Dave Higgins's Blog, page 19

Some Climb Anticlockwise

One of my acquaintances commented that bindweed is not something to sing about. While I respect differing opinions, with a topic of such seriousness, one cannot allow error; thus I provide the opposite case. Flanders and Swann, Misalliance: Lest anyone feel this comes from personal preference, my loyalty lies with Clematis, if only for having … Continue reading Some Climb Anticlockwise

The Bow of Destiny by PH Solomon

Solomon blends classic fantasy with a characterful evocation of how even good people aren’t perfect, creating heroes who don’t simply shrug off the trauma and stress of extreme situations. Raised by elves after the death of his parents, Athson spends this time patrolling the wilds around a ranger station. On the heels of an encounter … Continue reading The Bow of Destiny by PH Solomon

Not All Vaginas Are Stoic

And here is your periodic reminder that menstruation is a natural and normal process rather than something sinful or otherwise shameworthy. This time with a jaunty thread about dinosaurs and spaceships.

Gruesome Futures, ed. J. Manfred Weichsel

Weichsel gathers stories that take aim (with continent-destroying space rocks) at the question of whether the future is a source of hope or despair. This is the fourth volume in Weichsel’s Tales to Make You Vomit series. It is a stand-alone anthology so no spoilers ahead. This anthology contains three science-fiction short stories set within … Continue reading Gruesome Futures, ed. J. Manfred Weichsel

Washing the Brush

Last week, after years of playing almost every week, the Legend of the Five Rings campaign I was participating in concluded. Game stories are seldom as exciting for those not involved, so—unless you are curious—I won’t share more detail than we saved the province and went on to live lives shaped by the struggle. However, … Continue reading Washing the Brush

Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams

Focused on personal examples of doing rather than texts to be contemplated, this book offers both an insight into how practising martial arts might build a broader physical and mental foundation, and an accessible introduction to Zen as a source of practical guidance rather than purely spiritual transcendence. Hyams gathers a series of thoughts on … Continue reading Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams

Woman Attacked by Invisible Bagpipes

One of the apps I use most mornings is free with interstitial adverts. In and of itself this is the same as advertising breaks in commercial television or full-page spreads in a free magazine, so I don’t object to the concept. However, they don’t always (and by don’t always, I am Britishly saying they never… … Continue reading Woman Attacked by Invisible Bagpipes

A Very Unusual Romance by Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall

Hays and McFall blend supernatural action and suspense with nuanced opposites-attract passion and conflict, creating a tale that will appeal equally to fans of paranormal romance and straight vampire fiction. Tucker lives an unremarkable ranch-hand’s life in rural Wyoming until Lizzie arrives from New York in search of an interview with a real cowboy. With … Continue reading A Very Unusual Romance by Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall

Enter Formally and Against Their Will

An acquaintance asked me my thoughts on whether a vampire who was also a police officer could enter someone’s home without being invited if they had a warrant. Which struck me as an interesting—although obviously entirely hypothetical—question. My answer (which is obviously doubly not legal advice as vampires don’t exist) was that it, and the … Continue reading Enter Formally and Against Their Will

Wildcards: Urban Fantasy and Crime Noir Omnibus by J.D. Brink

Brink blends heists and mysteries with characters who focus more on getting the job done than introspection, creating a range of stories that are likely to appeal to fans of speculative and gangster fiction equally. This book collects the novel One-Eyed Jacks and eight shorter works in a variety of genres, each about mean streets … Continue reading Wildcards: Urban Fantasy and Crime Noir Omnibus by J.D. Brink