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Argaea #4
Shadow of the Father
Yilon is a young fox noble who's just come of age, in the city of Divalia, capital of Tephos. But apart from his best friend and sometime lover Sinch, he doesn't like much about living there. He only met his father, Volle, two years ago, when he left his mother and the city where he grew up. He would give anything to be allowed to leave Divalia.
Or so he thinks. When a stranger arrives with a message that the Lord of Dewanne has died and appointed Yilon his heir, the young fox realizes that there are worse places than Divalia. Dewanne is one of the most remote cities in Tephos, where foxes rule, and mice are relegated to menial jobs and a slum outside the main city. Which makes it difficult for Yilon to explain why his companion is a mouse.
Ever the schemer, Yilon hatches a plan to get sent home, but soon finds that even in a backwards town, there are complicated politics, ancient blood feuds, and family betrayals, old wounds that his clumsy steps have reopened. There are at least two different groups trying to kill him, and the foxes who might help him are the very ones he's done his best to alienate. Without Sinch, who's run afoul of a band of thieves in the slums and has his own death threats to deal with, Yilon will need all the stubbornness and cleverness he's inherited from his father just to survive to the next sunrise, let alone save his inheritance, his friend, and his own hide.
Or so he thinks. When a stranger arrives with a message that the Lord of Dewanne has died and appointed Yilon his heir, the young fox realizes that there are worse places than Divalia. Dewanne is one of the most remote cities in Tephos, where foxes rule, and mice are relegated to menial jobs and a slum outside the main city. Which makes it difficult for Yilon to explain why his companion is a mouse.
Ever the schemer, Yilon hatches a plan to get sent home, but soon finds that even in a backwards town, there are complicated politics, ancient blood feuds, and family betrayals, old wounds that his clumsy steps have reopened. There are at least two different groups trying to kill him, and the foxes who might help him are the very ones he's done his best to alienate. Without Sinch, who's run afoul of a band of thieves in the slums and has his own death threats to deal with, Yilon will need all the stubbornness and cleverness he's inherited from his father just to survive to the next sunrise, let alone save his inheritance, his friend, and his own hide.
344 pages, Paperback
First published January 22, 2010
4 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Kyell Gold
66 books632 followersHi there! I am a writer of gay furry fiction--but you probably know that if you've seen my book listing here. I live in California with my husband Kit, and when I'm not writing, we like to go out to eat and watch movies. We travel a lot, too, mostly around the West Coast, but occasionally to the midwest and east.
I blog at http://www.kyellgold.com/wpblog about upcoming travel plans, upcoming books and news, general writing principles, gay rights, and whatever else seems interesting. And I co-host a podcast, called "Unsheathed," where we talk about the craft of writing and the furry fandom, sometimes at the same time.
If you have a question about any of the books, check the FAQ on my website and then ask away! :)
I blog at http://www.kyellgold.com/wpblog about upcoming travel plans, upcoming books and news, general writing principles, gay rights, and whatever else seems interesting. And I co-host a podcast, called "Unsheathed," where we talk about the craft of writing and the furry fandom, sometimes at the same time.
If you have a question about any of the books, check the FAQ on my website and then ask away! :)
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 15, 2012
Although this was my first encounter with " furry fiction", I really enjoyed it because of many things.
Firstly, it is well done. The language is smooth and flows freely. All the right words have been chosen and the author deserves kudos for sure.
Secondly, it is easy to read. There are no concept that need to be deeply understood and researched to read this book with love and ease.
In the, well, I definitely like the idea, the storyline and the way of expression. A very good book to read.
Firstly, it is well done. The language is smooth and flows freely. All the right words have been chosen and the author deserves kudos for sure.
Secondly, it is easy to read. There are no concept that need to be deeply understood and researched to read this book with love and ease.
In the, well, I definitely like the idea, the storyline and the way of expression. A very good book to read.
April 13, 2025
If you’ve ever had a paw in furry publishing that you’ve heard the name Kyell Gold. One of the most prolific and consistent authors in the furry fandom, he has long written stories of an anthropomorphic tilt, displaying exceptional skill in both narrative quality as well as the nuances of furry writing. One of my first exposures to his work came in the form of a book called Volle, which at the time I did not realize had come from some short stories he had published some time prior.
Shadow of the Father is the, I want to say, third book in the series? I’d bought it ages ago and just never read it, but this past December I decided I was going to give it a shot.
Set in Kyell Gold’s world of Argaea, it is a setting of walking talking animals of about a dozen species or so, at about a Renaissance level of development.
The main characters are Yilon and Sinch. Yilon is Volle’s second son and due to the nature of the rules of succession is not in line to become the next lord of Vinton, the province where Volle holds the title. Young, resentful of his father, and wanting nothing more than to go home, Yilon is thrust into a course of events that will shape his future for some time to come.
