Picture a British storyteller who spins tales of gods, demons, and fearless heroines with a mythical twist—meet Hannah Kaner! This rising star in fantasy literature has captured readers’ hearts with her Fallen Gods trilogy, blending gritty adventure with heartfelt themes. From her Northumbrian roots to her Edinburgh home, Kaner’s unique voice weaves timeless mythologies into stories that feel thrillingly modern.
Kaner’s debut, Godkiller, rocketed to #1 on the Sunday Times bestseller list, proving her knack for crafting worlds where complex characters—like god-slayers and divine tricksters—steal the show. With a background in tech and a passion for angry women and speculative fiction, she’s redefining fantasy with stories that pulse with love, rage, and adventure.
The Making of Hannah Kaner
Born in 1992 or 1993 in Northumberland, England, Hannah Kaner grew up crafting mysteries with friends, fueling her love for storytelling. She attended King Edward VI School in Morpeth before earning a first-class English degree from Pembroke College, Cambridge, in 2014, where she cheekily compared Terry Pratchett to Charles Dickens. A Master of Science with distinction from the University of Edinburgh followed, alongside her career as a senior digital consultant in Edinburgh, delivering healthcare tools. Her fascination with world mythologies and narrative theory—spanning books to video games—shaped her path to becoming a fantasy novelist.
Hannah Kaner’s Unforgettable Stories
Kaner’s Fallen Gods trilogy is her crown jewel, starting with Godkiller (2023), a dark, epic fantasy following Kissen, a god-killer navigating a world of trade and faith. Its gritty heroism and vibrant characters earned it a spot as Waterstones’ Science Fiction and Fantasy Book of the Month. Sunbringer (2024) deepens the saga, with Kissen reluctantly trusting a sea god while battling divine lies, delivering heart-pounding stakes. Faithbreaker (2025) concludes the trilogy, balancing loss and discovery as gods face rebirth and manipulation. Kaner’s style—infused with feminist themes, queer representation, and disabled characters—draws from Greek, Celtic, and medieval lore, creating immersive worlds where strong, irreverent women shine.
Her storytelling avoids traditional fantasy tropes like misogyny or ableism, instead celebrating resilience and authenticity. Readers rave about her vivid prose and chaotic casts, with reviewers calling her work “sultry, powerful, and deeply felt.” Kaner’s ability to blend mythological depth with contemporary issues makes her books both timeless and urgent, appealing to fans of The Witcher and Gideon the Ninth.
Why Hannah Kaner Matters
Hannah Kaner’s impact lies in her bold reimagining of fantasy. By centering queer, disabled, and fierce female characters, she challenges genre norms, offering inclusive narratives that resonate with diverse readers. Her trilogy’s global success—translated into 15 languages and shortlisted for awards like the Hugos and British Fantasy Awards—marks her as a trailblazer. Kaner’s stories don’t just entertain; they inspire readers to embrace their own strength and question the divine, making her a vital voice in modern fantasy.
- Birth: 1992/1993, Northumberland, England
- Key Works: Godkiller (2023), Sunbringer (2024), Faithbreaker (2025)
- Awards: Shortlisted for Hugos, Locus, British Book Awards; longlisted for Glass Bell Award
- Lives: Edinburgh, Scotland
Ready to dive into a world of stabby swords and divine chaos? Grab Godkiller and lose yourself in Hannah Kaner’s thrilling fantasy!