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Fallen Gods #2
Sunbringer
Return to the world of Godkiller in this thrilling sequel to the #1 internationally bestselling fantasy debut, where Kissen and her companions must navigate lands of gods and demons to unravel a dark truth at the heart of their world.
Professional godkiller Kissen and her companions—young noble Inara and knight Elogast—return in a winding adventure in a world overflowing with magic, beauty, and danger.
Professional godkiller Kissen and her companions—young noble Inara and knight Elogast—return in a winding adventure in a world overflowing with magic, beauty, and danger.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published March 12, 2024
About the author
Hannah Kaner
2 books1,186 followersHannah has her heart in Scotland and her roots in the north of England.
Hannah’s trade has always been story telling. From creating and unravelling mysteries in Northumberland with her mates, to annoying the hell out of her supervisors at the University of Cambridge by insisting on comparing Terry Pratchett to Charles Dickens, and studying narrative theory in video games.
They grudgingly (or joyfully?) gave her a 1st Class degree in English.
She puts the desire to communicate and challenge into her work in the technology sector, specialising in creating digital tools for hard to reach communities.
Hannah loves the histories and mythologies shared through our cultural histories, the stories we tell ourselves about being human. She also likes stabby swords and angry women.
Hannah’s trade has always been story telling. From creating and unravelling mysteries in Northumberland with her mates, to annoying the hell out of her supervisors at the University of Cambridge by insisting on comparing Terry Pratchett to Charles Dickens, and studying narrative theory in video games.
They grudgingly (or joyfully?) gave her a 1st Class degree in English.
She puts the desire to communicate and challenge into her work in the technology sector, specialising in creating digital tools for hard to reach communities.
Hannah loves the histories and mythologies shared through our cultural histories, the stories we tell ourselves about being human. She also likes stabby swords and angry women.
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May 15, 2023hannah kaner, if you are seeing this i'll gladly sacrifice my firstborn to get an arc for this book
January 25, 2024
My thanks to Harper and Avon Voyager, Hannah Kaner and Netgalley.
I was somehow lucky enough to read this book just a very short time after reading Godkiller.
No, this was no where near as good as the first. It was however just about wonderful!
There's a special something about these people and their world that I love.
My one and only gripe is that my main characters were separated for most of this book. Eh. Middle book syndrome?
In the end it didn't matter.
I love these books!
I was somehow lucky enough to read this book just a very short time after reading Godkiller.
No, this was no where near as good as the first. It was however just about wonderful!
There's a special something about these people and their world that I love.
My one and only gripe is that my main characters were separated for most of this book. Eh. Middle book syndrome?
In the end it didn't matter.
I love these books!
January 9, 2024
Being absolutely honest, I feel a bit conflicted about Sunbringer. I loved everything about Godkiller, and although I think Sunbringer it’s an interesting follow up book, it just didn’t hold the same appeal with me.
Sunbringer starts immediately after Godkiller events, with an additional POV that I loved and added much value to the story. The narrative continues with the remaining characters we already love, but for most of the book, they are apart, and I really wanted more time with them all together. I also wanted more of Kissen, which is my favorite character, and we didn’t get to see nearly enough of her. I understand the reason behind it: Inara, Skediceth and Elo need more time to grow into themselves, and I’m loving to read about it, but I miss Kissen (and Legs too! Why would you make the horse suffer Hannah? Why?)
The book is slower paced than Godkiller and has significant less action during the first half of it, which affected my overall enjoyment of the story. I could see that Hannah was moving all the pieces for an epic ending, but I just wasn’t curious enough to know it and struggled to get going.
Hannah is making a terrific job writing Fallen Gods characters, and this remains my favorite bit of the series. I’m loving to see their change and growth, from the main characters to the villains. I also love the premise around the Gods and their power source, which I believe it is a great foundation for interesting conversations around religion and beliefs.
That said, the ending is quite good and worthy of my struggle. Although I’ve guessed the twists, that didn’t affect my appreciation for the story, and I will be waiting expectantly for the next installment of Fallen Gods.
I cannot review this series and not comment on the stellar representation included in it. This is wonderfully done.
I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, HarperVoyager and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest an honest review.
Sunbringer starts immediately after Godkiller events, with an additional POV that I loved and added much value to the story. The narrative continues with the remaining characters we already love, but for most of the book, they are apart, and I really wanted more time with them all together. I also wanted more of Kissen, which is my favorite character, and we didn’t get to see nearly enough of her. I understand the reason behind it: Inara, Skediceth and Elo need more time to grow into themselves, and I’m loving to read about it, but I miss Kissen (and Legs too! Why would you make the horse suffer Hannah? Why?)
The book is slower paced than Godkiller and has significant less action during the first half of it, which affected my overall enjoyment of the story. I could see that Hannah was moving all the pieces for an epic ending, but I just wasn’t curious enough to know it and struggled to get going.
Hannah is making a terrific job writing Fallen Gods characters, and this remains my favorite bit of the series. I’m loving to see their change and growth, from the main characters to the villains. I also love the premise around the Gods and their power source, which I believe it is a great foundation for interesting conversations around religion and beliefs.
That said, the ending is quite good and worthy of my struggle. Although I’ve guessed the twists, that didn’t affect my appreciation for the story, and I will be waiting expectantly for the next installment of Fallen Gods.
I cannot review this series and not comment on the stellar representation included in it. This is wonderfully done.
I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, HarperVoyager and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest an honest review.
December 16, 2023
4.25/5
People like me don't change the world. We just survive it.
Thank you HarperCollins for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I adored Godkiller, it's an incredible debut and one of my favourite releases of the year, and the sequel, Sunbringer, (releasing February 2024) doesn't disappoint. Although it isn't quite as brilliant as the first book, it sets up the larger, looming plotline to come very well and expands on our beloved characters.
I shall now attempt to review this sequel without spoiling the first book! (Reviewing books in series is so difficult because of this reason!)
With little tools you make battle with gods, but you still cannot fight faith.
Kissen is my favourite of the characters, although I think in this book Inara shines most brightly. I enjoyed Kissen's chapters as she's abandoned in a land that is at once both foreign and familiar to her. I adored seeing the threat on the horizon through her eyes in these chapters and loved the various settings this new land gave us. Kissen's will is tested with brutal precision as she realises this is not a fight she alone can win. She may be a godkiller, but she cannot kill faith.
(I do wish we got to see a little more of her, but I might be biased!)
As I mentioned before, Inara was my favourite in this particular book. She's incredible! She has already grown so much from the scared little girl with a secret we met at the beginning of the series, and it's fascinating to watch this growth continue as she finds her own identity in the mess of swirling colours she is made to reckon with. When her will, and all she is, is so attached to another being, who does that mean she truly is? What can she become? Inara wants answers, as she always has, but now she also wants to be able to choose what to do with those answers. She's brave and unyielding and she wants to prove this. She wants to fight for the ones she loves and she wants to avenge them.
Elogast is broken, that much he already knows. Guilt haunts his every step, betrayal encroaches on his heart and anger mixes with his every breath. His relationships are fractured, grief plagues him in many forms, and yet he is more determined than he has ever been. He, at last, knows what must be done. He dons his armour once again and becomes the blood-soaked man of his past, willing to sacrifice his gentle being and gentle life. He cannot go back to his bakery. He's known that for a very long time.
Why does it always come to this? That power changes, and knowledge burns?
I loved being in the city of Lesscia, the centre of all knowledge in Middren. It was a phenomenal setting for the main events of the story, not as overrun with gods as Blenraden, but alive with ancient history seeping out of every crack in the walls. The old gods still find shadows to hide themselves away in, loved in secret, sustaining the city they love in silence.
I adored how atmospheric and comforting Kaner's prose always was, the city sang with every step the characters took.
I do think this book felt a little less integral to the story overall, but it's a hard thing to explain because technically there were many aspects that were important to the plots weaving throughout the series, however I think because most of the story is spent with our main characters apart it felt as if we were continuously waiting for something. I knew, whilst I was reading, that these characters needed to find their way back to one another to tackle the main threat of the series, and so I couldn't help but feel as though we were, at times, sitting still.
However, this isn't a big criticism, I still massively enjoyed this book. I only say this because I recognise how much this book is setting up for the third one and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!
No wonder humans made gods: everything they desired and feared just spilled out of them, staining everything they touched.
I adore this world and all the characters in it so incredibly much, it's all astoundingly comforting.
In my review for the first book, I wrote about how much it feels like the comforting aspects of The Witcher and I do agree with that statement, however it is also something uniquely its own.
It's a world of contradictions. It's a world of gods who are both forbidden and desperately needed. It's a character who is at once a godkiller and a protector of gods. It's someone who is both man and god, and, perhaps, underneath it all, something even worse. This is a land that is broken and healed and broken all over again. It's a world of jagged edges, full of jagged people all trying to navigate their way through it as best they can.
It's phenomenal and I hope you love it as much as I do!
Even gods have their time to die.
People like me don't change the world. We just survive it.
Thank you HarperCollins for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I adored Godkiller, it's an incredible debut and one of my favourite releases of the year, and the sequel, Sunbringer, (releasing February 2024) doesn't disappoint. Although it isn't quite as brilliant as the first book, it sets up the larger, looming plotline to come very well and expands on our beloved characters.
I shall now attempt to review this sequel without spoiling the first book! (Reviewing books in series is so difficult because of this reason!)
With little tools you make battle with gods, but you still cannot fight faith.
Kissen is my favourite of the characters, although I think in this book Inara shines most brightly. I enjoyed Kissen's chapters as she's abandoned in a land that is at once both foreign and familiar to her. I adored seeing the threat on the horizon through her eyes in these chapters and loved the various settings this new land gave us. Kissen's will is tested with brutal precision as she realises this is not a fight she alone can win. She may be a godkiller, but she cannot kill faith.
(I do wish we got to see a little more of her, but I might be biased!)
As I mentioned before, Inara was my favourite in this particular book. She's incredible! She has already grown so much from the scared little girl with a secret we met at the beginning of the series, and it's fascinating to watch this growth continue as she finds her own identity in the mess of swirling colours she is made to reckon with. When her will, and all she is, is so attached to another being, who does that mean she truly is? What can she become? Inara wants answers, as she always has, but now she also wants to be able to choose what to do with those answers. She's brave and unyielding and she wants to prove this. She wants to fight for the ones she loves and she wants to avenge them.
Elogast is broken, that much he already knows. Guilt haunts his every step, betrayal encroaches on his heart and anger mixes with his every breath. His relationships are fractured, grief plagues him in many forms, and yet he is more determined than he has ever been. He, at last, knows what must be done. He dons his armour once again and becomes the blood-soaked man of his past, willing to sacrifice his gentle being and gentle life. He cannot go back to his bakery. He's known that for a very long time.
Why does it always come to this? That power changes, and knowledge burns?
I loved being in the city of Lesscia, the centre of all knowledge in Middren. It was a phenomenal setting for the main events of the story, not as overrun with gods as Blenraden, but alive with ancient history seeping out of every crack in the walls. The old gods still find shadows to hide themselves away in, loved in secret, sustaining the city they love in silence.
I adored how atmospheric and comforting Kaner's prose always was, the city sang with every step the characters took.
I do think this book felt a little less integral to the story overall, but it's a hard thing to explain because technically there were many aspects that were important to the plots weaving throughout the series, however I think because most of the story is spent with our main characters apart it felt as if we were continuously waiting for something. I knew, whilst I was reading, that these characters needed to find their way back to one another to tackle the main threat of the series, and so I couldn't help but feel as though we were, at times, sitting still.
However, this isn't a big criticism, I still massively enjoyed this book. I only say this because I recognise how much this book is setting up for the third one and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!
No wonder humans made gods: everything they desired and feared just spilled out of them, staining everything they touched.
I adore this world and all the characters in it so incredibly much, it's all astoundingly comforting.
In my review for the first book, I wrote about how much it feels like the comforting aspects of The Witcher and I do agree with that statement, however it is also something uniquely its own.
It's a world of contradictions. It's a world of gods who are both forbidden and desperately needed. It's a character who is at once a godkiller and a protector of gods. It's someone who is both man and god, and, perhaps, underneath it all, something even worse. This is a land that is broken and healed and broken all over again. It's a world of jagged edges, full of jagged people all trying to navigate their way through it as best they can.
It's phenomenal and I hope you love it as much as I do!
Even gods have their time to die.
Read
July 1, 2023the cold side of the pillow, part #2
March 24, 2024
The first half of the book put me into the biggest reading slump. I was having a really hard time following all the characters as they went on different journeys. The pacing just felt a bit too slow for me. I was only invested in the story during the last part of the book where Inara is revealed to be a half god. I gasp. So loud. I had my suspicion, but damn. It was a good twist and how Kissen went from wanting to kill all Gods to protecting this little demigod. That's an interesting turn of events. Also, is everyone in this book bi? I like how fluid their sexuality is. But overall, it was an ok book. I enjoyed Godkiller much more than this.
February 23, 2024
my roman empire
update: still trying to process it, all I can say is that I was super hyped for it (as anyone can see eheh) and IT DELIVERED
update: still trying to process it, all I can say is that I was super hyped for it (as anyone can see eheh) and IT DELIVERED
March 1, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Sunbringer is the second book in the Fallen Gods series told from multiple PoVs helping to give the reader a full experience in this world full of small gods, lost gods and the people who might had defeated them years ago but forgot to let go of them. The story picks up a few weeks after the events of Godkiller, with all of our characters recovering from the betrayal, sacrifices made and the cost of going up against a god. (possible small spoilers for Godkiller)
Godkiller was one of my favorite books of 2023 and a fantastic debut novel for Hannah Kaner. While I did enjoy Sunbringer, the bar was really high to love it just as much as the first book of the series. Part of the problem is that most of the main characters are separated for much of the book on their own journeys and so the dynamic between them that was so magical in Godkiller was sacrificed. However, this enables the reader so see so many other aspects of this world they couldn't have if the characters didn't split up. Still I was longing to get to the point that they would all find their ways back to each other to stand together against all of the new threats looming for Middren. Some from within and many from the outside.
Kissen was one of my favorite characters from 2023. She is complex, the trauma and loathing she has towards the gods is just as tangled as the body she lives in. What she didn't realize until now is that she might be able to kill a god but just because you kill them doesn't mean you killed the faith of the people that created them. If that still exists so will the god, but the next version might be slightly changed for better or worse. She has a new task set to her by a God and she might not like it but she does see the need for it. She has been a Godkiller for most of her life, with only few to claim as friends or family. Inara and Elogast made in into that small circle during their travels in Godkiller and she will do this to be able to help save them as well.
Elogast left his bakery to try and save his friend only to find he had been betrayed. He longs for that piece of his life but realizes that he can never go back to the bakery and will have to pick up his burdens as a soldier and commander if he has any hope of standing up what he thinks is right. Elogast is so broken, he has PTSD from the things he saw in his first campaign against the Gods with his best friend and heartsworn companion. He might be picking up his sword and armor again, leading men again but the chances are slim he will survive. He will have every faith tested in his defense of the only city with a chance of standing up to the King. The fight is harder than he ever knew it would be since the King is tied to a god and is looking to become a god himself.
For me Inara and Skediceth had the most interesting story in Sunbringer. A little girl tied to the god of White Lies is looking for answers of who she is, who her father is and why she is able to be tied to a god. Staying with the rest of Kissen's family she will try to discover what she can do and if she has the power to help in this coming war. The bonds between her and Skedi will also be tested as each of them is growing in both power and in will. Inara has the most time with various gods learning how the city of Lesscia has kept so many little gods going in a time when praying to gods is outlawed. Overall this was one of the most interesting plots to the story. And even though I could see that eventually her story would have to collide back and merge with Kissen and Elogast I was impatient waiting to get there.
There is a new PoV in the story of the King who would like to be a God, the Sunbringer. This added to the overall story and the complexity of what is happening. I did guess one of the secrets but the climax of the story when everyone ended up in the same space was really all I wanted it to be. I saw a few of the twists of this story coming, but I also missed some of the bigger reveals that kept the surprises coming for me. All these characters are going to have to find a way to come together if they are going to stand against wave of power getting ready to sweep through Middren.
Sunbringer is a middle book and suffers from a few middle book issues with some of the pacing as it is setting up for future books in the series. That said, I was entertained and interested the entire book and couldn't put it down, needing to get the part where characters would be reunited or come to the revelations we as the reader see they need to get to. Not as action packed as Godkiller, Sunbringer brings plenty of action towards the last 25% when the story is speeding up to the conclusion of at least this book. No one in the story is all good or bad, there is plenty of grey area there making for interesting and complex situations that are always more interesting than characters that are strictly good or bad. I am excited to see where Hannah Kaner takes this story moving forward as I see there being so much potential with the interactions between Gods, man and sometimes the blend of both.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Sunbringer is the second book in the Fallen Gods series told from multiple PoVs helping to give the reader a full experience in this world full of small gods, lost gods and the people who might had defeated them years ago but forgot to let go of them. The story picks up a few weeks after the events of Godkiller, with all of our characters recovering from the betrayal, sacrifices made and the cost of going up against a god. (possible small spoilers for Godkiller)
With little tools you make battle with gods, but you still cannot fight faith.
Godkiller was one of my favorite books of 2023 and a fantastic debut novel for Hannah Kaner. While I did enjoy Sunbringer, the bar was really high to love it just as much as the first book of the series. Part of the problem is that most of the main characters are separated for much of the book on their own journeys and so the dynamic between them that was so magical in Godkiller was sacrificed. However, this enables the reader so see so many other aspects of this world they couldn't have if the characters didn't split up. Still I was longing to get to the point that they would all find their ways back to each other to stand together against all of the new threats looming for Middren. Some from within and many from the outside.
Kissen was one of my favorite characters from 2023. She is complex, the trauma and loathing she has towards the gods is just as tangled as the body she lives in. What she didn't realize until now is that she might be able to kill a god but just because you kill them doesn't mean you killed the faith of the people that created them. If that still exists so will the god, but the next version might be slightly changed for better or worse. She has a new task set to her by a God and she might not like it but she does see the need for it. She has been a Godkiller for most of her life, with only few to claim as friends or family. Inara and Elogast made in into that small circle during their travels in Godkiller and she will do this to be able to help save them as well.
‘I have seen nations here rise and fall. Gods too, lifted high and then dashed to the ground. And yet . . .’ Her eyes came back, deep and unyielding, ‘This is the first time I have seen godhood and nationhood so deeply entwined. It frightens me. Hseth frightens me.’
Elogast left his bakery to try and save his friend only to find he had been betrayed. He longs for that piece of his life but realizes that he can never go back to the bakery and will have to pick up his burdens as a soldier and commander if he has any hope of standing up what he thinks is right. Elogast is so broken, he has PTSD from the things he saw in his first campaign against the Gods with his best friend and heartsworn companion. He might be picking up his sword and armor again, leading men again but the chances are slim he will survive. He will have every faith tested in his defense of the only city with a chance of standing up to the King. The fight is harder than he ever knew it would be since the King is tied to a god and is looking to become a god himself.
These waves of emotion, tension, were longing for release. To celebrate, to destroy. Enough for someone’s will to slip in and take hold. Sunbringer wanted it to be his will, his glory. He wanted to claim their chaos and tame it. Skedi understood. It was what a god would want.
For me Inara and Skediceth had the most interesting story in Sunbringer. A little girl tied to the god of White Lies is looking for answers of who she is, who her father is and why she is able to be tied to a god. Staying with the rest of Kissen's family she will try to discover what she can do and if she has the power to help in this coming war. The bonds between her and Skedi will also be tested as each of them is growing in both power and in will. Inara has the most time with various gods learning how the city of Lesscia has kept so many little gods going in a time when praying to gods is outlawed. Overall this was one of the most interesting plots to the story. And even though I could see that eventually her story would have to collide back and merge with Kissen and Elogast I was impatient waiting to get there.
There is a new PoV in the story of the King who would like to be a God, the Sunbringer. This added to the overall story and the complexity of what is happening. I did guess one of the secrets but the climax of the story when everyone ended up in the same space was really all I wanted it to be. I saw a few of the twists of this story coming, but I also missed some of the bigger reveals that kept the surprises coming for me. All these characters are going to have to find a way to come together if they are going to stand against wave of power getting ready to sweep through Middren.
Sunbringer is a middle book and suffers from a few middle book issues with some of the pacing as it is setting up for future books in the series. That said, I was entertained and interested the entire book and couldn't put it down, needing to get the part where characters would be reunited or come to the revelations we as the reader see they need to get to. Not as action packed as Godkiller, Sunbringer brings plenty of action towards the last 25% when the story is speeding up to the conclusion of at least this book. No one in the story is all good or bad, there is plenty of grey area there making for interesting and complex situations that are always more interesting than characters that are strictly good or bad. I am excited to see where Hannah Kaner takes this story moving forward as I see there being so much potential with the interactions between Gods, man and sometimes the blend of both.
March 19, 2024
Синдромът на средната книга (като подгрявка за финала) е особено видим тук.
Светът е все така интересен, а някои предишни богоборци дотам се главозамайват, че решават да поемат по стъпките на ненавистните им иначе богове. Вечната приказка за стълбата - когато изкачиш последното стъпало, изкушенията на могъществото вече са те л��шили от разум и справедливост…
Действието тук е невероятно бавно и разкъсано. Кисен беше - буквално - играчка на боговете. Елогаст пък го игра “девицата в беда” - нищо не му се получаваше, и все някой трябваше да го спасява. Инара откри коя е и това не беше никаква изненада. Нейният малък бог на благородните лъжи помъдря и беше много сладък. На Арън пък му дадоха твърде малко екранно време, а имаше такъв потенциал да покаже пороците на властта - макар накрая да компенсира зрелищно.
Тук нашите герои твърде много се затръшкаха и затюхкаха колко са несправедливи към някои богове, което не се връзваше много с предната книга. И политически коректните клишета взеха да досаждат - как пък не се появи ни една хетеросексуалната двойка в тази част?! Имаше второстепенни герои, които се появиха, само за да демонстрират, че са “queer”, а иначе бяха доста безинтересни - в първата книга балансът беше изпипан, а тук явно е отмятан чеклист с коректни ситуации. Такова самоцелно претрупване не работи добре. Много се издразних - това е другата крайност спрямо “секс единствено след брак с църковна благословия, даже и тогава от немай къде, и да ходите редовно на изповед!”. И двете крайности са адски дразнещи, макар с моя късмет да налитам книжно предимно на втората. А да, и богът на океаните също бързо го изхвърлиха от действието без нужда, а тъкмо се беше развихрил.
Въпреки нещастното ми мрънкане, книгата ми хареса и имаше порядъчни драма и гаснещи богове (сред които - на розите и на знанието), но просто не е на нивото на прекрасната първа част. Явно третата заключителна книга ще е решаваща, но към нея трябва да се подходи с умерени очаквания, предвид неравномерността в писането на авторката.
3,5⭐️
———
▶️ Цитати:
🔱“the truth didn’t matter. All that mattered was the story.”
🔱“Some truths are too bright to look at directly, that is why they couch them in paper. ”
🔱”Gods were made from emotions.”
🔱“Gods that live long forget the value of human lives”
🔱“People like me don’t change the world,’. ‘We just survive it.”
