Tuesday, 3 February 2026

Sharing the Sorrow - Theresa Linden and Kelsey Doherty - Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Book 2

Sharing the Sorrow
Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Book 2
Theresa Linden
Kelsey Doherty (Illustrator) 
ISBN 9781734992991
ASIN B0G1N5Y3L4

Sharing the Sorrow - Theresa Linden - Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Book 2

This story marks the 41st time I have read a book by Linden, and I have read her contributions to anthologies numerous times as well. My children are well past the reading age for this book, but I love Linden’s writing so much I decided to give it a read anyways, who knows hopefully someday I can read it with grandkids. 

The description of this volume states:

“Sharing the Sorrow is the second in this Rosary-themed chapter book series.

When Peter’s friend Caitlyn comes to visit, he can’t wait to play outside. Last time they traveled through the Portal to the Rosary Mysteries all the way to Bible times, and he wants to go again! Caitlyn doesn’t seem as anxious to go. She tells him that the next mysteries of the Rosary are sad, and she doesn’t want to be sad. Then she finds a note in her Rosary journal that changes her mind: “Saint Faustina said Jesus gives us great graces when we meditate on the Sorrowful Mysteries.”

Peter remembers how they moved from each mystery after finding the virtue for that mystery, so he plans to find the virtue quickly if a mystery gets too sad. It’s a good plan, but once they step into Bible times, nothing goes as expected.

Join Caitlyn and Peter on their adventure to Bible times as they experience the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary with Jesus, the Apostles, and the Blessed Mother in this Rosary-themed chapter book geared toward six- to nine-year-olds. Readers will learn to use their imaginations to meditate on the mysteries and will think of praying for specific virtues. After the story, find Bible verses and a list of virtues specific to each mystery, along with a "Prayer before the Rosary" for children.”

This story and series are really interesting and a unique twists on the time traveller motif. In some ways it is similar to Lisa M. Hendey’s Chime Travellers Series or the Mr. Baker’s Book Series by Andrew Votipka and even Douglings Adventures by Carissa Douglas. The main difference is that in this volume and I assume series is that the children are witnessing events but often appear to not be seen or heard, at least for the most part. There are jumping through events from the Bible for the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, in this cause the sorrowful mysteries. The sections in this volume are:

Chapters 1-10
Dear Reader,
Virtues for the Sorrowful Mysteries
Bible Verses for the Sorrowful Mysteries
Prayer before the Rosary
About the Author
About the Illustrator
Books By This Author

The story begins with Peter wanting to get out of the house, and see if they can go on another Rosary adventure. His mother wants him to spend some time with his little brother. Caitlyn’s doll has an arm ripped off by her sister. But the two escape the house and soon they are on another adventure bac in time to the holy land. Caitlyn is concerned about the sorrowful mysteries as she is already sad and upset. Peter’s plan is to just figure out the virtue they need to learn and move on quickly. Things do not go according to plan. 

The Sorrowful Mysteries are my favourite, and default when I do not know what to pray. But this little volume brought them to life and a new and moving way. I was impacted deeply by the encounters with Jesus, the disciples and even Mary our mother. I was almost brought to tears during the end of the last mystery. Linden has done an amazing job opening up these mysteries to young readers, and to turning them into deep meditations where we can picture ourselves witnessing the events.

This is an excellent little read. It is a great volume and series and they that would be a great additions to any home, school, or church library. I concluded that this is a much younger version of Caitlyn and Peter that we encounter in the West Brothers Series when they are teenagers. 

This is another great volume from Linden’s masterful pen. It is written for a younger audience than many of her books, but tie some of them together. It is a great read in a wonderful series.   

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

Books by Theresa Linden:
Tortured Soul
...

Chasing Liberty Series:
01 Chasing Liberty
02 Testing Liberty
03 Fight For Liberty
Bound to find Freedom - Short Story
...

West brothers Series:
Roland West Loner
Life-Changing Love
Battle for His Soul
Standing Strong
Roland West Outcast
Fire Starters
...
...

