Godkiller, is one title that pulled me towards the spine of the paperback. Pulled from the shelf, the artwork emerged, a sumptuous image, Celtic, vibrant, a mysterious moon, behind the noble antlers of a god-like stag. The emergent book cover won hands down amongst the competing titles and within the cover the list of glorious reviews, just set me up to read that first chapter.
This is where any book rises or falls from the readers hand. Introducing the characters; Kissen, a disabled bisexual mercenary heroine who murders gods, a former knigh-cum-baker, a child of the nobility with a pet-like god of white lies; the state of intrigue just pulled me through the struggle with the initial imagery, chapter by chapter, to reveal the human characters and the foundation of a cunningly crafted story. As the first part of a trilogy, the second two parts are to emerge to take their place on the bestseller display as paperbacks this spring.
Godkiller, has received many plaudits, but Hannah is local to Northumberland and that is worthy of celebration here. Educated at Tritlington First School then at King Edward’s Morpeth, Hannah went to Cambridge University, Pembroke College. Hannah’s father tells me that, “Hannah cannot really stop herself from writing”. He also notes the long and arduous endeavour that a ‘first-time’ author must make, “more so than a full-time job”, to create those opportunities.
A book with a future
I suggest that the book is suitable for school students of year nine or older. It has all the character profiles and diversity, that could make this book, worthy of academic study at school. There are some sexual scenes described within the book, but the language and sensitivity match the complexity and emotions of the complicated, conflicted characters within. Given the social education, given to secondary students in schools today, the language and descriptions can easily be understood and relatable.
Animation
Godkiller uses the visible colours to describe the aura-like emotional states of the gods and those with the ability to see them. The added dimensions of foods, flavours, spices, colours and space, create a travelogue of the fantastic lands, in which the heroes make their pilgrimage and face their destiny; to embrace their weaknesses and find strength in each other. The book is an affirmation of living and life, a positive and hopeful book, an adventure.
This fantasy has the content for a Studio Ghibli animation or a Netflix series.
Break the spine
I took a step out of my comfort zone to read this book, and a rewarding experience was there to be found. I am looking forward to the paperback editions: Sunbringer, out soon and the last of the trilogy, Faithbreaker, is out on 13 March.
Shortlisted for the British Book Awards Debut Fiction Book of the Year 2024, Astounding Award for Best New Writer at the Hugos 2024, Locus Award for Best First Novel 2024, and British Fantasy Awards for Best Newcomer 2024.
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