🔱“Knowledge can bring pain in place of ignorance, terror in place of hope. ”
Светът е все така интересен, а някои предишни богоборци дотам се главозамайват, че решават да поемат по стъпките на ненавистните им иначе богове. Вечната приказка за стълбата - когато изкачиш последното стъпало, изкушенията на могъществото вече са те л��шили от разум и справедливост…
Действието тук е невероятно бавно и разкъсано. Кисен беше - буквално - играчка на боговете. Елогаст пък го игра “девицата в беда” - нищо не му се получаваше, и все някой трябваше да го спасява. Инара откри коя е и това не беше никаква изненада. Нейният малък бог на благородните лъжи помъдря и беше много сладък. На Арън пък му дадоха твърде малко екранно време, а имаше такъв потенциал да покаже пороците на властта - макар накрая да компенсира зрелищно.
Тук нашите герои твърде много се затръшкаха и затюхкаха колко са несправедливи към някои богове, което не се връзваше много с предната книга. И политически коректните клишета взеха да досаждат - как пък не се появи ни една хетеросексуалната двойка в тази част?! Имаше второстепенни герои, които се появиха, само за да демонстрират, че са “queer”, а иначе бяха доста безинтересни - в първата книга балансът беше изпипан, а тук явно е отмятан чеклист с коректни ситуации. Такова самоцелно претрупване не работи добре. Много се издразних - това е другата крайност спрямо “секс единствено след брак с църковна благословия, даже и тогава от немай къде, и да ходите редовно на изповед!”. И двете крайности са адски дразнещи, макар с моя късмет да налитам книжно предимно на втората. А да, и богът на океаните също бързо го изхвърлиха от действието без нужда, а тъкмо се беше развихрил.
Въпреки нещастното ми мрънкане, книгата ми хареса и имаше порядъчни драма и гаснещи богове (сред които - на розите и на знанието), но просто не е на нивото на прекрасната първа част. Явно третата заключителна книга ще е решаваща, но към нея трябва да се подходи с умерени очаквания, предвид неравномерността в писането на авторката.
3,5⭐️
———
▶️ Цитати:
🔱“the truth didn’t matter. All that mattered was the story.”
🔱“Some truths are too bright to look at directly, that is why they couch them in paper. ”
🔱”Gods were made from emotions.”
🔱“Gods that live long forget the value of human lives”
🔱“People like me don’t change the world,’. ‘We just survive it.”
🔱“Knowledge can bring pain in place of ignorance, terror in place of hope. ”
March 23, 2024
damn i love the world building of this series. so fucking good.
March 18, 2024
Sunbringer
by Hannah Kaner
Fallen Gods #2
Fantasy High Fantasy
NetGalley ARC
Avon/Harper Voyager
Ages: 16+
By the King's decree, Gods are forbidden, and even though there are those sent out into the world to kill the Gods by destroying their shrines, the shrines of one God that was thought dead are being rebuilt.
Inara and Elogast are trying to accept the loss of Kissen. Inara and her little god Skedi are searching for information about their bond, and Elogast knows he must be the one to kill his once best friend, who is now harboring a god instead of his heart.
While the blurb sounds really interesting, sadly the story is not. It goes nowhere very slowly. There's hardly any action until the end, and the storytelling is more telling than showing. There is a lot of disjointedness to it, it jumps from here to there without much details of why.
Yeah, sure, it was all leading up to the end, but (the ending wasn't all that either) there wasn't a lot that got it moving at a good speed. I was bored and couldn't wait for the ending, so maybe that's why the ending wasn't that entertaining for me.
What I think is missing is more history of the magic, world, and Gods. There is information stuck in here and there, but not enough to keep my attention.
I still like the characters Inara and Skedi, their story is the most interesting and detailed. Kissen's was in the first book, but in this one, it got boring as did Elogast's. They both started to feel like rambling just to add words to the story. Yes, they lead up to something, but it just took forever to get there.
Will I read the next one? Eh. I don't know. Honestly, it's not high on my got-to-read list.
2 Stars
by Hannah Kaner
Fallen Gods #2
Fantasy High Fantasy
NetGalley ARC
Avon/Harper Voyager
Ages: 16+
By the King's decree, Gods are forbidden, and even though there are those sent out into the world to kill the Gods by destroying their shrines, the shrines of one God that was thought dead are being rebuilt.
Inara and Elogast are trying to accept the loss of Kissen. Inara and her little god Skedi are searching for information about their bond, and Elogast knows he must be the one to kill his once best friend, who is now harboring a god instead of his heart.
While the blurb sounds really interesting, sadly the story is not. It goes nowhere very slowly. There's hardly any action until the end, and the storytelling is more telling than showing. There is a lot of disjointedness to it, it jumps from here to there without much details of why.
Yeah, sure, it was all leading up to the end, but (the ending wasn't all that either) there wasn't a lot that got it moving at a good speed. I was bored and couldn't wait for the ending, so maybe that's why the ending wasn't that entertaining for me.
What I think is missing is more history of the magic, world, and Gods. There is information stuck in here and there, but not enough to keep my attention.
I still like the characters Inara and Skedi, their story is the most interesting and detailed. Kissen's was in the first book, but in this one, it got boring as did Elogast's. They both started to feel like rambling just to add words to the story. Yes, they lead up to something, but it just took forever to get there.
Will I read the next one? Eh. I don't know. Honestly, it's not high on my got-to-read list.
2 Stars
January 16, 2024
This review will contain spoilers for Godkiller
“'I am a knight, so you must know what that means. I have killed gods of vengeance and of nightmares. I have taken blades and terror and fire. I have left my home, my family and my king for my honour. I have no patience for empty threats!
Not a word was a lie.”
They thought the gods were weak and defeated, but where there are those who believe, the gods linger, the gods gain power.
Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner is an action-packed sequel to the hugely successful Godkiller.
We return to our characters in a state of grief and utter despair as they try to prepare for war. Kissen believed her life was over after she had killed the tyrant god of Fire, but in a strange turn of fate, another god saved her. Now she must heed the warnings and prevent a devastating invasion on Middren. Meanwhile Elogast, Inara and Skediceth, are filled with sorrow for Kissen who they saw fall beneath the waves and their anger for the betrayal and destruction King Arren has brought upon them all rises. Their thoughts soon turn to vengeance. Yet King Arren’s life still is in the hands of a god, and now he strives to become a god himself.
A highlight of this book for me was how we get a lot more page-time with the Gods themselves. With Kissen traveling through her childhood home of Talicia, she is warned by several gods of Hseth’s forthcoming invasion, they summon her in various ways, they speak to her and even show her visions as they try to guide her path. In the first instalment I had found Kissen overly angry to the point of being unreasonable, whereas in this sequel I feel her character grows by discovering that she may be a skilled godkiller but she cannot wipe out faith. Whilst Kissen still keeps her quick firing feisty tongue, she does show growing wisdom by at least listening and learning from the gods, even showing them mercy, despite her pure hatred of them. We even see her affection for animals, her need to protect Inara, her hidden softness. Personally, I felt Kissen was a much better rounded character, she’s still distrustful and headstrong but she’s now also willing to think beyond her own feelings and this made following her journey much more enjoyable. That’s not to say the gods are any less dangerous though, if anything they are more dangerous than ever, as seen by some of their direct actions, but Kissen’s understanding of them has slowly changed.
“Inara slowly stopped shaking, and her breaths became gentler, and the murk of her colours soothed to crystalline once more. Finally, she picked herself up, pale and trembling, but calm. She shone with the lie she had asked for and wiped her face.
T'll find my own way, she echoed in a small voice.”
Inara is another character who goes through changes in this novel. She’s now a child who has lost so many that she loves, a child who has seen bloodshed, been overwhelmed by grief, but also has seen the powers she holds in her hands. Naturally she wishes to use her powers to help, to heal, to learn more of who and what she is. The more Inara puts herself at risk, the more it strains her relationship with her god companion, Skediceth, who wants to protect her at all costs. I have to say this honestly broke my heart a little, to see these two at odd was stressful. I absolutely adore their bond and love, the way they see emotion through colours and comfort each other exactly when they need it, even by Skediceth using white lies. Two further characters who desperately wish to look after Inara were Telle and Yatho, Kissen’s adopted sisters. I was so glad to see these two become more predominant characters and gain a deeper purpose. Telle and Yatho clearly have such a strong love and I appreciated seeing disabled characters set in a medieval world. Kaner is just fantastic at never focusing on what these characters, including Kissen, can’t do, but instead sheds light on what they are willing to do for each other.
The central theme of Sunbringer is about a rising rebellion and this sees our characters in the city of Lesscia, where the archives hold a fountain of knowledge. This city was a great choice in showing how a war can be fought on two fronts, one by looking at history and uncovering hidden truths and the other by holding a siege. Our knight turned baker, Elogast, is thrust back into being a soldier as his fight against his former friend, King Arren consumes his every moment. Elo may still be haunted by PTSD but he’s also willing to put aside his trauma and become the warrior that he once was. It was interesting to see Elo lose his gentle manner and fight with all his strength. I did find that the build up to this battle does take a while to progress and then the novel finishes rather abruptly. However this does tantalisingly set up events for the third and final instalment of the trilogy.
"It might occur to you, said Osidisen quietly, not to insult a god
on his own land.”
"It might occur to you that I don't give a shit.'
ARC provided by Susanna at Harper Voyager UK in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the copy. All quotes used are taken from an early ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
Sunbringer is out 15th February 2024
“'I am a knight, so you must know what that means. I have killed gods of vengeance and of nightmares. I have taken blades and terror and fire. I have left my home, my family and my king for my honour. I have no patience for empty threats!
Not a word was a lie.”
They thought the gods were weak and defeated, but where there are those who believe, the gods linger, the gods gain power.
Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner is an action-packed sequel to the hugely successful Godkiller.
We return to our characters in a state of grief and utter despair as they try to prepare for war. Kissen believed her life was over after she had killed the tyrant god of Fire, but in a strange turn of fate, another god saved her. Now she must heed the warnings and prevent a devastating invasion on Middren. Meanwhile Elogast, Inara and Skediceth, are filled with sorrow for Kissen who they saw fall beneath the waves and their anger for the betrayal and destruction King Arren has brought upon them all rises. Their thoughts soon turn to vengeance. Yet King Arren’s life still is in the hands of a god, and now he strives to become a god himself.
A highlight of this book for me was how we get a lot more page-time with the Gods themselves. With Kissen traveling through her childhood home of Talicia, she is warned by several gods of Hseth’s forthcoming invasion, they summon her in various ways, they speak to her and even show her visions as they try to guide her path. In the first instalment I had found Kissen overly angry to the point of being unreasonable, whereas in this sequel I feel her character grows by discovering that she may be a skilled godkiller but she cannot wipe out faith. Whilst Kissen still keeps her quick firing feisty tongue, she does show growing wisdom by at least listening and learning from the gods, even showing them mercy, despite her pure hatred of them. We even see her affection for animals, her need to protect Inara, her hidden softness. Personally, I felt Kissen was a much better rounded character, she’s still distrustful and headstrong but she’s now also willing to think beyond her own feelings and this made following her journey much more enjoyable. That’s not to say the gods are any less dangerous though, if anything they are more dangerous than ever, as seen by some of their direct actions, but Kissen’s understanding of them has slowly changed.
“Inara slowly stopped shaking, and her breaths became gentler, and the murk of her colours soothed to crystalline once more. Finally, she picked herself up, pale and trembling, but calm. She shone with the lie she had asked for and wiped her face.
T'll find my own way, she echoed in a small voice.”
Inara is another character who goes through changes in this novel. She’s now a child who has lost so many that she loves, a child who has seen bloodshed, been overwhelmed by grief, but also has seen the powers she holds in her hands. Naturally she wishes to use her powers to help, to heal, to learn more of who and what she is. The more Inara puts herself at risk, the more it strains her relationship with her god companion, Skediceth, who wants to protect her at all costs. I have to say this honestly broke my heart a little, to see these two at odd was stressful. I absolutely adore their bond and love, the way they see emotion through colours and comfort each other exactly when they need it, even by Skediceth using white lies. Two further characters who desperately wish to look after Inara were Telle and Yatho, Kissen’s adopted sisters. I was so glad to see these two become more predominant characters and gain a deeper purpose. Telle and Yatho clearly have such a strong love and I appreciated seeing disabled characters set in a medieval world. Kaner is just fantastic at never focusing on what these characters, including Kissen, can’t do, but instead sheds light on what they are willing to do for each other.
The central theme of Sunbringer is about a rising rebellion and this sees our characters in the city of Lesscia, where the archives hold a fountain of knowledge. This city was a great choice in showing how a war can be fought on two fronts, one by looking at history and uncovering hidden truths and the other by holding a siege. Our knight turned baker, Elogast, is thrust back into being a soldier as his fight against his former friend, King Arren consumes his every moment. Elo may still be haunted by PTSD but he’s also willing to put aside his trauma and become the warrior that he once was. It was interesting to see Elo lose his gentle manner and fight with all his strength. I did find that the build up to this battle does take a while to progress and then the novel finishes rather abruptly. However this does tantalisingly set up events for the third and final instalment of the trilogy.
"It might occur to you, said Osidisen quietly, not to insult a god
on his own land.”
"It might occur to you that I don't give a shit.'
ARC provided by Susanna at Harper Voyager UK in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the copy. All quotes used are taken from an early ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
Sunbringer is out 15th February 2024
March 14, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free via Netgalley, and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts. Many thanks to Harper Voyager for the opportunity!
I absolutely loved Godkiller for the found family vibes and seeing these characters converge on their own personal journeys but felt like there was maybe little oomph that was kind of missing. I had some hopes and dreams for what Kaner would cover and touch upon in book two and not only did she exceed my expectations, she gave me ALL THE FEELINGS I was hoping to get from this entry. The wait for Sunbringer was WORTH IT.
The further developments of so many different characters had me blazing through the book and the whole ride was CATNIP for me. There honestly wasn't a moment where I felt bored at all, and I loved everything that Kaner introduced here as well. There are times when having too many POVs can take away from the story, but this wasn't the case at all here. I really continued to feel heavily invested in each of the characters we got, and the pacing worked really well for me. I loved every single relationship dynamic we get to see here, both platonic and romantic, and I truly feel like Kaner did a spectacular job with expanding the world with all the extra flavors here. I honestly could not ask for more from a sequel and cannot wait for book three to come out. This is definitely shaping up to be one of my favorite series in recent times!!
-----
THIS WAS SO GOOD AND HAD EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED MORE OF. I can't wait for book 3. 😭 Full RTC.
I absolutely loved Godkiller for the found family vibes and seeing these characters converge on their own personal journeys but felt like there was maybe little oomph that was kind of missing. I had some hopes and dreams for what Kaner would cover and touch upon in book two and not only did she exceed my expectations, she gave me ALL THE FEELINGS I was hoping to get from this entry. The wait for Sunbringer was WORTH IT.
The further developments of so many different characters had me blazing through the book and the whole ride was CATNIP for me. There honestly wasn't a moment where I felt bored at all, and I loved everything that Kaner introduced here as well. There are times when having too many POVs can take away from the story, but this wasn't the case at all here. I really continued to feel heavily invested in each of the characters we got, and the pacing worked really well for me. I loved every single relationship dynamic we get to see here, both platonic and romantic, and I truly feel like Kaner did a spectacular job with expanding the world with all the extra flavors here. I honestly could not ask for more from a sequel and cannot wait for book three to come out. This is definitely shaping up to be one of my favorite series in recent times!!
