Dave Higgins's Blog, page 34
March 14, 2022
Alchemical Divorce
Over the weekend, I re-encountered the theory that Lovecraft’s fiction is a thin veil of fantasy over occult secrets shared with him by Aleister Crowley. While I am greatly fond of the mythos surrounding both men, so would feel joyous if this were true, I find it sadly implausible. Lovecraft’s letters, the primary source for … Continue reading Alchemical Divorce
March 11, 2022
Sin City Assassin by Cynthia Vespia
Vespia blends urban fantasy with gangster tropes, creating a heist-gone-wrong thriller that will also appeal to fans of gritty vampire action. This novel is the third in Vespia’s Vegas Vigilantes series. Spoilers are possible. After waking up with almost-total amnesia and a bullet wound to the head, Nico discovered her exceptional agility makes her a … Continue reading Sin City Assassin by Cynthia Vespia
March 7, 2022
International Women’s Day 2022: Carla Denyer
As International Women’s Day 2022 is tomorrow, today’s post is a short paean to the rather inspiring Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party since 2021. Her years reading mechanical engineering, working in the renewable energy sector, and serving as a Bristol City councillor are filled with many great achievements, but here are a few … Continue reading International Women’s Day 2022: Carla Denyer
March 4, 2022
Mission: Improper by Bec McMaster
McMaster fuses behaviours common to all humans with an engaging mix of fantasy and Victoriana, creating a novel that offers something for fans of both paranormal romances and steampunk thrillers. This novel is set after the events of some of McMaster’s London Steampunk novels and might include characters from those. Thus, this review might contain … Continue reading Mission: Improper by Bec McMaster
February 28, 2022
Helping Ukrainians
With President Putin blithering about special preparations for his ego-props, the news this morning pushed an especially drear vision of the world. I firmly believe humanity can do better, but it isn’t effortless keeping that belief alive. If you’re suffering from the same niggling doubt that ordinary individuals can do something meaningful in the face … Continue reading Helping Ukrainians
February 25, 2022
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Bradley coats the myth of Arthur in the mud of early British history, creating a story that gives a voice to those who are not the shining knights of legend without in turn making them in turn more hero than human. Set a generation after the withdrawal of the Romans, this novel retells Arthurian legend … Continue reading The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
February 21, 2022
The Most Awful?
Between the alien structures that are abstruse debate over mythos taxonomy and the endless mud plains that are emotive debate over whether someone should read his works at all, I sometimes chance across more interesting artefacts, such as the question whether worship of Cthulhu is foolish or wrong. I say probably, but not for the … Continue reading The Most Awful?
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
