Book Review: Godkiller by Hannah Kaner

Fallen Gods #1 | Published 2023 | Genre: Fantasy

Please note: this review contains spoilers. If you haven’t read the book yet and want to experience the story unspoiled, now is a good time to stop reading. If spoilers don’t bother you—read on!

First Impressions

Godkiller is the first novel in the Fallen Gods trilogy and the debut of Hannah Kaner, published in 2023 by HarperCollins. The shortest version of my review is: I loved the book! The setting was a huge plus—it’s often compared to The Witcher, since our main character hunts and kills monsters... of a sort. But that is mostly where the comparison ends.

The World

Kaner creates a vivid world where gods once drew power from offerings and prayers, but are now outlawed. After a brutal war between old and new gods—one that claimed much of the royal family—the new king, Arren, turned on them all. Worship was banned. Gods were hunted.

We meet Kissen, a fierce godkiller from Talicia, who lost her family to a god of fire named Hseth. Her father worshipped a sea god, and their devotion marked them for sacrifice. Since then, Kissen has lived for vengeance.

After a job, Kissen meets Inara, a noble girl bound to a god of white lies—Skediceth. Though Kissen wants no part in it, she agrees to help after Inara’s home is destroyed. Together, they travel to the war-torn city of Blenraden, seeking answers.

The Journey

Their path crosses with Elogast, a former knight commander known as the King’s Lion. He fought in the war, but was unable to accept the prohibition of gods and distanced himself from the King. Together, this unlikely trio (plus one small god) makes the dangerous pilgrimage to Blenraden. There, the mysteries deepen.

Elogast came to the city believeing he would help his King and is prepared to sacrifice himself to save King Arren, only to discover a darker truth: Arren plans to offer him up in ritual sacrifice—because he’s the last thing the king still loves. Before he can die, Kissen and Inara intervene. Kissen fights Hseth, giving the others time to escape but apparently falling to her death. Heartbroken, Elo, Inara and Skedi set out to join the rebellion and expose the king’s betrayal.

What I Loved

What stood out the most to me were the characters. All four are deeply human (yes, even the god), and I found myself caring for each of them. Kissen’s rough exterior hides a heart I wasn’t expecting. Inara and Skedi’s bond is a complex and fascinating one that I’m eager to explore further. Elogast took me the longest to warm to, but his quiet strength and loyalty grew on me.

The emotional moments were powerful. One scene that stuck with me was the discovery of the forgotten gods in Blenraden, their shrine ruined and no one worshiping them. The god of broken sandals, in particular, was heartbreaking: reduced to a shell of what he was, simply muttering his last remembered phrases.

Kaner’s writing also deserves praise. It’s packed with memorable quotes, character motivations in a few tight lines, and vivid descriptions—especially of the gods and their unsettling presence in this world.

Representation and Inclusivity

One of the most refreshing things about this book is how queer-normative and inclusive the world feels. Characters come from diverse backgrounds and identities, and none of it is treated like a plot device or checklist. It’s just there, as it should be.

Final Thoughts

Godkiller is a thrilling, fast-paced fantasy debut with memorable characters, a fascinating world, and writing that resonates. It’s an easy 5 out of 5 stars for me. It delivers everything it promises—and I, for one, can’t wait for more.