James McLeod
James McLeod (@Jimzip) writes tales of courage and magick for adults. Blending mystery, humour, and exotic vibes, they transport the reader to realms where treachery weaves through fantastical port cities and alliances are born on old trade routes, while behind it all, quiet schemes are hatched in places where lamps burn low… His first novel, "The Torril City Mysterion: A Pinch of Peril" was released in 2021, and invites readers into Aliru. His second novel “This Emerald Crucible” gives the reader a glimpse of other cultures and times in this world, and was released in late 2025. McLeod has contributed short stories to various magazines and sites including ‘Literary Heist’ and ‘Debut!’ and has lived in Canada, Sweden, and Germany. He now resides in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia with his husband, Moritz, and assorted medieval clothing items. His YouTube channel (@Jimzip) has over 4,300 subscribers and of course, he loves Vegemite.
Fantasy Adventure
The Aliru Anthology
The Torril City Mysterion (Book One) - A Pinch of Peril
Of Sand & Soil (Book One) - This Emerald Crucible
In the sprawling, rainforest city of Torril, crime is on the rise & the idyllic life the Seat assures its citizens seems to be eroding. So when the city museum is robbed of three precious artifacts at once, word spreads quickly. Luckily for the Bureau of Security, however, Piria & Akteron are on the case! With their wits, some luck, & a little magickal help, retrieving those relics should be a snap ... or will it uncover a disturbing plot which threatens not just Torril City, but the whole world of Aliru?
A PINCH OF PERIL is PART ONE in a series set in the world of Aliru. --- When hard-edged green-thumb Reiuk arrives in the jungles of Taen Lua to save a rare and precious flower from extinction, he finds the outpost a timely opportunity to escape the city, its sea of people, and the life he hates, to boot. In this far-flung tangle, the air steams and ruins lie awaiting discovery. The inhabitants have long since fallen out of memory and his chances of having to talk with anyone are slim — until a sabotaged boat and a murder change that. Cut off from the world, Reiuk, along with the snap-witted journalist Kindri and the unlikely, distant archaeologist Teth will have to keep together and survive. Before the jungle's secrets devour them whole...
THIS EMERALD CRUCIBLE is a PART ONE of a two-shot story set in the world of Aliru.
