Home to Roost

by Chauncey Rogers

When Brad is sent to live with the other chickens, his life of ease is transformed into one of struggle--for friendship, for love, for survival. But when everything he's accomplished teeters on the edge of destruction, Brad discovers that the true struggle is against evil itself, and it may be a fight that is impossible for him to win.

Genres: Horror

342 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2017

Reviews

[Johann (jobis89) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Somehow this was better than I expected

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home To Roost is a piece of fiction that gets darker the more you read.

To start, there are echoes of the film Chicken Run or even concepts from Babe; cosy, fun concepts, but all this changes the more you read. Brad is a Bantam rooster, adopted as a chick by the farmer’s daughter, and raised in the farmhouse. After a few months, he’s sent to live in the henhouse. Here he must join an established flock with their own leader. Because Brad is small, he is tolerated by Long Tail, the head rooster, but he must also learn to accept and respect the ways of the flock.

Brad’s instincts to protect the flock kick in when several dangers threaten, but Long Tail insists he doesn’t need Brad’s help. Frustrated, Brad secretly plots safety measures. But when Brad falls in love with one of the hens, peace is shattered and Long Tail throws Brad out.

Meanwhile something dark lives in the ravine, deep in the nearby wood. Its darkness seeps into the surrounding area, causing some eerie and savage behaviour. Towards the end, the story turns darker and moves towards supernatural horror.

I enjoyed the first half of the book; Brad’s escapades were very entertaining, as was the stoic insistence of Long Tail for conformity within his flock. The latter part of the book I found less entertaining, as I struggled to get my head around what the darkness was. However, I know the author based much of the book on real events from his own life, where a mystery was left unanswered.

An interesting book in two parts; one I could almost imagine as an animated film, whilst the other steps into the horror zone.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watership Down meets Stephen King. Except with chickens.
This starts out as a happy little story about some chickens that live on a farm, but soon things begin to subtly take a darker turn.
The story flows very easily. I found almost no typos, grammatical mistakes, or clumsy sentences, which for a self published indie book is nothing short of a miracle. I did find the time jumps in the beginning of the book to be a bit jarring and I don't believe they were necessary for the narrative, but everything else about the book is well constructed and engaging.

[Kyleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 **

STORY - 4/5 (I really loved this story. Especially when it was just about the chicken and their customs. It really reminded me of Animal Farm meets Watership Down. The horror aspect was good too but I preferred the psychological aspect to the more physical threat. I docked a point because around the 3/4 mark it dragged a little)

CHARACTERS - 5/5 (I felt like every character could be someone you know in real life ((also they wouldn't be farm animals)). The psychological horror really relied on character progression and I felt it was done really well.)

WRITING - 4.5/5 (while there was a part that dragged everything else was written so that it was descriptive but wasn't boring.)

UNIQUENESS 4.5/5 (while I feel this book reminded me of some other books there were still things that made it stand out from them as well.)

ENJOYMENT 4.5/5 (Except for the one slow part I loved this book. I was interested throughout the majority and had a lot of fun reading!)

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I would root for a rooster! I began reading this book knowing nothing about it or where it would lead me. Brad stole my heart and I ached for him as he tried to assimilate and find acceptance in the coop. Little did I know the dark path that Brad's life would take. I unexpectedly found myself in tears at the end of the book. I never thought I would cry over a rooster.

Chauncey is a brilliant writer! The book flows so easily. I love how his descriptions, both physical and emotional, move so easily with the plot. I never got bored and had to keep reading to find out what Brad would do next. Chauncey shows a very imaginative mind in his creation of chicken coop society and the laws that govern their conduct. I found those elements of the book very entertaining to read. There are also many opportunities for deeper reflection on society in general and the status quo. Home to Roost would make for an interesting literature study.

I love that this book fills a niche for YA readers looking for suspense and a little bit of, lets says horror. Don't forget the love. I am now convinced that chickens can find love too. I am always on the hunt for clean and appropriate books to suggest to my teenagers and older kids that will keep their attention and encourage them to keep exploring their world through books.This book is great for boys and girls and even this adult woman!

[Ctgt · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10

[Jackson Beazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys, this book is great!

This story is about the struggle to find happiness, the battle to live bravely, and the decisions that rule our lives. It really shows the stark difference between striving to live positively and when life is just too much to handle on your own. It dwells on the topics of madness and tenacity, revenge and forgiveness. There is even a nice little Edgar Allen Poe style writing in the second half.

Even if Horror/Suspense is not the genre you normally read, this book is still definitely worth a read. If you're worried it's too scary, it's not. If you worry you might cry, I can't make any promises. If you're looking to really be rooting for a character, then you're looking at the right book for you. There are so many highs and lows, and I can guarantee you won't predict how the story unfolds. This book is filled with detail that anyone who has spent time around animals would appreciate, and is enlightening to those who haven't.

