Godkiller is a captivating fantasy novel that transports readers to a dark world where gods are forbidden and persecuted, yet the memories of their atrocities linger.
Book Review: Godkiller
- Author: Hannah Kaner
- Series: Fallen Gods
- 304 pages, Hardcover
- First published: January 19, 2023
As the first book in a series, Godkiller doesn’t shy away from a detailed introduction to its world. While some readers might find the descriptions excessive, I believe they are essential for building a rich fantasy universe. Hannah Kaner successfully immerses the reader in the atmosphere of Midren and the city of the fallen gods.
The World
The world-building in Godkiller is the most impressive aspect of the book, in my opinion. It’s interesting, intricate, and filled with mysteries. Midren was once a place where gods terrorized the populace, their power sustained by offerings and rituals. That changed when a young prince declared war on the gods, banning the customs and sacrifices that kept them alive.
While the concept of gods in fantasy is not new, I appreciated how the author integrated them into the lives of mortals. We encounter minor deities of noble lies and safe travel, as well as wild gods who wield immense power. Their strength and survival are directly tied to the faith of mortals—the more revered a god is, the more powerful they become.
Another intriguing element in the story is the idea of the Veigas: godkillers hired by the populace to eliminate mischievous minor deities or greedy gods demanding sacrifices. The concept of the Veigas reminded me of the Vestal, but I found Kissen’s story even more compelling than that of Geralt. The atmosphere of Godkiller is dark and foreboding, leaving me with the sense that I had only glimpsed a fraction of this epic fantasy world.
Characters
The story unfolds through the perspectives of several characters. Kissen, the main heroine, is a Veiga—a godkiller. She’s a tough, hot-tempered character with a dangerous profession, made even more challenging by her prosthetic leg. What makes Kissen stand out is her complexity: she’s a physically disabled hero who is also sexually open and fluent in the language of deaf-mutes.
Elogast, a former confidant of the King, is another intriguing character. He wrestles with inner traumas and moral dilemmas, embodying the archetypal knight in armor who must choose between saving his soul or repaying a life debt.
Inara and Skedi form a dynamic and mysterious duo. Their pasts are shrouded in mystery—a god without a shrine, bound to a mortal girl. Watching their relationship evolve is fascinating.
Each point of view is engaging, and I appreciate how the author focuses on the flaws and vulnerabilities of her characters.
The Plot
The plot moves at a moderate pace, with plenty of action to keep readers engaged. The characters’ pasts are revealed gradually, filling in the missing pieces of the world’s history.
At times, I wished the tension had lingered a bit longer before reaching a resolution. Hannah Kaner could have drawn out the suspense a little more, but overall, my experience with the story was satisfying. I enjoyed it as a solid fantasy read.
Kaner’s writing style is engaging, though I occasionally had trouble following the dialogue. There were moments when it wasn’t clear who was speaking, and I had to reread certain passages.
In Godkiller, you’ll find detailed landscapes, a dark atmosphere, romance, betrayals, revelations, curses, tragic loss, demons, and an incredible ending. While I have a few minor quibbles about the dialogue and the fast-paced action in some parts, the world holds great potential. I’m eager to see how Hannah Kaner expands and deepens it in future installments.
Kissen’s family were killed by zealots of a fire god. Now, she makes a living killing gods, and enjoys it. That is until she finds a god she cannot kill: Skedi, a god of white lies, has somehow bound himself to a young noble, and they are both on the run from unknown assassins.
Joined by a disillusioned knight on a secret quest, they must travel to the ruined city of Blenraden, where the last of the wild gods reside, to each beg a favour.
Pursued by demons, and in the midst of burgeoning civil war, they will all face a reckoning – something is rotting at the heart of their world, and only they can be the ones to stop it.
