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. 

The story picks right up where Godkiller ended, continuing with the same feel as before, but then with new, bigger stakes. The story had begun to truly take its shape — things are about to happen!

But there are also a few differences compared to Godkiller that I didn't like as much. Although these things are rather unavoidable, I think it is fair to mention them. Where the main four characters spent most of their time together in Godkiller, they are more separated, resulting in the story hopping back and forth between plots. Because of that, I had to keep mentally switching and sometimes go even about thirty pages back to check what happened. 

Another thing that made it harder to follow was the solid amount of side characters added to the story. I regret not noting them down, because of their fantasy names, it was hard to keep track of them.

(But on a positive note, there is also more of Telle and Yatho)

Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Voyager for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Godkiller was one of my favorite books of last year and I was SO EXCITED when I got the approval email from NetGalley for Sunbringer!!!

Sunbringer picks up where the events in Godkiller left off and we follow our ragtag group of heroes in separate narrative chapters as they embark on their respective journeys. I loved getting to interact with individual characters more and the author did an amazing job with the world building. We learn so much more about gods big and small which I found to be fascinating. I love the magic system in this series and how intertwined magic and gods are and how one man is willing to fight a war to bring one back. It gave me major Game of Thrones vibes when a certain faction of the Faith of the Seven is given a ridiculous amount of power. 

The middle part of the book was a little too slow for me, but the last 30% FLEW!! There are TWISTS, unlikely alliances, and a great setup for the final book in the trilogy. I physically gasped, jaw dropped, and sat up ramrod straight at one point (no spoilers here but IT’S WILD!!!!)

If you enjoyed Godkiller, you will absolutely enjoy Sunbringer!!