A KeyForge Anthology
Take a whirlwind tour to the incredible planet of a million fantasy races, the Crucible, in this wild science fantasy anthology from the hit new game, KeyForge.
Welcome to the Crucible – an artificial planet larger than our sun – an ever-growing patchwork of countless other worlds, filled with creatures, sentient beings and societies stolen from across the universe by the mythical Architects. Across this dizzying juxtaposition of alien biospheres, the enigmatic and godlike Archons seek to unlock the secrets at the heart of the Crucible. Everyone else is just trying to survive… Explore nine tales of adventure in a realm where science and magic team up, of discovery and culture clash, featuring mad Martian scientists, cybernetic surgeons, battle reenactors, elven thieves, private investigators, goblins, saurian monsters, and the newly arrived human Star Alliance.
In the center of the universe hangs the Crucible, an artificial world built from the pieces of countless planets. Over millions of years of new environments and societies being added to the world, cultures have expanded, creatures explore: adventuring, surviving, and even thriving. Meanwhile, Godlike Archons use the other inhabitants to compete in battle and unlock the secrets of the Crucible, gathering the mystical substance Æmber to enter Vaults hidden by the planet’s legendary creators.
More about KeyForge Page Count: 336
Cover Art: David Kegg
Genre: Anthology and Science Fiction
US On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
UK On Sale Date: October 1, 2020
Paperback ISBN: 9781839080234
Paperback Dimensions: 197mm x 130mm
Global Ebook On Sale Date: September 1, 2020
ebook ISBN: 9781839080241
Global On Sale: December 21, 2021
ISBN: 9781666190663
CHARLOTTE LLEWELYN-WELLS is a bibliophile who took a wrong turn in the wardrobe and ended up as an editor – luckily it was the best choice she ever made. She’s a geek and fangirl with an addiction to unicorns, ice hockey and ice cream.
More about Charlotte Llewelyn-WellsDavid Guymer is a scientist-turned science fiction and fantasy author from the north of England. His work includes many novels in the Warhammer, Warhammer 40,000, and Marvel universes, notably Dark Avengers: The Patriot List, the bestselling audio production Realmslayer, and Hamilcar: Champion of the Gods, which has since been adapted into an animated TV series. He has also contributed to fantastical worlds in video games, tabletop RPGs, and board games.
More about David GuymerROBBIE MacNIVEN hails from the highlands of Scotland. A lifelong fan of sci-fi and fantasy, he has had over a dozen novels published in settings ranging from Marvel’s X-Men, to Descent: Legends of the Dark, to Warhammer 40,000. Having completed a doctorate in Military History from the University of Edinburgh in 2020, he also possesses a keen interest in the past. His hobbies include historical re-enacting and making eight-hour round trips every second weekend to watch Rangers FC.
More about Robbie MacNivenTRISTAN PALMGREN is the author of the critically acclaimed genre-warping blend of historical fiction and space opera novel Quietus, and its sequel Terminus. They have been a clerk, a factory technician, a university lecturer, a cashier, a secretary, a retail manager, a rural coroner’s assistant. In their lives on parallel Earths, they have been an ant farm tycoon, funeral home enthusiast, professional con-artist impersonator, laser pointer chaser, and the person who somehow landed a trademark for the word “Avuncular.” Jealous. They live with their partner in Salem, Virginia.
More about Tristan PalmgrenM K HUTCHINS is the author of the YA fantasy novels The Redwood Palace, and Junior Library Guild Selection, Drift. She is a prolific short story writer, appearing in Fireside, Podcastle, Strange Horizons, and elsewhere. A long-time Idahoan, she now lives in Utah with her husband and four children.
More about M K HutchinsCATH LAURIA is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She is a prolific author of science fiction, fantasy, suspense and romance fiction, and has a vast collection of beautiful edged weapons.
More about Cath LauriaTHOMAS PARROTT lives in middle Georgia, US. He is the author of several short stories and novellas set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
More about Thomas ParrottM. DARUSHA WEHM is the Nebula Award-nominated and Sir Julius Vogel Award-winning author of the interactive fiction game The Martian Job, as well as the science fiction novels Beautiful Red, Children of Arkadia, The Voyage of the White Cloud, and the Andersson Dexter cyberpunk detective series. Their mainstream books include the Devi Jones’ Locker YA series and the humorous coming-of-age novel The Home for Wayward Parrots. Darusha’s short fiction and poetry have appeared in many venues, including Terraform and Nature. Originally from Canada, Darusha lives in Wellington, New Zealand after spending several years sailing the Pacific.
More about M Darusha WehmC L WERNER is a voracious reader and prolific author from Phoenix, Arizona. His many novels and short stories span the genres of fantasy and horror, and he has written for Warhammer’s Age of Sigmar and Old World, Warhammer 40,000, Warmachine’s Iron Kingdoms, and Mantic’s Kings of War.
More about C L WernerPlease note: online retailers update their catalogs at different times, and not all titles will be available everywhere immediately.
“One incredible planet. Nine tales of adventure.”
– Track of Words, Interview with Charlotte Llewelyn-Wells, anthology editor
Interviews with the authors and editor of Tales from the Crucible
– The Epic Quest
Café Rolistes interview on KeyForge with our marketing manager, Anjuli Smith
“The world of KeyForge is painted with big, vibrant (possibly neon) brushstrokes.”
– The Epic Quest, Robbie MacNiven on writing for Tales from the Crucible
“I absolutely loved every minute of reading this anthology… If KeyForge as a game is even a tenth as fun, enjoyable and heartening as Tales from the Crucible, then it will have found a dedicated fan in me and, I’m certain, many other readers.”
– SciFi and Fantasy Reviewer
“The collection flows really well from one story into another with aspects of the universe introduced in earlier stories being built upon in later ones… [Tales from the Crucible is] an amazing introduction to the world of KeyForge.”
– Big Geordie Geek
“An unexpectedly charming little window into the thoroughly weird world of the Crucible, and of Keyforge.”
– Drop Lowest
“Think Pinky and the Brain with monsters and martians, and you won’t be too far off. Brilliant.”
– Track of Words The Perfect Organism by C L Werner
“It’s been a total blast! As a reader who spends a lot of time exploring grim sci-fi, dark fantasy and horror, these bright and bold and colourful stories have been a real breath of fresh air. I can’t wait to read more from this setting!”
– Track of Words
“Beneath the surface fantasy this is really a story about someone getting to grips with their grief and remembering that hiding from pain isn’t the same thing as healing, and it’s beautifully bittersweet.”
– Track of Words Useful Parasites by M K Hutchins
“I found each of the stories in this book to be an easy and delightful read. Each story has its own twists and turns, character moments and surprises… I’m really itching to get Keyforge back to the table soon. Not only that, but when I do play again, I feel as if I’ll be paying more attention to each card I play.”
– Boards & Swords
“Making full use of the wild scope permitted by the KeyForge setting, Guymer throws in all manner of madcap creatures and concepts, from elves, goblins and robots to rayguns, jetpacks and trading cards, but marries that with more than enough humanity to balance things out and produce a warm and character-led story beneath the craziness.”
– Track of Words on Vaultheads by David Guymer
“I really enjoyed the book. From its fast-paced, action-packed opener to its frolicking and fun ending. I was engaged throughout.”
– Rae Reads
“I found the creativity shown by the authors in this book to be outstanding and they let their imaginations run riot building a world full of very complex characters that the reader invests in, very enjoyable read indeed.”
– NetGalley
“If you’re after a story about family wrapped up in a tale of strange creatures and stranger circumstances, this is well worth checking out.”
– Track of Words The Librarian’s Duel by M K Hutchins
“A frankly brilliant and subversive take on both the KeyForge game specifically, and the scifi and fantasy in general.”
– SciFi and Fantasy Reviewer on Vaultheads by David Guymer
“Evocative, cunningly plotted and the most unusual stories in the anthology.”
– SciFi and Fantasy Reviewer on Wibble and Pplimz, Investigators for Hire by M Darusha Wehm
“A hugely enjoyable monster romp.”
– SciFi and Fantasy Reviewer on The Perfect Organism by C L Werner
“It all comes together in an action-packed and delightfully unexpected ending that had me laughing out loud, ensuring that this was one of my favourite stories in the anthology.”
– SciFi and Fantasy Reviewer on Extermination Examination by Robbie MacNiven
“A fun, raucous and hugely enjoyable story.”
– SciFi and Fantasy Reviewer on The Librarian’s Duel by M K Hutchins
“The family connection provides the story’s heart, while the pace, excitement and enjoyable world-building all combine to keep the pages turning. All told it’s a really enjoyable story, and a great way of exploring the setting.”
– Track of Words on The Apprentice by Cath Lauria
“A tremendously fun story and an intriguing introduction to the IP. There’s clearly scope for more stories of Nalea’s escapades, so here’s hoping this isn’t the last we’ll see of her.”
– Track of Words on To Catch a Thief by Thomas Parrott
“KeyForge is the hot new thing.”
– Kotaku
“KeyForge is enthralling. As exciting to talk about as it is to play. It lives beyond the boundaries of play, and it promises to keep KeyForge going strong for months to come.”
– ArsTechnica
“I absolutely loved every minute of reading this anthology… fun, enjoyable and heartening.”
– SciFi and Fantasy Reviewer
Global Ebook On Sale: September 1, 2020
US Paperback On Sale: September 1, 2020
UK Paperback On Sale: October 1, 2020
Global Audiobook On Sale: December 21, 2021
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© 2023 MARVEL // Assassin’s Creed, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Watch Dogs, Watch Dogs Legion, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, Tom Clancy’s The Division, Ubisoft, and the Ubisoft logo © 2023 Ubisoft Entertainment // Arkham Horror, KeyForge, Legend of the Five Rings, Descent: Journeys in the Dark, Descent: Legends of the Dark and Twilight Imperium all copyright © Fantasy Flight Games 2023 // Pandemic copyright © 2023 Z-Man Games // Terraforming Mars © 2023 Fryxgames AB // Zombicide © 2023 CMON GLOBAL LIMITED // All Content Copyright © 2023 Aconyte, an imprint of Asmodee Entertainment Ltd
Please note: online retailers update their catalogs at different times, and not all titles will be available everywhere immediately.
