Shadow of a Dead God (Mennik Thorn #1) by Patrick Samphire

SPFBO6 SPFBO Finalist

A dead god. A brutal murder. A second-rate mage. It was only supposed to be one little job – a simple curse-breaking for Mennik Thorn to pay back a favor to his oldest friend. But then it all blew up in his face. Now he's been framed for a murder he didn't commit. So how is a second-rate mage, broke, traumatized, and with a habit of annoying the wrong people supposed to prove his innocence when everyone believes he's guilty? Mennik has no choice if he wants to get out of this: he is going to have to throw himself into the corrupt world of the city’s high mages, a world he fled years ago. Faced by supernatural beasts, the mage-killing Ash Guard, and a ruthless, unknown adversary, it’s going to take every trick Mennik can summon just to keep him and his friend alive. But a new, dark power is rising in Agatos, and all that stands in its way is one damaged mage…

Adult • Fantasy • Fantasy/Comic Fantasy

kevinscorner book blogger

Shadow of a Dead God has strong Dresden Files vibes, but as a flintlock fantasy rather than an urban fantasy. Mennik “Nik” Thorn reminded me so much of Harry Dresden actually, not only in his mage-for-hire status, but also his wit, dry humor, and down-in-the-dumps attitude.

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SKaeth author

A fantasy-mystery with intriguing magicbuilding/worldbuilding, and a gripping ending.