Sin Eater

Sin Eater is the sequel to 2018’s Aching God. Mike Shel carries us once again to the Hanifaxan Imperium and treats us to another dark and disturbing tale. Sin Eater keeps the stunning ambiance and atmosphere from the first novel and couples it with more complex characters and deeper world building. Every bit as readable and engaging as the first novel, pick this one up as soon as you can.

There is a lot to love about Sin Eater. For me, that begins with the setting. The Hanifaxan Imperium is a wonderful fantasy setting that tilts tropes just enough to become truly interesting. From a god of chaos who is worshiped widely to a mad queen whose every scene drips with creepiness the world shines because of the ambiance with which Shel is able to imbue it. We’re also given a much wider view of the world in this novel. In Aching God Auric Manteo was our sole viewpoint character. In the sequel, Shel continues giving us more of what we love with Auric, but also gives us chapters from his daughter, Agnes’, perspective as well as a few chapters from the perspective of an old man going by the name of Ush’oul. This serves to allow us a larger perspective on the world. The battles and fights are tense, tightly written. Shel writes disturbingly descriptive prose that creates vivid, sometimes grotesque, images. Violence is appropriately disturbing in his books, even more so when magic is involved. In addition, many of the questions we’re left with at the end of Aching God receive satisfying conclusions, or at least get fleshed out a great deal more. The characters themselves are also wonderful companions for this journey. In addition to Auric and Agnes, we meet Kennah, another Syraeic agent, as well as Chalca, a thespian thief, and Qeelb, a broken sorcerer. Sira Edjani also makes a return. I found the side characters to have extremely strong characterizations. I particularly enjoyed Chalca and Qeelb, partially for their banter, but also because each, in their own way, has a fascinating backstory that affects their current actions in profound ways. Chalca also reminds me a great deal of Sylvando from Dragon Quest XI—and that’s a wonderful thing. This one’s worth reading for the characters alone. Not only does Shel craft some wonderful characters, but he sets down a plot that grows truly epic by the end of the novel. The ending is incredibly satisfying while leaving enough questions to ensure that the trilogy’s final volume will be every bit as exciting as the first two entries.

There are a few things that didn’t entirely work for me. There were a couple moments in the first forty percent where things felt like they might have been able to be tightened up a little more. Because much of the action in the first half takes place in one geographical location, it feels a little bit like the plot doesn’t start moving along until the characters start traveling. This isn’t entirely accurate, but the feeling exists. There was still enough to hold my attention during that section of the novel and keep the pages turning, but it is worth noting that the story perhaps feels slower than it truly is during the first half. Also, there is an attempted sexual assault in this novel, which for some may cause pause.

Shel has given us a gem in Sin Eater. Wonderful ambiance, delightful characters, and a plot that expands to become authentically epic all combine for a splendid and satisfying read. Those who enjoyed Aching God will not be disappointed!

9/10

4.5/5 stars.

5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing