St. Patrick's Gargoyle

by Katherine Kurtz

In a novel based on the author's short story, "The Gargoyle's Shadow," at the turn of the millennium, the gargoyles assigned to guard the old buildings of Dublin join forces to take on an ancient evil that threatens the entire world.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Ireland, Science Fiction Fantasy

240 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2001

About the author

Katherine Kurtz is an American fantasy novel writer. She is best known for her Deryni series. She currently lives in Virginia.

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 35%

This book is just not for me. It's very well written, but the whole plot about a gargoyle and a 82 year old Guy, who are trying to get stolen silver wear of a church back, is cute, but also very quickly finished. After that there isn't much happening - i guess later in the book there will, but eh.. i can't really be bothered. Especially because the cover is AMAZING, i expected something completely different.

Also there is a LOT of facts about all the churches in Dublin, as well as a lot of discussion about the different church...es..thingies of christianity which i really really can't be bothered, because i don't believe in god anymore, so i realy don't care.
I guess if you're interested in the history of the churches of Ireland, then this book is for you. Likewise if you love philosophical discussions about Catholics and Protestants. I don't.

Also i don't like the first statement of Templeton about woman in the protestant church, who shouldn't be allowed to be priests (or however they are called.) I was catholic, and boi, fuck him. *shrug*

[kingshearte · Rating 2 out of 5]

The blurb makes this book sound rather more dramatic, and frankly, more interesting, than it actually was. The first two thirds or so just puttered along, with no real sense of urgency, or malevolence, or anything particularly engaging. As a character, I was reasonably fond of Templeton, but that's about the only thing that kept me going at all.

As for that "evil" that nothing could have prepared him for? Well, for starters, Paddy is hundreds and hundreds of years old. He's dealt with evil. Particularly as his previous occupation was, as Kurtz is fond of reminding us over and over and over again until we want to throw things, an Avenging Angel (capitals Kurtz's). And the dealing with the evil thing was so anti-climactic that really, in Paddy's very long life, I expect it barely registered as a blip.

But the thing that really weirded me out about this book was just how God-heavy it was. I mean, the main character is a cathedral gargoyle, so some religion is to be expected. But it was really heavy-handed. In some ways, it's no different than any other fantasy. God vs. Satan, Tordelnyserald the White Mage vs. Dark Lord Skeloldald, whatever. It's all basically the same thing. But this one was very into not just the good vs. evil thing, but also the whole angelic hierarchy, and the afterlife, and it was all just dripping with piousness. I just found it a bit much, particularly when I wasn't expecting it. I have no problem with reading a religious book. I just read a biography of St. Paul, and am slowly working my way through the Bible. But when I pick up what looks like a quick, urban-fantasy-type read, I'm not thrilled at finding myself preached at so insistently.

Other flaws? The repetition, for one. Mostly it was the avenging angel thing, but other small details were repeated excessively often too. I also found her not quite consistent with her gargoyle mythology. She'll establish rules, and then amend or contradict them later, I guess as she decided the rules she'd established didn't allow her to do what she wanted with her story, so she needed to expand them? Perhaps her computer is a special no-regrets version that doesn't allow you to go back and change things once they're written? I don't know. Just one example: the gargoyles can not only pass through all manner of solid walls and locked gates and whatnot, but they can bring regular people through with them when they feel so inclined. And yet they require someone to open the trunk of a car so they can get in and out of it. The hell?

On the good side, I liked her characters. I liked Templeton, and I liked Paddy. On the other hand, everyone else was pretty one-dimensional, and even those two didn't really have that much depth. And frankly, while they were quite likeable, I just expect 82-year-old men and millennia-old angels to have just a little more to them. So even that's not really much to recommend her, I guess. Ah well.

Anyway, I think this book had a good premise, but the execution of it was rather weak.

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10
Yes, the Christian/Templar/Knights of Malta themes do rather bludgeon the reader repeatedly, yet I found the basic story to be charming and immensely likable. Francis Templeton is a marvelous protagonist, and Paddy and his fellow gargoyles are magical and wondrous with just enough hint of humanity to make them relatable. Dublin’s old buildings and the city itself are almost characters in their own right. A self-contained story of love, faith, and magic.

