Between the Rivers

Between the Rivers is a science fiction story by Harry Turtledove about a land where the cities and regions are ruled by their own gods. In the city of Gibil, however; the god Engibil has gotten lazy and does not monitor his city. As such the inhabitants have developed technology and have started to lose respect for Engibil and his power. The other gods have gotten angry at Gibil for an unknown reason, and started to refuse to trade with Gibil.

A merchant, Sharur, must travel to find out why the gods are angry and try to solve the problem. Along the way, he encounters friends and enemies and is always trying to convince people that the gods are unneccesary.