V. Castro

"Five of us sat in a circle doing our best to emulate the girls in The Craft, hoping to unleash some power to take us all away from our home to the place of our dreams. But we weren't witches. We were five Chicanas living in San Antonio, Texas, one year out of high school."One hot summer night, best friends Lourdes, Fernanda, Ana, Perla, and Pauline hold a séance. It's all fun and games at first, but their tipsy laughter turns to terror when the flames burn straight through their prayer candles and Fernanda starts crawling toward her friends and chanting in Nahuatl, the language of their Aztec ancestors. Over the next few weeks, shy, modest Fernanda starts acting strangely-smearing herself in black makeup, shredding her hands on rose thorns, sucking sin out of the mouths of the guilty. The local priest is convinced it's a demon, but Lourdes begins to suspect it's something else-something far more ancient and powerful. As Father Moreno's obsession with Fernanda grows, Lourdes enlists the help of her "bruja Craft crew" and a professor, Dr. Camacho, to understand what is happening to her friend in this unholy tale of possession-gone-right.

Goddess of Filth

A woman is haunted by the Mexican folk demon La Llorona as she unravels the dark secrets of her family history in this ravishing and provocative horror novel. Alejandra no longer knows who she is. To her husband, she is a wife, and to her children, a mother. To her own adoptive mother, she is a daughter. But they cannot see who Alejandra has become: a woman struggling with a darkness that threatens to consume her. Nor can they see what Alejandra sees. In times of despair, a ghostly vision appears to her, the apparition of a crying woman in a ragged white gown. When Alejandra visits a therapist, she begins exploring her family's history, starting with the biological mother she never knew. As she goes deeper into the lives of the women in her family, she learns that heartbreak and tragedy are not the only things she has in common with her ancestors. Because the crying woman was with them, too. She is La Llorona, the vengeful and murderous mother of Mexican legend. And she will not leave until Alejandra follows her mother, her grandmother, and all the women who came before her into the darkness. But Alejandra has inherited more than just pain. She has inherited the strength and the courage of her foremothers--and she will have to summon everything they have given her to banish La Llorona forever.

A Novel by V. Castro

The Haunting of Alejandra

2018 - Belinda Alvarez has returned to Texas for the wedding of her best friend Veronica. The farm is the site of the urban legend, La Reina de Las Chicharras - The Queen of The Cicadas. In 1950s south Texas a farmworke r- Milagros from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, is murdered. Her death is ignored by the town, but not the Aztec goddess of death, Mictecacíhuatl. The goddess hears the dying cries of Milagros and creates a plan for both to be physically reborn by feeding on vengeance and worship. Belinda and the new owner of the farmhouse - Hector, find themselves immersed in the legend and realize it is part of their fate as well. FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

The Queen of the Cicadas

A short story collection of nightmares, dreams, desire and visions centered around the Chicana experience. The stunning, star-reviewed V. Castro weaves urban legend, folklore, life experience and heartache in this intimate anthology of modern horrors. From the lauded author of The Queen of the Cicadas (which picked up starred reviews from PW, Kirkus and Booklist who called her "a dynamic and innovative voice") comes a short story collection of nightmares, dreams, desire and visions focused on the Chicana experience. V.Castro weaves urban legend, folklore, life experience and heartache in this personal journey beginning in south Texas: a bar where a devil dances the night away; a street fight in a neighborhood that may not have been a fight after all; a vengeful chola at the beginning of the apocalypse; mind swapping in the not so far future; satan who falls and finds herself in a brothel in Amsterdam; the keys to Mictlan given to a woman after she dies during a pandemic. The collection finishes with two longer tales: The Final Porn Star is a twist on the final girl trope and slasher, with a creature from Mexican folklore; and Truck Stop is an erotic horror romance with two hearts: a video store and a truck stop. FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

Mestiza Blood

An ancient Aztec vampire roams the modern world in search of vengeance and love in this seductive dark fantasy from the author of The Haunting of Alejandra. Hundreds of years ago, she was known as La Malinche: a Nahua woman who translated for the conquistador Cortés. In the centuries since, her name has gone down in infamy as a traitor. But no one ever found out what happened to La Malinche after Cortés destroyed her people. In the ashes of the empire, she was reborn as Malinalli, an immortal vampire. And she has become an avenger of conquered peoples, traveling the world to reclaim their stolen artifacts and return them to their homelands. But she has also been in search of something more, for this ancient vampire still has deeply human longings for pleasure and for love. When she arrives in Dublin in search of a pair of Aztec skulls—artifacts intimately connected to her own dark history—she finds something else: two men who satisfy her cravings in very different ways. For the first time she meets a mortal man—a horror novelist—who is not repelled by her strange condition but attracted by it. But there is also another man, an immortal like herself, who shares the darkness in her heart. Now Malinalli is on the most perilous adventure of all: a journey into her own desires.