Armor of God Series Original Editions:
Belt of Truth
Breastplate of Righteousness
Boot of Peace
Shield of Faith
Helmet of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit
…

Armor of God Series Second Edition:

Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Series:
…

Jumping into Joy - Theresa Linden - Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Book 1

Sharing the Sorrow - Theresa Linden - Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Book 2


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Monday, 2 February 2026

Willow Leaves Lyrics in the Manner of the early Chinese Poets - John Irvine

Willow Leaves
Lyrics in the Manner of the early Chinese Poets 
John Irvine (1903-1965)
Chiang Yee (Preface)
William Mullan & Son
The Talbot Press Limited
Belfast
1941

Willow Leaves Lyrics in the Manner of the early Chinese Poets - John Irvine

This volume will mark the ninth I have read by Irvine. I stumbled upon this author. I was reading one of the Vision Books for young readers, Irish Saints by Robert T. Reilly, and there was an excerpt of a poem from A Treasury of Irish Saints A Book of Poems. It was really intriguing and after reading that first volume I made it a mission to try and track down everything Irvine published. At first my dyslexia had me thinking it was John Irving, and I have read a few of his fiction books. But some quick searching put that idea to rest.  This author John Irvine lived from 1903-1965. This volume was originally published in1941. 

About the author on a site with information about Irish authors states:

“John Irvine was born in Belfast and published several collections of poems: A Voice in the Dark, 1932; Willow Leaves: Lyrics in the Manner of the Early Chinese Poets,1941; Lost Sanctuary and other poems among others. He edited The Flowering Branch: An Anthology of Irish Poetry Past and Present.”

Another online description of the author states:

“Irvine, born in Belfast, published about six collections of lyrics between 1932 and 1954, mostly from small presses in Belfast and Dublin.  He also edited an anthology of Irish poetry, The Flowering Branch.”

This book begins with a dedication To Seumas O’Sullivan with deepest admiration and Gratitude. The quote the volume begins with is:

"'If you have two loaves, sell one and buy hyacinths for your soul."
     -Chinese Proverb.

We are informed in the preface:

“The postman's ring wakened me and I found that he had brought me a typed copy of a collection of poems. I began to read them one after another and thought that they were translations of Chinese poems. My tiredness vanished, my mind became fresh and my thoughts sped far away. Then I investigated the origin of these poems and was puzzled to find that they had been written by an Irish poet, John Irvine, in the manner of the early Chinese poets. It was indeed a surprise to find that an Irishman could write poems m our manner. I have often been told that the Irish and the Chinese have many points in common both in character and feeling. Were these poems a proof? They appealed to my feelings as harmoniously as many good translations of our ancient poems, and I can imagine that Mr. Irvine's inner world has not been changed either by the present war.”

And further it states:

“The little fl.at where I read the poems for the first time is no more in existence, but although I have in the meantime been turned out of my living space several times, I have always carried them with me and have borne in mind that I was to write something about them. Indeed it is too difficult for me to explain them. Poetry is the voice of the human heart, and the poems in this volume have spoken in harmony with my heart in many ways. What need of explanation?”

The preface was written in 1941 and makes a number of references to the War going on at the time. And it shows poetry to be a stabilizing force in the world, no matter the circumstances. Like Mr. Lee I find that these poems stay with the reader, as do all of those I have read by Irvine. The poems in this volume are:

Preface
Transience
The Poet
The Gardener
To Li-Po
The Trysting Place 
Nocturne
Dusk
Loneliness
We Are As Dust
The Sorrow Of Ming Huang 
Spring
Wu
To Yuan
The Soldiers
Drinking Alone At The New Year
Morning
The Dancing Girl
The Unforgotten
Impatient For The Spring
Meeting With Friends
Music At Dusk
Cheng
Farewell

I enjoyed this ninth collection of poems that I have read from the pen of Irvine. The one bio above mentions 6 collections of poems but I have found 9 listed below, 3 other works, also 6 volumes Irvine edited of other poems. And a note further down indicates another previously unaccounted for volume edited by Irvine. A few sample poems from this volume are:

     The Poet.

     Li came from a village of Chang-Chou
     In early time when Yang-ti sat on the Dragon Throne.
     He was a sociable man and a poet
     Nor worried overmuch regarding examinations,
     Which were necessary to obtain the appointment
     His parents desired for him in the provincial
     Government. His onetime neighbour Feng,
     From the same village, was now a personage
     Of power under the Emperor. Although a
     Foolish man, vain, jealous, and inclined
     To much self-esteem, (his kinsmen were in
     High places), Li eventually obtained a minor
     Appointment but never rose in favour.
     His parents were bitterly disappointed
     And his father died, believing him a failure.
     All this was many centuries ago . . .
     The Emperor is remembered only for his excessive
     'Indulgences: his gardens are desolate,
     His pavilions dust. Feng the man of power,
     Long since forgotten;
     The works of Li are reverenced throughout the land,
     His songs are immortal.
     An Emperor, though his armies
     Be as numberless as the blades of grass,
     Is a passing shadow,
     His governors the echo of a voice . . .
     But a poet is a wanderer from the *Purple Hills.

THE TRYSTING PLACE.

A faint wind stirs the cherry trees.
The dew lies heavy on the grass.
The herdsmen pass.

I linger by the Eastern Gate:
Till suddenly a shadow falls
Aslant the walls.

I heard him not, so soft he came,
Nor saw his coming from the hill.
Oh heart be still!

     SPRING.

     Day long the merchants sell their silks.
     The spring-delighted swallows pass.
     A child lifts up his hands to catch
     The petals falling on the grass.

FAREWELL.

Songs they have made, but every song has ending.
Their lutes are silent now and laid away,
The parting cups are empty, lamps extinguished,
The singers gone like shadows in the night.

I hope those four poems give you a feel for the collection. In many ways it feels like his other works, but there is the hint of the new. Some of the poems have footnotes about the characters or places, or historical figures in the works. The poems vary from one stanza to several, but all poems are contained on single page. I read a few of them a couple of times before moving on, yet again, and sent two of them to friends. It is a moving collection to work through on a cold winter evening, over a large mug of tea. There is a note of thanks to the Dublin Magazine for permission to reprint several of the poems.

I was able to track down a copy of this thanks to the National Library of Ireland. The NLI has all volumes I have found written by Irvine and 5 of the 8 edited by him. I am now trying to hunt them all down. These poems were very enjoyable, and I am certain they would be to you as well, if you give them a chance. We are also informed 10 of the poems in this volume are reprinted with permission. I will note the introduction has left me trying to track down some of the works of Mr. Chiang Yee to read.
If you can track down a copy to read it is well worth it! Another great collection of poems I can easily recommend it.

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

Books by John Irvine:
A Voice in the Dusk Lyrics  
By Winding Roads 
Fountain Of Hellas: Poems From The Greek Anthology 
Sic Transit Gloria Mundi 
Two Poems 
Voces Intimae 
…

Edited by John Irvine:
A Christmas Garland - as J. Pennington Irvine
The Flowering Branch: An Anthology of Irish Poetry Past and Present 
The Poems of Robert Burns 
The Poems of Robert Louis Stevenson 
The Poems of Tennyson 
The Poems of Thomas Moore  
… 
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Sunday, 1 February 2026

A Prayer of the Day Prayer for the Pope

Prayer Imploring for Holy Popes   
Prayer of the Day  

A Prayer of the Day Prayer for the Pope

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Dear Jesus, 
Please bless our Holy Father, the pope. 
Lead him to be a pontiff who is holy and humble, 
brave and bold.
Help him follow in the footsteps of St. Peter 
to guard the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
Make him a good shepherd who governs and guides 
the whole Church.
May the pope serve You faithfully every day of his life. 
Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
  
Pope Leo XIV Coat of Arms

Note: Every so often I post a prayer I use as part of my daily prayers. I started praying this one in 2025, as soon as it surfaced after the election of Pope Leo XIVI plan to continue to pray it daily.


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Saturday, 31 January 2026

A Pocket Guide to Living the Divine Mercy - George W. Kosicki

A Pocket Guide to Living the Divine Mercy 
George W. Kosicki
ISBN 9781592762798
eISBN 9781612781556
ASIN B0070Y4FSW

A Pocket Guide to Living the Divine Mercy - George W. Kosicki

After reading Dr Hahn’s A Pocket Guide to St. Paul from OSV I have been able to track down all the series; though this one took some time to find at a price point within my budget. It appears there was an eBook edition but both the eBook and Prinnt edition appear to be out of print.  I have been jumping around reading them. I have read books by Patrick before, and looked forward to working through this volume. Both the physical edition and eBook of this book appear to still be in print. This is a wonderful little read.

The description of this volume states:

“Find refuge from your anxieties and fears. Embrace God's infinite mercy as revealed to Saint Faustina and draw hope and inspiration from the actual words of Our Lord, faithfully recorded in her diary. 

Saint Faustina and the Divine Mercy message were canonized by Pope John Paul II as "God's gift to our time." Make this gift your own through this short course on the merciful way.”

