Regal: God of War

by Victoria Bates, Tabatha Füsting (Illustrator), Jeff Jones (Editor)

'Being heir to the Gaiamirákan throne isn’t easy, especially when you have competition. For Prince Mokoto, life is a constant battle as he strives to gain the approval of his cruel and ruthless father King Taka. But as challenging as his adult life is, it is nothing compared to the horrors he was forced to endure as a child. Some nightmares never leave you, even when you are old enough to become a living nightmare yourself.'A sci-fi fantasy novel revolving around the lives and family dynamics of a warrior monarchy. At its centre is Mokoto, the youngest and only male child of his father King Taka. Mokoto is raised in a dark and terrifying place, knowing only pain and nightmares. When he is finally set free at the young age of thirteen, he is immediately at war with his own siblings to prove his worth to his father. His life is not his own, and yet it is still his responsibility to make it a success. If he fails, he will not only have to answer to his father, but to the God of War himself.

378 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2017

Reviews

[Andrew Davie · Rating 2 out of 5]

As part of an introduction to a probable series, I admired the world-building scope however I struggled with the (at times) clunky narrative and lack of overall tension. Minor characters were hinted at, and never fully realised, with time shifts that left previously potentially tense developments unresolved. There was also an overall lack of action; I get that not all 'fantasy/sci fi' novels have to have constant fighting and in-court intrigue can be compelling - however, for a system built on fear and power, the lack of physicality neutered the overall tone (I appreciate that there is an especially violent scene however this was arguable incongruous to the overall tone and added little to the overall character/plot development). I also struggled with the courtiers/servants surprise at the brutality and hatred of the dynasty - for a system that has been despotic for generations, the reactions of the lesser characters to the dynastic cruelty did not ring true.

[Kelly higham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regal / God of war fantastic

This book is well written and worth the read it takes you to a different world with so much detail its easy to imagine the characters and palace they live in. A fantastic first novel we'll done the only critique i have is that the first chapter is hard to get thru i was a little bit put off it seemed a hectic way to set the scene not sure if it was needed as you sink into this book straight away congratulations .

[Alyssa Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing! I love the development on Mokoto's character and the display of the very vast differences between the Hivekans and the Outsiders!
This book is a fantastic introduction to the series and helped me get to know all of the main characters so well, and helped me connect on a deep level.
An amazing read, I loved it!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. It took a while to get into the difference in the world and names, but once you get going, the story is very compelling.

My only criticism is that there were no trigger warnings, I avoid anything with rape due to ptsd... and that was a complete shock, very upsetting.

[Holly Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great way to start a fantasy/sci fi series. It is filled with detail and world building. The characters are easy to imagine. There are lots of dark topics covered within the story, it is very much like a diary or history book as to what happens within this world and its people. The brutal stuff characters do, does make you dislike them to some extent, but Mokoto does hold a special place in my heart

[Alex Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dark diary of a prince born into an evil culture of pain and maliciousness and his journey to become king. 3.5 stars!

Bates is a master of deviousness and evilness in her world building! This is a world where society is split into 2; the normal people and the elite. These elite are sent to what is in effect a prison, where they are tortured and abused to numb them to the pain so that they will become strong leaders when they graduate. The prince is no exception, and this is where our story starts.

The relationships Bates crafts between characters and their family dynamics is wonderfully dark and malicious.

The story may come across as reading a journal or diary about the young prince's life from a baby to becoming king. Which I'd have found jarring if not for the uniqueness of the world, setting and culture inherent in this planet.

Throughout, it builds up to an unknown disaster with the use of "info dump" introduction sections to chapters - short excerpts from history books or their religious texts.

A couple of minor down sides:
Names are confusing to begin with
Dark topics are covered such as murder, rape, manipulation, abuse etc
It almost feels like a soap opera, going through his life from drama to drama.

However at the end we get the ultimate drama of him becoming king after the disaster is revealed. I'm gripped into this world and want to read more about the war that was hinted to come!

[Alan Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed with this book. For a new author it was very well written with a good storyline. I shall be watching out for the sequel.