Dave Higgins's Blog, page 5

The Gray Knight by Jonathan Moeller

Moeller offers the vast looming evil and complex schemes of civilisation-threatening epic fantasy without sprawling narratives and cast of characters. Everyone knows the Frostborn were destroyed centuries ago. Ridmark Arban was one of the most respected knights of his generation—until politics and a choice with no good answer left him branded an outcast, forbidden to … Continue reading The Gray Knight by Jonathan Moeller

Past Words

Jagged iron runes Beneath windswept aching plains Dead heroes press on Last week, a poetic acquaintance invited me to respond to the line prompt “Some doors are toxic and should not be opened”. After a little consideration of the pattern of the words, I attempted a work in the common English ballad metre of four … Continue reading Past Words

Their Shadows Deep by Peter Golden

Golden combines real historical detail with plausible speculation on what might not appear in the record and a firm grasp of character. Caitlin Russo put her career as a police officer aside to pursue her dream of journalism and—hopefully—motherhood. However, when her husband Gabe is gunned down in the street and the police find no … Continue reading Their Shadows Deep by Peter Golden

Between a Rock and Some Hard Men

Recently my thoughts have been returning to a (potentially apocryphal*) episode from a Scandinavian saga. In similar—but unabridged—resonance as the Norwegian warrior holding the bridge during the rout from Stamford Bridge (or Horatius defending the Pons Sublicius), a Norseman is facing many enemies alone, so sets his foot back foot against a rock and stands … Continue reading Between a Rock and Some Hard Men

The Starved God by Thomas Norford

Norford combines scientific discovery with adventure and horror, creating a tense and exciting tale of uncovering both new lands and the dangers hidden among the old. Canna Dawn finds more than enough excitement studying the local wildlife. However, when an act of compassion falls foul of strict religious prohibition, his only option to avoid ritual … Continue reading The Starved God by Thomas Norford

Cozy Outside

Imagine dad rock but cool dad rather than an embarrassing one; but there’s only one cool dad so he has to do all the parts. Not being so laid back it’s frozen. Not being so punchy the strings ignite. Creating a moments of joy. Now go forth!

Winter Journeys: A Novel of Music and Memory by Audrey Driscoll

Driscoll interweaves strong character and engaging plot with the enduring question of where the line between individualism and society should lie. When Ilona Miller discovers Schubert’s Winterreise during her final year of university, her unconscious presumption that she’ll finish her education degree, become a teacher, and perhaps marry a sensible man is challenged by a … Continue reading Winter Journeys: A Novel of Music and Memory by Audrey Driscoll

Roseate Clouds

The best time to watch blossom is in winter because the orchards aren’t crowded with tourists. Exquisite atoll A thousand texts forgotten Flooded by crimson

Heroes of the Apocalypse: The Complete Collection by Baileigh Higgins

Higgins portrays a zombie apocalypse from the perspective of emergency service workers, creating a tale where training and common decency are powerful tools but not magic solutions. Note: while the author is blessed with a spiffing surname we are unrelated. Veteran firefighters, police officers, and other emergency services personnel are used to facing a range … Continue reading Heroes of the Apocalypse: The Complete Collection by Baileigh Higgins

A Warming Frost

Having come down with a mild cold at the end of last week, I am under the weather. Making today a good day to receive a reminder that weather can be beautiful as can things that come down: hence, my joy at receiving (via The Guardian) Martin Meissner’s photograph of a crow settled between hares … Continue reading A Warming Frost