[Patrick]

I imagine that St. Patrick's Gargoyle might have worked better as a short story or novelette rather than a full-length book. Kurtz's attention to detail is admirable, but it comes at the expense of plot momentum; after more than 100 pages, practically nothing has happened (though there are some lovely multi-pages descriptions of Irish cathedrals). This one just never grabbed me. (Finished on page 111.)

[Melissa ~ Bantering Books · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars — the extra half star only because I liked Templeton and Paddy

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite a sweet and at times emotional urban fantasy in which an elderly but strong gentleman in Dublin finds himself driving around the city at the behest of St. Patrick's Cathedral's gargoyle, looking for stolen church plate.

The gentleman is Francis Templeton, widower, 82, and he cherishes his Rolls Royce which is used as a wedding car. He's also a Knight of Malta which is perhaps the reason why he was able to see the gargoyle, Paddy. In this fantasy, the gargoyles are a more modern form of avenging angels, keeping evil doers from their churches. The theology is treated with respect, if various doctrines are treated slightly less so, and I think any churchgoer would have to work hard to be offended.

The author did a lot of research, such as sitting in on bell ringing sessions and cathedral preparations for Christmas, which is passed on to the reader in great detail; younger readers may be skipping some pages to get on with the story. But in a sense the traditions and formalities are what the story is about, with a shadowy menace threatening to sweep all of it away. Many Dublin city centre locations get a name check or a passing visit, with history sitting lightly on the city's shoulders. One item jumped out which every Irish schoolchild knows is incorrect; Parnell was not called the Great Liberator - this was the earlier Daniel O'Connell for whom O'Connell Street is named. But we won't hold that against the author since she's been so good as to make our city the star of the show.

I had never heard of this book before finding it secondhand in Chapters off Parnell Square, Dublin in 2015. Pity as it deserves a wider readership. A recent book called Stone Heart by Charlie Fletcher features a similar jaunt around London with statues coming to life, but more scarily and with young protagonists.

[Denise Spicer · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first paragraph the author pulls us into a fascinating tale. Set in Dublin Ireland, we follow Paddy, a gargoyle/avenging archangel and his new friend and helper, the human Francis Templeton. In his 80’s, Francis, a Knight of Malta, drives a vintage rolls Royce and navigates around the snowy December streets as he assists Paddy and the other gargoyles to rebind a demon in an ancient underground vault. The book includes wonderful descriptions of Dublin at Christmas time and of pre-season church services in St. Patrick’s Cathedral complete with a session in the Bell Tower as the bell ringers practice. Some charming, wry humor, a cute little kitty, and some Protestant/Catholic theological quibbling. Recommended for Armchair Travelers and those who love Christmastime settings.

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Somehow before I picked this book up, I missed the fact that it was a Christian fantasy.

It's highly preachy, the rhetoric dripping from just about every page.

A shame, because the idea was otherwise fun.

For religious types only.

[Alyssia Cooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really quite enjoyed this short tale, although the author can be a tad heavy handed with the theology and has a tendency to repeat facts rather a lot. Even with that, this is a slow paced, rather sweet novel and the characterisations of both Templeton and the gargoyle Paddy were well done. Other characters fell a little bit short which may have been due to the short nature of the novel itself.

For instance, Templeton’s daughters and grandchildren often seemed overly scripted so what could have come across as concern for his well being was instead applied with a hammer. As these are the only other key human players in the narrative, more could have been done with them... but subtly.

That said, this was an enjoyable read and the meandering tone of the first three quarters suited the story well. The ending was perhaps a little more poorly explained and rushed, but by and large this was a nice effort.

[Marsha Valance · Rating 4 out of 5]

An 82-year-old Knight of Malta joins forces with a gargoyle, a seraph, a dead crusader, a small cat & Death himself to prevent a demon imprisoned by King Solomon from escaping his prison under Clontarf Castle. A charming Christmas cozy set in Dublin.

