Sometimes, it feels like I’m surrounded by aliens. Or maybe I’m the alien. Either way, sometimes humans make no sense to me at all.

That’s one of the reasons I enjoy animals and babies. They’re nonverbal, and for some reason, that makes them a whole lot easier to understand. Baby crying? Probably hungry, tired or wet. Cat meowing? Probably hungry or seeking attention.

But an adult human crying? Could be anything: joy, sadness, frustration, anger, exasperation…the list goes on.

Humans are complicated.

Which is one of many reasons I find our latest volume of Fiction River so compelling. What a refreshing break from the complexities of humanity.

Here’s the synopsis:

Humans prove great fodder for fiction. But what about the universe of possibilities offered by the nonhuman protagonist? The eighteen daring humans of Fiction River’s latest volume explore just that. From a goblin who must choose whether to risk everything for love to a heroic rat adventuring at sea to sentient underpants (yes, underpants), these nonhuman tales demonstrate why Adventures Fantastic says: “If you haven’t checked out Fiction River yet, you should. There’s something for everyone.”

Table of Contents
“In the Beginnings” by Annie Reed
“At His Heels a Stone” by Lee Allred
“In the Empire of Underpants” by Robert T. Jeschonek
“The Sound of Salvation” by Leslie Claire Walker
“Goblin in Love” by Anthea Sharp
“Slime and Crime” by Michèle Laframboise
“Always Listening” by Louisa Swann
“Here I Will Dance” by Stefon Mears
“Rats at Sea” by Brenda Carre
“Sense and Sentientability” by Lisa Silverthorne
“When a Good Fox Goes to War” by Kim May
“The Game of Time” by Felicia Fredlund
“The Scent of Murder” by Angela Penrose
“Still-Waking Sleep” by Dayle A. Dermatis
“Inhabiting Sweetie” by Dale Hartley Emery
“The Legend of Anlahn” by Eric Kent Edstrom
“Sheath Hopes” by Thea Hutcheson
“We, The Ocean” by Alexandra Brandt

So, whether you’re weary of humanity or merely interesting in exploring a rich diversity on nonhuman characters, No Humans Allowed will prove an entertaining break from reality.

Allyson Longueira is publisher of WMG Publishing. She is an award-winning writer, editor and designer.