What do you think?
Rate this book
Heroes Road: Book 1
Disgraced, destitute, and dishonorably discharged. Coel ap Math and Snorri Yaroslav are soldiers without a cause. When a mysterious sorcerer makes them an offer they can’t afford to refuse, they set out on an adventure that will take them around the known world, and one that will determine the world's fate.
692 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2016
89 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 7, 2019
Usually don't like alternate history, but this just felt like good ol fantasy. Get the graphic audiobook, trust me.
February 19, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I’m not a big fan of Fantasy Historical Fiction. I think you should pick one or the other, however this story was pretty good but not great. The action was very well done and the characters were enjoyable. The fantasy part of this I really liked but the historical fiction part of this was goofy to me. Jesus Christ was literally in this book but he just had a small couple parts in this and the things he did in the book wasn’t even what he did in real life. Not only do I not like a blend of F/HF but I definitely don’t like it when the Historical parts are inaccurate. If you want to write HF then it’s your duty to make sure that the major parts of it are true. All in all a decent read but isn’t for my taste.
I’m not a big fan of Fantasy Historical Fiction. I think you should pick one or the other, however this story was pretty good but not great. The action was very well done and the characters were enjoyable. The fantasy part of this I really liked but the historical fiction part of this was goofy to me. Jesus Christ was literally in this book but he just had a small couple parts in this and the things he did in the book wasn’t even what he did in real life. Not only do I not like a blend of F/HF but I definitely don’t like it when the Historical parts are inaccurate. If you want to write HF then it’s your duty to make sure that the major parts of it are true. All in all a decent read but isn’t for my taste.
January 14, 2019
This action-punk adventure is full of battle scenes, warrior camaraderie, and lots of blood.
Set on the Steppes of Russia during the Ottoman Empire, yet in a land of goblins, dwarves, elves, and hobgoblins. The valiant warriors fight magical creatures as they make their way across the frontier.
Graphic Audio http://www.graphicaudio.net adds sound effects, music, and humor to their full-cast performances. This one is definitely "a movie in your mind."
For a review of the performance see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
Set on the Steppes of Russia during the Ottoman Empire, yet in a land of goblins, dwarves, elves, and hobgoblins. The valiant warriors fight magical creatures as they make their way across the frontier.
Graphic Audio http://www.graphicaudio.net adds sound effects, music, and humor to their full-cast performances. This one is definitely "a movie in your mind."
For a review of the performance see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
August 12, 2021
This book rekindled my love of an entire genre...
When I was younger, I read a lot of epic fantasy. It was my preferred genre. I couldn't get enough of it. But somewhere along the line, it started to feel a bit stale and tired. The tropes felt too tropey. The things I used to love became obvious and cliched. I think this happens when you become too familiar with any one genre or sub-genre. Sometimes you just need a break, even from the things you once thought you couldn't do without.
Well it's been years, and my love for epic fantasy has never really come back to me. It's sad, but I just haven't been able to find a lot of writers who push the boundaries of expectations enough to keep me interested while still retaining that classic, epic fantasy "feel" I originally fell in love with.
Enter HEROES ROAD by Chuck Rogers.
This book hooked me in the first chapter. It's familiar in all the right ways, and yet completely unexpected and fresh feeling. I loved that Rogers blended historical fiction with fantasy in a completely different way than I've ever seen before.
Rogers' action scenes are relentlessly paced and yet perfectly grounded. His characters are well-rounded and hilarious and build a fantastic group dynamic. Each character has believable strengths and flaws and grows throughout the book. You will root for them and pull out your hair and sometimes want to throw things at them, and in the end you will be satisfied. What more can you ask for in a book?
I highly recommend HEROES ROAD to all fantasy readers, especially to those who fear they might have outgrown the genre. This is epic fantasy done right! I can't wait to read the next book!
When I was younger, I read a lot of epic fantasy. It was my preferred genre. I couldn't get enough of it. But somewhere along the line, it started to feel a bit stale and tired. The tropes felt too tropey. The things I used to love became obvious and cliched. I think this happens when you become too familiar with any one genre or sub-genre. Sometimes you just need a break, even from the things you once thought you couldn't do without.
