What do you think?
Rate this book
Sigils
An open door is an invitation. You may not like what waits on the other side.
James O'Neil is a month from high school graduation, an art student whose scholarship hopes are fading and whose classmates still call him "the new kid" three years after his move from Chicago. When he scrawls his old graffiti tag on a hidden wall beneath a Pittsburgh bridge and bleeds across the wet paint, he opens a Way into the Realm Between and draws the attention of something old, patient, and hungry.
Pulled into a hidden Pittsburgh of Fae lore and street-level magic, James finds unlikely
Bone and Peach, street writers whose tags can seal a doorway between worldsSyn, a goth girl who handles kobolds with a softball batMeg, a sharp, secretive girl with a white mouse in her pocket and a past she can't fully rememberThe rules are old and unforgiving. Names have power. The voices in the dark lie. And the thing stalking James through his nightmares won't stay in his dreams forever.
Sigils blends Fae folklore, graffiti culture, and the real streets, alleys, libraries, and bridges of Pittsburgh into a fast, funny, hopeful urban fantasy about finding your people and standing your ground.
James O'Neil is a month from high school graduation, an art student whose scholarship hopes are fading and whose classmates still call him "the new kid" three years after his move from Chicago. When he scrawls his old graffiti tag on a hidden wall beneath a Pittsburgh bridge and bleeds across the wet paint, he opens a Way into the Realm Between and draws the attention of something old, patient, and hungry.
Pulled into a hidden Pittsburgh of Fae lore and street-level magic, James finds unlikely
Bone and Peach, street writers whose tags can seal a doorway between worldsSyn, a goth girl who handles kobolds with a softball batMeg, a sharp, secretive girl with a white mouse in her pocket and a past she can't fully rememberThe rules are old and unforgiving. Names have power. The voices in the dark lie. And the thing stalking James through his nightmares won't stay in his dreams forever.
Sigils blends Fae folklore, graffiti culture, and the real streets, alleys, libraries, and bridges of Pittsburgh into a fast, funny, hopeful urban fantasy about finding your people and standing your ground.
366 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2025
About the author
Sam Robb
24 books14 followersSam Robb is a devoted husband & the father of three teenagers. As such, he's developed a propensity for Dad jokes. He's also interested in long walks, urban photography, martial arts, & self-defense. When he's not walking around Pittsburgh taking pictures & making up stories to tell, he works as a software developer. Oh, yes - he also ran for President, once upon a time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 18, 2026
Sam Robb writes a fantastical tale with Sigils
In Sigils, the reader is brought into the life of James O'Neil, a high school senior aspiring to be an artist, and showing his art in the form of graffiti. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. What a grand imagination this author has, and his story is just the kind of book that a young boy would love to read, and of course, girls looking for something adventurous. This story is a mix of urban fantasy, with suspense built in. Each character has his or her own depths, flaws and development throughout the story. It's written in a way that is for any reader that has the thirst for fantasy and battles in other realms. The setting is Pittsburg, and James finds himself in the middle of a supernatural battle, and I love how Pittsburg of all places is a setting for danger, magic, and supernatural beings. James is joined by other wonderful characters, such as Meg, Bone and Keil. The interactions and relationships are relatable, as James is finding out more about himself, and his strengths, as he continues his life journey, between the world as he knows it, and the Realm Between. Sam Robb’s writing is evocative as he paints a picture of Pittsburgh that feels both familiar and magical. What a enchanting story. This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. Who could ask for more when it's filled with magical & fantastical creatures and other interesting beings? I recommend that persons of all ages read this book, as a reminder of what fun adventures can be. If you didn't know, the title, Sigils, has several meanings, and one is protection and attraction. It's a symbol within magic, and this book is accurately titled. Sigils is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that readers of this book, be kind, and also write a review.
In Sigils, the reader is brought into the life of James O'Neil, a high school senior aspiring to be an artist, and showing his art in the form of graffiti. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. What a grand imagination this author has, and his story is just the kind of book that a young boy would love to read, and of course, girls looking for something adventurous. This story is a mix of urban fantasy, with suspense built in. Each character has his or her own depths, flaws and development throughout the story. It's written in a way that is for any reader that has the thirst for fantasy and battles in other realms. The setting is Pittsburg, and James finds himself in the middle of a supernatural battle, and I love how Pittsburg of all places is a setting for danger, magic, and supernatural beings. James is joined by other wonderful characters, such as Meg, Bone and Keil. The interactions and relationships are relatable, as James is finding out more about himself, and his strengths, as he continues his life journey, between the world as he knows it, and the Realm Between. Sam Robb’s writing is evocative as he paints a picture of Pittsburgh that feels both familiar and magical. What a enchanting story. This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. Who could ask for more when it's filled with magical & fantastical creatures and other interesting beings? I recommend that persons of all ages read this book, as a reminder of what fun adventures can be. If you didn't know, the title, Sigils, has several meanings, and one is protection and attraction. It's a symbol within magic, and this book is accurately titled. Sigils is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that readers of this book, be kind, and also write a review.
November 6, 2025
fun urban fantasy
Fun read with lots of action and interesting characters. Set in Pittsburgh, James discovers a world of fae and unborn that most people don’t notice, as well as a small group who protect the city from unborn monsters.
Cannot wait for the next installment.
Fun read with lots of action and interesting characters. Set in Pittsburgh, James discovers a world of fae and unborn that most people don’t notice, as well as a small group who protect the city from unborn monsters.
Cannot wait for the next installment.
April 8, 2026
Awesome Magical Streets Story
A great story of subtle magic invading our world. Part light horror, part puzzle, I stayed up far too late finishing the story.
A great story of subtle magic invading our world. Part light horror, part puzzle, I stayed up far too late finishing the story.
November 20, 2025
SIGILS is a fast-paced and entertaining urban fantasy novel, starring a likeable young hero and a VERY hateable villain. The supporting cast is colorful, the dialogue is believable, and the action flows like a charm. My main issues with the book are: 1. the pop culture refrences begin to get one's nerves and 2. some trace elements of the ever-dreaded marvel humor (examples include "she's right behind me, isn't she?" and the like). These flaws detract from the book, but ultimately don't stand in the way of a fun experience. I look forward to the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews