Check Out My Book Review Of 'Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King' by Shawn Hainsworth PLUS A Giveaway! #ZickyWrathOfTheRatKing ~

This post is sponsored by Shawn Hainsworth. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Created by Darin S. Cape

Illustrated by Zeno Decrux and Hiorsh Gabotto

Ages: 9+ | 160 Pages

Publisher: SHP Comics (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8992749939

Publisher’s Book Summary: Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is a fast, funny, manga-inspired graphic novel that blends fantasy adventure with heart, humor, and family appeal. When a cheeky underdog hero is pulled into a world of monsters, doppelgängers, and an army of rats, Zicky must rely on wit, courage, and unlikely friendships to survive. Bursting with kinetic action, playful mischief, and relatable growing pains, Zicky is a perfect gateway to manga for younger readers and a joyful, high-energy adventure for kids, teens, and families alike.

Praise: “Smart, energetic graphic novel blending fantasy and touching real-life emotion. Cape smashes expectations and keeps the pages pleasurably turning, all while grounding the chaotic story in the growing pains of children and the anxieties of the adults raising them.” —Booklife

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | SHP Comics

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shawn Hainsworth is the creator and writer, as Darin S. Cape, of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King. The story began as bedtime adventures he invented for his own children, with Shawn playing the role of Zicky, a super-secret ninja who went on adventures while everyone else was asleep. Those family stories eventually grew into the world of Zicky, a graphic novel celebrating imagination, courage, family, and the hero inside every kid. Shawn lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife, two teens, and two hound dogs. He is the publisher of SHP Comics and is currently working on the sequel, Zicky: The Cursed Blade.

Website | https://www.instagram.com/shpcomics_kids

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATORS

Zeno Decrux is an accomplished illustrator and comic artist with over nine years of experience in the international independent comics scene. His work spans a diverse range of comics and manga titles, where he brings a dynamic, expressive style and a strong commitment to quality on every project. Passionate about storytelling through visuals, Zeno continues to push his craft forward with each new collaboration.

Jorge Luis Gabotto, also known as Hiorsh, is an Argentine cartoonist and writer from Mar del Plata. A visual arts teacher, puppeteer, and musician, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling. For him, comics are a fusion of art and literature—a cinematic form that combines movement, atmosphere, and emotion. His work explores themes of love, time, and perception, offering readers a personal and poetic vision of the world.

MY REVIEW

Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King by Shawn Hainsworth, writing as Darin S. Cape, is such a fun and imaginative graphic novel! I absolutely loved the combination of adventure, humor, heart, and fantasy, and I think it is a wonderful story for young readers and families to enjoy together. Zicky is such a great character to follow as he discovers that his imagination may be much more powerful than anyone realizes. Watching him find his courage, face challenges, and step into the role of a hero made this such an enjoyable coming-of-age adventure.

But I have to talk about the illustrations because I LOVE them! They are absolutely incredible, and honestly, I loved everything about them. The artwork brings the entire story to life in such a vivid and expressive way, and I found myself really enjoying the visual experience of every page. There is so much personality in the illustrations, and they perfectly complement the action, humor, and emotion of the story. I think the artwork is a huge part of what makes Zicky so engaging, especially for kids who love graphic novels and for readers who might be making the transition from illustrated chapter books.

I also really appreciated the heart behind the adventure. Beneath the monsters, action, humor, and the battle against the Rat King is a wonderful message about believing in yourself, perseverance, family, friendship, and having the courage to do what is right. I especially loved the way sibling relationships and family support are woven into the story because it gives the fantasy adventure an emotional connection that young readers can really relate to. And there is plenty of humor sprinkled throughout to keep things fun for both kids and the adults reading along with them!

It’s easy to understand why Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King has received recognition, including First Place for Best Comic in the Story Monsters Purple Dragonfly Award and a 2026 PenCraft Seasonal Book Award for Graphic Novels. This is a creative, entertaining, and beautifully illustrated adventure that has something for everyone. If you have a young reader who loves fantasy, action, humor, and larger-than-life adventures—or if you simply enjoy discovering a great graphic novel to read together as a family—I definitely recommend Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Children’s Book Review
Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Friday, October 2, 2026
The Starlit Path
Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Monday, October 5, 2026
Crafty Moms Share
Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Deliciously Savvy
Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Wednesday, October 7, 2026
The Children’s Book Review
A Booklist Featuring Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Thursday, October 8, 2026
Q&As with Deborah Kalb
Author Interview with Shawn Hainsworth

Friday, October 9, 2026
@bored_military_wife
Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Monday, October 12, 2026
Lisa’s Reading
Author Interview with Shawn Hainsworth

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
The Fairview Review
Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Thursday, October 15, 2026
Country Mamas With Kids
Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Friday, October 16, 2026
@MaryLanniReads
Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Monday, October 19, 2026
Cover Lover Book Review
Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Confessions of a Book Addict
Book Spotlight on Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
@nissa_the.bookworm
Instagram Post about Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Thursday, October 22, 2026
Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog
Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Friday, October 23, 2026
icefairy’s Treasure Chest
Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

NOW TO THE GIVEAWAY!

Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of 10 signed paperback copies of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King. One lucky grand prize winner will also receive a Zicky poster and pins.