Dave Higgins's Blog, page 72
March 19, 2018
Seven Stones: The Complete Series Cover Reveal
Behold the front cover for Seven Stones: The Complete Series, a compilation of all ninety-seven parts of my weekly swords-and-sorcery serial, soon to be available in paperback and various eformats. The printers sent the proof copy out this morning, so—barring unexpected issues—it will be released this week or next. Advertisements
March 16, 2018
Weaver’s Folly by Sarah Madsen
Blending the mystical and technological without either losing their distinction or creating an arbitrary division, Madsen creates a world part way between urban high-fantasy and cyberpunk thriller. When elves revealed themselves to the world, they kept the existence of magic a secret. Living among humans, they seem to enjoy the same pursuits, use the same … Continue reading Weaver’s Folly by Sarah Madsen
March 12, 2018
A Change of Scale
Society is a system of compromises and balances. Fundamentally, it exists because a group accepts the benefits of scale outweigh the loss of individual freedoms. However, the balance sometimes appears off, and proposed solutions can seem to tilt it the wrong way. This often leads to two sides – each of which can justify their … Continue reading A Change of Scale
March 9, 2018
The Tchaikovsky Finale by Darin Kennedy
Kennedy turns his mix of symbolism and realism on two works of Tchaikovsky, creating a tale filled with bleak situations, looming threats, and flawed protagonists but also strange beauty. This novel is the third in the Fugue & Fable series. Beyond this point, dance spoilers. Following Mira Tejedor’s second psychic battle with the devious Madame … Continue reading The Tchaikovsky Finale by Darin Kennedy
March 5, 2018
The Film That Should Not Be!
As further evidence of a universe that basks in blessed madness, Episode 92 of the Geek Podcast: The Nasgûl & The Bus Driver makes passing reference to one of my moments of Yog-Sothothic whimsy. For those seeking the ultimate in roiling blasphemy, it’s also on iTunes. Should you feel mentally prepared for those secrets Charlie … Continue reading The Film That Should Not Be!
March 2, 2018
Thirty Pieces of Silver by Squid McFinnigan
Mixing gritty action with complex schemes and characters, McFinnigan paints a visceral and dramatic portrait of gang warfare in the streets of modern Dublin. For decades, Jimmy Kingston has owned the drug trade in most of Dublin, a situation maintained by favours for those who accept his rule and the threat of dire retribution for … Continue reading Thirty Pieces of Silver by Squid McFinnigan
February 26, 2018
In Music We Trust
Part of dealing with the toxic areas of society is accepting that weakness or doubt isn’t immoral. That saying we aren’t perfect can be a greater display of strength than donning a mask of false functionality. Another part is to celebrate our commonality. Which is why In Music We Trust‘s fusion of supportive messages and … Continue reading In Music We Trust
February 23, 2018
The Shadow Collector by Matthew S. Cox
Cox blends our fear-lust reaction to power with our tendency to treat anything as normal if it is common enough to produce urban fantasy where the magical is fully integrated yet not without mystery. This novel is the second in the Temporal Armistice series. Reading past this point might trigger painful foresights of the plot … Continue reading The Shadow Collector by Matthew S. Cox
February 19, 2018
Untied States
As everyone other than the US Government has at the moment, I’ve been discussing solutions to the continuing spree murders in the United States. During one thread, someone who espoused the view that gun ownership isn’t even a contributing factor asked what they were supposed to do to stay safe if they didn’t have guns. … Continue reading Untied States
February 16, 2018
Unelmoija: The Spiritshifter by Elle Boca
Boca continues her exploration of a world neither quite our own nor populated by well-known supernaturals. Mixing easily recognisable concerns with political intrigue and mystical powers, she provides a fantasy thriller that offers significant threats without challenging plausibility. This novel is the third in Boca’s Weeia series. There are mild spoilers ahead. Aligned with, if … Continue reading Unelmoija: The Spiritshifter by Elle Boca
