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New Rock New Role
The perfect blend of the gaming world and epic fantasy. With millions watching on live stream, Daxx and his teammates Krystal and Grell win the role-playing Games (RPG) Grand Championship. But winning the game was was a piece of cake compared with what comes next. Daxx wakes up to find he's turned into his own avatar and is in the middle of a wilderness he doesn't recognize. Armed with a crappy sword he has no idea how to use and dressed in beginner-level gear he must figure out how to survive quickly because he can already hear the blood-thirsty howls of wild animals from the jungle that surrounds him. Thus starts a fantastic epic fantasy adventure. Once the three friends finally find
each other they need to puzzle out their new world, gain skills, combat enemies, and make alliances with all kinds of characters and creatures from the
different territories of this new world in order to survive. The heart stopping action is interspersed with humor making it a idiculously fun and addictive read. Ready Player One meets Lord of the Rings in Disc World .
each other they need to puzzle out their new world, gain skills, combat enemies, and make alliances with all kinds of characters and creatures from the
different territories of this new world in order to survive. The heart stopping action is interspersed with humor making it a idiculously fun and addictive read. Ready Player One meets Lord of the Rings in Disc World .
500 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 2023
4 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Richard Sparks
63 books2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 2, 2025
New Rock, New Role is possibly one of the best novels I’ve ever read. Richard Sparks has crafted a masterpiece that words can scarcely do justice to. The book drew me in so deeply, I felt as though I was living within its pages. The world-building wasn’t just about setting the scene or painting vivid imagery; it was a fully immersive experience. The world itself became integral to the characters’ lives and the overarching themes of the story.
When world-building is done with such care, readers can imagine the landscapes, hear the sounds, and feel the atmosphere. In this novel, I lost myself in the story, forgetting reality and consuming every word as though I were part of the adventure myself. The world wasn’t merely a backdrop—it shaped how the characters adapted and evolved. When world-building is this well done, it elevates the entire reading experience.
Richard Sparks clearly put great thought into this aspect of his story, and it’s one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. I couldn’t put the book down. Reality seemed distant as I became fully engrossed in the pages. The characters felt like old friends, and experiencing their trials, tribulations, quests, and emotional rollercoasters made the story feel like my own journey. The entire experience was an epic blend of excitement, emotion, and adventure. The novel begins with Joss, a retired teacher who finds solace in online gaming, his only real connection to the world. With no close friends or family, he forges deep bonds with players he has never met in person but has adventured alongside for years. Among them are an Australian Orc and Qrysta, a skilled dual-wielding sword dancer. In the game, Joss is Daxx—a powerful battlemage, meticulously crafted and mastered through countless hours of play.
Their journey kicks off at the World Championship, where their teamwork and skill secure an inevitable victory. But just when they think it’s another win in the books, everything changes. Instead of logging out, they find themselves transported into a real, unfamiliar world—stripped of their hard-earned power and starting from scratch. Now, just like in the game, they must fight to survive, level up, and reclaim their strength. But this time, the stakes are real.
Each character was thoughtfully crafted to showcase their growth and evolution throughout the story. Their distinct personalities shone through, making them feel authentic and dynamic. Even the side characters were given unique traits and quirks, ensuring that no two felt the same. The book was brimming with humor and wit, which resonated with me perfectly—I often found myself laughing out loud at the clever dialogue and amusing interactions. I'm not sure how long Richard actually spent planning this novel, but each twist and turn seemed miraculously crafted to leave me speechless after finishing. Whilst some readers would think this novel is a slow burn, I felt as though it was entirely necessary to fully immerse yourself into an unfolding world.
I didn't just read this book, I also took the time to experience the audio version too. Narrated by the author himself. His narration added a personal touch, bringing the characters to life. I highly recommend giving the audiobook a go as well as reading the book, to gain the full immersive experience this novel offers. As for the ending? DID NOT see that coming. No spoilers here at all, but let's just say it left me incredibly excited for the next instalment, which is actually out now. If you love ready player one, gaming and epic fantasy this book is an absolute must read.
A huge, appreciated thank you to Richard Sparks and Sam Westerby for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'm excited to chat to Richard and dive into all the questions that I have.
