Title: Sunbringer
Author: Hannah Kaner
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Pages: 384
Release Date: 15 February 2024
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Hello fellow booklovers! Today I'm sharing my review for Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner. The sequel to Kaner’s deliciously enchanting debut is just as breathtakingly action packed, well plotted and unputdownable as the first.
Synopsis
The godkiller is dying.
Having plunged into the sea’s depths to save Elo, Inara and Skedi from the fire god Hseth, her only chance of survival is to put her life in the hands of yet another god: Osidisen, god of the sea for whom she is named.
But no godkiller wants to be at the mercy of one, and if she lives she will find herself torn between honour and destruction of all the gods she comes across.
That includes the little god of white lies, Skedi, to whom Inara is bound. As they search for answers to their bond, Elo takes up the call of rebellion to destroy the man he once called friend, and still calls king.
A king who once devoted himself to destroying all gods throughout the land, but has now entered into an unholy pact with the most dangerous of them all.
And where once his heart beat, a god now burns.
Review
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 — 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 Lesscia's 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 (beyond 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.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
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