I'll start this review by saying I wasn't feeling very well when I was reading this, so that may have hampered my enjoyment.

The final book in the Fallen Gods trilogy starts with our main characters finally reunited after they spent much of Sunbringer apart. And then promptly splits them up again... As this was my main negative from book 2, we aren't off to a great start, but I had hope that maybe it would be a short separation (it isn't). I'm not sure what to say about this one: there's nothing wrong with it, it's still well written and the world is still interesting. I just didn't care as much.

I didn't enjoy either of the new "romantic" relationships, mostly because I felt like they both did a disservice to Elo and Kissen - Kissen seemed way too focussed on her attraction and Elo felt somewhat stagnant (although Elo's perspective gives us a glimpse into the cult surrounding Arren and I found that quite interesting). Inara continues to be an important character but, even though she gets plenty of page time, it felt like she was getting sidelined. Skedi remains my favourite character and he gets to continue his growth into a much more nuanced, rounded character - his bond with Inara was the highlight of the whole book (and series).

I don't want to give too much away in terms of plot. I thought the actual ending ramped up the tension well and the conclusion is quite satisfying. But the final confrontation was over quickly compared to the lengthy build up, and you could probably have skipped a big chunk without affecting how the finale plays out. I also think we could use a bit more exploration of the followers of Hseth - they just end up as a faceless mass of generic evil.

I still really like the setting, world-building and the characters, and I think the bones for this book are still strong, just that the time wasn't allocated in the places I wanted it.

When I started Kaner's "Fallen Gods" trilogy last year I was blown away. It was such an intriguing, well thought-out setting filled with interesting and loveable characters. I liked the second book in the trilogy as well, though it had its issues, and now the big finale is finally here. Admittedly I was both scared and immensely excited for it.

I didn't need to be scared at all, because "Faithbreaker" sticks its landing beautifully. It is, again, beautifully written, even though there are still the same character-specific repetitions as there were in the last books (for example, one character is sucking her teeth just too often, that can't be good for the teeth). Kissen, Elogast, Skedi and Inara all get their satisfying yet bittersweet endings, which fits the overall tone of the series. At one point I genuinely cried my eyes out, which proves not just how stellarly certain moments were written, but also just how attached I got to this world and its characters.
Skedi remains the outstanding character, and I love this little God of White Lies very very much. I also really enjoyed Inara, who was my close second favourite and remains such easily. Kissen is the tragic badass that we grew to love, and I really enjoy the romance path she was on in this book. Mind you, I love Kisse and Elo's relationship, but not as romantic partners.
The story is exciting from start to finish and it's a very quick read. I read this in two sittings because I just couldn't let go off it.

Now, this is not a work of perfection, not that it has to be. Few books are, let's be honest. Not all the characters hit the mark this time around, for one. Elogast remains the least interesting character of the old guard, though he finally is allowed to really dive into his depths. As much as I enjoy romance in my fantasy books, I also felt like his romantic storyline took over the spotlight for his character arc in ways I didn't always enjoy, and felt almost detrimental to his character at times. Not that I didn't enjoy the romance in itself, I do love the drama of it all. I did feel like the way it was introduced in the beginning of the book, as opposed to the more subtle approach in the previous books, was a bit weird, though.
Arryn's pov is expanded and was, probably, my biggest disappointment because I felt it never really explored the very interesting aspects of his character, meaning the horrors he's responsible for, his reliance on his fire god, what he did to Elo, generally the fact that he's a brutal villain. There is no emotional grappling with who he was, who he is, why he became this person and what kind of man he wants to be from now on. He's mostly just interested in his love story with Elo. It felt very... superficial, and every other character reminding mostly Elo constantly that Arryn is an evil guy and he shouldn't be with him is not enough exploration. Here, I think, lies a bit of wasted potential, because this superficiality also makes any attempt at giving Arryn a redemption arc very unbelievable. He doesn't earn one in the least, he didn't do any real emotional labour to get there. In the end, he's also a rather predictable character - most of us will have a theory where he'll end up by the finale, and most of us will be right.
I also thought there were some pacing issues, especially comparing Kissen and Inara's storylines to Elogasts, but because the book is generally not a long one it doesn't really matter that much. Just like with Arryn's ending, there are also some predictable elements throughout the story that I think were almost a bit too obvious, but because they were still written well enough I didn't mind.

So yeah, all in all? Great ending to a great trilogy despite some minor flaws and I'm very excited to see what Kaner will cook up next.

This series is all about overcoming the control the gods have. It is a fantasy with very little romance and focuses on the war that is escalating.

I enjoy the characters and the journeys that that all took and I really enjoyed have the different povs to gain a better sense of what each character was going though.

