Meet Adam. Actually, his name was originally something like Urrr but he’s going by Adam when we meet him, hungover and stuck behind a futon. You pictured a mysterious guy cleverly hiding a katana under a trench coat? Sorry to disappoint, but Adam’s just an average looking guy who drinks too much and occasionally remembers the good old days when fire was the latest invention. Unfortunately for Adam, it’s a lot harder to disappear in this modern world and scientists, cultists, and various mythological/supernatural others are tracking him down while he pursues an elusive woman who might also be immortal. Just like The Highlander franchise, present day action mixes with Adam’s memories of ancient times in these adventures.

The supernatural element is always a big part of the story but at the same time it’s very low key. After all, the non humans are doing their best to blend in and there weren’t many of them to start with. Sometimes other races are introduced first in flashbacks and then end up being key players at the end but some are just mentioned casually as being extinct. They fit seamlessly into the world building. There’s no magic and there aren’t any gods although Adam himself was occasionally mistaken for one. Myths and legends actually make more sense after Doucette weaves Adam’s past into them. 

Throughout Adam’s misadventures both past and present he seeks a mysterious woman that he catches a glimpse of every few hundred years. They’ve never spoken as far as he knows but he’s certain that she’s as immortal as he is. It’s hard to have meaningful relationships when you’ll outlive everyone you meet. Unfortunately, one of the few things he learns about her is that he somehow wronged her and she may never forgive him.

This is a surprisingly good series that just gets better as it goes along. It may have copied the basic formula of the Highlander franchise but the world building and plots are more developed.  It’s also irreverent, sarcastic, and involves a lot more alcohol. In some ways it also takes itself more seriously because Doucette clearly studied the myths and history. Others clearly agree because all of the books in the series, plus a bonus series of novellas about Adam’s historic adventures, are all rated at 4.5 stars. Steve Carlson’s narration was also highly rated on Audible.