Book Reviews and More: Blue Saint - Declan Finn

Blue Saint

Saint Tommy, NYPD Book 12

Declan Finn

Tuscany Bay Books

ISBN 9798821250995

eISBN 9798201278441

ASIN B09ZRQ347C

Wow, just wow! If I was unaware of some short stories in this series, including one that comes after this I would say this is a perfect ending to the series! And for the main story arc it is just that. I have read 18 books by Declan Finn in the last five months, and I had read one prior to that. I have loved what I have read to date. And I have plans to read all that I can lay my hands on. Both the Saint Tommy and the White Ops series are greatly entertaining, and I cannot wait for the Pius trilogy of 5 books to be back in print (hint hint, nudge, nudge). This is a truly awesome story in an incredibly entertaining series. These books took me completely by surprise, and I find that I was surprised again with each new novel. They are very well written. And this final novel in the series is so well written I want to circle back and reread the whole series from beginning to end! The description of this story is:

“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.

What will Nolan risk to stop the coming onslaught?”

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

Just before I read the 11th book in the series, I saw an announcement for 3 published short stories in the series. I reached out to Finn to find out where they would fit in the series:

They Burn Witches, Don't They

(between Lupus Dei and City of Shadows)

Principle Necromancy

(between Deus Vult and Coven)

Vessel

(after book 12, Blue Saint)

Therefore I have one story remaining that takes place after the events of this story. As well as a few shorter works. And if some other stories come out over time they will immediately jump to the top of my ‘to be read list’. At that point I believe the series is completed at least for now. Their may be some side stories, according to Finn, but the main story is written and is now published. I have been pacing myself with these books. I have been reading about 1 a week, interspersed with other fiction and nonfiction. It was only a significant amount of self-control. And having three new stories set in this world is like a surprise gift. But one that had to wait. I highlighted two passages while reading this volume, that is unusual when reading fiction. They were:

“It is said that the only tragedy is to not become a saint; thankfully, most paths to sainthood had fewer gunshots than mine did. Unfortunately, more than a few had similar problems with demons.”

and:

“When the Pope came to the lectern, he looked out into the pews for a long moment. “French author Leon Bloy once wrote that ‘The only real sadness, the only real failure, the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint.’ He’s correct. And if Thomas Nolan isn’t one, then I don’t hold out much hope for myself. CS Lewis once stated that we are half-hearted creatures… when infinite joy is offered to us. We are like ignorant children who would rather make mud pies in a slum, because we cannot imagine what a holiday at the sea is like. We play in this world, ignorant of the joys we could have in the next.”

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. One of the greatest strengths of this series is the characters, especially the good guys, Nolan and his friends. Another is Finn’s willingness to punt political correctness through the field goals. I love the focus on faith, faithfulness, family, friends, and doing the right thing even when no one outside your team has your back. Tommy, his friends and family might be fictional characters but they give good examples of living out your faith.

I have read books from three different series, and a nonfiction offering by Finn and can say I enjoyed them all. I will state that the books in this series should be read in order as they are a continuous story. I can easily recommend this book and these stories to mature readers. Finn does a masterful job of blending faith and fiction and thereby crafting excellent stories! It is another intense story. An incredible conclusion to the Saint Tommy NYPD saga!

Wednesday, 16 November 2022

Blue Saint - Declan Finn - Saint Tommy NYPD Book 12

No comments: