His Black Tongue by Mitchell Lüthi

Lüthi tells four tales of very different people facing threats in very different worlds that are united by a sense of how fragile humanity’s control is in the face of a vast universe. This collection contains two novellas and two short stories, spread across genres but united by a sense of dread. His Black Tongue: …

Ashali and the Blue Horseman by Jordan Elizabeth

Elizabeth riffs on classic superhero tropes, creating a story that is more than special effects and set-pieces but also more action tale than exploration of moral ambiguity. Ashali doesn’t want Spring Break to be wild; she just wants something less stultifying than her father’s distant over-protectiveness. So, when Jase approaches her in a bar and …

Hold the Line by Baileigh Higgins

Higgins adds a new set of survivors, many from hospital or law enforcement backgrounds, to the existing cast, creating another instalment of decent realistic people facing the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. Note: while the author is blessed with a spiffing surname we are unrelated by blood or marriage. This novel is the fourth in …

Into The Mist by Lee Murray

Blending the energy of giant radioactive spiders attacking a mid-west town and other classic sci-fi with the touchpoints of modern life, Murray creates fast-paced action that offers something to both those seeking nostalgia and freshness. Guarding scientists on a trip into one of New Zealand’s national parks isn’t usually the job of the army, especially …

Primordial Earth: The Prequel by Baileigh Higgins

Higgins presents three moments from her protagonist’s life, each showing a different obstacle arising from being cast into the prehistoric. Note: while the author is blessed with a spiffing surname we are unrelated by blood or marriage. For thirteen-year-old Seth, it was supposed to be a joyous journey bringing his mother home from hospital. However, …

Cirsova Magazine of Thrilling Adventure and Daring Suspense, Volume 2 #12, ed. P. Alexander

Alexander gathers tales that, while they are set in very different worlds and might not always agree on all the nuances of morality, are united by their focus on people of strong character taking action rather than succumbing to circumstance. This magazine contains six short stories, two novelettes, and three extracts from longer works, each …

Ink For Blood by Kevin Weir

Weir blends a strong gothic aesthetic with fast-paced visceral fights and creepy mysteries, creating a baroque nightmare of addict-assassins fighting existential horrors with distilled angel blood and arcane machinery. A century ago, the Great Machine appeared on the English coast, offering a way to fight back against the mindless parasitic sludge called the Mire. Now …

The Threat Unseen by Matthew S. Cox

Cox continues to blend realistic dangers of a shattered world with the strong human capability for decency and society, creating another instalment of post-apocalyptic survival that provides all the action without becoming bleak or cheesy. This is the seventh book in Cox’s Evergreen series. Probable spoilers for past volumes ahead. In the two years since …

Cirsova Magazine of Thrilling Adventure and Daring Suspense, Volume 2 #11, ed. P. Alexander

Alexander offers another collection of modern speculative fiction, united it its echoing of the pulp sensibilities of moral clarity and action over introspection. This magazine contains five short stories, a novelette, and three reasonably sized extracts from longer works, spread across a variety of genres but each firmly echoing the style and substance of classic …

Flawed Model

Came across MK Hill's Actuary last week. As my wife is an actuary, I was intrigued. Sadly, while it's a fun little story and well-made, it isn't super accurate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMdACESyyKQ For a start, my wife's eyes don't glow. Also, it lacks explosions. I understand why they made it more of a character piece, but for …