-----
THIS WAS SO GOOD AND HAD EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED MORE OF. I can't wait for book 3. 😭 Full RTC.
March 20, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
I had just as much fun with book 2 as I had with book 1. Getting to find out more about all of the different gods and their abilities is just too much fun, and I have so much fun with these characters. I will say the first 30% or slow dragged a little for me, but once we got going man was it a ride. Beyond that, my other complaint would be the lack of banter between Inara and Kissen for reasons….but Skedi remains GOD tier…get it?
If you like the gods among us trope and quest/adventure stories and haven’t tried this series yet you are missing out.
Thank you to the published for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I had just as much fun with book 2 as I had with book 1. Getting to find out more about all of the different gods and their abilities is just too much fun, and I have so much fun with these characters. I will say the first 30% or slow dragged a little for me, but once we got going man was it a ride. Beyond that, my other complaint would be the lack of banter between Inara and Kissen for reasons….but Skedi remains GOD tier…get it?
If you like the gods among us trope and quest/adventure stories and haven’t tried this series yet you are missing out.
Thank you to the published for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
October 30, 2023Can we just take a moment to appreciate the beauty that this cover is?!
April 14, 2024
The beginning of this one was pretty slow, so it took me a minute to get fully pulled into the story. But once I did, Hannah Kaner had me eating out of her palm again.
Now I just have to wait for book 3 😩
Now I just have to wait for book 3 😩
April 11, 2024
So let’s start with the positives.. I love the increase of god related magic, I love the lore. I liked seeing more of the history and the ins & outs of a land filled with gods and worshippers. I was beyond happy about the cameo from the little mousey broken sandal god. I’m pleased we got to learn more about Inara and Skediceth’s origins and powers.
I listened to the audiobook and I think Kit Griffiths did another incredible job narrating this. As a UK native, it’s so refreshing to hear local accents sound so natural and regionally diverse. It’s rare in an audiobook to immediately tell by ear a person’s characteristics, class or gender. I also don’t think I’ve ever heard a thick Welsh accent portrayed so well in an audiobook. To do that and then nail a Scottish and Northern accent in the same chapter? Amazing!
On the flip side, I found the book slower to start. I missed the romance and found family aspects we had last time, due to the main characters becoming separated at the end of the last book and remaining that way for most of this book. All the emotionally charged parts of this book were heartbreaking, with not enough balance of heartwarming (until the last chapter). I can see why a lot of this may have been needed for the plot, character growth or set up of the next book.. However it just wasn’t engaging to read now that we’re rooting for the characters as a group. I want to be clear that this was still good, I just didn’t love it as much as the first. I think it’s a case of middle book syndrome.
I listened to the audiobook and I think Kit Griffiths did another incredible job narrating this. As a UK native, it’s so refreshing to hear local accents sound so natural and regionally diverse. It’s rare in an audiobook to immediately tell by ear a person’s characteristics, class or gender. I also don’t think I’ve ever heard a thick Welsh accent portrayed so well in an audiobook. To do that and then nail a Scottish and Northern accent in the same chapter? Amazing!
On the flip side, I found the book slower to start. I missed the romance and found family aspects we had last time, due to the main characters becoming separated at the end of the last book and remaining that way for most of this book. All the emotionally charged parts of this book were heartbreaking, with not enough balance of heartwarming (until the last chapter). I can see why a lot of this may have been needed for the plot, character growth or set up of the next book.. However it just wasn’t engaging to read now that we’re rooting for the characters as a group. I want to be clear that this was still good, I just didn’t love it as much as the first. I think it’s a case of middle book syndrome.
March 12, 2024
Ahoy there me mateys! This second installment was enjoyable and a quick read. I wanted to know how the story would evolve and how the gods would interfere. The highlights of this book continued to be Kissen and Skedi. I enjoyed Elogast, revisiting gods, and the other gods that are introduced. The gods are some of the more interesting characters.
This does have a bit of the middle book syndrome. The book was a little convoluted, especially at the beginning. I found the rebellion subplot to be mostly boring. Also, for the majority of this book, the three main characters are split up. After the ending of the last book, I guess I expected them to spend more time together. Elogast and Inara are only together some of the time and I would have liked more character interaction from me three favorites. And Kissen! . . . well spoilers. Her plotline was me favorite.
Inara tries to continue getting revenge while relying on her emotions and not her head. She comes across as stubborn and a bit angsty. I kinda wanted to hit her. I still love her character in general though and am looking forward how the growth in this book plays out. The ending of this installment gives me hope.
We also had new POVs from Arren's perspective. I really don't enjoy him as a character and didn't really like being in his head. I don't, however, think ye are supposed to like him so it works out. I also did not like the "twist" regarding him but that is likely personal preference.
In fact, I mostly wished the author would have done something different with this book though the set up for the larger picture makes sense. I felt the added POVs didn't always enrich the plot. The plot elements, in general, were predictable though I wasn't completely expecting the very ending. This may sound rather negative but it certainly was a good read. I am looking forward to the conclusion. Arrrrr!
This does have a bit of the middle book syndrome. The book was a little convoluted, especially at the beginning. I found the rebellion subplot to be mostly boring. Also, for the majority of this book, the three main characters are split up. After the ending of the last book, I guess I expected them to spend more time together. Elogast and Inara are only together some of the time and I would have liked more character interaction from me three favorites. And Kissen! . . . well spoilers. Her plotline was me favorite.
Inara tries to continue getting revenge while relying on her emotions and not her head. She comes across as stubborn and a bit angsty. I kinda wanted to hit her. I still love her character in general though and am looking forward how the growth in this book plays out. The ending of this installment gives me hope.
We also had new POVs from Arren's perspective. I really don't enjoy him as a character and didn't really like being in his head. I don't, however, think ye are supposed to like him so it works out. I also did not like the "twist" regarding him but that is likely personal preference.
In fact, I mostly wished the author would have done something different with this book though the set up for the larger picture makes sense. I felt the added POVs didn't always enrich the plot. The plot elements, in general, were predictable though I wasn't completely expecting the very ending. This may sound rather negative but it certainly was a good read. I am looking forward to the conclusion. Arrrrr!
April 6, 2024
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, and to the publisher, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This was definitely a more political, slower book than Godkiller was, but I'm really pleased that the story still felt compelling and interesting, and Hannah Kaner writes so brilliantly. I loved the various twists that happened throughout this book, and I still really love these characters too - I just wish that the characters hadn't felt so separate throughout the book? One of my favourite things about Godkiller was the found family aspect, and I felt like we lost that in Sunbringer. All of the characters have different motivations and goals to each other, particularly our core characters of Kissen, Inara and Elogast, and I just felt like we'd lost some of the magic from the first book, when they were really bonded together. However this did open up the world a lot more, which was what I'd wanted from a sequel, so I'm still excited to pick up the next installment when it comes out!
Thank you to Netgalley, and to the publisher, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This was definitely a more political, slower book than Godkiller was, but I'm really pleased that the story still felt compelling and interesting, and Hannah Kaner writes so brilliantly. I loved the various twists that happened throughout this book, and I still really love these characters too - I just wish that the characters hadn't felt so separate throughout the book? One of my favourite things about Godkiller was the found family aspect, and I felt like we lost that in Sunbringer. All of the characters have different motivations and goals to each other, particularly our core characters of Kissen, Inara and Elogast, and I just felt like we'd lost some of the magic from the first book, when they were really bonded together. However this did open up the world a lot more, which was what I'd wanted from a sequel, so I'm still excited to pick up the next installment when it comes out!
