Seventeen prize-selected stories, centuries of history and myth, one transporting anthology.
Echoes & Origins: Ink of Ages Volume One presents the 17 winning and shortlisted short stories from the 2024 Ink of Ages Fiction Prize, transporting readers across centuries and cultures through historical and mythology-inspired fiction.
From ancient Egypt to Ottoman history, from London in 1665 to the Siege of Suiyang, these stories reimagine lives and moments both forgotten and familiar with wonder, depth, and heart. Published April 2026 in hardback, paperback, and ebook.
What’s inside?
🪶 17 winning and shortlisted short stories
🏺 Ancient Greece & Rome, eighth-century China, WWI
“In the imaginations of these talented writers, history and myth stand, move, and move us in ways that only the best fiction can.”
—Stefan Vranka, Oxford University Press
“What amazed me about the submissions was the diversity of styles and choices of subject, which I thought was really wonderful.”
—Dr Louise M. Pryke, Historian & Author
Who Is Echoes & Origins For?
If you love global storytelling from distant and not-so-distant times and places, real history, depth of human interactions, a dash of gods, folklore, and the occasional monstrous creature, then Ink of Ages short stories are for you!
“This book celebrates historical and mythology-inspired fiction from around the world. Genres that give writers a tantalizing opportunity to explore gaps in the records – intriguing characters, unexplained plot twists – and to tie research together with the power of imagination. Fiction has a way of expressing the truth, and in these stories we can glimpse a little of what it means to be human across eras and cultures.” —Joanne Taylor, Editor’s Note
“So Antonia has popped out another one,” Julia rasped. “Always good to have heirs to spare.”
Livia flinched. “The gods have blessed Drusus and Antonia,” she agreed, managing to keep the barb from her voice.
“A pity they are not blessing your older son,” Julia shot back.
Caesar Augustus smiled, relaxed and affable with his treasured daughter. “Only a matter of time.”
—Sherry Christie, “Mater Patriae”
One night’s sail west of the Island of Thera—1550 BCE
Spray dashes against my face, soaking the deck and dripping from the rigging. I gasp, then choke on the black fumes that blot out the sun. The only light emanates from Thera and stains the horizon blood red.
“Bansabi, my son, keep your head down. They’re closing.”
Father’s warning may have sent ice running through my veins but I still struggle against laughter. How can my head be further down?
• Victoria Alvear, “The Untold Story of the Murder of Isis” • Tracy Bradford, “Moment of Grace” • Sherry Christie, “Mater Patriae” • Suzanne Scheideker Cook, “Between Two Worlds” • Jenyth Evans, “Myrrhine” • Sallyann Halstead, “Circles in the Sand” • Firza Hapsari, “Girl Beasts” • Louis Hill, “To Be Free” • Susan James, “Bequeath” • E. Jamieson, “The Coin” • Rafah, “Tools of Fate” • Nandita Ray, “The Seventh Month” • A. S. Rowe, “Mnemosyne and Her Muses” • Dava Street, “Ruby Crane” • E. V. Wallace, “End of Days” • Daniel Wan, “After the Siege” • Bill C. Wilson, “A Somewhat Laughing Matter”
The Ink of Ages Fiction Prize is World History Encyclopedia’s international short story competition, run annually and supported by Oxford University Press. The competition welcomes submissions of historical fiction and mythology-inspired fiction in two main categories – adult and youth – and maintains its commitment to accessibility by remaining free to enter, whilst offering professional-level judging and support.
Echoes & Origins is the first published volume of the competition, with anthologies of the winning and shortlisted stories from 2025 and 2026 to be published subsequently.
About World History Encyclopedia
World History Encyclopedia is a non-profit organization that publishes free, high-quality historical content to advance historical literacy and improve history education worldwide. Since 2009, the organization has grown to become the world’s most-read history publication, reaching millions of visitors monthly from over 150 countries. WHE is recommended by leading universities, including Oxford University and California State University, and maintains complete editorial independence while operating as a registered non-profit in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Can’t buy a book right now? You can read the 5 winning stories for free on the Ink of Ages website. Buying a book when you can helps support the longevity of the prize.
Joanne Taylor • Ajatar Editing 