Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
Synopsis
TEN THOUGHTFUL TALES OF EXCELLENT FANTASY. From quaint southern towns in the shadow of a looming mountain, to hardy northern villages built atop one; from the depths of goblin caves to a suburb haunted by an eldritch horror, each story opens a window into the whimsical world of the unknown. This curated issue of literary fantasy offers both exciting adventure and masterfully crafted prose and poetry. Some tales garner a laugh, while others beg introspection. The range of fantasy is vast, but a microcosm of it has been captured in these pages, like lightning in a bottle. Highlights include: James Callan’s “Once is Never Enough,” a sword & sorcery featuring characters from his latest novel, Old Sorcery; Nino Bonura’s “The Golem of Cairo,” a chilling tale from the perspective of an autonomous construct; and Mike Wheet’s “Champion,” a familiar story concerning an unexpected hero who rises in an unexpected way. Writers published in this issue: Nino Bonura, James Callan, Glenn Dungan, James D. Mills, Jennifer Oliver, Ryan Owen, Matias Travieso-Diaz, DJ Tyrer, Ian William Walker, and Mike Wheet.
Is The Literary Fantasy Magazine: Spring 2026 appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
A curated anthology of literary fantasy featuring diverse settings and tones, from sword & sorcery adventure to eldritch horror. Some stories contain moderate fantasy violence and supernatural/horror elements that may be intense for younger readers.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include violence and horror elements.
Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.
Who'll love this
Teens will enjoy a rich variety of fantasy stories ranging from exciting adventures to thought-provoking tales with unexpected heroes.