[Johnny · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is fairly easy to posit strange premises for modern fantasy but not always possible to come up with a coherent story with sufficient verisimilitude to counter one’s inherent disbelief. St. Patrick’s Gargoyle has the right mix of modern considerations versus fantastic presuppositions and conventions. As the title indicates, the protagonist in this novel is a cathedral gargoyle. “Paddy” (most of the guardian gargoyles and statuary in this world assume nicknames based on the venues they guard) is a far cry from the Disney gargoyles of the animated Hunchback of Notre Dame, but there is a reference to the cartoon characters within the story. As always, Katherine Kurtz strikes a delicate balance between observations on people’s actual faith and the supernatural constructions of her imagination.

When I picked up the book with its delightful painting on the cover, I was originally concerned at how a statue could serve as the center of an interesting plot. I was quickly dissuaded of this problem when Kurtz unveiled the background of gargoyles as “Old Testament”-style avenging angels and, within the first few pages, began to delineate the limitations of these supernatural beings. Plus, St. Patrick’s Gargoyle features a co-protagonist, an alternate point-of-view in an old man, member of a largely ceremonial order of elites, and his antique automobile (which plays a major supporting role despite having no signs of personification beyond what the old man gives her).

Although I enjoyed the story very much, I have to recognize that much of my enjoyment comes from more than the story itself. My experiences in Dublin have been wonderful and the book makes me want to go back. The novel is interesting because it deals with the subject of death and faith without mockery. To be sure, there is one comment that danced on the line of heresy (though later reflection about the Council of Chalcedon reminded me of how it did not have to be heresy—more on that later) and there is a rather judgmental, self-righteous attitude toward the aging demonstrated and expressed by the relatives of Francis Templeton (note the last name and remember Kurtz’ admitted fascination with the Knights Templar) regarding his personal freedom and mental/physical capacities. They believe they are prolonging his life, but they are, truth be told, rather asphyxiating him.

Warning:: This paragraph deals with aspects of orthodox Christian faith and may not be relevant to all readers. Please skip to the final paragraph of the review if you don’t care. So, about that “heresy.” Early in the book, “Paddy” refers to God as the “Boss” and his role under the “Old Testament God” as opposed to His “Son” joining the Firm and, “The Son was human for a while you know, so He’s [God is] inclined to be a little softer on sinners.” (p. 23) Okay, “Boss” isn’t any different from “Lord,” so no problem there. For me, making such a clear-cut distinction between the “Old Testament God” and God of the New Testament is problematical. Despite what some see as vengeful, blood-thirsty trappings in the Old Testament, there is a theme of grace and salvation that runs through it consistent with that of the New Testament. Punishment is based on rejection and that is tied to free will, a recognition that Kurtz embodies in later explanations from “Paddy.”

What caused my consternation in the statement was both the idea of the “Son” joining the Firm. It implies that the Son was not pre-existent with the Father. If that is what Kurtz/”Paddy” meant, that isn’t biblical to me. Yet, I remembered that, as late as the Council of Chalcedon, there was a debate over the idea of the Son as “begotten” or originating “from” the Father. Chalcedon settled this for most with a statement that the “begotten” part of the creed referred only to the human aspect of the human-divine equation in the Incarnation. In that sense, the “Son” MIGHT join the Firm, but the poetic sections of the Pauline epistles (and Hebrews) refers to the Son as pre-existent and involved with God’s plan for salvation from before the beginning of the creation. The second part of the statement, that God was a little “softer” on sinners is also borderline to me. However, the wording is key. Notice that it says God in the New Testament era is “softer on sinners.” It does not say that God is softer on sin. God still hates sin because it destroys the sinner from within and those around said sinners by contamination (maybe overstated, but probably not) due to influence. But understood with a distinction between sin and sinners, I am not bothered by the statement.

