Sin Eater by Mike Shel (Iconoclasts #2)

When watching “The Wizard of Oz,” have you ever wished Dorothy was a Holy BladesWoman and that she was heading off to kill an evil trickster deity rather than visiting a wizard? I have a book for you if that’s the case! With his second book, Sin Eater, Mike Shel continues his, uh, legendary Iconoclasts trilogy. This outstanding sequel to SPFBO4 finalist Aching God tackles inner fears, external terrors, and broadens the world’s lore more than I could have ever dreamed.

Sin Eater is a steady and satisfying build over the course of its length, much like its predecessor Aching God. Our long-suffering friend Auric, his estranged daughter Agnes, and an enigmatic but wise old man with a complicated past and numerous identities all take turns telling the story from different points of view. In order to complete a task from which no one will likely return, Auric, Agnes, and a few other old and new companions are dispatched on a mission they can’t refuse. The god of deceit has departed the Pantheon, and his followers have been spreading destruction, murder, assault, and poison throughout the developed world while the world descends into anarchy. Nothing is secure, so action needs to be taken.

Shel enriches the narrative and fully develops his characters by incorporating a variety of minute nuances and delicate touches of description. I liked how he took his time with the reader, letting us learn about the routines, aspirations, and worries of our expanding ensemble. There is a specific instance where “Agnes hugged herself against Chalca and tipped her head into his shoulder. She spoke after some time had passed. This is a silent time without words, yet the affection between these two is visible in their body language: he ruffles her hair to put her to sleep at night, or she leans into him after telling a harrowing tale. I found it interesting to read these physical, wordless responses to particular circumstances. They felt honest and real, and I’m glad dialogue wasn’t leaned on to portray these scenes.

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The plot revolves around a larger mystery that gets more complicated as Auric and Agnes get closer to its origin. I had no idea that the answers it provided would not only provide a satisfying conclusion to this story, but also so, so many other questions. It is up to the reader to decide whether Shel’s fascinating perspective on religion should be interpreted as a critique on our own culture. Even still, it’s worth reflecting on since when all is revealed, it comes as quite a shock.

Sin Eater is both a voyage into the heart of an old mountain and a journey into understanding the worries we all harbour. There are a lot of stories-within-stories going on here, and Shel’s skill in weaving their underlying ideas into the main thread of the Iconoclasts tapestry is evident. The only thing that could have been done better, in my opinion, is for us to learn more about the lives of some of the supporting characters. Although their histories are sketched out for us, it would have been fascinating to see Qeelb, Chalca, and one or two other characters get the “Sin Eater treatment.” However, Sin Eater further establishes Shel as one of the most promising up-and-coming fantasy authors, and I can’t wait to see what horrors and lunacy he’ll be subjecting his readers to next.