Sep 14, 2026
Great Series
This is the second of the new Omnibus editions of this excellent series I have read. I must 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. 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 another incredible collection. I was even more impressed reading these stories the second time. Spiritual warfare and the war on crime collide. Officer Nolan thought he had his work cut out for him. In They Burn Witches, Don't They?: This story is told from Alex Packerd’s point of view. He has been staying in Tommy’s house while he is overseas and he is prepared for what happens. Being Tommy’s partner had given him some skills, some tools, and he has been doing his research. Soon Alex, the chief medical examiner Doctor Sinead Holland and Father Freeman realize what they are up against and they start to work to stop something that will be bad, very, very bad. But can they take on a coven, some of whom are super powered without Tommy? In City of Shadows: This story starts a little slower than the last one. And Tommy is out of new York, first to the Vatican and then to London. But the action sequences in this story are just as intense if not more so than in the previous offerings. A mysterious artifact from Hussein’s personal collection, a super wealthy couple in England trying to influence the whole world, and not for the good. Political correctness around calling crimes crimes, and criminals criminals. A clear look at the acid and knife attacks so prevalent in England, including a look at certain recent histories. Some great one liners. A lot of action. And An important reminder of the power of prayers and value of memorizing a wide variety of prayers. Tommy prays to the three Arch Angels before heading into the penultimate battle sequence. Tommy’s new assignment, and being on loan to the Vatican has sort of made him a Cop Spy is proving even more interesting and challenging than Tommy ever expected. And using the charisms is a huge help in his work. In Crusader: Declan definitely pushing the line with these works. He is not afraid to punt political correctness out the door. He uses fiction to write about issues, and concerns that most media completely ignores. He is willing to confront the expediential growth in rape gangs in Europe, human trafficking. And Several other issues. But Written into a story about a New York Cop just trying to do the right thing and live his faith. Tommy Nolan wants his actions to live up to his theology, which is something I can greatly respect. But he is also willing to trust that God can do almost anything. Some examples include using charisms typical of saintly men and women in the past; speaking in tongues, fluent in speaking German which he has never learned. Sensing and smelling evil. And even miraculous healings. In Deus Vult: In this one, not only is Tommy called back into duty early, and on American soil again, his police partner, his wife, children and even close friend a New York Medical Examiner, Doctor Sinead Holland are all in on the action. And in each novel the action gets more intense, and to some extent terrifying! In this one someone is trying to raise a demon and wipe out much of North America. But to get there they first start with an investigation of a massacre at a monetary. All the exorcist monks have been murdered. And the whole place has been desecrated. Tommy, his partner with NYPD Alex Packard, and Father Michael Pearson his partner at the Vatican a combat exorcist, are on the case and they soon realize not only is it serious but also very time sensitive. Soon it is a race against time to see if they can save the people of earth again! This is another amazing read. 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 begin this awesome series!
