Rituals have always been a powerful part of human life, from the ancient Aztec nation’s human sacrifices to the simple act of brushing one’s teeth in the morning. They can impart a sense of history, comfort, community, stability and at other times, power, mystery and horror. Some are grounded in centuries of tradition or superstition, while others are unique, individual creations. In this collection of 22 stories, you’ll find the darker side of ritual in all the various forms you can imagine–from the ancient and ceremonial to the simple and homegrown. Some have real power, while others simply exist in the convoluted recesses of someone’s mind. Some produce the desired effect, while others have an entirely different result. What binds them all together is the simple truth of any good ritual. Their practitioners—and you, the reader—just might be unalterably changed by them.
Author
"...a kick missing from most of today's horror...packs a considerable punch." — Fright.Com on MAGICK & MISERY "[S]ome of the most fun you’re likely to have reading this year...Highly recommended!” — Grade Z Horror on WILD LINCOLN CRISLER’s body of work consists of over thirty short stories, two novellas and editorship of two anthologies, most recently Corrupts Absolutely?, an anthology of dark superhero fiction. His work has appeared in a variety of print and online publications, to include HUB Magazine, Shroud Publishing's Abominations anthology and IDW's Robots vs. Zombies anthology. He served as a contributing writer for The Horror Library e-zine from 2007 until its close. His editorial credits include the now-defunct Lightning Journal ezine and the Our Shadows Speak anthology. Other credits include high school and city newspaper experience. Lincoln has appeared in various print, radio, television and online media to promote his writing. He reviews books for his own site as well as Shroud Magazine; his contributions have been featured in their print and online editions. A United States Army combat veteran and non-commissioned officer, Lincoln lives in Augusta, Georgia with his wife and two of his three children. He enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, listening to music, cooking, web design and politics. Lincoln and his wife own a virtual assistant business, Crisler Professional Services. You can contact him at lincoln@lincolncrisler.info.
