Book Review: Godkiller

Author: Hannah Kaner

Series: The Fallen Gods #1

Pages: 288, paperback

Pub date: 19/1/2023

Rating: 5/5

"What happened to us does not define us, next is what matters."

Godkiller is the first instalment in the Fallen Gods trilogy, a thrilling fantasy tale of courage and second chances.

In the kingdom of Middren, gods have been banned and are hunted by the Veiga, while the common folk struggle to recover from the age of war between them. There are those, however, who plan to bring them back.

We follow four different characters as we embark on this wondrous journey. Kissen is a Veiga who lost her leg and her entire family to a goddess of fire. Needless to say, she has a bone to pick. Little Inara is the future of the Craier family and an expert at keeping secrets. Aside from being able to 'read' people's colours, she is bonded to a god of white lies. Skediceth does not remember how he came to be, or why he needs his human girl to survive, but what he wishes for most is to have his own shrine one day, like all great gods do. Elogast is a former general of the king. Having fought in the war, he put down his sword and now lives as a baker. All is normal and well until his oldest friend asks for his help.

I was gifted this book for Christmas, and lords, how I loved everything about it.

The way different POVs are handled throughout the story is one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much. The characters' voices are clean and distinguishable, making them easy to follow even without reading the chapter title. Peering into their brains and discovering their intentions and drives before the rest of the cast did was what had me thrilled for the confrontations and dialogues to come.

As for the characters, Kissen is a prime example of the kind of FMC we have been starving for in fantasy novels. She is strong and a straightforward case of show, don't tell. She knows how to handle herself and her blade, and (Gods, finally!) knows when not to punch above her weight. Shockingly (considering current trends), she is also soft and considerate and never afraid to show the people around them that she cares for them.

Inara is extremely interesting as well. She is written exactly the way a girl of her age should be, with the full range of emotions and the unyielding and -most often than not- naive approach to life.

Skedi, on the other hand, along with the rest of his kin in Kaner's world, bring back the concept of anthropomorphism in gods, making them feel real and tangible and, most importantly for this story, killable. I really appreciate that aspect of them, their emotions and vices spilling across the pages and guiding their hands, which in turn, guide the narrative.

Elogast is, in my opinion, your standard, hero-complex, duty-driven hero, yet this one is also sprinkled with a dose of PTSD and emotional unavailability. Unexpectedly, the more I read, the more fond of him I grew. Due to his past trauma, he chose to isolate himself, only to be brought back to action and forced to work with the most unlikely of crews. To his credit, Elogast realised he can't complete his mission on his own, and -most importantly- he slowly realises that he may not want to anyway. His self-sacrificing tendencies do stand in his way, but I'm gonna stop here and not spoil anything for you!

The worldbuilding was magnificent, filled with vivid colours, scents and textures. The author has created unique nations and diverse cultures, with lore and plot-related information being skillfully distributed throughout the book. I was immersed in the landscapes and towns, with descriptions involving all the senses, adding to the experience. The world is also queernormative (which I LOVE) and there is great disability representation. Bonus points to the publisher for including graphics and a map even in the paperback version!

Plot-wise, it took several pages to get the plot started, although I believe the author needed to set the scene of her tale before embarking on the journey. There were times when things happened a little too fast, and after that, the pace was super slow again.

The last few pages will have you on the edge of your seat, and I am so happy I picked up this series after it was finished! Will hop onto the next book as soon as it arrives.

Hope you enjoyed the review! Here's a little mood board inspired by the book and a short playlist!

Favourite quotes

pg.47

"When I took this sword from you, I promised you my life, my blood, my heart. I mean it."

pg,249

"Now it's my turn, knight," she whispered. "Let me remind you what living can be."

pg. 286

"I'm not safe," she said. "I'm dangerous. And I am going with you to avenge my mother, to avenge Kissen. This is the last time I will be left behind."