Review: Faithbreaker
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Faithbreaker by Hannah Kaner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Hannah Kaner's Faithbreaker, the third instalment of her Fallen Gods trilogy, promised to be an exciting conclusion, and as a big fan of exciting fantasy, I was eager to discover what it had to offer. Though there were some charming moments and a writing style that I appreciated, this book did not quite live up to what I had hoped. Although it may resonate with romance-fantasy enthusiasts, it simply didn't make the grade for me.
In Faithbreaker, we continue to follow Kissen, a godkiller in a world where the powers of gods threaten human lives. With her companions, Kissen fights against a growing wave of faith-driven violence, with repercussions that could reshape their shattered world. The narrative seethes on loyalty and sacrifice, yet it's a non-spoiler waltz that's more repetitive than unexpected. I expected a climax to the trilogy's earlier sparks, but unfortunately the novel didn't manage to provide it.
Kaner's prose sparkles. Being lyrical and affectionate, it has a phenomenal gift for describing images, from the crumbling temples to the glowing hearths. It is as cosy as a fireside story, and I loved its rhythm immensely, which recalled Sunbringer's rich description.
The quality of narrative engulfed me in a reassuring warmth, even when the storytelling itself faltered, which happened from time to time. The pacing is quite slow, mired in long scenes that drain momentum. Action scenes repeat—Kissen fights, falls back, repeats—without the variation to make things interesting.
Character development, or the lack thereof, is also a disappointment. Kissen's perspective, which ought to ring with intensity, comes across as disappointingly lacking, weighed down by the romance plot line that overshadows her development. I wanted to empathize with her, but her spark went out. Inara also turned into a disappointment, being used as a too-convenient solution to every crisis, just as in the previous book. The use of convenient solutions diluted the edges of the story, giving virtually no room for surprise twists.
Despite all its faults, Faithbreaker has a heart that may engage some readers. If you like the intricacy of romance books or don't mind a slow-burning pace, this may be a comfortable read. I'd suggest it to readers who like completing trilogies or prefer florid language to tight plotting—curl up in a blanket and appreciate the prose, but don't expect much in the way of depth or energy. For me, it's a disappointing conclusion to a series which started as a promise.
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