lighter than paper is the site of fiction author Kevin Stemp
Novels
The Northman’s Thrall
In the waning years of the Viking Age, Thorensten sails beyond the familiar seas in search of silver, slaves, glory and the will of the gods. But when he seizes a sole captive on the wild frontiers of the Rus, he finds more than he bargained for. Drawn together by chance and compelled by forces neither fully understands, captor and captive embark on a perilous journey across rivers, deserts, and kingdoms—toward the glittering heart of Baghdad. The journey south is paved with betrayal, blood, and omens, and Thorensten must decide whether the chains he forged will bind her—or himself. In the Golden City, destiny awaits them both. Slava, a young woman bound in chains, carries whispers of powers older than the Northmen’s sagas and darker than the Imams of Baghdad dare speak.
The Last Northmen
Regark is a young man consumed by a single desire: to sail the open seas. But his dreams are chained to his father, Galsiak, and to the family farm he is expected to inherit. That fragile peace is shattered when a violent encounter with the King’s men tears through their quiet life, forcing Regark to flee—and leaving him with no choice but to follow the call of the sea.
His journey carries him from medieval Norway across the northern seas—waters wild enough to swallow Viking ships and their crews, sparing only those worthy of the gods’ blessings—to distant lands known only through whispers and half-forgotten tales.
For readers drawn to historical fiction, adventure, and the thrill of discovery, Kevin Stemp weaves the lore and history of Norway, the Green Land, and the mysterious lands beyond with an undercurrent of supernatural mystery. The result is a journey that moves with the spirit and rhythm of the great Viking sagas—where courage is tested, the gods may be watching, and the world is far larger and more dangerous than any man can imagine.
For those who carry their own longing for distant shores, this is a story of the sea, discovery, and the irresistible call of adventure.
Novellas
Royal
Royal is a long-haul trucker with some deep-rooted conservative values that make him rigid but also principled. He also struggles with anger. The future has brought technological changes (many would argue dystopic changes) that Royal just can’t seem to wrap his head around. He once punched a punk kid square in the face for calling him a luddite. Damn straight one shouldn’t speak to one’s elders with disrespect.
Readers of Royal will see the world through his eyes and experience his perspective on the changes we now have or could have in the future. Readers will empathize with Royal as he struggles to manage his anger and repair his broken relationships. All this is witnessed throughout the novella that has an intense and terrifying story arc. Royal faces the worst thing a guy like him could experience. Will he survive or will his anger corrode what’s little left of his struggling but good heart?
Short Stories
Blood Mist
Tommie works hard. His job is not as glamorous as say a movie star or lawyer, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have time to relax once and a while. When his boss gives him the weekend off Tommie gets a chance to get away from it all. After work he and his gal head upstate for a weekend away with some friends. A cozy, secluded lakeside cottage awaits them. So does the Blood Mist.
Reading this short story will let you experience the horror of the occult from wherever you find yourself and your electronic reading device. Just make sure it’s not too dark and if it is that the Sun is coming up soon.
This horror short story is filled with gore and violence.
The Swim
A simple mile swim to a tropical island, a waiting beauty back on the mainland beach, and the anguish of despair. The Swim mixes the excitement of being a young traveller with psychological horror.
Sometimes You Just Can’t Trust the Numbers
Jack has a serious crush on Jessa. Will his number crunching mind get in the way of him getting to know her? This story is for all the people that hesitate to start a conversation with someone they admire and would like to get to know. I say go for it.
The Cave
Two adventurers set out on a long mountainous hike into a remote cave with a sinister history. Reading The Cave will take you from excitement to fear. Each emotion the same physiologically and drastically different psychologically.
The Wellington
During World War Two British Bomber Command crews suffered terrifying casualty rates. There was a forty-four percent fatality rate. Donald Stemp flew amongst all those brave young men that gave their lives so we could live the life we now have. This is a short story about his real lived experience told through the mind of Kevin Stemp. Reading it will give you perspective on the brotherhood of men at war.
The revenue of all sales of this short story will go to help Canadian veterans.
The Tether
Samuel Smith is a no-nonsense kind of man. When a cable made of strange off world metal comes down from above and punctures his fishing boat The Jolly Jellyfish, he does what any man would do. He decides to climb the cable find out what the hell is going on. Reading The Tether will take you on a wild science fiction ride with some humour to make the journey all the more interesting.
