This book will entertain those who enjoyed book one. Unfortunately I think it falls victim to the second book syndrome where the first book was so good and this one has a harder time measuring up. I still enjoyed the direction and characters but felt a bit more dragged through than the page-turner of the first book. It was enjoyable and well written.

Hannah Kaner truly is an incredible writer. I really enjoyed this next installment in the series. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite as good as Godkiller and felt like it was a lot of world building and slower paced plot building than the first one. I can tell we are being set up for a truly epic conclusion and I am SO excited about that. But this just didn’t quite grab me as much as the first one.

I literally tell everyone I can about Godkiller. And Sunbringer, while good, wasn’t on that level of great.

I did really enjoy the extra POVs here and more time with side characters. We got a TON of really good essential information and some twists. But it was just slower and reminded me a bit of fondant. It makes the cake look beautiful but not nearly as delicious as a good solid buttercream icing. Still a yummy cake (book) though.

Gods carry power from alters erected and sacrifices made in their name, but this power can be benevolent or deadly. It can be a soothing lie told by the God of White Lies, or a power that inspires people to go to war in the name of the fire God Hseth. The fight between people who follow Gods, and those who support the King in wiping them out of existence, continues in the land of Middren. Sunbringer is the second book in this trilogy, and a great follow up to Godkiller.

I once again loved all the unique Gods that are introduced to us, and the ways that they manifest their magic. I would definitely start with the first book in the series, because even having read the first book in the past I struggled a bit to remember important parts and characters. I had to keep rereading sections because of it and that did result in me struggling a bit to get back into the story. Definitely worth it though! Just before the halfway point the plot picked up and some key pieces fell into place, and I devoured the last portion of the book. I loved the characters brought over from the first book, especially Skedi and Inara. The look inside the archives was really fun too! As always, I support how inclusive this story is, with sign language and limb prostheses playing important roles as well as strong same-gender relationships.

This was a great addition to the fantasy series, and I highly recommend Godkiller and Sunbringer. If you are a fan of rich world building, deities, and female characters that can hold their own, give it a try! I look forward to reading the last book in the trilogy when it comes out, and whatever else Kraner writes. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for my opinions.

A wonderful sequel to Godkiller. I missed all these characters so much. Especially Kissen. I’m so excited for book three!

This is the sequel to my beloved Godkiller. However, despite the captivating character arcs and the intricate world-building, I found myself struggling with this sequel in a way that I didn't with the first book.

TL;DR: This was more about set-up and plot. I found the pacing to be inconsistent and while there WAS character progression, it felt like it took a backseat to the action. This sounds really critical, but it's because I REALLY loved the first one and was disappointed that this didn't measure up. But it's still GREAT, just.. less great.

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We have happily reunited with professional godkiller Kissen and her companions, the young noble Inara and the knight Elogast, as they embark on a new adventure filled with twists and turns. But they've been separated (physically, emotionally, and circumstantially)and I found myself waiting impatiently because they shine when they're together.

One of the main reasons for my struggle was the absence of my favorite character, Kissen. While all the characters undergo amazing and beautiful growth throughout the novel, I missed the presence of Kissen, whose dynamic personality and compelling storyline were a highlight of the first book. She's more of a background character in this installment. This felt like there WAS character growth but it was WAY more about the plot and the story. In fact, all of the characters felt a little more background to the plot. Which is fine, but I fell in love with the CHARACTERS in the first one.

Additionally, while the ending of "Sunbringer" was phenomenal and left me eager for the next installment, I found the overall pacing to be inconsistent and the storytelling to be incredibly dense, which made it less enjoyable for me compared to the first book. The story felt like it was primarily focused on set-up and plot progression. But let me tell you, I can tell that the third one is going to be a banger!

Despite these challenges (which are very much a ME problem), "Sunbringer" remains an incredible book with its richly imagined world and complex characters. Fans of the series will undoubtedly find much to love in this sequel, particularly with its plot developments. However, for readers like myself, who may have preferred more focus on characters, this installment may not fully hit the mark. Nonetheless, I eagerly await the next book in the series to see where the story goes next.

Thanks to Netgalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the copy. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.

I really enjoyed this follow up to Godkiller and I look forward to seeing how this series concludes. This book is a bit slower in pace than Godkiller, but that's expected of a second book in a series. The character development and different POVs in this book continue to be outstanding and the ending was a bit unexpected for me. I love that we're gaining a better understanding of the gods in this book and they each have such distinct personalities as well, which kept me feeling curious during this book. And let me just say, the last 25 percent of this book the pace was so much faster, I didn't want to put it down. All in all I enjoyed this book and I will have to wait patiently for the next one!

I thought book one was okay but this, this was so so so so good. I could not put this down, I devoured it days. This series is worth the read and I’m glad I stuck with it.

I didn’t love this as much as godkiller, but overall it was still a great read. I really enjoyed different POV and appreciate the author’s attention to detail in building her characters and world. The ending was really great and im excited to read the next book.

We love the grumpy sunshines, chaotic gods, and more. Sunbringer brings us back to my favorite band. This is another multiple POV story and while I loved seeing all of their lives, their splintering as a group was difficult for me at points. There were pieces of the book where I was thinking of another character or visa versa. I think at the beginning of their splintering, I found the split of characters hard to wrap my head around and a bit heartbreaking - for obvious reasons. But in general, I loved being back with the favorites especially as they reconcile with their mistakes.

The first half of the book put me into the biggest reading slump. I was having a really hard time following all the characters as they went on different journeys. The pacing just felt a bit too slow for me. I was only invested in the story during the last part of the book where Inara is revealed to be a half god. I gasp. So loud. I had my suspicion, but damn. It was a good twist and how Kissen went from wanting to kill all Gods to protecting this little demigod. That's an interesting turn of events. Also, is everyone in this book bi? I like how fluid their sexuality is. But overall, it was an ok book. I enjoyed Godkiller much more than this.