If you're looking for a book that has suspense, emotion, and a little chicken love, then this book is for you! Seriously, just check it out. Totally worth your time!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Brad. He is half the size of a regular hen and his story will have you glued to its pages! Skeptical? I don’t blame you but I promise you will not be able to put this book down.

When Chauncey first contacted me about “Home to Roost”, I immediately thought of Orwell’s Animal Farm, a fine example of Anthropomorphism. And though, there were some things in the book that reminded me of it, “Home to Roost” is very much an original story, and is inspired by real events.

Brad is a tiny little chick brought into the family home by the little girl who lives there. He spends every day waitng for his little girl to come home and bring warmth to his life. Inevitably, he is sent outside to the farm’s chicken coop. Once he arrives, he is put on a kind of probation by “Father Rooster” because the chickens think Brad has strange ideas that do not conform to their values and traditions.

Brad has barely shaken the scent of the little girl from his feathers when several chickens are brutally murdered, and not for food.

Brad soon discovers that his best chance is to listen to Father Rooster and try to conform. But his forward thinking and personality, make it very hard to fit it. Not to mention, there is an unseen evil lurking off the edge of the farm, that makes it very difficult for Brad to squelch his natural instincts to protect his fellow chickens. He refuses to sit idly by, and wait for them to be picked off one by one, so he makes a few choices that change EVERYTHING!

“Home to Roost” is superbly written, evocative, terrifying, hopeful… the list goes on and on. I am hesitant to classify its genre because it contains so much between its pages. Let’s just say, it will appeal to almost every kind of reader. If you can open your mind and accept that it’s narrated by a chicken, this chicken will blow your mind!

I can’t recommend it enough! I truly loved it.

Rating… A+

[Southern Today Gone Tomorrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by Chauncey Rogers, Home to Roost follows Brad, a.k.a Little Crown, a small rooster who has been forced out of the house and away from the love of the little girl who raised him into the roost of the farm, and things just go downhill from there. There is a raccoon on the prowl, and something far worse. Is it just hunting the chickens?

I greatly enjoyed this novel. The writing, as well as the topic, reminded me of Animal Farm and Lord of the Flies - though no animals become humans in this novel. But the writing style of this book starkly reminds me of their style. The plot jumps back and forth before the raccoon and after and builds up the characters. This is an author who knows how to write; he knows what he wants to get across, how, and exactly how to make the story have depths.

Here is what I am saying: this is a self published book that is written well. I rarely will type that sentence. Generally, self published books have giant plot holes, poor editing, etc. This is a book that I... think I would love in print.

Now, why I hesitated and who would enjoy this novel. This is a dark novel. This is a novel about evil and what it can do, should you allow it in. This kind of book isn't for everyone. But, this could also be a book everyone SHOULD read. I can see this being a novel that is taught in a literature class. Examined. Reacted to. Walked through. "Do you see the foreshadowing?" "How does that affect Brad? Longtail?" And, for that reason, I rather want a copy. So that I can go through this book, honestly mark it up with my thoughts and what is happening to the character in that dark depth that Rogers does a beautiful job of walking his readers through. But at the same time, I don't know if I would read this over and over again. If I had a paper copy, though, I think I could write so very many articles on it alone. (It is much easier for me to pull quotes and such from an actual copy of the book.)

This is literary fiction. Based on some true events that happen, the note from the author at the end truly lends that final hint of what if? I think, in a lot of ways, fans of Christian literature, the kind that examines effects on the soul and look deep into how a society is created and maintained. If you enjoy a dark mystery, this book is for you.

But, take note, this is a dark book. This is not a book to read to your five year-old, but it is a book that can spark a great conversation with your teenager. 

I enjoyed this well written book, but it isn't for everyone. I give it 5/5 stars, everyday. 

Just because not everyone will enjoy this book, doesn't mean that this isn't a fantastic book. I think any fan of literature, mystery, or a different look at a society will enjoy this book and appreciate it.

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received a free printed copy of this book from the author in a giveaway.

So, I'm not exactly sure how to describe this book. The first 2/3 of the book seemed like it was going to be a feel-good story about a little rooster who overcame his size to lead a coop. The last third of the book disabused me of that idea, as it turn a dark and sinister turn. Warning to my animal loving friends: there are graphic scenes in this book that involve animal deaths; however, they are not what I call gratuitous and are there to move the story along. Despite some of the graphic scenes, I did enjoy this book. When I first read some of the other reviews describing the book as "dark," I didn't get that reference until about page 200. And yes, it is sad. I was really rooting for Brad and Red and their chicks.