That being said, I call your attention to some wonderful theological aspects within St. Patrick’s Gargoyle. Early on, Paddy is asked why the guardian statuary didn’t guard against historical buildings being torn down and replaced with inferior construction. Paddy asserts, foreshadowing later discussions: “It isn’t my job to interfere with the greater idea of free will.” (p. 35) On page 133, Paddy refers to the existence of God’s Master Plan. But, since the world and individual human lives don’t seem to confirm to a clear-cut teleological (headed toward an orderly objective) plan, he observes, “What caused the occasional blip in that plan was free will.” And then, Paddy’s train of thought addresses an answer to that Old Testament/New Testament perspective. “That was why Paddy’s original assignment was as an avenging angel; for free will meant that humans could and often did insist on making the most appalling choices, and someone had to deal with the consequences and clean up the mess. (The Boss was very big on delegating authority--…)” But the key statement on this subject comes when Paddy reflects: “His Master Plan had been laid down at the moment of Creation, but only God had a broad enough perspective to see and understand it all. Trouble came when humans misunderstood that plan, or understood only a part of it—or discarded it altogether. Mistakes and, worse, flagrant disregard, always had their consequences, either from the action itself or from Higher Up--…” (p. 134).

I also liked the more ecumenical stance that Kurtz expressed through Templeton’s godson Marcus and Paddy, as well. Marcus responds to Templeton’s protest that Catholics are not supposed to take Communion in a Protestant church. Marcus responds: “’We’re all Christians aren’t we? Seems to me that it should be a matter of individual conscience. This island has been torn apart too long by old grudges, and people keeping the letter of the law instead of the spirit—and a lot of them don’t even keep the letter of the law.’” (p. 75)

There was also a conversational exchange that seemed rather Gnostic to me. Gnostics had a strong dualism between matter (evil) and spirit (good). The problem with that dichotomy is that God created matter to be good and the teaching in 1 Corinthians 15 about the resurrection body affirms that matter, wholly sanctified is good. So, when one gargoyle is speaking about human death to Paddy and protests that their bodies just turn to dust and go back to their elemental state, Paddy replies: “’…they get hung up on the idea. They lose sight of the fact that it’s their immortal souls that count. Truth is, they won’t need or want physical bodies by then. It will be a whole new order of existence for them.’” (p. 128) From my perspective, that’s “yes and no.” IF Paddy is making a distinction between the purely material body and the idea of a resurrection body (which she uses to full extent later in the book), then yes. Any resurrection body would not require one’s current physical body (law of conservation notwithstanding). If there is no conception of a resurrection body, I cannot concur. Humanity, from a biblical perspective, doesn’t “have” a soul; humanity “is” a soul composed of a “trinity” of body, mind, and spirit. Hence, the need for some type of “body” to complete the mini-trinity.

Not being Catholic or Church of Ireland, I don’t know if the prayer presented on p. 115 is a published prayer or an original one, but I liked it very much. “’O God from whom all holy desires, all good judgments, and all good works proceed: Give to Your servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments, and that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through Christ Jesus Your Son our Lord.’”

There were some humorous, yet reverent, biblical references, too. At one point, a cat asks (it is a fantasy novel, after all) the gargoyle/angel if he is going to cause the chains on a door to loosen and fall like it says in the Big Book the cat’s human reads. The cat describes Peter’s experience when the angel releases him from prison before he appears on the doorstep and frightens the housekeeper, Rhoda, who thinks he is a ghost (p. 126). And, although not exactly humorous, I loved the use of rainbow allusions in the climactic scene.

Bottom Line: As one can see, this was a stimulating book for me. Just rating it for me, I would give it a 4.5 (if the rating system allowed for fractions) or a 5. As it is, I would have to say that anyone without a willingness to “play” with theological themes would probably find the pacing of this book to be problematic. The book has fascinating ideas and I would gladly read a sequel. Yet, I can understand why many readers would find both co-protagonists to be too passive at times and the overarching threat to be too deep in the background to build sustained suspense. I think many would like it, but I understand why it doesn’t have the satisfaction quotient of the Deryni novels for many.

[Elentarri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short and sometimes emotional novel is told from the perspective of Paddy, the gargoyle who guards St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland. It is a tale of good vs evil, as Paddy enlists the help of 82 year old Francis Templeton, a Knight of Malta with a fondness of his old Rolls Royce.

The book is somewhat weak on plot but heavy on theology and church functioning, including a section on bell ringing (which was rather interesting). I didn't feel that the author was preaching, despite the religious themes of the book (which couldn't really be helped in a book like this).

