Friday, 30 October 2026

Dead Saint Walking - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus Vol. IV

Dead Saint Walking
Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus, Vol. IV
Declan Finn
eISBN 9781865243498
ASIN B0HFDW5TMW
 
Dead Saint Walking - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus Vol. IV

This is the fourth of the new Omnibus editions of this excellent series I have read. I have absolutely loved rereading these stories. I will again state that Declan Finn is one of my favourite contemporary authors. I have read all the published books and short stories, and many contributions to anthologies. I had been planning to reread this series for a while now, especially as I await the republication of the Pius series. These new omnibus editions look amazing! My son and I both absolutely love these new editions. Without the words on the covers we would both do them as prints and put them up on our wall with Icons we have. 

The description of this omnibus edition states:

“In the mean streets of New York—and beyond—evil has a scent. And one cop can smell it.

Detective Thomas “Tommy” Nolan is a good man: devoted husband and father, faithful Catholic, and an NYPD officer who shows mercy to the desperate while hunting the truly wicked. Then the gifts arrive—the charisms of the saints. He can smell evil. He can bilocate. He heals fast, levitates when needed, and stands as a living target for the legions of Hell.
From a demon-possessed serial killer tearing through Queens to death cults, warlocks in high office, Nazi vampires, sex-trafficking succubi, witches, zombies, Lovecraftian horrors, and worse, every force of darkness marks Tommy for destruction. They learn the hard way that “good” does not mean “harmless.” With prayer, fists, firearms, allies from the Vatican to the streets, and an unshakable faith, Tommy sends them all back to Hell—or dies trying.

This complete collection gathers every novel and short story in Declan Finn’s acclaimed Saint Tommy, NYPD series: the full arc of Tommy’s battles across New York, Europe, and the supernatural underworld, plus the connecting tales that fill the gaps between major cases. Experience the Catholic action-horror that readers call a streamlined, faith-fueled answer to urban fantasy classics—fast-paced, gun-and-grace-filled, and unapologetically on the side of the light.

One saint. One badge. An army of demons. The war against Evil starts here.

The fourth volume of the St. Tommy, NYPD, Omnibus contains the following:

Lightbringer: When a director's daughter overdoses, that's Hollywood; when she comes back as a zombie, that's a mission for NYPD Lt. Tommy Nolan and his new Joint Supernatural Taskforce.

Dark Web: When a Christian internet celebrity is kidnapped, Tommy Nolan must team up with a ghost from his past in order to battle the horrors lurking in the Dark Web.

Blue Saint: When his local church is destroyed by supernatural means, NYPD Lt Tommy Nolan finds himself besieged by old enemies hellbent on revenge. This time, Hell will see Nolan dead, whatever the cost, and destroy his city with him. Nolan will risk everything to stop the coming onslaught, but will it be enough?

Plus these two short Stories (first time published by Tuscany Bay Books)
In The Garden Of Madness
Mark Of Kane.”

About the author we are informed:

“As penance for his sins, Declan Finn spent over 40 years in New York City. He has since made his escape from New York to Texas. He is the author of books ranging from thrillers to urban fantasy to SciFi, including the Dragon Award Nominated Novel for Best horror in 2016, Honor at Stake, and the 2017 follow-up, Live and Let Bite. He was also nominated for "Best Apocalypse" novel at the Dragons in 2017. He also won the book of the year award with his novel Hell Spawn from CLFA.

Finn is known for being annoyingly Catholic, his action sequences, and writing faster than most readers can keep up with. In less than a decade, he has written over 30 novels, and is waiting for all of them to be published. He's been part of multiple anthologies, and will write for anyone.”

This is yet another excellent collection. I was even more impressed reading these stories the second time. I also greatly enjoyed the two new offerings. Spiritual warfare and the war on crime collide. Officer Nolan thought he had his work cut out for him. And as he has said many times, to be a Saint you have to be dead!


Tommy is still officially on staff with the NYPD, but he is working mostly independent of them, with a new task force. They are sort of part of the FBI, the team is the Joint Supernatural Taskforce, the official designation with the FBI was JSTF, but we called it JST or “Just.” The day to day team is Tommy, his son Jeremy, Jeremy’s wife Lena, and his retired partner Alex Packard. They also have some floater desks for FBI agents when they are working with the team. And dedicated desks for Father Richard Freeman, Medical Examiner, Doctor Sinead Holland and ADA William Carlton of Manhattan.

