Seven Days of Mercy for the Apostatic Priest (The Divine Heretic Book 1) by Z. Bennett Lorimer

Ages ago, the people of Hebdomar killed their creator. But Gods are ever restless, even in death.

In every generation, a child rises from the desert of Ohtahp, bearing within them the seed of creation itself. These “Eidolons” are called to complete a pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mahakalpe, a place to plant their Godling seed so it might take root and germinate among the faithful.

Dispatched by her Apostatic Priesthood, Ruxindra l’Maer sets out for the ancient walls of Mahakalpe on a mission to slay the latest Eidolon before the Syzygy of Avum, preventing the cycle of divine rebirth. Once she reaches the Holy City, however, she discovers preparations for a forbidden blood rite—a human sacrifice to accompany the Eidolon’s investment. The fell ritual reeks of eldritch arcana, and Ruxindra is not eager to see the two sorceries mix.

One thing is certain: the Eidolon must be destroyed. The last time the Godhead walked the mortal plane, every soul on the face of Hedomar bent to his implacable will. Never again. Ruxindra swore an oath to her priesthood, but Mahakalpe is home to Gods far crueler than creation, and this young Eidolon she is sworn to destroy might be the only power capable of preventing their release.

With only seven days until the syzygy aligns, the fate of Mahakalpe turns on the mercy of one Apostatic Priest.

"Readers of smart fantasy that balances the wondrous, the realistic, and the personal with moral and philosophical weight will be eager for more." - Publishers Weekly/BookLife, Editor's Pick