Genre

Fantasy, Mystery

Audience

Adult, & Mature Teen

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2023

Themes

Temptation, desire, virtue, consecrated life, True Love, kidnapping, trafficking, exploitation, fish out of water, enemies-to-lovers, Dragons

 

Reviewed by

Corinna Turner

Private Investigator Vern is the only dragon on either side of the inter-dimensional gap that links the Mundane and Faerie worlds. Until he wakes up one morning to find he has been turned into a human. As though that isn’t enough for an immortal, sexless being to deal with, he’s also head-turningly, smolderingly attractive! But reversing the curse will have to wait. The cousin of his PI partner Sister Grace has disappeared after taking a job with a Mundane cosmetics company, and they both suspect foul play. Can Vern solve the mystery, rescue the damsel in distress, and regain his true form—all while dodging every attractive woman in the Mundane?

Vern the dragon has frequently been a fish out water since being forced to move from Faerie to the Mundane, but in this story Fabian takes it to extremes! Although the deeper exploration that I was anticipating of “sexless being becomes male” got somewhat bypassed by other elements of the plot, Vern’s struggles with unfamiliar human emotions, hormones, sensations, sense of taste—even how to keep his balance without wings and a tail—provide ample opportunity for comedy: “Bacon’s much easier when I can breathe fire on it.”  

While I appreciated “HuVern’s” antics and mishaps as he attempts to infiltrate the suspicious cosmetics company as a male model, I did find myself missing “VernDrake” at times. I suspect for many established fans of the Vern books, Siren Spell will be either their stand out favorite or their least favorite in the series. But, either way, it’s a Vern book, which means hilarious good fun. And, as usual, faith is interwoven with plot and humor in a charming but unobtrusive way.

A significant—and more serious—plot strand in Siren Spell deals with a consecrated religious feeling sexual temptation for a member of the opposite sex. Nothing inappropriate occurs and it is a realistic portrayal—religious are human too. In fact, through this plotline, Siren Spell does an excellent job of highlighting the keen interest the devil takes in the temptation—and fall—of the consecrated. However, readers who would find this element not to their taste would be advised to skip this Vern outing.

The influence of the devil on even the actions and decision-making of devout persons is also highlighted, briefly but effectively.

It should also be noted that the Lord’s Name is taken in vain a couple of times, usually by secular characters, and there is one reference to lesbian behavior coupled with a gentle intimation that it is wrong. At one point a priest also says, “Kissing a pretty woman isn’t, of itself, a sin,” a line about which some parents might wish to have a more detailed conversation with their teens.

Although most of the Vern books are equally accessible to religious and secular readers, to enjoy Siren Spell, secular readers will need to be comfortable reading about a traditional view of sexual morality. The majority of Protestant readers should find this an engaging read, although readers with a serious aversion to Catholicism may not enjoy the positive portrayal of priests, religious, and all things Catholic. Catholic readers are likely to particularly enjoy this book because of the aforementioned, as long as they are comfortable reading about magic as a natural God-given ability.

Fabian has produced another hilarious and engaging—if more than usually challenging—Vern tale.

See No Evil; A Father Gabriel Mystery by Fiorella De Maria

In Post-WWII England, nearly everyone has something to hide—even kill for. Father Gabriel starts uncovering the truth, bringing souls the chance for redemption.

Trapped in Time by Jerry J. Weis

Can a team of misfit teens save the day in this wholesome time-traveling romp?

The Vines of Mars by A.R.K. Watson

While tracking down his sister’s murderer, a Martian farmer discovers a secret that may destroy his colony.

Wake of Malice by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson

Sent to investigate a series of murders in the Irish countryside, Hugh soon finds signs that someone is messing with old Celtic myths best left undisturbed.

Infernal Affairs by Declan Finn

St. Tommy finally comes face-to-face with the warlock that has been behind the events of the previous two books while fighting off hordes of everything from gangsters to vampires.

Shadow in the Dark by Antony Barone Kolenc

An immersive mystery and an amateur sleuth set in the walls of a 12th century English monastery

Ironcraft by Pedro Gabriel

Giants war in this Genesis-style mythological fantasy.

Where to Begin with C.S. Lewis

When he was four years old, C. S. Lewis renamed himself Jack and refused to answer to Clive Staples. For the rest of his life, he was Jack to his friends.

Murder of a Runaway (Inspector Sheehan Mysteries – Book 5)

Inspector Sheehan’s Belfast Serious Crimes Unit investigates human trafficking rings.

Vigil by Russell Newquist

“Big Trouble in Little China” meets Saint George and the Dragon

Snares of the Nether World, by Mary C. Jones

A child and her guardian angel are sent out to rescue a man in danger.

Christmas Spirits by Karina Fabian

A dragon PI and a Faerie nun try to save a businessman from the Ghosts of Christmas.

A Bloody Habit by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson

An English lawyer runs afoul of necrotic vampires, and even worse things– Dominican Priests!

The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson

Discover the far deeper, more salvific tale that Disney turned into romantic fluff.

Tortured Soul by Theresa Linden

Looking for a book that puts Christ not just back into Christmas but into Halloween too? Throw in a dash of ghost story, mystery, and romance and you have A Tortured Soul.

Bonvida’s Awakening, by C.D. Smith

Can Atticus live up to the legacy of his birthright? An adventure fantasy novel for teens about good and evil, friendship, and identity.

Nun of My Business by Karina Fabian

When a nun hires Vern to prove that a new pop song is evil, the dragon suspects his new client might be hiding something.

Hidden: Don’t Fear the Unseen by Verity Lucia

Clare Thomson wasn’t sure she believed in angels and demons – until she could see them.

Death Cult by Declan Finn

St. Tommy continues his fight against the death cult, battling Voodoo priests and zombies along the way.