Official Website of Allan Walsh
Hello Readers,
It is always an exciting time for me when I have a new release on the horizon, and it is no different as the release date for The Cold and the Dead draws nearer. And what is a new release without a cover reveal? Well, it’s just not as much fun is it. So with that in mind I’m super excited to share the cover with you. And here it is…
As always, I’ll post again soon to let you all know when the book has been released.
Happy Reading
Allan
Brisbane, Australia.
Hello Readers,
There’s more exciting news for you with my next new release on the horizon. I’m pleased to let you know that The Cold and the Dead is scheduled to be released at the end of this month. In case you’re wondering, yes, I am still planning to release a collection of my short stories in an anthology over coming months, and yes, the anthology will include this story, plus many more.
Anyway, to whet your appetite for The Cold and the Dead, I’ll be revealing the cover in the near future. This one is a short horror/grimdark tale, so if it sounds like something you’d be interested in, keep an eye out for the cover reveal post.
Happy Reading
Allan,
Brisbane, Australia.
Hello Readers,
Here is another sample of my work in the 10% Club series of posts. In this sample you get a glimpse at Shades of Hades, a short comical fantasy about a the gods. I hope you have as much fun reading this one as I did writing it.
Shades of Hades by Allan Walsh
Hades slouched upon his grey throne picking his teeth with the pointy end of an icicle. Spirits of the dead moaned at his feet, their sorrowful melody reverberating around the stalagmites and stalactites. Decaying bodies dragged heavy chains along the frozen ground—chains that rattled and clanked, grated and scraped, over and over, making his ears ring and his head throb.
“Can’t you drag those chains quietly?” he yelled, “I’ve a splitting head ache and my chilblains are killing me.”
The dead paused for a moment staring at him blankly, then carried on being dead, moaning and doing what the dead do. They didn’t care, why would they… death has that effect on a person.
“Is there no respect for the Lord of the Underworld anymore?” he huffed, “I am a god you know.” They continued to ignore him. A cold blast blew his dark hair across his face. He pushed it out of his eyes and it flapped in the wind. Hades pulled his ragged cloak tighter, trying to stop the chill gnawing at his bones. “Damn you Poseidon, and you too Zeus. Damn you both! Why did I get the underworld? If I had known it was this grey… this dark… this bloody cold all the time I would never have agreed to it.” He scrunched his hand into a fist, knuckles glowing in the dim light, and stamped his good foot hard on the ground. “Why can’t I live on the surface?” he whined, ignoring the ghostly wisps drifting around him. His eyes grew wide, and a grin crept up on his face. “I could swap! Make the underworld home for those wretched humans, then I could live up there.” Hades rubbed at the back of his head and his nose wrinkled, a sour odour scratching at his nostrils. He sniffed at his underarm and recoiled, his nose wrinkling even more. “I’m sure I’ve bathed this decade,” he said, dropping his arm.
If you enjoyed this sample of my writing, please share it with your friends.
Allan Walsh writes Fantasy and Horror. If you’re looking for something new to read in these genres, why not check out his books here. You can also find his titles available in some libraries.
Hello Readers,
Well it is finally here! My new short story ‘Shades of Hades’ is now available. You’ll find all the links below the blurb. And don’t forget the anthology, which will include this short story, will be coming out in the not too distant future.
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It can be tough ruling the underworld. Hades is cold and has a headache, but nobody seems to care, least of all the dead. When he decides to move to a warmer climate, the other gods aren’t pleased.
Will Hades find somewhere warm to call home? Or is he destined to a life of misery?
Shades of Hades is a short satirical fantasy about the gods. If you like fun filled fantasy, comical capers, and tales of ancient gods, you’ll love Shades of Hades.
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If you don’t want to wait for the anthology, you can get a copy of Shades of Hades at the following retailers:
I hope you enjoy the story. I certainly had fun writing it. Please let me know what you think and feel free to share this post with any of your friends or family who might enjoy a good, comical short fantasy.
Thank you so much for your support.
Happy Reading,
Allan