What do you think?
Rate this book
Red Brick Road
2024 WINNER INTERNATIONAL IMPACT BOOK AWARD, ADVENTURE, CONTEMPORARY FICTION, FANTASY
2024 FIRST PLACE BOOKFEST FICTION-ACTION & ADVENTURE AND FANTASY ACTION & ADVENTURE
A freak blizzard, heartbreak, and a journey of self-discovery — Brendon Connor's life is about to get a lot more interesting. When a surprise snowstorm throws him into a surreal reality, Brendon must navigate his way through unfamiliar territory and confront his deepest flaws. In this bold re-imagining of The Wizard of Oz, embark on a wild ride through a world that L Frank Baum could have never imagined. Filled with crude humor, violence, and irreverent twists, Red Brick Road is a tribute to old technology and new ideas. But don't be fooled by the chaos — beneath the madness lies a valuable lesson about being a good human in a broken world. Get ready for the most exhilarating read you've had in a long time. For fans of literary nonsense and those looking for a refreshing take on a beloved classic, Red Brick Road is a must-read.
2024 FIRST PLACE BOOKFEST FICTION-ACTION & ADVENTURE AND FANTASY ACTION & ADVENTURE
A freak blizzard, heartbreak, and a journey of self-discovery — Brendon Connor's life is about to get a lot more interesting. When a surprise snowstorm throws him into a surreal reality, Brendon must navigate his way through unfamiliar territory and confront his deepest flaws. In this bold re-imagining of The Wizard of Oz, embark on a wild ride through a world that L Frank Baum could have never imagined. Filled with crude humor, violence, and irreverent twists, Red Brick Road is a tribute to old technology and new ideas. But don't be fooled by the chaos — beneath the madness lies a valuable lesson about being a good human in a broken world. Get ready for the most exhilarating read you've had in a long time. For fans of literary nonsense and those looking for a refreshing take on a beloved classic, Red Brick Road is a must-read.
366 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2024
4 people are currently reading
8097 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Maxwell
1 book49 followersJ.T. Maxwell has been a storyteller his whole life and has been sitting on the idea for his debut novel since he was very young. It took a global pandemic closing down the world to give him the oomph he needed to really dive in.
Together with his wife of twenty-five years, two sons, and three cats, he makes his home an hour west of Boston where he has settled into a teaching career after fifteen years in finance and banking. He loves a good road trip, maintaining their Victorian-era home, beer-making, and he is constantly on the hunt for the world’s best root beer float.
2024 Winner of the Adventure, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy category from International Impact Books, along with a First Place for Fiction-Action and Adventure from BookFest, you can find him on Instagram and Facebook @authorjtmaxwell
Together with his wife of twenty-five years, two sons, and three cats, he makes his home an hour west of Boston where he has settled into a teaching career after fifteen years in finance and banking. He loves a good road trip, maintaining their Victorian-era home, beer-making, and he is constantly on the hunt for the world’s best root beer float.
2024 Winner of the Adventure, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy category from International Impact Books, along with a First Place for Fiction-Action and Adventure from BookFest, you can find him on Instagram and Facebook @authorjtmaxwell
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 17, 2025
Alas I finished this amazing book. It's a different take on the Wizard of Oz but it was so good. The characters were amazing, and I couldn't stop laughing with all of Brendon's monologues and his over thinking questions to the folks you meet throughout this story. It was just a great time.
September 15, 2025
I got this book in a Goodreads giveaway and it was such a fun read! I love the world of Oz and this different point of view was crazy! Would recommend for anyone who likes wizard of oz, but also anyone looking for a lighthearted adventure.
July 21, 2024
A freak blizzard, heartbreak, and a journey of self-discovery — Brendon Connor's life is about to get a lot more interesting. When a surprise snowstorm throws him into a surreal reality, Brendon must navigate his way through unfamiliar territory and confront his deepest flaws. In this bold re-imagining of The Wizard of Oz, embark on a wild ride through a world that L Frank Baum could have never imagined. Filled with crude humour, violence, and irreverent twists, Red Brick Road is a tribute to old technology and new ideas. But don't be fooled by the chaos — beneath the madness lies a valuable lesson about being a good human in a broken world. Get ready for the most exhilarating read you've had in a long time. For fans of literary nonsense and those looking for a refreshing take on a beloved classic, Red Brick Road is a must-read.