When world-building is done with such care, readers can imagine the landscapes, hear the sounds, and feel the atmosphere. In this novel, I lost myself in the story, forgetting reality and consuming every word as though I were part of the adventure myself. The world wasn’t merely a backdrop—it shaped how the characters adapted and evolved. When world-building is this well done, it elevates the entire reading experience.
Richard Sparks clearly put great thought into this aspect of his story, and it’s one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. I couldn’t put the book down. Reality seemed distant as I became fully engrossed in the pages. The characters felt like old friends, and experiencing their trials, tribulations, quests, and emotional rollercoasters made the story feel like my own journey. The entire experience was an epic blend of excitement, emotion, and adventure. The novel begins with Joss, a retired teacher who finds solace in online gaming, his only real connection to the world. With no close friends or family, he forges deep bonds with players he has never met in person but has adventured alongside for years. Among them are an Australian Orc and Qrysta, a skilled dual-wielding sword dancer. In the game, Joss is Daxx—a powerful battlemage, meticulously crafted and mastered through countless hours of play.
Their journey kicks off at the World Championship, where their teamwork and skill secure an inevitable victory. But just when they think it’s another win in the books, everything changes. Instead of logging out, they find themselves transported into a real, unfamiliar world—stripped of their hard-earned power and starting from scratch. Now, just like in the game, they must fight to survive, level up, and reclaim their strength. But this time, the stakes are real.
Each character was thoughtfully crafted to showcase their growth and evolution throughout the story. Their distinct personalities shone through, making them feel authentic and dynamic. Even the side characters were given unique traits and quirks, ensuring that no two felt the same. The book was brimming with humor and wit, which resonated with me perfectly—I often found myself laughing out loud at the clever dialogue and amusing interactions. I'm not sure how long Richard actually spent planning this novel, but each twist and turn seemed miraculously crafted to leave me speechless after finishing. Whilst some readers would think this novel is a slow burn, I felt as though it was entirely necessary to fully immerse yourself into an unfolding world.
I didn't just read this book, I also took the time to experience the audio version too. Narrated by the author himself. His narration added a personal touch, bringing the characters to life. I highly recommend giving the audiobook a go as well as reading the book, to gain the full immersive experience this novel offers. As for the ending? DID NOT see that coming. No spoilers here at all, but let's just say it left me incredibly excited for the next instalment, which is actually out now. If you love ready player one, gaming and epic fantasy this book is an absolute must read.
A huge, appreciated thank you to Richard Sparks and Sam Westerby for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'm excited to chat to Richard and dive into all the questions that I have.
February 27, 2024
New Rock, New Role is a fantasy based on RPG games. Our protagonists happen to be champions of this RPG they play, but as soon as they win the championship tournament, they are sent into another universe similar to their game. In the process, they are turned into their avatars, only to start with their basic equipment. Right away, I can applaud Sparks for crafting a unique plot concept. The execution isn't that bad, and throughout the first half I am quite engaged by it.
Our protagonists consist of Daxx, Grell, and Qyrsta (which I may or may not have spelled wrong, it's a difficult name). They each have strong personalities, especially Grell. I would have to say that Qyrsta is the weaker of the three, being introduced after a longer portion of time than Daxx or Grell. You see, they all spawned in the world in different places, and that, too, I feel was not explained well, though it could be reserved for the sequel.
As for the secondary cast, they are surprisingly memorable. Even if I can't keep track of their names, I can recall actions they did, or traits they showed. Those whose appearance was limited to one chapter are still fresh in my mind as well. No one sticks out as shallow.
Alas, this book is not a five-star read, as there are some major issues I had as it progressed.
For one, exposition was fed to the reader more than once. I'm not referring to several paragraphs, but entire chapters. Sometimes two, one after the other. All of this serves to explain a character's whereabouts during a disappearance. It was interesting to see what these characters were up to, but at the same time, I believe inputting the information into a novella of sorts would be better. That, and it can result in more information than characters going on and on about an event, with occasional interjections from those nearby.
Secondly, there were times where it began to feel like a generic fantasy. Don't get me wrong, the book is great! But I chose to read because of the idea of gamers being put in a game world. I guess when not all the mechanics of the game are present, it can be difficult to keep the game atmosphere, so I won't hold too much against Sparks for this. However...
