Venturing Into Worlds Beyond Worlds: The Collected Works of John R. Fultz

DMR has joined forces with one of the most talented writers in the fantasy genre today, John R Fultz, in order to release a new collection of works that stands as a monumental example of some of the best modern works in the sword-and-sorcery, dark, and heroic fantasy genres today.  With a career expanding five novels, two story collections, and countless works printed in various anthologies, Fultz’s latest offering brings together eleven of his works spanning ten years’ worth of releases.

Each of the stories within Worlds Beyond Worlds exists as its own microcosm in terms of narration and world building. What makes each of the works in this collection brilliant is how Fultz’s writing conjures vivid images and landscapes that pull the reader directly into the narrative without the need for expansive background text of the world(s) itself. Much like the great Tanith Lee and Clark Ashton Smith, John R. Fultz’s skill as a writer is such that his works do not hinder readers from engaging their own imaginations while reading his stories. Fultz’s works are presented as literary canvases that allow readers to create their own unique vision of the greater worlds the stories exist in while being able to fully embrace Fultz’s tales. It is a remarkable skill that too few writers today possess. While each tale has its own merits, this reviewer has chosen some personal highlights from this collection.

1. Chivaine: The first title to open this collection and arguably this reviewer’s personal favorite; the war torn Land of Willows and it’s despondent survivors dream of the return of the fabled hero Chivaine, who long ago defended their realm from the invading horse tribes of the tundra and their vicious warlords. As all hope seems lost for any resistance, an ancient witch calls forth the legendary hero from the land of the dead. As the revenant Chivaine returns to defend the Land of Willows, it soon becomes clear that his legacy must continue even if his time amongst the living will soon be over as his final battle comes to an end. A fascinating work that’s ending is nothing short of amazing.  It’s a secret hope of this reviewer that Fultz may one day return to the Land of Willows and the legacy of Chivaine

2. Ten Thousand Drops of Holy Blood: Fultz’s unique take on the formulaic sword and sorcery archetype made famous by Elric of Melnibone and his demonic sword Stormbringer, Ten Thousand Drops of Holy Blood is a first person narrative told from the viewpoint of the magical sword Paragon, a powerful blade forged by the warlock Vallicus to assist him in conquering the Empire of the Hundred Gods. As both warlock and sword emerge victorious over the the lords and emperor of the empire, the sword soon finds itself banished to the armory as Vallicus turns his gaze to the full subjugation of his new empire. The indomitable Paragon is not content at being discarded and forgotten, and soon the blade begins to hear the voices of the ancient spirits of the once-mighty Empire of the Hundred Gods begging for it to serve them as their avenger. Without ruining the ending, this is arguably one of the more interesting takes on this archetype sword and sorcery tale.

3. The Thirteen Texts of Arthyria: A lonely and despondent soul by the name of Jeremy March wanders an old city without purpose or hope. A chance visit to The Bearded Sage, a quaint and unassuming bookstore will lead March to discover a group of old, leather bound volumes that will slowly pull back the veil of reality as he knows it and introduce him to the One True World.  A charming tale of the true magic of books and the worlds we find within them. It’s clear to this reviewer that Fultz’s love for books and their literary power was a guiding force in writing this delightful tale.

4. Daughter of the Elk Goddess:  Reading as a clear homage to Clark Ashton Smith, Daughter of the Elk Goddess takes the reader back to the ancient land of Hyperborea and the peculiar tribes and kingdoms that call this land home. A famous hunter by the name of Atanequ is hired to lead the daughter of King Vaal and her royal party through a dangerous and treacherous land to the mysterious city of Uzuldaroum. This journey will lead to unlikely love amidst hidden dangers that ultimately will bring Princess Quarha of Issa to fulfill her destiny as a holy daughter of Yhoundeh, the Elk goddess. One of the more straightforward tales in this volume but a great return to the icy doomed realm of Hyperborea.

5. Oorg: While one of the shortest stories in the collection, Oorg is a love letter to Lovecraft and Ashton Clark Smith. The cosmic and eldritch monstrosity known only as Oorg emerges form the shattered remnants of a dead moon above and descends upon the world with cataclysmic force. Only a secret cult and their hidden temple remain to witness the end of humanity. However, the cult’s true purpose will soon be unveiled as a greater cosmic story begins to unfold. Despite the obvious horror of the end of humanity as the backdrop for this story, Faulz is able to create a tale that supersedes the cliché endings most cosmic horror typically goes for and creates something far more intriguing.

John R. Fultz proves his versatility and talent in the myriad of tales he weaves in this collection. While this reviewer only highlights his personal favorites, there is something for every fan in the eleven tales within this volume. Do yourself a favor and support this wonderful author and the publishing house DMR by picking up a copy to read. There is no doubt that you’ll find adventure in these worlds beyond worlds!

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