The Man of Legends

Science fiction television creator Johnson (Alien Nation) tries his hand at urban fantasy in this uneven novel about a man who has lived for millennia. The story opens with what seems to be a chase through history: Will flees from priests in 1248, only to step through a door into a saloon in 1859, then bolt outside into 1930s Chicago, where he is mortally wounded. This exciting start turns out to have been a dream that Will is having while dozing on a subway in New York City, where New Year’s Day, 2001, is fast approaching. The early fast pace is lost as Will’s life intersects those of many others, including journalist Jillian Guthrie, vagrant Eleanor Edgerton, and aging music star Chuck Weston. After introducing these and other supporting characters, Johnson lets most of them fade into the background and focuses on Will’s lengthy backstory and his pursuit by Father Paul St. Jacques (a special papal agent) and a mysterious figure. There is some interesting material here, but it feels overstretched, and the climax and denouement are a bit trite. Agent: Italia Gandolfo, Galdolfo Helin & Fountain Literary. (July)