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It Was Only On Stun!
When security specialist Sean A.P. Ryan agrees to protect actress Mira Nikolic at a Science Fiction convention, he thinks it can't be all bad. It's only a three-day weekend with some colorful characters in costumes.But Sean is hardly prepared for what awaits him; the costumes, the fanboys, the freaks and geeks are only the beginning. There are actors with attitude problems, writers with rabies, and how do you spot an assassin when everyone is wearing a mask?This doesn't even account for the real threats. When his client left Europe, she had been a figure of peace in a region that didn't want it. Now that she's an international celebrity, factions from the old country see her as the start of a reunion tour, with guns. Not only that, but she is being stalked by Middle Earth's Most Wanted Elven Assassin; he thinks that the actress is actually an Elven princess, and will do anything to prove it to her, including murder.And what is that body doing in the middle of the vendor's floor with a sword-cane through his chest?
242 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 4, 2012
3 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Declan Finn
108 books749 followersDeclan Finn is the NYC based author of books ranging from thrillers to urban fantasy to SciFi, including the 2016 Dragon Award Nominated Novel for Best horror, Honor at Stake, 2017 for Live and Let Bite, and 2018 for Codename: Unsub in best Apocalypse. He is known for "his strong fight scenes and is romance novels are sexy without being dirty, providing enough sexual tension to curl toes."
He hosts the Catholic Geek Radio show, and can be found wherever someone is starting trouble. He also writes thrillers, video game reviews, and works for several blogs.
He is one of a legion of writers over at The Catholic Geeks blog (a legion, for we are many). Other books he has written includes the comedy-thriller It Was Only on Stun! where he blows up a sci-fi convention (no, not this one). He co-authored the science fiction espionage novel Codename: Winterborn. However, he is most proud of The Pius Trilogy – which includes “A Pius Man,” “A Pius Legacy,” “A Pius Stand,” and an anthology, “Pius Tales.”
He hosts the Catholic Geek Radio show, and can be found wherever someone is starting trouble. He also writes thrillers, video game reviews, and works for several blogs.
He is one of a legion of writers over at The Catholic Geeks blog (a legion, for we are many). Other books he has written includes the comedy-thriller It Was Only on Stun! where he blows up a sci-fi convention (no, not this one). He co-authored the science fiction espionage novel Codename: Winterborn. However, he is most proud of The Pius Trilogy – which includes “A Pius Man,” “A Pius Legacy,” “A Pius Stand,” and an anthology, “Pius Tales.”
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 8, 2022
I have read 22 books by Declan Finn and 21 of them in the last 8 months. I have greatly enjoyed books in three other series. This is one of two in the Convention Killings series that I am aware of. These were published a decade ago. Both the Saint Tommy and the White Ops series are greatly entertaining, and I cannot wait for the Pius trilogy of 5 books to be back in print. I am now working through his back catalogue. This was a very entertaining story, it had a fan fiction feel, but also a bit of a spoof and homage. The description of this story is:
“When security specialist Sean A.P. Ryan agrees to protect actress Mira Nikolic at a Science Fiction convention, he thinks it can't be all bad. It's only a three-day weekend with some colorful characters in costumes. But Sean is hardly prepared for what awaits him; the costumes, the fanboys, the freaks and geeks are only the beginning. There are actors with attitude problems, writers with rabies, and how do you spot an assassin when everyone is wearing a mask? This doesn't even account for the real threats. When his client left Europe, she had been a figure of peace in a region that didn't want it. Now that she's an international celebrity, factions from the old country see her as the start of a reunion tour, with guns. Not only that, but she is being stalked by Middle Earth's Most Wanted Elven Assassin; he thinks that the actress is actually an Elven princess, and will do anything to prove it to her, including murder. And what is that body doing in the middle of the vendor's floor with a sword-cane through his chest?”
There are different covers for this book, one matches style and design of the second book as well. I am not a fan of those covers. But the Red Shirt coloured cover with a name sticker fells perfect for the volume. Towards the end of the volume one of the characters states:
“Mira’s eyes softened. “Corbin Eielson.” “Him,” her voice dripped with hydrofluoric acid. “So, at least one psycho author, the IRA, the cartel that wouldn’t die, the Robin Hood reject, al-Qaeda, Interpol, vampires, mercenaries, an axe-murderer, and the Nazgul? Do you know how much this sounds like a comedy routine? The newspapers won’t know where to start.” Inna Petraro laughed. “Kovach is already writing the story and wants movie rights.” “Make that two psychotic authors,” Edward Murphy muttered. “Should’ve killed him when I had the chance,” he sighed. “Actually, I can’t believe Eielson got off so easy.” Mira Nikolic looked at him from her chair. “How do you mean?” Edward never looked up from the blanket. “Our Sean’s a medieval character. The last guy who raised a hand to a child, or a woman, wound up in several worlds of hurt.” Athena nodded. “Including whatever world Pointy-Ears came from.” Galadren smiled. “Middle Earth?” “Listen, you—” “Athena,” Mira interrupted, “allow me.””
This story was vastly entertaining. It is easy to figure out who some of the characters are meant to be in real life. And the franchises presented and the conflict at cons between franchises and fandoms is well written. I believe this is the first volume Finn published, and it is not even listed on the Fantastic Fiction DB. As such the writing is understandable. If it is his debut novel it is very impressive. The number of subplots exceeds even the novel Clear and Present Danger, and the number of characters Piers Anthony’s Bio of a Space Tyrant series. There are so many characters, so many plots, and at the center of it all Sean Ryan. Sean and his descendants appear in other books and series, and they are excellent.
This was a vastly entertaining story with numerous twists! I was really impressed with this offering from the pen of Finn, especially if it is his first novel, I know many seasoned writers that cannot keep track of that many characters and plots. A great read. And leaves you wondering what happens in book 2, Set to Kill!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
“When security specialist Sean A.P. Ryan agrees to protect actress Mira Nikolic at a Science Fiction convention, he thinks it can't be all bad. It's only a three-day weekend with some colorful characters in costumes. But Sean is hardly prepared for what awaits him; the costumes, the fanboys, the freaks and geeks are only the beginning. There are actors with attitude problems, writers with rabies, and how do you spot an assassin when everyone is wearing a mask? This doesn't even account for the real threats. When his client left Europe, she had been a figure of peace in a region that didn't want it. Now that she's an international celebrity, factions from the old country see her as the start of a reunion tour, with guns. Not only that, but she is being stalked by Middle Earth's Most Wanted Elven Assassin; he thinks that the actress is actually an Elven princess, and will do anything to prove it to her, including murder. And what is that body doing in the middle of the vendor's floor with a sword-cane through his chest?”
There are different covers for this book, one matches style and design of the second book as well. I am not a fan of those covers. But the Red Shirt coloured cover with a name sticker fells perfect for the volume. Towards the end of the volume one of the characters states:
“Mira’s eyes softened. “Corbin Eielson.” “Him,” her voice dripped with hydrofluoric acid. “So, at least one psycho author, the IRA, the cartel that wouldn’t die, the Robin Hood reject, al-Qaeda, Interpol, vampires, mercenaries, an axe-murderer, and the Nazgul? Do you know how much this sounds like a comedy routine? The newspapers won’t know where to start.” Inna Petraro laughed. “Kovach is already writing the story and wants movie rights.” “Make that two psychotic authors,” Edward Murphy muttered. “Should’ve killed him when I had the chance,” he sighed. “Actually, I can’t believe Eielson got off so easy.” Mira Nikolic looked at him from her chair. “How do you mean?” Edward never looked up from the blanket. “Our Sean’s a medieval character. The last guy who raised a hand to a child, or a woman, wound up in several worlds of hurt.” Athena nodded. “Including whatever world Pointy-Ears came from.” Galadren smiled. “Middle Earth?” “Listen, you—” “Athena,” Mira interrupted, “allow me.””
This story was vastly entertaining. It is easy to figure out who some of the characters are meant to be in real life. And the franchises presented and the conflict at cons between franchises and fandoms is well written. I believe this is the first volume Finn published, and it is not even listed on the Fantastic Fiction DB. As such the writing is understandable. If it is his debut novel it is very impressive. The number of subplots exceeds even the novel Clear and Present Danger, and the number of characters Piers Anthony’s Bio of a Space Tyrant series. There are so many characters, so many plots, and at the center of it all Sean Ryan. Sean and his descendants appear in other books and series, and they are excellent.
This was a vastly entertaining story with numerous twists! I was really impressed with this offering from the pen of Finn, especially if it is his first novel, I know many seasoned writers that cannot keep track of that many characters and plots. A great read. And leaves you wondering what happens in book 2, Set to Kill!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
August 14, 2012
The short version is that this book was excellent. It was funny, fast paced, and filled with atmosphere. Sean Ryan is an interesting creation, as is Middle Earth's Most Wanted Elven Assassin.... yes, really.
The bit characters are ... well, he says that none of these people are based on real-life folk, but I'm hard pressed to believe it. He has a David Peters, which if that isn't Peter David, I'd be surprised. There is a Lee Kristoff, who is described has having acted in horror movies where the writing was the real horror, and two recent movie triologies in the science fiction and fantasy universe -- that sounds like the Hammer Film career of Christopher Lee, with his follow up in Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. Mira Nikolic, at first glance, appears to be Mira Furlan of Babylon 5 .... but Nikolic seems less touchy-feely than some of Furlan's real-life statements, so he gets a pass.
