Tribulations — Richard Thomas

In the third short story collection by Richard Thomas, Tribulations, the stories cover a wide range of dark fiction--from fantasy, science fiction and horror, to magical realism, neo-noir, and transgressive fiction. The common thread that weaves these tragic tales together is suffering and sorrow, and the ways we emerge from such heartbreak stronger, more appreciative of what we have left--a spark of hope enough to guide us though the valley of death. Fireflies and wolves, ghosts and golems, tentacled beasts and demonic spirits--these psychological thrillers will hypnotize you as they slide the blade between your ribs, up close and personal, whispering in your ear as you gasp and pull them closer. Tribulations includes 25 short stories--including two that were long-listed for Best Horror of the Year. There are also five original full-page illustrations by Luke Spooner.

"The stories Richard Thomas tells are dark rooms. Sometimes they are filled with terrors--ghosts and jealousies and strange beasts. Sometimes they are empty. And this might be the most terrifying thing of all. At times sharp and biting and other times dreamy and lyrical, Thomas is a powerful writer and Tribulations is a stellar collection."
--Kristi DeMeester, author of Split Tongues

"Tribulations is a dark fiction collection for all readers. No matter your preference: this book ducks, dives, and bounces between genres like an Olympic skier taking on a hillside of slalom. Rarely is reading a collection straight-through as eclectic (or purely enjoyable) an experience. If you're not already a fan of Thomas: prepare to be."
--AdamCesare, author of Zero Lives Remaining