Struggle for influence – pre-release review of the book “God’s Name”

Two doctors in trouble

In the city of Aazh, which is the capital of the Empire and covers half a continent, many powerful forces that rule the city are fighting for increasing influence. The church college, the Emperor, spies and thieves guilds – they all play various games in palaces, temples and in the dark tunnels of Aazh Sub-city. In addition, two young doctors, Ethon and Lheiam, conduct forbidden studies under the supervision of their master and his secret principals. They are close to a discovery that could change the fate of the city, and even the entire continent. It doesn’t take long for them to find themselves in the middle of a dangerous plot.

A rich world and full-fledged heroes

Michał Dąbrowski in the book The Name of Godmanaged to create a diverse world, the description of which is very detailed. The capital of the Empire is full of all kinds of locations and people of many classes. We watch their lives unfold in the streets of Aazh. Street traders offer their goods, and preachers try to convert the population and make them believe in the one righteous God. We meet young adepts of medicine – Ethon and Lheiam in one of the city taverns. The heroes try hard to drink a beer in peace. This task is not the easiest one, due to the crowds and quite frivolous behavior of some customers, so the gentlemen decide to leave the premises. After a while (and meeting a flying cat begging for food), the friends part ways. In addition to attending lectures, the content of which they already know by heart, home visits to patients, they conduct illegal autopsies, trying to find the causes of a disease called hemorrhage. After much exhaustive research, it seems Ethon is finally achieving success. At the same time, a group of spies from Tirean arrives in the capital with their own intrigues to pursue. Let’s add a hooded gentleman who is trying at all costs to fulfill God’s will, and it will be even more interesting! When all of the aforementioned units meet, various events take place with far-reaching consequences. and it will be even more interesting! When all of the aforementioned units meet, various events take place with far-reaching consequences. and it will be even more interesting! When all of the aforementioned units meet, various events take place with far-reaching consequences.

We observe the action of the novel from the perspective of several characters. In addition to rich descriptions of the world around them, we get to know their thoughts and feelings in depth. Each character has their own demons from the past, which can be recognized in their actual actions. Despite this, the heroes try to achieve their goals at all costs. The book was very well balanced when it comes to building both the character’s character and the set design. There are also situations full of tension and fast-paced action. Due to the quite light style of the author, the reader does not feel that the book is almost 700 pages long. The pages seem to turn over by themselves.

Summary

Michał Dąbrowski’s debut turned out to be one of the most interesting fantasy books I read this year. The author managed to build a living and, above all, diverse world inhabited by equally interesting heroes. The events in the pages of the novel are followed like an addictive series. I am glad that with the tremendous prime ministers in the book, God’s Name reclaimed my attention.