Mike Carss - Stories

Sam, a young man fascinated by knighthood, is astounded when a knight-errant rides into his rural village of Reabury. Cloaked in mystery, the knight reveals little, but before Sam can discover his secrets, tragedy strikes. A child from the village is kidnapped by ruthless bandits and held for ransom. Upon hearing the news, the knight prepares to confront them, but he cannot do it alone. Only Sam knows the way, and thus begins a journey that will test his courage and define the true meaning of heroism. The outcome, however, leads to a tragic consequence that will change his life forever.

Can an honourable act redeem a criminal’s past?

Nathan and Brohm are granted a precious gift: their unsavoury pasts are wiped clean, allowing them a chance to restart their lives anew. However, fighting against their old habit of using violence to solve problems proves to be a difficult challenge.

To make matters worse, bloodthirsty creatures are emerging from the dark. Their source—an unexpected visitor known only to Nathan and Brohm—forces them to deal with the threat covertly. But the solution is dire, and both are hesitant to carry out such a profound sacrifice.

A lie, repeated enough times, can become reality.

Callum, a conscript in a century-long war, serves as a medic in the Anberan army. His adversary—a monstrous race of fierce warriors—battles to control the Anberan's stolen territory. A mishap propels Callum far beyond enemy lines, leading to his capture and interrogation. His captor, however, presents a radically different account as to why they’re warring, filling Callum with doubt.

The Roaming Sea is a fantasy novel exploring themes of environmental exploitation, generational fascism, loneliness, and finding compassion in the unlikeliest of places.

Nathan—a man who lives life in shadow and solitude—finds himself hunted due to an old assignment. While awaiting his execution, he crosses paths with a towering brute, forming a powerful bond of friendship, loyalty, and love. Alone, they struggle to stay ahead of their fate, but together find the strength to escape the deeds of their past.

Imprisoned in a featureless space, Dave must face what his last chilling memory suggests. Can he escape, or will he remain perpetually trapped?

Sam never expected to abandon his modest life as a blacksmith’s apprentice, yet the harrowing death of his parents leaves him no choice. When the reserved knight errant Ser Graeme proffers him a place at his side, Sam grasps at the chance for escape, despite having no clear destination.

With winter closing in, they aim to reach the city of Langscott before the roads become impassable. Their journey, however, is delayed by a chance encounter: an offer of coin too tempting to refuse. The task is far beyond their expertise, but to earn a living on the road, risk often becomes a matter of routine.