The Knight and the Butcherbird

A Short Story

By: Alix E. Harrow

Narrated by: 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.

Critic reviews

“Aida Reluzco narrates a postapocalyptic tale of knights, shape-shifting demons, and a woman who is willing to do anything to protect her wife. Reluzco conveys Shrike's grim determination when she discovers that the knight who has come to slay the demon plaguing her village is none other than Sir John of Cincinnati, a legendary demon killer.… Reluzco does an excellent job portraying wily Shrike and noble John, who has his own secrets. Listeners will be drawn into this captivating short story about love, survival, and desperation in a deadly Appalachian forest.”—AudioFile Magazine

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.

Simply lovely

Beautifully written and compelling story of fighting for love at the edge of a new dawn.