This story does have a lot of action, in fact it opens in the sewers with a battle against spiders including one that could give Shelob a run for sizing. But this story has a lot more police work, uncovering the trail in the old gum shoe fashion. JUST reaches out to their contacts at H.E.R.O. and Human Exploitation Rescue Operative Child-Rescue Corps, and others. They slowly put together a history going back decades to the beginning of Hollywood. And an adversary that goes back much further. Their investigations into Golden Chalice Studios and Luminary Productions the facts just do not add up. The companies seem to be making decisions that are bad business, they only thing they see to focus on is corruption for corruptions sake. Until a piece falls into place for Tommy. And soon they are pulling in all the resources they can in what might became the biggest case to ever hit the New York Court system. But to get there Tommy must face his strongest foe yet! 

This story is has a lot of action, some crime procedural and detective work. All happening while Tommy’s wife is diagnosed with a brain tumor. It is like Die Hard film with the whole family, and a close knit group of friends and allies in on the action. Finn does an excellent job of weaving current events into this Catholic Action Horror novel. The characters are wonderfully written. Wondering what will happen to them next leaves you hanging big time! And with book 12 planned as the last novel, how it will end overall.

In In The Garden Of Madness:

Having not read this story it was like a visit with old friends. Tommy and Alex working a strange case together. This one reminds me of some of the Dr. Pamela Lillian Isley aka Poison Ivy Story arcs from the past as well as Murder Most Picante by Karina Fabian in her DragonEye, PI series. And of course it makes reference to a certain film with Rick Moranis, Steve Martin and Bill Murray. This is an intriguing story. The whole story takes place over the period of a day and night. And Tommy and Alex pull out some old tricks and some new. And even a bit of a Scooby Doo reference in the ending. An excellent story!


In this story we encounter a relative of Nolan’s we had not met before and never even heard of. He appears as the heads of the Texas Randers and comes with Lloyd Lermon on the trail of a Catholic YouTube Celebrity who has been shanghaied. One Ranger Chief Aaron Nolan, is appearance is unwelcome, and things go downhill from there. Once again there is a lot of action, some serious misdirection. The story has a lot more police work, uncovering the trail of the missing man. They do battle with witches, dragur’s and more. A side trip to Quebec provides some great information and an excellent battle. We get to see Jeremy and Lena working a mission on their own. An Anti-Fa mob, and various other creatures. And the final battle is epic! 

Again this time Finn does an excellent job of weaving current events into this Catholic Action Horror novel. The characters are wonderfully written. Tommy, his friends and family are the type of people I would love to know. Wondering what will happen to them next leaves you hanging big time! And with book 12 planned as the last novel, how it will end overall.


In this story we have the return of many former foes. Some have come back from hell. We have battles with constructs during the day on the streets of New York. Jihadis with enhanced armour and weapons, MS13, Witches, Draugr’s and more. The final battle for Tommy is coming and he has been warned through many sources that he has to finish it this time, no matter the cost! And oh what a cost. Tommy knows what is coming and pulls in all his friends and allies, and even an enemy of my enemy. Culminating in a final battle taking place during a hurricane.

In Mark Of Kane:

Wow! This is an excellent cross over story. A main character from one of Finn’s other series carries relics of Saint Tommy. Those relics are spent brass. And he encounters a demon Tommy had faced before. A short story with a lot of punch. Characters who we know and love. And action galore. Finn has written another excellent story in this piece!

This is another outstanding collection to read. It wraps up the novels in the St Tommy series. Excellent stories in a series that are now available in 4 Omnibus editions and a collection of all the short stories. I highly recommend this series for mature readers. I have recommended these books to dozens of people and all have loved them. Therefore I recommend them to you. Pick this up and read the conclusion to this awesome series!   

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Declan Finn:
Love At First Bite Series:

The Last Survivors Series:
…

Convention Killings Series:
…

Pius Series:
A Pius Legacy
A Pius Stand
Pius History
Pius Tales (Anthology)
…
Pius Trilogy Short Stories:
...

St. Tommy Series:

Land&Sea Season 2:
...

Other books:
...

