Book Review: The Whisper that Replaced God
A dark and melancholy fantasy novella from Timothy Wolff.
First of all, let me just say that The Whisper that Replaced God is a hell of a title for a book. Kudos on that. And now, having read it and fully understanding the reference, it still hits really hard but in a much more poignant way. And the cover is brilliant as well. What a way to draw you in. This continues my read-through of some of the SFINCS novellas, and The Whisper that Replaced God was a finalist in the second year’s contest!
Blurb
Murder is just, so long as it serves the crown.
Hidden behind a mask and with a dagger in his sheath, Mute serves the crown with pride. A fair life, if not a monotonous one. But his next contract nicks too close, for murder within a brothel is always nasty business, especially the one which Mute frequents. The brothel his Dorothy works, his Dorothy who awaits Mute and only Mute. Surely none would dare touch her, for if they did, royalty or not, they would fall to Lord Mute, the Silent God's chosen one. They would scream…
And not a sound would be heard.
Review
An excellent novella utterly dripping with style, The Whisper that Replaced God is an absolute must for dark fantasy fans. It’s really well-written, and I loved the tongue-in-cheek fourth-wall breaking moments. It’s written in the first person and goes all-in on a fireside storytelling style. Lord Mute was a great POV character and unreliable narrator with all his flaws, delusions, and melancholy.
The story strays somewhat into cosmic horror territory with the reality of the Silent God, and it there is enough mystery and intrigue and subtle world building here that it gets you fully immersed. I really enjoyed it.
Lord Mute is so very melancholy that you’d be forgiven for thinking the book would be somewhat dour, but there’s so much personality that it never feels dull. He lives a miserable life, and he rarely makes the best of it, simply resigned to being the king’s superpowered assassin. He’s also totally delusional and a creepy aristocrat. I loved the journey he went on, and the ending was a great setup for the rest of the series.
Overall, a great read with great worldbuilding and oozing with character. Highly recommended.
