Dave Higgins's Blog, page 30
June 17, 2022
Demonic Crisis Management for the Modern Vampire by Matthew S. Cox
Cox blends a youthful viewpoint with a complex universe, creating another modern vampire tale that is fast-paced and deep. This novel is the sixteenth volume of Cox’s Vampire Innocent series. Spoilers for previous volumes might cross your path ahead. After two years as a vampire, Sarah Wright’s plan to remain with her family continues to … Continue reading Demonic Crisis Management for the Modern Vampire by Matthew S. Cox
June 13, 2022
Pause to Reload
The gaming community (both roleplaying and otherwise) are divided on what makes a good or bad game. Having started playing Wolfenstein: The New Order a couple of days ago, I was reminded that perhaps the most important criteria for me is a subjective rather than objective one: context. Wolfenstein is first-person-shooter franchise set in a … Continue reading Pause to Reload
June 10, 2022
Treasured Trouble: A Collection of Short Stories from the Treasure Chronicles by Jordan Elizabeth
Elizabeth builds a series of short stories around the characters and histories of the protagonists rather than new aspects of the world, creating a collection that offers depth rather than event-of-the-week style diffusion. This short story collection includes eight stories set in the world of Elizabeth’s Treasure Chronicles, all but one occurring prior to the … Continue reading Treasured Trouble: A Collection of Short Stories from the Treasure Chronicles by Jordan Elizabeth
June 6, 2022
Early Days of a Better Nation
With Boris Johnson PM facing a vote of no confidence, the United Kingdom might move back toward decency and progress; which inspires flickers of joy. However, the decision lies in the hands of Conservative MPs rather than the nation; which inspires flickers of powerlessness. Fortunately—while the greatest power to make a better world lies in … Continue reading Early Days of a Better Nation
May 30, 2022
Not My Preferred Bunting
This coming weekend is the celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee in the United Kingdom. Because it’s the Platinum Jubilee, we have an extra Bank Holiday on Friday. As a resident of Britain, I am obliged to have thoughts about it; so, I put down my cup of tea for a moment, made myself a cup … Continue reading Not My Preferred Bunting
May 27, 2022
Amalrok: Book One by Timothy Mitchell
Mitchell layers his own details onto the classic fantasy quest to save a kingdom, creating an engaging tale set in an interesting world. When his god withdraws his favour from the kingdom of Amalrok, Uruk of the Elowendi sets out to locate the rightful heir to the throne and the ancient Sword of Kings in … Continue reading Amalrok: Book One by Timothy Mitchell
May 23, 2022
Flawed Model
Came across MK Hill’s Actuary last week. As my wife is an actuary, I was intrigued. Sadly, while it’s a fun little story and well-made, it isn’t super accurate. For a start, my wife’s eyes don’t glow. Also, it lacks explosions. I understand why they made it more of a character piece, but for realism … Continue reading Flawed Model
May 20, 2022
Sharp Spear, Crystal Mirror: Martial Arts in Women’s Lives by Stephanie T. Hoppe
Focused primarily on the specifics of martial arts practice but also showing how those experiences pervade other areas, Hoppe provides female perspectives on what is stereotypically a very male world. Hoppe interviews a broad range of female martial artists, seeking similarities and differences in how martial arts have shaped their lives and how their experiences … Continue reading Sharp Spear, Crystal Mirror: Martial Arts in Women’s Lives by Stephanie T. Hoppe
May 16, 2022
Abuzz
My Phacelia Tanacetifolia commenced blooming over the weekend, which is a double joy: once for the purplality itself; and once for the sight of bees enjoying it. In addition to the beauty of the bee, they are a greatly important part of the ecosystem. Some bees bring even deeper joy: this larger one, for example, … Continue reading Abuzz
May 13, 2022
The Vampire Book Club by Nancy Warren
Warren interweaves the hidden tensions of village life with the slightly fantastical, creating an engaging murder mystery where magic and the supernatural add both solutions and problems. After breaking the cardinal rule about using magic to change fate, Quinn Calahan is sent to run the bookshop in a small village in southern Ireland. Resolving not … Continue reading The Vampire Book Club by Nancy Warren
