Dave Higgins's Blog

Beswick combines an oppressive regime and unethical magic with a hero motivated by self-interest rather than moral outrage, creating a tale of fantasy rebellion that doesn’t centre around hearts of gold or redemption. When the king marched to war, the nobility were required to follow on pain of losing their positions and estates; however, someone … Continue reading A Forest of Vanity and Valour by A.P. Beswick

A few days ago, I came across a Lovecraftian painting byKim Holm. In search of more, I discovered that he wasn’t merely an interesting iconographer of cosmic dread but also a staunch mocker of the appropriation of Northern European religions by fascists. Therefore, on the supposition that intersections I enjoy will be intersections my audience … Continue reading Bringing a Týr to the Eye

Having brought her protagonist from youthful idealist to assured young woman through two conspiracies, Higgins returns to the “small group of humans surviving the Cretaceous wilderness” that started the setting. Note: while the author is blessed with a spiffing surname we are unrelated. This novella is set after Primordial World: Book 10. At the time … Continue reading Primordial World: Twin Falls by Baileigh Higgins

An image circulating about Zohane Mamdani’s election reminded me of a tricube I wrote many years ago. Having located it, I thought I would share. Bananas Are not the Only meal Behind veil I must hide Love from faith Enemies United Against me

As today is Herbert West’s birthday, the Lovecraftian in me feels it meet and proper to share my review of my preferred biography of his early infamous years: Audrey Driscoll’s The Friendship of Mortals. The Friendship of Mortals by Audrey Driscoll

After ‘To Keep the Memory of Charlotte Forten Grimké’ by Angelina Weld Grimké Motion denies the tedium of light and night. Some loud boomings of extrovert shells, hogging nature’s spotlight, Huge above the void; Warring, thought-strong, and flawed as the dark Rise heavy under pavements at midnight. Those are not, And will not be, before … Continue reading Amnesia

Arenson mixes devastated nations and vast armies of griffin riders with shapeshifting protagonists, putting his own spin on the classic fantasy tale of a few heroes facing off against an evil emperor. For centuries, the people of Requiem—able to shift form between human and dragon—lived in alliance with their neighbour Osanna. Until Dies Irae used … Continue reading Blood of Requiem by Daniel Arenson

Race from car to pub Petals swirling in the storm Barley strolls upward

Combining fast-paced conflict with alien creatures and creeping bodily change, van Dahl creates a tale that is both science-fiction thriller and cosmic horror. When the convenience store where Eden’s best friend works burns down under mysterious circumstances, Eden rushes to her side. However, instead of the tale of an accident or mundane crime she expects, … Continue reading Eden Green by Fiona van Dahl

Green blends engagingly complex crimes and secrets with less common psychic powers, capturing the feeling of cosy paranormal mystery without merely echoing the tropes. When Liz Grantham’s husband runs off with his secretary and thousands of dollars of other people’s money, leaving her and her children almost destitute, inheriting a cottage in England seems like … Continue reading Snap, Spirit, Murder by Felicity Green