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Drakkaen Nakkla #1
Catching Qat: A Found Family Epic Fantasy Adventure for TTRPG Fans
Roll to hit… then join the party. A forgotten past, a hidden treasure, and an ancient legacy await.
Qat is an assassin and thief, on the run for more than a decade from the pirate Captain Rogen. After completing a successful hit on a lawyer in Riversmeet, Qat finds a mysterious gemstone in a locked chest hidden in the caves below the city. Now, Qat has two reasons to evade the authorities in a city that is suddenly on lockdown.
Qrodin has spent twenty years building an empire while searching for his lost sibling. He’s in town to meet with a lawyer who may be the key to discovering the location of a secret auction—and a treasure that’s been lost for centuries. The lawyer doesn’t show, and Qrodin is informed that his twin is likely responsible.
Fate brings them together when the city is attacked, and Qat is injured. Qrodin sees an opportunity to reconnect, but Qat wants nothing to do with him.
Qrodin recruits the help of a traveling a mysterious elf with a past she can’t talk about and magic she can’t control, a monk who only speaks with his hands (and his fists), a dwarf with a battleaxe and an attitude, and a sweet little archer, who may be tiny, but has a knack for cooking up just what they need. As they race across the country, they discover they are all marked by a powerful legacy—that of the Drakkaen Nakkla.
If you love TTRPGs, you’ll enjoy this ensemble cast in a saga that’s just getting started.
Qat is an assassin and thief, on the run for more than a decade from the pirate Captain Rogen. After completing a successful hit on a lawyer in Riversmeet, Qat finds a mysterious gemstone in a locked chest hidden in the caves below the city. Now, Qat has two reasons to evade the authorities in a city that is suddenly on lockdown.
Qrodin has spent twenty years building an empire while searching for his lost sibling. He’s in town to meet with a lawyer who may be the key to discovering the location of a secret auction—and a treasure that’s been lost for centuries. The lawyer doesn’t show, and Qrodin is informed that his twin is likely responsible.
Fate brings them together when the city is attacked, and Qat is injured. Qrodin sees an opportunity to reconnect, but Qat wants nothing to do with him.
Qrodin recruits the help of a traveling a mysterious elf with a past she can’t talk about and magic she can’t control, a monk who only speaks with his hands (and his fists), a dwarf with a battleaxe and an attitude, and a sweet little archer, who may be tiny, but has a knack for cooking up just what they need. As they race across the country, they discover they are all marked by a powerful legacy—that of the Drakkaen Nakkla.
If you love TTRPGs, you’ll enjoy this ensemble cast in a saga that’s just getting started.
434 pages, Hardcover
Published October 28, 2025
8 people are currently reading
820 people want to read
About the author
K.T. Pike
2 books8 followersK.T.’s journey began with a foundation in Business Administration and a thirty-year career in retail management. Yet, the real magic happened later. A college project reintroduced her to Dungeons and Dragons, and she was hooked. She’s been a player and Dungeon Master ever since, channeling that same passion into creating compelling characters and expansive worlds.
This creative spark led K.T. to pursue her love for human stories, earning a BA in Biological Anthropology from UCSD. Her diverse academic background and decades of real-world experience inform her debut novel, Catching Qat, a compelling fantasy that explores themes of connection and identity. Today, she serves her community as a Library Branch Manager and, in her off hours, she continues to play D&D, constantly fueling her imagination for new tales.
This creative spark led K.T. to pursue her love for human stories, earning a BA in Biological Anthropology from UCSD. Her diverse academic background and decades of real-world experience inform her debut novel, Catching Qat, a compelling fantasy that explores themes of connection and identity. Today, she serves her community as a Library Branch Manager and, in her off hours, she continues to play D&D, constantly fueling her imagination for new tales.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 30, 2025
Review to follow!
And now the review...
The Found Family Adventure Your Heart Needs 💜⚔️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Catching Qat" completely won me over! K.T. Pike's debut has amazing characters, a killer mystery, and a found family that just WORKS.
Twin assassins separated as kids. Qrodin spent twenty years searching after their mom was murdered and Qat was kidnapped. Qat wakes up on a pirate ship at eleven with zero memories and becomes this badass thief. Fast forward, and they finally meet in a Riversmeet tavern when Qrodin sees Qat in a mirror. Explosive reunion, except Qat remembers nothing and also just killed a lawyer so the whole city is hunting aer. Great timing! 🎲
The real magic happens when Qat meets this traveling group. Bell (adorable tiny archer) literally throws a rock at Qat's head to protect Llani (elf with crazy magic and a gorgeous necklace). Instead of running, Qat feels this pull to stay. They join up with Bell, Llani, Akin (monk who only speaks sign language), and a grumpy dwarf. The Solitary Comrades are born, and I love them all.
