Alexey Pekhov "Guardian"

A world that resembles medieval Italy is depicted in this story. In this world, there are inquisitors who face real demons and have divine powers. Real witches congregate for the Sabbath, while guards roam around to remain neutral and do their job. After death, a person's soul doesn't immediately go to heaven; it can stay on earth. Harmless ghosts may not pose a danger, but sometimes a soul can be reborn into an evil creature capable of harming and even killing ordinary people. These evil creatures are invisible to ordinary people, but only guardians have the ability to see and resist them.

The main character wanders around the country and fulfills his duty, which is to save people from problems caused by dark souls. The hero's abilities are not limited to mere battles with evil entities; mysterious things are happening in the world, and intrigues are woven as each side pursues its interests. Despite his considerable abilities, the hero is inconvenient because he has his own opinion on everything. So he has to constantly perform the most dangerous tasks in his wanderings.

The hero doesn't have any outstanding fighting qualities against ordinary people; he simply wields weapons fairly well. His magical abilities are aimed at confronting dark souls and cannot be used against enemies in the real world. The hero encounters far more dangerous things than dark souls in his travels.

In contrast to the calm and phlegmatic hero, he is accompanied by companions whom only he can see. This is not schizophrenia; it is simply that he is accompanied by light and dark souls. If a bright soul, who was a priest during life, performs a more decorative function, then a dark soul, possessed by a garden scarecrow, is capable of much. Only her peculiar attitude towards the hero allows them to travel together.

The plot is reminiscent of Sapkowski's The Witcher. It is a collection of practically unrelated stories from the life of a wandering guard. However, in parallel, a picture emerges related to the history of the emergence of the Order of Guardians.

Definitely worth reading

The world of medieval Italy with real witches and the Inquisition

Neutral Order of Guardians as another faction

An adult hero with a mature character, not overly strong but at the same time capable of solving problems that arise

Soul companions don’t let you get bored

The detective plot is diluted with various adventures of the hero