Over all if you enjoy fantasy and books with wars this is for you however, it’s not something I enjoy reading about.

In January 2023, I read an arc by a new author. I'd requested the book based on its pretty cover and struck gold, Godkiller stayed my favourite book of the year. Truly epic.

Today I've finished the concluding book, Faithbreaker and wow, what a phenomenal conclusion it is. So good in fact, that as soon as the book released on Thursday, I bought the audiobook so that I could keep reading.

War has commenced and our favourite characters don't really have much of a chance against a god of fire and war, strengthened by the sacrifices of her followers. The destruction is immense, the tears flow but in between are beautiful scenes of intimacy and shared meals. Of friendship, family and love.

Today, Hannah Kaner is signing books in Waterstones Manchester and I'd love to go and say congratulations, Hannah, you are an absolute legend! And collect a stamp of Skediceth....

I can't wait to see what she does next!

“Faithbreaker” by Hannah Kanner is the last book in the “ Fallen Gods” fantasy trilogy.

Thank you HarperCollins UK for an advance reader copy of the book.
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

This book continues the story from Sunbringer. The story is told from 6 perspectives ( Kissen, Inara, Elogast, Arren, Skediceth and Hestra). Even if some chapters were short, it was a bit much to have so many POVs. The beginning was a bit slow paced and there was not much action. I like that the characters are diverse and you can see a growth, especially with Inara and Kissen.
My favorite in the series remains Godkiller, while Kissen, Elogast and Skedi are my favorite characters. Considering the beginning, I would have liked to have more of Kissen and Elogast. Elo’s relationship with Arren needed a closure, but the connection between Kissen and Inara’s mother was unexpected.

Close to the end the pace was faster and there were action scenes, but it felt rushed. Also, the few deaths were not given enough meaning.
Unfortunately I did not enjoy this book as much as I expected.

I was only introduced to the Godkiller series last year and I was so missing out before this. It doesn’t get nearly enough praise when it outshines the likes of Fourth Wing ten fold. The first and final book in the series really stand out, with this final book being exceptional. Often, with trilogies I find the third lacking action and can usually get bogged down with tying up loose ends. This ties up those ends perfectly whilst also retaining fast paced action. An outstanding series.

Faithbreaker is the third and final book in Hannah Kaner’s fantasy trilogy. This series is truly unique and thrilling so whilst I loved the book, I was so sad that it had to end. If you haven’t read the first two books in the Fallen Gods series yet, here is a quick introduction to the story…

This is a world in which Gods not only exist but can be killed. Made from human prayers and offerings, they come to life when enough people worship them. This means that many miracles can be performed, but the gods are also greedy. As they grow more powerful, they need more extreme sacrifices to work their magic and when they inevitably become too bloodthirsty you must call a godkiller, like Kissen, to get rid of them. In this series, we follow three main characters on their adventures. There is Kissen, the godkiller who was almost a human sacrifice, Elo, a former solider turned baker, and Inara, a young girl with a little god of her own. Faithbreaker is the final chapter in their stories.

We begin this book with Elo, Kissen and Inara reunited- but not for long. After reading the entirety of Sunbringer and waiting for them to find one another again, I admit I was sad to see them separate. I love the found family that they have created. Even without a romantic relationship between Elo and Kissen, you can see they are each other’s person. And despite being pulled in different directions by her mother and Skediceth, Inara also relies on and trusts her friends. These relationships are still the core of the book.

With the characters split up, we do see more about the coming war, Hseth’s followers and the troubles in Arren’s court. These political and military problems are what drive the plot towards the epic ending. In fact, I would say that this is the most detailed and action-packed book yet. There is always something happening and it’s hard to put down the book. If I didn’t have to work, I probably would have read it in one sitting. Like in Sunbringer, you can see how the different plot points will come together at the end.

But I must warn you- this is an emotional book to read because the author has poured so much into her characters. It’s hard to say goodbye to them!

I would recommend this book to fans of epic fantasy books with lots of action and intrigue. The concept of the world is so compelling and, thankfully, the author is able to write well-enough to do it justice. I am excited to see what she writes next!

I have truly loved the Fallen Gods series. It has felt like a breath of fresh air in the fantasy scene in recent years. Faithbreaker wraps up the series so perfectly & leaves the reader feeling satisfied. Thank you to NetGalley & HarperVoyager for the ARC.

Pirates, voyages, bargains, sacrifices, battles and love. This enthralling conclusion to the Fallen Gods trilogy has it all.

It is hard not to fall in love with these characters, and this book does a great job at giving each of them the space to grow into their own. Captivating and heartbreaking throughout, Faithbreaker is sure to take you on an emotional journey.

