Dave Higgins's Blog, page 27

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

Women in the Martial Arts, ed. Carol A Wiley

Focusing not on a single statement of what women’s martial arts is but on multiple perspectives on how martial arts isn’t the domain of male fighters that popular imagery portrays, this book will speak not merely to women with an interest in the martial arts but to anyone interested in diversity as a whole. Wiley … Continue reading Women in the Martial Arts, ed. Carol A Wiley

Crab Buckets

Sometimes trying to escape the drear that is the morning news can lead one into equally murky thoughts. And pondering of whether one is actually in one of the dystopias one didn’t want to be. One of my common morning behaviours is doing the daily challenges in a solitaire app. I find a few games … Continue reading Crab Buckets

Shadow Stitcher: An Everland Mystery by Misha Handman

The mean streets and crumpled suits of crime noir intermingle with icons of a children’s classic, creating a detective tale where the endless joy isn’t completely gone but has become frayed and dirty. Decades ago, the adult world reached Neverland. The glorious war between the pirates and the Lost Boys has been replaced by politics, … Continue reading Shadow Stitcher: An Everland Mystery by Misha Handman