Dave Higgins's Blog, page 40

Reckoning by Ken Preston

Stripping any trace of glamour from the trope of a parent targeted by a brutal conspiracy, Preston asks not just how far someone might go for their family but what that might cost. After her husband and youngest son were murdered in a burglary gone wrong, Maddie moved to a small Scottish island with her … Continue reading Reckoning by Ken Preston

Jumping the Stress

In the United Kingdom (and other places) Covid-19 restrictions are easing. However, we aren’t in the better world yet; and even when we are, the impacts of the last many months are likely to linger. So, if you are feeling less than ideal, you are not wrong. The way to clear that cruft is potentially … Continue reading Jumping the Stress

Cirsova Magazine of Thrilling Adventure and Daring Suspense, Volume 2 #6, ed. P. Alexander

Alexander draws together several modern works of science-fiction and fantasy that are likely to appeal to fans of action over contemplation. This magazine contains three complete stories, the opening parts of two ongoing works, and a section of epic poetry, each evoking the feel of classic pulp fiction. The Artomique Paradigm (Part 1 of 3) … Continue reading Cirsova Magazine of Thrilling Adventure and Daring Suspense, Volume 2 #6, ed. P. Alexander

Touching Joy

The world is decidedly imperfect but also joyously beautiful. Like most people, I do not exist in constant conscious awareness of that beauty, but reminders surround me, reaching out—sometimes more literally than others. Severed at the wrist yet still reaching toward the audience, echoing the many Classical marble hands exhibited across Europe, this sculpture evoked … Continue reading Touching Joy

Evil’s Whisper by Jordan Elizabeth

Elizabeth mixes enduring fantasy tropes with engaging details, creating a tale that displays the intimacy of personal struggle and the scope of an epic quest. Like all women in Juniper City, Sabiya is a second-class citizen. Hoping for a better life—or at least some excitement to balance the servitude—she slips into the wilderness, only to … Continue reading Evil’s Whisper by Jordan Elizabeth

Deep Green

The Green Party are joint largest party in Bristol City Council. Sandy Hore-Ruthven, the Green Party candidate, was in clear second place for Mayor. Joy? Deep Joy! Hearing the Greens had more seats was good, but seeing it on the map really drove it home: I’m a firm believer that politics works better when people … Continue reading Deep Green

Dr. Infinity and the Soul Smasher by Matthew S. Cox

Cox combines engaging superhero antics with the unique combination of possibility and absurdity that is computer game logic to create middle-grade action comedy that will appeal to mature readers too. This is the fourth book in Cox’s The Adventures of Übergirl series. Some spoilers might taint the deliciousness of this review. Kelly Donovan’s boring day … Continue reading Dr. Infinity and the Soul Smasher by Matthew S. Cox

Breaker by Amy Campbell

Combining a solid wild west setting and interesting magic with a nuanced portrayal of how lifelong distrust can affect people’s characters, Campbell creates a character-driven fantasy where you can taste the dust. Blaise was born with the power to literally destroy whatever he touches, a power he can’t control, a power that makes him at … Continue reading Breaker by Amy Campbell

The Path Less Followable

As long-term followers will know, I deliver letters for the Green Party. Moving house has not changed this volunteering but has changed some of the anomalies I encounter. With local elections coming up at the start of next month, I have undertaken a delivery most weeks this month so have become quite familiar with parts … Continue reading The Path Less Followable

Joe Coffin The Final Chapter: Part Two by Ken Preston

Preston fuses the horror of vampirism with the selfishness of ordinary humans, creating a world where even the overt threat of supernatural predators hasn’t reduced the profiteering, in-fighting, and rampant criminality. This is (as the title suggests) the final book in Preston’s Joe Coffin series. Spoilers for previous volumes ahead. Following Mortimer Craggs’ betrayal and … Continue reading Joe Coffin The Final Chapter: Part Two by Ken Preston