Dave Higgins's Blog, page 25

Magician by Raymond E. Feist

Feist offers an interweaving tale of war, politics, and magic across two worlds that echoes the larger-than-life scale of epic ballads while keeping more than enough of the grit of real life to prevent characters becoming mere archetypes. This novel collects Magician: Apprentice and Magician: Master, the first two books of Feist’s Riftwar Saga, into … Continue reading Magician by Raymond E. Feist

The Green Flame Rises

By arcane tabulations and eldritch schemes, my wife and I have almost wrought our yearly Festival. All that remains is to face the most lively awefulness to summon forth those items that cannot endure long in this world, such as salad. To aid you in bastioning such winter celebrations as you correlate, a blessing from … Continue reading The Green Flame Rises

Advent Ghosts: Can’t Even

A joyous Yule or other festival of choice to everyone. As in previous years, I am participating in Loren Eaton’s Advent Ghosts 100-word scary story project. This year, a little something to leave you shook: Can’t Even According to JonAAAh it was the dankest meme ever like if chill but not chill was meta. Was … Continue reading Advent Ghosts: Can’t Even

Ashali and the Blue Horseman by Jordan Elizabeth

Elizabeth riffs on classic superhero tropes, creating a story that is more than special effects and set-pieces but also more action tale than exploration of moral ambiguity. Ashali doesn’t want Spring Break to be wild; she just wants something less stultifying than her father’s distant over-protectiveness. So, when Jase approaches her in a bar and … Continue reading Ashali and the Blue Horseman by Jordan Elizabeth

Cosmic Laughter

Many people allege cosmicism is bleak; however, this is to ignore the Prophet Lovecraft’s dictum that the universe is comedy. In glimpse of this, yesterday I found a Yog-Sothothic joke roiling in my mind; whether this shift in my mental state is a sign I am overcoming the slight foulness I acquired from Tenebrae or … Continue reading Cosmic Laughter

Hold the Line by Baileigh Higgins

Higgins adds a new set of survivors, many from hospital or law enforcement backgrounds, to the existing cast, creating another instalment of decent realistic people facing the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. Note: while the author is blessed with a spiffing surname we are unrelated by blood or marriage. This novel is the fourth in … Continue reading Hold the Line by Baileigh Higgins

The Art of Justice

The first session of Tenebrae, the Vampire LARP I am part of running, was on Saturday and seemed to go very well. In addition to being provided most excellent cake, sausage rolls, and other snacks, and getting to see our NPC crew bring the desolation, I have been given a painting of one of my … Continue reading The Art of Justice

Into The Mist by Lee Murray

Blending the energy of giant radioactive spiders attacking a mid-west town and other classic sci-fi with the touchpoints of modern life, Murray creates fast-paced action that offers something to both those seeking nostalgia and freshness. Guarding scientists on a trip into one of New Zealand’s national parks isn’t usually the job of the army, especially … Continue reading Into The Mist by Lee Murray

Somewhat Mighty, Not Despairing

The first session of Tenebrae, the vampire LARP I am helping run, is this coming Saturday so for the past several days I have been Dave-deep in rules, story, and safety procedures. Half because I am thusly somewhat tapped out for interesting thoughts and half as a sigil to keep my humble as I take … Continue reading Somewhat Mighty, Not Despairing

Load of Balls

In one of many controversies surrounding the current men’s football World Cup, the BBC chose to show the opening ceremony as additional content rather than as a primary broadcast. Gary Lineker’s defence of the decision seems more than reasonable to me. But then my perspective is somewhat different from those who are complaining. My hobbies … Continue reading Load of Balls