What a good damn book! I picked it up on a whim, after someone recommended it when asked for a dungeon crawler. There are certainly dungeons being crawled, but it makes up only a small part of the book. Nonetheless I recommend this book, as it's just good and a lot of fun. I liked the story, the world, the writing and the characters. The one thing I did not enjoy about the experience is that I was reckless and realized too late that this was only the first book of a so far unfinished trilogy. Curses.
It describes and vividly portrays the art and culture of an advanced civilisation in the stage of decay. Then it does some other things too.
The world building is done with efficiency and is carefully integrated into the development of the characters. The world itself seems vast with an unusual intake on a nation and carefully crafted political intrigue. There are some hints and reflections about language, culture and identity which I hope will go deeper in the sequels.
The characters are though what makes this books stand out. The main lead is a layered and complex character. Mike Shel must know what he is writing about because it almost seems like the character is based on someone real. In some cases, the family drama feels cheesy and out of place. That doesn't happen in this book.
The secondary characters are entirely fleshed out, which is …
This book is beautiful.
It describes and vividly portrays the art and culture of an advanced civilisation in the stage of decay. Then it does some other things too.
The world building is done with efficiency and is carefully integrated into the development of the characters. The world itself seems vast with an unusual intake on a nation and carefully crafted political intrigue. There are some hints and reflections about language, culture and identity which I hope will go deeper in the sequels.
The characters are though what makes this books stand out. The main lead is a layered and complex character. Mike Shel must know what he is writing about because it almost seems like the character is based on someone real. In some cases, the family drama feels cheesy and out of place. That doesn't happen in this book.
The secondary characters are entirely fleshed out, which is in itself an accomplishment. They don't serve as marionettes to push the plot around rather they are the ones who are moving it. Try not to get too attached to anyone.
The pace is just what it needs to be. It is not too fast, nor is it slow. You have enough time to partake in the sufferings of your favourite leads and intake all the horror of your surroundings.
As for the plot, this is a book that might stand alone. Although probably nobody would like that.
Overall, Aching God is a promising debut, with a hauntingly beautiful world, that will leave you wanting more.
