FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SACRAMENTO, CA – January 5, 2026 — K.T. Pike, a career librarian and former retail manager with a degree in Biological Anthropology, announces the success of her debut novel, Catching Qat, the first installment in the Drakkaen Nakkla series. Since its release on October 28, 2025, the novel has secured the prestigious “IndieReader Approved” badge with a 4.4-star review and maintains a near-perfect 4.9-star rating on Goodreads.
Catching Qat follows the story of Qat, an assassin with no memory of aer past, and Qrodin, the twin brother who has spent twenty years searching for aem. What begins as a high-stakes escape from a city in lockdown evolves into a “Hopepunk” journey of found family and biological mystery.
“I wanted to write a world where being a ‘misfit’ wasn’t just a character trait, but a biological and sociological reality,” says Pike. “My background in anthropology allowed me to build cultures like the Karatolii, where gender and identity are viewed through the lens of science rather than trope.”
Critics and readers alike are taking notice:
- IndieReader hails the book as “an exhilarating world of fantasy… enriched with a wild cast of diverse characters and creatures,” praising Pike’s “multiple layered cultures with distinct languages, traditions, and magic systems.”
- Goodreads reviewers have described the book as “the found family adventure your heart needs,” noting its unique “sassy instead of serious” tone and its appeal to Tabletop RPG (TTRPG) fans.
Pike, who currently serves as a Library Branch Manager, brings a unique “real-world grit” to the high-fantasy genre, blending tactical D&D-style combat with deep emotional stakes.
About K.T. Pike: K.T. Pike is a graduate of UCSD with a BA in Biological Anthropology. A Dungeons & Dragons player and Dungeon Master, she uses her expertise in human behavior and storytelling to craft inclusive, character-driven fantasy. In her current position as a Library Branch Manager, she supports local writing groups and authors.
Media Contact: Publicity Department, Skuulfire Press, Email: zarik@skuulfirepress.com Website:www.skuulfirepress.com Direct Inquiry: (415) 349-3961
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