The temples of the Forgefather have fallen. The clerics and defenders that could once be found across the nine lands are no more. Priests huddle in the great temple, clinging to the echoes of their lost religion. But the Father has fallen silent. There are none who still hear his voice.
The mines of Aspiration lie far below the temple’s marble halls. Slaves toil in the blackness, striving to earn their way into the church and the light. Wynn has been sold into this fate, traded for a handful of silver. In the depths of the mines, where none dare carry flame, he must meet his tally or die. But there are things that lurk in that darkness, and still darker things within the hearts of men.
Faithless is one of the best fantasy books I’ve read in 2017, which considering I’ve read The Dark Tower and Legend is some statement. I first came across the book in a less than complimentary review I read on Facebook. I commented that the review actually made me want buy the book, and then decided to act on my words and buy it. I’m glad I did.
It’s a dark story, both figuratively and literally. I don’t want to give too much away but for me one of the things that made Faithless stand out is the setting. The whole book is set in a tight geographical area covering a temple, an underground city and series of mines. There are a few moments of natural light but most of the book is set in darkness and it makes for a wonderfully claustrophobic feel. This is one book where the setting is almost the main character in the story, (I always like books like this, one of my favourites is The Hound of the Baskervilles), and here the setting influences and pervades everything. It is a great example of imaginative and thoughtful world building, and must have taken some doing.
Faithless is well written and well constructed, with twists and surprises and a great ending. It’s also a little creepy, occasionally scary and not a little disturbing in parts. If you are looking for something a bit different in your fantasy then this is for you.
Martin Swinford Books 