16 stories. 16 Australian authors. One theme. Beginnings. Esmerelda is trapped in a nightmare, unable to wake and escape from the darkness. A simple bus trip turns into a fight for survival. Alone in a strange place with no memories of who she is or how she got there, Alora's world changes forever. These are just some of the stories that you will find in this thrilling collection of speculative tales. Stories include: When the Lights Went Out by Lachlan Walter The Beginning of the End by Carolyn Young Portals by A. A. Warne Edge by Alanah Andrews Next Journey by Chris Foley Bus Trip by Stephen Herczeg The Teacup by Austin P. Sheehan Dealt in Sin by Sasha Hanton The Inheritance Experiment by Kel E. Fox The Vessel by Matthew P. Copping The Morrigan by Maddie Jensen Break the Spell by Belinda Brady Bugles Bred & Bugles Born by Rebecca Dale A Spark of Youth by Marcus Turner The Washer Woman's Favourite by Maureen Flynn The Big Bang by Jocelyn Spark