Well it's been years, and my love for epic fantasy has never really come back to me. It's sad, but I just haven't been able to find a lot of writers who push the boundaries of expectations enough to keep me interested while still retaining that classic, epic fantasy "feel" I originally fell in love with.
Enter HEROES ROAD by Chuck Rogers.
This book hooked me in the first chapter. It's familiar in all the right ways, and yet completely unexpected and fresh feeling. I loved that Rogers blended historical fiction with fantasy in a completely different way than I've ever seen before.
Rogers' action scenes are relentlessly paced and yet perfectly grounded. His characters are well-rounded and hilarious and build a fantastic group dynamic. Each character has believable strengths and flaws and grows throughout the book. You will root for them and pull out your hair and sometimes want to throw things at them, and in the end you will be satisfied. What more can you ask for in a book?
I highly recommend HEROES ROAD to all fantasy readers, especially to those who fear they might have outgrown the genre. This is epic fantasy done right! I can't wait to read the next book!
November 15, 2025
Holy shit 😳 I absolutely loved this! I listened to the graphic audio version and I reckon it's one of their best ever productions.
At one point though, they were talking about German beer and German priests and I thought, "wouldn't they have been called Prussians?". Then I realised I was questioning the historical accuracy of a fantasy novel and felt like fool.
No, this book and its characters are just great. It was a lot of fun.
At one point though, they were talking about German beer and German priests and I thought, "wouldn't they have been called Prussians?". Then I realised I was questioning the historical accuracy of a fantasy novel and felt like fool.
No, this book and its characters are just great. It was a lot of fun.
September 21, 2019
Absolutely awesome!!!!
April 18, 2024
So, weirdly Goodreads doesn't have part two or three of the Graphic Audio editions listed. This is for the whole book then. The narrator and actors were excellent; the audio production was top notch. Even when the music swelled, the foley noises and dialogue were not lost in the mix.
The story itself is the right kind of a rollicking adventure. The characters are three dimensional with diverse characteristics and backgrounds. They work well as a group. They have a trusted leader, powerful warrior, loyal best friend, strong love interest, girl I want to throttle, and a newbie along with the lovely Coel. He's just the idea of what makes a hero plus some, but not perfect. This book has serious flow to it and character development. It isn't overladen with battles, but certainly doesn't skirt around them. It's been a while since I've read an adventure book that didn't make me think that the characters are idiots or that their problems could be fixed easily. Have I mentioned the dialogue? Once again, refer back to the flow. It isn't stiff when it does turn formal. The characters do not lose their personalities in these instances. It's simply a beautiful book.
The story itself is the right kind of a rollicking adventure. The characters are three dimensional with diverse characteristics and backgrounds. They work well as a group. They have a trusted leader, powerful warrior, loyal best friend, strong love interest, girl I want to throttle, and a newbie along with the lovely Coel. He's just the idea of what makes a hero plus some, but not perfect. This book has serious flow to it and character development. It isn't overladen with battles, but certainly doesn't skirt around them. It's been a while since I've read an adventure book that didn't make me think that the characters are idiots or that their problems could be fixed easily. Have I mentioned the dialogue? Once again, refer back to the flow. It isn't stiff when it does turn formal. The characters do not lose their personalities in these instances. It's simply a beautiful book.
October 7, 2024
This book is a real gem, though it can be a bit predictable at times. Some characters don't always act in ways that make sense, which can be both interesting and confusing. Because of the world situation in 2024, some people might find the book uncomfortable to read. Even with these small problems, it's a very engaging story, especially when you listen to the audiobook GraphicAudio version.
