Dave Higgins's Blog, page 45

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

Advent Ghosts: Uncountable Sorrow

A joyous Yule or other festival of choice to everyone. As in previous years, I am participating in Loren Eaton’s Advent Ghosts 100-word scary story project. This year, a story inspired by a Wiltshire legend: Uncountable Sorrow Twelve stones. It was silly; a story made up by locals to get outsiders to buy drinks. But … Continue reading Advent Ghosts: Uncountable Sorrow

Outsiders Within Release

Outsiders Within, containing twelve tales of the dark gulf behind our pretence of a rational universe, is now available in ebook and paperback from major retailers. Summon forth your copy today. We fear discovery when we should fear what there is to discover. Lovecraft and his successors show a world where human civilisation is only … Continue reading Outsiders Within Release

Lock by Jordan Elizabeth

Blending the classic fantasy tropes of prophecy and travelling to another realm with a more complex view of saviours, Elizabeth creates a young adult novel that offers a grittier perspective on a chosen one facing evil without reducing everything to moral relativism. Having spent most of her moving from Renaissance Fair to Renaissance Fair, Sarah … Continue reading Lock by Jordan Elizabeth