Jacob Montanez
Bio
I explore science fiction and fantasy through writing prompts, often with a macabre or surreal twist. Most of my work is currently short stories here on Vocal Media, with an eye for longer form content I share on Royal Road and Patreon.
Stories (24)
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The Gift to Martina Devoe
Martina’s backup alarm started chiming, quiet - like birds chirping - then got louder and more incessant. One gray eye cracked open, gummy from dehydration and poor sleep, and she tried to focus. Next to her pillow lay the cellphone she used as her primary alarm, which she’d muted while still unconscious after the first two times she’d hit snooze. Martina loved her snooze alarm. Her hangover loved it even more.
By Jacob Montanez4 years ago in Fiction
The Birthday
I had a slice of chocolate cake in the fridge I shared with a suitemate I never saw. Chocolate frosting enveloped and glued together two thick, moist layers of chocolate cake. On sale at the commissary, as luck had it. I took it out and set it on my desk, then lost myself in feelings and memories.
By Jacob Montanez4 years ago in Fiction
Sally Would Be Home Tomorrow
Alan’s gray ‘92 Ford Bronco hummed down the dirt road to the Merriman farm. Damned shame what happened, all around. Dust plumes fanned out behind him, caught by the breeze and drifting off east. Randy Travis played at low volume on the radio, almost unheard beneath the tire-flung crunch of rocks and the blow of the Bronco’s heater.
By Jacob Montanez5 years ago in Fiction
Fire Soul Part 7
Last Night Nothing at all had gone to plan, and now she knelt in prim solemnity, sheltering like a common wretched Tai in a shallow cavern. The verdant valley below drew life from the thin waterfall that trickled around and through her home for the night. Queen Malika withdrew her gaze from the wreckage of her kingdom, far behind her now. The glitter glider - or was it demon? - had flown them both in pursuit of Taelryx. Aldreal swore he knew where the ancient dragon had taken her daughter.
By Jacob Montanez5 years ago in Fiction
Fire Soul Part 6
Taelryx Entombed, crippled, and powerless in the dark, Taelryx kept its eye fixed on that tiny flame. As it became accustomed to this new situation, it could see that it was just a candle. Rather small, the mottled wax did not take the shape of a stick, just a formless pile. Barely enough fuel to keep the fire burning. Taelryx wondered who lit it, and why.
By Jacob Montanez5 years ago in Fiction
Fire Soul Part 5
Ukrit Dis ting be blottin’ out de skies, thought Ukrit. He snuffed. And it smell worse den death! Shadows bathed the forest surrounding the Tai scout, their shroud dimming his vision. But de elda’s want a report, so I gon’ git a report. Perhaps it wasn’t true darkness; daylight did peak in through gaps in the Makeapuu trees.
By Jacob Montanez5 years ago in Fiction
Fire Soul Part 4
Taelryx With another ragged breath, Taelryx slammed a broken, bloody talon into the tower, and heaved. Green trails flowed down its foreclaws, dripping to oblivion after ricocheting off its flanks. Throughout the climb, its left eye had grown numb and dim, until all vision was lost. No sound came from any direction. Only its interminable struggle to climb reminded it to continue.
By Jacob Montanez5 years ago in Fiction
Fire Soul Part 3
Michelle Michelle wiped the sleep crust from her eyes as she cradled Miranda to her breast. Another midnight feed, every two hours. She could set her clock to it, if she chose. Michelle had not slept a full night in months. Even when John got up to tend their baby, she awoke. Often it was her not so gentle nudging that urged him out of bed to give her a reprieve.
By Jacob Montanez5 years ago in Fiction
Fire Soul Part 1
Unbearable heat consumed Miranda’s skin. She kept her eyes shut tight as many sensations passed through her body. Terror. Weightlessness. A tugging pull she felt in her belly that stretched an uncomfortable distance before snapping back to normalcy.
By Jacob Montanez5 years ago in Fiction
Fire Soul Part 2
Many years had passed since Taelryx had seen the sky shimmer like this. Through deepest night, stars twinkled with intensity - not their usual sort of casual fluctuation. Once there, then gone, then brighter than ever, before dimming to imperceptibility again. All across the sky it was like this, thousands of stars violently dancing.
By Jacob Montanez5 years ago in Fiction
Carol's Locket
Smoke tinged wind kicked up silty dust, and Sid didn’t need to acknowledge the orange glow on the horizon to know the firestorm would soon be upon him. Ahead a bunker screened by dense wilted foliage veiled itself well amidst the underbrush. He hoped they still lived. Sid picked a wide approach, seeking to avoid detection. Carol and Emma needed to survive on their own, now.
By Jacob Montanez5 years ago in Fiction
