Barnaby’s Luck
by Al Onia
| Barnaby is an optimist. He lives by the philosophy that the glass—or purse—is half full and always in need of topping up. The thief unwillingly finds himself a partner in Shugg the Thug, a man as bright as oil without any lamp, to steal the family jewels from an orgy. Just one more heist, and then Barnaby’s leaving Corenthal for warmer weather and prettier women. Until the long arm of the law pits the pair against the all-powerful necromancer killing everyone foolish enough to stand in his warpath, only adding more undead to his army in the process. Out of time and options, Barnaby’s cunning and Shugg’s strength cast them as pieces in a game neither were prepared to play. Not that Barnaby had any love for magic before, but is his freedom really worth his life and perhaps even his un-death? Haunted by old friends, surrounded by new enemies, and toting around an old man proclaiming to be an Unwizard, Barnaby’s quick fingers and quicker wit hardly seem sufficient against the unrelenting elements of magic. That voice in his head urges him towards saving the world, even as wealth tempts him to let it burn. But who says heroism and hedonism have to be mutually exclusive? Barnaby’s Luck is the anti-heroic fantasy story of imaginative men and women enduring barbarous times. |
About the Author: Al Onia
Al Onia is a retired geophysicist now writer living on Vancouver Island with his wife, Sandra. He discovered science and science fiction at age ten and continues to enjoy the sense of wonder both bring. His stories celebrate the transformation of the individual, against a speculative background, into one who risks their existence in an attempt to make a difference in the world.
Al’s ninth published novel, Take Your Best Shot, launched in February, 2024.
Al’s short fiction has appeared in numerous print and line magazines and anthologies. Al is a two-time Aurora Award finalist in the short story category and a full member of the SFWA.
Visit Al at: http://ajonia.com/