Dave Higgins's Blog, page 61

Glimpse of the Wild Frontier

My latest anthology, Wild Frontiers: Nine Stories of the West is currently being roped and branded. I have a couple of things to finalise before I set the release date, but I wanted to share the rather pleasing cover art. The artist was inspired by one of the stories in the anthology. I think they’ve … Continue reading Glimpse of the Wild Frontier

Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia by Elle Boca

Boca mixes the shock of moving to a new culture, the frustration of being a cop with a boss who won’t support them, and an urban fantasy world that isn’t filled with the usual creatures to create a tale of magical investigation that is driven by character rather than special effects. Near identical but gifted … Continue reading Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia by Elle Boca

Exquisite Corpse

As many of you will know, I incline strongly toward visions of Yog-Sothothery where humanity is doomed by incomprehensible forces rather than the visible, opposable monsters of Gordon/Yuzna et al. However, Maarten Verhoeven’s interpretation of a dried out eldritch monstrosity somehow captures the cosmic in plain sight. If you enjoyed this, I heartily recommend an … Continue reading Exquisite Corpse

The World That Remains by Matthew S. Cox

Cox fuses the scarcity of resources and breakdown of civility of post-apocalyptic narratives with the personal focus of young adult fiction to create a survival thriller driven by character not trappings. This novel is the sequel to Evergreen. Danger of narrative contamination past this point. After escaping the gang-ridden ruins of her home for Evergreen, … Continue reading The World That Remains by Matthew S. Cox

Magebane by Stephanie Flint

Flint provides an accessible perspective on the morals of magical compulsion while maintaining the fast-paced fantasy of previous volumes. This novel is the third in The Wishing Blade series. Spoilers ahead. Following their reunion with Daernan’s father, a champion of the gods, Daernan and Siklana continue their quest to rescue Toranih and defeat the shadow … Continue reading Magebane by Stephanie Flint

One Scoop or Two?

Certain governments have recently taken stances on the trustworthiness of Chinese telecommunications businesses: the US a hard line; the UK a partnership. However, perhaps both this pessimism and this optimism are directed toward the wrong target. Perhaps the spying is more subtle and against a different target. Each of the cat litter trays we’ve bought … Continue reading One Scoop or Two?

Castle of Blue Stones by Jordan Elizabeth

Elizabeth creates a claustrophobic variation on the young adult trope of plucky teen vs. dystopian regime that feels realistic yet fantastical. Since she can remember, Jaisy has lived in the remote castle in the mountains, a castle the inhabitants can see only in shades of blue. The Guardians, leaders of the bureaucracy that sustains the … Continue reading Castle of Blue Stones by Jordan Elizabeth

Red Shirts & Reviews | mishaburnett

“Haven’t you always wanted to be part of the shadowy underworld of outlaw spellcasters? To live the life of a magical gangster, full of danger, intrigue, unlawful conjurations, and bucketfuls of cold hard cash?” — Red Shirts & Reviews | mishaburnett Misha Burnett, one of my favourite authors, is offering a chance for your name … Continue reading Red Shirts & Reviews | mishaburnett

The Spirits of Six Minstrel Run by Matthew S. Cox

Blending a nuanced portrayal of the paranormal with the mundane subtleties of marriage and small-town life, Cox creates a supernatural thriller that draws it’s horror as much from the plausible reactions of characters as any ghostly presence. Mia Gartner loves her job, but not the two-hour commute. So, moving to Six Minstrel Run—a spacious house … Continue reading The Spirits of Six Minstrel Run by Matthew S. Cox

Sarpatel, Or Why I Definitely Amn’t A Whampir

Amanda Surowitz tweeted about possibly starting a cooking blog, which lead to me mentioning a recipe using around a bulb of garlic per person. She was—obviously—immediately interested in this. I thought some of you might be too. Sarpatel Serves: 2–6 depending on number of other dishes Ingredients 1250 g pork flesh (boneless, include up to … Continue reading Sarpatel, Or Why I Definitely Amn’t A Whampir