The plot felt disjointed. In the first half, the goal seemed to be to find the rest of Daxx's party and get out. Then, they meet a character in the second half and have to escort her, and by now none of the characters really want to leave. By the last half, it shifts into a different plot entirely. They are connected but don't feel like the same novel. With the book clocking in at 465 pages, some trimming might have worked in the book's favor. Find what's needed and what's not, then remove it.
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and Sparks is a vivid and talented writer. I will eagerly await the next novel, even if I might have given this book a less-than-stellar review.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Our protagonists consist of Daxx, Grell, and Qyrsta (which I may or may not have spelled wrong, it's a difficult name). They each have strong personalities, especially Grell. I would have to say that Qyrsta is the weaker of the three, being introduced after a longer portion of time than Daxx or Grell. You see, they all spawned in the world in different places, and that, too, I feel was not explained well, though it could be reserved for the sequel.
As for the secondary cast, they are surprisingly memorable. Even if I can't keep track of their names, I can recall actions they did, or traits they showed. Those whose appearance was limited to one chapter are still fresh in my mind as well. No one sticks out as shallow.
Alas, this book is not a five-star read, as there are some major issues I had as it progressed.
For one, exposition was fed to the reader more than once. I'm not referring to several paragraphs, but entire chapters. Sometimes two, one after the other. All of this serves to explain a character's whereabouts during a disappearance. It was interesting to see what these characters were up to, but at the same time, I believe inputting the information into a novella of sorts would be better. That, and it can result in more information than characters going on and on about an event, with occasional interjections from those nearby.
Secondly, there were times where it began to feel like a generic fantasy. Don't get me wrong, the book is great! But I chose to read because of the idea of gamers being put in a game world. I guess when not all the mechanics of the game are present, it can be difficult to keep the game atmosphere, so I won't hold too much against Sparks for this. However...
The plot felt disjointed. In the first half, the goal seemed to be to find the rest of Daxx's party and get out. Then, they meet a character in the second half and have to escort her, and by now none of the characters really want to leave. By the last half, it shifts into a different plot entirely. They are connected but don't feel like the same novel. With the book clocking in at 465 pages, some trimming might have worked in the book's favor. Find what's needed and what's not, then remove it.
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and Sparks is a vivid and talented writer. I will eagerly await the next novel, even if I might have given this book a less-than-stellar review.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2024
Do you love quest fantasy? Good. Because so does the author of New Rock, New Role. There’s so much passion for the genre oozing out of this book, it’s almost impossible not to be inspired by it.
Richard Sparks has such a solid legacy in comedy, when I found out he was writing a fantasy novel, I fully expected it to be a series of sketches that bordered on spoof. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s so much sincerity and love that’s been poured into this story, I was moved by it in all the best ways. Did it put a smile on my face? Absolutely. But that’s not because it was trying to mock geekdom, it’s because of how great this book is.
Part of what makes the novel so enjoyable is the structure it adheres to. It takes the typical formula for LitRPG and throws it at an epic fantasy world. The heroes of the story are a trio of video game players who have just won an online championship. The protagonist is a former teacher who sits around playing games all day. And suddenly, inexplicably, upon winning the contest, they’re whisked away (portal fantasy style) to a new world where they actually get to become their avatar! Cue the need for some high intensity training and mini-quests in the pursuit of taking down the final boss. I absolutely loved how the framework of LitRPG was applied to the narrative. It made the whole thing easy to follow, allowed for greater world-building, gave each of the characters their own clear arcs, and brilliantly held the book together. It made me feel like I had a foot in this world, and I really loved that I felt grounded in it.
Just because this book isn’t a spoof, doesn’t mean there isn’t hilarity to be found. I laughed myself silly at the weaponisation of orc farts. I found the banter between characters to be first class. It’s a total blast from beginning to end. Pure fantastical fun. The kind of story you want to indulge in because it makes you happy, and because it’s designed to entertain.
Slice of life fantasy has been the most recent trend when it comes to cosy, bright, and happy magical tales. But this book shows that there’s a definite future for the fun fantasy sub-genre (let’s call it funtasy) — the books that are serious about the magic and world-building, but not so serious about the tone. It’s a really refreshing read, and it casts a charm spell on you that’s sure to penetrate any shield you can throw up against it.
