Who Would Like This Book:
If you love your epic fantasy with a dark, mature twist, "Aching God" is a must-read. Shel weaves together deep worldbuilding, flawed yet relatable characters, and a tense, dread-filled atmosphere reminiscent of classic dungeon delves with a dash of Lovecraftian horror. The protagonist is refreshingly older and burdened with realistic trauma, making the psychological aspects hit home. This one’s perfect for fans of D&D, horror-fantasy mashups, or those who appreciate character-driven stories with emotional depth and consequences.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers may find the grim atmosphere a bit heavy or miss the brighter, more hopeful tone typically found in traditional fantasy. The story’s pacing, though generally strong, can sometimes feel methodical or even reminiscent of a tabletop RPG campaign, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Also, a few felt that the ending didn't fully deliver on the epic buildup, leaving them wanting a more satisfying payoff. If you prefer fast-paced, lighthearted adventures or need a neat conclusion, this might not quite hit the mark.
About:
Aching God by Mike Shel follows an aging adventurer, Auric Manteo, who is reluctantly pulled back into a dangerous quest when his daughter falls ill from a mysterious plague caused by an ancient idol. The story is a blend of horror and fantasy, rich in world-building and character development, with a focus on post-traumatic stress and the consequences of past actions. Shel's writing style intricately weaves together elements of suspense, dread, and intricate world-building, creating a dark and deteriorating world filled with malevolence, madness, and magic.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of trauma, violence, horror elements, and disturbing imagery.
From The Publisher:
"CLOSER, MORTAL. YOU ARE HERE, FINALLY, TO FEED THE ACHING GOD…"
The days of adventure are passed for Auric Manteo. Retired to the countryside and isolated with his scars and riches, he no longer delves into forbidden ruins seeking dark wisdom and treasure. But just as old nightmares begin plaguing his sleep, he receives an urgent summons back to that old life.
To save his only daughter, he must return to the place of his greatest trauma: the haunted Barrowlands. Along with a group of inexperienced companions and an old soldier, he must confront the dangers of the ancient and wicked Djao civilization. He has survived fell beasts, insidious traps, and deadly hazards before. But how can he contend with the malice of a bloodthirsty living god?
First volume in the dark fantasy Iconoclasts trilogy, Aching God is the debut novel by RPG adventure designer Mike Shel.
Ratings (11)
Incredible (3) | |
Loved It (3) | |
Liked It (3) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (45):
Read It (11) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (26) | |
Not Interested (7) |
1 comment(s)
What a beautifully ugly world you’ve written.
Thanks Mike, very enjoyable.
What can you read after
Aching God?
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