I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young boy suffering a loss goes on a journey to find God in authors Annette Marie Griffin and Franella Smith’s “The God Hunter.”

The Synopsis

The God Hunter tells the heartfelt and adventurous story of Simi, a young boy in Kenya who has lost his father and feels a deep emptiness in his heart.

Believing he must find God on his own, Simi sets out on a daring quest across his world, encountering challenges, adventures, and unexpected friends along the way.

Through his journey, he discovers that God was never lost-He had been with Simi all along, guiding, protecting, and ultimately finding him first.

This moving tale blends courage, faith, and the wonder of discovery, showing readers that sometimes what we seek most is already by our side.

THE REVIEW

This was a heartfelt and compelling read. Though a short read, the author does a lot of great work packing so much emotion and character-driven narrative into a fast-paced story. The hyperrealism of the warm, inviting imagery does a great job of luring the reader into the world the author has created and also helps elevate the characters throughout the book.

All this: the deeply nuanced look at how grief impacts us and the loss that comes with it, as well as the role that faith plays in some people’s lives, makes the story feel elevated and highly engaging for all readers. The protagonist’s emotional journey is equally treacherous as his physical one, and the sense of adventure that starts the story is balanced by the personal growth he undergoes as the story progresses.

THE VERDICT

Heartfelt, memorable, and very highly engaging, authors ANNETTE MARIE GRIFFIN AND FRANELLA SMITH, “The God Hunter” is a must-read adventure and religious children’s book. The compelling illustrations, the richly developed characters, and the emotional story that readers of all ages can resonate with make this a remarkable story that cannot be ignored. If you haven’t yet, be sure to pre-order your copy today or grab it when it’s released on August 4th, 2026!

Rating: 10/10

About the Authors

Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author who writes timeless stories to help readers find home. She’s an acquisitions editor and columnist for StarLight Magazine for kids and teaches writing workshops at local and national conferences. When Annette isn’t writing, teaching, or speaking, she enjoys making memories with her brilliant husband, 5 adult children, and 3 adorable grandchildren.

https://www.annettemariegriffin.com

Franella Smith completed her master’s in fine arts at Southern New Hampshire University in 2015. Her master’s thesis won first place in the NewLook Writing contest that same year. She completed her undergraduate studies in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of New Haven and her graduate internship at Hampton University. Franella has been a registered and licensed Dietitian for over 20 years. She currently works full-time in South Carolina and enjoys spending time with her 3 children and 5 grandchildren.