The author's portrayal of gargoyles is original and something I enjoyed immensely. The story also makes use of miracles (sort of), demons, angels and a cat. This is a sweet little mystery story, with lovable characters, delightful interactions and a unique perspective. It is not gritty or dark, though there are intense moments, nor is it quite fluffy either. I found this book to be a pleasant and enjoyable diversion.

The book isn't particularly meant for children but i is safe for their consumption, i.e. no gore, excessive violence or sex.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the first Katherine Kurtz book that I read, and while I was not `put-off' by it, I certainly was not impressed. The overall story was interesting, and I really liked the idea that the gargoyles were actually avenging angels. Paddy and Templeton were fairly well developed, but it would have been nice to learn more about Marcus Cassidy, the Knight, and Templeton's family.
At times Kurtz goes off on a tangent about the Catholic Church, and the Protestant Church. While some of the information is interesting, it reads like a textbook on theology, thus does nothing for the story flow. It seems to me that the information could have been integrated into the story in a more useful way.
The ending was very lackluster, and instead of being happy and/or sad, I was just relieved to be finished with the book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love going to Dublin so it was a real treat to read about places and things that I have seen there. This story, told from the perspective of the titular Gargoyle is about the age old battle between good and evil. This is a God based, Christian with a capital C tale. It features miracles, small and large and angels and demons to name a few elements. Kurtz really knows how to grab and keep your attention andI don't think I will ever look at statuary the same way again.

[L · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a love letter to many wonderful things: Christmas, medieval history, Gothic architecture, friendly stray cats, non-legalistic Christianity, vintage cars, the lovely city of Dublin, Ireland. It is also a love letter to some questionable things, including the Crusades and the Knights Templar (this was weirdly and uncomfortably at odds with the novel's non-legalistic approach to Christianity). Regrettably, it is not a love letter to sensible pacing or interesting characters.

After the inciting incident of the novel, which is somewhat tame and quickly concluded, there follows over a hundred pages of info dumping. I, too, would like to write a 240-page love letter to and about Dublin, but I would not have the audacity to call it a novel. (Also, as an aside, I was somewhat dubious of how reverent the characters seemed to find St Patrick’s -- of all the churches I've visited in Europe, I thought it was the most commercialized and touristy, even more than King's College, Westminster Abbey, or even the chapel at the Tower of London, which is situated right freaking next to the Crown Jewels, the gaudiest and most tasteless display of anything I've ever seen in my life. To me, it didn't feel very reverent at all. But maybe I just went at the wrong time).

Anyway, even once things do start happening, there are no stakes or urgency to it because both the reader and Templeton are told from the get-go that they cannot possibly fail. So I don't know what I was supposed to be invested in, honestly.

The syntax and writing style is overly simplistic so that it feels a bit like a vintage children's novel, with a lot of big vocabulary words thrown in as learning experiences, and the characters are incredibly flat, with no depth or growth or nuance.

The only thing I enjoyed about it is that I have never before read a book set somewhere I have actually been. It's incredibly cool to be able to (somewhat) follow the characters through Dublin with the map I have of it in my head -- I know where O'Connell Street is! I ate fish and chips at The Brazen Head! I, too, have walked on St Patrick's eucaustic tiles! I read a crappy novel in St Stephen's Green, one of my favourite parks in the world! I can understand why being in Dublin inspired the author to write a list of everything she loves about the city. But as a novel, it's incredibly dull.

[Alec · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made it onto my radar to satisfy the "a book set in Dublin" requirement for the 2023 52 Book Club Challenge. Ironically, it isn't the first book I read this year featuring Dublin (the other being Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story), but I decided to keep it in my list of books to read. Despite my very real reservations about reading this book (just check out the cover and book description), I am so glad I didn't take the easy road and "count" Bono's book.

Ms. Kurtz's book is set in the heart of Dublin featuring much of the old town and ancient architecture. Dublin is a real character throughout the book. However, the main characters of the story are the city's population of gargoyles. Set to stand guard, they actually have a much Higher mission and the book unfolds as a true Good vs evil plot. Where I was worried that it might devolve into a fantasy about gargoyle (or dragon) magic, there was much more to the book than that and I found myself touched and inspired while reading it. It was full of hope, light, and was very satisfying to read. While there are other books I'd recommend more easily and broadly, I'm comfortable this book won't just surprise me, it will surprise you should you choose to read it.

