NICHOLAS ETERNAL

In the first installment in Conrey’s Wayward Saviors contemporary fantasy saga, an immortal, after centuries of existence, struggles to find meaning in his life.

Although Nicholas Theodoulos is considered a heroic figure by any standard—having saved countless children from bad situations over the last 16 centuries—he’s also a deeply flawed alcoholic who pushes those who love him away: “Time had slowly entombed his heart, layer after layer, century after century, until a sepulcher stood where a man should be.” However, when he meets Noory Abramson, a manager of an Atlanta shelter for the houseless whose life’s mission is to change the lives of children in seemingly hopeless situations, he finds a kindred spirit. Together with his friend John—who’s Noory’s adoptive father—the group uncovers a conspiracy involving an ancient device that could either bring about a new utopia or create a hell on Earth. All three characters, it turns out, are iconic Christian figures: Theodoulos is St. Nicholas, John is Jesus’ beloved disciple, and Noory is the grandniece of Jesus. Although the storyline contains a few improbable plot turns, there are many impressive narrative features at play in this highly palatable blend of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and Christian mythology. First and foremost is the courageous and audacious way in which the author reimagines the St. Nicholas myth. The diverse cast of characters—which includes a demon named Damascus and Father Roy, the spirit of a priest whose work on Earth is unfinished—will impress fans of paranormal fantasy sagas such as Kim Harrison’s Hollows series, as the potential for future storylines seems virtually limitless. Serious issues are explored with insight and sensitivity, including alcoholism, houselessness, and child advocacy. Still, the overall tone of the story maintains a welcome witty and lighthearted edge; at one point, for instance, Noory describes the plot as “antichrist crazy shit!”

An absorbing, character-driven paranormal tale that holds promise for future series entries.