I’ve been seeing this book everywhere for weeks. And, to be fair, I knew I would like it. An enemies to lovers romance? Two grumpy people who have to care for a delightful child? A world in which God’s have gotten a bad rap? Extensive representation of disabled people? A badass queer woman with a really big sword? It’s everything I love.

And yet. I am still shocked by how much I love this book. Kaner’s world is incredibly inhabitable, simultaneously inviting and horrible. I can genuinely say I love all of her narrators and struggled to choose who to root for when they had conflict. And I truly cannot wait to read what comes next.

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.

The fact this took me 4 attempts to start shouts loudly. I couldn't get into it at all. I'm glad I finished it as it did get better but still wasnt better than 'okay’, the writing flowed well but overall unremarkable. Wouldn’t recommend this one but I would still try anything else by
this author. Overall three stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Godkiller started off slow for me but ended with a bang. I think the prologue slowed down the pace at first - too much exposition all at once - but I came to care deeply for the ragtag trio of misfits fighting an impossible war against gods. This is a fantasy premise like no other, and it took some getting used to at first, but the author does a fantastic job of building up the stakes till your heart is in your throat. I loved the diverse representation too; it didn't feel shoehorned in but an organic element of the fabric of this world. I'd read the sequel for sure!

Absolutely stunning debut. Great story and captivating. Highly recommend if you love fantasy. Was fantastic to read, I adored it.

Thank you HarperVoyager and NetGalley for early access to this book.

I had seen the stunning cover of this book on Instagram and was instantly intrigued.

I was gripped from the prologue! The story itself was fast paced and I particularly enjoyed reading the story from the three point of views.

I enjoyed the development of Kissen’s story throughout the journey and really grew to like her and not to forget Skediceth who appears adorable.

Disability and LGBTQ+ is represented throughout the book.

I look forward to seeing any further releases by Hannah Kaner.

I mean it’s too early to wish there was a sequel right?

Godkiller by Hannah Kaner is an ambitious and well-crafted fantasy novel that delivers on its promise of representation and diversity. The book features a diverse array of characters, which is a welcome and refreshing change from the typical able-bodied hero that is often found in this genre.

The world-building in Godkiller is rich and detailed, with a complex and well-developed magic system that is woven seamlessly into the story. The characters are diverse and well-developed, with distinct personalities and motivations that kept me invested in their stories.

One of the standout features of Godkiller is the slowburn romance between several of the characters. The romantic tension is palpable, and I found myself rooting for the couples to get together. The romance is heartfelt and authentic, and added a depth and emotional richness to the story.

Overall, I found Godkiller to be a captivating and engaging read. It's a great debut novel from Hannah Kaner, and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. If you're a fan of fantasy, more specifically the works of Ava Reid or Samantha Shanon, I would highly recommend giving Godkiller a try.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to HarperVoyager and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Godkiller by Hannah Kaner is an absolutely amazing adult fantasy debut! The story revolves around multiple characters. My favorite was Kissen, who makes a living killing gods. She has bad memories from when her family were killed by followers of a fire god. Now, she hates all of them.. One day, she meets a young girl whose bound herself to a tiny god named Skedi. Can Kissen resist the urge to kill Skedi? Can they learn to work together?

Here is a magical excerpt from Chapter 1, which is from Kissen's point of view:

"It was hard to kill a god in its element. Kissen reminded herself of that with every cursed step she took up the steep hilled slopes of midwestern Middren, Talicia's once more powerful neighbour. That was until it lost its eastern trade city of Blenraden, and half the people in it, to bickering gods. Terrible for Middren, but good for the coin purses of godkillers like Kissen.
The air was close and chill with morning; Middren had barely begun to shake off winter's grasp. Though her right leg was built for hiking, and she could already feel nubs of blisters forming that would cause her a world of pain later."

Overall, Godkiller is an amazing fantasy debut that will appeal to fans of The Witcher and The Golden Compass. One highlight of this book is the world-building. I loved the unique world that the author brought us to. i love adult fantasy books that have unique magic systems, and this book definitely delivered.

Another highlight of this book is Kissen, the titular godkiller. I loved her action-packed chapters. If I had to complain about 1 thing, I would say that I personally don't enjoy books with multiple character POV's. I loved Kissen's chapters and wanted to keep reading from her point of view. Fortunately, they were all third-person POV's. That's just a personal preference for me though. I'm sure other readers won't care. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of fantasy books in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in January!

I’ve been in a slump with fantasy books for a bit despite it being my favourite genre and Godkiller has finally cured me. The world-building, the way humans and gods coexist, is fascinating and I like how the world is dark but not depressing. The characters are very well defined, and I liked how the arcs proceeded in this first novel. Some of the issues I had with the books pacing (it felt rushed towards the end) went away once I realised this was a series and not a standalone. Excited to read the next one.

I gave this 4 out 5 stars. This was a beautiful and perilous journey with a founding family theme. Love from unexpected places, betrayals from unexpected people and a lesson to appreciate the things you have and the people around you. I believe there might be another book coming, I am not sure if this will remain a standalone but it would be delightful either way.

An intoxicating and breathtaking debut that begins with one of the most intriguing prologues I've ever read, the novel is an intricate exploration of strength, belief and power that leaves the reader craving more.

Led by a colourful cast of characters including a notorious godkiller tormented by her past, a former knight bound inextricably to loyalty but suffering from PTSD, and a young girl who loses everything but who has secrets of her own, Godkiller takes our characters on a high-octane journey fraught with danger, death, and betrayal. At times, the course of the story bears some similarity to one of my favourite books this year, Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse, having a similarly epic conclusion that wonderfully sets up the start of a trilogy.

Can't wait to read the next book in this series

When I started this book, I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy it but after a few chapters, once the scene had been set and we’d met the characters, I started getting into it and enjoying the journey that the three main characters and the little misplaced god were on. This book is reasonably light on the politics, which suits me, and has plenty of action and adventure with a touch of romance. There’s risks of betrayal, plenty of heroics, and a strong young girl finding her place in the world through her grief. The characters all distinctly have their own personalities and it’s interesting having their backstories revealed as time moves on, and as these would-be pilgrims open up to each other.

On top of that, there’s a skilled female warrior who is an amputee and her found family, who also have disabilities. It’s so welcome to see characters with disabilities being portrayed as talented, successful, strong, independent people. More of this, please!

Although this novel hasn’t ended on a cliffhanger as such, I’m still desperate to see what happens next. These characters have their work cut out for them and I want to be there every step of the way!

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

This book is gonna take the world by storm. It’s so beautifully written with a really engaging plot and a lovely quartet of characters. This is such a confidence debut and an amazing start to a fantasy series.

Kissen is a Godkiller, avenging her family until she meets a god she can’t kill. Skedi is a god with a mysterious connection to a young girl, with both being on the run from unknown assailants. Together the three of them journey to find answers, joined by a disillusioned knight on a mission of his own. There’s a bigger force behind their problems, one that spells trouble for all in their world.

From the start I knew that Kissen would be my favourite and I was right. She’s such a well written character and I love the grumpy warrior with a soft spot for the girl she’s reluctantly protecting. Kissen’s witty and her comments were some of my favourite moments in this book. Her personality and past just so good and I love her so much!

Elogast really grew on me the more I read. He’s a complex man haunted by his past, and the more that it was explored, the more I fell in love with this ex-knight-turned baker. His and Kissen’s dynamic was so funny and I can’t wait to see more of it!

Inara and Skedi have such an intriguing connection and their growth as characters was amazing. Especially Inara, whose development was incredible.

Overall, I was impressed by how well balanced this book was. It’s only 300 pages and contains 4 POVs yet I never felt that any character was overshadowing another. This book is an absolute masterpiece and I urge everyone to read it when it comes out in January.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this arc. This review is my own.

What hurts more than a cliffhanger? A cliffhanger of an ARC!

Having seen the cover of Godkiller, I was immediately drawn in and then I started reading. As it goes with fantasy books with multiple POVs, you have to spend a few chapters learning, but once I had a grasp on it I was enthralled. Each character is so incredibly developed and detailed and I love them all.

If you like Realm Breaker, LotR or Game of Thrones then I feel this book would be perfect for you as we follow Kissen, Elogast, Inara and Skedi on a journey together, each with their own motive but find protection and companionship on their travels together.

Kissen and Elo in particular are so brilliantly written and I miss them already even though I only finished the book 2 minutes ago. I enjoyed the Gods mythology created, it is different enough that it feels separate from similar concepts but is easy to understand.

I can't wait for more from this author and for more people to read Godkiller!!

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollinsUK and HarperFiction for the eARC.