About the author we are informed:

“Coordinator of the Bethany House of Intercession for eight years, a noted retreat master, and disciple of the teachings of St. Faustina, Father George W. Kosicki is a popular writer on Divine Mercy.”

The chapters and sections in this booklet are:

Introduction
1. What Is Life All About? 
2. Jesus Is the Way to the Father's House 
3. Each Saint Followed Jesus as the Way to the Father's House 
4. The Merciful Way of St. Faustina 
5. How We, Too, Can Be Saints 
6. Pope John Paul H's Ways of Living the Divine Mercy 
7. Practical Ways to Live the Merciful Way 

I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume, some of them are:

“Now that Sister Faustina Kowalska of the Most Blessed Sacrament has been canonized by Pope John Paul II, she is enrolled in the major leagues of saints. By her canonization, on the Second Sunday of Easter, April 30, 2000, John Paul II declared her a model for us to follow in our spiritual pilgrimage and a unique and special member of the Body of Christ, now interceding for the Church and the whole world for God's mercy.”

“In yet another declaration, the Holy Father declared that the message of Divine Mercy is the message for the third millennium, to all people, as "God's gift to our time." He repeated this strong affirmation of "a gift of God for our time" three times, assuring us that the light of mercy gives us hope and comfort, as we abandon ourselves in trust, in the midst of the suffering of our time.”

“In his homily al the Mass of Canonization, Pope John Paul II expressed the need to welcome mercy, to welcome Jesus, to receive Him, and to experience His mercy by trusting Him and so be enabled to be merciful, even as our heavenly father is merciful (sec Lk 6:36).”

“Thanks be to God, there is a way for the inadequate, the weak, and the miserable! It is the merciful way that St. Faustina proclaimed from the beginning to the very end of her Diary. It is, as John Paul II said, the message and the way for the third millennium.”

“Consider a few fascinating "statistics" about St. Faustina's Diary as a promise of hope for you and me:
• Some 120 times, she speaks of her own misery, and ours.
• Bur some 240 times - twice as many as "misery" - she speaks of her trust in the
Lord.
• But even more encouraging, she speaks of God's mercy some l,200 times - ten times more than about misery!”

“And there is the rub! Trusting in Him. Trusting in Jesus Christ is a free act of the will, a believing faith in Him. It "means 'to abandon oneself' to the truth of the word of the living God" (Pope John Paul II, Mother of the Redeemer [1987], n . L4).”

“But all of the saints expressed their pilgrimage with the Lord in unique and precious ways, as gems in the great mosaic of God's family. Each had to climb the mountain of the Lord along the path the Lord chose for them.”

“I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first - by deed, the second - by word, the third - by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy.”

“Trust in God is one of the great ways to express our love for God. Distrust of God , on the other hand, is one of the great pains Jesus complains about to St. Faustina (see, for example, Diary, 50 and 300).”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. There are not as many quotes as other volumes; but still a good example. Much of this volume is quotes from Saint Faustina and Saint John Paul II’s  talks and writings about Divine Mercy. This little volume is a great resource. 

When I was in university, I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, there was a series of booklets by the founder Bill Bright, called Transferable Concepts, and by reading them many times you could almost memorize them and the message so that you could share it. This volume and series reminds me a lot of those books, but specifically geared for Catholics. 

I was very thankful to have tracked this down and given it a read. I wish the eBook was still available, I would pick it up immediately. This is the one of eight volumes in the series but only 2 appear to still be in print. It is a pity because the whole series is excellent. I have been able to track down and read the complete series now, and see myself returning to them again in the future. This is a great book in an excellent series. I encourage you to give this volume a try if you can track it down.

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

Books by George W. Kosicki:
Divine Mercy Minutes
Faustina, Saint for Our Times
I Demand Deeds Of Mercy
Intercession: Moving Mountains by Living Eucharistically
John Paul II: The Great Mercy Pope
Meet Saint Faustina: Herald of Divine Mercy
Mercy Minutes with Jesus
Mercy Minutes: Daily Gems from the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalski
Now Is the Time for Mercy: The Story of God's Mercy
O Blessed Host, Have Mercy On Us
Reconciliation, Encountering The Mercy Of God
Rejoice In The Lord Always
Special Urgency of Mercy
Spiritual Warfare: Attack Against the Woman
Tell My Priests
The Good News of Suffering
Why Mercy Sunday?
…

Other books about Divine Mercy and Saint Faustina:
…

Our Sunday Visitor Pocket Guide Series

Books by Michael's Dubruiel:
John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross - with Amy Welborn
A Pocket Guide to Confession - 2009 Review
A Pocket Guide to Confession - 2025 Review
A Pocket Guide to the Mass
The How-to Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You
The Church's Most Powerful Novenas
How To Get The Most Out Of The Eucharist
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries - with Amy Welborn
The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ to Your Life
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, & Glorious Mysteries - with Amy Welborn
Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with Fulton J. Sheen
...

