James W. Lackie - Grimdark fantasy Author

I sometimes feel like a handful of swirling leaves:

Enough to set off the motion detectors around me,

And feel a modicum of pride in my influence over the world.

But, deep down, I fear that I am actually of little substance;

Merely motion in want of mass.

Can*Con 2026 Ottawa’s Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Literature Convention, with panels, readings, book launches, pitch sessions, parties, and so much more! Organized by The Rocket Words Society (same people, new non...

Hearing the joy about this year's @canconsffh.bsky.social ?
It GETS BETTER!
The discount to register for next year continues to the end of October! GO AND GET IT! www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticket...

#Cops, #androids, and #space #pirates, oh my!

If you are a #sci-fi nerd who appreciates punchy prose, interesting (and likable) characters, and well integrated science-based world building, Orbiting Fortunes by @almacdonald.ca is for you.

I highly recommend checking it out.

Just a reminder that the @canconsffh.bsky.social vendors room is open to the public this weekend, so you don't need tickets to pick up some sweet fantasy, science fiction, and horror merch from Canadian authors and artists!

YouTube video by The Second Story How Modern Schools Make Terrible Writers (Deliberately)

Oh wow. This analysis by Hilary Layne has finally helped me understand the schism I've been perceiving in modern readers.
Critical literacy vs. actual literacy... Who would have thought it could be so different (and disturbingly so)?
youtu.be/8ynCVmw5AWk?...

@canconsffh.bsky.social is coming up soon, 17-19 October in Kanata, Ontario.

I'll be there, selling and signing my #grimdark #fantasy 📚, and sitting on a panel called "Poor coping skills in SFFH".

Hope to see you there!

For all authors or aspiring authors, be sure to check out the Eastern Ontario Writer's Festival this weekend.
I'll be there speaking about narrative themes of good and evil, and also at a table during the 📚 fair.
Casselman Public Library, Sept 13, 2025.

Hey, all!
I'm going to be @ottawacomiccon.com tomorrow (Sat, Sept 5th, 2025), signing some books at the Indigo booth from 12 to 4pm.
Come by, say hi, and grab a signed copy my #grimdark #fantasy 📚

Anyone else playing #Expedition33?
I've been really enjoying the narrative so far, particularly the little nods.
This made me actually laugh out loud.
#ifyouknowyouknow

YouTube video by The Second Story This is Why We Never Got Another Lord of the Rings

This is such an interesting take... youtu.be/_BBrDhgGz1k?si…
Like most things, I find myself somewhere in between. I admit to enjoying the work produced by the formulas/counter-formulas, but I've sought something non-traditional in my fantasy writing.
I guess time will tell.

Masterful fantasy - for all true fantasy fans!

The Book of Astea duology by Zammar Ahmer, Riven Earth and Sundered Moon, were SO satisfying to read. They evoke that feeling when you start a new book, series, or game, and everything fades... and then you are disappointed when it's done so soon.

Glad to hear you will persevere. I absolutely loved it!

Looking for new grimdark fantasy?
Check out NEMESIS SPAWNED - a dark psychological saga, with a sociopathic demigod, parallel realities, and visceral gore.
📚
#Grimdark #fantasy
www.amazon.ca/-/fr/Nemesis...

✍️NEW THIS YEAR! In collaboration with Indigo (Booth #921-923), meet authors Morgana Follmann, Angelique Iles and James Lackie at Ottawa Comiccon!

#ottawacomiccon2025 #indigo #fantasy

I see some authors posting how they write "clean" fantasy.
I don't know exactly what that means, but I'm pretty sure my fantasy writing is "dirty" . . . really dirty.

Graphic violence, sexual innuendo, swearing, bullying, and general immoral behaviour.

Readers beware! 😉 📚💙

Where to Buy the Books Whether you are looking for a Hardcover, Paperback, or eBook, here’s where to find the Works. Nemesis Spawned Nemesis Spawned, the first book in the Reflections of Shadow trilogy, is an epic …

Looking to buy my dark psychological fantasy 📚, NEMESIS SPAWNED & WORLDS SUNDERED, online?

Check out jameswlackie.com/where-to-buy... for handy links to various sites.

Just finished Nigh by @mariebilodeau.bsky.social

If you like faeries, horror, and/or dystopian fiction, this is the 📖 for you.
It's beautifully written, with lots of twists and turns.

I particularly loved the allegory of cultural evolution woven into the story... It's such a great read!

With the release of WORLDS SUNDERED, and the introduction of a main character who struggles with depression and thoughts that their world might actually be better off without them in it, I just wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that how we affect the world is like a stone tossed into a pond. We are the stone and we cannot see the ripples that lap the shore, but we need to remember that they do. I guarantee that every one of you have positively impacted someone's life and each new day carries the opportunity to continue doing so, even if you don't see how. If you or someone you know is considering self-harm, there is help. You are not alone. Please talk to someone.

Worlds Sundered at the FriesenPress Bookstore Two men. Two worlds. Two fates . . . Alexander Ganainmh is two men now. The aspects of dark and light that once warred within him have been fractured and made flesh, the product of a metaphysical sch...

I'm excited to announce that the wait is over . . .
WORLDS SUNDERED is now available for purchase on the FriesenPress website with other retailers to list shortly!
📚
books.friesenpress.com/store/title/...

For those looking for a great new #fantasy read, check out NEMESIS SPAWNED & WORLDS SUNDERED.
A dark psychological #fantasy epic 📚, it follows a demigod across multiple worlds in incarnations as an antihero, hero, and villain . . .

Received a wonderful review from one of my readers today!
www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/review...

Last but not least...
Character card #10 for my Reflections of Shadow fantasy series is one who is introduced in WORLDS SUNDERED: Book 2.
Meet the beautiful and enigmatic Raven Maireen.
📚🔮

Character card #9 for my Reflections of Shadow fantasy series is one who is introduced in WORLDS SUNDERED: Book 2.
Meet our hero's love interest, Cathryn Murdoch.
📚

Character card #8 for my Reflections of Shadow fantasy series is one who is introduced in WORLDS SUNDERED: Book 2.
Meet our chaotic villain (in one incarnation), Cillian Domhnal.
📚😈

Character card #7 for my Reflections of Shadow fantasy series is one who is introduced in WORLDS SUNDERED: Book 2.
Meet our hero (in one incarnation), Wendell Domhnal.
📚🦸‍♂️

Character card #6 for my Reflections of Shadow fantasy series is one who is introduced in WORLDS SUNDERED: Book 2.
Meet Aislyn Reveryka [ pronounced ASH-LIN], warrior queen.
📚

Character card #5 for my Reflections of Shadow fantasy series is the first of a new batch that either do not, or only somewhat, appear in NEMESIS SPAWNED but who take centre stage in WORLDS SUNDERED.
I introduce you all to the mischievous Uidugenos (The Imp) [pronounced EW-IJ-EN-OS]
📚🧝‍♂️

Character card #4 for my Reflections of Shadow fantasy series (NEMESIS SPAWNED & WORLDS SUNDERED) is the patient and wise Ea'nlil (The Teacher).
📚👨‍🏫

Character card #3 for my Reflections of Shadow fantasy series (NEMESIS SPAWNED & WORLDS SUNDERED) is the perilous and beautiful Lycoris (The Lady).
📚💋

Character card #2 for my Reflections of Shadow fantasy series (NEMESIS SPAWNED & WORLDS SUNDERED) is Saelen (The Reaver), our arch-antagonist!
📚😈