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chanlo1994's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Kissen is my favorite character of all of 2024 so far. Good job author for excellent characterization all around.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Classism, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, War, and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Confinement, and Toxic friendship
anamustacho's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The details make sense afterwards but sometimes the extra descriptions feel too much. I believe it also feels that way because of the suspense, the thrill.
I did not expect that turn of events. I hope book 3 will be out soon!
In het kort: als 2 honden vechten om een been dan loopt de 3de er mee heen
Thema: bloedvergiet, avontuur, diversiteit in persoonlijkheid en sexualiteit, gevloek, moord, afgoderij, politieke machtsstrijd
I did not expect that turn of events. I hope book 3 will be out soon!
In het kort: als 2 honden vechten om een been dan loopt de 3de er mee heen
Thema: bloedvergiet, avontuur, diversiteit in persoonlijkheid en sexualiteit, gevloek, moord, afgoderij, politieke machtsstrijd
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Cursing, Death, Murder, and War
Moderate: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Self harm, Alcohol, Murder, and Grief
skyfluff's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Blood, Child abuse, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Gore, Violence, Body horror, Fire/Fire injury, Police brutality, Torture, and War
hurricanetortillah's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty and Animal death
ofbooksandechos's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Murder, and Police brutality
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Grief
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The sequel to Hannah Kaner’s deliciously enchanting debut is just as breathtakingly action packed, well plotted and unputdownable as the first!
It follows immediately on from the explosive events of Godkiller, and sees Kissen, Elogast and Inara delve ever deeper into the world of gods, kings and the faith that powers both.
Having absolutely loved Godkiller (it was one of my favourite books of 2023) I was beyond excited to get my hands on an early copy of it’s sequel, Sunbringer — and trust me when I tell you that it’s even better than I had anticipated!
The depth we once again explore in our characters, particularly Kissen and Inara, was absolutely phenomenal! I loved the parallels between their situations (in their complex feelings surrounding grief, vengeance and the need to find closure and justice) and felt it really bonded them despite the physical distance they endure.
Kissen, who’s finally completed her life’s purpose has now begun to move past the anger that has fuelled her for soo long. By attempting to find a more pragmatic solution to solving her problems, and interacting with Gods in a less confrontational (or violent) way—choosing instead to protect the people she loves most.
I was a little worried Kissen’s new-found maturity would ruin the compelling aspect that made me love her soo much-mainly her gruff, standoffish nature and fiery tenacity. But instead, it only added a greater level of complexity to her decision making that (though slightly less impulsive) was still incredibly intriguing.
Inara, like Kissen, goes through some big changes herself, with an emotional journey that delves ever deeper into the lore of Gods —and uncovering the truth behind Inara’s unique abilities and connection to Skedi (the God of White Lies) that had me completely gripped.
If, like me, you adore well crafted world-building, then you’re gonna love the lush and vividly detailed descriptions that Kaner’s skillful prose brings to life.
Especially the descriptions of Lesscia, home of Kissen’s adoptive family Telle and Yatho (and the Kingdom’s centre of knowledge.) With an intrinsically strong connection to the kingdom’s history (and to it’s patron God, Scian) I enjoyed exploring the complex and contradictory nuances of faith, where Gods are still venerated just as much as they are vilified. And absolutely loved getting to meet more of them (besides just Skedi.)
Elogast’s transformation from reluctant knight (and baker) into a bonafide protector of the people was also really interesting to watch unfold. His arc is very political intrigue heavy and shaped by the complicated history he shares with the King (who we also get to explore as a POV character), but is instrumental in getting all of our main players into position for the third and final novel in the series.
Overall, an immersive and unputdownable second instalment that has me eager to see where book three will take us.
Also, a huge thank you Harper Voyager for the arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and War
Moderate: Ableism, Fire/Fire injury, and Animal cruelty
rambling_willow's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The story picks right up where Godkiller ended, continuing with the same feel as before, but then with new, bigger stakes. The story had begun to truly take its shape — things are about to happen!
But there are also a few differences compared to Godkiller that I didn't like as much. Although these things are rather unavoidable, I think it is fair to mention them. Where the main four characters spent most of their time together in Godkiller, they are more separated, resulting in the story hopping back and forth between plots. Because of that, I had to keep mentally switching and sometimes go even about thirty pages back to check what happened.
Another thing that made it harder to follow was the solid amount of side characters added to the story. I regret not noting them down, because of their fantasy names, it was hard to keep track of them.
(But on a positive note, there is also more of Telle and Yatho)
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Fire/Fire injury, and Ableism
Minor: Vomit
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