You’ll find all the hits here — battles with mythical creatures, wizardry galore, cool samurai-style sword-wielding, ‘orc smash’, and a thief who’ll steal your heart. Also, just the tiniest hint of romance, because why not, eh?
If you like your fantasy with a pinch of action and a dash of wit, then this is going to be a dish for you. It’s the first in a promising new series, and I really can’t wait to see where the story goes from here. Funtasy at its best.
Richard Sparks has such a solid legacy in comedy, when I found out he was writing a fantasy novel, I fully expected it to be a series of sketches that bordered on spoof. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s so much sincerity and love that’s been poured into this story, I was moved by it in all the best ways. Did it put a smile on my face? Absolutely. But that’s not because it was trying to mock geekdom, it’s because of how great this book is.
Part of what makes the novel so enjoyable is the structure it adheres to. It takes the typical formula for LitRPG and throws it at an epic fantasy world. The heroes of the story are a trio of video game players who have just won an online championship. The protagonist is a former teacher who sits around playing games all day. And suddenly, inexplicably, upon winning the contest, they’re whisked away (portal fantasy style) to a new world where they actually get to become their avatar! Cue the need for some high intensity training and mini-quests in the pursuit of taking down the final boss. I absolutely loved how the framework of LitRPG was applied to the narrative. It made the whole thing easy to follow, allowed for greater world-building, gave each of the characters their own clear arcs, and brilliantly held the book together. It made me feel like I had a foot in this world, and I really loved that I felt grounded in it.
Just because this book isn’t a spoof, doesn’t mean there isn’t hilarity to be found. I laughed myself silly at the weaponisation of orc farts. I found the banter between characters to be first class. It’s a total blast from beginning to end. Pure fantastical fun. The kind of story you want to indulge in because it makes you happy, and because it’s designed to entertain.
Slice of life fantasy has been the most recent trend when it comes to cosy, bright, and happy magical tales. But this book shows that there’s a definite future for the fun fantasy sub-genre (let’s call it funtasy) — the books that are serious about the magic and world-building, but not so serious about the tone. It’s a really refreshing read, and it casts a charm spell on you that’s sure to penetrate any shield you can throw up against it.
You’ll find all the hits here — battles with mythical creatures, wizardry galore, cool samurai-style sword-wielding, ‘orc smash’, and a thief who’ll steal your heart. Also, just the tiniest hint of romance, because why not, eh?
If you like your fantasy with a pinch of action and a dash of wit, then this is going to be a dish for you. It’s the first in a promising new series, and I really can’t wait to see where the story goes from here. Funtasy at its best.
September 1, 2024
Have you ever wanted to actually be that character you have created in your RPG, and live in that world? Well, in New Rock, New Role you can get an idea of how that would go.
When a trio of gamers, Pilgrimz of Pain - real identities unknown to each other - win an online RPG gaming championship, they find themselves transported into another world. As their avatars.
We only know the real identity of the narrator - ‘Daxx’ - the team’s battlemage-slash-healer. He is an ageing, balding, former teacher and now hardcore gamer who spends all his time gaming, as life in his games is far more exciting than his own life. Be careful what you wish for!
Daxx finds himself in a strange world as his character but with none of his character’s abilities. He must learn those skills from scratch whilst simultaneously hoping to find his two friends, ‘Grell’ who has designed his avatar to be a fighting orc and ‘Qrysta’ a skilled fighter, and working out why and how they are all here.
What a fantastic world Richard Sparks has created! Great characters, some with hilarious (and very adult!) names, great descriptions of the world and plenty of laugh out loud moments throughout this very cleverly plotted fantasy with everything I want in a fantasy novel - including witches and magic. And miniatures dragons. And a wooden staff which can communicate with its holder. And lots more.
There were plenty of fights and battles along the way as our trio develop their crafts and weapons and they are so well described I felt I was there watching. Bit freaked out about those cobwebs and spiders though!
It is an impressive chunk of a book which I got completely engrossed in, and although I couldn’t wait to find out how and why the three players had been transported into this world I also didn’t want it to end. The author simultaneously wrapped it up satisfactorily and left me wanting more! So glad there are three more books to come in this series as I’ll be reading them.
Passing this on to my daughter who is a gamer and also loves fantasy novels so I know she’s also going to love this.
When a trio of gamers, Pilgrimz of Pain - real identities unknown to each other - win an online RPG gaming championship, they find themselves transported into another world. As their avatars.
We only know the real identity of the narrator - ‘Daxx’ - the team’s battlemage-slash-healer. He is an ageing, balding, former teacher and now hardcore gamer who spends all his time gaming, as life in his games is far more exciting than his own life. Be careful what you wish for!
Daxx finds himself in a strange world as his character but with none of his character’s abilities. He must learn those skills from scratch whilst simultaneously hoping to find his two friends, ‘Grell’ who has designed his avatar to be a fighting orc and ‘Qrysta’ a skilled fighter, and working out why and how they are all here.
What a fantastic world Richard Sparks has created! Great characters, some with hilarious (and very adult!) names, great descriptions of the world and plenty of laugh out loud moments throughout this very cleverly plotted fantasy with everything I want in a fantasy novel - including witches and magic. And miniatures dragons. And a wooden staff which can communicate with its holder. And lots more.
There were plenty of fights and battles along the way as our trio develop their crafts and weapons and they are so well described I felt I was there watching. Bit freaked out about those cobwebs and spiders though!
It is an impressive chunk of a book which I got completely engrossed in, and although I couldn’t wait to find out how and why the three players had been transported into this world I also didn’t want it to end. The author simultaneously wrapped it up satisfactorily and left me wanting more! So glad there are three more books to come in this series as I’ll be reading them.
Passing this on to my daughter who is a gamer and also loves fantasy novels so I know she’s also going to love this.
November 24, 2023
New Rock, New Role by Richard Sparks will be released December 12, 2023. Arc Manor/CAEZIK SF & Fantasy provided an early galley for review.
As a gamer and a big fantasy fan, this one easily appealed to me. The story concept I've seen before in various mediums (the first time being in Joel Rosenberg's Guardians of the Flame series which began in the early 80's), but I am always open to it - especially if the author can bring something new to the table in their work.
Right off the bat, I like that Sparks fills in the non-gamer reader with details so they understand from where the main characters are coming. He isn't assuming that everyone came to the story from the same viewpoints. I like too how he takes time for the main characters gather their bearings in the new world they've found themselves. He covers all the bases in the ways it would make sense. He also does not go down the standard routes with his worldbuilding; the fantasy world he presents has some different choices that make the world its own.
Clocking in at 500 pages, there is a lot of story here. At times, it might seem to be moving slowly, but Sparks is being very thorough. The reader discovers things as the main characters do with a steady trickle, and even smaller side treks end up providing layers to the overall narrative. This is a slow simmering tale with moments to savor and digest. I won't lie - it does get a little weirder towards the end, but it does make sense.
Even as this book ends, there is a lot more of this story to tell. I've read that the author has completed two more titles in the series (slated for 2024 releases) and is working through several more after those. Clearly, Sparks has a passion for these characters and the world he has created. The reading experience is enhanced when there is passion in the writing.
As a gamer and a big fantasy fan, this one easily appealed to me. The story concept I've seen before in various mediums (the first time being in Joel Rosenberg's Guardians of the Flame series which began in the early 80's), but I am always open to it - especially if the author can bring something new to the table in their work.
Right off the bat, I like that Sparks fills in the non-gamer reader with details so they understand from where the main characters are coming. He isn't assuming that everyone came to the story from the same viewpoints. I like too how he takes time for the main characters gather their bearings in the new world they've found themselves. He covers all the bases in the ways it would make sense. He also does not go down the standard routes with his worldbuilding; the fantasy world he presents has some different choices that make the world its own.
Clocking in at 500 pages, there is a lot of story here. At times, it might seem to be moving slowly, but Sparks is being very thorough. The reader discovers things as the main characters do with a steady trickle, and even smaller side treks end up providing layers to the overall narrative. This is a slow simmering tale with moments to savor and digest. I won't lie - it does get a little weirder towards the end, but it does make sense.
Even as this book ends, there is a lot more of this story to tell. I've read that the author has completed two more titles in the series (slated for 2024 releases) and is working through several more after those. Clearly, Sparks has a passion for these characters and the world he has created. The reading experience is enhanced when there is passion in the writing.
January 17, 2024
Did I finish this book? No.
Did I enjoy it, and do I think it’s a three star read? Yes.
