Dave Higgins's Blog, page 35

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Definitely the Best Present Ever

As we clamber from the wreckage of Yule, social media is littered with people commenting on the presents they received. This is considerably later than most, apposite given it refers to one I received years ago and haven’t used for several years. A little over nine years ago, my wife sneakily negotiated a variation to … Continue reading Definitely the Best Present Ever

A String of Seriously Unlucky Events by Matthew S. Cox

Cox continues his vampire series, both revealing new aspects of his mystical society and raising engaging questions of how much influence over events vampires can actually wield. This novel is the fourteeth volume of Cox’s Vampire Innocent series. Spoilers for previous volumes might cross your path ahead. After a year as a vampire, Sarah’s life … Continue reading A String of Seriously Unlucky Events by Matthew S. Cox

I for One Welcome Our Holly Overlords

May your holiday be awful and artificial, boils and ghouls.