Dave Higgins's Blog, page 23

The Wind Mage of Maijev by Stephanie Flint

Flint blends the strangeness of magic with the ubiquitous experience of feeling unsafe, creating a fantasy thriller that does not need world-shaping threats for its tension. For most people, being in Maijev’s undercity when a storm hits would seem like good fortune. However, gales call to the wind magic that Livena never wanted and can’t … Continue reading The Wind Mage of Maijev by Stephanie Flint

Bumper Crop

My solanum tuberosum are blooming marvellously! Which brings not only me but also Una joy, for differing reasons: I because of the display; her because the foliage provides a pleasing place to not be seen. Rather hopeful that many flowers will translate to many potatoes when I lift them.

Primordial World: Book 1 by Baileigh Higgins

Higgins blends a plausible portrayal of sustainable post-apocalyptic society with dinosaurs, creating a survival adventure that has an edge of realism without drowning in technical minutiae. Note: while the author is blessed with a spiffing surname we are unrelated by blood or marriage. The events of this novel take place after Higgins’ Primordial Earthseries. Potential … Continue reading Primordial World: Book 1 by Baileigh Higgins

The Babylon Eye by Masha du Toit

De Toit displays equal facility with alien technology and human nature, creating a story that will engage both fans of strange futures and thrillers. Elke Veraart was a respected officer until the death of her canine partner sent her into a self-destructive spiral that ended in prison. With the case reopening allegations about her youthful … Continue reading The Babylon Eye by Masha du Toit

Sausages and Sunsets

They say that you should never see how the sausage is made. Which only works if you find sausage-making off-putting rather than cunning (and taking one’s eye off the sausage is also dangerous choice if one is in the same place as Una Cat). I don’t make sausages but I do write poems so I … Continue reading Sausages and Sunsets

Snowbirds of Prey by Ward Parker

Parker combines observational comedy about old age with a fast-paced supernatural mystery, creating a tale that will engage fans of both vampires and detective stories.. For many years, elderly supernatural beings have lived out their retirements in communities like the one in Jellyfish Beach, Florida. With guards chosen for their discretion and dedicated healthworkers to … Continue reading Snowbirds of Prey by Ward Parker

Anxious to Help

A joyous Mental Health Awareness Week to you all. This year’s theme is anxiety, which is something many people experience at various points in their lives and something I have certainly experienced. If you or anyone you know might be experiencing it, the Mental Health Foundation have compiled a few tips that might help. When … Continue reading Anxious to Help

What Will You Play, Exile?

Between the time when I last drank my coffee, and the arrival of Una the Deep Miaowing, there was an age sometimes spoken of. And unto this, Conan Exiles, destined to bear the jewelled crown upon troubled code. It is I, this chronicler, who alone can tell thee the saga of our dealings. Let me … Continue reading What Will You Play, Exile?

The Strider and the Regulus by Tricia D. Wagner

Wagner summons up the immense frustration of teenage dreams meeting adult practicality, creating a narrative that shows that even smart people who love each other can fail to communicate effectively. At thirteen, Swift dreams of a life filled with adventure and piracy, vastly different from the careers his father and brothers have. So, when he … Continue reading The Strider and the Regulus by Tricia D. Wagner

Marilia, the Warlord by Morgan Cole

Cole blends a protagonist who must struggle for permission to use her talents with complex politics and epic battles, creating an engaging perspective on the chosen one narrative. As the daughter of a Tyracian prostitute and a Navessea officer, Marilia has spent her childhood as a servant in the brothel and everyone assumes she will … Continue reading Marilia, the Warlord by Morgan Cole