[Trey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought I owned all of Kurtz’s books, but found this one which I enjoyed very much.

Katherine Kurtz is first and foremost, a professional medieval historian, and her knowledge of history and how things truly happened, why, and how the events in history and in her books just fall into place, and the history always comes through so clearly in her books. This was an interesting and easy read, and a nice way to be reminded of one of my absolute favorite authors.

I first read Katherine Kurtz in the “Camber of Culdi” Deryni series and subsequent books. She blends history, fantasy, and medieval culture together so seamlessly. For those who don’t know the Camber series, I urge you to check it out. The Camber series is set in a fictional world pattered after the ancient kingdoms of Wales, and she blends feudal society, politics, history, the Church and it’s historical structures and the constant conflict and cooperation between Princes of the Church and the Secular Princes, Kings, etc.

Lastly, while not in this book, the Deryni books introduce a system of magic quite unlike anything I’ve seen in many years.

I encourage readers to start with the Camber of Culdi series and then read the follow-on books. The books are as educational as they are exciting and engaging to read.

[Plum-crazy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first two or three chapters & in a bit of a fit of pique put it down. Nothing really to do with the story but I have a bit of a bugbear about people not knowing the difference between gargoyles & grotesques & Paddy, to my mind was more a grotesque. Anyhow when I'd stopped being petty I picked the book back up & was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I did find some of the descriptions a bit repetitive, especially some of the underground travels & Marcus' knowledge of St Patrick's could have got him on Mastermind (strange, but the fact that he knew so much about a church of a different religion to his own seemed more unbelievable to me than the gargoyles coming alive!)While in parts it seemed a bit on the silly side, I will admit to nearly having a lump in my throat at the end.

An entertaining enough read for a change but I don't think I'll be making a habit of reading this style of fantasy, a bit too whimsical for my tastes.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gentle fantasy is exactly what I needed. The quiet faith was a balm to ease the stress I've felt recently. I fell in love with Templeton, a Knight of Malta, who is needed to assist in keeping an ancient evil at bay. In this book, gargoyles are the physical manifestation of avenging angels, who now keep a watchful eye on the buildings (and the people within) to which they are assigned.

In a book with an angel as a main character, the reader shouldn't be surprised at references to faith or to God. My favorite quotation from this book is "It seems to me that too many people forget about the true message of Christianity, and get all hung up in … in the design of the uniforms worn by the messengers who deliver it."

This book gets a tissue warning. People who enjoy their fantasy and don't mind a strong dose of Christianity infused in it will fall in love with this book, I believe. I certainly did.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 54%. I wasn't grabbed by this story. I love the idea of animated gargoyles. Kim Harrison in her The Hollows series, introduces a young gargoyle who is naturally drawn to guard the church the main character lives in. He has a granite like voice and thinks very slowly but very deeply. He's absolutely charming. Another author has gargoyles in her book that only say very cryptic things but are also in the business of protecting. I was excited to try another book about gargoyles but the author has really missed the boat on making them interesting. It was neat to have her gargoyles be angels that used to be avenging but are now protective. Unfortunately that was the best part and it was repeated over and over and over again. The story still hasn't gotten off the ground so I'm going to give the rest of it a miss.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your best chance of enjoyment here would probably be if you come into reading this with an interest in or knowledge of the fine details of Christian history and faith rituals. Maybe Irish history too, specifically of the city of Dublin which is the setting. A lot of the book is taken up with those things. Having not been prepared for that it was a little off putting. The story is very tied into those things, but it also felt like there was some focus on those things for their own sake outside of how they intersected with the story and characters. Maybe it was meant to be a straight tribute or celebration or something.
The characters themselves are written in a very endearing and likeable way. The story is simple and straightforward. The tone is sincere but lighthearted. It's easy to read but really bogs down at times for example going into the intricate details of a particular church service and it's bell ringing traditions, or the architecture of an old church, and so on. It ends in a nice way, is short, goes by quickly, and overall a nice little story but again your level of enjoyment will probably swing on your degree of interest or tolerance for reading Christianity focused fiction.

[Donnalee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Irish, very Christian tale of nice older gentleman and his dealings with the gargoyles of Dublin, who are posited to be recycled living angels of vengeance now guarding the churches and holy buildings, or former holy buildings, of the city. Those who like the subject matter might love it; those who are not so much into the Christian mythos might find it a little too-too in that direction, with tons Of Initial Capital Letters for any pronoun, name, action, done by the deity who isn't even there but who is The Big Deity in this world. That's a minor quibble though, and it did remind me of growing up Catholic and yes, they do have mass in Latin online from one of those cathedrals still, for those interested.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fantasy tells the story of the gargoyles of Dublin who are actually guardian angels assigned to guard the cathedrals and churches of Dublin, even those that have been converted to other purposes. These beings have been around for a very long time, even witnessing the birth of Christ. Now they are facing a problem much greater than theft in a cathedral. A demon bound in a head shaped vessel may escape as the bonds that bind it have eroded over time and must be strengthened. This requires the help of a human and the gargoyle of St. Patrick’s knows the perfect candidate. Interesting characters and a very unusual tale by a historian who has decided to have some fun with history including the ever popular Knights Templar.

[Jan Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story, Ms. Kurtz brings into the story so much of the history of Ireland and of religion. The Templars, a crusading religious order, are mysterious and have had a lot of stories told about them. She wove in one of the myths about them and made it a big part of the story. She took all of this history and wove it into a great story where a regular, old man meets what many would call fantasy.

It was Francis Templeton who drew me into the story. Here was a man who had lived a long life and was faithful to his wife, family and religion throughout his life. He was not cynical and took things in stride. Paddy, the Gargoyle of St. Patrick, took a personal interest in him. They made the perfect partnership on this adventure. Fun story with great historical background.

[Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Padraig the Gargoyle, called Paddy by his fellow gargoyles, is the guardian of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. When vandals break into the cathedral and steal two sacred vessels he takes to the streets to search for the thieves and recover the vessels. He inadvertently reveals himself to Francis Templeton an elderly widower who is a Knight of Malta. Unfortunately this revelation dooms Templeton to a premature death because mortals must die soon after seeing a gargoyle. He is given a short reprieve because the gargoyles need human help to prevent the unleashing of thousand years old sinister forces.

[Richard Gombert · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book doesn't know what it wants to be.
It's part fantasy, part Dublin tour guide, part comparative religion text book, and part theology lesson.
In the later it fails. The author has several sections of expainatory text alternating between two arguments. One the God is omniscient and all knowing. The other that man has free will. Alternating between the two the author continues smattering these arguments through out the first half (alternating between them). A little or than half way through the book the author realizes she has an issue. She present an argument that tries to argue that God is both omniscient and man has free will. She is unable to reconcile these opposites and gives up on the whole subject altogether.
Other wise the book is pretty unremarkable.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this if for no other reason than the characters were charming and the details were lush. Plus the concept of gargoyles being re-assigned angels amuses me and there are some thoughtful religious discussions in the book However, even I have to admit that the pacing was not up to snuff (rambling along for two thirds and then a fast climax and then coasting into the end) and it felt rather like it should have stayed a short story or novella rather than stretching it to a full length book and ruining some of the charm.

[Tom Intiso · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Kurtz is astounding,!

It’s difficult to say how long I’ve been meaning to read this book, and I’m only sorry it took so long. Embellished with lush pageantry and the stuff of ancients, as are all of Kurtz’s works, this book brings medieval myth and faith, combined as one, into the modern age. More than that, I cannot say without giving rise to spoilers that would certainly spoil the story. Just know that you cannot go wrong in picking up this book!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got my attention at the very beginning with the gargoyle's conclave and watching them argue. Then I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. I needed to know what was going to happen between Francis and the gargoyles. This book kept up a good pace and really let you feel the thoughts and feelings of the characters. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

[N.K. Aning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well it was a nice tale. The author did a great job combining the religious and mundane in the story. Although I find it quite amusing that the gargoyles have such power yet hide from the humans. Much of the action doesn't happen for about three quarters of the book. But it is a decent book full of intrigue.