Hannah Kaner’s Godkiller bursts onto the fantasy scene with the raw fury of its protagonist—bold, unapologetic, and wielding a sharp edge. As the first installment in the “Fallen Gods” trilogy (followed by Sunbringer and the upcoming Faithbreaker), this debut novel introduces us to a richly imagined world where gods are both omnipresent and killable, where faith and power intertwine with devastating consequences, and where three damaged souls must find a way to trust each other despite all odds.
The novel follows Kissen, a one-legged veiga (godkiller) with a traumatic past and a particular hatred for gods. Her life of hunting divine beings for payment takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Inara Craier, a young noble girl mysteriously bound to Skediceth, a god of white lies. When Inara’s home is burned to the ground, seemingly as part of a brewing rebellion, the unlikely trio—joined by Elogast, a disillusioned former knight commander with secrets of his own—must journey to the ruins of Blenraden, a city where wild gods still dwell.
Strengths That Burn Like Wildfire
Complex Characters with Compelling Histories
The greatest achievement of Godkiller by Hannah Kaner lies in its characters, each vividly drawn and layered with painful histories that inform their present actions. Kissen, with her gold tooth, waxed wool cloak filled with god-killing tools, and prosthetic leg crafted by her adoptive sister, is a masterclass in how to create a damaged yet deeply likable protagonist. Her trauma—watching her family burn as sacrifices to the fire god Hseth—has shaped her into a weapon, but Kaner ensures we see glimpses of warmth beneath her hardened exterior.
Similarly, Inara’s sheltered upbringing and mysterious connection to Skediceth make her journey from frightened child to determined young woman genuinely compelling. Elogast’s crisis of faith and loyalty provides the moral center around which much of the later plot revolves. Even Skediceth, initially presented as potentially manipulative, develops into a sympathetic character with his own fears and desires.
A Rich and Nuanced Mythology
Kaner has created a world where gods are born from human belief, strengthened by prayer and sacrifice, and bound to physical shrines. This system feels organic and well-considered, with clear rules that the narrative explores rather than explains outright. The hierarchy of gods—from the minor godling of broken sandals to ancient wild gods like Hseth—provides a fascinating backdrop for the story’s themes of power and worship.
The concept of gods’ abilities varying based on their domain and the strength of belief in them creates a dynamic power structure. Particularly impressive is how the author portrays gods with different personalities and motivations—some cruel, some kind, but all hungry for worship in their own way. The god Aan, for instance, demonstrates how even a powerful deity can show wisdom and fairness when properly approached.
A Propulsive Plot with Escalating Stakes
The narrative moves at a breakneck pace, particularly once our protagonists reach Blenraden. From shadow demons hunting Elogast to the gradual revelation of King Arren’s true nature, Kaner expertly raises the stakes while keeping character development at the forefront. The final confrontation with Hseth delivers both spectacle and emotional payoff, setting up intriguing possibilities for the sequel, Sunbringer.
Embers That Could Burn Brighter
Worldbuilding That Sometimes Lacks Clarity
While the god system is brilliantly realized, the political landscape occasionally feels sketchy. The rebellion brewing against King Arren remains somewhat nebulous until late in the novel, and the relationships between Houses like Craier, Geralfi, and Yether could use more definition. Similarly, the geography and history of Middren, Talicia, and surrounding nations are presented in fragments that don’t always cohere into a complete picture.
Pacing Issues in the Middle Sections
The journey to Blenraden occasionally drags, particularly during the pilgrim train sequence. While these sections develop important character relationships, they sometimes feel prolonged compared to the tightly written opening and explosive finale. Some readers might find themselves wishing for a more even distribution of action throughout.
Too-Convenient Plot Developments
Inara’s ability to break godly will and remove curses feels somewhat underdeveloped, introduced primarily as a plot device rather than a well-established aspect of her character. Her growing powers emerge conveniently when the plot requires them, though this is partially mitigated by hints that her nature will be more fully explored in future installments.
A Voice That Crackles With Energy
Kaner’s prose style deserves special mention. It’s sharp, distinctive, and perfectly suited to the story she’s telling. Her dialogue sings with personality—Kissen’s profanity-laden directness contrasts wonderfully with Elogast’s more measured speech and Inara’s youthful determination.
The author excels at action sequences, rendering them with clarity and impact. The final confrontation between Kissen and Hseth is particularly well-executed, balancing physical combat with emotional catharsis in a way that feels earned rather than contrived.
Thematic Depth That Smolders
Beneath its adventure story trappings, Godkiller by Hannah Kaner explores complex themes:
- Faith and exploitation: The relationship between gods and worshippers is portrayed as fundamentally parasitic, raising questions about organized religion and power structures.
- Identity and self-determination: Each protagonist must reconcile who they were with who they wish to become.
- Sacrifice and its true cost: The novel repeatedly examines the difference between chosen sacrifice and exploitation, questioning whether any god or ruler deserves such devotion.
- Vengeance versus justice: Kissen’s journey from revenge-seeker to protector represents the book’s moral arc.
Where Godkiller Stands in the Fantasy Landscape
As the first entry in the Fallen Gods trilogy by Hannah Kaner, Godkiller establishes a promising foundation for Sunbringer and Faithbreaker to build upon. The book’s ending—with Hseth defeated but Arren transforming into something potentially more dangerous—leaves readers eager for the next installment while still providing enough resolution to satisfy.
For readers who enjoy gods walking among mortals, Godkiller sits comfortably alongside works like N.K. Jemisin’s “Inheritance” trilogy or Rebecca Roanhorse’s “Between Earth and Sky” series. Its exploration of faith and power recalls aspects of R.F. Kuang’s “Poppy War” trilogy, though with a more intimate focus.
As a debut novel, Godkiller shows remarkable assurance. Hannah Kaner writes with the confidence of a seasoned author, particularly in her character work and action sequences. While the worldbuilding occasionally feels incomplete and some plot developments convenient, these minor flaws are overshadowed by the novel’s considerable strengths.
Final Verdict: A Blazing Debut That Promises More Fire to Come
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner earns its place among 2023’s standout fantasy debuts, presenting a world where gods both terrify and fascinate, and where human determination can challenge divine power. With its compelling characters, innovative mythology, and themes that resonate beyond its fantasy setting, Kaner’s first novel burns bright indeed.
The book’s abrupt ending may frustrate some readers, but it effectively sets the stage for the sequel, Sunbringer, where we can expect to see the consequences of Arren’s transformation and Kissen’s survival. The final installment, Faithbreaker, promises to conclude what is shaping up to be a remarkable fantasy trilogy.
For readers seeking fantasy with teeth, heart, and characters who feel authentically broken yet undefeated, Godkiller is a blazing beacon. Hannah Kaner has announced herself as a significant new voice in fantasy, and I eagerly await what fires she’ll light next.
