A Promise of Sirens, by author V.L. Barycz, is a rowdy romp of magical lattes, seeing-eye alligators, and generational trauma.
In the ever-shifting balance between mortals and magic, someone has to stand between the powerless and those with too much power. But as it turns out, those with power aren’t always magical, and monsters aren’t always villains. V.L. Barycz’s debut novel, A Promise of Sirens, follows Senior Pilgrim Brigitte Laveau Fitzpatrick and her partner, the enigmatic supernatural Graceland, as they work to solve a murder of “the less dead,” a beautiful siren—and uncover a conspiracy that may threaten not just Detroit but the entire world they’ve sworn to protect. Fans of other detectives navigating magical worlds—Harry Dresden, Kate Daniels, and Constable Peter Grant, to name a few—will be drawn to Brigitte’s investigation and her world. Brigitte’s intersectionality, both Pilgrim and “betrayer” lineage, as well as Irish and Creole, give her a unique position in her own world, and in the urban fantasy genre.
“I’m thrilled that V.L. brought her novel to us at Outland Entertainment,” says Editor in Chief Alana Joli Abbott, who also served as developmental editor on the novel. “The world is deeply steeped in mythologies from around the world, and the way they’re intertwined—especially in a metro area where I spent time as a young professional—really makes the whole setting feel fresh and unique. I love the vision, I love the characters, I love how we’re bringing back one of my favorite, and recently neglected, subgenres—and I’m so excited for readers to dive in!”
While still in pre-order, early reviews show V.L. is a burgeoning Detroit talent. “Barycz whisks together American and European folklore into a gumbo of murder mystery, political drama, and urban fantasy.” Publishers Weekly
In addition to the release date on July 1, a launch event is scheduled at Detroit’s Congregation coffee shop and community space on July 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:30. “The Congregation holds a special place in my heart because part of the book was developed sitting in their pews,” says V.L. “I hope my novel does justice to my home, because Detroit is a resilient, delightfully funky city filled with fiercely loyal and loving people.” To get an early look into Barycz’s inspiration for Brigitte’s Detroit and the world of the Pilgrims, visit Barycz’s Instagram.
A Promise of Sirens is available for pre-order in eBook and print versions at Outland Entertainment, Schuler Books, Road Less Traveled Books, Adventure Ink Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, or wherever books are sold.
V.L. Barycz became a writer when her elementary school convinced her that words were more constructive than fists. Since then, she's written for Foliate Oak Literary Magazine, Gravel Magazine, and Empty Sink Publishing. When not hoarding notebooks to write in, V.L. can be found somewhere in Detroit collecting the things people discard. A Promise of Sirens will be her debut novel.