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Cast your sight upon my fantasy weapon of the week. The third in a series of concept art images from a collection of cursed weapons forged by a dark lord. This week’s weapon; a spear of dread that has felled many a hero and is known as a killer of kings.
What would you name this weapon?
Hello readers, and welcome to the third post in my ‘Dark City’ series. Here is another city, reimagined by Gen AI in a dark fantasy setting for you to feast your eyes on. I can’t vouch for the accuracy, but key landmarks have been captured, and I hope they stir your imagination.
This week we are exploring London. So let me ask you…
‘Do ravens still guard the tower, or have they been replaced by something more sinister? How do residents keep the rancid mist they’ve dubbed ‘The Ripper’s Breath,’ from entering their lungs? What do the ‘Mud-trudgers’ truly fish for in the toxic sludge at low tide, and why do they sew their eyes shut before they begin?’
Ponder these questions while you enjoy this delightfully corrupted London cityscape.
Which city will rise from the mist next time? Come back again next week to find out.
Until then,
Happy reading!
Behold the fantasy weapon of the week. This is the second in the series of concept art images taken from a collection of cursed weapons forged by a dark lord. This week’s weapon; a hand axe that yearns to bathe in the blood of the unfortunate. It bestows a bloodlust upon its wielder that is unmatched by the fiercest of warriors.
What would you name this weapon?
Hello readers and welcome to the second post in my ‘Dark City’ series. In this series I’ve used Gen AI to reimagine what cities around the world would look like in a dark fantasy setting. The images generated, while not maintaining an entirely correct layout, have captured key landmarks and certainly tweak the imagination.
This week we are sticking with Australia. Here are some questions to tug at your thoughts… ‘During the Red Moon, the river swells and reaches into the streets of Kangaroo Point. Which landmarks are claimed by the tide? What damp, pale spirits are left behind when the waters finally recede? What ancient, entity slumbers in the silt beneath the Storey Bridge? What tribute must the ferrymen pay to cross its waters safely?’
Ponder these questions while you enjoy this murky Brisbane cityscape.
Which city will emerge from the shadows next time? Come back next week to find out.
Until then, Happy reading!
Bestow your eyes upon my fantasy weapon of the week. One of a series of concept art images from my collection of cursed weapons forged by a dark lord. This is the first in the series; a short sword that thirsts for souls. It whispers to the blood-thirsty warrior. But beware… those who wield it are destined to be damned.
What would you name this weapon?
Hello readers and welcome to the first post in my ‘Dark City’ series. In this series I’ve used Gen AI to reimagine what cities around the world would look like in a dark fantasy setting. The images generated, while not maintaining an entirely correct layout, have captured key landmarks and certainly tweak the imagination.
I thought it appropriate to start here in Australia. So let me ask you…
‘What if Melbourne’s laneways hid more than graffiti? What if something ancient still walked them? What sort of foul creature would it be? Where would it lurk?’
Ponder these questions while you enjoy this deliciously dark Melbourne cityscape.
Next week I’ll be bringing Brisbane into the gloom to sate your dark desires.
Until then,
Happy reading!
Hello Readers,
Exciting news! After many months of talking about it, I have finally released the much awaited anthology. ‘Ripples Through Murky Water’ is now available. This collection contains eight of my horror/fantasy stories and you’ll find all the links you need to get your copy, below the blurb.
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Follow Corporal Jackson on a top-secret project where being kept in the dark might just kill him. See Macey as she gets a taste of the wild frontier while finding her place in the world. Check out Jordan and his collection of figures that would make anyone believe in monsters. Or how about watching Hades as he tries to shake off a headache and move out of the underworld.
Ripples Through Murky Water is a collection of eight short, dark and magical tales that will leave you hungry for more.
If you like chills down your spine, magical mayhem, or just a bit of a laugh, you’ll love Ripples Through Murky Water by Allan Walsh.
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I know you’ve been waiting a long time for it, but it is finally available and you can grab a copy of ‘Ripples Through Murky Water’ at the following retailers:
I hope you enjoy this collection of short stories. Feel free to let me know what you think or to share this post with your friends and family.
Thank you so much for your support.
Happy Reading,
Allan
Hello Readers,
I’m excited and very pleased to tell you that I have another new release ready to be published. As always a new release deserves a cover reveal. So, in the spirit of Christmas, here’s an early present, a glimpse of the cover for Ripples Through Murky Water…
I’ll post again soon to let you all know when the book has been released.
Happy Reading
Allan
Brisbane, Australia.
Hello Readers,
Here’s another sample of my work for the 10% Club series of posts, I give you a few morsels of The Cold and the Dead, a short horror story with a setting akin to the western frontier.
The Cold and the Dead by Allan Walsh
Macey perched on the edge of her old rusty bed, wind howling through the cracked window, snowflakes blasting through the gaps of the wooden shutters as they clattered in their frames. A fire roared in the stone hearth, sending embers swirling up the chimney. A cold draught blew across Macey’s brow, breathing life into the flames, making them flare up in an angry dance. The bed creaked as she nudged herself forwards, closer to the warmth. She looked across at her father snuggled down into the threadbare cushions of the faded couch beside her. The golden glow of the fire flickered on his weathered skin, the incandescent light setting his hair shimmering.
“What you fidgeting for?” her pa asked.
“I’m cold, hungry, and bored, Pa. Seems winter don’t want to let up. It’s bad enough being cooped up on this here farm without being stuck inside for days on end ‘cause of a storm.”
“It’ll pass soon enough,” he said pushing himself up from the couch. He lifted the iron lid from the pot on the fire and scraped a ladle of broth into a bowl.”
“Here’s your soup,” he said, offering her a bowl, steam wafting from its brim. Macey took it, and held the soup under her nose, breathing in the rich aroma. She felt her mouth watering.
“That’s the last of the rations, should help a little with your hunger, but best take your time to savour it,” her pa said. He looked past her to the window.
“I told you not to sell all the cattle.”
“If that wolf didn’t get the chickens we’d have been alright. Let’s hope this weather breaks soon so I can go into town and get supplies.”
A howling wind caught the window shutters, slamming them hard against their bracing, giving Macey’s father a start.
“It’s alright Pa,” Macey said with a smile, “You built this home with your own two hands. We’ll be safe enough from the storm tonight.”
“It’s the worst one I ever saw, love.”
“Worse than the winter Ma died?” she asked running her finger around the rim of her bowl. Through the corner of her eye she noticed her pa peer over at her, then look down at the floor.
“Ah, you remind me so much of her at times. You’ve got the same brown eyes. Eyes that sparkle like a river in the moonlight when you smile.”
Macey took a sip of her broth. “I wish I’d known her better, Pa.”
“So do I, love… So do I. She’ll always be part of you though, you know that well as I do.” The sound of the wind and the crackle of the fire faded away as Macey stared into the steaming bowl of soup. She looked up at her pa.
“What was she like? I mean… what was she really like?”
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,
I now have another short story release fresh of the e-press. ‘The Cold and the Dead’ 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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Macey wants to forge her own path in life and make a name for herself, but it can be tough living in the wild country. Seems like everything wants to kill you out there.
The Cold and the Dead is a short horror story with a setting akin to the western frontier. If you like grim-dark adventure, skin-crawling horror, and hard-knock characters, you’ll love The Cold and the Dead.
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If you don’t want to wait for the anthology, you can get a copy of ‘The Cold and the Dead’ at the following retailers:
I hope you enjoy the story, I’m quite pleased with the way it has turned out. 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 short horror story.
Thank you so much for your support.
Happy Reading,
Allan