The concept of Gods in this series is not only creative but manages to pull you into the world in such an enthralling manner that you can’t help but feel moved. I am a huge fan of how inclusive the series has been, and this final chapter only builds on this further. The romances are definitely secondary to the fantasy plot lines here, but this novel focuses on more than just romantic love. Family, whether born or found, is a major theme explored in this book and the loyalty for each other that drives the characters is stronger than any force that seeks to overcome them.

Thank you to Hannah Kaner and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to give an advance review of this book. Faithbreaker was such an emotional conclusion to the trilogy, so grab your tissues and a copy as this was a 4.5/5 star read!

Faithbreaker is the long-awaited conclusion to the trilogy, and it certainly ties up the story in a way that fans have been hoping for. Godkiller introduced us to friendship, Sunbringer brought about personal growth, and Faithbreaker delivers the much-needed closure. It was wonderful to return to a world with Kissen and Elo at the forefront. They remain the true stars of the series, and while I wished for more closure for their characters in this final book, it felt as though their development was somewhat postponed. I would have liked to see their relationship explored further, beyond what seemed like a fleeting romance. Kissen’s relationship with Lessa, in particular, felt forced and somewhat unrealistic.

It was a pleasure to witness Inara's character arc and her growth alongside Skediceth. Their journey was both engaging and heartwarming.

However, despite the charming dynamics of the friendships and relationships throughout the novel, the pacing felt a little uneven. The book is heavily focused on politics, which, given that it’s the final instalment of a trilogy centred around a divine conflict, is understandable. That said, the political intrigue often overshadowed the continuity of the characters' personalities and motivations. This imbalance did a disservice to Legs' character, who deserved more attention.

Ultimately, I did enjoy the book, though it was my least favourite of the series. Hannah Kaner has crafted an incredibly rich world with complex relationships, and I look forward to any future releases she has in store.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this early, I love this trilogy so much. I’m rating this book 4.5 stars, I’ve rounded to 5.

My heart is so full and so sad by the ending, it’s bitter sweet but also beautifully done. I am really sad to see it finished, I’d love some prequel novellas or maybe some side stories cause I need more.

Adventure, romance, gods and god killers this series may sound like something you’ve read before, but I promise you that you haven’t, it’s wonderfully unique and I’ll miss the characters so much.

Faithbreaker was an emotional and high stakes ending to a truly brilliant fantasy trilogy, but there were a few little niggly issues that stopped it from being a 5* read for me.

I think the main problems with this book stem from book two, and the slight dip into middle book syndrome it fell into. There were a few plot lines in Faithbreaker, specifically the romances, that just felt a little rushed, and I think this could have been fixed had our characters not spent the majority of the second book apart. That's not to say I didn't enjoy them, I did, it just seemed a little too easy, a little too quick, especially with the events that lead up to said romances. The series also suffered from some pacing issues, again largely from book two and how long the events of that book were spread out. The second installment seemed slower, more intricate, whereas Faithbreaker then had to rush through all the plot/character/world exploration that was missed, and it did feel a little like a whirlwind in parts.

But that's enough of the bad, now onto the good. In Faithbreaker Kaner finally re-unites our unlikely group and even though they don't spend the whole book together, I loved every single scene we get with them acting like the little weird family unit they are. Elo, Kissen, Inara & Skedi will always have a special place in my heart, and the growth they all go through in this book is brilliant. Godkiller and God working side by side, their love for Inara pushing their differences aside. A knight once loyal to the crown, now finds himself torn between the man he loved and the woman and child who have entered his life and heart. The child/demi-god who was abandoned by her mother, now just finding the limits of her powers and strength during the most dangerous of times. I have loved following these characters on their journey, thankful that Kaner gave us as much time with them as she did.

But I think my surprise new favourite was Lessa Craier, Inara's mother. She really threw a spanner into the works in book two with her rebellion against Arren, but in this book we get a lot more time with her, more time to understand her reasoning's, for the rebellion, for leaving Inara. She's not a good character, and it took me a minute to like her, but it's clear to see that she has her country and daughters best intentions at heart. Her reaction to Inara's relationship with Kissen and Elo is... interesting. Funny and emotional in equal measure and even if, at first, she doesn't particularly like Kissen, she has to respect the fact that she has kept her daughter alive all this time.

If there is one thing Kaner does exceptionally well, it's write fight scenes, battle scenes specifically. Her description and the emotion that she derives through them really help transport her readers into these scenes, making us feel the terror and desperation, hope and energy depending on the moment. But it's not just her battle scenes that she brings to life, it's her characters, her world, her magic. Everything in this book is so brilliantly developed, so well written it's hard not to feel like Alice when she fell headfirst into Wonderland.

Throughout the series Kaner has always made an effort to highlight her characters disabilities, showing them not as weaknesses, but just things that some people have to live with. They seem to incredibly normal to the world and characters that at times, I almost forgot about them myself, no magical fix in sight. Kissen is the most obvious example of this with her leg, but in Faithbreaker, Kaner really shines a spotlight on Elo and his PTSD. We've known from book one that he is suffering from his time in the Godwars, but this book, being back in battle, is where is really hits him and seeing him acknowledging that, allowing for it, never really trying to hide it was so well written.

It's also a queer-norm world and, while I loved Kissen and Elo together, in Faithbreaker we see them both focusing their attentions elsewhere for the most part. Elo realising his love for Arren, how that love is still there despite what the King did to him, how he just wishes for the Arren from their childhood back. Their's was a doomed romance from the start, but I did like how Kaner allowed them their time together, allowed them to acknowledge whatever was between them, even knowing it couldn't last. And we also have Kissen developing, well certainly lust if nothing more, for Lessa Craier. Their relationship moved a little quickly for my liking, but I still enjoyed them together. The not so gentle push and pull, it didn't quite give enemies to lovers, but it was close enough that certain parts had be cackling, whilst others had me blushing.

The ending of this book was emotional to say the least. I really had no idea how it would end and, while I would have liked a little more time spent in the 'after,' I think Kaner did a brilliant job of tying up all of her plot points. If you enjoy fantasy reads that focus heavily on the characters and the bonds that form between them, filled with snark and suffering, a complex and intriguing magic system and fight scenes that jump off the page, I would absolutely give this one a go. I can't wait to see what Kaner brings out next.

Before this river becomes an ocean…

If you’ve read the previous two books in this series, “Godkiller” and “Sunbringer”, and just want to know if Hannah Kaner has crafted a satisfying end to this tale, then I can happily confirm that she has. If you haven’t, probably best to do that before reading this review, since I will talk about some of the things that have happened in those books.

Talicia has invaded Middren, and their forces are carrying shines to the fire god Hseth, who is fuelled by death, destruction, and sheer devotion. Our titular Godkiller, Kissen, who lost her family to Hseth, as well as her leg, has beaten her once, but now she has to deal with both a god and an army of zealots.

She is not alone. Her young companion Inara, was revealed to be a demigod and shrine to Skediceth, the god of lies and half-truths, and is growing in power. Inara’s mother, Lessa - who she believed to be dead - was actually leading a rebellion against the cruel king, Arren. Elogast, the occasional knight and occasional baker, was trying to kill said king, while definitely not still in love with him. All of these people now need to work together to defend Middren, which is not going to be easy.

The book is split into a number of strands - Elogast and Arren’s story is mostly about the political and military battle against the Talicians, as well as repairing their shattered relationship. Kissen, Inara, and Lessa go on a pirate themed nautical adventure to try and find some allies for the war. Along the way they have to deal with capricious gods, and equally untrustworthy humans.

Suffice to say, everything comes together in a pleasing way that pays off a lot of the character development we have seen throughout the series. That’s not always the case with trilogies, and a bad ending can retroactively hurt the books you once enjoyed. Thankfully, I can definitely recommend all three of these books now that I know there is a suitably epic and fulfilling conclusion!

Thanks to HarperCollins for the early review copy.

Hannah Kaner’s Faithbreaker is a breath-taking and emotionally charged conclusion to the internationally bestselling Fallen Gods trilogy. This epic finale delivers on every front, weaving together love, sacrifice, and the clash of gods and mortals in a narrative that is as heart-wrenching as it is triumphant.

The fate of Middren hangs in the balance as the fire god Hseth leads an unstoppable army south, consuming everything in her path. The only hope for survival lies in uniting allies and old foes against this common enemy. Elo, Arren, Inara, Skediceth, and Kissen each face their own trials and must make impossible choices that will determine the future of their world.

Kaner’s world-building is nothing short of spectacular, blending the grandeur of epic fantasy with the intimate struggles of her characters. The novel’s exploration of themes like loyalty, betrayal, and the true meaning of faith is both profound and thought-provoking. Each character’s journey is compelling, their growth and sacrifices adding depth and emotional weight to the narrative.

Elo’s uneasy alliance with Arren, Inara’s struggle to reconcile her powers and identity, and Kissen’s quest to find her family while questioning her own allegiances create a rich tapestry of interconnected stories. The bond between Inara and Skediceth is particularly poignant, their relationship tested by the demands of war and the weight of their shared destiny.

The pacing is masterful, with each twist and turn heightening the sense of urgency and dread. Kaner’s prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the beauty and brutality of Middren with equal skill. The final battle is a tour de force, a culmination of the series’ themes and conflicts that will leave readers breathless.

Faithbreaker is a story of love and sacrifice, of loyalty and betrayal, and of the enduring power of faith. It’s a tale that will captivate fans of epic fantasy and leave them reflecting on the true cost of war and the bonds that define us.

What a final to this incredible trilogy!! 👏🏼 Honestly, I’m so sad that it’s over. I’ve grown so attached to Kissen, Elo, Inara and Skedi ever since I read the first book, Godkiller, which was a 5-star read for me from the very first pages.

I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone so just a few general thoughts on Faithbreaker. Let me just say, if you loved Godkiller you will love this one. With Faithbreaker, Kaner is back in top form and smashing it 👏🏼 It was everything I wanted from the final book in this series. The pacing was excellent, the plot perfectly engrossing at every stage, the character growth to die for, the battle scenes so descriptive, the found family is back and that ending.... I sobbed profusely 😭

Thank you so much to harpervoyager for an eARC.

Loved this highly satisfying ending to this fantasy trilogy. High stakes, action and heartbreaking character moments. Everyone of the cast had their chance to shine and the pacing was much improved from book two.

Thanks to Netgalley for the arc copy

Faithbreaker was a fantastic ending to this wonderful story.
I've enjoyed being in this unique world for these three books!
I really hope there will be more stories from this world in the future.

! Spoilers ahead for "Godkiller" and "Sunbringer". !

I really wish that not every fantasy series had to come to a war finale, but this was a good ending to a good series anyway. It fixed most of the problems I had with book 2, but especially the way how all the characters were split up and/or thought each other dead. They're not all in the same place this time either, but they're more grouped up than before. War has reached the kingdom of Middren once again, and while Kissen, Inara and Skediceth travel to other countries to find allies, Elogast reluctantly joins Arren and becomes the general of his army. Elo's POV has always been my least favorite and I felt much the same this time. His POV is the war POV now, full of council meetings and battles, and that's just not the strength of this series in my opinion. I wish it took a different route entirely and didn't lead to another war, especially since the last war just ended shortly before the events of book 1. So yeah, every time it was Elo's or Arren's turn I wasn't as excited. But I liked that these two were finally in the same place, because it was about time they figured their relationship out. The parts from Kissen, Inara and Skedi were all great, though. I liked the pirate vibes when they were sailing around, and the glimpse into other cultures that came with their travels. I also liked how these characters and their relationships were further developed. It was great to see how Inara and her mother were getting closer after they mourned each others death without really knowing each other in the first place. Kissen and Lessa's relationship was nice too and thank god that Kissen and Elo's relationship was ended right away. It was a good choice to address that their love was not romantic, and it made way for far better pairings (a win for the queers all around). But my favorite character was Skedi, of course. He really grew into his role of a god, and it was genuinely so beautiful to see how people recognized and prayed to him. This offered an interesting look on faith, how it can be earned but also lost, and that's a well-chosen theme for a series about big and small gods. I had my ups and downs with this trilogy, but the ending even managed to make me tear up a little. A few chapters taking place after the war or a longer epilogue would have been nice, but I overall think fondly of this series.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and HarperVoyager for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

What an epic conclusion to a fantastic series! I have been looking forward to this ever since I read Godkiller, and it did not disappoint.

I can't say too much about it because spoilers, but it's emotional. What a journey the author has brought us on.

As a teacher, the whole series is an excellent allegory for so many things that I can take into the classroom, as well. From the dangers of fanaticism to the hope that comes from faith to temperance to morality to politics. I can find parallels across history. This really is a fantastic series of books.

I would love to see more books from the author in this world - especially from the time of the Gods' War.

An epic conclusion to what has become one of my favourite series.

I have honestly loved the Fallen Gods series so much. From the moment I read Godkiller I have looked forward to the next installment and I've had no hesitation diving back in to the world each time.

The storytelling throughout was top notch, the imagery, *chefs kiss*. One of the reasons I loved these books so much was because the storytelling and world building was just as enthralling as the characters and their progression. It's not often that I feel a book or series has the best of both worlds.

The main four characters were so lovable and well fleshed out, although I agree with another reviewer that the romances felt a little odd. <spoiler>Especially with the build up we'd had between Elo and Kissen that appeared to almost disappear to nothing. </spoiler>

On the whole though, after finishing this heartbreakingly fantastic series I shall continue to recommend it to anyone who will listen and look forward to starting again from the beginning in the future! I can't wait to see what Hannah does next!