Anthologies contributed to:
Luna: Planetary Anhtology Series Book 2
Supernatural Streets
Starflight: Tales From The Starport Lounge
Mercury: Planetary Anthology Series Book 4
Venus: Planetary Anthology Series Book 5
Mars: Planetary Anthology Series Book 7
Places Beyond the Wild: A Z-Day Anthology
Shoot the Devil: Ten Tales of Humans Defeating the Demonic
Fantastic Schools, Volume 6
This Saint For Hire - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus Vol. I

Have Saint Will Travel - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus Vol. II

A Fistful of Relics - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus Vol. III

Dead Saint Walking - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Omnibus Vol. IV

Pathway to Heaven - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD The Complete Short Stories
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Thursday, 29 October 2026

The Lantern That Wouldn't Light A Little Saints Story About Learning to Ask for Help - Therese Martin

The Lantern That Wouldn't Light
A Little Saints Story About Learning to Ask for Help
Therese Martin
ISBN 9798174846319
ISBN 9798193780571

The Lantern That Wouldn't Light A Little Saints Story About Learning to Ask for Help - Therese Martin

I was approached to give this volume a review. My own children are well past the age for this book, and I do not yet have grandchildren. But I do often make recommendations to church libraries, and to several teachers. I am almost always willing to take a look at a Catholic book, and The description of this one intrigued me, it states:

“Bo's lantern won't light. Everyone else's does.

Tonight is The Lighting — the one night a year when every lantern on the hill glows gold — and Bo is running out of time to fix his before everyone sees. So he hides it. He shakes it, taps it, turns it upside down. Nothing works. And when his friend Pim's own light goes dark because of a choice he makes, Bo learns the harder, better lesson: some things you can't fix alone — and asking for help isn't the failure. Hiding is.

A gentle, funny, warmly illustrated story about pride, honesty, and the people who show up when we finally let them — from the world of Little Saints, now in print for the first time.

Perfect for bedtime reading, church libraries, homeschool character lessons, and gift-giving — ages 4-8.”

About the author we are informed:

“Therese Martin writes gentle, values-driven picture books for young readers, starting with the Little Saints world - stories where kindness, honesty, and courage are shown through a child's everyday moments, never lectured.

The Lantern That Wouldn't Light is the first Little Saints book, with more adventures from the same cast on the way.”

The illustrations are bright and vibrant. The story is clearly written. Children will love the images and exploring the rich details in the artwork. And the story has a good message, not only for the young but as a reminder for us older readers. 

It is a good little book that appears to be the first in a new series. I would have no hesitation picking up other volumes as they became available. It is a great little picture book that I can easily recommend! Let your light shine.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

The Lantern That Wouldn't Light A Little Saints Story About Learning to Ask for Help - Therese Martin Sample 1

The Lantern That Wouldn't Light A Little Saints Story About Learning to Ask for Help - Therese Martin Sample 2

The Lantern That Wouldn't Light A Little Saints Story About Learning to Ask for Help - Therese Martin Sample 3

The Lantern That Wouldn't Light A Little Saints Story About Learning to Ask for Help - Therese Martin Sample 4
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Wednesday, 28 October 2026

Ignite The Wings Of Dawn - Josh Griffing

Ignite The Wings Of Dawn 
ISBN 9798906104175
ASIN B0HF6QXJ61

Ignite The Wings Of Dawn - Josh Griffing

This is the new Omnibus edition from the pen of Griffing. This volume contains six stories and five poems. I have read much that is in this volume previously, but not all. I have yet to read anything from Josh or from Tuscany Bay that was not worth the reading. I greatly enjoyed this whole volume, the rereads and the first time reads. The description of the story states:

“Six short stories and five poems written by Josh Griffing, including Vessel, a short story set in the award-winning, St. Tommy NYPD urban fantasy series.

In June of 2165 technicians find a way to send messages faster than light. They call it The Hyperion Signal, and if messages can move at translight speeds, why not machines and men as well?

We drive ourselves to the next frontier, and the next. And at each frontier another wonder lingers.

In Pyre and Ice, the job of terraforming Titan’s frozen wilderness falls to Jotunheim Station, but the threat within the station is as deadly as the cold outside. It takes integrity, courage, and teamwork to see the mission through.

With translight ships, we set out across the galaxy, seeking out marvels our mere telescopes only hinted about. The first two ships to make the translight quest were Petra and Henley, sent to survey a world where strange trees grow Under a Wayward Sun.

In Vessel, It's a simple job. Those are the worst kind.

Basic Method Three is to make chaos, exploit it, resolve it, and take the credit. It should be straightforward, and without Saint Tommy around, it shouldn't take all week.

