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anitaxlit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
I don't know where to start reviewing this novel. It was that good.
Perhaps I should begin by stating that The God Eaters is *dark*. It's definitely one of the reasons why I liked it so much, but I do suggest looking at the TW list if you're apprehensive or have any triggers. And I will also say that, despite it's darkness, there is also hope in this story, and a lot of it is tied to the character's queer relationship. Joy in queerness makes me very soft. And not only that, but it's joy in queerness in a fantasy book. My heart soars.Allow me to direct you to T.J. Klune's article for further gushing on this novel's gay representation (it has spoilers so proceed at your own risk): https://www.tor.com/2020/05/06/queer-happily-ever-afters-in-the-god-eaters-by-jesse-hajicek/comment-page-1/
The God Eaters is written in a vibrant style that absorbed me completely: I could see the scenery crystal clear in my mind, and I felt the dust of the desert in my skin and the squelching of mud in my boots. The first half (perhaps two thirds?) was mostly character-driven and it pulled me in instantly — I love a character-driven narrative. Kieran and Ash are both complex characters with interesting (and in Kieran's case, very traumatic) backstories. Their dynamic was beautifully constructed, Hajicek knows how to write clever dialogue and how to build his characters through their interactions. I confess my favorite moments were those in which they looked at each others' moments of weakness or cruelty with dislike or even contempt, none of that "they're perfect in my eyes". They are both deeply flawed and at times unkind toward one another, which makes them all the more human. The second half (or last third?) of the book focused more on the plot and it was intriguing and made me repeatedly punch the air and cheer for the characters.
The worldbuilding is *exquisite* and skilfully written. This world is incredibly rich: it spans different geographical regions, each with its own far-reaching history and complex societal issues of colonialism, racism and religion. It draws from the history of genocide and oppresion of the Indigenous peoples of America at the hands of European colonisers and the area in which most of the action takes place gives an "Old West" vibe (but with magic, so better). These ties to reality helped me become more immersed in the story, as my own (admittedly limited) knowledge and cultural perceptions added to the atmosphere.
The author manages to create this universe while following only two characters who are barely in touch with anyone else for most of the book. How? How!? I'm still in awe. No long descriptive paragraphs either! From the beginning, Hajicek writes little hints here and there, leaving out any explanation whatsoever in a move that should create a lot of confusion in the reader but doesn't. He gives you just enough to follow the plot, and by the end you realise those little seeds of information have flourished into something wide and intricate. This won't work for everyone, obviously, I understand some readers prefer to have a clearer picture of the literary universe they are diving in, but if you can find it in yourself to trust the author blindly I promise you won't be disappointed.
This book deserves not just one sequel, but a full-on seven-volume saga on Kieran and Ash's adventures, and maybe prequels to tell the gods' stories, and a spin-off about Chaiel. Still, The God Eaters is so fantastic, I enjoyed it so much, I don't feel bitter that the author didn't write more to expand this world — it will stay with me for a long time anyway.
Perhaps I should begin by stating that The God Eaters is *dark*. It's definitely one of the reasons why I liked it so much, but I do suggest looking at the TW list if you're apprehensive or have any triggers. And I will also say that, despite it's darkness, there is also hope in this story, and a lot of it is tied to the character's queer relationship. Joy in queerness makes me very soft. And not only that, but it's joy in queerness in a fantasy book. My heart soars.
The God Eaters is written in a vibrant style that absorbed me completely: I could see the scenery crystal clear in my mind, and I felt the dust of the desert in my skin and the squelching of mud in my boots. The first half (perhaps two thirds?) was mostly character-driven and it pulled me in instantly — I love a character-driven narrative. Kieran and Ash are both complex characters with interesting (and in Kieran's case, very traumatic) backstories. Their dynamic was beautifully constructed, Hajicek knows how to write clever dialogue and how to build his characters through their interactions. I confess my favorite moments were those in which they looked at each others' moments of weakness or cruelty with dislike or even contempt, none of that "they're perfect in my eyes". They are both deeply flawed and at times unkind toward one another, which makes them all the more human. The second half (or last third?) of the book focused more on the plot and it was intriguing and made me repeatedly punch the air and cheer for the characters.
The worldbuilding is *exquisite* and skilfully written. This world is incredibly rich: it spans different geographical regions, each with its own far-reaching history and complex societal issues of colonialism, racism and religion. It draws from the history of genocide and oppresion of the Indigenous peoples of America at the hands of European colonisers and the area in which most of the action takes place gives an "Old West" vibe (but with magic, so better). These ties to reality helped me become more immersed in the story, as my own (admittedly limited) knowledge and cultural perceptions added to the atmosphere.
The author manages to create this universe while following only two characters who are barely in touch with anyone else for most of the book. How? How!? I'm still in awe. No long descriptive paragraphs either! From the beginning, Hajicek writes little hints here and there, leaving out any explanation whatsoever in a move that should create a lot of confusion in the reader but doesn't. He gives you just enough to follow the plot, and by the end you realise those little seeds of information have flourished into something wide and intricate. This won't work for everyone, obviously, I understand some readers prefer to have a clearer picture of the literary universe they are diving in, but if you can find it in yourself to trust the author blindly I promise you won't be disappointed.
This book deserves not just one sequel, but a full-on seven-volume saga on Kieran and Ash's adventures, and maybe prequels to tell the gods' stories, and a spin-off about Chaiel. Still, The God Eaters is so fantastic, I enjoyed it so much, I don't feel bitter that the author didn't write more to expand this world — it will stay with me for a long time anyway.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Addiction, and Drug use
Minor: Animal death and Cannibalism
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