
The perfect blend of the gaming world and epic fantasy.
With millions watching on live stream, Daxx and his teammates Qrysta and Grell win the role-playing Games (RPG) Grand Championship. But winning the game was was a piece of cake compared with what comes next.
Daxx wakes up to find he's turned into his own avatar and is in the middle of a wilderness he doesn't recognize. Armed with a crappy sword he has no idea how to use and dressed in beginner-level gear he must figure out how to survive quickly because he can already hear the blood-thirsty howls of wild animals from the jungle that surrounds him.
Thus starts a fantastic epic fantasy adventure. Once the three friends finally find each other they need to puzzle out their new world, gain skills, combat enemies, and make alliances with all kinds of characters and creatures from the different territories of this new world in order to survive.
The heart stopping action is interspersed with humor making it a ridiculously fun and addictive read. Ready Player One meets Lord of the Rings in Disc World.
New Rock, New Role is possibly one of the best novels I’ve ever read. Richard Sparks has crafted a masterpiece that words can scarcely do justice to. The book drew me in so deeply, I felt as though I was living within its pages. The world-building wasn’t just about setting the scene or painting vivid imagery; it was a fully immersive experience. The world itself became integral to the characters’ lives and the overarching themes of the story.
When world-building is done with such care, readers can imagine the landscapes, hear the sounds, and feel the atmosphere. In this novel, I lost myself in the story, forgetting reality and consuming every word as though I were part of the adventure myself. The world wasn’t merely a backdrop—it shaped how the characters adapted and evolved. When world-building is this well done, it elevates the entire reading experience.
Richard Sparks clearly put great thought into this aspect of his story, and it’s one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. I couldn’t put the book down. Reality seemed distant as I became fully engrossed in the pages. The characters felt like old friends, and experiencing their trials, tribulations, quests, and emotional rollercoasters made the story feel like my own journey. The entire experience was an epic blend of excitement, emotion, and adventure. The novel begins with Joss, a retired teacher who finds solace in online gaming, his only real connection to the world. With no close friends or family, he forges deep bonds with players he has never met in person but has adventured alongside for years. Among them are an Australian Orc and Qrysta, a skilled dual-wielding sword dancer. In the game, Joss is Daxx—a powerful battlemage, meticulously crafted and mastered through countless hours of play.
Their journey kicks off at the World Championship, where their teamwork and skill secure an inevitable victory. But just when they think it’s another win in the books, everything changes. Instead of logging out, they find themselves transported into a real, unfamiliar world—stripped of their hard-earned power and starting from scratch. Now, just like in the game, they must fight to survive, level up, and reclaim their strength. But this time, the stakes are real.
Each character was thoughtfully crafted to showcase their growth and evolution throughout the story. Their distinct personalities shone through, making them feel authentic and dynamic. Even the side characters were given unique traits and quirks, ensuring that no two felt the same. The book was brimming with humor and wit, which resonated with me perfectly—I often found myself laughing out loud at the clever dialogue and amusing interactions. I'm not sure how long Richard actually spent planning this novel, but each twist and turn seemed miraculously crafted to leave me speechless after finishing. Whilst some readers would think this novel is a slow burn, I felt as though it was entirely necessary to fully immerse yourself into an unfolding world.
I didn't just read this book, I also took the time to experience the audio version too. Narrated by the author himself. His narration added a personal touch, bringing the characters to life. I highly recommend giving the audiobook a go as well as reading the book, to gain the full immersive experience this novel offers. As for the ending? DID NOT see that coming. No spoilers here at all, but let's just say it left me incredibly excited for the next instalment, which is actually out now. If you love ready player one, gaming and epic fantasy this book is an absolute must read.
A huge, appreciated thank you to Richard Sparks and Sam Westerby for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'm excited to chat to Richard and dive into all the questions that I have.
Link to buy below:
https://amzn.to/4gnc08Q
Social Media:
New Rock New Role (@NewRockNewRole) / X
www.richardsparks.com
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