The only problem that might come from the book is that he seems quite afraid of lawsuits. There is "The Great Smirk Riot" -- where it's obvious that it's essentially a bar fight in the middle of a convention, and the Captain Kirk impersonators are part of the fun. But he replaces it with "Captain Smirk." There is mention of our hero wearing a "techno-cop" costume, and it's obviously RoboCop, but he doesn't want to be sued. The author seems timid at the worst time.
However, there is a line in the book about "Kirk burgers, made from tired old meat that was possibly suffering from mad cow." So ... heh.
It was a fun read, and I can't wait to see more from this new author. Maybe if somebody from "real" publishing houses would take a risk every once in a while on a guy like this, they wouldn't be in such trouble from Amazon.
The bit characters are ... well, he says that none of these people are based on real-life folk, but I'm hard pressed to believe it. He has a David Peters, which if that isn't Peter David, I'd be surprised. There is a Lee Kristoff, who is described has having acted in horror movies where the writing was the real horror, and two recent movie triologies in the science fiction and fantasy universe -- that sounds like the Hammer Film career of Christopher Lee, with his follow up in Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. Mira Nikolic, at first glance, appears to be Mira Furlan of Babylon 5 .... but Nikolic seems less touchy-feely than some of Furlan's real-life statements, so he gets a pass.
The only problem that might come from the book is that he seems quite afraid of lawsuits. There is "The Great Smirk Riot" -- where it's obvious that it's essentially a bar fight in the middle of a convention, and the Captain Kirk impersonators are part of the fun. But he replaces it with "Captain Smirk." There is mention of our hero wearing a "techno-cop" costume, and it's obviously RoboCop, but he doesn't want to be sued. The author seems timid at the worst time.
However, there is a line in the book about "Kirk burgers, made from tired old meat that was possibly suffering from mad cow." So ... heh.
It was a fun read, and I can't wait to see more from this new author. Maybe if somebody from "real" publishing houses would take a risk every once in a while on a guy like this, they wouldn't be in such trouble from Amazon.
September 20, 2012
Sean Ryan is a stunt man turned body guard. His lastest assignment: protecting Mira Nikolic an actress from tv show G5. Mira will be a guest speaker at a 3 day Science Fiction/fantasy convention.
Sean needs to keep her alive during this time and there are many who want her dead. As well as a few who would like to see Sean dead.
Wow what a fun book. This book has everything. Trekies, Elves, assasins, mercenaries, vampires Interpol,IRA, and just plan old nut jobs. This book is filled with action and is a fast fun read.
The only problem I had was there are so many characters and the way Declan Finn writes I had to stop and reread to figure out things. Don't let this stop you from reading this though it was a lot of fun. I'll be looking forward to reading more of Finn's books.
Sean needs to keep her alive during this time and there are many who want her dead. As well as a few who would like to see Sean dead.
Wow what a fun book. This book has everything. Trekies, Elves, assasins, mercenaries, vampires Interpol,IRA, and just plan old nut jobs. This book is filled with action and is a fast fun read.
The only problem I had was there are so many characters and the way Declan Finn writes I had to stop and reread to figure out things. Don't let this stop you from reading this though it was a lot of fun. I'll be looking forward to reading more of Finn's books.
August 19, 2017
More About Fun Than Fisticuffs
I usually avoid books that are heroed by former SEALS, security specialists, bodyguards for hire, and the like because they tend to be poorly written and awfully Mary Sue. The title of this book suggested just enough of a wink and a shrug that I thought, "Hey! Why not?". Well, I'm glad I ignored my bad attitude, because this book was a hoot.
The deal is that we're having a comics convention, but we need much better and more serious security than usual because the guest of honor is an actress who's a flashpoint target for unhappy Serbs and Croats. Instead of the usual array of nut jobs and loons, then, there are also real threats. And as always there are various other terrorists, villains, bad guys, and unbalanced types who are also drawn to the bright lights and attention grabbing possibilities of such a big convention. So, the organizers turn to security specialist Sean A. P. Ryan to keep everyone safe. (I mean how many of those Klingon bat'leths are plastic and how many are real?)
There is a huge cast. Ryan has a few official assistants, some unofficial helpers, and a few anonymous volunteer helpers. Then we have the bad guys - the aforementioned Croats, Serbs, gangsters, terrorists, and so on. Then there are the weird, awkward or goofy convention organizers. Plus, we have a guest wild card or two. All of these characters are introduced in their own bits, but once the action starts up it can be difficult to keep track.
On top of this, we have everyone who's attending the convention, and our author has a lot of fun with that gang. Indeed, most of the fun, for me, turned on the wise, witty, insightful, and inside jokes that revolved around how a comic-con works, who shows up, and what they all fan on. If you can't get to a comic-con, this may be the next best thing.
