Dave Higgins's Blog, page 18

Agro State by K.D. McQuain

McQuain builds his future America from trends very evident in both the present and throughout history, creating a dystopian regime as authoritarian as the most speculative young adult fiction but with a pervasive realism that prevents it seeming safely impossible. When environmental disaster caused the US Government to collapse, corporations came together to save the … Continue reading Agro State by K.D. McQuain

Canon Flaw

One question that comes up in any discussion of something that has existed for many many years is why it isn’t the same as it was. While I suspect pervasive to any fandom, my interests mean one place I most notice this nostalgia and canon-keeping is discussions of vampire tales. However, unlike most of these … Continue reading Canon Flaw

Midnight in the City of the Carrion Kid by James G. Carlson

Carlson interweaves images of inhumanity and weirdness with fast-paced action, creating a horror tale that evokes a sense of evil and the afterlife that avoids both excessive moral angst and ethical lecturing. Lives blighted by drugs, Alistair and Eden seek escape in drugs. However, when Alistair’s trip ends, Eden is missing and the world seems … Continue reading Midnight in the City of the Carrion Kid by James G. Carlson

Like a Normal Person

A joyous Day-After-International-Coffee-Day to you all. This is, of course, the day upon which I traditionally drink about the same amount of coffee as I usually do. Many years ago, while at university, I was introduced to cafetière coffee by a few roleplayers. There was a certain macho aspect with people competing to brew and … Continue reading Like a Normal Person

Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup by Zira Nauryzbai & Lilya Kalaus

Nauryzbai and Kalaus blend Kazakh myth with modern pre-teen concerns, creating a middle-grade fantasy about someone who isn’t the chosen one facing an epic quest. Batu isn’t an especially skilled or especially brave boy. However, when Aspara, a hero from Kazakh myth, appears in his room believing Batu is a mighty warrior who will help … Continue reading Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup by Zira Nauryzbai & Lilya Kalaus

Cold Consent

I currently have a stinking cold, which isn’t superbly great. However, the one upside is that taking things easier for a few days has given me time to think, leading to a revelation* that Goths (the aesthetic subculture not the Germanic tribal group) are the solution to the issues Google, Meta, and other internet-centric companies … Continue reading Cold Consent

Primordial World: Book 3 by Baileigh Higgins

Higgins blends spy tropes with man-vs-beast adventure, creating an engaging action thriller. Note: while the author is blessed with a spiffing surname we are unrelated by blood or marriage. This novel is the third in Higgins’ Primordial World series. Possible spoilers for the previous volumes ahead. Having finally defeated their pursuers, Seth and the other … Continue reading Primordial World: Book 3 by Baileigh Higgins

Gabriel by Jim Alexander, David Hill, and Mick Trimble

Alexander blends the immensity of the struggle between Heaven and Hell with the struggles of everyday life, creating a graphic novel where both are meaningful and important. Stewart Gabriel is plagued by visions of ancient Christian history and modern horror, visions that show a monster preying on the citizens of Glasgow. And like most people, … Continue reading Gabriel by Jim Alexander, David Hill, and Mick Trimble

Isn’t It Ironic

Much of the United Kingdom, my part included, is currently experiencing a relative mini-heatwave; which as a friend put it can be an issue if one is hot already. I’ve been keeping my (metaphorical) cool by noting the positives for drying washing and such; however, the boiling away of sleep has finally struck me hard. … Continue reading Isn’t It Ironic

Retrouver by Jordan Elizabeth

Elizabeth evokes the danger and factionalism of zombie stories without the visceral horror, creating a fantasy tale that has something for both action fans and those who like social dilemmas. This novel is the second in Elizabeth’s The Rotters series. Possible spoilers for the previous volume ahead. Being married to the Governor should make it … Continue reading Retrouver by Jordan Elizabeth