The author writes in a fun way, and the characters grow and change well throughout the story. There are some jokes for adults, which make the book more enjoyable.
rating 4.5 + 0.5 (for gem factor) = 5
The author writes in a fun way, and the characters grow and change well throughout the story. There are some jokes for adults, which make the book more enjoyable.
rating 4.5 + 0.5 (for gem factor) = 5
July 7, 2024
Ehhhh.. started out great, but would have done much better had romantic entanglements been eliminated completely. He meets pretty lady, moons after her, then calls her a whore when she asked him something he didn’t want to answer.. she immediately shacks up with an assassin even though she’s supposed to be a badass bodyguard (I mean, her job is security so it’s pretty bad she missed that) and we were subjected to an inordinate amount of “fist clenching” to highlight our MCs lack of self control. OKAY so, as if this wasn’t a lame enough deviation, it completely eclipses the story and dominates the dialogue for longer than I was willing to slog through. Sad, since the concept and writing was good. I just don’t want to read through a “seasoned” main character with the emotional maturity of a paper bag navigate his way through what seems to be his first crush
March 16, 2017
Amazing adventure
This was an amazing beginning. It depicts believable flawed characters. There is no black and white good and evil here. It is the raw reality of life's shades of gray. This book grabbed me and held me till the end. I loved it and will anxiously wait for the next in the series. Thank you Chuck Rogers for a great fantasy adventure with touches of historic reality.
This was an amazing beginning. It depicts believable flawed characters. There is no black and white good and evil here. It is the raw reality of life's shades of gray. This book grabbed me and held me till the end. I loved it and will anxiously wait for the next in the series. Thank you Chuck Rogers for a great fantasy adventure with touches of historic reality.
July 31, 2017
Fun Read
I stumbled across this novel while looking for something new and different in the fantasy genre. I have to say, I enjoyed it. It was a bit long and I really didn't have a feel for the plot until about halfway through. But the characters were likable and the action keep the story moving or more like meandering. I will definitely pick up book 2.
I stumbled across this novel while looking for something new and different in the fantasy genre. I have to say, I enjoyed it. It was a bit long and I really didn't have a feel for the plot until about halfway through. But the characters were likable and the action keep the story moving or more like meandering. I will definitely pick up book 2.
August 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It felt like an old fashion adventure. Great character development and real motivations. The D&D feel of the story was so good, felt like a campaign set in real world history. Wish I was more steeped in history. I think that a history buff will enjoy the setting more than I did. That being said it was fun. The healing was really cool.
December 23, 2016
Really great book
I wasn't sure about this book, but it was highly recommended by a friend. Once I got a couple of chapters in, I was hooked. Really wonderful - road trip, buddy, action, adventure, even romance novel. Can't wait for #2 coming in 2017!!
I wasn't sure about this book, but it was highly recommended by a friend. Once I got a couple of chapters in, I was hooked. Really wonderful - road trip, buddy, action, adventure, even romance novel. Can't wait for #2 coming in 2017!!
May 31, 2017
One of the best books I've read this year!
Well written book,it keeps you on your toes, fighting,sex, war, love, a journey you won't believe and hate all in one book. I couldn't put it down.
Well written book,it keeps you on your toes, fighting,sex, war, love, a journey you won't believe and hate all in one book. I couldn't put it down.
August 3, 2019
An Amazing Epic Fantasy/Adventure!!!
Judging by the great quality of story telling present in this book. It won't be long before we'll see Chuck Rogers name mentioned along with authors such as Piers Anthony and other greats of fantasy fiction.
Judging by the great quality of story telling present in this book. It won't be long before we'll see Chuck Rogers name mentioned along with authors such as Piers Anthony and other greats of fantasy fiction.
September 12, 2019
Great listen as audiobook. Recommended for adventure fantasy lovers!
August 26, 2020
Amazing story, amazing characters, amazing (ly bad) editing!
I loved this book. It may be the longest book I've ever read that wasn't an audiobook! We get a chance to get to know the characters quite well before troubles really befall them. I laughed with them. I laughed at them. I loved with them. I cried with them. This book is nothing short of amazing! I've been a huge fan of Chuck Rogers's work in the various Mack Bolan series, and it's been wonderful to see what he can do when he's not tied down to pre-established story parameters.
