Join Jo Gamel’s Substack
Discover Jo Gamel's Substack, a captivating blend of macabre, dark sci-fi, and fantasy, echoing the literary prowess of Ambrose Bierce, H.G. Wells, and Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman. These intricately woven vignettes explore the enigmatic and supernatural, blending the real with the surreal in a rich, evocative prose. Designed for mature audiences, Gamel's narratives delve deep into the psyche, offering both captivation and disquietude.
This anthology stands apart for its homage to classic speculative fiction, enriched with Gamel's distinct contemporary resonance. Each story is a testament to her skill in conjuring atmospheres of eeriness and awe, perfect for tranquil, windy nights.
Free to subscribe, this Substack offers a unique journey into imaginative realms. In a time where nuanced writing is a rarity, Gamel's collection glows as a haven for sophisticated storytelling. Transport yourself in this realm of fantastical tales, each resonating long after the journey ends.
Jo Gamel’s debut fantasy novella, Wraiths of Pongus Maw, appears in Swords of Steel IV (DMR Books, 2025), an anthology composed exclusively of heavy metal musicians working in the traditions of heroic fantasy and cosmic horror. Fusing the mythic imagination of classic sword and sorcery with the visceral spirit of metal, Swords of Steel offers a rare convergence of literary and musical cultures.
Both author and illustrator of Wraiths of Pongus Maw, Gamel crafts a dark maritime fantasy where ambition, betrayal, and ancient forces collide. Set against a backdrop of haunted waters and violent storms, the story follows a ship’s desperate attempt to navigate a forbidden passage guarded by a monstrous sea serpent and a shape-shifting selkie. Through vivid prose and cinematic illustration, Gamel explores cycles of survival, transformation, and the fragile architecture of leadership.
“Amazing… well-researched!”
“I couldn’t stop reading from beginning to end, and I haven’t done that in years”
“The historical setting is very unique and inspired, and the writing is incredibily cinematic, really vivid — also I LOVE that selkie, shes so seductive and diabolical!”