Elizabeth McCoy

Biography

Elizabeth McCoy's fiction has appeared in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword and Sorceress #7, in the "Best In Show" anthology by Sofawolf*, and in the fanzine "Pawprints" (published by Conrad Wong & T. Jordan Peacock). Her tabletop RPG writing is published by Steve Jackson Games. As her author bios in SJ Games' material continually state, she lives in the Frozen Wastelands of New England, with a spouse, child, and assorted cats.

She hopes that her work will be enjoyed, and is always a bit awkward about referring to herself in the third person.

*Best in Show has been re-published as: "Furry!: The Best Anthropomorphic Fiction!" (Fred Patten, ed.)

Where to find Elizabeth McCoy online

Books

Purride and Prejuhiss
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 129,050. Language: English. Published: August 1, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
It is a truth universally acknowledged: that a single tom in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a queen. And a civilized feline must go about snaring such a tom with grace, wit, and a good heart, for to do otherwise invites social ruin and a reputation as a feral cat. Jane Austen's classic, with a fluffy twist! (No AI was used for this adaptation.)
A Lenda da Estrela da Manhã (Legend of the Morning Star, Portuguese Translation)
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 3,590. Language: Portuguese. Published: August 16, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Fairy tales, Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories
Mulheres mortais sempre fascinaram os deuses – e os espíritos do vento carregaram notícias de uma bela princesa ao deus-sol, Allyon. Mas seu servo, enviado para investigá-la, se apaixona e desafia seu mestre. Narrado pelo sacerdote do Vento Ches, essa é a história da Estrela da Manhã.
Crucible
Series: Lord Alchemist. Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 171,100. Language: American English. Published: October 12, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Historical
When Dareus traveled to the Empire to seek a bride for his brother, he didn't plan on getting captured by pirates. Now he's got the clothes on his back and a few hidden alchemies, his traveling companions are an Imperial Wind-priest and a foreign "Bride of the Gods," and they're making a cross-country trek through ancient, poisoned battlegrounds – all while staying ahead of the slavers.
Принц-медведь (The Bear Prince, Russian Translation)
Series: Fantasy Folktales. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 5,330. Language: Russian. Published: January 16, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories, Fiction » Children’s books » Fairy tales & fables
"Принц-медведь" - это три народные сказки из некого вымышленного мира. Какие сказки рассказывают родители детям на ночь, если в их мире слабая магия работает по-настоящему? Какие байки плетут уличные сказители, чтобы слушатели кидали им монеты? О жизни магического мира расскажут его сказки: "Принц-медведь", "Принцесса и клок овечьей шерсти", а также "Самоцвет-Звездосвет-Луносвет".
Легенда об Утренней Звезде (Legend of the Morning Star, Russian translation)
Series: Fantasy Folktales. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 3,220. Language: Russian. Published: April 11, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fairy tales
Давным-давно, во времена, когда драконы еще не истребили богов, жила-была принцесса... Ветерки-добродушные духи воздуха-пересмеивались и сплетничали о красивой смертной девушке, которая-ну и ну-почти не уступает им в искусстве танца. Подслушав разговоры ветерков, cолнечный бог заинтересовался. И послал своего слугу Кайро проследить за девушкой-проверить, так ли она красива, как уверяют ветерки...
Plague
Series: Lord Alchemist. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 8,060. Language: English. Published: January 17, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General
(4.75 from 4 reviews)
When sickness comes to the country of Cymelia, alchemists and herb-witches create the healing brews that save lives. But this illness is different; the usual measures have little effect. Master Iathor is his city's best hope to discover a cure – but even with his alchemical skills, the plague is spreading through the city, and amongst his own household... (Plague is a prequel to Herb-Witch.)
All That Glitters
Series: Lord Alchemist. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 94,590. Language: English. Published: September 21, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Jani, hired to blackmail the Lord Alchemist into disinheriting his "mongrel" heir, Iontho, mistakes said heir for a servant - and Iontho poses as her alchemically-bound minion to uncover her mysterious employer. The travel's wretched, but the company's better than either'd hoped, and young hormones are fully engaged - but can youth and unexpected skills defeat age and treachery? (Mature scenes.)
Recruiting Drive
Series: Kintaran Universe. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 6,750. Language: English. Published: July 10, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General
(5.00 from 1 review)
Coli and her sister have gotten their ship out of hock, but without enough crew, the Choosaraf will slide back into debt. They need a Negotiator to help the merchant clanship recover -- and Coli will have to find one on her own, without her sister guarding her back. Previously published in Fantastic Furry Stories #2 and Best in Show, this is a direct sequel to "Spoonfuls of Sugar."
Snips and Snails
Series: Kintaran Universe. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 6,680. Language: English. Published: May 4, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
Haatha Chaas'-Eighth is an Mmsar poet, content to live alone though his brothers all have families of their own. Unfortunately, someone left a clutch of eggs in his back yard, and now he's got to deal with hatchling Mmsar, which are no better than vermin at that age. But one hatchling, despite its lack of sapience, has an intriguing cunning... (Contains possibly-disturbing alien family patterns.)
Queen of Roses
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 104,570. Language: English. Published: April 3, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General
(4.67 from 6 reviews)
Sarafina was content to be an accountant, insulated from the public as she kept the numbers behaving. But when the First Daris Bank is bought out, her indenture is sold to a cruise ship and Sarafina is thrust into a job she was never meant for. Now she's dealing with a motley crew, drunkard captain, flirtatious first officer, fire-sale equipment, and worst of all . . . Passengers.
Herb-Wife
Series: Lord Alchemist, Book 2. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 136,890. Language: English. Published: February 24, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
(4.40 from 5 reviews)
The Lord Alchemist must be immune to hostile potions. But in all of Cymelia, there are only three: Iathor, his brother Iasen, and the half-barbarian herb-witch, Kessa. Iathor has secured a betrothal, but his brother has vowed to prevent the marriage - by any means necessary. And Kessa's own dark secrets may sabotage any hope of a happy ending.
Herb-Witch
Series: Lord Alchemist, Book 1. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 125,000. Language: English. Published: February 24, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
(4.00 from 7 reviews)
The Lord Alchemist must be immune to hostile brews. But in all Cymelia, there are only two: Iathor and his feckless brother. Kessa's a half-breed herb-witch, arrested for unintended crimes. When Iathor discovers her immunity, he'll do whatever he must to court her - guilty or not. All they have in common is alchemist's immunity, and an ability to get on each other's nerves. Will it be enough?
Shadow of a Memory
Series: Kintaran Universe. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 3,680. Language: English. Published: December 23, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General, Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera
(5.00 from 1 review)
In the universe of the Kintarans, there are tall tales of what lies in the far reaches of space. Some of them may be true... (A sequel to "Wahnt.")
Sweet Phantom
Price: Free! Words: 2,270. Language: English. Published: December 7, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General
(5.00 from 1 review)
The story has been adapted more than once: the mysterious, somewhat murderous, Phantom of the Opera, who tutors a poor chorus girl till she can sing solo upon the stage - and kidnaps her in a fit of jealousy. But what if the Opera-house Ghost really was... dead?
Wahnt
Series: Kintaran Universe. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 9,010. Language: English. Published: October 4, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
Kintara Station was once run by a Consortium of clans; now a single Wahn (leader) rules... uneasily. But a clan-leader has hired a notorious privateer as his champion, the shaman sire of Kintara Station's new Wahn has involved himself, and the station - lacking weapons - is a big, fat target for pirates. Previously published in Pawprints, Wahnt contains violence, and is suitable for teens and up.
Uniqueness Counts
Series: Kintaran Universe. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 10,320. Language: English. Published: July 4, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction
(5.00 from 1 review)
Kinahran (Moonfur to humans) and her little sister are determined to make their fortunes and not return to their clanship in defeat. But fortunes require jobs, and two Kintarans with little experience can't be picky. So even if the ship crew includes a certain sensor expert from their past... and even if it's a wild merfah chase... They'll just have to do their best.
Spoonfuls of Sugar
Series: Kintaran Universe. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 10,250. Language: English. Published: June 18, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction, Fiction » Science fiction » General
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Coli-nfaran and Klarin-yal have a problem: their clanship's new leader wants to make the ship into a pirate-hunter instead of a merchant craft. The only way they can save their home is to raise enough money to buy it out from under Daz-Ral. Volunteering as experimental subjects will make enough cash, but why is the job so profitable? It can't be that easy, for so much money...
What Really Matters
Series: Kintaran Universe. Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 15,320. Language: English. Published: June 7, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction, Fiction » Science fiction » General
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
When the clanship stops at an uninhabited, terrestrial planet, Kinahran and her friends want to play and explore. But a mishap leaves their adult mentor unconscious, and when they try to radio for help, the signal is jammed! Have pirates taken Kinahran's mother and baby sister hostage? Five young Kintarans, alone in the wilderness, must find out what's going on.
The Legend of the Morning Star
Series: Lord Alchemist · Fantasy Folktales. Price: Free! Words: 3,520. Language: English. Published: May 23, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction, Fiction » Fantasy » General
(4.50 from 4 reviews)
Mortal women have always fascinated gods - and wind-spirits have carried news of a beautiful princess to the sun-god, Allyon. But his servant, sent to investigate, falls in love and defies his master. Narrated by the Wind-priest Ches, this is the story of the Morning Star. (Set in the same universe as "The Bear Prince," this is a fantasy folktale for slightly older ears.)
The Best Revenge
Series: Kintaran Universe. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 4,210. Language: English. Published: May 18, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction, Fiction » Science fiction » General
(4.00 from 2 reviews)
When 5-year-old Kinahran breaks her hind leg falling off a crate (she was pushed!), she's stuck in her mother's cabin on their clanship, unable to play all day with her young friends. Intolerable! And it's all her cousin's fault! But she's got a computer, a screwdriver, and a plan... for the Best Revenge.
Leaping Lizards
Series: Kintaran Universe. Price: Free! Words: 7,570. Language: English. Published: May 18, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction, Fiction » Science fiction » General
(4.00 from 2 reviews)
When her clanship's sensors are damaged, Captain Klarin-yal hires an expensive human expert to effect repairs. Unfortunately, the human is afraid of reptiles. More unfortunately, during the explosion, a pregnant reptilian pet escaped into the ship... Now it's up to Kinahran, a young Kintaran, to find the pet before the human flees in disgust, leaving the clanship crippled.
The Bear Prince
Series: Lord Alchemist · Fantasy Folktales. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 6,230. Language: English. Published: February 15, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Fairy tales & fables, Fiction » Fantasy » General
(4.00 from 3 reviews)
The Bear Prince is a collection of three folktales from a fictional universe. When small magics are real, what stories do parents tell their children at night? What tales do storytellers spin, so their listeners will toss them a few coins? Find out, in "The Bear Prince," "The Princess and the Sheep's Wool," and "The Jewel of Moon and Starlight."

Smashwords book reviews by Elizabeth McCoy

  • The Weight of Blood, (The Half-Orcs, Book 1) on April 19, 2010

    A bloodily-fluffy read, and I bought the second book already. I found the grim-to-goofy shifts a little jarring, but still cared about what was happening to the characters. My sole complaint is that the editing -- mainly in punctuation -- started breaking down noticeably after the first few chapters. It's not horribly garbled (indeed, many people less editing-obsessed than I might not notice!) but it could use a pedantic punctuator's editing pass. (And horses are guided by reins. Reigns are what kings do.)
  • The Cost of Betrayal, (The Half-Orcs, Book 2) on June 03, 2010
    (no rating)
    Mr. Daglish could still use a copyeditor with a good grasp of punctuation (when someone asks a question, use a question mark within the quotes, and not a comma, before the "s/he asked" part), and the story drags a bit in near the middle with extremely detailed and graphic fight scenes. It's also showing its D&D roots more strongly than the first book (which could be a bonus or a drawback, depending on how one feels about D&D!). If you enjoy extremely detailed, gory, and graphic battles, though, you won't be disappointed! Characterization is still fluffy, though with enough detail that the characters rarely feel interchangeable, and very D&D in feel -- the world rates life cheaply, and forgiveness comes easy to main characters unless it personally affects them. For me, this is jarring; the detailed combat makes me want more emotional nuance and detail as well. However, Harruq's emotional crisis point (when he becomes [spoiler]) is well done; I hope that his redemption is achieved by his deeds, and not by "suffering enough" on its own. Qurrah, busily digging his own grave, has two moments of Plot-Required Stupidity (genre-savvy tip: when framed, the real criminal should be kept alive to testify), but the rest of the brothers' conflicts are within their characters and motivations. It ends on not-quite-a-cliffhanger-but-close. I'm awaiting the next book -- will be looking for it after I finish the review, in fact -- but I'm probably going to be price-sensitive on it.
  • The Temporary Earl on Aug. 26, 2011

    This is a combination murder mystery and romance. The characters are really quite entertaining, overall, and for the most part, the off-again-on-again emotional connection of our protagonists feels pretty reasonable. The mystery part doesn't quite follow all the mystery tropes (mystery buffs may be disappointed), from what I know of mystery tropes, but it's being an unexpectedly deep backset to a romance, with romancy tropes -- and those seeking romance tropes should be satisfied, methinks. I do quibble at the scene where the readers are given the who-dun-it identity; I wish there'd been some other way to get that data across. But it's pretty minor and a personal quibble; I just don't like "spoilers" for mysteries, even when the author's doing the "spoiling"! My main complaint is the last two chapters, where the emotional half of the situation wraps up in a way that is kind of... syrupy-sweet. I think that Vanessa's personality was shifted to something overly traditional, instead of pleasingly tart. (I liked her attitude, darnit! Why shouldn't a fulfilled romance still have a few prickles amidst the roses?) Still, that's two chapters out of many, and since I can't do half-stars, I'll err on the side of more, rather than less.
  • Argo on Oct. 14, 2011
    (no rating)
    I'll be honest; this wasn't the story I was expecting and it may well be suffering by half a star to a star because of it. The protagonist, Mira, isn't allowed to find out things that the readers are and isn't allowed to change the world she's in. So as the fluffy short story I was wanting... It disappointed. As a Twilight Zone experience? It's perfect. It sets up a world, it sets up some spooky contradictions, and then it rips the rug out from under everything, leaving the *reader* viewing everything differently. Read it in that mindset, of not-quite-horror-but-disquieting, and you'll probably find it pretty darn enjoyable. Typos/Grammar issues: Minimal. I think I found one or two awkward bits that stood out, but I find those in everything because I'm a pedant. Fellow pedants should breathe relatively easy on that front.
  • Argo on Oct. 14, 2011

    I'll be honest; this wasn't the story I was expecting and it may well be suffering by half a star to a star because of it. The protagonist, Mira, isn't allowed to find out things that the readers get to find out and isn't allowed to change the world she's in. So as the fluffy short story I was wanting... It disappointed. As a Twilight Zone experience? It's perfect. It sets up a world, it sets up some spooky contradictions, and then it rips the rug out from under everything, leaving the *reader* viewing everything differently. Read it in that mindset, of not-quite-horror-but-disquieting, and you'll probably find it pretty darn enjoyable. Typos/Grammar issues: Minimal. I think I found one or two awkward bits that stood out, but I find those in everything because I'm a pedant. Fellow pedants should breathe relatively easy on that front.
  • The Emperor's Edge on March 06, 2013

    Feels like a first novel, & I'm enough of a punctuation pedant to wince now and then (plus: grisly, not grizzly!), but the dialogue is generally natural & the characters are fun. Some aspects of the plot/interactions feel simpler than is "realistic," which contributes to "first novel" feel. The action scenes, however, seem well-done -- not over-detailed, and no gratuitous thews. (Despite one character's wishes, probably!) There's a goodly number of amusing lines in it, which contributes to the overall "light" feel despite a high body count (mostly spear-carriers). I would bet other fans of Bujold's /Cordelia's Honor/ would find this an entertaining (if with fluffier feel) read. Usefully, while it does have a set-up for the rest of the series (of course!), it's not a frustrating cliffhanger. Always appreciated!
  • Toad Words And Other Stories on Aug. 05, 2014

    This is an awesome set of short stories (& a little poetry). Funny stuff, grim stuff, funny-and-grim stuff... Get. Read. It's good.
  • Nine Goblins on May 19, 2015

    This book has been compared to Pratchett on various review sites. And I gotta say... yeah, they're right. It's not a send-up of Pratchett, or a pastiche, or anything so self-conscious. But the quirky turns of phrase, the characters that are drawn in broad strokes and still wind up feeling real and not caricatures, the world that sometimes goes just a little skew while people do their best to cope... And, yes, some grim and appalling situations that are handled dead-seriously by humorous characters... Definitely comparable, and in all the good ways. Other reviews are more detailed. Let me just be one of the greek chorus. It's good. It's not for (many or most) gradeschoolers. Buyyyyy eeeeeet.
  • Bryony And Roses on May 19, 2015

    Bought. Devoured. OM NOM NOM. *burp* This is, obviously, a Beauty and the Beast story. It is both darker than, say, Disney's -- and also with a far deeper mystery going on. The heroine is rather practical, definitely a gardener, and though the youngest of three sisters, is not the most clever. She's not stupid, but it's the middle sister who's the one who puts some pieces together. (Which excellently shows that, yeah, it's just *in character* for Our Heroine to be just a tad oblivious to certain things.) Highly recommended.