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Ancient Things: A High Fantasy Adventure
In a world of wonder, mystery, and lurking threats, a young boy and a giant wolf must rely on each other to escape the things that hunt them both.
The age of mankind is over, its empire reduced to a land of rubble and broken roads. Vicious things nest in the old, forgotten ruins, and what’s left of humanity huddles in tiny communities that grow smaller every generation. But when a young boy is taken in by an unlikely ally, a glimmer of hope is born.
After waking up in a mysterious forest with no weapons, supplies, or even memories of his life before, Dirt should have ended up a barely adequate snack. Luckily, he attracts the attention of a gigantic, curious wolf pup, who rescues him, and they quickly become friends.
The world is beautiful and wondrous, perfect for a pair of adventurous youngsters, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Dirt is small and frail, and the mighty Socks has problems of his own. His Mother, an immense being of unfathomable power, sets a high bar for her offspring. If Socks can’t meet the challenge, he’ll die. Mother’s not too fond of the clingy little human he insists on keeping either.
If the two of them are to survive long enough to grow up, they’ll need all of Dirt’s sincerity, discipline, and cunning as well as Socks’s valor and tremendous strength. And they’ll also need to not everything that was lost should be rediscovered, and not everything that sleeps should be disturbed.
The first volume of the hit fantasy adventure series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
The age of mankind is over, its empire reduced to a land of rubble and broken roads. Vicious things nest in the old, forgotten ruins, and what’s left of humanity huddles in tiny communities that grow smaller every generation. But when a young boy is taken in by an unlikely ally, a glimmer of hope is born.
After waking up in a mysterious forest with no weapons, supplies, or even memories of his life before, Dirt should have ended up a barely adequate snack. Luckily, he attracts the attention of a gigantic, curious wolf pup, who rescues him, and they quickly become friends.
The world is beautiful and wondrous, perfect for a pair of adventurous youngsters, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Dirt is small and frail, and the mighty Socks has problems of his own. His Mother, an immense being of unfathomable power, sets a high bar for her offspring. If Socks can’t meet the challenge, he’ll die. Mother’s not too fond of the clingy little human he insists on keeping either.
If the two of them are to survive long enough to grow up, they’ll need all of Dirt’s sincerity, discipline, and cunning as well as Socks’s valor and tremendous strength. And they’ll also need to not everything that was lost should be rediscovered, and not everything that sleeps should be disturbed.
The first volume of the hit fantasy adventure series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
300 pages, Paperback
Published February 18, 2025
28 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 7, 2025
Come close and let me tell you a secret, "A Land of Broken Roads" is a beautifully unique fantasy about a boy named Dirt and a Wolf named Socks, but do not be misled, this is no little kids book. Every moment of this story filled my heart with joy and trepidation, following the adventure of a giant wolf cub and his pet boy (yes, you read that right, his pet boy.)
The story starts with an eight-year-old boy waking up in a majestic forest with no memory of who he is or how he got to be upon the rich black soil, surrounded by lush green ferns, and trees so big the size of them makes him dizzy. Little Dirt is chased by Goblins, who are out to eat him, when he is saved by a Giant magical wolf pup. Little Dirt stumbles from one calamity to the next as he tries to navigate his way in an unknown magical and dangerous world. Following his wolf friend, who is being chased by a monster and has to keep running until he is old enough to survive his trials, and little Dirt hopes to find out who he is and where he came from on the way.
Where is the trepidation? I hear you say....it's in the trees, and the wind, and the magic - OH My!.
I've never come across a book like "A Land of Broken Roads."
Ryan English has a talent at writing a story from a unique perspective, in fact many unique perspectives, and he knows how to keep a young character within their innocent mind frame, making this story so genuine and lovable. (many authors fail at this as they seem to struggle at keeping a child a child and instead opt towards a young kid who is older than their years, and trust me, it would have been so easy for Ryan English to do the same, but he hasn't fallen for that author flaw.)
I've read 3 books in this series on Royal Road and I am a massive fan, and I can't recommend "A Land of Broken Roads" more. It's a lovely tale that has an epic Greek fantasy feel, that follows the adventures of our two young adventurers, as they grow up together in a magical world where their friendship, bond and familiar love for each other helps them grow stronger, in a world filled with Life and death situations.
If monsters, magic, and a little bit of nightmare terror thrown in - along with a book that has great character building and is a definite page turner-then this is for you. Keep your eyes open for "A Land of Broken Roads" by Ryan English" which will be published as a book in 2025.
The story starts with an eight-year-old boy waking up in a majestic forest with no memory of who he is or how he got to be upon the rich black soil, surrounded by lush green ferns, and trees so big the size of them makes him dizzy. Little Dirt is chased by Goblins, who are out to eat him, when he is saved by a Giant magical wolf pup. Little Dirt stumbles from one calamity to the next as he tries to navigate his way in an unknown magical and dangerous world. Following his wolf friend, who is being chased by a monster and has to keep running until he is old enough to survive his trials, and little Dirt hopes to find out who he is and where he came from on the way.
Where is the trepidation? I hear you say....it's in the trees, and the wind, and the magic - OH My!.
I've never come across a book like "A Land of Broken Roads."
Ryan English has a talent at writing a story from a unique perspective, in fact many unique perspectives, and he knows how to keep a young character within their innocent mind frame, making this story so genuine and lovable. (many authors fail at this as they seem to struggle at keeping a child a child and instead opt towards a young kid who is older than their years, and trust me, it would have been so easy for Ryan English to do the same, but he hasn't fallen for that author flaw.)
I've read 3 books in this series on Royal Road and I am a massive fan, and I can't recommend "A Land of Broken Roads" more. It's a lovely tale that has an epic Greek fantasy feel, that follows the adventures of our two young adventurers, as they grow up together in a magical world where their friendship, bond and familiar love for each other helps them grow stronger, in a world filled with Life and death situations.
If monsters, magic, and a little bit of nightmare terror thrown in - along with a book that has great character building and is a definite page turner-then this is for you. Keep your eyes open for "A Land of Broken Roads" by Ryan English" which will be published as a book in 2025.
February 26, 2025
The Land of Broken Roads is an exciting fantasy adventure by Ryan English. The story follows a boy named Dirt, who wakes up in a mysterious forest with no memory of who he is. Lost and alone, he is saved by a giant wolf pup named Socks. Together, they explore a dangerous world full of strange creatures and forgotten secrets.
The book is full of adventure, mystery, and friendship. The bond between Dirt and Socks is heartwarming, and the world they travel through is beautifully described. The story keeps you interested with its mix of danger, discovery, and magic.
This is a great book for anyone who loves fantasy and stories about friendship and survival. It’s easy to read, exciting, and full of surprises!
The book is full of adventure, mystery, and friendship. The bond between Dirt and Socks is heartwarming, and the world they travel through is beautifully described. The story keeps you interested with its mix of danger, discovery, and magic.
This is a great book for anyone who loves fantasy and stories about friendship and survival. It’s easy to read, exciting, and full of surprises!
March 14, 2025
Disclaimer:
Due to the nature of Goodreads’ aggregate review system, I only leave 5-star reviews. Please note that a 5-star rating does not mean the book is perfect; it simply means I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others. I will try to specify in my review the type of reader who might enjoy the book.
Negative reviews are not something I typically write.
I primarily listen to audiobooks, so I’m not concerned with punctuation or minor editing errors. However, I may comment on the quality of the narration.
Review:
I really enjoyed this book. The main character is a young boy with amnesia, which serves as an effective mechanism for introducing a magical world full of fascinating, contrasting elements. It is filled with both pure, innocent wonder and existential dread. The story captures the magic and majesty of wild, untamed nature, as well as the brutality and danger that exist within it.
While the character initially seems like an empty vessel, there is a surprising amount of depth and complexity to his development, especially as his past is gradually revealed. If the idea of The Jungle Book meets Progression Fantasy, with a touch of eldritch horror sprinkled in, appeals to you, then you’ll likely enjoy this book.
I read this on Royal Road and also listened to the audiobook. The narration was of high quality.
Due to the nature of Goodreads’ aggregate review system, I only leave 5-star reviews. Please note that a 5-star rating does not mean the book is perfect; it simply means I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others. I will try to specify in my review the type of reader who might enjoy the book.
Negative reviews are not something I typically write.
I primarily listen to audiobooks, so I’m not concerned with punctuation or minor editing errors. However, I may comment on the quality of the narration.
Review:
I really enjoyed this book. The main character is a young boy with amnesia, which serves as an effective mechanism for introducing a magical world full of fascinating, contrasting elements. It is filled with both pure, innocent wonder and existential dread. The story captures the magic and majesty of wild, untamed nature, as well as the brutality and danger that exist within it.