I have to say that I approach self published debut books a bit cautiously, as they are usually not well edited and the writing sometimes leaves a bit to be desired due to inexperience. However, this was not the case with this book. The writing was solid and there were no editing issues. When I read the author's bio, I saw that he has a degree in editing, which shows in the finished product. I was definitely pleasantly surprised with the quality of the book.

This story was told from the perspective of Brad, the little rooster. The story was based on the author's various experiences with some animals on his farm. I love how he imagined the back story for these animals and created a unique story to explain what happened to them. I'm not sure I liked the beginning part where it went back and forth in time from before and after the raccoon incident; I think it could have been done just as, if not more, effectively telling the story in a straight timeline. However, that was only at the first part of the book and then it became chronological, which was easier to follow. I loved the chickens' feelings towards the Great Yolk (sun) and their rituals. Another interesting aspect was reading about the chickens' perspective of the world and how their version has chickens being the top of the hierarchy. The book also dealt effectively with issues of power and organizational structure, which was well reflected in the setting of the chicken coop. There were several times I found myself comparing this to Animal Farm, although they are two very different books. This was one of those books that I had to read the entire thing and then the author's info on the background of the story to allow me to really appreciate what he did with this story.

[Jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, Chauncey emailed me a while back, asking if I would like to read Home to Roost. The epic-sounding blurb intrigued me and this intrigue only deepened when Chauncey told me that people had “cried over” the book’s main character, a little rooster called Brad.

I will hold my hands up and say I was a little skeptical at first. I mean, sure, I’m a vegetarian but would a chicken really reduce me to tears? I wasn’t so sure, but…

…I have never been so wrong in my life (well, maybe once or twice before, like that time when I thought cutting my hair when drunk was a the greatest idea ever)

In fact, I cried at multiple points throughout this incredible book. What starts off as a simple story about a rooster trying to integrate with his new flock soon spirals into something much, much darker. There are so many different elements to this novel. There’s the horror aspect; the creature that howls in the deep dead of night, its mournful call chilling those who hear it down to the bone. There’s the exploration into the societal hierarchies that rule us all and the constant battle each and every individual – including Brad and Red, and Smokey the dog – faces against the powers that try to hold us back, that try to keep us from happiness and diminish the power and control we wield over our own lives. Home to Roost also looks at the seduction of vengeance and how far people will go to exact it upon those who have wronged them.

For a book that is seemingly about chickens, Home to Roost is a deeply complex novel and one of the many things I loved so much about it was the fact it wasn’t written as a parody. Despite Brad being a teeny tiny rooster, I found myself completely and utterly compelled by him and his life. The way in which this novel has been written meant that I could empathize with Brad and could experience the wide range of emotions felt by him.

In regards to the actual written style, Home to Roost is a beautifully-written, easy-to-read novel. The descriptions are detailed and emotive, yet not overly so, so I found the flow and pace of it to be just right.

To use the old cliché, this book is one hell of a page turner. I finished the final quarter in one sitting and kept finding myself staring at the words, seeing the events unfold within my mind, eyes wide and my hand covering my mouth to mask my shock and horror. I won’t reveal any spoilers but all I will say is the final few chapters are intense!

Easily one of the best reads of 2017 so far!

[Terry Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I reviewed this for Rosie Amber's Review Team, and received an ARC.

When trying to 'tag' this book for my blog, I wasn't sure under what genre to put it; possibly there should be a new Amazon category for it, called anthropomorphic suspense, or something. There's a horror aspect too - it gets darker as it goes on. Okay. The basics. It's about chickens, mostly Little Crown, a small black rooster, and how he finds his way in the world (or the coop). But it's also NOT about chickens, but about social hierarchy and pressure. Another reviewer labelled it 'Animal Farm meets Watership Down', which sums it up, I think.

I loved some of the all-too-human observations, like the way in which Long Tail the Father Rooster does not want Little Crown to learn to fight, because he wants to be all powerful, and show to the hens that he can protect them. And how the chickens think that the Great Yolk (actually the sun, which they consider to be ruler of all things) prizes chickens over other beings, and looks after them first and foremost. Reminded me of the practice of armies praying to an entity in the sky for victory in battle, with the self-important assumption that such an entity would necessarily favour them over the opposing armies.

Home to Roost is written mostly from the point of view of Little Crown, and the first half dots back and forth between his very early life, when he was adopted by the daughter of the farmer's daughter, and before and after 'the racoon incident' ~ an attack outlined at the beginning. Other points of view are from dogs or occasional humans. It's well-written and clever, but I think it would have worked better without all the to-ing and fro-ing with the timeline, just as a straight narrative; I didn't think going back and forth between time periods added anything to it. I also thought the whole thing was too long; chopping down by about a third would have given the story more impact.

