Regicide

I needed some time before writing this review.

I remember the first time I played a furry campaign. I gathered some of my online friends, cooked up some beginning of a plot, and from simple play it ended up being something we enjoyed for about a year and a half, even having a sequel campaign that was unfortunately cut short.

Every time I began our sessions, I would be excited to share my world with my friends. And on every following night I would go to sleep wondering what I'd discover about it next. I was not planning it half as much as they probably thought. We were playing, and discovering it together.

Regicide brought some of that magic back.

The book's setting is intriguing, and portrayed so seamlessly it's easy to immerse yourself. More than once I wished the book could extend just a little beyond its pages just so I could know more about the world and its people. The illustrations help immensely in painting a clearer picture of the author's vision, not to mention their quality is outright enchanting!

The story itself is simple, but compelling. The prologue already sets the stage for what is to come, and everything that follows delivers as promised, with a lovely prose that I found myself enjoying and taking notes from after some time. Holt is a lovingly crafted protagonist. Freja is a wonderful foil. I would want a dozen more books about them, even though I think Regicide works best as a contained story.

Some criticism is warranted. Regicide sits in the uncomfortable spot of being the first of a series -- this means it has to spend some more time introducing the world to the reader rather than always give space to the story. To its credit I never found the book slow, or if I did I never minded the extra time spent in its pages. The third act however does fly rather fast. The ending left me shocked. I almost didn't like it, but after some time of reflection, I think it is fitting for the book as a whole. I just wish it had been given more pages to breathe.

I'm definitely biased. I began to read the book in pdf, and loved it enough to spend money for a signed paperback. I'd be remiss if I didn't sing its praises. It looks even more stunning than it seems in the pictures and I'll be always glad to have it on my shelf.

As an additional note, the book does contain some spelling errors or formatting mistakes. Nothing too egregious, at least nothing that would make me lose the flow of the story. Typing mistakes happen, and for an indie writer and publisher I think they're more than forgivable when the rest of the material is of such high quality.

I have to give my thoughts on this wonderful book as I just really enjoyed it!! I highly recommend, Regicide!

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Regicide is one of, if not the best xenofiction story I've had the pleasure of reading. It is an incredible story with a phenomenal dark fantasy setting. You can easily see the author's passion for building this world and its characters. The lore is interesting and had me craving to know more about the ins and outs of this world the more I read. The detail in their descriptions of not only the world but the layout of scenes and character interactions are very well done. I'm someone who can have difficulty visualizing a scene through writing at times. However Regicide had me covered in that regard! My imagination had little trouble conjuring these wonderful and at times, dark set pieces.

The cast of Regicide is fun and diverse, the variety of species in the story is a breath of fresh air. Past xenofiction stories I've read seem to usually focus on one species of animal, or a variation of said animal. The city of Gurav brings a melting pot of different species. Each sprinkled with their own characteristics and personalities. The thought put into the diversity addresses my usual critiques when it comes to differing physiology. Characters are of different heights and builds in regards to their species when compared to others. Sometimes by large degrees and it's something that is so, so welcome in my opinion. Characters' motivations and beliefs are worded wonderfully. Conversations and scenes stay very engaging as the story unfolds. The heavy moments hit and had me clenching my teeth in anticipation of what would follow.

Holt is a lovingly crafted protagonist, one who I could relate with and root for.  Experiencing his struggles through my read gripped my heart in ways I haven't experienced all too often. He is someone who I would rush to defend at the drop of a hat. Too sweet for his own good but overflowing with compassion for those around him. His character development from start to finish was a rewarding experience. He is a character whose heart and actions left an impact on me and will stay with me for a long time.

The illustrations for each chapter are gorgeous! All drawn with spectacular detail and are a sight to see. They help bring the world and characters to life even more and I adore them immensely. From calm and casual, to serious, as well as intense action filled scenes. They all hit the mark and are very welcome additions as you read though!

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Regicide. It is a must read in my eyes for fans of xenofiction and fantasy. I hope to read more from this author in the future whether it be within the same universe or not. I know it will be crafted with the same love and care as this story was.

Make sure to leave a comment if you have anything on your mind <3 

Oh! Why not check out Regicide's 'official album'? ;)