What's more awkward, your best friend trying to sacrifice you for power or having to talk to the god who used to canoodle with your dad?

"Sunbringer" by Hannah Kaner is the second Fallen Gods novel. Our cast is separated, the Godkiller discovering the threat from outside forces. The Knight, attempting to rally troops to fight his ex-"friend" and gain their trust. And the child, even more confused than the last book with her influence over the gods. I'm sure there won't be any revelations that will shake our casts ideas of the world or recent events. That's a lie, everybody gets shook.

Reasons to read:
-Seriously those are both incredibly awkward conversations to have
-Goddess of a library
-Some answers!
-I like when the bad things happen to jerks
-Being religious makes so much sense when you can go and high five the divine

Cons:
-What do you mean they can't be introduced to the business end of a sword yet?

I've been anxiously awaiting this second installment to the trilogy. I absolutely adored the first one, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one, although at times it felt a little slow, which I've come to expect in most second installments in a trilogy. This one still kept me entertained, and wanting to know what happens in the final installment. It could have used some editing, but nothing major that would cause problems.

Godkiller was a smash hit for debut author Hannah Kaner. The tale of a land was overrun with large and small gods using humans for their own ends and wrecking havoc. The king outlawed gods because of the harm they caused humans and created a group of people known as Godkillers. The tale was a roller coaster of emotion and ended with plot points waiting to be picked up in Sunbringer.

Sunbringer has some big shoes to fill. The first half of the tale is slow going, catching up on all the plot points and characters in case anyone is new to the story. Then it really kicks in with action. Waiting for book three is going to test my patience. The world Kaner has created is very unique and earthy about people trying to survive and triumph while outside forces of the gods interfere with their own agendas. Not to mention the fanatical machinations of a king trying to attain godhood himself.

A must read for fantasy fans.

I read GODKILLER and SUNBRINGER back to back, and it’s a solid fantasy series - good not great. The writing is a little muddied at times, which had me confused about how this world and god system works. I do think SUNBRINGER is stronger than the first book in this regard. And I’ve really come to love the characters - especially young Inara. Definitely will continue with this series as I’m intrigued where things are going to go from here!

As I ended up dnfing the first book godkiller, I will not be reviewing the second book. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity and will still be recommending to my audience. Thank you!

Sunbringer is the second installment to The Fallen Gods trilogy. While a solid read, expect middle book syndrome from this one and it won't disappoint. Given how the pacing was in Godkiller, I was not totally surprised that the first half of the book dragged a bit. I didn't really mind as I'd already fallen in love with the characters from the first book, and there IS a lot to set up considering how Godkiller ended. The world building and characters are just as rich and complex in Sunbringer as they were in Godkiller. I was, however, disappointed with how little Kissen was in this book, as she was my favorite from Godkiller, but I know we'll see much more of her in the third. I did enjoy learning more about Inara and Skedi and their complex relationship. The twists revealed in the latter half of the book make the slower first part well worth it. I will definitely be picking up the third book.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sunbringer is the sequel to Godkiller and the second of a trilogy in the same series. I ended up reading Godkiller right before reading this book and thought it was okay. In starting this one, I realized that I just was not a fan of the story or world. I DNF'd at around 25%. I was reading another fantasy series at the same time that is really similar, so I feel like I burnt out on the genre and this series took the brunt of it. I would maybe revisit at another time, but I think that it's just not for me. Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the eARC of this book, my thoughts are my own!

I enjoy the authors prose and world building, but this felt like a middle book. It set up all the pieces for the finale and I am looking forward to book 3.

Loved the first book but the sequel was slightly less impressive. The characters spent too much time apart and there were fewer opportunities for the relationship dynamics that made the previous installment so interesting. Sunbringer felt like a bridge book, though many new developments further the overall series plotline. I still enjoyed this book a lot and am looking forward to the next one.

"Why does it always come to this? ... That power changes and knowledge burns."

4/5 stars

Review (Spoilers included)

I absolutely adored Godkiller and was so excited for Sunbringer. Picking right up where Godkiller left off, we follow our splintered found family of tortured ex-military-turned-baker Elogast, hidden child Inara with an unusual attachment to gods, her small god of white lies Skediceth, and presumed dead viega (godkiller) Kissen.

Unlike Godkiller, it took me a while to get into this book. I can't quite place what was so different this time around. Was it that my favorite found family was split up for so long? The writing style remained consistent and I appreciate how concise Kaner keeps her storytelling. She has a great way of involving small details and beautiful imagery without bogging down the storyline and keeping pace. But once I got into it, I really got into it.

The main characters all grew so much in this book that it was painful to see Ina make hard choices, surprising that Skedi would say no to her lies, Kissen ally with gods, and Elo fall back into old habits. It kept the story fresh and exciting, which is where a lot of sophomore books can fall short. She also does one of my new favorite things, which is normalizing queerness and queer identities. No one questions the presence or personhood of a trans character, and bisexuality isn't dissected into waves of jealousy or infidelity, as it often is in media. Disability is also taken into great consideration from various fronts, and none are treated like a shortcoming (unless your metal prosthetic leg is warped and broken and your phantom limb is giving you a bitch of a time).

I especially appreciate Kaner's use of color. Human emotions being seen visually isn't an entirely new concept, but I loved the new turns and nuances she gave to them. Instead of keeping "red is power and anger and hate" she would pull in various textures, connections to real-world objects, and make them tangible. Everything about this series is so creative, and I love it.

So despite my own shortcomings, the lowest I could ever give this book is a 4., It's so well done and entrancing and I encourage anyone reading this to pick up Godkiller and dive in. You won't regret it.