A review by kjm19
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner

adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.0

Godkiller is a great display of character driven fantasy that includes so many fun tropes and colourful characters. 

It is possibly the most diverse/inclusive set of core characters that I’ve come across in any novel, let alone a fantasy one, which was really refreshing. Several characters have disabilities that add depth and context to their lives and shows us just how possible it is to be inclusive in the fantasy genre. Authors, take note!

The characters are loveable, funny, and relatable. It’s great to see how relationships blossom between our core characters, I do admit that it happens rather fast, but it’s a fast pace story with high stakes. Of course they will form immediate bonds if they have to. 

There are convenient elements to the plot line, I must admit, like how quickly Skedi changes his mind about things and how his actions are forgiven etc. But fantasy is all about people coming together to join in one an epic adventure, and I feel that this was crafted very well. 

I see how the world is building for a sequel, and I am intrigued to see how the wider context, such as archivists and the role of the King, will play into the future plot. 

Kissen is one of my favourite protagonists of recent reads - she is bold in every way possible. Need I say more. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent, Murder, Sexual content, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Gore, War, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders

Godkiller is a great display of character driven fantasy that includes so many fun tropes and colourful characters. We are first introduced to Kissena (goes by the name of Kissen) when her family and their estate is burnt to the ground. Her father sacrifices himself to his lover Osidisen, a water god, to save her life. Montage! We are introduced to Inara, a young girl of noble birth who belongs to the House of Craier. She has this attachment/bond to a small God of white lies, Skediceth (who also becomes a POV character). Their bond is not understood and they wish to break it without killing each other so that they can live their separate lives. Inara has special abilities gifted to her, unwittingly, by Skediceth where she can see people’s true emotions in colour - pretty cool. She is sheltered (hidden away…) for reasons Inara is initially unaware of, and runs off to seek answers for herself and Skedi from none other than our favourite veiga. Ser Elogast completes the lineup of Godkiller’s POV characters and he is a baker who used to be a knight with a close fraternal bond with the now King Arren.