Dave Higgins's Blog, page 33
February 18, 2022
Better Dead than Red by Nic Roads
Roads assembles zombie tropes into his own variant of the setting, creating a stripped-back tale that focuses on character and action rather than fancy trappings. After years living on the streets with no contact from his family, Brian Williams has a chance to see his daughter again. However, moving to the other side of America … Continue reading Better Dead than Red by Nic Roads
February 14, 2022
Being Glad
As many of you have probably also found, things have not been effortless here recently which betimes was a bit of a drag on the old noggin. So, it seemed like a moment to share something that brings me a small joy in case it sparked a joy in you also. Today, I have mainly … Continue reading Being Glad
February 11, 2022
Not Far from Eden by J. Manfred Weichsel
Weichsel combines fast-paced action and devious plots with humour that paints both humanity and the divine as decidedly imperfect. While God has cast humanity from the Garden of Eden, he still loves his creation, and so he sends the angelic order of Watchers to teach humans the skills and knowledge they will need to live … Continue reading Not Far from Eden by J. Manfred Weichsel
February 7, 2022
Speak Just Words to Me
The ability of the human mind to build patterns is wondrous and horrific. We can make instinctive judgements that avoid issues before we are even aware they exist or find our way through a city we’ve never visited without a map. But we can make instinctive judgements that create issues that didn’t exist or lead … Continue reading Speak Just Words to Me
February 4, 2022
The Summer of Completely Usual Strangeness by Matthew S. Cox
Cox blends a nuanced spin on urban fantasy tropes with character-driven drama and fast-paced action, providing another engaging instalment of modern vampire story. This novel is the fifteenth volume of Cox’s Vampire Innocent series. Spoilers for previous volumes might cross your path ahead. Ashley’s decision to secretly become a vampire has freed Sarah from angst … Continue reading The Summer of Completely Usual Strangeness by Matthew S. Cox
January 31, 2022
Not So Deep One
With worrying footage of a fisherman fleeing from a glowing-eyed creature off the coast of Rio Grande do Sul, some people are asking whether it is in fact a seal playing in the wash. Those few familiar with the exegesis of Leman know there is a more troubling question: if Y’ha N’thlei (and hence all … Continue reading Not So Deep One
January 28, 2022
Christmas on Cavanaugh Hill by Jordan Elizabeth
Elizabeth fuses a character-driven romance with equally engaging other plots, creating a tale that will bring joy to those seeking happy endings without sickening those who want something more realistic than a struggling baker accidentally tripping over a handsome billionaire who was traumatised by fondant as a child. Unemployed and fresh from a bad divorce, … Continue reading Christmas on Cavanaugh Hill by Jordan Elizabeth
January 24, 2022
Stay Mediocre, Scrub
One of the main theories for why we like fiction, especially speculative fiction, is we enjoy experiencing lives we don’t—or even can’t—lead; a theory that resonates with me, and resonates doubly for roleplaying games as they allow some choice of how one experiences that other life. Over the last few days, I’ve been reminded that … Continue reading Stay Mediocre, Scrub
January 21, 2022
The Song of the Sirin by Nicholas Kotar
Kotar riffs on Russian legend and mythology, creating an engaging epic fantasy filled with politics and action. Vasyllia considers itself the greatest of the three cities, not merely the oldest and most powerful but also uniquely close to the divine. However, when Voran is rescued by a wandering pilgrim after becoming lost while hunting, he … Continue reading The Song of the Sirin by Nicholas Kotar
January 14, 2022
The Mystery of the Vanishing Bullets by Jon Jones
Jones blends tropes of the classic consulting detective story with distinct characters, creating a mystery that balances familiarity and freshness. After Frances saves a stranger from two attackers, he reveals he is a private detective and asks her to help him on his latest case: thirteen months ago, a man was found dead in a … Continue reading The Mystery of the Vanishing Bullets by Jon Jones
