Dave Higgins's Blog, page 44

Seventh Wife of the Demon King by Jordan Elizabeth

Elizabeth blends romance with politics to create a fantasy novella that does not equate personal happiness with happily ever after. Generations ago, demons conquered the kingdom. Lord Robin, one of the current demon king’s nobles, has lived a privileged by tedious life until Katherine literally crashes into him. His body reacts as if she is … Continue reading Seventh Wife of the Demon King by Jordan Elizabeth

Hot Chocolate Macro

If one pleasure is good, then it seems logical two pleasures are better; however, that way might lead to the most lively awfulness. I rather enjoy Yog-Sothothery, computer gaming, and interesting recipes, so when I came across the Necro-Nom-Icon, a game that mixes Lovecraft and cooking, I felt an unspeakable draw. And once I began, … Continue reading Hot Chocolate Macro

Out of Mind by Matthew S. Cox

Cox blends wilderness survival, techo-thriller, and teenage anxiety with a fresh and interesting alien world in a way that each amplifies the others rather than conflicting. This is the second book in Cox’s Progenitor series. Possible spoilers ahead. Sima Nuvari grew up on the streets, chased by gangs and the law alike, until the day … Continue reading Out of Mind by Matthew S. Cox

Create Joy in Our Native Server

Many years ago, most of the fridges of friends were accoutered with magnetic poetry kits. I discovered today via a friend that one can now play with several of the kits for free online. Spared both the annoyance of lost words and the conflict with sociability, it provided a pleasant and productive afternoon coffee break. … Continue reading Create Joy in Our Native Server

Hindsight’s 2020, ed. Tyrolin Puxty

Flavoured with but not tainted by the uncertainty and constraint of the Covid-19 pandemic, this anthology provides a series of engaging escapes from reality. This anthology collect nine stories inspired by the theme of “regret”, spanning a range of genres and styles. ‘I Should Have Known’ by Samantha Bryant. A young woman reminisces on why … Continue reading Hindsight’s 2020, ed. Tyrolin Puxty

High Culture Party Poppers

Instead of the blizzard the weather forecasters promised here, today glows with sun. It is a day for joy. A day to sing, dance, and defend one’s feudal lord from a shapeshifting spider. Fear not if you have no shapeshifting spiders against which to battle; I can provide. Or at least a pretense. A trait … Continue reading High Culture Party Poppers

Deep Silence by Jordan Elizabeth

Elizabeth blends Regency society, magic, and political tensions to create a spy thriller where gadgets sit plausibly beside discussions of dresses. Discovered with no memory of her past, Audra is taken in by an orphanage. With no other prospects, staying on as a teacher seems a better option than the workhouse. However, when the son … Continue reading Deep Silence by Jordan Elizabeth

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