Dave Higgins's Blog, page 43

Orking Nine to Five

As an ancient Goth who came into the culture for more than the rebellion, I have a soft spot for beauty in non-standard places: which, although his work isn’t overtly Gothic, definitely includes Kris Kukko’s portrayals of orks and trolls as members of Western European nations at various points in history. While classic evil antagonist … Continue reading Orking Nine to Five

Ascendant Revolution by Matthew S. Cox

Cox continues to seamlessly blend the mature and complex issues of a wildly unfair technological society with a youthful view point to create fast-paced, accessible science fiction with depth. This is the third book in the Faded Skies series. Spoilers might occur. Maya has adopted parents and an adopted sister who love her; and, after … Continue reading Ascendant Revolution by Matthew S. Cox

Triggering a Dream

Earlier this month, my review of Marillion’s B’Sides Themselves appeared in Issue 7 of Mythaxis Review. As this is the only album I can remember ever reviewing, it will be no surprise to hear it is significant to me. However, the ways it is significant have shifted over time. I bought the album on cassette … Continue reading Triggering a Dream

The Safekeeper by Esther Archer Lakhani

Lakhani mixes mysterious technologies and strange beings with drives familiar to all humans to create a fresh perspective on the idea of a covert alien infiltration of Earth. Many years ago, aliens arrived discreetly on Earth. Now certain humans have a little alien in their mix, making them suitable vessels for temporary alien mind-swaps. Fifteen-year-old … Continue reading The Safekeeper by Esther Archer Lakhani

Keeping It Wheel?

Last week, the social media archons decided my reality should feature discussion of the question “If one of your players wanted to play a character in a wheelchair, would you make your dungeons accessible?” My answer—no doubt unsurprisingly to frequent readers—is: it depends on the exact circumstance. The question hides another one: if one of … Continue reading Keeping It Wheel?

Revolutionary by Colleen Cowley

Cowley continues her tale of an America changed by the existence of magic with a blend of political thriller and romance that will appeal to fans of either. This is the third and final book in Cowley’s Clandestine Magic series. Possible spoilers ahead. After being used to power a weapon of magical destruction, Peter is … Continue reading Revolutionary by Colleen Cowley

Now You See It

The official story is that Matthew Heawood is missing. However, if you tune your radio just right, in the crackling spaces you might hear his voice calling out to return. And return he might, for Pleasant Green has shifted between realities before. I rather enjoyed Julian Simpson’s adaptation of The Shadow Over Innsmouth for BBC … Continue reading Now You See It

The Sapphire Soul by Matthew S. Cox

Cox blends the issues that arise after the hero has saved the kingdom with the additional complexities of non-standard relationships and an engaging world of his own making. This novel is the third volume in the Eldritch Heart series. As Cox himself said at the start of the previous book, sharp pointy spoilers ahead. Having … Continue reading The Sapphire Soul by Matthew S. Cox

You Take My Wife…

…and I’ll take your shoe! A happy arbitrary time division to you all. While I don’t make resolutions, I am intending to keep my heart pumping; if you’d like to join me, I suggest Truthsurge’s rather fine cover of Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper”. I’m sure it’s not that complex if you’re a professional music wrangler, … Continue reading You Take My Wife…

Within Outsiders Within

One of my favourite parts of compiling an anthology is discovering how various authors approach the prompt or theme. Outsiders Within was a double joy because the theme was also Lovecraftian. However, as anyone reviewing submissions will admit the the inability of the human mind to correlate matters is not always a mercy. Finally, I … Continue reading Within Outsiders Within