Books in the OSV Pocket Guide Series:
A Pocket Guide to Living the Divine Mercy - George W. Kosicki 
...

Books in the Handy Little Series from OSV:
The Handy Little Guide to Confession - Michelle Jones Schroeder
The Handy Little Guide to the Holy Spirit - Michelle Schroeder
The Handy Little Guide to the Lent - Michelle Schroeder
The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours - Barb Szyszkiewicz
…

Handy Little Guides - Our Sunday Visitor

Books in the OSV Companion in Faith Series:
For Those Who Grieve - Jeannie Ewing
Living in Peace - Father Jeffrey Kirby
The Beatitudes - Kathleen M Basi
The Power of Forgiveness - Patrice Fagnant-Macarthur
…

Companion in Faith Series Our Sunday Visitor


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Friday, 30 January 2026

Black Dog - Dean Hamilton - A Tyburn Filos Novella

Black Dog 
A Tyburn Filos Novella
Dean Hamilton
eISBN 9780993917424
ASIN B00W0DCGCK

Black Dog - Dean Hamilton - A Tyburn Filos Novella

I have had this story and the first novel in the series for a while. But they got lost on my Kindle in my ever growing ‘To Be Read’ list. For years I have used the Kindle apps, but this year at Christmas my daughter got me a dedicated Kindle device. I went through the oldest of my Kindle volumes that were unread and picked this as on to read and it was my first read on my new device.

The description of this story is:

“Hangings were always a good draw.

When the Earl of Worcester’s Men take advantage of the crowds drawn to a mass execution, they hoped for a strong turn-out and a fat payday. They didn’t expect to run afoul of London’s most notorious prison rooker, the Black Dog.

Now with one of the troupe facing slow death in gaol or penury in the face of the Black Dog’s threats, the troupe must turn to its newest member for help. Christopher Tyburn, ex-soldier turned play-actor, must dive into cesspool of London’s back-alleys, pursuing the Black Dog’s secrets in order to turn the tables on the deadly blackmailer.

But you don’t stalk the Black Dog without consequences….”

This story drew me in right away. While reading it I thought about Cue for Treason by Geoffrey Trease, which is one of the first books I remember read, and reread a few years ago. But this story is for a much older and more mature audience. Christopher Tyburn in this novella is a very intriguing character. He is haunted by his time in the military. He is working as an actor in an established company. This story takes place in 1574, Tyburn is a former soldier and is very confident in his skills and talents. And he appears to hate bullies. After an encounter with Roose who calls himself The Black Dog. During that encounter Roose kills a dog and threatens a friend and co-worker of Tyburn. He can’t let that be.

Writing short fiction is a very different skill than long form fiction. Hamilton has proved a master of the shorter form and I look forward to exploring his novels. In some ways this reads Elizabethan Age Jack Reacher or John Wick. Tyburn won't let a bully get away with being a thug, and he killed a dog!

This is a great novella and it leaves you wanting more. Fortunately it is followed by 2 novels. This is great historical fiction. An action story I can easily recommend. 

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

Books by Dean Hamilton:
Tyburn Filos Series:
The Jesuit Letter
Thieves’ Castle
…

Black Dog - Dean Hamilton - A Tyburn Filos Novella

The Jesuit Letter - Dean Hamilton - Tyburn Filos Book 1

Thieves’ Castle - Dean Hamilton - Tyburn Filos Book 2
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Thursday, 29 January 2026

The Quiet Stream and Other Poems - John Irvine

The Quiet Stream and Other Poems 
John Irvine (1903-1965)
Derrick MacCord
Belfast
1944

The Quiet Stream and Other Poems - John Irvine

This volume will mark the eighth I have read by Irvine. I stumbled upon this author. I was reading one of the Vision Books for young readers, Irish Saints by Robert T. Reilly, and there was an excerpt of a poem from A Treasury of Irish Saints A Book of Poems. It was really intriguing and after reading that first volume I made it a mission to try and track down everything Irvine published. At first my dyslexia had me thinking it was John Irving, and I have read a few of his fiction books. But some quick searching put that idea to rest.  This author John Irvine lived from 1903-1965. This volume was originally published in1941. 

About the author on a site with information about Irish authors states:

“John Irvine was born in Belfast and published several collections of poems: A Voice in the Dark, 1932; Willow Leaves: Lyrics in the Manner of the Early Chinese Poets,1941; Lost Sanctuary and other poems among others. He edited The Flowering Branch: An Anthology of Irish Poetry Past and Present.”

Another online description of the author states:

“Irvine, born in Belfast, published about six collections of lyrics between 1932 and 1954, mostly from small presses in Belfast and Dublin.  He also edited an anthology of Irish poetry, The Flowering Branch.”

This book begins with a dedication to W.H. Conor, A.R.H.A. Unlike all previous volumes there is no quote at the beginning of this one. We are informed:

“Of this edition one hundred copies only have been printed of which this is No. 56.”

The poems in this volume are:

The Quiet Stream
To A Great Artist
The march Morning
The Changeling
Dark Red Roses
The Mother
All Lovely Things
The Swans
Cheng
Carrowdore

I enjoyed this eighth collection of poems that I have read from the pen of Irvine. At the beginning is a reprint of a painting by William Conor. It is of a stream and the title pope is facing it. There is no table of contents and it is a slim volume. It is another volume I could easily see myself returning to. The one bio above mentions 6 collections of poems but I have found 9 listed below, 3 other works, also 6 volumes Irvine edited of other poems. And a note further down indicates another previously unaccounted for volume edited by Irvine. A few sample poems from this volume are:

     THE. QUIET STREAM.

     This gently moving stream, thase friendly trees
          That fringe the water with a living grace,
     Impress upon my mind the quiet mood
          And solitary beauty of the place.

     Here in the changeless heart of things is peace,
          The deep enduring silence and repose.
     A lark uprises from the meadow-grass,
          And in the reeds the wind of faery blows.

THE MOTHER.

"War is a cruel thing" she said
"Three sons I had and loved them well,
One was lost in the Northern sea;
And one in Abbysinia fell."

"And now they say that Alan 's gone,
The last - the youngest of the three ...
War is a cruel thing" she said,
And turned and wept most bitterly.

     CARROWDORE.

     It was a night of wind and stars
     And all the land was sweet with May,
     When we set out for Carrowdore,
     And lingered on the star-lit way.

     I have forgotten much since then,
     Of things that only youth can know,
     Yet I remember how we went
     To Carrowdore, long years ago.

I hope those three poems give you a feel for the collection. The poems vary from one stanza to several, but all poems are contained on single page, except 1. I read a few of them a couple of times before moving on. It is a moving collection to work through on a cold winter evening, over a large mug of tea. It is to date the thinnest volume from his pen I have read. 

I was able to track down a copy of this thanks to the National Library of Ireland. The NLI has all volumes I have found written by Irvine and 5 of the 8 edited by him. I am now trying to hunt them all down. These poems were very enjoyable, and I am certain they would be to you as well, if you give them a chance. We are also informed 10 of the poems in this volume are reprinted with permission.
If you can track down a copy to read it is well worth it! Another great collection of poems I can easily recommend it.

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

Books by John Irvine:
A Voice in the Dusk Lyrics  
By Winding Roads 
Fountain Of Hellas: Poems From The Greek Anthology 
Sic Transit Gloria Mundi 
Two Poems 
Voces Intimae 
…

Edited by John Irvine:
A Christmas Garland - as J. Pennington Irvine
The Flowering Branch: An Anthology of Irish Poetry Past and Present 
The Poems of Robert Burns 
The Poems of Robert Louis Stevenson 
The Poems of Tennyson 
The Poems of Thomas Moore  
… 
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Wednesday, 28 January 2026

The Cyber Exorcist and The Haunted River - A.R.K. Watson

The Cyber Exorcist & The Haunted River
ASIN B0DVF65TZ2

The Cyber Exorcist and The Haunted River - A.R.K. Watson

Wow! What an excellent novella. This was the fourth story from A.R.K. Watson that I have read. I have had this one for a while and just got around to reading it. The author had made it available in 2023 and I am very thankful. Her other works came highly recommended, and they were great reads as well. Her works follow in a long line of Catholic Science Fiction stories. Reading this I was reminded of Sacred Visions edited by Andrew M. Geeley and the two volumes edited by Karina Fabian; Infinite Space, Infinite God II, and Infinite Space, Infinite God. This story is a mystery wrapped up in an interesting tale. This story is a very good read.

