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A review by miles
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
An absolute banger of a debut novel and first installment in what is likely to be a very exciting new fantasy series with wonderful characters and brilliant world-building.
The novel is written in alternating POV chapters between the four main characters: Kissen, a godkiller and badass extraordinaire who doesn't take shit from anyone; Elogast, a knight turned baker with a fierce and loyal love towards his king and friend; Inara, a young noble who has been dealt a terrible hand in life and is seeking aid; and Skediceth, a shrine-less god who happens to be bound to Inara though neither of them know or understand why. Their paths eventually cross and they set out on a pilgrim together, each for reasons of their own. As often happens when people are stuck together for a prolonged amount of time, they learn to care for and about each other, living and fighting together.
There is much story left to be told since this is only just the beginning, and I cannot wait to see where Kaner takes these amazing characters, but so far it's been an absolute joy. Each character has their flaws and moments that make you want to scream at them and kick them, but that's the fun of a well-rounded, well-written character. I have become fiercely attached to all of them. The gods themselves and the way their powers work in Kaner's world is certainly a fascinating one and I, for one, adore that many of the gods, Skedi included, are a whacky mix of animal parts thrown together - exactly the kind of biblically accurate stuff I love to see.
I am incredibly excited for the next installment of this series!
The novel is written in alternating POV chapters between the four main characters: Kissen, a godkiller and badass extraordinaire who doesn't take shit from anyone; Elogast, a knight turned baker with a fierce and loyal love towards his king and friend; Inara, a young noble who has been dealt a terrible hand in life and is seeking aid; and Skediceth, a shrine-less god who happens to be bound to Inara though neither of them know or understand why. Their paths eventually cross and they set out on a pilgrim together, each for reasons of their own. As often happens when people are stuck together for a prolonged amount of time, they learn to care for and about each other, living and fighting together.
There is much story left to be told since this is only just the beginning, and I cannot wait to see where Kaner takes these amazing characters, but so far it's been an absolute joy. Each character has their flaws and moments that make you want to scream at them and kick them, but that's the fun of a well-rounded, well-written character. I have become fiercely attached to all of them. The gods themselves and the way their powers work in Kaner's world is certainly a fascinating one and I, for one, adore that many of the gods, Skedi included, are a whacky mix of animal parts thrown together - exactly the kind of biblically accurate stuff I love to see.
I am incredibly excited for the next installment of this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Child death, Blood, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: Sexual content