Yes, there really can be only one.

3. Sabbath – Nick Mamatas

Like a knockoff Highlander, Hexen Sabbath has a cool name and a lady helping him through the modern world in addition to some knowledge drop from an angel into his 11th century head. What he does not have is an original plot to hang out in. The seven deadly sins are brought up frequently enough, Supernatural did them in with one episode, they were more dingy in the 1990s, and I did not find Sabbath had enough charisma or punch with his “I don’t die today because it’s not the right day, but maybe I do” thing.

I also had high hopes for the art gallery owner, but was disappointed that the show she’s trying to push was just a bullshit show even she knows is bullshit. Blank canvases? But you have her identifying 11th century crosses seconds earlier. Why doesn’t she have a show she really believes in? Wouldn’t that maybe make her more of a person who would be helpful and a solid lady character? Instead, there’s a drop-in angel who then peaces out and the gallery owner’s sometime hook up who at least knows some theology, but is also pretty one note…not unlike the choices for the sins, even if one is an obvious and disturbing political allegory for someone I’d like to stop reading about (not the author’s fault, just, it’s so now and so UGH).

The best parts really were the fight scenes. They were nicely choreographed and at least gave me something I’m not used to reading for a while and don’t have to take as fun on faith. If I can’t have a heroine who is both a forensic scientist and expert in metallurgy (or someone similarly informed), then I’ll take clangy and snazzy fight scenes.

I wanted this to be much more fun than it was. Carrying around a bag of heads should be more fun.

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When Thorfinnur gets up from his nap, he’ll be ready to take on the other six deadly sins, forge some swords, and experience the quickening.