some noir-like prose that really grabbed me. 

Rating: 5/5

Reclaimed Honor by Jacob Peppers 

Gideon Vell, a disgraced Freeguild member, now demoted to Wildercorp Hunter, joins a group of soldiers investigating a mysterious death in the wilderness. I enjoyed the frontier setting, Gideon and his tragic past was an interesting character, and the story was suspenseful with an action filled finale.

Rating 4.5/5

Vipers of the Marsh by Bryce Mainville 

Cousins Mathais and Jakk join a squad of Wildercorps Hunters on a mission into a swamp. Trouble ensues. I’m not a fan of the villains in this, the Warhammer version of orcs called orruks with group names like Kruleboyz and Gutrippaz. Those names and their spellings pulled me out of the story every time I read them. On the other hand, the author did a great job of bringing the dangerous marshland to life and had me rooting for the cousins. 

Rating: 4/5

This Rough Beast by Graham Thomas Wilcox 

The vampire knight Marcuccio and his wolf companion are part of a group of vampire knights searching for The Black Chalice. After they attack a group of duardin warriors (dwarves of the Warhammer universe) they find that they have bitten off more than they can chew. As in Wilcox’s previous story, oaths and honor come into play. Loved the characters, action scenes, prose, use of vocabulary, and where the story leads. If you’re a fan of Robert E. Howard, Fritz Leiber, and Clark Ashton Smith, you’re probably going to like this story. 

Rating 5/5

Not a bad story in the bunch. I enjoyed them all, especially the two by Graham Thomas Wilcox. The subscription deal is over, but the stories are available individually on the Black Library website as well as on Amazon and Kobo.