Bottom line - while there is a plot and a resolution and a lot of action and fighting and gunplay and almost cartoony stunt-manish thriller violence, the best parts for me were the quiet, funny set pieces that pepper the narrative. (A security specialist who writes sci-fi fetish erotica on the side, and that sort of thing.) There is a lot of deadpan humor and a lot of inside jokes. Much of the dialogue is pretty snappy. And as a SPECIAL BONUS, the mysterious "Middle Earth's Most Wanted Elven Assassin", who apparently actually looks like Orlando Bloom, is one of the funniest deadpan one-of-a-kind characters I've read in some time.
So, yeah it's an action thriller, but the all the fun is at the comic-con, and it's a hoot.
(Please note that I found this book a while ago while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. It is currently a kindleunlimited choice. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
I usually avoid books that are heroed by former SEALS, security specialists, bodyguards for hire, and the like because they tend to be poorly written and awfully Mary Sue. The title of this book suggested just enough of a wink and a shrug that I thought, "Hey! Why not?". Well, I'm glad I ignored my bad attitude, because this book was a hoot.
The deal is that we're having a comics convention, but we need much better and more serious security than usual because the guest of honor is an actress who's a flashpoint target for unhappy Serbs and Croats. Instead of the usual array of nut jobs and loons, then, there are also real threats. And as always there are various other terrorists, villains, bad guys, and unbalanced types who are also drawn to the bright lights and attention grabbing possibilities of such a big convention. So, the organizers turn to security specialist Sean A. P. Ryan to keep everyone safe. (I mean how many of those Klingon bat'leths are plastic and how many are real?)
There is a huge cast. Ryan has a few official assistants, some unofficial helpers, and a few anonymous volunteer helpers. Then we have the bad guys - the aforementioned Croats, Serbs, gangsters, terrorists, and so on. Then there are the weird, awkward or goofy convention organizers. Plus, we have a guest wild card or two. All of these characters are introduced in their own bits, but once the action starts up it can be difficult to keep track.
On top of this, we have everyone who's attending the convention, and our author has a lot of fun with that gang. Indeed, most of the fun, for me, turned on the wise, witty, insightful, and inside jokes that revolved around how a comic-con works, who shows up, and what they all fan on. If you can't get to a comic-con, this may be the next best thing.
Bottom line - while there is a plot and a resolution and a lot of action and fighting and gunplay and almost cartoony stunt-manish thriller violence, the best parts for me were the quiet, funny set pieces that pepper the narrative. (A security specialist who writes sci-fi fetish erotica on the side, and that sort of thing.) There is a lot of deadpan humor and a lot of inside jokes. Much of the dialogue is pretty snappy. And as a SPECIAL BONUS, the mysterious "Middle Earth's Most Wanted Elven Assassin", who apparently actually looks like Orlando Bloom, is one of the funniest deadpan one-of-a-kind characters I've read in some time.
So, yeah it's an action thriller, but the all the fun is at the comic-con, and it's a hoot.
(Please note that I found this book a while ago while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. It is currently a kindleunlimited choice. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
May 9, 2020
Fun!
Wow! What a ride. Fast paced, twists and turns. Keeps you guessing on how many (not who) people are out for Sean. Buckle in, you might get tossed out of your seat if you aren't careful.
Wow! What a ride. Fast paced, twists and turns. Keeps you guessing on how many (not who) people are out for Sean. Buckle in, you might get tossed out of your seat if you aren't careful.
February 11, 2019
It's not a novel. It's a description of a cartoon film. Not my kind of book.
July 23, 2019
The prolog got me hooked, so I read the book.
Unfortunately, I got quite confused while reading it. It felt like almost all women had names starting with an M, almost all people had a name starting with Mc... I just lost track and after a time I just gave up to figure out who is who... (Maybe I didn't get enough of the references...)
And for me, there was too much fighting and not enough story in between.
Every time Sean turned around there was the next fight. It was exhausting. Which was probably the feeling you should get ;-) But in the end I just scanned over the fight sequences to get to the rest.
Which is a pity, because I liked the humor in the book and I am sure I didn't get half of the references to people, films and TV shows. But I enjoyed those I did get :-)
Unfortunately, I got quite confused while reading it. It felt like almost all women had names starting with an M, almost all people had a name starting with Mc... I just lost track and after a time I just gave up to figure out who is who... (Maybe I didn't get enough of the references...)
And for me, there was too much fighting and not enough story in between.
Every time Sean turned around there was the next fight. It was exhausting. Which was probably the feeling you should get ;-) But in the end I just scanned over the fight sequences to get to the rest.
Which is a pity, because I liked the humor in the book and I am sure I didn't get half of the references to people, films and TV shows. But I enjoyed those I did get :-)
February 15, 2013
It was good, but there was too much happening as well...
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews