Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King
Sponsored* | All opinions are our own
The Children’s Book Review
Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King
Created by Darin S. Cape
Illustrated by Zeno Decrux/Hiorsh Gabotto
Ages: 9+ | 160 Pages
Publisher: SHP Comics (2026) | ISBN: 979-8992749939
What to Expect: Adventure, family relationships, imagination, resilience, believing in yourself.
In Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King, author Darin S. Cape brings to life an imaginative tale of a young boy whose dreams cross over into reality and everyday life with his parents and older siblings. By day, Zachary is an ordinary kid whose siblings think he has an overactive imagination, but by night, Zicky becomes a hero in a dangerous world where monsters are real. When Zicky’s two worlds collide, can he be the hero both worlds need?
Zicky is a lively, well-written adventure that should appeal especially to younger readers, graphic novel fans, and reluctant readers who enjoy humor, action, and a strong storyline. The visual gags and witty dialogue also give parents plenty to appreciate, making this book a fun choice for shared reading. Readers are pulled into the action as Zicky self-narrates his stealthy adventures in the realm of the Rat King and recounts battles in classic manga style.
The illustrations during the dream sequences are crisp, with bold lines and filled with striking colors that set them apart from Zachary’s everyday world, which is rendered in muted earth tones. Cape and the illustrator(s) seamlessly bounce between Earth and the land beyond the portals as readers are guided through action sequences with skillfully illustrated panels.
With its blend of fantasy, comedy, and fast-paced storytelling, Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King offers an engaging experience for readers ready to follow Zachary into both his real and imagined worlds.
Buy the Book
Borrow the Book
About the Author
Shawn Hainsworth, AKA Darin S. Cape, is a father, storyteller, and comics creator whose work is shaped by the wonder, chaos, humor, and heart of being a dad. His stories grow out of the everyday magic of parenthood: bedtime imagination, big feelings, impossible questions, and the quiet hope that kids will find courage in themselves when the world feels strange or scary. Through his work, he creates adventurous, heartfelt stories for middle grade / young adult readers and their parents.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King. Learn more about getting a book review …
