I thoroughly enjoyed this standalone fantasy novel – it presented some elements that were unique to me so finding something fresh in a book is always a good thing. 

It focuses on a father/daughter relationship that is certain to stir some emotions in the reader. I think I have a lot of respect for the Dad in this story. It is a classic example of wanting to do better but then finding out you cannot escape who you were or truly are, or from the decisions you’ve made. And when the mysterious past catches up with Dad, well, there’s no escaping it, and Sascha, the realistically presented teenager will end up having to choose between the scary and the worst. 

Underneath there is a lot of heart and soul in this story. At the focus of it is a parent’s attempt to protect their child and a parent’s worry about their worst fears coming to fruition. I could feel it, it resonated – I was immediately on Dad’s side with the decisions he made because they make sense from a parent’s perspective. And relatability is one of the things that makes a story stick. 

I appreciated that the book explained the various runes and the rune-abilities throughout the story when appropriate. A bit at a time and each time, demonstrated through action. In addition, Dad’s past was revealed a glimpse at a time, all the while suggesting that there is something bigger at play. It inserted some fear in me about potentially being wrong as to who he really is? This worked really well, coupled with the fact that Ryan Kirk has a natural smooth ability for storytelling.  

There are a few grim scenes of quite the graphic nature. But they never felt out of place, they weren’t over stretched just to keep the grim for grim’s sake. They had a purpose, and in this case, when I think of Sascha, the contrast between the life she had had up to that point and what she now faced, was made clear through these darker scenes and it made it feel real. The Last Fang of God is a perfect standalone where you’re not left with unanswered questions or an open ending. It has a touch of meddling gods and with meddling gods, you can be sure you’re left wondering until the last sentence how everything will truly play out. I would certainly recommend this, and I would readily sample more of Kirk’s writing.