Qat's journey from lone wolf to found family member had me so emotional. The whole "who am I if I can't remember who I was?" thing hits different. Watching aer realize that connection beats revenge or treasure every time was beautiful.
Qrodin balances his grief with finally getting his twin back. He's not just the searching brother; he's got layers. The vulnerability killed me.
Bell is small but SO fierce. That rock throw is iconic. 🏹
Llani has uncontrollable magic and secrets she literally cannot tell. The tension is delicious.
Akin communicates through sign language, and his presence just grounds everyone. Plus, his fighting skills are incredible.
The dwarf gradually stops being grumpy and becomes family. His arc is sweet.
Oram is this vast world with different creatures (hablis, dagas, elves, dwarves, all of it) and cultures. Pike uses neopronouns (ae/aer/aers) for Qat and weaves them naturally into the Karatolii culture. It adds to the whole identity theme and feels organic.
The Drakkaen Nakkla legacy? Brilliant. Ancient bloodline from 15,000 years ago connecting all the characters. They're fated to be together, and watching that unfold kept me up way too late reading. The reveals are perfectly timed. 🐉
Pacing is great. Action flows, character moments land hard, and I couldn't predict where things were going. Pike knows exactly when to drop a bombshell.
Yes, it ends on a cliffhanger! The group forms and the twins reunite, but the bigger mysteries stay open. The book ends right as their quest really begins. I need book two NOW.
For TTRPG fans: Pike is a longtime DM, and you can feel it. The party dynamics are spot-on, but it never feels like reading someone's campaign. It's a real story with real stakes.
The found family is earned through danger, trust, and choosing each other repeatedly. That's what makes it powerful. 🌈
If you love ensemble casts, fantasy worlds that breathe, mysteries that hook you, and genuine emotional depth, read this immediately. Pike created something special, and I'm already desperate for more.
Book two cannot come fast enough!
Thank you to K.T. Pike and Book Sirens for the gifted copy of this book. I was happy to leave my honest opinion.
Woo Hoo
And now the review...
The Found Family Adventure Your Heart Needs 💜⚔️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Catching Qat" completely won me over! K.T. Pike's debut has amazing characters, a killer mystery, and a found family that just WORKS.
Twin assassins separated as kids. Qrodin spent twenty years searching after their mom was murdered and Qat was kidnapped. Qat wakes up on a pirate ship at eleven with zero memories and becomes this badass thief. Fast forward, and they finally meet in a Riversmeet tavern when Qrodin sees Qat in a mirror. Explosive reunion, except Qat remembers nothing and also just killed a lawyer so the whole city is hunting aer. Great timing! 🎲
The real magic happens when Qat meets this traveling group. Bell (adorable tiny archer) literally throws a rock at Qat's head to protect Llani (elf with crazy magic and a gorgeous necklace). Instead of running, Qat feels this pull to stay. They join up with Bell, Llani, Akin (monk who only speaks sign language), and a grumpy dwarf. The Solitary Comrades are born, and I love them all.
Qat's journey from lone wolf to found family member had me so emotional. The whole "who am I if I can't remember who I was?" thing hits different. Watching aer realize that connection beats revenge or treasure every time was beautiful.
Qrodin balances his grief with finally getting his twin back. He's not just the searching brother; he's got layers. The vulnerability killed me.
Bell is small but SO fierce. That rock throw is iconic. 🏹
Llani has uncontrollable magic and secrets she literally cannot tell. The tension is delicious.
Akin communicates through sign language, and his presence just grounds everyone. Plus, his fighting skills are incredible.
The dwarf gradually stops being grumpy and becomes family. His arc is sweet.
Oram is this vast world with different creatures (hablis, dagas, elves, dwarves, all of it) and cultures. Pike uses neopronouns (ae/aer/aers) for Qat and weaves them naturally into the Karatolii culture. It adds to the whole identity theme and feels organic.
The Drakkaen Nakkla legacy? Brilliant. Ancient bloodline from 15,000 years ago connecting all the characters. They're fated to be together, and watching that unfold kept me up way too late reading. The reveals are perfectly timed. 🐉
Pacing is great. Action flows, character moments land hard, and I couldn't predict where things were going. Pike knows exactly when to drop a bombshell.
Yes, it ends on a cliffhanger! The group forms and the twins reunite, but the bigger mysteries stay open. The book ends right as their quest really begins. I need book two NOW.
For TTRPG fans: Pike is a longtime DM, and you can feel it. The party dynamics are spot-on, but it never feels like reading someone's campaign. It's a real story with real stakes.
The found family is earned through danger, trust, and choosing each other repeatedly. That's what makes it powerful. 🌈
If you love ensemble casts, fantasy worlds that breathe, mysteries that hook you, and genuine emotional depth, read this immediately. Pike created something special, and I'm already desperate for more.