Although it’s been long enough that I kind of forget a lot of books one and two, I really liked Yilon more than the other protagonists in the series. He’s got a good heart and in comparison to his brother perhaps a better head on his shoulders, but I appreciate his desire to do the right thing, shape his own destiny, and his good fortune to have been raised in an environment relatively free of racism.
Sinch is Yilon’s best friend, and a mouse. Living in a house with his mother in the city of Divalia, he and Yilon spend their days wandering around the palace and generally enjoying each other’s company. Clearly implied to be in a relationship, Sinch accompanies Yilon when his responsibilities require him to leave town. Skilled in the use of a knife and nimble on his feet, Sinch is a gentle soul with a warm disposition.
On a personal level I really enjoyed Sinch. Full name being Sinchon, he’s a great best friend for Yilon to have. Not only does he do a great deal to expand the story in his own right, but he’s a likeable character that pairs well with Yilon while standing just as effectively on his own.
Yilon spends his days in Divalia, wandering around with his best friend Sinch. Named the heir to the province of Dewanne, he must travel there for the confirmation. However, it is the last place he wants to be. Scheming to get sent home to Vinton, he puts a plan into action, however, all is far more complicated than he expects.
One thing that you can usually expect with a Kyell Gold book is a good ride, and Shadow of the Father is no exception. While it begins as a tale of a son resentful of his father’s choices and wanting little more than to spend his days at home free of responsibility it becomes a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and secrets.
Sent to Dewanne to assume his place as the new Lord, Yilon finds himself smack in the middle of a long standing cold war between mice and foxes. Faced with a city of foxes intensely distrustful of mice, who themselves are relegated to a slumlike area called The Warren, he is forced early on to abandon Sinch as he is delivered to a ‘more appropriate’ place.
Following the attempt by the steward Maxon to send Sinch back to Divalia, he takes it upon himself to guard the crown with the intention to use it to get himself sent home, but things quickly spiral out of control.
Split between the two protagonists, the story follows each of them on their parallel journeys through the streets of Dewanne. Sinch and Yilon both make their share of enemies as they try to hold the situation together and themselves alive.
The world is colorfully built with complex layers of development, making excellent use of the setting and anthropomorphic nature of the characters. An experienced furry writer, Kyell does a wonderful job of making sure you know the characters aren’t just people with tails. Showing complex layers to both the foxes and the mice it’s clear that there is a rich depth to the world he created and it plays well to the strength of the story.
It’s evident in the writing that the author has a solid understanding of the nature of racism both in the manner in which the foxes and mice relate to each other as well as amongst themselves, with the various attitudes of the characters displaying a wide variety of opinions on the topic of tolerance, understanding, and the value of life.
The entire book is well written, with just enough mystery to keep you guessing what will happen next until the very end.
Overall I’d have to recommend this book very highly, as it does the job of being a good book period, one I think serves as a great example of quality furry fiction.
Shadow of the Father is the, I want to say, third book in the series? I’d bought it ages ago and just never read it, but this past December I decided I was going to give it a shot.
Set in Kyell Gold’s world of Argaea, it is a setting of walking talking animals of about a dozen species or so, at about a Renaissance level of development.
The main characters are Yilon and Sinch. Yilon is Volle’s second son and due to the nature of the rules of succession is not in line to become the next lord of Vinton, the province where Volle holds the title. Young, resentful of his father, and wanting nothing more than to go home, Yilon is thrust into a course of events that will shape his future for some time to come.
Although it’s been long enough that I kind of forget a lot of books one and two, I really liked Yilon more than the other protagonists in the series. He’s got a good heart and in comparison to his brother perhaps a better head on his shoulders, but I appreciate his desire to do the right thing, shape his own destiny, and his good fortune to have been raised in an environment relatively free of racism.
Sinch is Yilon’s best friend, and a mouse. Living in a house with his mother in the city of Divalia, he and Yilon spend their days wandering around the palace and generally enjoying each other’s company. Clearly implied to be in a relationship, Sinch accompanies Yilon when his responsibilities require him to leave town. Skilled in the use of a knife and nimble on his feet, Sinch is a gentle soul with a warm disposition.
On a personal level I really enjoyed Sinch. Full name being Sinchon, he’s a great best friend for Yilon to have. Not only does he do a great deal to expand the story in his own right, but he’s a likeable character that pairs well with Yilon while standing just as effectively on his own.
Yilon spends his days in Divalia, wandering around with his best friend Sinch. Named the heir to the province of Dewanne, he must travel there for the confirmation. However, it is the last place he wants to be. Scheming to get sent home to Vinton, he puts a plan into action, however, all is far more complicated than he expects.
One thing that you can usually expect with a Kyell Gold book is a good ride, and Shadow of the Father is no exception. While it begins as a tale of a son resentful of his father’s choices and wanting little more than to spend his days at home free of responsibility it becomes a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and secrets.
