This was my first Mike Shel book. Aching God is the first book of the Iconoclasts Trilogy and a good introduction to his world. I struggled to continue through the first 150 pages as I felt I didn’t connect with the main character, Auric, I loved the premise of him though, as well as the personal demons he fights. The world building was good and developed well. There were also lengthy appendices at the end with definitions for everything. The plot was a wonderful zig zag and the main reason I made it to the end. This was an epic fantasy with high stakes abounding and even with my issues, I give this a 3/5. If you can make it through the slower beginning, it’s certainly worth a read.
**Spoilers Below**
This tale is told through the eyes of Auric, our main character. Living a retired life from the Syraeic League, and a former tanner’s son, his manor house is his sanctuary after having to bury his wife and son. Unfortunately, his only remaining family member, a daughter who also works for the League, calls him from retirement asking for help, but unclear on the manner of said help. When he finally reaches the Citadel, it’s to discover that his daughter has fallen ill after an ancient relic was unlocked on accident. An infection of sorts works through the League, killing many.
The lichter of the League begs him to join a group of League employees to return the relic to it’s former resting place. All who have studied it believe returning it may reprieve those afflicted in the city, including Auric’s daughter. He must return to a location know as the Barrowlands, which is also where his wife and the rest of his previous expedition were murdered. It’s a tall order, but he takes leadership and guides them true.
Set against impossible odds, from humans to gods to undead, six companions set off to save their world. The journey by boat was long and arduous. They even had to battle prates just to make it the Borrowlands island. They battle errant priests and manticores before they finally make it the temple itself. Once inside, they discover they must battle a god that was released from his cage on the previous expedition. I won’t ruin the ending for you, you will have to find it on your own.