Book two cannot come fast enough!
Thank you to K.T. Pike and Book Sirens for the gifted copy of this book. I was happy to leave my honest opinion.
Woo Hoo
October 7, 2025
This book is whimsical. The world comes to life through the characters. There is adventure, friendship, mistrust, and relatable dialogue. It's like if LOTR was sassy instead of serious. Read it. You'll know what I mean. For the first book in the series, you really get a grasp of who the characters are and who they could be. Can't wait for the next one.
August 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this as a opening chapter in the Drakkaen Nakkla series, it does an amazing job in keeping the reader invested and caring about the characters. I enjoyed going on this journey and thought it uses the fantasy adventure element that I was expecting from this type of book. The characters were so well done and can't wait for more from them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 19, 2025
If you like DnD, you'll like this book.
It has a very similar style of story to a good DnD campaign. A nice cadence, steady mix of adventure and action. A few mysteries to solve along the way.
There's no big conclusion at the end, but everything is wrapped up nicely.
Instead there's little reveals along the way.
The switching back and forth between the two main characters was done well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It has a very similar style of story to a good DnD campaign. A nice cadence, steady mix of adventure and action. A few mysteries to solve along the way.
There's no big conclusion at the end, but everything is wrapped up nicely.
Instead there's little reveals along the way.
The switching back and forth between the two main characters was done well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2025
So enjoyed getting to explore this new fantasy world. The various characters come alive as you get to know them and they get to know each other. Their story leads readers on wonderful adventures with new cultures to explore. I can’t wait to continue reading the Drakkaen Nakkla saga!
December 17, 2025
Such wonderful worldbuilding
The worldbuilding in this book is just fantastic. There are a lot of magic spells and fun magical items, several interesting new species, monsters, festivals, and neat customs.
There are secrets, mysteries, treasures, battles, and assassinations.
This book is all about found family, in more ways than one. I loved watching the group grow as more characters joined. Nicely balanced dynamics.
There are just enough plot strings left for the rest of the series. Can't wait to read the next one!
The worldbuilding in this book is just fantastic. There are a lot of magic spells and fun magical items, several interesting new species, monsters, festivals, and neat customs.
There are secrets, mysteries, treasures, battles, and assassinations.
This book is all about found family, in more ways than one. I loved watching the group grow as more characters joined. Nicely balanced dynamics.
There are just enough plot strings left for the rest of the series. Can't wait to read the next one!
Read
October 19, 2025If you like DnD, you'll like this book.
It has a very similar style of story to a good DnD campaign. A nice cadence, steady mix of adventure and action. A few mysteries to solve along the way.
There's no big conclusion at the end, but everything is wrapped up nicely.
Instead there's little reveals along the way.
The switching back and forth between the two main characters was done well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It has a very similar style of story to a good DnD campaign. A nice cadence, steady mix of adventure and action. A few mysteries to solve along the way.
There's no big conclusion at the end, but everything is wrapped up nicely.
Instead there's little reveals along the way.
The switching back and forth between the two main characters was done well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Catching Qat is an absolute TTRPG-inspired delight! The story pulls you in immediately with Qat and Qrow’s gripping pasts, then layers in a rich ensemble of characters who each bring humor, heart, and a little chaos to the adventure. The world-building is immersive, the twists keep you guessing, and the camaraderie between the party feels genuine and rewarding. If you love high-stakes quests, complex characters, and a story that balances action with emotional depth, this book is a must-read. I can’t wait to see where the Drakkaen Nakkla saga goes next!
Catching Qat is an absolute TTRPG-inspired delight! The story pulls you in immediately with Qat and Qrow’s gripping pasts, then layers in a rich ensemble of characters who each bring humor, heart, and a little chaos to the adventure. The world-building is immersive, the twists keep you guessing, and the camaraderie between the party feels genuine and rewarding. If you love high-stakes quests, complex characters, and a story that balances action with emotional depth, this book is a must-read. I can’t wait to see where the Drakkaen Nakkla saga goes next!
October 28, 2025
K.T. Pike has created a world full of magic, mystery, and family. She has created characters that are relatable and imperfect that find each other and learn how to work together throughout their adventures. Battle scenes are vivid and unique and one can easily place oneself in the carefully crafted fray. I loved the world building, characters, and displays of magic that I've not seen anywhere else. If you like RPGs and fantasy, then you'll find "varsome" reading Catching Qat!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 14, 2025
If you love D&D you cannot help thinking that you would like play a game featuring K.T.Pike as game master.
I love the storytelling and loved this story of friendship, qattitude, strong characters, and intriguing plot.
Cannot wait for the next novel
Highly recommended.
Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
I love the storytelling and loved this story of friendship, qattitude, strong characters, and intriguing plot.
Cannot wait for the next novel
Highly recommended.
Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews