Section 130

Katrinka Mannelly presents Section 130, a collection of original short stories that reimagines encounters with mythical beings through a modern lens. The author draws inspiration from Dewey Decimal section 130, which traditionally houses supernatural fiction ranging from witches and mermaids to gnomes and poltergeists. Her work shifts the focus from childhood wonder to an adult perspective that views these interactions as mundane, humorous, or unexpectedly extraordinary. The book features diverse creatures such as sirens, fey, Sasquatch, jinn, demons, ghosts, zombies, training tooth fairies, and lake monsters. Each narrative averages two thousand words in length, allowing for focused exploration of how these entities reveal truths about human nature. Mannelly’s background informs the tone, blending cynicism with curiosity to examine what happens when the magical world intersects with contemporary life. This volume suits readers interested in contemporary fantasy and short-form speculative fiction who appreciate grounded takes on folklore. It may not appeal to those seeking epic long-form narratives or traditional horror tropes without a comedic or mundane twist. The collection offers a distinct view of supernatural exchanges, grounding fantastical elements in relatable human experiences.