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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
(3.5 / 5)
“Godkiller” is a gritty fantasy world full of the horrors of tangible gods and the lengths that both gods and people will go to to survive. Since I love the podcasts “The Silt Verses” and “The Magnus Archives,” I was pretty intrigued by the setting and premise.
I think what may put off readers is that most of this story is about surviving the journey to the destination. I personally didn’t mind it as I find travel to be part of a setting, plus it gives characters time to get to know each other and uncover each other’s secrets. What was most interesting to me was the relationship to the gods, showing why that relationship can be beneficial and the ways in which that connection can be corrupted by either the gods or the people. It takes interesting questions of morality and applies them to both gods and mortals.
There were a few places where this book fell a bit short for me. One was. I also feel lukewarm about the ending. I think part of it is that
However, what made me round up instead of round down for my rating was the setting, concept, and the representation that is integrated throughout the story and is normalized in this world. We have a variety of LGBTQ+ representation, an array of physical and mental disabilities and accommodations, a variety of body types across characters, and full conversations in sign language!
It’s overall enough to make me interested in continuing to read the series, which is a big plus in my book!
“Godkiller” is a gritty fantasy world full of the horrors of tangible gods and the lengths that both gods and people will go to to survive. Since I love the podcasts “The Silt Verses” and “The Magnus Archives,” I was pretty intrigued by the setting and premise.
I think what may put off readers is that most of this story is about surviving the journey to the destination. I personally didn’t mind it as I find travel to be part of a setting, plus it gives characters time to get to know each other and uncover each other’s secrets. What was most interesting to me was the relationship to the gods, showing why that relationship can be beneficial and the ways in which that connection can be corrupted by either the gods or the people. It takes interesting questions of morality and applies them to both gods and mortals.
There were a few places where this book fell a bit short for me. One was
Spoiler
Kissen and Elogast’s relationship. The relationship felt a bit typical and the sex scene forced, as if adding it for the sake of having a sex scene (though I really appreciated the communication during that scene). The narration also had moments of “omg is Kissen blushing??” which didn’t really help with that eitherSpoiler
the importance of travel was trivialized by how King Arren simply appeared in Blenhaven. Yes, that can be attributed to the power of the fire god, Hseth, or an indicator of Arren’s power growth in pursuit of godhood, but it still undercut the importance of the journey undertaken by the main characters. I also go back and forth on King Arren’s secret villainy. I like the question of “at what point does the reverence of a man turn him into a worshipped god?” And I liked the foreshadowing with all of the altars and tributes to gods being changed out for tributes to Arren. But there was something… missing to it? Maybe the switch between beloved Arren and evil Arren was too sudden for me? I don't know. I also think the fight between Kissen and Hseth felt a bit off because of how major deities are described as needing legions of people to take them down, so Hseth felt oddly underpowered when fighting Kissen.Spoiler
However, what made me round up instead of round down for my rating was the setting, concept, and the representation that is integrated throughout the story and is normalized in this world. We have a variety of LGBTQ+ representation, an array of physical and mental disabilities and accommodations, a variety of body types across characters, and full conversations in sign language!
It’s overall enough to make me interested in continuing to read the series, which is a big plus in my book!
medium-paced
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Better concept than execution
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
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
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4.5 rounded up to 5.
My sentiments as I finished this book were "hell yeah" and "when can I pick up the next book?". Though the first 100 pages were a little slow, things picked up quickly after that and now I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Wanting the pace to be faster in the beginning is a matter of taste, so I've retained almost all 5 stars for my overall rating. All of the characters are nuanced and lovable (and hate-able at times), the system of gods is unique, and the ending and setup for the next book were thoughtful and perfectly executed.
I really liked the normalized inclusion of characters who are LGBTQ and/or disabled. Whatever feeling token representation gives me, this is the opposite and I love it.
Honestly, if I had any issues with this book aside from the beginning, I've forgotten them because I am officially obsessed with this world. If you like fantasy, you'll definitely love this book.
My sentiments as I finished this book were "hell yeah" and "when can I pick up the next book?". Though the first 100 pages were a little slow, things picked up quickly after that and now I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Wanting the pace to be faster in the beginning is a matter of taste, so I've retained almost all 5 stars for my overall rating. All of the characters are nuanced and lovable (and hate-able at times), the system of gods is unique, and the ending and setup for the next book were thoughtful and perfectly executed.
I really liked the normalized inclusion of characters who are LGBTQ and/or disabled. Whatever feeling token representation gives me, this is the opposite and I love it.
Honestly, if I had any issues with this book aside from the beginning, I've forgotten them because I am officially obsessed with this world. If you like fantasy, you'll definitely love this book.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
There were some elements and quotes that I absolutely loved. I've been in a slump, so I did miss some details unfortunately.
adventurous
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