Lim Tong, head of Division Four, Beijing's agency for tracing and acquiring supernatural weaponry, brought his team through the Blue Saint incident with only a fraction of their force left and nothing to show for it. So when the Politburo gets a lead on the Holy Grail itself coming to a golf course down in Georgia, the Division heads down South for a chance at redemption.

But capturing the most famous relic in Christendom takes more than a simple smash-and-grab. And the Grail has powers of its own.

In The Night My Father Shot the Werewolf, The boys in Mrs. Carroll's third-grade class learned a lot last year, about things like cursive, and multiplying, and werewolves.

And in God Save The King, If ever you deal with the Fair Folk, mortal, these laws you must remember at your peril. Never give the Fae your word: it is your bond. Never give the Fae your name: it will be your binding. Never step over a Faërie Ring; neither eat nor drink of Faërie fare.

And whatsoever else you do, never under any conditions become intrigued in Faërie politics!

But King Oberon is missing, and James A. Dalworthy, of the Feliciana County Sheriff's Office, has been called upon to rescue him.”

The offerings in this collection are:

The Hyperion Signals
     Vessel
     Becalmed
Deep Magic From The Dawn Of Time
Vessel (A St. Tommy NYPD Short Story)
Becalmed
The Night My Father Shot The Werewolf
To My Sons
God Save The King
Sonnets Out Of Babylon
Glastonbury Abbey
The Threefold Cord
The Bestiary

A quick look at each offering in order:

     Vessel
     Becalmed

Often my reading goes in cycles. And it seems to be a season of volumes on terraforming planets. I have read a number of volumes over the last few months that I thought of while reading these two excellent stories. The first that came to mind was a nonfiction volume Terraforming Mars edited by Martin Beech, Joseph Seckbach, and Richard Gordon and thinking on the science of such endeavours. The other two were both fictional works, the first was Jane Killick’s In the Shadow of Deimos, and the second was Under An Orange Sky by Manuel Alfonseca. This volume could fit with expansion further in our own system and then beyond. 

Both stories in this volume are great reads. 

Deep Magic From The Dawn Of Time

I read this to my youngest daughter, and she loved it. She asked to share it with her friends. We both absolutely loved it. An excellent poem. This sonnet weaves together cosmic imagery and biblical themes to explore human brokenness and the longing for divine redemption. The beginning praises God's majestic scale, while the ending reflects on the ongoing fall of man and the ultimate hope of spiritual restoration through divine love. A powerful piece.

Vessel (A St. Tommy NYPD Short Story)

In some ways this story fits between the end of Blue Saint, Saint Tommy Book 12, and Epilogue: Devil’s Advocate. Or it fits in as part of that Epilogue or the events to soon follow. The main part of this story is an action short story with a battle between Tommy’s son and ward and the Chinese agents. The lead agent falls from grace and Saint Tommy and a saint who appears to Tommy appear and rescue Lim. 

Becalmed

This is an excellent poem. In many ways it feels like it captured my own sentiment about my own struggles and existence. As soon as I read it I read it to my youngest daughter. Masterfully written. It is another beautifully written sonnet. The examination of isolation and exile are powerfully described. 
 

This is an intriguing story written from the first person perspective of a young boy. The story opens with these words:

“The second-most important thing Dad taught me was that my mother was the most special, and precious, and Very Important beautiful lady in the whole wide world, and I was never to forget that. The first-most important thing was that Jesus loved me more than Dad and Momma did, and they loved me a whole lot. But next to Jesus Loves Me, the most important thing was Dad loved Momma. Sometimes they fought a lot, loudly and vigorously, but if I took sides, I was in big trouble. One time I came in from school and caught them yelling in the living-room. Momma said something mean to Dad, and he shouted back, in long, sharp-sounding words. I joined in and shouted their echo back. Out of nowhere my father's hand snapped out across my mouth.”

But the story went in a very different direction than I expected, even days later as I write this review I find myself thinking about this story. The story focuses around family dynamics and rumours of a werewolf in the neighbourhood. I was very surprised by the twists in the story. 

To My Sons

Wow! I have really appreciated reading Josh’s Sonnets in this volume. As soon as I read this I sent it to my son. I am the oldest of three boys, and have 4 children., but just one son. This sonnet represents a father's spiritual and moral legacy to his children, contrasting decaying worldly possessions with lasting virtues like honest work, faith, hope, and love. The poem concludes with practical exhortations to live courageously, protect family, maintain integrity, and live coram Deo (in the presence of God). All I could hope to instil in my son and my daughters.  


