New Fantasy Genre—the Afterlife Fantasy—Is Born
2018 IPPY Book Awards
Silver Medal – Fantasy Fiction
2018 International Book Awards
Winner – Visionary Fiction
Finalist – Fantasy Fiction
Finalist – Cross-Genre Fiction
Finalist – Best New Fiction
In her quest for respect, a young grim reaper consumed with pride ventures beyond the boundaries of human-based dogma to reveal the universal light of the human spirit underlying all faiths.
Fantasy aficionados will be gratified to learn of the new fantasy subgenre called Afterlife Fantasy as exemplified in the award-winning novel by prolific author Eric Witchey.
The recipient of the Silver Medal in Fantasy from the 2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards, Littlest Death: A Labyrinth of Souls Novel introduces readers to the memorably flawed character called Littlest Death. Justifiably proud of herself, Littlest Death brings millions of souls at a time into the afterlife even though she’s only been a grim reaper for a thousand years.
True, the souls she brings back tend to be fungi, single-celled organisms, and the occasional rabbit or platypus, but the point is, other reapers—with one notable exception—only bring souls across one at a time. Is it any wonder Littlest Death chafes at the fact that she doesn’t receive the same respect as older reapers who guide human souls into the afterlife?
As the novel begins, Littlest Death’s “entitlement justification complex” compels her to learn the secret of bringing humans into the afterlife so she can garner the respect she knows she deserves. Unfortunately, explains Witchey, her pride and ambition lead her to take actions that undermine the balance of the universe. Before she can set things right, she must come to understand the interconnection of lives and the power she has to touch both the living and the dead.
Witchey comments, “This sometimes funny and sometimes heart-rending coming-of-age story could only be told from a perspective outside the confines of life. It’s a deceptively simple book about death and a funny, poignant celebration of life that explores the power of empathic service to humanity.”
“One of my favorite reads of the year. Witchey has given us a story that is both universal and intimately personal. I loved every minute of reading this book and was exceedingly sad when it ended and there wasn’t another page to turn.” ~ Elizabeth Engstrom, Best-selling Author of Lizzie Borden and Candyland
Author: Eric Witchey’s novels and stories have appeared in twelve genres and on five continents. He is the creator of the Afterlife Fantasy genre, and he has received awards or recognition from New Century Writers, Writers of the Future, Writer’s Digest, Independent Publisher Book Awards, The Eric Hoffer Prose Award Program, Short Story America, the Irish Aeon Awards, and other organizations. His how-to articles have appeared in The Writer Magazine, Writer’s Digest Magazine, and other print and online magazines. He lives in Oregon so he is never far from a perfect trout stream.