Release date: February 3rd 2026
Publisher: Indie
Pages: 280
Find it: Goodreads Amazon
Source: The author kindly sent me an E-ARC for review
Rating: 4.75/5 stars

Synopsis

How long can a cause remain just, when painted in the blood of innocence?

They named her the Starhammer once. Hero to some, monster to many more. First into the breach at the Shattering, anointed in the blood of a thousand demons. The last of the legendary Valkyr.

But the Starhammer is dead. Or so all the stories tell.

Amidst the soaring trees and haunted slopes of the Primals, Selitha relies on the forest to provide, and cares for her family. Nothing is more precious to her than her daughter.

It is a simple life. It is a peaceful life. It is a lie.

When bandits raid the Primals, burning towns and stealing children from their beds, Selitha has no choice but to lend her axe to the rescue.

Volcanic giants spew ash into the sky, demonic bears claw the forest to splinters, and there are even rumours the kin, half-men half-beasts, serve the raiders. All the Terrors of the old world stand against her.

With a severed head as guide, to rescue the children, Selitha may need to bring the Starhammer back from the dead.

Review

Selitha is the last of the Valkyr. She was once known as Star Hammer, the legendary warrior, but now she is content with her quiet life with her husband and children. Until one day a group comes to her home and begs for her help – their children have been stolen and their village torn apart. Selitha has no choice but to help them. As she embarks on her deadly quest to save the children, she discovers the Terrors that she thought long gone might not be quite as vanquished as she thinks.

This was such a gripping, action-packed read. This is my third book in the God Eater world, and it’s just such a fascinating world. Hayes has created a really detailed and vibrant world, and there is so much history contained in this relatively short tale. The story is well executed with absolutely tons of fast paced, compelling action scenes as well as quite a few dark and bloody moments too.

While this is part of the God Eater series, this can absolutely be read as a standalone and I think this would work really well as an introduction to the series. Selitha is a really compelling main character – she is no longer the warrior she once was, but she is also so much more than just a wife and mother. I really enjoyed the dynamics between the group and each character was well developed with their own secrets and motivations. The character work in this book is really terrific and there are definitely a few moments that tug on the heartstrings. I liked all the characters, but Selitha’s daughter and the head were probably my favourites as they kind of stole the show.

Overall, Hammerfall was a brilliant read from start to finish. If you’re looking for an entertaining fantasy story that’s full of bloody action, dark monsters, humour, and heart, this is one you definitely don’t want to miss.