I had no idea what this story was about when I first picked it up. But having read a few others by Griffing I knew I was in for an entertaining story, and I was correct. This was a great little read. I enjoyed it immensely. I had not read the description prior to reading the story the first time. I just rolled with it as it came; which is much like the main character James A. Dalworthy. On the day he is made redundant at work on his walk home from the Sheriff’s office he encounters a knight in full armour. After taking the night for tea he is translated into the world of the Fae, and as he is told all is not as it appears. He must learn not to trust his eyes, his ears, and especially what he is told.

Sonnets Out Of Babylon

Structurally this poem is a triple sonnet. The repetition of ‘I Saw” ties the three together. It is presented as one piece, or could be considered a tryptic. The biblical imagery is powerful, as is the longing. It concludes with

“Why is my bridegroom so long in coming
And who can tell me the sign of his coming?”

A poem about longing, grief, exile and the wait for judgement.

Glastonbury Abbey

I went through a period many years ago where I was fascinated by Arthurian legends. And a shorter resurgence about a decade later. At St Paul’s College at the University of Waterloo, the dean, when I was a student offered a course in the Religious Studies Department on Arthurian Legend, the course never fit my schedule, but I dig get a copy of the syllabus and reading list. From what I have read, this piece would have fit perfectly in the course. It is a short offering, but really causes reflection. I read it twice back to back. And was still thinking about it a few days later when writing this review.

The Threefold Cord

The fifth and final sonnet in the volume. Speaks of maker, saviour, and Spirit. It speaks of recreation, or sub creation; as well as inspiration and redemption. The work illustrates how human creativity mirrors the Trinity as creator. It challenges artists, and in my case reviewer to reflect that divine and aim for redemption.

The Bestiary

Interesting! This is an intriguing story. And as a long time fan of Karina Fabian’s Dragon Eye PI series, I could not help but picture one of Vern’s relatives. Also my son and I both have a devotion to Saint George and have read much about him over the years. This story is an intriguing piece, about an artist who receives a mysterious call from a dragon, named Leonard who wants to set right the wrong he feels responsible for. 

This is an excellent collection. The stories and sonnets give you a great feel for the author. It is a wonderful collection and one I highly recommend. 


Books by Josh Griffing:
Drawing Out the Bestiary
Pyre & Ice

Contributed to:
Earth: Planetary Anthology
Luna: Planetary Anthology
Sol: Planetary Anthology
Impossible Hope: Tales of Overcoming Odds
Futures That Never Were
…



God Save The King - Josh Griffing

The Night My Father Shot The Werewolf - Josh Griffing
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Tuesday, 27 October 2026

The Complete Starquest 4th Age Saga - Richard Paolinelli

The Complete Starquest 4th Age Saga
ISBN 9798906105912
ASIN B0HFD8JRVH

The Complete Starquest 4th Age Saga - Richard Paolinelli

My introduction to Richard’s work was a story in the anthology Cracked. Since that first story I have read works by him 41 times, not counting contributions to anthologies. I loved the first three novels in this series and hope that someday he expands upon them. With each story I read I am more impressed with Richard’s skill and talent. And this omnibus edition featuring the three Galen stories is amazing! Reading it was alike a visit with old friends after a long absence. Richard is not only an author but the driving force behind Tuscany Bay Books, I have read many volumes from the Bay by a number of authors and all have been well worth the read. I regret that I did not dig into his works earlier, so do not make my mistake pick one up and give it a read. The description of this volume is:

“In the distant future of the Andromeda Galaxy, long after humanity fled the Milky Way, the legends of ancient space knights still echo—and one modern mercenary must live up to the name of the greatest among them.
Millions of years from now, the Hominids call Andromeda home. Lost in the mists of history are the tales of the knights who held the line against a dark invasion so the rest of humanity could escape. The last and greatest of those heroes was Galen Underwood.

Now a hard-edged mercenary named Galen Dwyn is hired to rescue the kidnapped Princess Rhiannon (Rhea) of Salacia. What begins as a straightforward job for pay and a chance to settle an old score quickly becomes a desperate flight through webs of political intrigue, assassination attempts, and the rise of a ruthless new Galactic Empire.
Accompanied by the princess, a former mentor, and a snarky AI, Dwyn must outmaneuver kingdoms, avert galactic civil war, and confront both external enemies and the weight of his legendary namesake.

