Dave Higgins's Blog, page 20
July 24, 2023
The Sound of Silence
A massive shout out to everyone who hasn’t caused me death or injury today! While chatting with a friend over the weekend, I told a tale about one of my court cases that turned out to have a bigger impact than I’d thought it would. As I’d hoped, this entertained them, but they also lamented … Continue reading The Sound of Silence
July 21, 2023
Primordial World: Book 2 by Baileigh Higgins
Higgins blends the conscious cruelty of humans with the instinctive brutality of the prehistoric world, creating a high-tension wilderness adventure. Note: while the author is blessed with a spiffing surname we are unrelated by blood or marriage. This novel is the second in Higgins’ Primordial World series. Possible spoilers for the previous volume ahead. After … Continue reading Primordial World: Book 2 by Baileigh Higgins
July 17, 2023
When the Sadness in Me Meets the Sadness in You
A friend, knowing my interest in both equal rights and green politics, asked me my thoughts about the disruption of Pride by eco-activists. I, surprising them not a jot, replied that I could see both sides of the argument. And that I consider myself fortunate I am in a place where I can: because empathy … Continue reading When the Sadness in Me Meets the Sadness in You
July 14, 2023
Starry Nights by S. Kovax
Kovax weaves a tale of obsession and freedom that asks whether art can be not merely beyond morals and sanity but the laws of reality as we know them. Margo Garabond’s paintings have brought her fame and riches; but success has left her needing drink and pills just to get through another exhibition opening. Hoping … Continue reading Starry Nights by S. Kovax
July 10, 2023
If It’s Good Enough for Shakespeare…
In… celebration feels like the wrong word for supporting something that doesn’t need to be in contention… In support of Non-binary Awareness Week 2023, have thee a beautiful, tragic, joyous, and painful perspective on not fitting gender roles. Two bikers wanting beer and burgers while they talk sports doesn’t stop anyone sharing a milkshake after … Continue reading If It’s Good Enough for Shakespeare…
July 7, 2023
Small Worlds by Misha Burnett
Burnett combines strange situations with characters who embrace hard work as a virtue, drawing together a range of examples of the weird being wonderful. This collection contains ten short stories in a variety of genres: “Josef: A Fable”: Josef, an ordinary man of ordinary accomplishment faces the question of whether his existence is worthwhile. Evoking … Continue reading Small Worlds by Misha Burnett
July 3, 2023
The Farce of God
Perhaps the most famous aspect of Zen is the koan, a short story or phrase that shows the truth. And, like the attempts of other traditions from across the world to capture the experience of seeing behind the curtain, they have a reputation for being obscure, poetic, and allusive; and requiring serious study to experience … Continue reading The Farce of God
June 30, 2023
Dragon Slayers’ Guild by J.D. Brink
Brink blends powerful magic and ancient myths with street-level concerns and humorous misfortunes, creating a light and complex gritty high fantasy tale. Abbey Ax’l—alchemist, mage, engineer, and detective—is determined to start a new life in Overlook and has more than enough talents to do it; however, the same people who stole her father’s legacy also … Continue reading Dragon Slayers’ Guild by J.D. Brink
June 26, 2023
There Is Sometimes a Spoon
By arcane rites, the seers of Al’Grthom tore away the veil of time, exposing a mildly humorous perspective from Viva La Dirt League on altering the difficulty of computer games. I don’t suffer the same issue about reducing the difficulty if I’m stuck but I do suffer a connected issue: no clear indication of difficulty … Continue reading There Is Sometimes a Spoon
June 23, 2023
Adventures of a Vegan Vamp by Cate Lawley
Lawley blends supernatural cosy mystery with awakening as a vampire, creating a light but not shallow urban fantasy. Waking up feeling terrible after Friday night drinks with work colleagues is a common enough experience. But in Mallory’s case, it’s days later and someone has made her into a vampire then abandoned her. Once the initial … Continue reading Adventures of a Vegan Vamp by Cate Lawley
