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Depik. The race of cat-like assassins is feared galaxy-wide. Few living people have seen them, as the sight of one is usually the last thing its victim sees.

Clan politics on the Depik home world of Khatash are complicated, with clans jockeying for contracts and the prestige and wealth they bring. There’s only one rule—Depik do not kill other Depik. Ever.

When Reow is implicated in killing the Depik Governor, though, her clan is declared anathema. Her four offspring are placed under interdict—they are to be killed on sight—and Del, Flame, Blade, and Death must flee with their molly, Susa.

With Reow dead, and Hunters tracking them across the galaxy, will they live long enough to find the real killer, or will they find themselves assassinated by their own kind?

463 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2018

230 people are currently reading
94 people want to read

About the author

Kacey Ezell

82 books107 followers
Kacey Ezell was born in South Dakota in 1977. Her parents joined the US Air Force in 1984, and she grew up around the world on various military bases. When she was seven, her mother gave her a copy of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragondrums, and shortly thereafter, Kacey decided that she wanted to be a dragonrider when she grew up. In 1999, she followed her parents into the “family business” and graduated from the United States Air Force Academy before going to pilot training. As dragons were in short supply at the time, she reasoned that flying aircraft was the next best thing. She earned her wings in 2001, and has over 2500 hours in the UH-1N and Mi-17 helicopters.
From the time she was a small child, Kacey made up stories to tell to her friends and family. In 2009, while deployed to Iraq, she wrote the military-themed supernatural story “Light”, which was accepted for publication in the Baen Books anthology Citizens. She was asked to consult on John Ringo’s 2015 novel Strands of Sorrow, and wrote the cover story for the Black Tide Rising anthology set in Ringo’s zombie apocalypse universe. That story, “Not in Vain” was selected for inclusion in the “Year’s Best Military SF and Adventure Fiction” anthology produced by Baen Books.
In addition, she’s written a story called “Gilded Cage” for the Four Horsemen Universe anthology A Fistful of Credits, and her story “Family Over Blood” will be included in the upcoming Forged In Blood anthology set in Michael Z. Williamson’s Freehold Universe.
She and Christopher L. Smith are currently collaborating with John Ringo on a new post-apocalyptic steampunk trilogy from Baen.
Kacey writes science fiction, fantasy, horror, noir, romance… etc. fiction. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and two cats.

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221 (66%)
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87 (26%)
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21 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Pat Patterson.
353 reviews7 followers
February 24, 2018
I obtained this book through the Kindle Unlimited program. Note: I also had access to the ARC, but I didn't read it, since I have yet to finish my current TBR&R. However, when this book was published in advance of the original release date, I grabbed it immediately and started feasting.

It's a study in personality, a mystery story, and a ripping good yarn. I wanted to dive into it right away. First, however, I joyously re-read the appetizers. There are three of these.

The first one I encountered was "Gilded Cage," by Kacey Ezell in the anthology '"A Fistful of Credits." This is actually the second story in the timeline (so far). It is a creepy, horrid tale of addiction and bad choices made for good reasons, and how those reduce options from the infinite down to zero. I don't think I've ever read such blood-curdling scenes presented with such an economy of words. The story of Human Susan Aloh is told here, and it's a story of degradation and a twisted redemption. Reow is in the Supporting Actress role, and her four kits are also introduced.

In the anthology "The Good, The Bad, and The Merc," we get the origin story of Reow, founder of the Night Wind Clan, and PROBABLY a bit of the backstory of the wicked, wicked Dirrys of the Whispering Fear Clan, in the compelling "Lessons," also by Kacey Ezell.

In addition, this volume contains a major exposition of the nature of the wicked, wicked Dirrys, a subtle clue PROBABLY linking the wicked, wicked Dirrys to Reow's origin, and a creepy bit of insight into the inner workings of the Depik warrior's mind in Marisa Wolf's "Under The Skin." Aroh, the seemingly peaceful warrior, is the protagonist.

It is not ESSENTIAL that you read the three stories in order to appreciate this book, but they are great stories in themselves, and if you have Kindle Unlimited, there is absolutely no reason not to get the two anthologies (again, I hope), and your reading of "Assassin" will be the richer for it.

I have never taken a conventional writing class, nor have attended any of the magnificent workshops available for professional writers. If there are ever any reviewer workshops offered in my vicinity, I will be sure not to attend those, either. However, I DO pay attention to what successful authors throw away in their comments on blogs and columns and things, and one of the most important points, they say, is that a character show change and development.

And that happens here. Although the wicked, wicked Dirrys remains wicked throughout, Reow progresses from needy newborn, to determined infant, to assertive adult, to entirely proficient and murderous assassin possessing a sort of sociopathic compassion, to loving mother, and finally a Machiavellian mover and shaker of empires. Furthermore, her children evolve to meet the demands made on them. The initial challenge is to shift from a reasonably co-equal status, although each has some area of special strength, to a more hierarchical structure, when mother Rowr is promoted to Peacemaker status. Death From Above, as the senior female, is next in line to rule, and that decision is confirmed by her pregnancy. Ezell and Wolf do an excellent job of describing the undercurrents of emotion as the young Depik as they adapt to the new reality, which is closely followed by the full-fledged attack on their nest.

