Killer Quill Reviews

leehallwriter 2026.06.06

     

Verified

A descriptive and fun tale of one assassin forged in murder and betrayal Killer Quill (cool name) is the namesake and story of one assassin who was basically forged in murder and betrayal. She uses a unique array of colourful powers via a quill to carry out contract killings and even heal herself. Description and imagination are the strength in this page turning fun fantasy tale.The story centres around Quill who is given a mission and an opportunity for vengeance at the highest level. It brings flashbacks and memories of struggle for our unique hero who may be a stealth assassin but also has a human side. There are lots of moments and even choices that go against the grain of the usual traits seen in the genre making it a refreshing entry from Shida Ketza and ultimately an enjoyable swashbuckling adventure of a vengeance seeking assassin taking on the world. There’s action, stylistic world building and plenty of moments I very much enjoyed. I’d happily read more stories based in this universe and especially with this style of writing.‘Hot blood surged in her veins at the prospect of vengeance, spurring her on. She straightened her back and drew her borrowed sword, itching for a proper duel that was long overdue. The sharp tang of smoldering incense and death hung in the air.’

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@kpmaloy 2026.04.06

     

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Fast-paced supernatural thriller I saw this book promoted on social media and was intrigued; after reading I can highly recommend.When I started reading about Quill the author used page one to hook me on the story, and less than a day later I was already at The End.I love the way this author engages my senses and describes action, and the pace keeps your interest tight throughout. I especially like how the author adeptly handles sensitive issues with tact by wielding words with precision.Terrific world building!I would read more books with this character and will definitely look for more works from this author.Read this book 💫

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Linnae 2026.03.31

     

Verified

Great writing, just needs a little plot clarity I enjoyed the author's writing style and I really liked Quill's powers, especially how color was incorporated. I thought it was cool, too, how different races couldn't see certain colors. I also thought the author handled some of the more sensitive topics well without getting too graphic.My one note where I think the story could be improved upon is the need for clarity concerning the plot. I wasn't sure where the story was headed or what the goal was until a few chapters from the end, so it felt like the story didn't really kick off until that point at the end. And while I enjoyed the flashback scenes, I wasn't sure why they were needed or how they furthered the main plot. I think all the pieces are there and each are well-written—we just need a little something more to help tie the pieces together and give that clarity the whole way through of what the main purpose is and what the MC's over-arching goal/obstacle is. Doing that will clarify what part of the book is the climax and will make the story an even stronger, more-engaging read.Overall, the writing was fun to read, and I would recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy.

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Gabriela Nøhr 2026.02.15

     

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🫀 I love the dark twist and fantasy of this book 🫀🫀

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Antoine Monks 2026.02.13

     

Verified

If you like grimdark, you should check this one out! I feel as though I've glimpsed the tip of an iceberg... or rather a quill.Ketzer created an entirely unique planetoid, several nations inhabited by unique human species and a very original magic system (at least I've never come across anything like it before) and it's clear there are more stories to be set here in the future, but this novella ignores these potentially vast horizons to tell a very intimate story of an assassin that is mostly about trauma and how it shapes our lives even when we think it's lost hold on us.

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Dylan 2026.01.31

     

Verified

Fast-paced assassin caper “She craved the racing of her pulse at the kiss of danger, her brush with death, the intoxicating thrill that made her feel alive.”Dr. Shida Ketzer whips up a fast-paced assassin caper with stealth details and a deep backstory. Protagonist Quill is a mercenary assassin who we see work through her career, gathering friends, enemies, and experience (and memories). A flow of action spurs the story along, with many sequences of assassin missions going well - and chaotic. Quick-witted, resourceful, and armed with some sick magic gear, Quill’s artful way of sneaking, and quipping, make up some of my favorite scenes. Overall, I enjoyed Killer Quill’s passionate protagonist and the light but effective world-building the most.

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Drew McDowell 2025.12.07

     

Verified

Intricate and Intriguing The way the world, politics, and culture all entwined so seamlessly was wonderfully balanced.Quill is a complex character that doesn't bore and doesnt miss the mark.The world building was moved with the story, never pausing it.The layers of culture and politics meshed well and lent a depth to the world around Quill, giving insight into a broader world that Ketzer has created.This will be a world to visit frequently!

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Keith Roysdon 2025.12.03

     

Verified

Killer Quill is great high fantasy! "Killer Quill" is an incredibly rich tapestry of high fantasy, revenge and villainy. If you love a heroine whose powers are truly original and unique and who overcomes odds, this book is for you.

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PF Corbeil 2025.12.02

     

Verified

The first Wisteraverse based Novella! Killer Quill is a fun departure from the fantasy norm. No romanticism here, you won't find Quill pining for lost love on these pages. Instead, author Shida Ketzer bursts on the literary scene with this first write. A fast paced succession of clever ideas keep us completely engaged. Bet you've never read a novella where the main character dies in the first few pages! (Then is brought back to life by a sentient quill) but I digress. The plot careens at full throttle - action, nonstop.This book ends all too soon, leaving me thinking about Quill literally for days to come. My highest recommendation! Can't wait for more from the über talented Shida Ketzer

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Ronnie 2025.11.26

     

Verified

It changed my mind This genre is usually not my type of story but Quill has changed my mind. I enjoyed this book a lot and have recommended it to others.

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Victoria Skye 2025.11.21

     

Verified

*no spoilers* A fantasy I didn’t expect to enjoy. I thought I wasn’t into fantasy, but this one… it’s something different. It hooked me fast (dark, strange, beautifully vivid) and I fell deep, staying there until the very last page. Quill is the kind of character who lingers with you: murdered, resurrected, and bound to a power that’s both breathtaking and terrifying. The magic system feels fresh, the pacing sharp, and the world drips with atmosphere without slowing the story down.I also appreciate that the author is upfront about the book’s tone and content - inviting you to read the sample and check the trigger warnings before diving in. It’s a fair, thoughtful gesture, and honestly, once I stepped in, I couldn’t pull myself out.

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