Gemma Files Books In Order

Publication Order of Hexslinger Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of Conversation Pieces Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Gemma Files

Gemma Files, a talented Canadian writer, has earned acclaim in the realm of horror fiction. Prior to diving into the world of storytelling, she worked as a film critic for the Eye Weekly in Toronto, a publication based in Toronto. Her background in education and experience as a screenwriter have undoubtedly contributed to her proficiency in creating intriguing plots and authentic characters. Files’ multi-faceted career has enriched her narrative skills, endowing her with a well-rounded expertise in the art of storytelling.

Her unique approach to character creation is one of the key reasons her writings stand out. Files has a knack for crafting protagonists who are not just central to the plot but also profoundly relatable, making her tales much more immersive. The individuals she brings to life in her stories are complete with complexities and nuances, leaving readers invested in their journeys. It’s the depth and authenticity of these characters that often keep readers eagerly turning the pages.

Beyond character development, Gemma Files has a gift for spinning yarns that captivate and entertain. Her stories are well-known for their gripping narratives that engage readers from start to finish. She skillfully weaves elements of suspense and surprise throughout her work, ensuring that those who delve into her stories are in for a thrilling experience. The special blend of engaging plots and dynamic characters makes Files a standout author in the sphere of horror fiction.

Early and Personal Life

Gemma Files was born in London, England but later made Canada her home. Her childhood interest in literature paved the way for her eventual career as a horror writer. With every story, she continued to refine her writing abilities, drawing inspiration from her surroundings.

Her journey as a writer is marked by a dedication to expanding her skills and finding new sources of inspiration. This commitment has led to a rich collection of work that showcases her growth as an author. As she progressed, her reputation in the horror genre flourished.

Today, Gemma Files stands as an influential figure in horror literature. Her ongoing effort to improve her writing resonates with readers and fellow writers. Her work remains a testament to her talent and her evolution as a storyteller.

Writing Career

Gemma Files has made her mark as an award-winning horror author, alongside her roles as a film critic, teacher, screenwriter, and member of the Writer’s Guild of Canada. Her short story, ‘The Emperor’s Old Bones,’ won the International Horror Guild award for Best Short Fiction in 1999, cementing her status in the genre. She further showcased her versatility by contributing her storytelling talents to television, writing episodes for the erotic horror anthology series ‘The Hunger,’ produced by Scott Free.

Files embarked on a journey in novel-writing with ‘A Book of Tongues,’ the first installment of her Hexslinger series, published in 2010 by ChiZine Publications. The series continued with ‘A Rope of Thorns’ and ‘A Tree of Bones,’ completing the trilogy.

Her career is complemented by an array of novels, collections, and short stories, including ‘We Will All Go Down Together’ and ‘Experimental Film,’ with more innovative works to come as she continues writing.

A Tree of Bones

‘A Tree of Bones,’ written by Gemma Files, was published on May 15, 2012, by ChiZine Publications. This book is the conclusive third entry in the “Hexslinger” series. It marks the end of a trilogy that delves into the realms of dark fantasy.

After Chess Pargeter’s sacrifice, a new conflict erupts around the reborn Mayan goddess Ixchel’s ‘Hex City’ near Bewelcome, with Pinkerton agents, wild magic, and dark science colliding in a catastrophic blend of power. Caught amidst the turmoil is re-enlisted agent Ed Morrow, who grapples with intrigue and an Aztec deity’s deceptions even as allies outside the city strive to prevent a world-threatening breach.

Meanwhile, ‘Reverend’ Rook, bound to Ixchel, contemplates a final act of redemption deep within Hex City’s shadowy confines. Central to all is Chess Pargeter, trapped in an underworld dimension, whose history of escaping from dire realms hints at his crucial role in the unfolding chaos.

Readers will find the intricate blend of wild magic and shadowy intrigue utterly captivating. The book’s robust world-building and well-crafted characters ensure a memorable journey. It’s a must-read for those who appreciate a well-concluded trilogy.

We Will All Go Down Together

‘We Will All Go Down Together,’ again written by author Gemma Files, made its debut through ChiZine Publications on October 28, 2014. This collection of fantasy short stories is yet another showcase of Files’ literary prowess. The publication exemplifies Files’ contribution to the genre and her unique storytelling style.

In the woods near Overdeere, Ontario, lies a mysterious village and a hill that captivates its visitors with enchanting music and tangible dreams. Here, five ancient bloodlines that form the Five-Family Coven—Devize, Glouwer, Rusk, Druir, and Roke— have a history steeped in witchcraft and conflict dating back four centuries, when their world-altering designs were foiled by betrayal. Descendants of the Coven, marked by deep-seated animosity, have been ensnared in a destructive tangle of feuds and alliances.

Now, diverse offsprings of this dark legacy, endowed and burdened with supernatural gifts, are drawn to a decisive confrontation, with forces uniting them against a ghostly presence that overshadows their every move.

Each story in this collection pulses with dark allure and the tension of deep-rooted feuds. Her vivid prose and rich storytelling invite a journey into the mystical woods outside Overdeere, evoking a sense of haunting wonder. This gathering of tales is a testament to Files’ enchanting narrative voice within the fantasy genre.

Kissing Carrion

The fantasy short-story collection titled ‘Kissing Carrion’ was penned by author Gemma Files and released on January 1, 2003. Prime Books is the publishing house that brought this collection to the public.

This debut collection from Gemma Files, transports readers to a macabre reality tinged with dark magic and intense yearnings. In these tales, obsessions transcend death, and existence becomes a malleable, perilous expanse.

Here, sentient abodes yearn for nothingness, and vampires covet beyond blood, revealing darkness as both a refuge and a realm eerily akin to ours.