I don't believe I've reviewed a book associated with a roleplaying game before. While I have played the traditional tabletop RPG, I've had plenty of experience with online and PC games in that vein, and quite enjoy them. However, I haven't ever been drawn to the numerous fantasy and scifi books that take inspiration from those games--either virtual or with a group of friends working with rule books and character sheets. Not that I think that they have less value than other stories or are of less quality, but simply because I'm not invested in those universes like the gamers might be, nor do I feel I would enjoy the stories as much since I don't have all the detailed insight actually playing the games gives to the backstory and worldbuilding.
Perhaps that's not an accurate expectation. That's just my experience so far. Your mileage may vary.
However, I recently read Death's Heretic, found myself enjoying it immensely, and wondered more about where it came from. To my surprise (something that might've been negated, had I paid more attention to the cover copy), I discovered this book is based on the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game universe, and the author, James L. Sutter, has written many of the gaming guides associated with that particular RPG.
Hey, cool. My expectations just got sneakily undermined by excellent writing, a fascinating character, and a solid fantasy-mystery plot. Who'da'thunkit?
Here's the rundown:
In the desert nation of Thuvia, a powerful merchant on the verge of achieving eternal youth via a magical elixir is mysteriously murdered, his soul kidnapped somewhere along its path to the afterlife. The only clue is a magical ransom note, offering to trade the merchant's successful resurrection for his dose of the fabled potion. But who would have the power to steal a soul from the boneyard of Death herself? Enter Salim, a warrior haunted by his past, who serves as a problem-solver for a church he hates, bound by the goddess of death to hunt down those who would rob her of her due. His keen mind and contacts throughout the multiverse should make solving this mystery a cinch. There's only one problem: The investigation is being financed by Neila Anvanory, the dead merchant's stubborn and aristocratic daughter. And she wants to go with him. Along with his uninvited passenger, Salim must unravel a web of intrigue that will lead them far from the blistering sands of Thuvia on a grand tour of the Outer Planes, where devils and angels rub shoulders with fey lords and mechanical men, and nothing is as it seems...
Salim is a marvelous character to be introduced to this universe through. His wide range of experience and deadly fighting skill let him forge his way through situations that many others would balk at. Neila is a great counterpoint, allowing Salim to educate her on the nature of the worlds along the way, yet she avoids falling into the trap of being nothing more than a pretty face for Salim to rescue every other chapter. Refreshing, that.
You can see some of the game design and roleplaying elements every so often, especially when you're being exposed to the panoply of creatures and beings that inhabit the various realms Salim escorts Neila (and the reader) through. Everything is highly structured, with numerous laws and themes governing each realm, and you get a sense of the universe the game designers have populated over the years.
This doesn't mean it's stale, or that you can "hear the dice rolling" during the fight scenes or anything. You hardly need to have played the game, or even heard about it (like in my case) to enjoy this story. Yes, there's a bit of the feeling that you're taking the scenic route in some spots, but it doesn't detract from the colorful variety of characters and emotional depth--plus the fact that you might bump into just about anything around any corner, and it likely won't be friendly.
I wouldn't label Death's Heretic as "high/epic fantasy," per se. The investigative church warrior, the satisfying action, the constant shift of loyalties and diplomatic maneuverings all combine into more of a fantasy whodunnit. With its intriguing protagonist, twisted magics, and unique environments, it's well worth discovering all this Pathfinder Tale this has to offer.
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