🐾
*Red Brick Road* by JT Maxwell is a dark retelling of the old classic. Surreal, twisted with humor and undertones of morality, it’s a book that offers a sense of familiarity while presenting a fresh and engaging narrative. The story blends adventure and intrigue with deep emotional layers, making it compelling for adult readers. Maxwell’s unique version of Oz allows readers to connect with the original tale while enjoying a new and distinct story.
Maxwell’s talent shines through as we follow Brendon’s challenging journey. Each page brings unexpected twists, and his growth is depicted well through the characters he encounters. Although the book has a slow start, the plot-building and character development enhance the overall experience.
Maxwell’s writing lingers long after the book is closed. If you enjoy fresh takes on classic stories, thought-provoking narratives, and books that leave a lasting impression, this one is worth reading. My high expectations for a retelling of Oz were met and exceeded.
🐾
Rated 9/10
Melina L.
🐾
*Red Brick Road* by JT Maxwell is a dark retelling of the old classic. Surreal, twisted with humor and undertones of morality, it’s a book that offers a sense of familiarity while presenting a fresh and engaging narrative. The story blends adventure and intrigue with deep emotional layers, making it compelling for adult readers. Maxwell’s unique version of Oz allows readers to connect with the original tale while enjoying a new and distinct story.
Maxwell’s talent shines through as we follow Brendon’s challenging journey. Each page brings unexpected twists, and his growth is depicted well through the characters he encounters. Although the book has a slow start, the plot-building and character development enhance the overall experience.
Maxwell’s writing lingers long after the book is closed. If you enjoy fresh takes on classic stories, thought-provoking narratives, and books that leave a lasting impression, this one is worth reading. My high expectations for a retelling of Oz were met and exceeded.
🐾
Rated 9/10
Melina L.
August 28, 2024
DNF - Pg. 133.
Unfortunately, books are subjective and this is a really tough industry to crack into. I found the MC to be a bit bland and couldn't root for him, while the shock value of the setting quickly grew stale. One of the big questions I always want growing writers to ask themselves is: What purpose does this novel serve? And then make sure that that purpose is coming through poignantly from first scene to last.
Unfortunately, books are subjective and this is a really tough industry to crack into. I found the MC to be a bit bland and couldn't root for him, while the shock value of the setting quickly grew stale. One of the big questions I always want growing writers to ask themselves is: What purpose does this novel serve? And then make sure that that purpose is coming through poignantly from first scene to last.
April 14, 2024
This book gave me a lot to think about, I was a little slow in the pickup because of how it’s written and it took me a minute to catch on. Once I did, I didn’t put this book down. It’s creative, it’s fun and smart and a bit sad.. all-in-all I would recommend taking a chance on reading this debut novel by this author and I hope he continues to grow, create and entertain.
April 10, 2024
I couldn't put it down! Funny, clever and it kept my interest through the whole book! So good!!
June 18, 2024
Was a really fun book to read. I enjoyed trying to figure out the ending throughout the book. Catchy and was hard to put down.
June 21, 2024
Not bad for a re-telling of the Oz story. Some really crazy parts...amusing!
July 12, 2024
Quirky fun take on Oz!
August 13, 2025
Such a FUN read!! The characters voices all shine and the story was a twisted ride! A very cool Goodreads win and I love that he signed the book for me!! Already following on Facebook!!
April 13, 2025
In the spirit of Wicked, J.T. Maxwell’s Red Brick Road takes a bold step into familiar territory, reimagining The Wizard of Ozwith a quirky, irreverent twist. This one hits me in the feels for a couple reasons. First, Kansas is my adopted home. Second, JT and I are lifelong friends. Okay...that is a bit superficial but stay with me.
Unlike Wicked, which flips the narrative to tell the villain’s side, Red Brick Road more closely mirrors Dorothy’s original path. There’s just enough overlap with the classic tale to create a sense of anticipation, but Maxwell cleverly keeps you guessing. The story is a bit edgy and you’re never quite sure where it’s going, even as the bricks beneath your feet feel eerily familiar. A world both strange and recognizable.