Immortal Pleasures

A woman is haunted by the Mexican folk demon La Llorona as she unravels the dark secrets of her family history in this ravishing and provocative horror novel. Alejandra no longer knows who she is. To her husband, she is a wife, and to her children, a mother. To her own adoptive mother, she is a daughter. But they cannot see who Alejandra has become: a woman struggling with a darkness that threatens to consume her. Nor can they see what Alejandra sees. In times of despair, a ghostly vision appears to her, the apparition of a crying woman in a ragged white gown. When Alejandra visits a therapist, she begins exploring her family’s history, starting with the biological mother she never knew. As she goes deeper into the lives of the women in her family, she learns that heartbreak and tragedy are not the only things she has in common with her ancestors. Because the crying woman was with them, too. She is La Llorona, the vengeful and murderous mother of Mexican legend. And she will not leave until Alejandra follows her mother, her grandmother, and all the women who came before her into the darkness. But Alejandra has inherited more than just pain. She has inherited the strength and the courage of her foremothers—and she will have to summon everything they have given her to banish La Llorona forever.

We all have different reasons for loving horror. For me, it all began with those iconic Mexican tales of La Llorona and La Lechuza. But back then I never thought I could or would write horror, even when I picked up Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz. I didn't know of any Brown women delving into the depths of the dark corners of storytelling. As a woman, I know I can, and I do. Latinx Screams was born from my frustration at seeing countless horror anthologies with zero Latinx representation despite the fact I know so many who devour horror. Instead of bemoaning the situation, I decided to do something about it. If you don't see it, create it. My hope for Latinx Screams is twofold. I hope Latinx lovers of horror will find comfort in these voices and maybe see themselves reflected in some small way. Perhaps they have their own stories tucked away, but they're unsure if there is a place for them. Yes, there is.I want the greater horror community to read these incredibly talented writers from various Latinx cultures and decide to read more diversely. There is true value in seeing the world through different eyes. When we share with each other, we can create a greater understanding. We live in a time when this is more important than ever. Every story is different, as is every voice and experience. I truly believe you will enjoy all of these stories. Thank you.V. Castro

LATINX SCREAMS

An ancient goddess rises up from an inverted temple in a lake of blood to purify the earth. Two pearl divers plot revenge against the Spanish merchants who enslave them. A mutant species of jellyfish fueled by garbage heaps wreaks havoc on beachgoers. Aided by mermaids, a pirate known as The Scorpion and her all-female crew challenge a corrupt king. And back on dry land, a mother avenges the daughters of her community with a very special batch of ancho chili salsa.

V. Castro's spirited characters come alive in her uniquely playful, fiery style, from a vengeful lobster to a mother willing to put her life on the line for justice. In these and other stories, the descendants of Aztlan-the mythical homeland of the Aztec people-work to overthrow their oppressors and usher in the dawn of a new world.

Out of Aztlan

Maria is a wanted woman. She's wanted by and Aztec trafficker, a cartel boss, the people she fights for, and now the Devil she can't resist.Her journey begins as a would-be immigrant turned vampire in Juarez, Mexico until the injustices of the world turn her into somehting else. She's not just out for blood, she wants answers. Maria spends twenty-two years in motel cleaning purgatory trying to keep her faith and sanity intact. When she feels all hope is lost she meets an ex-boxer that offers her a new job and teaches her to fight. During this time, she becomes an unlikely bad ass enforcer of justice for the community that has embraced her. Is she a saint or an old God from a forgotten past? Not only does she evolve into the woman she always hoped to be, but she finds her creator - Adam- he is nothing like she imagined. He invites Maria to travel with him to England to join The Keepers, a vampire organization led by the ancient Mordecai and Dr. Elizabeth Appleton. Learning that the true vampire way isn't destruction but the safety of humanity, Maria joins The Keepers as they uncover a plot set into motion by Lucifer himself. The Keepers must end his corruption through political manipulation or watch as the world hurtles towards self-destruction.

Maria The Wanted and The Legacy of The Keepers

She has been called many things throughout history: traitor, slave, Doña Marina, mother of the first Mestizo, La Malinche. As a young woman, she was a Nahua slave given to Cortez the conquistador, when the Spanish arrived in what is now called Mexico. It is said her translations and diplomacy enabled the Spanish to conquer the indigenous population. There have been many tales about her life and who she really was.Now, she only goes by Malinalli. In 2018, she is a dealer in antiquities living her life as a free woman, pursuing her dreams and fantasies as something much greater than a fact in history. Malinalli is a vampire. She will never have any master again, including love.Business has brought Malinalli to Dublin, however, this trip will also be one of pleasure when she spots Colin. One look is all she needs to know she wants his body and his blood. As she manages to snag her prey, she might find there is more to this man than lust at first bite.Hear the truth from her own lips.