While the character initially seems like an empty vessel, there is a surprising amount of depth and complexity to his development, especially as his past is gradually revealed. If the idea of The Jungle Book meets Progression Fantasy, with a touch of eldritch horror sprinkled in, appeals to you, then you’ll likely enjoy this book.
I read this on Royal Road and also listened to the audiobook. The narration was of high quality.
March 20, 2025
Really Wanted to love this book
This book started out great, and then it changed to a mystic theme and got extremely boring. All the chapters concerning the Dryads were so boring I skimmed all of them. The last couple of chapters were OK. This book had a wonderful concept, but I wonder why the author went so far off the rails.
This book started out great, and then it changed to a mystic theme and got extremely boring. All the chapters concerning the Dryads were so boring I skimmed all of them. The last couple of chapters were OK. This book had a wonderful concept, but I wonder why the author went so far off the rails.
March 6, 2025
Engaging and cute fantasy story that hits all the rights spots.
The story has me craving more bits about the world the characters live in.
It has a giant wolf pup who has a human boy as a pet, what else needs to be said.
The story has me craving more bits about the world the characters live in.
It has a giant wolf pup who has a human boy as a pet, what else needs to be said.
October 21, 2025
The start was really good, I enjoyed the adventures of Socks and Dirt, their friendship.
However, all the chapters with dryads were not as interesting for me and rather slow.
However, all the chapters with dryads were not as interesting for me and rather slow.
January 15, 2026
Wonderful, grown-up fantasy story where you get to explore and immerse yourself in a unique world. It’s a breath of fresh air among fantasy books full of gore, complicated feelings, ill intent and unnecessary commentary on everyone’s attractiveness, as it follows the adventures of two best friends who happen to be a young boy and a giant wolf pup.
The only minus as the series progress (I’ve read book 1-3) is Dirt’s thickness in not learning much from his earlier missteps, often redoing the same mistakes without taking any cues, which gets a bit annoying,
but overall it’s a fun and engaging read!
I’d warmly recommend it to anyone looking for a refreshing and unique fantasy adventure, and while I think(?) it’s written for an adult audience it would work for most ages as it is quite “clean” (although violence, blood and death is very much part of the story).
I’m truly glad I found it by accident, and I hope more people will!
The only minus as the series progress (I’ve read book 1-3) is Dirt’s thickness in not learning much from his earlier missteps, often redoing the same mistakes without taking any cues, which gets a bit annoying,
but overall it’s a fun and engaging read!
I’d warmly recommend it to anyone looking for a refreshing and unique fantasy adventure, and while I think(?) it’s written for an adult audience it would work for most ages as it is quite “clean” (although violence, blood and death is very much part of the story).
I’m truly glad I found it by accident, and I hope more people will!
September 3, 2025
The author takes his time with this book. While there is never "nothing" happening, the pace is decidedly deliberate. On the other hand, if the story jumped ahead, Dirt's abilities might seem gifted rather than earned, and we wouldn't come to know his companions as naturally.
While it is no hardship to read this book, it is clearly a setup for the series. So approach it with patience. I'm sure larger events loom ahead.
While it is no hardship to read this book, it is clearly a setup for the series. So approach it with patience. I'm sure larger events loom ahead.
October 1, 2025
I am a bit ambivalent about this one. Everything in it is well executed, we get some world building and interesting character, the main relationship between the boy and the wolf is heartwarming and simple in the way of childhood friends. My issue is that it never really picks up much momentum, Dirt just wanders around as things happen to him without it ever really connecting in a bigger story.
November 17, 2025
I feel like a bit of a knob for only giving three stars, because the writing's great, but the tone is all over the place and I found that disconcerting. You never know whether he's going to be eating grubs or laughing with mystic tree people. Or being horribly tortured by them. But it was so they could help him! It's like that Simpsons with the cursed frogurt. Recommended, but also be pre-warned.
March 23, 2025
well done
Realllly well done reincarnation book. The MC was a somebody who’s now at the mercy of everyone he bumps into.
Rating: 5/5
Cover: 3/5
Narration: In/A
Favorite line: NA
Realllly well done reincarnation book. The MC was a somebody who’s now at the mercy of everyone he bumps into.
Rating: 5/5
Cover: 3/5
Narration: In/A
Favorite line: NA
July 12, 2025
Lovely, mysterious and magical story. Amazing world building. It was a little slower in the second half but the ending made up for it. Definitely will be reading book two!
December 31, 2025
A little slow to start, but it picked up pretty quickly and became interesting.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews