The Knight and the Butcherbird

A Short Story

De: Alix E. Harrow

Narrado por: Aida Reluzco

In this dystopian fairy tale from the New York Times bestselling author of Starling House, a small town’s storyteller struggles to protect a local demon from the knight hired to kill it.

Hundreds of years after the end of the world, the Appalachian community of Iron Hollow finds itself beset by demons. Such horrors are common these days in the outlands, where most folks die young—if they don’t turn into monsters first.

When a legendary knight is summoned to hunt down the latest unearthly beast to haunt their woods, the town’s new oral historian, Shrike, has more reason than most to be concerned. Because that demon was her wife. And while Shrike is certain that May still recognizes her—that May is still herself, somewhere beneath it all—she can’t prove it.

Determined to keep May safe, Shrike stalks the knight and his demon-hunting hawk through the recesses of the forest. But as they creep through toxic creeks and overgrown kudzu, Shrike realizes the knight has a secret of his own. And he’ll do anything to protect it.

©2025 Alix Heintzman. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Amazing post-apocalyptic fantasy short story

Now THAT is how a short story is done. Less than 100 pages and PACKED with story. The way Harrow was able to build a believable post-apocalyptic world with a tragic love story was incredible. It was a quick listen- I suggest it!

Beautiful

A wonder, lyrical story of the end of the world...or is it? Listen to the story and find out.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Now this is a post apocalyptic story I can get behind! Loved every second. Did not disappoint AEH!

Excellent narration

This author has an outstanding command of the language and the narrative did a most excellent job of bringing this language and the captivating story alive.

Wow

Packed a bunch for such a short read! I love this author so much. My heart is sore.

Interesting

I might need to listen to this again, or read it instead; I feel like I missed something though...🤔

I need a longer story

This story was great, my only complaint is that it wasn't long enough for me, however it was just the right amount to get the story across

Loved, loved, loved... more please?

I hope, whether in the same grouping/region/story line or just within the same world, or even universe... However Harrow would do it, I would just....love, love, love a whole series of these.

Alix E Harrow is one of my favorite authors

I don't know another author that can write as beautifully and make me feel deeply about characters in such few words.

Such a gorgeous story!

Beautiful, compelling from the first few sentences, surprising. I wish it was longer! A few more words for the algorithm (whatever happened to brevity?).