Across the Starquest: 4th Age Adventures trilogy—Galen’s Way, Galen’s Blade, and the epic finale Galen’s Heart—Dragon Award finalist Richard Paolinelli delivers pulse-pounding space opera set in the shared universe of Dragon Award winner John C. Wright’s Starquest saga. Readers will find rescued (and not-so-spoiled) princesses, ancient prophecies, betrayals, rebellions, impenetrable defenses, and high-stakes battles for the fate of an entire corner of the galaxy. Will courage, honor, and hope prevail… or will the stars fall forever?

Perfect for fans of classic, gallant, grandiose space opera who crave adventure, intricate world-building, and heroes who choose the hard but right path.

This volume contains all three novels written the the 4th Age of John C. Wright's epic Starquest universe:


This series is a high octane ride from beginning to end. These stories reminds me of some of Heinlien’s Lazarus Long stories, Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steel Rat series, and even Han Solo, a lot of action, a lot of guns, and blade weapons, a great adventure. The plot is well crafted, across each story and the arc of the series. 


This is a high octane tale from beginning to end. It reminds me of some of Heinlien’s Lazarus Long stories, Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steel Rat series, the Dex books by Karina Fabian, and even Han Solo, a lot of action, a lot of guns, a great adventure. The plot is well crafted. The characters well crafted, including the hero, the princess, the mentor and even the bad guys. Galen is one of those characters that will just stay with you. He has morals, integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong. He is willing to make the big plays, even if it means potentially sacrificing himself. He will do what must to do the right and just. Princess Rhiannon is strong and determined to not let what done to her or planned against her determine her choices and her future. She will face struggles but does so bravely and with a grit and determination. 


The plot is well crafted, I thought the first story was intense but this one amped it up even more. The characters masterfully written, including the hero, the princess, the mentor and even the bad guy. Galen is one of those characters that will just stay with you. He has morals, integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong. He is willing to make the big plays, even if it means potentially sacrificing himself. He will do what must to do the right and just. Princess Rhiannon is strong and determined. The whole universe is in turmoil after the overturn of the government. Several planets embattled in civil war. The rightful government nearly wiped out. And Galen trying to save the woman he loves, her father, and if he can pull it off the whole universe!


The plot is well crafted, it does a great job of building suspense and drawing the book and series to a conclusion.  I thought the first two stories were intense but this one amped it up even more. The characters masterfully written, including the hero, the princess, the mentor and even the bad guy. Galen is one of those characters that will just stay with you. He has morals, integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong. But he is also we is willing to make the big plays, even if it means potentially sacrificing himself. He will do what must to do the right and just. Princess Rhiannon is strong and determined. The whole universe is in turmoil after the overturn of the government. Galen is trying to save the galaxy, even if it means making alliances with old foes. But Galen has had a lot of help along the way, and has some more from surprising quarters in this one. He knows there is really only one shot at making this work and is doing his best to bend the universe to his will to make it happen.

If you have not read anything by Paolinelli don’t make my mistake. Pick some up and give them a read now. There is a lot to choose from and I am sure you will be entertained. This was an excellent read. It is a book that leaves you desperate for more, the end of this volume teases another in this world as well as a prequel story was teased I cannot help but hope that the series will extend beyond the two currently planned. A great read I can easily recommend. It is a wonderful classic Science Fiction story a great space opera. A fantastic story written large. I can easily recommend this volume to fans of science fiction and adventure stories. A great read that I can easily recommend! Well done Richard!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!
For reviews of all books from Tuscany Bay click here.

Books by Richard Paolinelli:
Maelstrom
When the Gods Fell
The Calling
The Last Lonely Trail
A Zombie Christmas Carol

Infinity Series:
Exploring Infinity
Expanding Infinity
…

Starguest 4th Age Series:
Ranger
Cassandra's Line

Timeless Series:
Odin’s Runes
Empire Of The Golden Dragon
Blackbeard’s Treasure
The Last Quest
…

Jack Del Rio Series:
Betrayals
Endgames
…
Del Rio Omnibus Edition
Del Rio The Complete Trilogy 
…

Divine Trolls Comedies:
The Fall Of The House Of 770 Vile Aromas 
The Corvo
…

SeaDragon:
SeaDragon 1 May 1986
SeaDragon 2 June 1996

Sherlock Holmes Pastiches:

Non Fiction:
Perfection’s Arbiter
From The Fields
The Space Shuttle: 1981–2011 
…

Contributed to:
To Be Men 
Places Beyond The Wild
Space Force Building The Legacy
Secret Stairs 
A Tribute To H.G. Wells (2019 Edition)
Beyond Watson 
Holmes Away From Home, Vol. 2 
Sherlock Holmes Adventures In The Realms Of H.G. Wells 
Sherlock Holmes Aventures In The Realms Of Edgar Allan Poe
The Art Of Sherlock Holmes 
The Mx Book Of New Sherlock Holmes Stories, Part Xxii
…

Planetary Anthology Series:
Sol
Earth
Luna
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
…
Best Of Planetary Anthology Series
…

Galen's Blade Richard Paolinelli

Galen's Way Richard Paolinelli

Galen's Heart - Richard Paolinelli - Starquest 4th Age Book 3
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Monday, 26 October 2026

Enemy WIthin - Declan Finn - White Ops Book 6

Enemy WIthin
White Ops Book 6
Declan Finn
ISBN 9798907720886
eISBN 9798907720886
ASIN B0HJPBDPTK
 
Enemy WIthin - Declan Finn - White Ops Book 6

This is another excellent instalment in an amazing series! I could hardly put it down. I stayed up way too late to finish it.

This series seriously just keeps getting better and better! And even with the longer hiatus for book 6, it was well worth the wait. Wow! I could hardly put the book down I stayed up way too late and read it! I am old enough to know better. I have read 57 books by Declan Finn and 42 of them in the same year after discovering his works. White Ops is one of my favourite series by Finn. This one jumped to the top of my ‘to be read’ the day I received and ARC (Advance Readers Copy). It was one of several books by Finn that dropped in short order the others were all Omnibus editions both for this and for other series. The description of this story is:

“Sean Patrick Ryan was shot in the line of duty and it should have been a killing blow for the White Ops leader.

The would-be assassin carried a weapon that will alter the course of the galaxy. All roads lead to one dark path, from which lies only death.

Even worse, the assassin might be one of White Ops own.

The final chapter of the White Ops series will leave you second-guessing everyone and everything.”

The further I get into this series the more I see echoes of Babylon 5. In most ways that enhances the stories. And I can honestly say I prefer these books now over the show that inspired them. These are not just modified fan fiction, they may have been the original bases but over time with the rewrites these have eclipsed the original. The framework that Finn uses and the characters he has written are exceptional. The pace is great, and though a lot of this story introduces us to the expanded team members of White ups, it also brings an old foe back into focus, it sets up a lot of future possibilities. 

This story takes the action to a whole new level. Sean Patrick Ryan the Reacheresque, telepathic, and traditionally unstoppable leader of the White Ops team, is shot in the line of duty. The investigation leads to some new type of weapons, and an old adversary coming back at Ryan and the team. But not all is as it appears. This new weapon could destabilize the whole Galaxy. But at the heart of this story is a mystery, who would betray the White Ops, and why. 

This story build and builds until a final battle, this time on their own turf. Once you start reading it you will not be able to put the book down. In this story there are missions on planets, a battle in hyperspace, an escape from a black ops site, an invasion, and more. At the end of the volume is chart that contains name, rank, and code name of the members of White Ops. It is a really valuable tool. There is significant action, great weapons, and fights galore in this story. But there is also a lot of humour. 

This was another excellent story from Finn’s masterful pen! I really enjoyed this volume and the whole series thus far. It is a great read. And leaves you wondering what happens next. I am already looking forward to rereading this volume when I read the new Omnibus editions of White Ops stories. I can easily recommend this book, this series and all of the books from Finn I have read to date!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Declan Finn:
Love At First Bite Series:

The Last Survivors Series:
…

Convention Killings Series:
…

Pius Series:
A Pius Legacy
A Pius Stand
Pius History
Pius Tales (Anthology)
…
Pius Trilogy Short Stories:
...

St. Tommy Series:

Land&Sea Season 2:
...

Other books:
...

Anthologies contributed to:
Luna: Planetary Anhtology Series Book 2
Supernatural Streets
Starflight: Tales From The Starport Lounge
Mercury: Planetary Anthology Series Book 4
Venus: Planetary Anthology Series Book 5
Mars: Planetary Anthology Series Book 7
Places Beyond the Wild: A Z-Day Anthology
Shoot the Devil: Ten Tales of Humans Defeating the Demonic
Fantastic Schools, Volume 6






Enemy WIthin - Declan Finn - White Ops Book 6
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