READER BEWARE 2023

READER BEWARE is a horror magazine that specializes in the gory, the pulpy, and the weird, coming at you with tales of the macabre from 8 short story writers, 2 comic artists, and 4 poets from around the world. 

Excerpt from the cover story, Hook and Mirror:

“My king, I’ve been loyal to you for the greater part of my life. I am simply a farmer. Why have you brought me here when your cattle need my attention?”

The translator, Colón, listened to the king’s clacking—a more refined clacking than that of the soldiers—and then turned his beautiful face toward mine.

“You are here because the king’s former translator is dead, and as the previous translator is dead and was found in your house,” the translator paused, “the king’s court had to train the apprentice translator—myself—to take his place. This has caused much stress within the beetle kingdom.

“Because of what you have done, you are to be sent on a—” Colón paused again. I found his eyes strikingly green, nearly the same color as that of the shell of the beetle king. “A quest to the kingdom of the worm.”

“Am I being accused of the murder of my husband?” I asked.

“You know what it is that you have done,” Colón said.

“I see,” I said.
There was, I knew, no escape from traveling to the kingdom of the worm. My thoughts turned elsewhere.

“What compensation will I receive for this dangerous undertaking?” I asked.

Colón stared at me, his small mouth pursed in surprise.
“Go ahead,” I said. “Tell the king what I have asked.”

After translating my response and receiving the king’s, Colón waited a long time before speaking.
“The king wishes to know what it is you desire,” Colón said.

I smiled. It was an easy decision. There was only one thing I wanted in the entire world: a new husband.

Also featuring:

• the torture and killing of abusive assholes
  
• parasites that replace your organs
  
• the rapture
  
• a suicide pact with a psychopomp