The Erotic Modern Life of Malinalli the Vampire: Across the Pond -

Kealan Patrick Burke

Octavia Cade

Cynthia Pelayo

Laurel Hightower

Gwen C. Katz

David Simmons

C. B. Jones

Yvette Tan

Paula D. Ashe

Felix I. D. Dimaro

Bitter Karella

J. A. Prentice

R. M. Kidd

Bert Sg

Jaclyn Youhana Garver

Kay Vaindal

Rowan Hill

John B. L. Goodwin

This World Belongs to Us is an anthology of horror stories about bugs, writ large: we're not scientists, so spiders and slugs and scorpions (oh my!) are in here too. This anthology features stories by Bram Stoker Award winner Kealan Patrick Burke, multiple Bram Stoker Award nominees Cynthia Pelayo and V. Castro, plus Paula D. Ashe, Octavia Cade, Felix I.D. Dimaro, Jaclyn Youhana Garver, Donnie Goodman, Laurel Hightower, Rowan Hill, C.B. Jones, Bitter Karella, Gwen Katz, R.M. Kidd, J.A. Prentice, Bert S.G., David Simmons, Yvette Tan, and Kay Vaindal as well as a major rediscovery--John B.L. Goodwin's 1946 story The Cocoon, one of the creepiest stories ever written but out of print for more than 40 years.

An Anthology of Horror Stories about Bugs

This World Belongs to Us

Premee Mohamed

Tim Waggoner

Philip Fracassi

Gemma Files

Linda D. Addison

Mercedes M. Yardley

Lisa Morton

Hailey Piper

Carol Edwards

John Palisano

Paul Michael Anderson

Dan Coxon

Robert Beveridge

Corey Farrenkopf

Shannon Brady

Julia LaFond

Frances Lu-Pai Ippolito

Jonathan Louis Duckworth

Chad Stroup

Devan Barlow

Sofia Ajram

Elis Montgomery

Virginia Kathryn

L. B. Waltz

R. L. Clore

Maxwell I. Gold

Jangar Tokpa

A. J. Rocca

Playlist of the Damned

Music soothes the savage beast...or so they say. But in this tome of terror, music is more than just a placebo for the masses. It is the dark divination of witches, the motivation for revenge, and the power to change the mind, soul, and body of every creature unlucky enough to hear it. In it, you'll find possessed rock stars, killer radio stations, and concerts from the depths of hell. Over 300 pages of terrifying, bizarre stories about the hypnotic power of music and what happens when it gets into the wrong hands. Featuring: "Tears Like Rain," by Tim Waggoner, "The Brazen Bull," by Sofia Ajram, "Oil of Angels,' by Gemma Files, "This Loaded Gun of a Song Stuck in My Head," by Paul Michael Anderson, "Pack Up Your Sins and Go To The Devil," by Elis Montgomery, "Everybody Loves My Baby," by Mercedes M. Yardley, "Mixtape," by V. Castro, "The Lung of Orpheus," by Jonathan Louis Duckworth, "Pied Piper," by Carol Edwards, "I am He," by Premee Mohamed, "To The River," by Corey Farrenkopf, "The Prodigy," by Philip Fracassi, "Red, Black & Blue," by Linda D. Addison, "Instruments of Harm," by Julia LaFond, "Electric Muse," by Virginia Kathryn, "Ambient," by L.B. Waltz, "Vinyl Remains," by Chad Stroup, "Her Only Single," by Devan Barlow, "Goddess," by Lisa Morton, "I Will Not Scream," by John Palisano, "A Concert in Merzgau," by R.L. Clore, "Sing to the God of Slugs," by Maxwell I. Gold, "Song of the Guqin," by Frances Lu-Pai Ippolito, "The Men Who Play," by Jangar Tokpa, "Whalesong," by Shannon Brady, "Long Gone (Slight Return)," by Dan Coxon, "Slow Head Karaoke," by Robert Beveridge, "The Devil Went Down to the Subway," by A.J. Rocca, "Possession No. 239 in E Major, Op. 1," by Hailey Piper. Edited by Jess Landry and Willow Becker.

The story of a woman haunted by the Mexican folk demon La Llorona as she unravels the dark secrets of her family history in this ravishing and provocative horror novel from the author of Goddess of Filth. Alejandra no longer knows who she is. To her husband, she is a wife, and to her children, a mother. But Alejandra is struggling and times of despair, a ghostly vision appears to her, a crying woman in a ragged white gown. When Alejandra begins exploring her family's history, she learns that tragedy is not the only thing she shares with her ancestors. Because the crying woman was with them, too...

V. Castro

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