The Antidote for Longing I — Karl Dandenell

The Antidote for Longing I — Karl Dandenell

Author: Metaphorosis Publishing July 28, 2023 Duration: 31:10
Lars Bjornsen was once an influential member of the Society of Poisoners, serving as imperial poisoner to Emperor Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, but Lars has been in exile for the past three years because he failed to assassinate the son of the Russian tsar. When an imperial messenger brings word that Emperor Gustavus has taken ill and the current imperial poisoner is dead, Lars realizes his oath of fealty requires he assist. He must be careful, however, because Lars’ former lover, Spymaster Maja Viklund, has eyes everywhere, and he faces imprisonment or execution should he be discovered. Narrated by Thomas Baxter. Published in Metaphorosis on 28 July 2023. Find the original at magazine.metaphorosis.com.

Each episode of Metaphorosis magazine-beautifully written science fiction and fantasy is a quiet invitation into a new, fully realized world. Produced by Metaphorosis Publishing, this podcast focuses on narrative depth and prose that rewards close listening, offering a thoughtful alternative within the fiction and science genres. Here, the speculative elements-whether far-future technologies or intricate magical systems-are anchored by human-scale emotions and carefully crafted language. You’ll hear original short stories where the elegance of the writing is as vital as the plot, read by voices chosen to complement the text’s texture and rhythm. This isn’t about frantic action, but about immersion; each story takes its time to build atmosphere, develop character, and land its ideas with precision. Tuning in means discovering authors who prioritize the beauty and weight of every sentence, delivering science fiction and fantasy that feels both inventive and literary. For anyone who believes the journey of a story is shaped by the words used to tell it, this podcast provides a consistent, curated source of auditory fiction that lingers long after the final word.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Metaphorosis magazine - beautifully written science fiction and fantasy
Podcast Episodes
The Bloodless Cut — Evan Marcroft [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:50
With only twenty minutes until the guillotine falls, a military scientist must race against time to learn how her estranged student became the world's most feared war criminal. Narrated by host Matt Gomez. Published in M…
This is How We Stay Alive — L. Chan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:02
In a world, years after mysterious aliens devastated the planet by stealing the bodies of one percent of the world's population, a lonely survivor needs to come to terms with loss, friendship and his own bizarre disembod…
The Beast-Consul — E.C. Dorgan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:31
A Consul cries and cries every full moon, but can’t remember why. She pulls up a picture of a forest on a cell phone, and stares into it every night. The forest reminds her of the part of her that’s missing, and what she…
Useful and Beautiful Things — E. Saxey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:04
At a routine house clearance, a weird object has come to light. Is it dangerous? Time to call for Frankie, an antiquarian who specialises in bizarre side-effects. Narrated by the author. Published in Metaphorosis on 22 D…
When Darkness Falls on Edinburgh — C.J. Erick [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:06
Upon the death of her mentor, young apprentice witch Gavina finds herself Edinburgh’s only defense against an imminent attack by followers of dark magic, who would open the veil between the real and ethereal worlds to al…
The Final Face — Norah Lovelock [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:42
Dia, a robot custodian, is tasked with collecting the last remaining colonists from the planet Rija. Her commission almost complete, she’s dreading the return home, and worse: a colonist is being difficult. Dia needs Alm…
Visions for the Independent City of New York — Cidney Mayes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:14
In a futuristic New York, a young girl gains attention for her unique drawings. She is given the opportunity to rise above her station when she is offered the chance to study at a prestigious art academy, but must reconc…
Saving the Whales — C.J. Erick [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:18
Oceanographer and whale researcher Niemi discovers the disappearances of great whale species are linked to secret extraterrestrial visitations. Her search for answers intensifies when this loss of cetaceans threatens not…
Rosalind Dreams of Aersea — Travis Burnham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:22
We are the architects of many worlds in our minds. Are those worlds merely built on the foundation of thoughts, or are there imaginary lands existing somewhere out in the immense universe? Narrated by host Matt Gomez. Pu…
It Thaws in Spring — Brittany M. Perkins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:18
Lena is an ice child, a wraithlike being who dwells in the depths beneath a frozen pond with others like herself. She doesn’t remember a time before she lived there; she really doesn’t remember much at all. But when Lena…