Sean is a lonely young man who is tricked into associating with Damian Darke (Satan). St. Patrick himself is the mentor to Sean and punishes him for his transgression by transforming the young boy into a fox. At the Vatican, Pope Leo tests and tries the pair spiritually, and Sean discovers an entrancing stone statue of a woman who whispers telepathically to him to save her. Fate or divine intervention has brought them together, and a special cart is devised to carry Tara, the “gargoyle-woman,” to Mary’s Well in Scotland, But Damian is dead set against this mission’s completion, and it seems both Tara and Sean the fox-boy are easily tricked and trapped by Satan. St. Patrick even loses his temper at their weakness but later regrets his outburst, and they proceed to Scotland. A huge confrontation with Damian almost defeats them, but they are saved by a timely intercession. Then, the eleventh commandment is delivered.

This religious fantasy is very Catholic in flavor, and the language flows quite easily. Each character’s viewpoint is given various-sized vignettes throughout the text, with St Patrick speaking at one point, then Damian Darke, and so on. The plot is rather simple but suspenseful enough to maintain interest. The theme is spiritual battle, with Satan himself attacking at every opportunity, and victory only possible with divine help. There are additional animal characters who are given wonderful voices, such as Amideo the donkey, who carried the Virgin Mary to Bethlehem and now pulls the cart containing Tara. Ox, the horse who carries Sean, is also a colorful character who is simple-minded but virtuous. A light mixture of history with a rich imaginative fantasy gives this text a unique feel. Carey has crafted an entertaining and fun read.

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