The Whisper that Replaced God by Timothy Wolff

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:

Overview

I remember the day this book launched. The title and cover really intrigued me, the positive reviews pushed it onto my TBR. And there it lay like so many others until sometime last month. I had just finished reading The Brothers Karamazov, and wanted to read something quick and short. Also, something that could help me progress with r/Fantasy’s bingo card. 

And, this novella ended up being what I picked up. I ended up reading this and its sequel back-to-back in just 4 days! So, is The Whisper That Replaced God that good? Yes.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

What I liked:

What in Lepock’s name did I just read!? I mean, seriously, how do you write a story with such an unlikeable protagonist and then make me root for this vile person? Seriously, if there’s one thing that made me stick to this book, it’s Lord Mute. Wolff’s writing is stellar, and his realization of this bizarre character really makes this story a wonderfully odd experience. 

Wolff dumps you straight in the middle of an assassination attempt, telling you this story through the twisted mind of Lord Mute. He’s an assassin gifted with the power of silence, something that might seem like an odd choice for a magic system, but just wait till you read it in action. Just beautiful. Lord Mute is a very narcissistic misanthrope who is clearly in need of therapy. Except, this is a fantasy world, so what you get instead is gods, cults, politicking and lots of unhealthy actions leading to entertaining scenarios. 

The plot, I will say, isn’t all that much. In fact, it can get a bit confusing if you’re not paying attention. But that’s not the point. This is a character-focused book, and everything that transpires remains true to Lord Mute’s strange perspective. Even that moment where Lepock makes an appearance was just… brilliantly haunting. But what I particularly loved about the absurdist elements of this novella were Mute’s dreams featuring his mother. Now those were some really emotional gut punches that made me pause and ponder. 

And the ending? I did find the end a little abrupt, but it was very much fitting, given Mute’s journey. This was originally supposed to have been a stand-alone, so the ending did make sense. But, even from the perspective that a sequel is now out, the ending still fits.

Also, there was a nod to ‘Pleasant Reads’ that made me laugh out loud and slow clap. I love meta humor like this. This might not be a masterpiece or the best book you read this year, month or week. But it is a damn addictive book that’ll hold you captive with its charming voice and twisted imagination. Seriously, I only took 3 days to read this novella because I didn’t have enough time on day 1, and I didn’t read anything on day 2. In all honesty, this is one of those stories that’ll glue your eyes to the pages and before you know it… the end! 

What I didn’t like:

I didn’t have any major problems with the novella, per se. Yes, I did find the whole plot with the brother scheming to kill Lord Mute, as well as all the backstabbing and politicking a little confusing. I think that’s because I wasn’t fully invested in the kingdom’s doings as much as I was in Lord Mute, the individual. And Mute’s apathy towards the kingdom made it hard to care for his political wins. 

Also, none of the secondary characters stood out to me. But other than that, no complaints really. 

Conclusion:

Strangely charming with an imaginative power, Lord Mute’s rich, dark, & witty quest is sure to entertain you. Timothy Wolff's writing is just marvellous.

TL;DR:

WHAT I LIKED: Wolff’s writing style, unreliable narrator, Lord Mute, magic system

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: Sometimes the plot was a tad confusing, secondary characters