FoundHome

by Joseph C. Cook

What if destiny didn’t choose a hero, but five unlikely misfits who never wanted the job?
When ancient powers awaken, and a forgotten prophecy stirs, the future of the FiveRaces falls into the hands of the last people anyone would expect.

In a world where Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, and Foundlings live side by side, but never truly in peace, an impossible event shatters the boundaries between them. A mysterious phenomenon called the Blink chooses five strangers: a disgraced noble, an exiled princess, a giant blacksmith, a stoic Orc warrior, and a sharp tongued Elf who trusts no one.

Each receives a powerful relic of the Ancients, each gains a gift they never asked for, and each becomes a target of assassins, rebels, and fanatics who believe the prophecy must be stopped before it begins.

Drawn together by fate, hunted across deserts, jungles, seas, and the chaotic capital of FoundHome, the companions uncover a dangerous
A fanatical uprising is rising in the shadows… and an ancient machine capable of destroying nations has awakened.

As political rebellion erupts, old gods whisper in forgotten tongues, and the FiveRaces drift toward all-out war, these unlikely heroes must decide whether they will stand together or watch their world burn.

Perfect for fans of epic fantasy adventure, multi POV quests, and found family stories, FoundHome blends heart, humor, high stakes, and breathtaking world-building. You’ll meet flawed but unforgettable characters, explore diverse cultures, and uncover secrets buried for centuries.

541 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2025

Reviews

[Jack Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author’s world building is masterful, presenting complex cultures and societies with clarity and depth. The prose feels both intelligent and approachable, balancing high stakes tension with moments of levity. It’s a rare story that entertains while offering subtle reflections on loyalty, courage, and choice.

[Melisa Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading FoundHome and I enjoyed the overall journey. The story follows Jaas Jezek, a strong but kind character who slowly discovers that home is not always the place you started from, but the people you meet along the way. I liked how the author focused on friendship and belonging rather than just action. The worldbuilding is detailed and the different cultures make the story feel larger. Overall, it’s a thoughtful fantasy adventure with a meaningful message.

[Lawrence Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing FoundHome, I can say this book is more about the journey and the characters than constant action. Jaas is a really interesting protagonist and it was nice seeing how he grows as he meets new companions and experiences different parts of the world. The pacing can be slow in some places, but the relationships and worldbuilding make it worth it. If you enjoy fantasy that focuses on characters and the idea of finding your place, this book is a good pick.

[Jaxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book and I absolutely loved the character Jaas. He is such a gentle giant who uses throwing hammers but hates killing, and his joke about dwarves stealing socks made me laugh out loud. It was so refreshing to read a fantasy where the big muscle guy is actually a sweet and naive person instead of a brutal killer. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a fun and heartwarming adventure.

[Daniel-Allis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an exceptional blend of imagination and heart, creating a world that feels alive and rich without ever overwhelming the reader. The writing is sharp, humorous, and engaging, making it easy to connect with the characters and their struggles. A truly immersive experience that keeps you turning pages effortlessly.

[milly refrers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book instantly pulled me in and kept my attention from the very first chapters. The fantasy world feels rich and immersive without ever becoming overwhelming. Joseph C. Cook’s writing is confident and thoughtful, and you can feel the care he put into crafting this book. I’m really enjoying the journey so far and can’t wait to read it all the way to the end.

[Billy Bells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read this book and liked the message behind the story. The book explores the idea that home can be something you find rather than something you’re born into. Jaas is a memorable protagonist and the group of characters he meets adds a lot to the story. The worldbuilding is strong and the adventure across different locations keeps the story interesting. A solid fantasy read overall.

[Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph C. Cook really knows how to write characters that feel real and lovable. You can tell he put his whole heart into this story, especially after reading the preface about his parents. The way he writes about grief and hope makes the emotional moments hit so much harder than other fantasy books. I will definitely be reading anything else he writes in the future.

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world building in Found Home is just incredible, especially the massive Forge with its fifty forges and piles of ancient technology. I loved learning about the Foundlings and how they salvage old tech to build their city. The blend of magic and sci-fi elements like the lightning crossbows makes the world feel totally unique. I cannot wait to learn more about the Ancients in the next book.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Qara is easily one of my new favorite female characters in this story. Her journey from being oppressed by her tribe to fighting back with her lightning crossbows is so satisfying to read. I loved every time she shut down Almud and his strict quotes from the Drum-ul-Kalim. If you love strong female leads who refuse to be bossed around, you need to read this book.

[Henry Thomas]

Reading this book feels like stepping into a fully realized universe where every corner is alive with possibility. The characters feel genuine and relatable, and the pacing keeps the story vibrant and unpredictable. It’s a thoughtful, engaging read that leaves a lasting impression.

[Oliver Ethan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elegant, immersive, and full of personality, this book captures the excitement of epic fantasy without sacrificing character depth or emotional resonance. It’s a story that invites readers to care, laugh, and think, creating a truly memorable reading experience.

[Edward Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished FoundHome and really liked the overall journey. The story takes its time, but that helped me connect with the characters. Jaas is a strong yet kind protagonist, which made him easy to follow. The theme of finding where you belong stood out the most.

[Seraphina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels more like a journey than a typical fantasy adventure. I enjoyed how the characters slowly built trust with each other. The world is detailed and interesting without being too overwhelming. It’s a calm but meaningful read.

[Jessica Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how FoundHome focused on relationships instead of just action. The story moves at a slower pace, but it gives depth to the characters. Jaas’s growth throughout the book was nice to see. Overall, a thoughtful fantasy.

[Laura Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good fantasy read with a strong message about belonging. The worldbuilding is solid and the journey feels real. Some parts are slow, but the character moments make up for it. I enjoyed it more than I expected.

[Sharon Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A character driven fantasy that focuses on connection and belonging. The pacing is slower, but it allows the story to breathe. I liked the emotional side of the journey. Worth reading if you enjoy thoughtful stories.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Found Home and I liked the message behind it. It’s not just an adventure story, it’s about belonging and building your own home with the people around you. A solid fantasy read.

[Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found Home is not action heavy, but that’s what makes it different. It focuses on people, growth, and connection. Jaas is a likable main character throughout the story. I found it relaxing to read.

[Jonathan Salmon]

This isn’t a fast paced story, but it has depth. The worldbuilding and character growth are strong points. Jaas stands out as a kind and steady lead. A good read if you like slower fantasy.

[Victoria Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea of “found home” is explored really well here. I liked how the characters slowly became a family. The world is interesting and easy to imagine. Overall, a satisfying read.

[Elizabeth Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more about the journey than the destination. The message about finding your place really stands out. Jaas is a simple but strong character. I liked the overall tone of the story.

[Gloria Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how the story didn’t rush anything. It gave enough time to understand the characters and their relationships. The world felt alive and well built. A nice fantasy experience overall.

[Sandra Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels very grounded for a fantasy story. The characters act in realistic ways and grow naturally. The journey across different places keeps it interesting. I enjoyed it.

[Tyler Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written fantasy with a strong emotional core. The relationships between characters are believable. The story flows nicely even if it’s slow at times. I liked it.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the journey this book takes you on. The focus on characters makes it feel personal. The world is interesting without being confusing. Definitely worth a read.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. The story is simple but meaningful. The relationships between characters are well developed. It’s a relaxing fantasy read