Dave Higgins's Blog, page 71

Anent the Prose of that Indescribable Scrivener

Discussion of Lovecraft’s work tends to focus on three things: racism, cosmic dread, and tentacles. However, as anyone who’s spoken to witnesses to an event knows, the same story becomes different depending on the author: so, while a tale of a Englishman who discovers a debased African tribe summoning a writhing horror and is traumatised … Continue reading Anent the Prose of that Indescribable Scrivener

Silver Hollow by Jennifer Silverwood

Silverwood mixes events and characters from ancient legends and fairy tales with a modern viewpoint to create romantic fantasy that both is and isn’t set in this world. Ten years ago, Amie Wentworth’s parents died. In the time since, she has managed to put aside her grief and establish herself as a fantasy novelist. So, … Continue reading Silver Hollow by Jennifer Silverwood

Ascendant Unrest by Matthew S. Cox

ARC: No cover available at time of review. Blending complex characters and plausible future technology with a starkly unequal society, Cox offers another mature and engaging addition to the cyberpunk genre that also offers much to readers of other genres. This is the second book in the Faded Skies series. Spoilers might occur. Two weeks … Continue reading Ascendant Unrest by Matthew S. Cox

Millhaven’s Tales of Suspense

Millhaven’s Tales of Suspense, featuring one of my short stories, is now available. While there are a range of tones, from straight out vigilante action to cosy investigation (complete with cup cakes), all the stories feature protagonists who take action rather than sitting back. A group of muggers discover appearance isn’t everything. When the police … Continue reading Millhaven’s Tales of Suspense

Revolt of Blood and Stone by A.J. Norfield

Norfield blends the classic tropes of prison fiction with those of dark fantasy to create a solid tale of claustrophobic rebellion. Sebastian was kidnapped and forced to work in the mines. Now, after years of backbreaking labour without ever seeing the sun or feeling the wind, he chances across a conspiracy to escape. He desperately … Continue reading Revolt of Blood and Stone by A.J. Norfield

Disrepair of Reputation

Despite last week’s post in which I opined I would not become a cultist, I must announce that I have not merely joined a cult but founded several. (Un)Fortunately, not in real life. One of my dear friends ended up with two copies of the decadent pastime that is Cultist Simulator, “a game of apocalypse … Continue reading Disrepair of Reputation

Ghost of a Memory by Stephanie Flint & Isaac Flint

Neither shying away from the visceral horror of reshaping humans into machines nor descending into shock and gore for the sake of it, the Flints create a tale that will appeal both to fans of young adult dystopia and those seeking a more complex tale than youthful hero against decadent regime. This novella is the … Continue reading Ghost of a Memory by Stephanie Flint & Isaac Flint

A Worship Adrift On Dark Seas

My current author bio mentions an altar to Cthulhu; so, it’s perhaps no surprise that someone asked me whether I’d worship the gods of the Mythos if they existed. The answer is: it depends on what you mean by worship. The first question of course is whether there are gods in the Mythos at all. … Continue reading A Worship Adrift On Dark Seas

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

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?