Phantaxis December 2016: Science Fiction & Fantasy Magazine

ISSUE 2 (December 2016) Superbly crafted tales of science fiction and fantasy from around the world. Previously unpublished short stories that will take you to new realms, experience mystic sorcery, meet strange creatures, travel through time and visit distant galaxies! Turn the pages and let your journey begin today. In this issue: FROSTFIRE—James Edward O’Brien Mystery, murder, conspiracy and, of course, magic all await you in this intricate tale. COUNTDOWN TO EXTINCTION—Calvin Demmer Humankind is always trying to enhance the world around itself, but does it ever stop and ask if it should? DEVIATIONS—Anthony Marchese The problem with time travel is this: if you actually ended up changing something, would you be able to tell? LOST SOULS—Ben Howels Humans believe that they are the only species afflicted with drug addiction. They are wrong. Just ask a demon. THE RELUCTANT PIRATE—Tom Howard We don’t always choose to live the life we lead, especially when life sets us on a path of intergalactic piracy. FINDING PURPOSE—Daniel Swindlehurst The tricky thing about an Artificial Intelligence is that once unleashed, you never know what its endgame will be. SEASON’S GREETINGS—Edward Ahern ’tis the season to be visited by something strange… BITTER PILL—James A. Conan Have you ever considered the medical perils of living on another world? WAKE UP, MR. CHEN—Kenneth A. Rupp When it comes to corporate scientific experimentation, there is a point when you stop being an employee and actually become part of the experiment. DAMSEL IN DISTRESS—L.S. Engler The most important part of going on an adventurous quest is to make sure that you pay attention to all the details before departing... CIRCLING THE BRAIN—Brian Koukol If you think life is difficult, try living it as a disembodied head for a while. COVER ART: Carol Heyer