DNF at 30%
This is a tough one. I was enjoying this book, but it’s very slow. Not the pacing - it’s just that a LOT happens. At 30% through, the story already spans more than a year. However, the main characters then started discussing how they hadn’t even started the Main Quest yet. That’s when I had enough. I liked this book, I wanted to finish the story, but it’s not happening.
The MC’s are likeable, but I wish the female group member had been around. She’s introduced at the start, but a third in and she’s still not joined the party (pun intended). Also, again, lots happening, so many, many characters. Not generally something I mind, especially in fantasy, but in the end there are only so many characters I can really care about. Daxx and Grell are endearing enough, though, and minor characters are quite well fleshed out.
The plot? I can’t say too much, really, because I don’t know where this goes in the end. It’s somewhat meandering. Entertaining, and probably more-so if you’re more familiar with RPGs. The story is easy to follow for anyone who’s not, though, without over-explaining. The humor is just the right amount of self-deprecating. I just wish some of the plot- and worldbuilding had been edited out. At its core, this is an adventure story, and faster plot progression would have helped (me).
So: read if you are more patient than I am, and play ALL the side quests always.
Thanks to NetGalley and Arc Manor for the ARC!
Did I enjoy it, and do I think it’s a three star read? Yes.
DNF at 30%
This is a tough one. I was enjoying this book, but it’s very slow. Not the pacing - it’s just that a LOT happens. At 30% through, the story already spans more than a year. However, the main characters then started discussing how they hadn’t even started the Main Quest yet. That’s when I had enough. I liked this book, I wanted to finish the story, but it’s not happening.
The MC’s are likeable, but I wish the female group member had been around. She’s introduced at the start, but a third in and she’s still not joined the party (pun intended). Also, again, lots happening, so many, many characters. Not generally something I mind, especially in fantasy, but in the end there are only so many characters I can really care about. Daxx and Grell are endearing enough, though, and minor characters are quite well fleshed out.
The plot? I can’t say too much, really, because I don’t know where this goes in the end. It’s somewhat meandering. Entertaining, and probably more-so if you’re more familiar with RPGs. The story is easy to follow for anyone who’s not, though, without over-explaining. The humor is just the right amount of self-deprecating. I just wish some of the plot- and worldbuilding had been edited out. At its core, this is an adventure story, and faster plot progression would have helped (me).
So: read if you are more patient than I am, and play ALL the side quests always.
Thanks to NetGalley and Arc Manor for the ARC!
January 27, 2024
Richard Sparks' new blockbuster, New Rock, New Role is a true phenomenon. It cleverly brings together two different worlds - fantasy and gaming - with the resulting collision generating an absolute supernova of a novel.
This combination is such a clever idea that it's surprising we've not seen it more often. The plot is imaginative, the main characters engaging and clearly drawn, and the overall result is really a lot of fun!
We quickly empathise with Daxx and his teammates as they find themselves in a series of adventures and faced with difficult, thought-provoking challenges. It's a rollicking good read, with lots of pure thinking, spiced with plenty of fantasy.
Adding to this recipe is a sprinkling of literary references, with the clues helping the main characters on their journey. Richard obviously knows his English Literature, and these snippets add to the joy of the book.
The main event though is the thrilling adventure of Daxx and friends as they travel through the book. It's a fabulous, fantastical journey, generating a page turner that's truly difficult to put down.
Without giving everything away, this is Book One in the New Rock series - and if the rest of the series is anything like this, it promises to be an absolute epic. I can't wait to see what happens next!
This combination is such a clever idea that it's surprising we've not seen it more often. The plot is imaginative, the main characters engaging and clearly drawn, and the overall result is really a lot of fun!
We quickly empathise with Daxx and his teammates as they find themselves in a series of adventures and faced with difficult, thought-provoking challenges. It's a rollicking good read, with lots of pure thinking, spiced with plenty of fantasy.
Adding to this recipe is a sprinkling of literary references, with the clues helping the main characters on their journey. Richard obviously knows his English Literature, and these snippets add to the joy of the book.
The main event though is the thrilling adventure of Daxx and friends as they travel through the book. It's a fabulous, fantastical journey, generating a page turner that's truly difficult to put down.
Without giving everything away, this is Book One in the New Rock series - and if the rest of the series is anything like this, it promises to be an absolute epic. I can't wait to see what happens next!
January 18, 2024
I LOVED it! This is The Hitchhikers Road to the Galaxy meets Ready Player One meets Rowan Atkinson's Johny English, it is fantastically funny with incredibly endearing characters and constant adventure with disastrous obstacles, it is a gamers paradise opened up for non gamers to join and revel in the escapism of it all.
I got this book, just after it came out in December and it has got me through (nearly all of) a cold January!
I doubled up by reading the book and listening to it on Audible, (a method which really works for me) I can absolutely recommend the audiobook version as well as the physical.
The author is reading it himself and his voice really draws out all the hidden burrows of humour he has tucked away in there. A calming and homely voice to listen to and works brilliantly with this narrative.
The affectionate loveable characters have stayed with me outside of the book and continue to make me chuckle to myself.
I got this book, just after it came out in December and it has got me through (nearly all of) a cold January!
I doubled up by reading the book and listening to it on Audible, (a method which really works for me) I can absolutely recommend the audiobook version as well as the physical.
The author is reading it himself and his voice really draws out all the hidden burrows of humour he has tucked away in there. A calming and homely voice to listen to and works brilliantly with this narrative.
The affectionate loveable characters have stayed with me outside of the book and continue to make me chuckle to myself.
April 26, 2025
It’s always difficult to picture fantasy novels for yourself, as the unique ideas and descriptions are developed only by the author’s imagination but Richard Sparks’ ‘New Rock’ epic series is so well narrated, vividly written and visually described, it’s impossible not to instantly immerse yourself in the exciting world of quest fantasy. It’s truly as if, you yourself are a part of the gameplay and the author ensures you really are in the minds of the gaming participants, every step of their various adventures. It’s an unusual world, with some very unique characters/avatars in the gameplay, not to mention the bizarre watching crowd via live stream. The blurb best explains the basis for the stories, much better than I ever could but the whole execution of the book is a seamless transition between role play gaming, fantasy adventure, humour and a hint of romance, not forgetting the unbreakable bond of true friendships.
It was a pleasure to be introduced to Daxx and his teammates, Qrystal and Grell in ‘New Rock, New Role’, book one in the series. After a fast paced and exciting start, the final of the RPG Grand Championship is won by the three protagonists but the challenge that ensues, sees Daxx ‘physically’ thrown into the dangerous world of gaming and needs to draw on all his skills, strength and intelligence just to survive.
The explosive action and adventure continues just where it left off in book one with ‘New Role, New Realm’ - book two, and once again throws the reader into reality gaming, fully immersing you in even more advanced, perilous quests and more outlandish characters and action packed scenes. The protagonists and their world are further developed here and with the addition of ‘Little Guy’, a dog with some brilliant scenes, the reader is kept entertained throughout.
The immensely popular world of gaming, involves people of all ages, from all over the world, so I can see why this series of books will be exceedingly welcomed and if you already are a fan of this trope, then you’ll enjoy the fulfilling immersion into this reality, make-believe world.
Reading book one is highly advised before book two and an interest in gaming is a must in my opinion.
#NewRockSeries - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was a pleasure to be introduced to Daxx and his teammates, Qrystal and Grell in ‘New Rock, New Role’, book one in the series. After a fast paced and exciting start, the final of the RPG Grand Championship is won by the three protagonists but the challenge that ensues, sees Daxx ‘physically’ thrown into the dangerous world of gaming and needs to draw on all his skills, strength and intelligence just to survive.
The explosive action and adventure continues just where it left off in book one with ‘New Role, New Realm’ - book two, and once again throws the reader into reality gaming, fully immersing you in even more advanced, perilous quests and more outlandish characters and action packed scenes. The protagonists and their world are further developed here and with the addition of ‘Little Guy’, a dog with some brilliant scenes, the reader is kept entertained throughout.
The immensely popular world of gaming, involves people of all ages, from all over the world, so I can see why this series of books will be exceedingly welcomed and if you already are a fan of this trope, then you’ll enjoy the fulfilling immersion into this reality, make-believe world.
Reading book one is highly advised before book two and an interest in gaming is a must in my opinion.