March 19, 2024
I love this world! I had started writing this a few times but found I was constantly adding spoilers for book one, so I'm going to keep it short and simple. With the cliffhanger ending of book one, I was happy to pick up right where we left off. This installment maybe has less action and more character-driven storyline, but when the action happens, it is epic. It builds and builds and the last like 25% is so exciting and the twist hits hard. I also love witnessing the development of the characters and learning more about the world. We get a lot of that in this one! I think it's clear Kaner is focused on the big picture and the setup for book three is great. I am utterly obsessed with this broken world of broken people and these gods hiding in the shadows wondering when the right time to "come back" is. I'm ready for the next book, please and thank you.
April 21, 2024
Finally finished this and not sure what to do with my life now...cry some more? Yeah, sounds about right.
As much as I loved the first book, this one wasn't on the same level. Maybe it's second book syndrome, but it took me a while to make myself pick it back up each time, even though I was interested in what was going to happen.
The first half was really slow, maybe even the first two thirds, the final third is where things REALLY picked up and it was hard to stop reading. It was also when I cried the most.
I'm still excited for the final book, hopefully it'll go back to a faster pace.
3.5
As much as I loved the first book, this one wasn't on the same level. Maybe it's second book syndrome, but it took me a while to make myself pick it back up each time, even though I was interested in what was going to happen.
The first half was really slow, maybe even the first two thirds, the final third is where things REALLY picked up and it was hard to stop reading. It was also when I cried the most.
I'm still excited for the final book, hopefully it'll go back to a faster pace.
3.5
April 17, 2024
Die Frage, warum es sich so sehr wie ein zweiter Band anstatt dem Abschluss einer Dilogie anfühlt ist damit beantwortet, dass es auf eine Trilogie ausgeweitet wurde.
Und holla, bin ich froh darüber! Es ist kein Stück ein durchhängender zweiter Band, sondern eine starke Fortsetzung.
Und deshalb: ICH WILL BAND 3, GERNE SCHNELL!
Und holla, bin ich froh darüber! Es ist kein Stück ein durchhängender zweiter Band, sondern eine starke Fortsetzung.
Und deshalb: ICH WILL BAND 3, GERNE SCHNELL!
February 25, 2024
So much middle book syndrome….
While a lot happens it feels like nothing really progressed. This felt like an entry meant to just pull a lot of small threads together for whatever the author has planned for the third- and probably final- book. There are some interesting reveals, but not enough to justify the extra hundred pages of bloat compared to Godkiller, which was overall a much tighter plot while still managing to have as much action. The ending left me apathetic to read the next entry and that is the biggest sign that this was less building towards something and more maintaining of minimal expectations.
While a lot happens it feels like nothing really progressed. This felt like an entry meant to just pull a lot of small threads together for whatever the author has planned for the third- and probably final- book. There are some interesting reveals, but not enough to justify the extra hundred pages of bloat compared to Godkiller, which was overall a much tighter plot while still managing to have as much action. The ending left me apathetic to read the next entry and that is the biggest sign that this was less building towards something and more maintaining of minimal expectations.
March 9, 2024
3.5 stars
A slow first half with an epic ending.
I loved the representation and the character development.
A slow first half with an epic ending.
I loved the representation and the character development.
January 26, 2024
I loved Godkiller and I’ve been so excited for Sunbringer that I started it straight away when it dropped through my letterbox, and let me tell you it does not disappoint! I loved seeing Inara again and getting to know her character a lot better in this book, along with Elogast and Kissen’s sisters.
I always find it hard to review sequels because I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone that hasn’t read the series yet but trust me when I tell you this book is every bit as wonderful as the first, and I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book.
Thank you so much to Harper Voyager UK for sending me a proof of this wonderful book.
I always find it hard to review sequels because I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone that hasn’t read the series yet but trust me when I tell you this book is every bit as wonderful as the first, and I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book.
Thank you so much to Harper Voyager UK for sending me a proof of this wonderful book.
March 30, 2024
“The people with the sharpest edges sometimes hid the deepest wounds”
I really enjoyed this book despite the slow pace at the start. The majority of the book the characters are apart (which was a bit sad) and I felt like it needed more Kissen (she’s my favourite) but at the same time I really liked the character development for both Inara and Elo.
The second half of the book was great, I loved the way the story went and the plot twists towards the end.
I feel like this is a great set up for the next instalment of the series. I’m excited to read the next one when it comes out - I think it’s going to have an epic conclusion
I really enjoyed this book despite the slow pace at the start. The majority of the book the characters are apart (which was a bit sad) and I felt like it needed more Kissen (she’s my favourite) but at the same time I really liked the character development for both Inara and Elo.
The second half of the book was great, I loved the way the story went and the plot twists towards the end.
I feel like this is a great set up for the next instalment of the series. I’m excited to read the next one when it comes out - I think it’s going to have an epic conclusion
March 27, 2024
3.25/5 stars
this doesn't have the same charm that the first book did, probably because kissen and the others are separated for practically the entirety of the book, nor was I enjoying this much since it felt like it falls victim to the middle book syndrome, but it served its purpose of opening the world much more. i'm quite excited to see how everything will be wrapped up in book 3 though
this doesn't have the same charm that the first book did, probably because kissen and the others are separated for practically the entirety of the book, nor was I enjoying this much since it felt like it falls victim to the middle book syndrome, but it served its purpose of opening the world much more. i'm quite excited to see how everything will be wrapped up in book 3 though
February 8, 2024
The sequel to Hannah Kaner’s deliciously enchanting debut is just as breathtakingly action packed, well plotted and unputdownable as the first!
It follows immediately on from the explosive events of Godkiller, and sees Kissen, Elogast and Inara delve ever deeper into the world of gods, kings and the faith that powers both.
Having absolutely loved Godkiller (it was one of my favourite books of 2023) I was beyond excited to get my hands on an early copy of it’s sequel, Sunbringer — and trust me when I tell you that it’s even better than I had anticipated!
The depth we once again explore in our characters, particularly Kissen and Inara, was absolutely phenomenal! I loved the parallels between their situations (in their complex feelings surrounding grief, vengeance and the need to find closure and justice) and felt it really bonded them despite the physical distance they endure.
Kissen, who’s finally completed her life’s purpose has now begun to move past the anger that has fuelled her for soo long. By attempting to find a more pragmatic solution to solving her problems, and interacting with Gods in a less confrontational (or violent) way—choosing instead to protect the people she loves most.
I was a little worried Kissen’s new-found maturity would ruin the compelling aspect that made me love her soo much-mainly her gruff, standoffish nature and fiery tenacity. But instead, it only added a greater level of complexity to her decision making that (though slightly less impulsive) was still incredibly intriguing.
Inara, like Kissen, goes through some big changes herself, with an emotional journey that delves ever deeper into the lore of Gods —and uncovering the truth behind Inara’s unique abilities and connection to Skedi (the God of White Lies) that had me completely gripped.
If, like me, you adore well crafted world-building, then you’re gonna love the lush and vividly detailed descriptions that Kaner’s skillful prose brings to life.
Especially the descriptions of Lesscia, home of Kissen’s adoptive family Telle and Yatho (and the Kingdom’s centre of knowledge.) With an intrinsically strong connection to the kingdom’s history (and to it’s patron God, Scian) I enjoyed exploring the complex and contradictory nuances of faith, where Gods are still venerated just as much as they are vilified. And absolutely loved getting to meet more of them (besides just Skedi.)
Elogast’s transformation from reluctant knight (and baker) into a bonafide protector of the people was also really interesting to watch unfold. His arc is very political intrigue heavy and shaped by the complicated history he shares with the King (who we also get to explore as a POV character), but is instrumental in getting all of our main players into position for the third and final novel in the series.
Overall, an immersive and unputdownable second instalment that has me eager to see where book three will take us.
Also, a huge thank you Harper Voyager for the arc.
It follows immediately on from the explosive events of Godkiller, and sees Kissen, Elogast and Inara delve ever deeper into the world of gods, kings and the faith that powers both.
Having absolutely loved Godkiller (it was one of my favourite books of 2023) I was beyond excited to get my hands on an early copy of it’s sequel, Sunbringer — and trust me when I tell you that it’s even better than I had anticipated!