A mythical adventure with a great and gripping plot.
At the start I was dubious, Godkiller didn’t seem like my usual read however by the end I was won over!
A great story, plenty of action sequences alongside morally grey character redemptions and a little romance.
I truly enjoyed this one and cannot wait for my special editions to arrive. Definitely give this a read!

Godkiller is the first book in a new fantasy series, which many readers I'm sure will enjoy. Alas, I'm not one of them. Despite being well written with a strong worldbuilding, it didn't fully captivate me. My main problem was with the characters. I didn't feel any attachment towards them, particularly with Kissen. I couldn't relate with her, and more than once she got on my nerves. The only one who interested me a bit more was Inara. But this is very subjective and I'm sure other readers will love this book more than me.

Thank you to netgalley & Hannah Kaner for an arc of this book!

I absolutely loved this world. There will be spoilers as there is too much to talk about without them.

We start off with 4 POV’s; Kissen, Inara, Skedi & Elogast and I loved all of them by the end. This book really went against my expectations, I’m not sure what I was expecting from the ending but I thought the finale would be about Inara & Skedi trying to seperate, instead it ended with Elo trying to sacrifice himself for Arren who turned out to be an absolute dick.

I loved Kissen so much, she really reminded me of Katsa from Graceling who’s another favourite of mine. You can see that she’s angry at the world but finally finding people that she reluctantly cares for really breaks through her shell and I love the bond they all had by the end.

Inara & Skedi was such an interesting relationship. We still don’t fully know how Skedi attached himself to Inara and who he used to be before. I have such mixed feelings about him. He does seem to truly care about her - especially towards the end there’s a line where he says he doesn’t need a shrine just her and they get on common ground again. But when he took away her control and spoke through her, it shows he’s more powerful than we know and what else could he do with that power?

Elogast was a great character, he truly just wants to do all this for his friend and the growing romance with Kissen I ADORED. My favourite scene being when they speak after knowing that he will sacrifice himself and they end up getting together. I genuinely didn’t see the betrayal from Arren coming and that was such a shock for him to do that to him and to make himself a god! Shows how corrupted he is.

The ending of course was heartbreaking, not knowing if Kissen survived after the battle and then seeing her actually call for Osidisen for help. I am already buzzing for the next book and this one hasn’t even been released yet 😭😂.

this was wow just phenomenal, the cast of characters was incredible and to see disability representation was so refreshing to be able to see myslef in a character, the plot is so captivating and moving , i love that we have this unlikely group who end up having to come together and end up having that found family sense was one of my favourite parts , and i love that we have a strong bad ass diabsled lead showing that characters can be both

A fantastically enjoyable fantasy adventure! Amazing complex characters, and wonderful world-building, this novel is sure to be a hit with fantasy fans! Utterly addictive!

The characters leap off the page! I adored Kissen from the first moment and she just kept getting better and better! Plenty of LGBTQ+ and disability representation. Really refreshing to see physical disability in a main character, rather than a villain! Kissen is a bad-ass warrior with a prosthetic leg and is seen in relationships with both men and women. There's a deaf character and many of the characters made the effort to learn sign language.

I really hope we get to revisit this world again and soon! I want to learn more about the gods and their shrines and what happens after the end of this book!

Interesting read but fails to leave a proper mark.

"Godkiller" is a story of a protagonist haunted by her past, a noble girl troubled by her family, a god looking for his origin, and a knight controlled by his friendship with the king.

Kissen, the Godkiller, lives in a world where gods of all sizes exist and is in the profession of hunting gods. She despises gods but on her journey meets a noble girl and her pet god on the run. Kissen ends up as the guardian of the welfare of the girl on an unlikely mission and is joined by the knight on a secret quest of his own.

The world-building is beautiful, and the character development is good as well.

Why am I giving it 3 stars then? Two things - the book after a while become predictable. You can easily guess the plot development of the quest, the end twist, and the unlikely romance as well. Secondly, the book was definitely written with a sequel in mind. Therefore, the story till the end seems incomplete. No, not a cliffhanger at the end but an incomplete story.

Thanks HarperCollins and NetGalley for an ARC.

Absolutely wonderful book. I adored the different types of gods included within this world.. The characters I loved, and the bond they grew throughout the story,
My only criticism is the part where they were using sign language blended into the narration of the same paragraph. Became a bit confusing which parts were them speaking/signing and which were internal thoughts or narration. But this may be fixed with the final version.
I also really want my own personal animal god now.
Thank you for approving me for a e-arc copy of this book!