Without giving away too much, you are 20/20 when you finish the read, but you’re not sure as you work your way through it. The pacing and tone give the story a feeling of discovery, like a dreamscape that makes more sense in retrospect than it does in the moment. When the final pages come, hindsight clicks into place—but the unpredictability along the way is what makes it resonate.
As for the message? That’s trickier to pin down—and perhaps that’s the point. It carries elements of a coming-of-age story, but not in a nostalgic, Stand By Me sort of way. It’s more like an Office Space revelation: a recognition that the world isn’t quite what you were promised, and neither are you. The protagonist doesn't find a simple resolution or triumphant ending. Instead, he discovers that the timing isn’t right—that he still has travelling to do. And maybe that’s what the red bricks represent: not the golden, easy path to the Emerald City, but the harder, humbler path home. The one that asks more of you before you arrive.
Unlike Wicked, which flips the narrative to tell the villain’s side, Red Brick Road more closely mirrors Dorothy’s original path. There’s just enough overlap with the classic tale to create a sense of anticipation, but Maxwell cleverly keeps you guessing. The story is a bit edgy and you’re never quite sure where it’s going, even as the bricks beneath your feet feel eerily familiar. A world both strange and recognizable.
Without giving away too much, you are 20/20 when you finish the read, but you’re not sure as you work your way through it. The pacing and tone give the story a feeling of discovery, like a dreamscape that makes more sense in retrospect than it does in the moment. When the final pages come, hindsight clicks into place—but the unpredictability along the way is what makes it resonate.
As for the message? That’s trickier to pin down—and perhaps that’s the point. It carries elements of a coming-of-age story, but not in a nostalgic, Stand By Me sort of way. It’s more like an Office Space revelation: a recognition that the world isn’t quite what you were promised, and neither are you. The protagonist doesn't find a simple resolution or triumphant ending. Instead, he discovers that the timing isn’t right—that he still has travelling to do. And maybe that’s what the red bricks represent: not the golden, easy path to the Emerald City, but the harder, humbler path home. The one that asks more of you before you arrive.
October 2, 2025
That opening blizzard completely threw me. At first I thought it was just a strange weather detail, but then it set the tone for the whole book, unpredictable and disorienting. It’s the perfect metaphor for being thrown into Brendon’s messy inner world. By the time he starts realizing his flaws, I felt like I’d gone through the storm with him.
October 2, 2025
I kept getting distracted by the names. Some were obvious references to the original Oz lore, but then you have Brendon and Izzy, and they felt different. Like they weren’t nods to the past, but rather grounding us in something current and personal. I wonder if there’s a hidden reason for that choice.
October 2, 2025
I appreciated how slow the first few chapters were. At first I was impatient, but then I realized the author wanted me to feel settled before flipping everything upside down. When the surreal parts hit, the contrast was way stronger because of that calm start. Smart storytelling move.
October 2, 2025
The “road not traveled” line stuck with me. On the surface it sounds almost dumb, but when I thought about it in context, it felt like a challenge. Are we all just following the familiar path, or daring to take the weird one? That theme keeps echoing through the book if you look for it.
October 2, 2025
Brendon is such a frustrating character at first, stubborn, flawed, almost unlikable. But that’s what made his arc hit so hard for me. Watching him stumble and confront himself felt more rewarding than if he’d started as a typical “hero.”
October 2, 2025
The humor in this book is not for everyone, but I loved it. It’s crude, chaotic, and often absurd, and yet under all that, there’s a surprising amount of heart. I think the balance between nonsense and sincerity is what made it work for me.
October 2, 2025
The violence was jarring at first. I almost put the book down, but then I realized it’s intentional. The brutality forces you to see the humanity beneath it, and by the end, the lesson about kindness in a broken world actually felt stronger because of the contrast.
October 2, 2025
That opening blizzard, did it feel symbolic to anyone else? Like it wasn’t just weather but a reset before Brendon’s journey?
October 2, 2025
The pacing at the start is super slow compared to the chaos later. Do you think the author did that to disarm us first, or did it drag for you?
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews