The Simmering Mind

I thought I would start a blog post listing great short stories by the Christian authors I know – stories I have both read AND recommend, that stirred my emotions as I was reading, or left me thinking long after the story was done.

All of these are 99 cents or free on Kindle, and I will add to this list as I discover more that I love!

1. Lucent Sylph by RJ Conte

Click to see on Amazon

Want something that leaves a little ache in your soul and inspires you to love others?

In lyrical language, this poignant literary sci-fi short tells a story packed with powerful concepts.  There are some amazing thoughts about the nature of love here, and some fascinating worldbuilding (you can learn more about the sylphs’ metaphysical world here at Annie Douglass Lima’s blog).  It is deep, and stirring, and will leave you thinking.

Here’s the description:

Lucas Thissel has something he fears: an alien species of palm-sized glass fairies called Lucent Sylphs. They came through a portal from a metaphysical dimension, and they indenture themselves as slaves to human beings. Too much neglect or unkindness, and they will cloud over and disintegrate. Too much love and their hearts are overcome and burst.

And one has attached herself to him.

2. A Stitch of Honor by K.M. Carroll

Click to see on Amazon

Want something heartwarming with a little danger and suspense added in?

A Stitch of Honor starts out as an “adventure in space” type of story, and ends up being a touching, character-focused tale.  It’s a bit of a tear-jerker!  It’s a comfy sci-fi read for a rainy afternoon.

Here’s the description:

Captain Jefferies, of the research starship Pulsar, is on his way home after a long mission in deep space. He’s looking forward to real coffee and time with his wife–and he’s certainly not interested in that knitting kit that she sent with him.

When his ship is attacked by a hostile enemy ship, Jefferies finds his ship infected with an alien virus that kills randomly–and he’s hauling it back to Earth.

Now quarantined in high orbit, Jefferies begins knitting a scarf for each of his sick men, partly to pass the time while waiting for the virus to claim him, and partly as a gesture of honor. But will any of them survive the quarantine?

3. Beyond Price by Rebecca P. Minor

Click to see on Amazon

Want something with a dose of danger and adventure?

This book serves as an introduction to the author’s greater fantasy series, but works as a stand-alone short story too.  There’s a truly odious villain here, and an intriguing protagonist readers can root for.  It had me really anxious for the main character, to find out if she would escape!

Description:

Trapped beneath the stifling leadership of an unscrupulous caravan master, a half-elf gypsy seeks the truth of her worth. Veranna’s path to freedom is fraught with painful revelations. Only if she can embrace the meaning behind her visions will she muster the bravery to break the bonds that tether her to a bleak future.

I’ll update this post with more short stories as I find them! 🙂