A review by sergek94
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 

This was the monthly pick of The Fantasy Guild book club for March 2023!

In a world where humans and gods lived side by side, a deadly clash between the two parties was an inevitable consequence. Back in the day, a mutually symbiotic relationship existed between humans and the gods. The humans used the god's supernatural abilities to achieve their own selfish ends, and the gods basked in what they enjoyed the most, attention and praise. However, when the gods began overpowering humans and many atrocities followed, this mutually beneficial friendship came to an end. This fantasy novel, the beginning of a series, explores the world after this clash occurred. We follow 3 characters, a god killer named Kissen, a noble girl named Inara alongside her very own god companion, the god of white lies, and a loyal knight of the king, Elogast. As the paths of these characters intertwine, we follow their story as they navigate through a world still brimming with tension of past events.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the world building, which I found to be unique. The creatures known as the gods here, literally draw power from the worship and admiration bestowed upon them by humans, and the more offerings and shrines they receive, the more "real" they become, gaining a lot of power and domination over the world around them. I find this to be a very clever recreation of the actual religious reality of the world today, and the impact deities have on a human's psyche, which is directly proportional with the level of faith humans place in these deities. One of the things I am looking forward to in this series is how the author will further develop the lore of these gods and explore the wide range of powers they have.

The interaction between our main characters was very enjoyable, and tagging along with them on their journey was a fun reading experience. I always love a nice fantasy novel full of a vibrant and creative world, and a nicely paced questing journey. The book wasn't too long, and neither was it too slow, and it made for an enjoyable reading experience. It didn't offer anything groundbreaking, but I am very willing to come back and read the sequel to see where this story goes!