Sep 27, 2026
Excellent Stories and Sonnets
This is the new Omnibus edition from the pen of Griffing. This volume contains sis 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 woth the reading. I greatly enjoyed this whole volume, the rereads and the first time reads. 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: The Hyperion Signals 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. The Night My Father Shot The Werewolf 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. God Save The King 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.
