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, Injury/Injury detail, and War
Minor: Death of parent and Sexual content
mattiedancer'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
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
- Fans of older young adult fiction looking for a brilliant fantasy world
- Those who LOVE the badass female protagonist
- Fantasy readers looking for plot and world-building over writing
- Death, fire, fire injury, murder, stalking, gaslighting, confinement, toxic relationship, toxic friendship, violence, injury, blood, injury detail, death of parent, death of child, war, sexism, sexual content,
Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Murder, Child death, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, War, Sexism, Death, Gaslighting, Confinement, and Sexual content
bookforthought'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
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: Violence, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and War
clarabooksit'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
3.75
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Religious bigotry, and Violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Child death, War, Death, Murder, Ableism, and Death of parent
Minor: Trafficking and Child abuse
katiemack'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
I love a solid found family, D&D-esque novel like this. There are a few pacing issues, but for the most part the journey is engaging, exciting, and adventurous; I could have easily read 100 more pages about Kissen, Elogast, and Inara. The worldbuilding also feels innovative (again, aside from a few aspects that could have been better fleshed out). I understand the inclusion of that cliffhanger, but it is MEAN.
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, and War
Minor: Sexual content
rhiwind93'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
Graphic: Blood, War, Body horror, Child death, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, and Violence
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: Blood, Child death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Death, War, Genocide, Grief, and Violence
rheagoveas's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Blood and Violence
barda's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a very enjoyable debut novel, with a very rich world. The ideas about gods and how they're created by thoughts and prayers of people was really well done.
I broadly enjoyed the characters, in particular Kissen and Skedi. Kissen I enjoyed just because I really like competent but flawed female main characters, and Skedi was a fascinating look into a god with a different morality compared to the humans around him. I mostly wasn't as keen on Elo and found him a bit one-note, so I hope he gets a bit more development in the second book.
The writing and use of language were excellent, especially for a debut novel; however, I found some parts to be over-described and thus dragged the story on too much. My main complaint about the novel was the pacing, with it being slightly too slow in parts. I'm also torn about the twist in the end of
Spoiler
the king wanting to become a godOverall, however, I enjoyed this and will be picking up the next one when it comes out.
Graphic: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Death
Moderate: Blood, Child death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Cursing
brandilovesbooks'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? It's complicated
4.25
Great world building. Great character building. An ending that leaves you wanting the next book, without a dreaded cliffhanger.
Recommended for readers who enjoy books about people who find their tribes in the most unexpected people.
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence