Web home of Caroline Barnard-Smith - Genre fiction writer and malcontent swamp witch

Books

The Age of Aikana

The Age of Aikana

Epic Fantasy

A dark epic fantasy set in a rich world of cut-throat cities, satyr warriors, rum-soaked taverns, scheming witches, and creeping forests besieged by the horrors that crawl in the shadows.

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Arcanoforge: Midnight Metropolis

Arcanoforge: Midnight Metropolis

Sci-Fi Horror

A serialised novel of sunless planets, hallucinogenic mushrooms, daemons, and... pizza rats. 🍕🐀

Free to read on Substack.

Short stories

Short Stories

All my recently published short stories.

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Read Stories

Free Short Stories

Would you like to read some free short stories? Of course you would!

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Publication Credits

Publication Credits

A list of all the places I've ever been published.

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Available Now



The Obsidian Druid
Book one of The Age of Aikana

Three monstrous tumari escaped the labyrinthine dungeon beneath the sea. One ripped apart the frozen homeland of the Asrai, staining the ice crimson with their blood. One blundered its way into the ancient forest of Nymed, and one rose in the city of Armoria, crushing buildings and bone beneath its great webbed feet. Only Dewer—ageless High Lord of the city—knows the truth behind the creatures’ wanton destruction, and he hasn’t trusted anyone with his secrets for over one hundred years.

Gwin, a moon-blessed Asrai with the ability to freeze flesh, arrives in Armoria determined to raise an army against the man who slaughtered her family. When she discovers that city guard, Vanth, harbours magick of her own, she knows she would make a powerful ally, but Vanth would rather see Gwin hang than turn traitor.

Vanth the Vile is many things: a skilled swordswoman, a debauched tavern crawler, and a Salt Sword fiercely loyal to the High Lord who saved her from a life on the streets. The one thing she never wanted to be was moon-blessed. In a city where those caught using magick without permission are left to rot in Dewer’s Pit, embracing her burgeoning powers would be a dangerous gamble.

The twin moons of Joria are turning. For a century, the night has shone silver in Mamai’s cold light, but when Aikana comes to the fore, the world will dazzle beneath her violet glow. The Changing of the Moons heralds a time of unrest and upheaval, and Vanth has a devastating decision to make.

Available in paperback, ebook, or free with Kindle Unlimited.

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The Obsidian Druid by Caroline Barnard-Smith


Crawling: A Horror Anthology

Burrow deep within the pages as parasites creep under the skin, their grotesque presence haunting your every thought. Prepare to witness grotesque metamorphoses that distort the human form, blurring the lines between flesh and monstrosity. This anthology dares to push the boundaries of the body horror genre, immersing you in a world of dread and dreadfulness, delivering an unparalleled reading experience that will linger in your nightmares.

Crawling brings together an exceptional lineup of gifted authors, each with their unique perspectives and twisted imaginations. They will transport you to the darkest recesses of the human psyche, where unspeakable horrors await. Brace yourself as you confront the terrors lurking within, and prepare for a collection of tales that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Dare you open the pages of "Crawling" and venture into the terrifying depths of infestations and transformations? The choice is yours, but once you do, there is no turning back.

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Crawling: A Horror Anthology