Children of Old Leech: A Tribute to Laird Barron's Carnivorous Cosmos

Nominated for the prestigious Shirley Jackson Award, this book brings to light ominous yet captivating entities—The Black Guide, the Broken Ouroboros, the Pageant, Belphegor, Old Leech, and many others—whispered of in shadowy forests that lie beyond the secure embrace of firelight. These entities have long existed; they predate your very being and will persist long after. An homage to these fascinating yet terrifying forces, this work asserts, "For We are the Children of Old Leech... and we love you."

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Of Whisky and Doppelgängers - Justin Steele
• The Harrow - Gemma Files
• Pale Apostle - Jesse Bullington and J. T. Glover
• Walpurgisnacht - Orrin Grey
• Learn to Kill - Michael Cisco
• Good Lord, Show Me the Way - Molly Tanzer
• Snake Wine - Jeffrey Thomas
• Love Songs from the Hydrogen Jukebox - T.E. Grau
• The Old Pageant - Richard Gavin
• Notes for "The Barn in the Wild" - Paul Tremblay
• Firedancing - Michael Griffin
• The Golden Stars at Night - Allyson Bird
• The Last Crossroads on a Calendar of Yesterdays - Joseph S. Pulver, Sr.
• The Woman in the Wood - Daniel Mills
• Brushdogs - Stephen Graham Jones
• Ymir - John Langan
• Of a Thousand Cuts - Cody Goodfellow
• Tenebrionidae - Scott Nicolay and Jesse James Douthit-Nicolay
• Afterword - Ross E. Lockhart

In these pages, the rich tapestry of storytelling unfolds, pulling readers into a world where the eerie meets the extraordinary. Each story serves as a portal, inviting exploration of the fears and wonders that lie just beyond the fringes of our understanding. The writers included contribute their unique perspectives, infusing the book with a diverse array of voices and visions, capturing the essence of the uncanny.

The tales vary widely in theme and tone, offering everything from chilling dread to thought-provoking commentary on the human condition. Justin Steele's introduction sets the stage effectively, drawing parallels between the mystical allure of whisky and the duality of human nature through doppelgängers. As the anthology progresses, readers encounter a spectrum of narratives—Gemma Files' "The Harrow" delves into psychological terror, while Orrin Grey's "Walpurgisnacht" transports readers to darker rituals and ancient celebrations.

Each author adds their distinct flair, whether it's Michael Cisco's visceral storytelling in "Learn to Kill" or Richard Gavin’s evocative imagery in "The Old Pageant." The thematic richness of the collection ensures that it resonates with a wide audience, whether they are seasoned aficionados of horror literature or newcomers drawn to the genre.

The interplay of folklore and imagination is threaded throughout, with allegorical elements that connect the stories to age-old fears and desires. In addition, the afterword by Ross E. Lockhart encapsulates the essence of the anthology, tying together the various narratives while reflecting on the enduring power of myth and storytelling.

Ultimately, this collection not only pays homage to the things that haunt our collective consciousness but also celebrates the art of storytelling itself. With each story, readers are invited to confront their fears, indulge their curiosities, and engage with the powerful legacies of these ancient beings. As the authors weave their tales, they remind us that we are all part of this intricate web of narrative and mystery—a legacy that will continue to echo in the shadows, calling to us long into the night.

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