Dave Higgins's Blog, page 21

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

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

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

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