Meanwhile, in the Whispering Fear clan, Arow, the protagonist of "Under The Skin," has his own character development going on. Depik loyalties and their rules of behavior are deeply ingrained, and his treatment by the wicked, wicked Dirrys has set up profound conflicts in him.

The stories of the young Depik are woven together to form the narrative, and there is plenty of action involved (unless you are a Depik, who always want more action), but the main story is a whodunit-style mystery. We THINK we know who would be wicked enough to do the CRIME, but how and why remain a mystery. Yes, you will want to know, and yes, you will find out.

In addition, we get more story about Susan Aloh (Susa), and some tastes of her adaptation to her new status. There are a couple of tense moments here, particularly when she returns briefly to Earth. This return also gives us an opportunity to check in with CASPR teams of the Four Horsemen, those in the service of The Golden Horde.

I could be wrong about this, but it appears to me that one section of this novel, dealing with an accidental acquisition of a mercenary unit, could have been packaged as a self-contained short story. Maybe not; I know there are at least two more books planned in this series, so it just may be a particularly well-developed sub-plot forming.

And for those of you who love ridiculous humor: the new leader of the Night Wind Clan has the name 'Death from Above.' However, friends and family always use a shortened form of her name, in this case, referring to her simply as 'Death.' This gives us chuckles throughout the book, particularly (for me, at least) in those scenes in which the character is suffering from morning sickness. Speaking as a bio-father of three, I can testify that morning sickness is nothing to be laughed at, at the time, but when it inflicts a character named Death, it's FUNNY, as the following quote illustrates:

“This isn’t uncommon in pregnancies,” the healer said briskly as Death wiped her mouth with a shaky paw. Mhrand had brought her to the infirmary after she’d been unable to keep anything down, and Jhora had shooed him out just before Death started heaving again.

Even though I KNOW this refers to a catlike assassin, I can't help but be amused at the thought of Death throwing up. I confess that my gift-from-God, happily-ever-after trophy wife Vanessa, the elegant, foxy, praying black grandmother of Woodstock, GA, did NOT find the passage particularly humorous, but then, she has actually had morning sickness, and I have not. There are other instances where her name appears in passages i find whimsical, but I will not detail them for you, as it would be a spoiler.
Profile Image for John Davies.
614 reviews15 followers
November 29, 2018
Kacey and Marisa have created a world rich in character, deep with lore, and populated by beings you want to know more about.

What started as a short story set in the 4 Horsemen Universe, has expanded to what is now several novels and short stories.

Someone has framed the Night Wind clan for killing the Depik Peacemaker and Governor. Killing another Depik means you are instantly the subject of a Kill On Sight order. With their mother Reow, killed already, the four kits split up, to discover just who commited this horrible deed. Death, along with her human servant, travels to Earth, to hide with the help of the Golden Horde. Flame travels off-world with a Human Bounty Hunter who had been hired by the previous Peacemaker, before the murder. Deluge, who was off-world working as an assassin, finds himself in charge of a group of Mercenaries, and sekks out a human to take over and lead them. Blade, disguises himself, and infiltrates the clan he suspects is responsible.

All four act individually, but eventually the story concludes with all of them gathering together to pool their info and bring the enemy to justice.
Profile Image for Pete Aldin.
Author 36 books61 followers
April 11, 2021
I love books that do a good job of taking us inside the minds and culture of an alien species. ASSASSIN does a great job.

Filled with action, political intrigue, humor and pathos, this book colors in a fascinating universe and a fascinating species in the Depik.
Profile Image for Jon R..
Author 36 books36 followers
April 23, 2018
Great story with familiar aliens

This was a fantastic tale, with a great use of readers' familiarity with terrestrial felines to help us relate to the deadly alien Depik. There's a lot of great world building by the authors which helps immerse the reader in the story.
Profile Image for Bookworm027.
119 reviews21 followers
February 22, 2018
I was asked by the author for an honest review.

5 Stars!

Wow! This book was superb! I'm currently in the middle of a move out of the country and every time I had to put this book down to adult it drove me nuts. I had to know what happened next! I loved how the book was written from multiple characters' perspectives. Each time I was thinking that I wanted to know more about what was happening "over there" I did. It was almost like Marissa and Kacey were reading my mind! What a second...they couldn't have... Nah, too far fetched.

Anyway, the detail in his book is outstanding without being overwhelming, and the characters are a hoot. I loved how they were each imbued with different characteristics, same as people IRL. Each of the main characters grew and learned throughout the book and I another book is soon to be in the making, because I can't wait to see what happens next. This is a standalone, so you won't find one of those dreaded cliffhangers at the end, but the authors leave an opening for another book...or two. Fingers crossed!
267 reviews
March 21, 2018
A Purrfect tale!

