Death Maidens

Legends of the fearsome shieldmaidens of Valhalla, the Valkyries, take surprising modern twists in this fantasy anthology featuring short stories from #1 New York Times bestselling authors Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris, Kim Harrison, Maggie Stiefvater, and more...

In Norse mythology, fierce female Valkyries guide the souls of the valiant dead to Odin’s hall in Valhalla. But how do modern day Valkyries navigate a changing world where valor and heroic sacrifice don’t always occur on a battlefield, and heroes look much different than they did in the songs of old?

“Choosers,” a brand-new Dresden Files story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher, finds Harry Dresden fighting back-to-back with one of the greatest—and most infamous—Valkyries of them all against an unstoppable evil. But is “Bear” truly an ally—or is it Dresden’s soul she’s come to claim?

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris’s “The Other's Shadow," a once illustrious shield maiden assigned to drudgery work in a mortal veteran’s hospital discovers that valiant deaths just aren't what they used to be ... but they may mean even more.

Kim Harrison takes us to her #1 New York Times bestselling series of the Hollows in “A Matter of Interpretation.” When a Valkyrie is cast down from Valhalla for raising the souls of climate activists, musicians, and data analysts instead of warriors and heroes, she must strike a bargain with an unlikely—and dangerous—ally to regain her place in Odin’s Hall.

And #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater’s “Troublemen” brings us an exiled, disillusioned Valkyrie up against an insidious competitor for the souls of the dead...and discovers the dark side of her role as a guide to Valhalla.

ALSO INCLUDES AN AFTERWORD BY Ilona Andrews AND STORIES BY Kelley Armstrong * Eugen Bacon * Kendare Blake * KC Grifant * Kevin Hearne * Henry Herz * Stephen Graham Jones * Richard Kadrey * Jonathan Maberry and Wayne Brady * David Mack * Seanan McGuire * Yvonne Navarro * Madeleine Roux * Catherine Stine * Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs