The book we will be reviewing today is Chapel of Falcon and Other Stories written by Matt Spencer. It is a fantasy short story collection filled with themes of gods, witches, time slips, dystopia, and forbidden love.
Matt Spencer is the author of the Deschembine Trilogy (The Night and the Land, The Trail of the Beast, The Blazing Chief) and other notable works like Changing of the Guards and The Renegade God. He’s a jack-of-all-trades who has been a journalist, cook, radio DJ, actor, martial artist, and currently works at a homeless shelter in Vermont.
This collection holds seven stories, each unique in tone and theme, but bound together by Spencer’s rich, mystic worldbuilding and recurring spiritual and mythological motifs. Here’s a peek into a few of them:
Chapel of Falcon
Told from the third-person perspective, this story follows Frederick Hawthrone as he uncovers the layered myth of Lady and Lord Falcon—divine beings held captive by Lady Seibre. The story dives deep into the haunting days of witch hunts and cruel theocracies, with characters like Green Lady, Heidira, Frionti, and the Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins. Told in a framing narrative, it requires close attention but rewards the reader with a dark, philosophical take on faith and power.
"Wounds always feel larger and deeper when you can’t look at them."
Diary of a Captive Demon
Narrated by a demon caught in a witch’s spell, this story explores toxic love, strange companionship, and reluctant dependence. Surprisingly heartfelt, it blurs the line between captor and companion.
"Mutual respect, after all, is just one more thing two beings long for from each other."
Dragons on the Back Road
Ben and Liam, two nostalgic adventurers, find themselves on a quest from a dragon in a tale full of old-school fantasy charm and pop culture references. While the structure is simple, the connection with characters might feel thin at times.
"A worthy swordsman’s either deadly or dead, with no in between."
Some Way Home
Set in a war-torn world of gods and rebel tribes, this story balances betrayal, time distortion, and rebellion. Characters like Sarlisha and Kinay echo warnings about corrupted power and the irreversible nature of choices.
The River Camp
Mitch's story is a reflective journey into the past, driven by loyalty and redemption. He returns to places and people he once knew, like Annie and Hank, in a story about going back in order to move forward.
Just Like Uncle Joel Said
In a post-apocalyptic world after a divine war, Ricky, Hal, and Sabrina fight to survive among mutated creatures and broken systems. There’s a touch of hope amid chaos, and subtle commentary on racism and environmental decay.
Connected loosely to Some Way Home, it hints at shared histories across stories.
And the Madness Demanded a Shape
Perhaps the most emotionally powerful story of the set. Timothy, a war veteran, falls into another world and becomes Mikel Balrins—a warrior priest entangled in forbidden love with Sarina, an immortal witch. When he returns to his world, he sets out to find her again in her new form, Kelly. It’s a haunting tale of love, spiritual war, and timeless connection.
"If heathenism is the alternative, then a heathen I will be."
Chapel of Falcon and Other Stories is not your casual weekend read. It requires your full attention but rewards you with rich ideas, deep worldbuilding, and a uniquely mystical atmosphere. If you're into stories with spiritual and philosophical depth, stories that make you question power, love, and belief—then this collection might just stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Let us know which story stuck with you the most in the comments below.
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