Sent to Dewanne to assume his place as the new Lord, Yilon finds himself smack in the middle of a long standing cold war between mice and foxes. Faced with a city of foxes intensely distrustful of mice, who themselves are relegated to a slumlike area called The Warren, he is forced early on to abandon Sinch as he is delivered to a ‘more appropriate’ place.
Following the attempt by the steward Maxon to send Sinch back to Divalia, he takes it upon himself to guard the crown with the intention to use it to get himself sent home, but things quickly spiral out of control.
Split between the two protagonists, the story follows each of them on their parallel journeys through the streets of Dewanne. Sinch and Yilon both make their share of enemies as they try to hold the situation together and themselves alive.
The world is colorfully built with complex layers of development, making excellent use of the setting and anthropomorphic nature of the characters. An experienced furry writer, Kyell does a wonderful job of making sure you know the characters aren’t just people with tails. Showing complex layers to both the foxes and the mice it’s clear that there is a rich depth to the world he created and it plays well to the strength of the story.
It’s evident in the writing that the author has a solid understanding of the nature of racism both in the manner in which the foxes and mice relate to each other as well as amongst themselves, with the various attitudes of the characters displaying a wide variety of opinions on the topic of tolerance, understanding, and the value of life.
The entire book is well written, with just enough mystery to keep you guessing what will happen next until the very end.
Overall I’d have to recommend this book very highly, as it does the job of being a good book period, one I think serves as a great example of quality furry fiction.
June 15, 2025
For the context: This is the first book from Keyll I have ever read. I know them more for the romance books and I'm aware Shadow of the Father is an older book + it's not a stand-alone story, althought this did not seem to ruin the read in any way. Kyell is definitely a skilled writer and it's visible.
[SPOILERS]
I started reading this book hoping for a furry medieval setting and some intereting plot following it - and that's what this book was for the most part. Barely any romance in it, very plot-focused book. At first I was very happy with how it was going. Story had potential and was able to build tension multiple times, but sadly I noticed each action scene is resolved in the exact same way - someone walks in at the right time before something bad can happen, or before it's too bad. Most of the time it's not even that appearing character is doing something, but it's just their presence. Once I noticed the pattern I was unable to enjoy anything in this book. If only once a person in distress managed to save themselves through clever action and not having their friend save them, I'd give this book 4/5. But as it was not the case, sadly my rating is so low - it was simply an ok read. Simply too predictable.
[SPOILERS]
I started reading this book hoping for a furry medieval setting and some intereting plot following it - and that's what this book was for the most part. Barely any romance in it, very plot-focused book. At first I was very happy with how it was going. Story had potential and was able to build tension multiple times, but sadly I noticed each action scene is resolved in the exact same way - someone walks in at the right time before something bad can happen, or before it's too bad. Most of the time it's not even that appearing character is doing something, but it's just their presence. Once I noticed the pattern I was unable to enjoy anything in this book. If only once a person in distress managed to save themselves through clever action and not having their friend save them, I'd give this book 4/5. But as it was not the case, sadly my rating is so low - it was simply an ok read. Simply too predictable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2020
Definitely an improvement in terms of writing quality over the previous books in the series, and the plot has taken on some subtleties and little nuances too. Pretty well-paced for the main meat of the story taking place over hardly three days, and most of the important bits are tied up by the end but with enough space that a sequel could be plausible, but not demanded.
The emotions in this book are great! There's so much going on in so many places, and the tension is high amd tight where needed and the little lovey bits sweet and relaxed. There's also very little of the good old romping, and unlike in the original Volle - there's no minor side-character prostitute to read about seven times through the course of the book - the scenes are important for establishing the depth of the relationship between characters.
4/5, stressed me out and gave me warm heart-flutteries 👍
The emotions in this book are great! There's so much going on in so many places, and the tension is high amd tight where needed and the little lovey bits sweet and relaxed. There's also very little of the good old romping, and unlike in the original Volle - there's no minor side-character prostitute to read about seven times through the course of the book - the scenes are important for establishing the depth of the relationship between characters.
4/5, stressed me out and gave me warm heart-flutteries 👍
December 17, 2017
Best of the trilogy
Wonderfully intricate plot, plenty of heart-wrenching and heartwarming moments, and overall a great book. Read the whole thing in a day.
Wonderfully intricate plot, plenty of heart-wrenching and heartwarming moments, and overall a great book. Read the whole thing in a day.
January 11, 2012
I enjoyed this one almost as much as the others, but not quite as much. I suppose it's because I grew attached to Volle and the others, reading of the descendants definitely had a "Redwall" feel to it. (If you haven't read the "Redwall" original trilogy, you may not get that...) I'll be on the lookout for more Kyell Gold books when I go to FurCon this weekend, that's for sure!
October 26, 2015
2010 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
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