and bats claim the sky from songbirds, nocturnal predators prowl beneath cover of darkness, and cloying shadows grow thick enough to swallow a scream. As the saying goes: people aren't truly afraid of the dark-they fear what could be in the darkness with them.

The twenty-two authors featured within the pages of Carpe Noctem descended into these midnight waters to explore the deepest horrors and wildest wonders which darkness cloaks. This anthology is not for the faint of heart.

Carpe Noctem offers an exclusive solo-roleplaying game by Maxwell Lander to serve as your guide to this collection of nighttime tales. Or you can journey alone. What's the worst that could happen?

Featuring works by Teresa Aguinaldo; Tyler Battaglia; Stewart C Baker; Beth Cato; Barry Charman; Tommy Cheis; Jonathan Chibuike; Derek Des Anges; Richard DiPirro; David Fortier; David Jón Fuller; Chadwick Ginther; Joseph Halden; Richard Lau; Jennifer Lesh Fleck; Avra Margariti; Thomas C. Mavroudis; Cat McDonald; Paul McQuade; Ville Meriläinen; Tais Teng; and Laura VanArendonk Baugh.