title: Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays
author:  Maia Chance 
description: "Eight short stories by four authors glisten with holiday wonder, eachone decorated in hues of legend, myth, SF, and quirky, joyful fun."<b> </b><i><b>-Publisher's Weekly</b></i><br /><br />"...an imaginative ride into the 'what-if'. Drawing from traditionalmythology and lore as well as time-travel and science fiction, eachauthor presents a unique perspective on the traditional holiday tale."<i><b> -San Francisco Book Review</b></i><br /><br />"...brain-bending, strange, and wonderful...perfect for taking your mind off holiday stresses...Grab a copy for yourself, and think about yourbook-obsessed friends as well."<i> <b>-Fan Girl Nation</b></i><br /><br /><i>"Joy to the Worlds</i> is a wide-ranging mixture of SF, Fantasy and Horror that made me wish for snowy weather and a good hot drink. [It] reminded me of Connie Willis's collection <i>Miracle and Other Christmas Stories</i>." <b>-SFF World</b><br /><br />"...a spunky alternative to traditional holiday fare...If you're a dystopian at heart, <i>Joy to the Worlds</i> may be the remedy for you." <b>-Barbara McMichael, The Bellingham Herald</b>
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  ![](../images/00001.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Sign of the White Foal
  
  
  By Chris Thorndycroft
  
  
  
  
  
  2019 by Copyright © Chris Thorndycroft
  
  
  
  
  
  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or
  used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the
  publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
  
  
  
  
  
  [https://christhorndycroft.wordpress.com/](https://christhorndycroft.wordpress.com/)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  For Maia for her constant encouragement and my parents for their unwavering
  support
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  Contents
  
  
  [Map of Venedotia 480 a.d.](part0000_split_004.html#_Toc8587136)
  
  
  [Family Tree](part0000_split_005.html#_Toc8587137)
  
  
  [Glossary](part0000_split_006.html#_Toc8587138)
  
  
  [Part I](part0000_split_008.html#_Toc8587139)
  
  
  [Part II](part0000_split_015.html#_Toc8587140)
  
  
  [Part III](part0000_split_022.html#_Toc8587141)
  
  
  [Part IV](part0000_split_026.html#_Toc8587142)
  
  
  [A Message