The description of the novel is:

“In a future where cyborgs, post-humans, and quantum A.I.'s reign, Father Xavier, an apprentice exorcist, finds himself thrust into a world of haunting mysteries. Tasked with investigating a convent plagued by a malevolent poltergeist, Xavier realizes that his traditional prayers have no effect on the supernatural entity. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a power struggle within the convent, pitting a scandalously full-cybernetic abbess against a war veteran nun with outdated implants.

"The Cyber Exorcist" is a thrilling blend of cyberpunk, paranormal mystery, and introspective exploration. It captivates with its fusion of cutting-edge technology and ancient rituals, delivering a thought-provoking journey that challenges the boundaries of faith, science, and the human spirit.”

The story is more than just religious fiction. It is told from the perspective of Father Xavier Isaacs, a Diocesan Priest and an Exorcist. The prologue is a letter from Father Isaacs to the magisterium detailing the events leading up to his own excommunication which has now been appealed by his Bishop. That letter states:

“To the Magisterium in Rome and His Holiness, Pope Cephas,

I write to you at the behest of my bishop. He has promised to appeal my case of ex-communication before you in person. I wish I could adhere to your request that I come before you myself, but I am finding out that often when new worlds open their windows, the doors to the old ones close and lock themselves fast with iron keys.

In obedience to my bishop, I begin this accounting of the events that led me into error. This assignment, I perceive, is as much for my examination of conscience as for the council’s understanding. Perhaps this is why he has directed that I begin with the first case Jesse and I worked on together, rather than how we met. The haunting of the so-called ‘mermaids’ of the Mississippi became the first of many cases that revealed to me a world cut off from the sacramental graces. At the end of our first adventure together, I would never have thought the experience to be the first step that would lead to my exile. Indeed, it wasn’t until a few cases later that I ultimately had my fall. However, looking back now, it is undeniable the effect that the mermaids, and Jesse, had on me.

I wish to assure you that despite the appearance of things, I remain forever obedient to the Church and my vows as a priest. If circumstances had not forced my hand, I would gladly have waited on the Magisterium to speak on the subject of this poorly named ‘Incarnation Tech.’

Although I acted according to what I believed to be right, I accept that I could be wrong. If the Church decides my actions were incorrect, I will repent and submit to her teaching as fully as I am physically able.

After hearing my story, I hope your Eminences will understand that I have done what I have in the spirit of obedience to God, love for my vocation, and conviction of my conscience. The scandal I have caused to mother church is deeply felt and regretted. Despite these offenses, I hope you will hear my story with compassion.”

Once I started reading this I was completely enthralled by the story. It is fascinating story set in a future, and maybe one not that distant. It follows a young exorcist as he goes on assignment to a convent of fishing nuns, on the Mississippi. In this story there is a mix of technology, augmented humans, and transhumanism in a post-apocalyptic world. The Church appears to have taken a stance on Transhumanism, but augmentations have rules and guidelines around them. It follows Father as the bishop sends him to the convent, he is not given much information, and part of the story is his figuring out if this is supernatural, or someone using technology to haunt the convent. The story has some conflict with the River Queen and her court from the other shore. And other concerns mentioned is about the military, but we are not given much detail. 

This is a story that really hooks readers. I already plan to reread it, and desperately hope Watson has further works planned in this universe. In some ways it reminded me of Our Lady of the Artilects by Andrew Gillsmith, but this story is much more honed on the Catholic elements in the story.  

This is an excellent read in a classic Science Fiction style. The works of A.R.K. Watson are well worth the effort. Great for fans of Catholic fiction. Or those who like a mystery with a bit of an edge. And for fans of the Science fiction Genre. I can easily recommend it.

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

Books by A.R.K. Watson:
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The Cyber Exorcist Series:
The Cyber Exorcist & The Mermaids of the Mississippi
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A Seeded Sky Series:
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Contributed to:
Pilgrim Tales: An anthology of fiction by the Catholic Writers Guild
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