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A review by shewriteswithknives
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
5.0
First, I would like to say, THANK YOU, for finally writing horse care accurately into a book. As a horse person, I cannot express how it irks me when non-horse people (lazy writers is a better term) leave such important details out, or make things up as they go along. Legs was a nice addition to the story.
Now back to the story.
I absolutely loved this dark and gritty book full of old gods and new and the people living in their world. Kaner's writing style was flawless, lyrical at times, and full of heart. The world building was rich with detail and and so many possibilities. I found myself rooting for each of the characters as they walked their own path. They were so well written, they felt real. This entire story felt real and played out like a movie in my head. As I reached the end I was aching for more.
Our main character Kissen was relatable in her steadfast and stubbornness. She was also unique in that she had lost her leg as a child and wears a prosthetic. I haven't seen any authors present a MC with any sort of "handicap". It never slowed her down or dampened her fiery spirit. I also appreciated that sign language, or sign speak, was used throughout the book. These representations, along with LGBTQ, trauma, and depression, were a nice inclusion to those not often featured in stories, let alone badass fantasies. Hats off to Kaner for taking this step, because it was beautifully done.
The relationship that forms between Kissen and Ina had me smiling at times. Ina, who has a little god Skedi attached to her, had beautiful character development. We see her start off a bit scared, but as she comes to know Kissen and form relationships with her travel partners, she becomes braver and taps into the fierceness we see in Kissen.
Elo, the quiet former knight, was likable. There was a goodness to him, almost innocence in his love, that made it impossible not to love him.
I appreciated the way Kaner describes the gods. They are real, physical beings that when summoned, answer. There are no invisible gods or blind faith. Having a few chapters from Skedi's POV was really great insight.
The author added so many elements into this short novel without making the reader feel overwhelmed. The second book cannot be written soon enough. I have not felt so strongly about a novel in quite some time and am thrilled to have experienced such a story. I'll be reading everything this author puts out from here on out. A fantastic debut!
Now back to the story.
I absolutely loved this dark and gritty book full of old gods and new and the people living in their world. Kaner's writing style was flawless, lyrical at times, and full of heart. The world building was rich with detail and and so many possibilities. I found myself rooting for each of the characters as they walked their own path. They were so well written, they felt real. This entire story felt real and played out like a movie in my head. As I reached the end I was aching for more.
Our main character Kissen was relatable in her steadfast and stubbornness. She was also unique in that she had lost her leg as a child and wears a prosthetic. I haven't seen any authors present a MC with any sort of "handicap". It never slowed her down or dampened her fiery spirit. I also appreciated that sign language, or sign speak, was used throughout the book. These representations, along with LGBTQ, trauma, and depression, were a nice inclusion to those not often featured in stories, let alone badass fantasies. Hats off to Kaner for taking this step, because it was beautifully done.
The relationship that forms between Kissen and Ina had me smiling at times. Ina, who has a little god Skedi attached to her, had beautiful character development. We see her start off a bit scared, but as she comes to know Kissen and form relationships with her travel partners, she becomes braver and taps into the fierceness we see in Kissen.
Elo, the quiet former knight, was likable. There was a goodness to him, almost innocence in his love, that made it impossible not to love him.
I appreciated the way Kaner describes the gods. They are real, physical beings that when summoned, answer. There are no invisible gods or blind faith. Having a few chapters from Skedi's POV was really great insight.
The author added so many elements into this short novel without making the reader feel overwhelmed. The second book cannot be written soon enough. I have not felt so strongly about a novel in quite some time and am thrilled to have experienced such a story. I'll be reading everything this author puts out from here on out. A fantastic debut!