#NewRockSeries - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 14, 2025
I very much enjoyed reading New Rock, New Role. I usually read more “hard” scifi but the imagination and the very much real relationships between the characters enthralled me. This book is a light read designed to be enjoyable to the reader, and yet there is unexpected depth. This book has successfully combined video game play, fantasy, and Fermi paradox in very much unexpected ways and very much all worked well together. As the author lived in London and was part of the comedy TV industry and was friends with Douglas Adams, this isn’t entirely unexpected.
The ending is very nicely crafted ending. Great closure all around. The Fermi paradox twist was quite unexpected! And the reader is left with a very nice “cherry on top” to prep them for the next novel, New Rock, New Realm, of which I’ll be promptly reading.
You can hear author Richard Sparks interviewed on SciFi Thoughts: https://lancerkind.com/listen-to-the-...
Great work!
The ending is very nicely crafted ending. Great closure all around. The Fermi paradox twist was quite unexpected! And the reader is left with a very nice “cherry on top” to prep them for the next novel, New Rock, New Realm, of which I’ll be promptly reading.
You can hear author Richard Sparks interviewed on SciFi Thoughts: https://lancerkind.com/listen-to-the-...
Great work!
March 5, 2024
WOW! What a wild ride. The characters leap off the page and immediately capture you into their world. Richard does such a brilliant job of contextualising the gaming world for non-gamers and making everyone feel part of the journey. It is told with such great wit and imagination, and you can just FEEL the colour and energy sizzling through it all. Sparks' passion really comes through which is such a joy to experience. I love how many different, unexpected directions it takes as well. I was on the edge of my seat at multiple points. It's a pure thrill to read.
February 10, 2025
Hilarious and endlessly creative. I got totally lost in the crazy kaleidoscopic world of Jarnland. This novel is so colourfully constructed and creates vivid pictures in your head as you read. Loved it!
March 17, 2024
I had fun and found it entertaining, fast paced and compelling.
I hope to read a second installment soon.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I hope to read a second installment soon.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 18, 2025
Really vivid. It is no surprise that is an excellent book considering what else Richard has wrote pre novels, and I loved this from start to finish.
Excellent stuff.
Excellent stuff.
January 14, 2024
“New Rock, New Role” a science fiction novel where the author has created a world that is both imaginative, clever and thought-provoking. The story follows a group of gamers. They create avatars where the player controls the character they create in a video game. Imagine becoming your avatar for real....
The author's writing style is engaging and witty. The plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you wanting to flip pages. I couldn’t put the book down. Overall, this is a great read for anyone who loves science fiction and wants to explore new worlds and ideas. Can't wait for the next book in this series to come out.
The author's writing style is engaging and witty. The plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you wanting to flip pages. I couldn’t put the book down. Overall, this is a great read for anyone who loves science fiction and wants to explore new worlds and ideas. Can't wait for the next book in this series to come out.
August 26, 2024
The Book is about three RPG Gamers journey through reality, gaming, fantasy and sci-fi in an epic journey that threatens their very lives. A fun book to read, with a nice twist at the beginning. I enjoyed the gaming descriptions, although not being a gamer, I can't validate how real they are. Good characters throughout, although some come across very tongue in cheek, as do some of the settings.
Some of the descriptions of myths & legends feels strong and deep, while others feel a little frivolous and fanciful. Not sure if this is intentional. The mix of fantasy, reality and some sci-fi didn't quite work for me. I like my sci-fi a bit harder, but overall, the transitions from one to the other work (ie; reality to fantasy, fantasy to sci-fi etc). The book ends setting up the next story, and I can see why authors do that, especially if they have found they have written far more than they thought they would and I personally love that, it means the book is spaced out and adds to the anticipation of waiting for the next book. I don't usually read this genre, but overall, I enjoyed the book.
Some of the descriptions of myths & legends feels strong and deep, while others feel a little frivolous and fanciful. Not sure if this is intentional. The mix of fantasy, reality and some sci-fi didn't quite work for me. I like my sci-fi a bit harder, but overall, the transitions from one to the other work (ie; reality to fantasy, fantasy to sci-fi etc). The book ends setting up the next story, and I can see why authors do that, especially if they have found they have written far more than they thought they would and I personally love that, it means the book is spaced out and adds to the anticipation of waiting for the next book. I don't usually read this genre, but overall, I enjoyed the book.
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