Ink of Ages Fiction Prize

Historical & Mythological Short Fiction
World History Encyclopedia's international historical and mythological short story contest

Our Judges' Books

From the judges who avidly read your stories, here's what they've been working on. Maybe you'll enjoy their work as much as they enjoy yours! (None of these are affiliate links at the moment, but they might be when I figure out how to do it.)

Stefan Vranka

Oxford University Press Editor

Stefan recommends the following recent titles from OUP:

Children of Mars: The Origins of Rome's Empire

by Jeremy Armstrong

A fresh narrative history of the rise of Rome's empire in Italy.

Master of Rome: A Life of Julius Caesar

by David Potter

A stunning and original portrait of this great general and statesman.

J.F. Fox

Author

Jenny has written several books for children, including the Head-to-Head History series, and she is a passionate advocate for libraries and literacy for young people.

The Pharaoh vs. the Felines

by J.F. Fox

Two ancient empires battle for the upper paw in this fascinating true tale for ages 5–8.

The Van Buren Sisters vs. the Pants Police

by J.F. Fox

A true story about two sisters who skirted the rules – and made during WWI.

Louise M. Pryke

Historian & Author

Fun fact: Louise is one of the very few people who can read the cuneiform script the Epic of Gilgamesh is written in!

Gilgamesh

by Louise M. Pryke

Part of Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World, Gilgamesh looks at his adventures and well as the significance of the story’s Ancient Near Eastern context.

Ishtar

by Louise M. Pryke

Also in Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World, Ishtar is the first book dedicated to providing an accessible analysis of this complex goddess.

Helen Nde

Author & Mythology Researcher

Expert on all things African mythology, Helen has written books that combine her flair for fictional retellings with her meticulous research and analysis.

The Watkins Book of African Folklore

by Helen Nde

Well-researched retellings with insightful contextual notes.

The Runaway Princess and Other Stories

by Helen Nde

There are some truly georgeous retellings in here. A must-read for folklore fans.

David Tollen

Author & Speaker

David, attorney by day, has also written historical fantasy quests for middle-grade and teen readers to enjoy.

Secrets of Hominea

by David W. Tollen

For ages 9+, a magical, educational novel that teaches science and history! WINNER - Independent Press Award, Distinguished Favorite.

The Jericho River

by David W. Tollen

For ages 12+, a spellbinding young adult fantasy. History isn't names and dates – it's an adventure! WINNER of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the London Book Festival.

Joanne Taylor

Fiction Editor & World History Encyclopedia Editor

Two fiction titles Joanne particularly enjoyed editing:

The Women of Hindu Mythology

by Zayden Stone

A beginner’s guide to the goddesses, heroines and demonesses in Hinduism’s myths and folktales.

The Road to Canossa

by Lara Byrne

Comitissa of Tuscany Book 2. Love and politics, betrayal and survival, power, relics and prophecies, against the backdrop of the Investiture Controversy.