Little Crown (earlier and later to be known as Brad) gains knowledge about coop life through the somewhat limited guidance of the Mother Hen, faces fear in the form of cats and snakes, experiences love, loss and revenge. It's good, and interesting; I'd say that it would appeal most to readers interested in sociology and psychology, and people-watching in general.

[S.H. Livernois · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise sounds a bit absurd, and it pains me to say even that, because it sounds like a criticism. I don't mean it that way. That the premise seems to absurd, but the story really works, is a testament to the author's skill and imagination. A horror story told from the perspective of chickens? Who would've though this would make such a good story! And this is why indie publishing is so fantastic--stories like these are so unusual and interesting and creative, and they need to be written. I'm so glad that this story was conceived, written and published. Phenomenal storytelling. Absolutely riveting. The main character, a tiny rooster named Brad, is a strong, admirable character, and his journey is so dynamic and heartbreaking. And Rogers did something not many authors do--he told a well-balanced story of contrasts that touched on every emotion. I was repulsed, frustrated, nervous, inspired, and heartbroken. This wasn't a one-note story, and so many novels are. This book will stay with me for a long time. Well done.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written but sad story!

This story is about the life of a tiny rooster named Brad. But don't think that because it is about chickens, that this is a child's book, because it isn't. It is about good and evil, love and hate, life and death. In fact, this is one of the saddest books that I have ever read, and I will never forget Brad. To me, the mark of a truly good book is one that grabs the reader, and really makes them feel and think. And this book did that for me in a really big way! I still cry when I think about it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by true events! This book had me hooked and there were several nights where I opted to keep reading to find out what happened next instead of getting much-needed sleep. Heads up: it has a paranormal/spooky aspect to it, so if you're looking for a slightly scary book to read during October, check it out. I can't wait to see what else Chauncey Rogers writes.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book may appear to be a cute story about a rooster, there's more than meets the eye. Not only do you laugh, cry, worry, and gasp, you also think. I enjoyed this story more than any other standalone in recent memory. The writing is beautiful and descriptive, and the story provides layers to think through. I'm excited to read more from this author going forward.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. I love a good animal anthropomorphism as much as the next person... well written with a surprising twist of events about a third from the end. Somehow in reading the description I'd completely missed the horror element. Well worth reading anyway. Would recommend.

[Marci · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book started out with promise but just kept getting weirder and darker. Don't waste your time.

[Nathan Ferris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Horror Gem

I am always looking for a gem in horror. So rare, and this book delivered. Chauncey Rogers Home To Roost is in my gem collection of greatness.

[L. Hues · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of Rogers’ work. When writing horror, his writing is most vivid, natural, and gripping. That’s his element and I hope to see more of it!

[Keely · Rating 4 out of 5]

A page turner. Rogers has a skill for creating suspense. Im not one for thrillers, but would be interested to see what he writes next.

[Greta Cribbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know where to start with this book. First I suppose I should say that this is probably the most well-written indie book I've read since I started doing these reviews. I think I found two typos in the entire book (I've read traditionally published books with more than that) and no grammatical errors whatsoever. There may have been a couple of instances of head-hopping, but only when the narrative stepped back from deep 3rd POV to a slightly more omniscient POV, and it was pulled off effectively so as not to come across as a newbie mistake. The author does an excellent job of "show, don't tell", pulling the reader deep into the psyches of the characters, particularly that of Brad the rooster.

But I'd be short-changing this book if I said it was the most well-written indie book I've read and left it there. Really, this is one of the most well-written books I've read period. Because the quality of the writing goes far beyond just style. This is an amazing story. A dark story. A frightening one. One that pulls you in deep and doesn't let you go. So much happens in this book, and the reader is left wondering, along with the character upon whom the final scene closes, "Why?" Why did it all happen? What went wrong.

The events of this story have layers upon layers of meaning. I wonder what the author's goal was in writing it. Is it a critique of society, using the social structure of the henhouse as a metaphor for our own lives. Is it therefore a warning against becoming so set in our ways that we can't accept new ideas? Or are we supposed to see it from the opposite point of view? Are we to blame Brad and his rebellious nature for the bad things that happen? Or perhaps the thing in the woods is meant to be the devil or some other equally ominous entity and the author's intent was to make us wonder whether evil originates in our own hearts or somewhere else. Do we let it in, or is in us from the beginning?

This is one of the most thought-provoking books I've read in a while, and it's a refreshing change from the lighter sorts of stories I've been reading of late. I highly recommend this book.