The Soul Standard

Across four different districts of a city that has torn itself to shreds, four different interweaving tales (each written by a different author) play out. In “Four Corners,” a morally dubious banker must keep his employer happy at any cost. The next story, “Punhos Sagrados,” concerns a boxer who finds himself torn between honor and the woman he loves. “Golden Geese” follows a hardened criminal with a terrifying condition who must come to terms with the life he’s led. Finally, “Jamais Vu” provides a stunning denouement as a man searches endless for his missing daughter, a task which is complicated by a peculiar condition: his inability to recognize faces. Told in rugged, bare-knuckled prose, The Soul Standard is a nonstop thrill-ride down the darkened avenues and through the shadowed alleys of a nightmare town.

Richard Thomas is the author of six novels, over 100 stories, and has edited four anthologies, including Burnt Tongues, with Chuck Palahniuk. He lives in Chicago.

Nik Korpon is the author of The Rebellion’s Last Traitor; Stay God, Sweet Angel; and Bar Scars: Stories, among others. He lives in Baltimore.

Axel Taiari was born and raised in Paris, France. Publishing credits include Abyss & Apex, Fantasy Scroll, The Big Click, and others. Read more at www.axeltaiari.com.

Caleb Ross’ writing has appeared widely, both online and in print. He is the author of five books of fiction and lives in Olathe, KS. Visit his official page at calebjross.com.