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pandorasxbox's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and War
looseleafellie's review against another edition
5.0
This is a relatively quick fantasy novel, but it packs a ton into its pages! With well-placed details, Kaner makes the world feel lush and realistic. The god lore is super interesting and I loved learning about the different deities that Kissen and her friends encounter. And I always love a dash of mystery!
Kissen is a super enjoyable protagonist — cranky and sweary, but with a heart of gold. All the characters, even the tiny side ones, had well-developed motivations.
The ending is a bit sudden, but it felt right as a good entrance into the sequel. There was a lot more to explore — not just in terms of defeating the villain revealed at the end, but also in terms of digging deeper into the tensions between those who’ve been hurt by the gods and those who deeply want to keep their faith. I’m really interested to see where those themes go in Sunbringer.
If you’re looking for a not-too-chonky fantasy novel with a great world and characters, themes of faith and power, and well-received disabled and queer representation, you should definitely check this out!
Spice level: Brief, non-graphic.
CWs: Violence, gore, amputation, murder, animal death, human sacrifice, PTSD.
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Animal death and Religious bigotry
tkatt20's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gaslighting and War
Minor: Sexual content and Religious bigotry
hardbackhoarder's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Police brutality, Trafficking, Religious bigotry, and War
vlpfeiffer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Each character is unique and I was particularly fond of Kissen and her honest, to-the-point, gruff nature. Inara and Skedi have such an interesting dynamic that evolves over time as both of them grow in their respective identities. Elo is such an adorable cinnamon roll I just want to hug him!
As a debut I can see so much potential for this world. I honest found myself disappointed in how short the book was because I wanted to know so much more about the world and the gods and their relationship with the people. I know for sure in the sequel there will be a lot of exploration of the power of faith and the influence of the different gods of the people of Middren.
The only thing that took some stars off for me was honestly the lack of depth in some aspects of the world that I craved. More about how Kissen became a Godkiller and a little more about how Godkiller’s developed from mercenaries to an establishment of the King. I also wish there was more clarity with Elogast’s relationship with Arren, as I didn’t feel as much of an impact at the end between the two of them.
Overall I’m a huge fan of this debut and I can’t wait to see this world flourish.
Moderate: Violence, Religious bigotry, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content and Death of parent
bookforthought's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I received an advanced review copy of this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.
Graphic: Death, Violence, Religious bigotry, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and War
batesbarb's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Religious bigotry
clarabooksit's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Violence, Religious bigotry, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Ableism, Child death, Death, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse and Trafficking
jadorelecafe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Genocide, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
ailsaod's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Racism, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Minor: Child death and Fire/Fire injury