R.D. Page's Blog
January 19, 2026
Reviews
I’m Overwhelmed (In the Best Way) — My Book Is Getting Positive Reviews
I want to take a moment to share something that honestly means the world to me.
My book is officially out, it’s real, it’s living in the world… and people are actually reading it.
But more than that—people are enjoying it.
I’ve started receiving positive reviews, and I can’t fully explain what that feels like unless you’re a writer who has spent countless hours alone, staring at the same chapters, rewriting the same paragraphs, doubting every word, wondering if the story is even worth telling.
You pour pieces of yourself into a book.
Then you release it and it becomes silent.
And you sit there wondering:
Did it hit anyone?
Did it matter?
Did it entertain them?
Did the characters feel real?
So when I see someone leave a review—especially a positive one—it doesn’t just “make my day.”
It reminds me that all the hard work was worth it.
The Reality Behind the Release
I’m not going to pretend this journey has been easy.
There were times where I felt like I was shouting into the void (no pun intended 😅), trying to get exposure, trying to find readers, trying to believe in myself.
I’ve watched other books blow up overnight.
Meanwhile, I was over here grinding—writing, editing, formatting, publishing, marketing, learning KDP, trying to get ARC readers, and trying not to lose my mind in the process.
And now?
Now I’m seeing proof that this story has a place in readers’ hands.
Reviews Mean More Than People Think
If you’re not an author, you might not realize how powerful reviews truly are.
For indie writers, reviews are everything:
They help Amazon trust the book
They help readers decide to take a chance
They give the story credibility
They show the world this isn’t just some random upload
But on a personal level?
Reviews are a reminder that I wasn’t wasting my time.
That my story didn’t die in my head.
That it became real.
To Everyone Who Left One — Thank You
If you’ve read even a part of my book…
If you’ve recommended it…
If you’ve shared it…
If you’ve taken a minute out of your day to leave an honest review—
thank you.
That’s not “small.”
That’s not “nothing.”
That’s support.
That’s fuel.
That’s the kind of encouragement that keeps an author writing the next book.
This Is Only the Beginning
This is the first book of a series, and I’m more motivated than ever to keep going.
I’m not here to be a “one book” author.
I’m here to build a world, tell stories that hit hard, and write the kind of dark fantasy that refuses to play it safe.
So yes… I’m proud.
And yes… I’m grateful.
And honestly?
I’m just getting started.
I want to take a moment to share something that honestly means the world to me.
My book is officially out, it’s real, it’s living in the world… and people are actually reading it.
But more than that—people are enjoying it.
I’ve started receiving positive reviews, and I can’t fully explain what that feels like unless you’re a writer who has spent countless hours alone, staring at the same chapters, rewriting the same paragraphs, doubting every word, wondering if the story is even worth telling.
You pour pieces of yourself into a book.
Then you release it and it becomes silent.
And you sit there wondering:
Did it hit anyone?
Did it matter?
Did it entertain them?
Did the characters feel real?
So when I see someone leave a review—especially a positive one—it doesn’t just “make my day.”
It reminds me that all the hard work was worth it.
The Reality Behind the Release
I’m not going to pretend this journey has been easy.
There were times where I felt like I was shouting into the void (no pun intended 😅), trying to get exposure, trying to find readers, trying to believe in myself.
I’ve watched other books blow up overnight.
Meanwhile, I was over here grinding—writing, editing, formatting, publishing, marketing, learning KDP, trying to get ARC readers, and trying not to lose my mind in the process.
And now?
Now I’m seeing proof that this story has a place in readers’ hands.
Reviews Mean More Than People Think
If you’re not an author, you might not realize how powerful reviews truly are.
For indie writers, reviews are everything:
They help Amazon trust the book
They help readers decide to take a chance
They give the story credibility
They show the world this isn’t just some random upload
But on a personal level?
Reviews are a reminder that I wasn’t wasting my time.
That my story didn’t die in my head.
That it became real.
To Everyone Who Left One — Thank You
If you’ve read even a part of my book…
If you’ve recommended it…
If you’ve shared it…
If you’ve taken a minute out of your day to leave an honest review—
thank you.
That’s not “small.”
That’s not “nothing.”
That’s support.
That’s fuel.
That’s the kind of encouragement that keeps an author writing the next book.
This Is Only the Beginning
This is the first book of a series, and I’m more motivated than ever to keep going.
I’m not here to be a “one book” author.
I’m here to build a world, tell stories that hit hard, and write the kind of dark fantasy that refuses to play it safe.
So yes… I’m proud.
And yes… I’m grateful.
And honestly?
I’m just getting started.
January 15, 2026
Book 2 Update
Book 2 is in progress. Just finished writing the first two chapters!
January 14, 2026
Love Feedback!!
It's still surreal to see readers connect with this story. Thankful for the honest feedback.
January 13, 2026
Book 2 In Progress
I wanted to take a moment to share a quick update: Book Two is actively being worked on.
After wrapping up the first novel and sending it out into the world, I took some time to breathe, reflect, and listen—to early readers, to feedback, and to my own instincts about where the story needs to go next. That process has only confirmed one thing: this story isn’t finished yet.
Book Two continues the journey with higher stakes, deeper consequences, and a darker focus on the forces that were only beginning to surface in the first book. Characters who survived are changed by what they endured. Choices made in Book One ripple outward in ways that can’t be undone. Nothing resets. Nothing is safe.
Tonally, the sequel stays true to the sword-and-sorcery foundation of the series while leaning harder into its epic and grimdark elements. The world expands. The mythology sharpens. The cost of power becomes harder to ignore.
I’m currently deep in outlining, drafting, and refining—making sure the next installment doesn’t just continue the story, but earns its place. I’m taking my time to get it right.
Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, messaged, or simply followed along. Your support genuinely matters more than you know, especially at this stage.
More updates soon.
— Roy
After wrapping up the first novel and sending it out into the world, I took some time to breathe, reflect, and listen—to early readers, to feedback, and to my own instincts about where the story needs to go next. That process has only confirmed one thing: this story isn’t finished yet.
Book Two continues the journey with higher stakes, deeper consequences, and a darker focus on the forces that were only beginning to surface in the first book. Characters who survived are changed by what they endured. Choices made in Book One ripple outward in ways that can’t be undone. Nothing resets. Nothing is safe.
Tonally, the sequel stays true to the sword-and-sorcery foundation of the series while leaning harder into its epic and grimdark elements. The world expands. The mythology sharpens. The cost of power becomes harder to ignore.
I’m currently deep in outlining, drafting, and refining—making sure the next installment doesn’t just continue the story, but earns its place. I’m taking my time to get it right.
Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, messaged, or simply followed along. Your support genuinely matters more than you know, especially at this stage.
More updates soon.
— Roy