The depth we once again explore in our characters, particularly Kissen and Inara, was absolutely phenomenal! I loved the parallels between their situations (in their complex feelings surrounding grief, vengeance and the need to find closure and justice) and felt it really bonded them despite the physical distance they endure.
Kissen, who’s finally completed her life’s purpose has now begun to move past the anger that has fuelled her for soo long. By attempting to find a more pragmatic solution to solving her problems, and interacting with Gods in a less confrontational (or violent) way—choosing instead to protect the people she loves most.
I was a little worried Kissen’s new-found maturity would ruin the compelling aspect that made me love her soo much-mainly her gruff, standoffish nature and fiery tenacity. But instead, it only added a greater level of complexity to her decision making that (though slightly less impulsive) was still incredibly intriguing.
Inara, like Kissen, goes through some big changes herself, with an emotional journey that delves ever deeper into the lore of Gods —and uncovering the truth behind Inara’s unique abilities and connection to Skedi (the God of White Lies) that had me completely gripped.
If, like me, you adore well crafted world-building, then you’re gonna love the lush and vividly detailed descriptions that Kaner’s skillful prose brings to life.
Especially the descriptions of Lesscia, home of Kissen’s adoptive family Telle and Yatho (and the Kingdom’s centre of knowledge.) With an intrinsically strong connection to the kingdom’s history (and to it’s patron God, Scian) I enjoyed exploring the complex and contradictory nuances of faith, where Gods are still venerated just as much as they are vilified. And absolutely loved getting to meet more of them (besides just Skedi.)
Elogast’s transformation from reluctant knight (and baker) into a bonafide protector of the people was also really interesting to watch unfold. His arc is very political intrigue heavy and shaped by the complicated history he shares with the King (who we also get to explore as a POV character), but is instrumental in getting all of our main players into position for the third and final novel in the series.
Overall, an immersive and unputdownable second instalment that has me eager to see where book three will take us.
Also, a huge thank you Harper Voyager for the arc.
March 9, 2024
Sunbringer is the sequel to Godkiller and returns us to the land of Middren. Following Kissen’s sacrifice to eliminate Hseth, Inara and Skedi search for information on their bond. Alternatively, Elogast sets out to kill his former friend who is now the king. In his quest to eliminate all gods, the king has allied with the most dangerous god of all. Hseth’s power is once again stirring despite Kissen’s sacrifice, war is looming, and the secrets discovered could change the future of Middren.
✨
✨
Kaner built upon her strong writing performance established by Godkiller with the follow up, Sunbringer. The world building continues to be as rich as ever; while the magic system based around the gods is complex yet well developed. Despite how great these elements are, the characters and their development are where Kaner really shines. At this point, I am so thoroughly invested in Inara and Skedi. Unfortunately for the other character POVs, I find myself wanting to get back to Inara and Skedi. There’s something so special about the bond they share. The also feature in some of my favorite scenes as well as the most heartbreaking scenes. While Elo was one of my favorite POVs to read about in Godkiller, he was unfortunately, my least favorite POV in this installment. Kissen is where having the multi POVs really stood out in Sunbringer, since she had to undergo a separate journey from the rest necessary for growth. This allowed us to stay in touch with all of the core characters even though they were physically separated from each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I do believed it suffered from some of the second book pitfalls in that the pacing was considerably slower while having the hallmarks of setting up for the next book. The ending was so well done, though, that it more than offset these concerns. If you enjoyed Godkiller, I would definitely recommend picking up Sunbringer to continue the story.
✨
✨
eARC courtesy of Netgalley and Harper Voyager
✨
✨
Kaner built upon her strong writing performance established by Godkiller with the follow up, Sunbringer. The world building continues to be as rich as ever; while the magic system based around the gods is complex yet well developed. Despite how great these elements are, the characters and their development are where Kaner really shines. At this point, I am so thoroughly invested in Inara and Skedi. Unfortunately for the other character POVs, I find myself wanting to get back to Inara and Skedi. There’s something so special about the bond they share. The also feature in some of my favorite scenes as well as the most heartbreaking scenes. While Elo was one of my favorite POVs to read about in Godkiller, he was unfortunately, my least favorite POV in this installment. Kissen is where having the multi POVs really stood out in Sunbringer, since she had to undergo a separate journey from the rest necessary for growth. This allowed us to stay in touch with all of the core characters even though they were physically separated from each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I do believed it suffered from some of the second book pitfalls in that the pacing was considerably slower while having the hallmarks of setting up for the next book. The ending was so well done, though, that it more than offset these concerns. If you enjoyed Godkiller, I would definitely recommend picking up Sunbringer to continue the story.
✨
✨
eARC courtesy of Netgalley and Harper Voyager
February 19, 2024
i don’t even know where to begin. i am so utterly obsessed with every aspect of this series and i absolutely flew through this book. the beauty and brutality of the gods, the strength and depth of every character, the crassness and authenticity of the world they live in. godkiller was my favorite read of 2023 and while i didn’t totally know what to expect with sunbringer, it met and exceeded any expectations. while godkiller felt polished and contained, sunbringer felt like something bristling and wild (as it should, being the second in a series). i’m already fearing the end of the third book, this world feels too large to be contained by a trilogy.
pace wise, there was a lot of set up happening the first 2/3 of the book or so but once the action started we just hurtled head over heels towards a fully deserved ending.
spoilers below:
“arren was alone. he had sacrificed his closest friend, his brother, his one remaining love, for the power to change the world… it was too late now, he was dying again and elo wasn’t there to hold him” PLEASE arren and elo’s tortured obsession with each other broke me many times over the course of the book but it started with this. i am so curious what the third book will bring for this relationship. i would give anything for a prequel once this is all over.
representation continues to be 10/10. the way sign is used by the archivists is seamless and very cool. looove getting to know telle and yatho better. love meeting naia. lessa craier alive and well and kissen already half in love with her?? omg getting to know the gods better. talk about in love, aan is everything and scian broke my heart. the revelations about inara weren’t all that shocking but they were more complicated than i was expecting. i will say out of everything, inara being “haven” felt a little… convenient? or like simplistic almost? i’m curious to see where it goes.
that final scene when everything comes together, it almost snuck up on me. kissens growth and vulnerability, incredible. inaras growth! when she tells lessa “i mourned for you”, arrens appeals to elo. all heartbreakingly delicious.
overall, my favorite ride. i can’t wait to re-read it in physical book form versus online arc form but i am so eternally grateful i was able to get my hands on it. thank u hannah kaner ♥️
pace wise, there was a lot of set up happening the first 2/3 of the book or so but once the action started we just hurtled head over heels towards a fully deserved ending.
spoilers below:
“arren was alone. he had sacrificed his closest friend, his brother, his one remaining love, for the power to change the world… it was too late now, he was dying again and elo wasn’t there to hold him” PLEASE arren and elo’s tortured obsession with each other broke me many times over the course of the book but it started with this. i am so curious what the third book will bring for this relationship. i would give anything for a prequel once this is all over.
representation continues to be 10/10. the way sign is used by the archivists is seamless and very cool. looove getting to know telle and yatho better. love meeting naia. lessa craier alive and well and kissen already half in love with her?? omg getting to know the gods better. talk about in love, aan is everything and scian broke my heart. the revelations about inara weren’t all that shocking but they were more complicated than i was expecting. i will say out of everything, inara being “haven” felt a little… convenient? or like simplistic almost? i’m curious to see where it goes.
that final scene when everything comes together, it almost snuck up on me. kissens growth and vulnerability, incredible. inaras growth! when she tells lessa “i mourned for you”, arrens appeals to elo. all heartbreakingly delicious.
overall, my favorite ride. i can’t wait to re-read it in physical book form versus online arc form but i am so eternally grateful i was able to get my hands on it. thank u hannah kaner ♥️
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