So then, why the 4 stars, and not 5? One simple reason: This BOOK NEEDS A PROOFREADER IN THE WORST WAY!!!!!!!!!! Everything from simple typos to clunkily-constructed sentences, to using "to" and "too" incorrectly ... at least once per page, there's an error of some sort or other. It's distracting as hell! I know an editor is an added expense, but please... it's worth spending! Mr. Rogers, you are such a talented, immersive writer! Don't let your brilliant work be marred and undermined by something so easily fixed as this! My review should be focusing on the incredible action scenes, the vivid descriptions of scenery that evoke familiarity with the world but never stray into over-embellishment. I should be focusing on the way these characters leapt from the page into this reader's heart. I should be focusing on how excited I am to read Book 2! Instead, I'm spending space ranting about editing (or in this case, the lack thereof). Readers of this review, please don't let the lack of decent editing stand in the way of your enjoyment of this story, any more than is absolutely necessary. This is truly an _epic _fantasy. I _very highly recommend it. And I very strongly hope a different, better editor is hired for Book 2.
I loved this book. It may be the longest book I've ever read that wasn't an audiobook! We get a chance to get to know the characters quite well before troubles really befall them. I laughed with them. I laughed at them. I loved with them. I cried with them. This book is nothing short of amazing! I've been a huge fan of Chuck Rogers's work in the various Mack Bolan series, and it's been wonderful to see what he can do when he's not tied down to pre-established story parameters.
So then, why the 4 stars, and not 5? One simple reason: This BOOK NEEDS A PROOFREADER IN THE WORST WAY!!!!!!!!!! Everything from simple typos to clunkily-constructed sentences, to using "to" and "too" incorrectly ... at least once per page, there's an error of some sort or other. It's distracting as hell! I know an editor is an added expense, but please... it's worth spending! Mr. Rogers, you are such a talented, immersive writer! Don't let your brilliant work be marred and undermined by something so easily fixed as this! My review should be focusing on the incredible action scenes, the vivid descriptions of scenery that evoke familiarity with the world but never stray into over-embellishment. I should be focusing on the way these characters leapt from the page into this reader's heart. I should be focusing on how excited I am to read Book 2! Instead, I'm spending space ranting about editing (or in this case, the lack thereof). Readers of this review, please don't let the lack of decent editing stand in the way of your enjoyment of this story, any more than is absolutely necessary. This is truly an _epic _fantasy. I _very highly recommend it. And I very strongly hope a different, better editor is hired for Book 2.
December 13, 2021
Received as a gift and was initially intimidated by the size of the book. I hadn’t read anything that large before yet as I had just gotten into leisure reading back in July. I am a fan of fantasy so I thought I’d give it a go and I was so glad I did. The characters are memorable, the dialogue was compelling and hilarious, and the destinations vibrant and imaginative. It can get a bit sexy at times which is fine by me and the whole story felt like one big dungeons and dragons campaign (which is a compliment. This isn’t your dad’s D&D). The way magic is described and used feel creative and fresh and I look forward to getting the sequel. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a light but filling fantasy story.
October 27, 2019
I enjoyed this book, the author brought to life an alternate history of the world, integrating various belief systems and challenging the validity of any one way of life. The main character is interesting, with a backstory and Reza even moreso. What could be better than swords and sorcery? I read this book straight and then immediately moved to book two.
In terms of things to improve:
The descriptions overuse was/were instead of using actions to show things, this slows down the reading, and many things are described so I found it frustrating.
The path of the characters felt quite linear, which makes sense since the main characters are lackeys, but this could have been fleshed out more.
In terms of things to improve:
The descriptions overuse was/were instead of using actions to show things, this slows down the reading, and many things are described so I found it frustrating.
The path of the characters felt quite linear, which makes sense since the main characters are lackeys, but this could have been fleshed out more.
February 1, 2025
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect out of this. It feels like a very modern version of classic sword-and-sorcery (Conan, Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser, etc.) type stories, where the wizards are unknowable, unpredictable, and downright untrustworthy, the world is a shabbier and more beat up place than it used to be, and the story bounces between scenes of brutal savagery and meetups with remarkably seductive (and often very dangerous) women, but set in the eastern Mediterranean/Russia during the Crusades instead of the ancient Iron Age in a made-up world.
It was a fun read, I will probably pick up the second book at some point when I'm in the mood. The romance was a little rough at times; I liked Marta and Zuli as characters, I felt the relationship between Coel and Snorri could have used a little more development (I bought that they were best friends, but it did kind of come out of nowhere), and Orsini was pretty fun. Trebizond seemed like a really interesting place but ended up getting very little actual screen time. The bit in the hobgoblin camp was... a little odd.
The worldbuilding is really good, but it felt like maybe the story tried to just cover too much ground in a single novel and so many parts of it just didn't get the attention I would have liked.
It was a fun read, I will probably pick up the second book at some point when I'm in the mood. The romance was a little rough at times; I liked Marta and Zuli as characters, I felt the relationship between Coel and Snorri could have used a little more development (I bought that they were best friends, but it did kind of come out of nowhere), and Orsini was pretty fun. Trebizond seemed like a really interesting place but ended up getting very little actual screen time. The bit in the hobgoblin camp was... a little odd.
The worldbuilding is really good, but it felt like maybe the story tried to just cover too much ground in a single novel and so many parts of it just didn't get the attention I would have liked.
December 7, 2022
I listened to the graphic audio version and it is both entertaining and very well produced. The acting was quite a bit better than most graphic audiobooks I've listened to and the editing was also seamless. The whole book feels like a DnD campaign which I found humorous.
However I do suspect the written version wouldn't fare as well. Capturing the antics of a dnd party translates to graphic audio much better than any other form. Honestly it really felt more like an action movie than a book, so if that's not your thing then give this a pass.
However I do suspect the written version wouldn't fare as well. Capturing the antics of a dnd party translates to graphic audio much better than any other form. Honestly it really felt more like an action movie than a book, so if that's not your thing then give this a pass.
September 30, 2020
Read this years ago and kept it on my iPad because I knew it was going to be a story I revisit time and time again. I don’t k ow why Chuck Rogers isn’t a bigger name on the fantasy circuit. The story is gold.
For the record, if Mr. Rogers ever DMs at a con, I’ll be first in line. The guy’s a gifted storyteller!
For the record, if Mr. Rogers ever DMs at a con, I’ll be first in line. The guy’s a gifted storyteller!
November 21, 2021
Great Book
I’ve found it harder and harder to find fantasy where the characters are imperfect enough to be relatable. Coel and Snorri are certainly that. Also a fascinating blend of fantasy and set in the medieval worlds of Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Fun to read. Looking forward to book 2.
I’ve found it harder and harder to find fantasy where the characters are imperfect enough to be relatable. Coel and Snorri are certainly that. Also a fascinating blend of fantasy and set in the medieval worlds of Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Fun to read. Looking forward to book 2.
August 22, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this series, and regularly check Graphic Audio to see if Chuck Rogers has anymore upcoming. The GA performance really enhances an already enjoyable story, making it beyond exceptional and worthy of 5 stars.
April 4, 2024
Storyline as well as characters are quite engaging yet the cinematic background noises are trying and tiring. Loved the full cast for the various accents which are utterly enough to let the movie in your head roll.
July 2, 2025
I enjoyed the book—it starts off slowly, but not in the way people usually mean when they say it's painfully boring at first. In this case, the more you read, the more engrossing it becomes. I’ll definitely keep going
November 5, 2023
There are confusing Goodreads options for this series-someone needs to update them.
April 28, 2024
Listen to the graphic audio dramatized adaptation - wow.
September 9, 2024
I know this has gotten great reviews but it didn’t really appeal to me. I gave up after three hours of listening, will probably try again some other time.
January 12, 2025
Great book.
Heroes Road is D&D an alternate earth history. It's a great book for fantasy fans, and combines tragedy, humor, romance and high adventure.
Heroes Road is D&D an alternate earth history. It's a great book for fantasy fans, and combines tragedy, humor, romance and high adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews