In the Beginning Dark YA Retellings of Biblical Stories

Eight authors come together to build a powerful collection of dark young adult short stories inspired by the mysteries, faith, and darkness found within the Bible. This collection includes stories about a troubled orphan who follows his master into the temples of blood-thirsty demon-gods, a young Babylonian who befriends the Book of Life and awaits the moment she will fulfill her destiny, a homeless young boy who bears the weight of humanity on his shoulders, and a story of a teenage boy who yearns to discover the kind of man he is meant to be but is hijacked by an evil spirit. Old Testament and New Testament, iconic and obscure figures alike are illuminated, explored, and re-envisioned throughout this anthology. The contributors include: Stephen Clements, Nicole Crucial, Mike Hays, Sharon Hughson, Marti Johnson, Elle O’Neill, Lora Palmer, and Christina Raus.

Laureen P. Cantwell is an editor and a librarian. She is the coeditor of Memphis Noir. She lives in Colorado. Georgia McBride is the founder of Month9Books and YALITCHAT.ORG. She is the author of Praefatio. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.