Dave Higgins's Blog, page 85

Once in a Lifetime

“Please. My Lizzie’s dying.” Despite the stench, I kneel. Air oozes past the witch’s teeth. “I’ll grant healer’s touch. But there’s a price. You can only use it once.” Pain infests my hands. Fingers clasped, I race home. Can’t risk wasting it on the wonky door. The hinges give on the second kick. Tumbling forward, … Continue reading Once in a Lifetime

The Stravinsky Intrigue by Darin Kennedy

Kennedy fuses the archetypical symbolism of Stravinsky’s music with the individuality of modern life to create a tale of psychological exploration that is neither lacking in mystery nor overwhelmed with obscure metaphor. This novel is the second volume in the Fugue & Fable trilogy. As such, this review might contain some spoilers for The Mussorgsky … Continue reading The Stravinsky Intrigue by Darin Kennedy

Possession of Property

Death is not the end. There remains the litigation over the estate. – Ambrose Bierce Yes, the title is a double entrendre.

A Bitter-Sweet Disagreement

Our tale begins in fair Verona. Where two families, Costi and Moretta, equal in iniquity, unite in discord. From ancient grounds froth new dispute, and uncivil words make civil hands unclean. From two foes sprang forth our lovers, Julia and Romolo, fair of form and well-composed. For was ever thus that fine similarity does lead … Continue reading A Bitter-Sweet Disagreement

Mercury in Retrograde by Merethe Walther

Focusing more on character than detailed nuances of technology, Walther creates a science-fiction tale with as much tension as a spy thriller. Aralyn Solari used to be one of the best smugglers of her generation – until the authorities suddenly ended up one step ahead. After three years in the galaxy’s worst prison, all she … Continue reading Mercury in Retrograde by Merethe Walther

Permission To Travel

With the United Kingdom adopting a cabin-baggage device ban similar to that of the United States of America, discussion of the arbitrary (and purposeless) nature of the ban has increased. However, what if there is a purpose; not in what is banned, but in what is not. Disdain for the ban centres around two arguments: … Continue reading Permission To Travel

Game of Bones

“Preston Williams, your life is spent.” That’s one realistic mask. Obviously, some new road safety campaign. “That’s not cool! Last thing I need is like a heart attack.” Bony as fuck. Let’s see how committed they are. “If you’re Death, then you’ve got to let me play a game. Not chess. We’ll play Hide and … Continue reading Game of Bones

Kasper Mützenmacher’s Cursed Hat by Keith Fentonmiller

Weaving a thread of the fantastical through the very real history of prejudice in mid-twentieth century Europe and America, Fentonmiller provides a compelling insight into some of the ways facing cruelty can turn a person cruel without allowing hope to be overwhelmed by the bleakness of concentration camps and race riots. Kasper Mützenmacher owns a … Continue reading Kasper Mützenmacher’s Cursed Hat by Keith Fentonmiller

Happy Death Day to You, Dear

To celebrate the anniversary of HP Lovecraft’s death, have five minutes of cosmic dread.

A Better World

The Akathi gave us unlimited clean energy. And then the murders started. At first, no one connected them; one more death a week somewhere in the world. Then someone noticed the pattern: torn apart by nails and teeth; no attempt made to hide the body, but never any witnesses. A few whispered about the Akathi. … Continue reading A Better World