This Book that started with 2 short stories in previous collections now it comes to a conclusion in a book of its own, also this is set some time before Cartwrights Cavaliers as they use Mk 7/8 Casprs but only Mk3 in this book!
This story is well written and gives a good insight into the most feared assassins in the galaxy the Depik or to you and me cats! Think Puss in Shrek but more viscous.
As a person who is owned by cats i can see how the writers have got the characteristics of cats down perfectly!
Profile Image for Preston  Dannelley.
348 reviews12 followers
March 6, 2018
Purrrrr...

What would you call a male molly? Well that's me. Bastet has blessed me many times over,I am proud to say. If you like cats, read this book. These wonderful ladies know what they are doing and will make you laugh and cry, but most importantly, make you call in love with their characters.
Also read Kaceys story Minds of Men
430 reviews10 followers
March 17, 2018
excellent

A terrific story and insight into the Depic,the deadliest assassins in the four horsemen universe,I loved the way the two earlier short stories were expanded on showing the Depic to be more than simple assassins,looking forward to further tales of Reow, Del,,Death,Blade,Flame, and their "pets"
Profile Image for Ann Zdunczyk.
1,162 reviews4 followers
March 3, 2018
Ended to soon!!

I really hope that more books are written about the clan!! Can’t leave us hang like this!! Ok great story, crazy action throughout. So many twists and turns!! More please please more!!
Profile Image for Ed A.
162 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2018
Fun read

This story has become my favorite of the Four Horseman universe. No mech combat, but we get a look at the Depik and their society. I truly enjoyed reading this and looking forward to reading more of the Clan of the Night Wind.
26 reviews
March 24, 2018
Excellent addition in a fun universe

This is a fun book. Good characters and a well paced plot. I recommend this for a light summer read.
157 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2018
Terrific Read

This is a great story! Thoroughly enjoyable from page one. Great characters, tight story line and plenty of action. Highly recommended.
.
Profile Image for Te Kee.
79 reviews
March 31, 2018
Totally enjoyable

Could not put down, had to read in one evening. I will go back and read this entire series. Looking forward to some more...thank you😺
Profile Image for John.
433 reviews6 followers
January 16, 2019
wow, what a thrilling rollercoaster ride of a book

i decided to catch up on some of the stories of the mainline of the Four Horseman Universe and i am glad i did this story is awesome

you are going along and then the story drops like a rollercoaster

I loved the ups and downs and i really enjoyed the character development as the book went long

i hope they write another book with these characters as would love to see more adventures with them and how they grew
Profile Image for Bill Boyd.
1 review
July 30, 2019
A worthy addition to the Four Horsemen universe


As authors are found to play in this universe, one would expect the quality to suffer. This is not the case, Kacey has stepped up to the challenge and provided a more than worthy chapter in the ongoing sagas.
78 reviews
October 9, 2019
A great addition to the series

The first book in the series completely focused on an alien race. This is the story of a clan if feline-like assassins and their struggles. Highly recommended.
21 reviews
November 17, 2019
Out of lines

When I was through one third of the book and still nothing had happened I planned to close the book and move on. Luckily then something started to happen. Still it is too feminine book for my taste.
27 reviews9 followers
August 19, 2020
Utterly brilliant

I read a LOT of SF/F books -- like 250 books a year. This was one of the 2-3 most enjoyable of any of them. Great characters, great story, and wonderfully subtle story clues throughout. A truly exceptional SF novel.
161 reviews
January 15, 2024
Getting inside an alien being's head is a challenge. Kacey Ezell meets it well (although being a cat person and a heli pilot are advantages! :-) ). As the story progresses, readers will, gradually, see the strings Ezell has woven develop - not going to say more, so read the book!
Profile Image for Joey Calvey.
113 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2018
Great!

As usual with any of the Four Horseman books, a hit. I am not a fan of the depik but this was a great story. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Bill.
2,458 reviews18 followers
June 10, 2018
The 4HU just gets better and better. Ezell and Wolf write a wonderful tale of the Night Wind clan from a planet of feline assassin clans. More ladies, please!!
9 reviews
September 15, 2018
Great read

Plot and characters developed better than most sci to novels. Kept me involved throughout. Highly recommend it you like s i fi
Profile Image for Cisca Small.
19 reviews
May 10, 2019
Loved reading this book. Don't let the mech on the cover fool you, this book is way more than a "mil-sf mech" book.

As the mystery of the Depik race unfolds so does the mystery driving the story.
Profile Image for David Beck.
884 reviews13 followers
March 10, 2020
The Depik have been some of my favorite characters in this universe and having a whole book devoted to their story really helps understand what makes them tick. More Depik stories please.
337 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2021
I'm a sucker for stories about alien species that resemble cats, especially when humans are involved. I haven't read any other Four Horsemen Universe novels, this one stands alone just fine.
Profile Image for Jim.
137 reviews5 followers
September 19, 2022
Amazingly Awesome

The story is terrific. The Depik are a fully formed alien species with a suitably alien society. The action sequences are amazing.
Profile Image for Justin Cramer.
89 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2024
Two great books in a row in the Revelations Cycle. I hope this means the series will return to the huge cliffhanger at the end of book 4.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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