Dave Higgins's Blog, page 92

You’re in for a Ride: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories

Combining thought-provoking ideas and sudden reframing with pared down prose, Rossis provides a collection that is faced-paced without being shallow. As with many of Rossis’ other collections, this book contains several short stories interspersed between sections of another. ‘You’re in for a Ride’: an ancient creature seeks the last few victims it needs to complete … Continue reading You’re in for a Ride: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories

Obstacles Diminish Enthusiasm

I’m a firm believer in being better than you need to be just because you can. However, sometimes others go out of their way to make it less smooth than it needs to be. While visiting a supermarket this morning, I had cause to use their toilets, during which I discovered the paper holder in … Continue reading Obstacles Diminish Enthusiasm

Through Mathematics, Madness

Being the only person in her company who understands one of the tools of her job, my wife’s employment seemed safe. However, it appears Dark Accounting, waxing in unnatural life, seeks to steal her uniqueness. Behold the squamousness of its relevance: Actuarial assumptions are an entity’s decision to accept an explanation as insane as this. … Continue reading Through Mathematics, Madness

Weremage by Garrett Robinson

Robinson takes one of the classic tropes of fantasy, the peasant who rises to defend a kingdom, and asks what might happen next? Once the immediacy of the threat passes, how would someone with no experience of national politics or the mundane issues of leadership handle the responsibility that comes with having become a hero. … Continue reading Weremage by Garrett Robinson

Hard Yet Squishy

Classic pulp fantasy serials were of the major inspirations for Seven Stones, so I’ve followed Misha Burnett’s exploration of the pulp revival with some interest. I’m not sure if Seven Stones fits all the criteria (and as it’s only inspired by pulp there’s no reason it should), but the discussion is interesting; so I thought … Continue reading Hard Yet Squishy

Some Nitty, Some Gritty

The Nitty Gritty Writing Podcast now has a third co-host, Edward Sullivan (who publishes under David Ulnar-Slew). And, in clear evidence of the universe being more than random, he joined on a week I couldn’t make the broadcast: so you lucky mooks didn’t have to miss out. Of course, I am now jealous that he … Continue reading Some Nitty, Some Gritty

Chiaroscuro – The Mouse and the Candle by Matthew S. Cox

Cox combines an action-packed tale of vampiric unlife with an interesting twist on the trope of being a predator to one’s own species. Packed with both interesting world-building and complex characters, this novel contains much that will appeal to both classic-vampire fans and paranormal-romance fans. Father Antonio Molari has spent his vocation as part of … Continue reading Chiaroscuro – The Mouse and the Candle by Matthew S. Cox

Tea, Coffee, or a Poke in the Eye?

I came across this rather amusing list of reasons why stone tablets are the ideal text medium. Unshockingly, it’s a satire of the debate over whether paper or electronic books are better; and it does that well. However, I disagree with the articles assertion that the debate is settled. Human minds are pattern-seeking. Which means … Continue reading Tea, Coffee, or a Poke in the Eye?

She Dares to Walk in Shadows

I’ve just finished She Walks in Shadows (ed. Silvia Moreno-Garcia & Paula R. Stiles), and I have to say one of the criticisms levelled at it seems to be true. Fortunately. She Walks in Shadows is an anthology of Lovecraftian stories written by women, each of which has a significant female character in it. As … Continue reading She Dares to Walk in Shadows

The Remnant Vault by Robert Scott-Norton

Scott-Norton mixes visceral techno-horror with complex characters to create a narrative that will appeal to both cyberpunk and police procedural fans. This book is the second in the Tombs Rising series. Thus, this review reveals fragments of the past. Following the death of his wife and the man who killed her, and the revelation his … Continue reading The Remnant Vault by Robert Scott-Norton