Dave Higgins's Blog, page 70
June 8, 2018
Axillon99 by Matthew S. Cox
Fusing plausible representations of playing science-fiction MMOs with nuanced portrayals of a possible near-future, Cox creates a story that has plenty to appeal to gamers, old-school cyberpunks, and techno-thrillseekers alike. Since graduating with a degree in programming, Dakota Marx has worked as a barista. Not because there aren’t better jobs, but because getting one would … Continue reading Axillon99 by Matthew S. Cox
June 4, 2018
Is a Vampire’s Castle His?
Law and popular culture are filled with examples of persons having total authority over their own property. Which raises the question whether a vampire requires permission to enter the house that they owned while a human. First, obviously, my thoughts are entirely hypothetical and not legal advice. Anyone considering vampirism should seek a specialist in … Continue reading Is a Vampire’s Castle His?
June 1, 2018
Unelmoija: The Timeshifter by Elle Boca
Boca continues to mix plausible modern-day characters with a magical world that doesn’t rely on stereotypes, to create urban fantasy that is both fresh and accessible. This novel is the fourth in the Weeia series. Spoilers ahoy! Amy’s past is literally catching up with her: sometimes when sleeping or under great stress, she finds herself … Continue reading Unelmoija: The Timeshifter by Elle Boca
May 28, 2018
New Pulp Action Story Available
My short story “Bad Beat” appears in the latest edition of Millhaven’s Tales of Suspense, the latest edition of Millhaven’s themed short-story magazines. In addition to my tale of poker games gone wrong, hard-headed debt collectors, and just a smidge of weirdness, there are seven other tales of mystery, crime, and espionage, each packed with … Continue reading New Pulp Action Story Available
May 25, 2018
The Last Of The Navel Navigators by David Hailwood
Hailwood mixes the always-amusing subject of bodily functions with a fast-paced chase across fantastical worlds to create a story that is sure to appeal to any child who has wondered if garden gnomes can be worn as shoes. When a freak storm strikes the stork carrying him, Jellybean, a baby navel navigator, is dumped into … Continue reading The Last Of The Navel Navigators by David Hailwood
May 21, 2018
Disco Fever as Post-Modern Initiation
One of my acquaintances on social media posited the idea that the current situation in the United States is the moment before the traumatic shift in a spiritual awakening, that Donald Trump is a horror but also the pus that draws together psychic disease in one place so the world-body might isolate and expel it. … Continue reading Disco Fever as Post-Modern Initiation
May 18, 2018
A Nighttime of Forever by Matthew S. Cox
Cox mixes teenage life, classic myths, and humour to create a vampire story that is neither angst-ridden struggle nor night-wrapped superheroism. After her boyfriend cheats on her, Sarah Wright is twice as eager to start college in California. However, when she wakes up in the morgue a vampire, her dreams of a new life are … Continue reading A Nighttime of Forever by Matthew S. Cox
May 14, 2018
The Legality of Being Seduced by a Vampire
Many people focus on the physical or moral risks of encountering a vampire: death, damnation, and so forth. And certainly do need to be considered. However, especially with the growth of vampires as romantic protagonists, there is another question that discerning students of darkness need to consider: is sex with a vampire necrophilia? With many … Continue reading The Legality of Being Seduced by a Vampire
May 11, 2018
The Affected by James McNally
McNally adds nuances of character and world to the classic tale of a mysterious force slowly turning neighbours into potential enemies. Containing both brutal violence and subtle dread it offers something for fans of both visceral and cerebral horror. With all the witnesses to what really happened dead or missing, no one knows about the … Continue reading The Affected by James McNally
May 4, 2018
The North Star by Killian Carter
Mixing military action and crime thriller with aliens and future tech, Carter creates an engaging space opera that contains something for a broad range of science-fiction fans. The Bakura was dispatched to Colony 115 as part of a routine training exercise for cadets. However, shortly after take-off, First Commander Grimshaw is briefed that three Aegis, … Continue reading The North Star by Killian Carter
