Godkiller

this was a fun read!

engaging characters, incredible world I want to know more off and the gods– i was laughing on occasions.

the characters all leapt off the page, and I love the disability rep in this. even the characters I didn't particularly like I ended up liking by the end.

the more I think about this book, the more I like it.

it was a straightforward story, one I had fun reading.

I am obsessed...

When I started reading this book, my dumbass went on TikTok and saw some people either say they didn't enjoy the book or outright dnf it. I can't sympathize with that. The criticism that I see is that it starts of great, but slows down at some point. I again, cannot sympathize with that. The pacing of the book was perfect, the characters were interesting and flawed, yet weren't obnoxious or unnecessary.

The world building had me longing for more information throughout the book, keeping me excited everytime I learned something new. Especially towards the end, when the characters get to the place they were going. I didn't expect to get creeped out as I did, but it makes sense considering the state of the world the characters exist in. The mystery of who cursed Elo and why Inara's house and the people in it were burned down were welcome side plots to saving the King and finding out why Inara was bound to a seemingly unknown god who lost his memories. They didn't distract as they were intertwined to the main plot, but seemed throughout the story to be side occurrences.

I knew that going into this book that the romance wasn't going to be as heavily present like in books in the ACOTAR series. The romance was more like the one in the Folk of Air Trilogy, present, but does not take up much space. To be honest, I first started reading this book assuming that Kissen and Skedi were the romantic pairing, considering that she is a godkiller and he a god. It would've made the prefect enemies-to-lovers story. Instead, she is paired with Elo, a knight, which still works because Kissen doesn't like Knights. While I would've loved more romantic scenes and moments between the two, the scenes and moments given throughout the book had me squealing like never before. I cannot wait to see how their relationship moves forward in the next book.

I loved the character development of the characters and they were so well paced alongside the main plot. It allowed characters to have flaws that either are removed over time as they grow and mature further, or changes in a way that they become something positive and necessary for their survival. The characters are all so different from one another, each coming from a different walk of life (including wealth class), but they learn to love and care for each other. They didn't say it explicitly, but I do consider their story together as a “Found family” trope.

Another thing that I love is that the book doesn't end on a huge cliffhanger, but leaves enough plot points open that keeps you curious for more. Who is Inara Craier. Why did her mother do what she did? What will happen to the King? How long will it take for Kissen to reunited with Inara and Elo?

I cannot wait to read the sequel and look forward to future book of Miss Kaner.

Kissen barely survived the sacrificial burning of her family. As her father pulled her from the fire, she lost a leg, and soon after, her father’s life in return for her own. Anger filled the void she felt from the loss of her family. Anger she turned towards the gods and dedicated herself to their destruction. Now a godkiller she takes jobs to eradicate them. Until she finds one god she cannot kill. Skedi, bound to the human girl Inara. To do so would be to harm the girl as well. And Kissen will not kill humans. Together they must journey to Blenraden, to seek out answers from the wild gods. But even the smallest request will cost them.

Kissen is a hard-edged and torn character. Due to her horrific past her mental health can be a challenge. To push through the hardest times she creates an angry wall around herself. When Skedi and Inara enter the picture, she regretfully takes them on and it will mark the start of her evolution as a character. Were it not for Inara, Kissen would have slain Skedi and moved on. Yet she has no choice but to try and separate the two first. And the more time spent with the pair, the higher risk she runs of growing attached.

Inara and Skedi make quite the duo as they travel to Blenraden. Despite warnings from Kissen, Inara sees Skedia as her best friend. It’s hard not to with the little God being her constant companion. But venturing out into the world will see their friendship and trust put to the test. One small taste of power can lead to craving more. And in the thick of want and emotion, the best people can make the wrong decision.

And amidst the stories of Kissen and company, there is one final character who slides into the plot. Elogast, an ex-knight, journeys to Belnraden to save his best friend. Having given up a life of battle to become a baker, he picks up his sword for one last quest. Yet the answer that waits for him, will be nothing he envisioned. It will turn his entire world upside down.

Godkiller will come full circle in a brilliant display of battle. The Gods are never easy to work with. They will always demand a high price. Each character will have to decide if the price is worth what they desire most. And for some, what the gods demand will rock their very cores. Readers who enjoy high-stakes dark fantasy should give this book a read.

Cover and prologue were awesome.  But the story just felt meh and some illogical moves by characters. If I want to protect a God, why go to a godkiller.  If I need to travel fast to a city, why seek out a group to go with and not go alone as I am a knight and already traveled to one city alone.  4 povs in a 300 page novel that are interlaced does not stand up well.  Would much have rather one pov that goes in depth would be much better.