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.
I've read over 150 books in the last 6 months and I haven't given any of them 5 stars except for this book. I don't consider myself a particularly harsh critic, but I hold 5 star ratings reserved for truly the books I find the most entertaining and enjoyable. I say this because this is one of those books that is the best of the best that is up there with The Name of the Wind, The Lies of Locke Lamora and other similar books in terms of quality and how much I enjoyed it. The characters are amazing, the story is epic, the journey is wonderful and heartbreaking. And above all else it tells a story and it tells it well, drawing you into the world and the characters. It's a shame that more people don't know about this series and I'll be recommending it to anyone I know who will listen.
Chuck Rogers's fantasy epic debut, HEROES ROAD, followed the adventures of Welshman Coel ap Math and Russian Snorri Yaroslav as they worked in the employ of Reza Walladid, a sorcerer in search of a mysterious item. Early in the first book, Coel is attacked by hobgoblins, and later on, they discover that the hobgoblins are planning an invasion, something that had not been done in centuries.
HEROES ROAD 2 picks up where the first adventure left off, with Coel and Snorri looking to raise the alarm. Coel is put through even greater adversity, leaving him battered, scarred, and utterly broken. Throughout, Rogers does an excellent job of continuing to develop not only Coel, but all of the characters. Many familiar faces are seen, in addition to several new characters, both human and non-human, all of them excellently rounded out.
The action is as usual visceral and gory, and Rogers continues the first book's tradition of bawdy jokes told in a fashion congruent to the timeline. The reader will laugh, feel terrified, weep, and be in awe of the amazing feats accomplished by the heroes in the face of nigh-insurmountable odds.
Excellent read for fans of the genre. Highly recommended.
This followup book was also great, it brought interesting twists and turns and, as always, the battle scenes were grisly, gripping and masterfully written. I think this book is done better than the first but things still felt a bit linear, actions could have more consequences for "the road not taken". I sped through this book just like the first, great pacing and interesting characters with unexpected twists. I enjoy the philosophy shown by Juba as well.
Great continuation of the story. This is one of the best series out now. The depth of the characters and emotions the author instills in the reader makes this a must read for anyone.
Well written characters, interesting back story, no giant leaps in logic, what more can you ask for? Definitely a book that makes you care about the characters and how they develop.
Very unique style of writing I came across this book by accident but it was so good that I had to grab the second one immediately. It is just satisfying to read, the characters development is so unique, you can feel the emotions from them.
A great read for fantasy adventure lovers. Really fun and interesting all around. The ending could be a bit less shticky, with its bizarre porno scene and usual deus ex machina.
I thought this one was just as much fun as the first Heroes Road. This one takes you to faraway lands and I loved the swords, crossbows,and other weapons featured in the story. Reading this book was like a fun day at Cedar Point with the roller coasters being the battle scenes and the ferris wheel and merry go road being the calmer parts of the book. I liked the touches of humor in parts of the book.And like the first book it had the same feeling as watching a movie and forgetting you were in the theater. As I did with the first book, now I want to play Golden Axe, Golden Axe 2, Crossbow, Diablo, and other sword and sorcerer video games. Looking forward to Heroes Road 3.
What an epic read. This book had me gripped from start to finish. I found myself emotionally attached to the character through the excellent writing. I hope for a third book but unfortunately cannot see any information regarding a third!
I had told myself I would wait to leave this review until after I was finished with the 3rd book but to hell with that. I need to put my opinion into the aether.
This. Series. Is. Fantastic.
There. I've said it.
This series checks all of my boxes. Like, every single one. There is adventure. There is humor and witty banter. There is a flawed MMC. There are found friends, foes to bros, epic fight scenes, mythical creatures, adventures on the sea, adventures on land, lost loves and new loves. It made me laugh, bite my nails, and cry.
If you do not like laughing, it's a 0/10 - do not recommend.