Picture a New York storyteller who mixes vampires, saints, and sci-fi conspiracies with a Catholic twist—meet Declan Finn! This prolific author has carved a unique niche in genre fiction, blending thrilling action, urban fantasy, and faith-driven narratives. With over 30 novels in under a decade, Finn’s fast-paced storytelling and sharp wit have won him a loyal following and Dragon Award nominations.
Born and raised in the gritty heart of New York City, Finn’s tales pulse with the energy of his hometown, now traded for the wide-open spaces of Texas. His distinctive voice, shaped by a deep Catholic faith and a love for history, makes him a standout in science fiction, fantasy, and thriller circles.
The Making of Declan Finn
Declan Finn spent over 40 years in New York, a city that shaped his storytelling with its chaos and charm. Growing up, he was steeped in books and ideas, fueled by a history degree and a knack for debate. His early life wasn’t just about academia—he trained in hand-to-hand combat and even escaped a PhD program, proving he’s as much an action hero as his characters. Finn started writing to get stories out of his head, and by 2012, he debuted with the comedy-thriller It Was Only on Stun!, a love letter to sci-fi conventions.
His faith and curiosity led him to create The Catholic Geeks blog and radio show, where he rants about writing, reviews games, and interviews fellow authors. This platform became a hub for like-minded fans, blending geek culture with Catholic values.
Declan Finn’s Unforgettable Stories
Finn’s bibliography is a whirlwind of genres, from urban fantasy to space opera. His 2016 Dragon Award-nominated Honor at Stake, the first in the Love at First Bite series, reimagines vampires with microbiology and Thomist metaphysics. It’s sexy, action-packed, and “curls toes” without crossing into explicit territory. The follow-up, Live and Let Bite, earned another nomination in 2017, cementing Finn’s knack for blending romance and horror.
Hell Spawn, part of the Saint Tommy, NYPD series, won the CLFA Book of the Year and follows a cop with saintly powers battling demonic forces. Finn’s The Pius Trilogy—A Pius Man, A Pius Legacy, and A Pius Stand—tackles Vatican conspiracies with 80s action-movie flair, taking a swipe at historical revisionism. His space opera White Ops pits elite fighters against interstellar threats, showcasing his love for larger-than-life heroes.
Known for “annoyingly Catholic” themes and explosive fight scenes, Finn writes at a breakneck pace, often outpacing readers. His stories weave faith, humor, and history into thrilling narratives that resonate with conservatives, libertarians, and genre fans alike.
Why Declan Finn Matters
Declan Finn’s impact lies in his ability to fuse faith with genre fiction, creating stories that entertain and provoke thought. His work resonates with readers who crave action, moral clarity, and a touch of the supernatural. Through The Catholic Geeks, he’s built a community that celebrates geek culture without sacrificing values, offering a counterpoint to mainstream narratives. His Dragon Award nominations and CLFA win highlight his growing influence in speculative fiction.
Finn’s relentless output—over 30 novels in less than a decade—sets a high bar for indie authors. By embracing self-publishing and platforms like Substack, he’s shown how to thrive outside traditional publishing, inspiring writers to take risks and tell bold stories.
- Born: New York City, date unavailable
- Key Works: Honor at Stake, Hell Spawn, The Pius Trilogy, White Ops
- Awards: CLFA Book of the Year (Hell Spawn), Dragon Award nominee (2016, 2017, 2018)
Ready to dive into a world of vampires, saints, and interstellar battles? Grab Hell Spawn and experience Declan Finn’s thrilling blend of faith and fantasy!