Heroic Quests
Background
The Heroic Quests are just that.
Thrilling adventures set in a medieval fantasy world where magic and dragons are not uncommon.
From the tranquil village inn of Fernslow through the Middlewood forest and mountains to the city of Stonefort, travel with heroes on a rescue mission.
Dwarves, elves, orcs, knights, thieves, wizards, barbarians and clerics are not always going to live in peace and harmony. From the tension, conflict and peril rise.
There is a time for friendship and diplomacy but also a time to fight for what is right or to fight for your life.
The Books
Vengeance and Honour
Honour and Blood
Blood and Vengeance
A retired knight. Faithful friends. A rescue mission that desperately needs a sober leader.
Ric, a former knight of the realm, had successfully unlocked the ultimate quest: spending his entire fortune on tavern ale alongside Mae, the beautiful barmaid who actually makes his life worth living. It was the perfect, tranquil retirement.
Until his spiteful royal father decided to ruin everything.
When King Edgar’s agents snatch Mae away, Ric is forced to trade his tankard for a broadsword. But marching into enemy territory alone is suicide, forcing Ric to assemble the most volatile, dysfunctional adventuring party the kingdom has ever seen:
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Hendel: A nimble half-elf who handles the stealth (and the egos).
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Stefan: An archmage whose magical prowess is matched only by his inappropriate romantic pursuits.
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Calista: A wise cleric tasked with keeping everyone alive, sane, and mostly un-cursed.
Together, this heroic band must survive monster-infested forests, treacherous mountain passes, and heavily fortified cities. Ric is out of beer and entirely out of mercy. But it’s going to take a miracle—or at least a very high initiative roll—to pull off the ultimate rescue.
Perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett and Kings of the Wyld, this laugh-out-loud sword and sorcery adventure proves that doing the honourable thing is much harder when you're nursing a hangover.
Four friends have fought heroically in their quest for vengeance and honour.
Now, barbarians are growing restless in the mountains, showing little tolerance for anyone who stands in their way.
With warrior Ric on the run from Stonefort’s guards, Hendel the half-elf’s search for his mysterious father gives them a good reason to divert and lie low. Choosing the right path will prove a test of Calista the cleric’s faith, especially when the fate of her dwarven friends hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, Stefan the archmage’s temporary separation from his friends uncovers alarming revelations about his past.
From the restless village of Oakendale to the vipers’ nest that is the city port of Bridgebay, nobody is quite as they seem, and trust is not given lightly. Whose motivations are true, and who will fight with honour when double crossing can only lead to bloodshed?
The conclusion of the Heroic Quests trilogy is currently being written and is coming soon...
Characters
Reviews
Humorous fantasy quest
I absolutely adored this fantasy book; the characters go on a heroic quest and they take you along with them. Inspired by D & D but easily accessible for all and such a unique, fun read.
Ric, a former Knight, goes on a quest to save his beloved Mae who is abducted. Hendel, a half-elf in search of his human father, ends up helping him on his quest. Along the way their journey picks up some other fabulous characters; a hilarious mage called Stefan and a wise cleric, Calista. The group band together on the mission to save Mae, whilst getting caught up in other mischief along the way...like fighting a dragon.
One of my favourite things about this book is the humour. There's a lot of action and heroics but the humour really makes the book... I especially loved the cheese dreams, everything about Stefan and the sandwich part 🤣 The characters are so well thought out and I loved them all.
I was not expecting the ending at all and loved the twists it took. A fun, adventurous tale filled with magic, heroics and friendship. Highly recommend and I am super excited there's going to be a book 2.
Fantasy for the modern age. A classic!
When I read fantasy books, I grade them on my DnD scale. Could this be an adventure? Is the party balanced? How’s the magic system?
Ben ticks all those boxes with Vengeance and Honour. The magic system rocks, down to the use of components to cast different spells, the party is balanced, with two fighter classes and two casters. It works.
As for the story? It’s fallen hero trying to find his lost love. Perfection. This could grace and tabletop adventure. Along the way to find the feisty maiden, the party fight all manner of beasties, with a realistic take on combat, that wasn’t gratuitous or over the top. Each battle had peril too. None of the characters were wearing plot armour, and jeopardy was a real threat to everyone.
Rating? It’s a win. I’ve already bought the next one.
A refreshing change from Ben Dixon
Like all good quests, it starts in a tavern, and the exciting adventure begins very quickly. I love the vibe of skilled characters becoming friends along their journey, and these four bring everything to the table. A nifty elf, an ale-guzzling knight, a randy wizard and a foxy cleric. The banter between them is funny and endearing with all side characters having distinct and memorable personalities.
There are great battle scenes, hopes and fears, threat and a lot of funny parts.
Without wanting to spoil, the vivid dreams based on an excess of cheese were priceless as was the chapter with the dragon attack.
Perfect as a diversion from real life. Part Conan, part LOTR, part DnD adventure. Great stuff, Ben Dixon always delivers.
The Story Continues
Ben Dixon is back with the second instalment of his adventure/fantasy trilogy and he hits all the right notes with Honour and Blood, delivering a fast-paced, sharp-witted fantasy that builds brilliantly on the foundations of Vengeance and Honour.
What makes Dixon's sword-and-sorcery series stand out is how effortlessly it balances classic epic adventure with a distinct, irreverent sense of humour. The core band of misfits—Ric, Hendel, Stefan, and Calista—continues to carry the story with fantastic chemistry. Watching their group dynamic fray under the pressure of mountain barbarians, shifting alliances, and looming betrayals keeps the stakes high without ever losing the light-hearted edge that makes these characters so easy to root for.
The narrative moves at a relentless clip. The action sequences are vivid and punchy, but it’s the character banter and unexpected plot twists that really drive the book home.
It is a fantastic middle chapter that leaves the story poised for an explosive finish. I am looking forward to the final instalment of the trilogy, Blood and Vengeance.
Round 2 of adventure, quest, action and fun
5 ⭐️
Another fun, eventful adventure and quest from Ben. This book picks up directly from where book 1 finishes.
Stefan is returning Mae safely home while Hendel, Ric and Calista search for Hendel's father.
I loved finding out more about Stefan and seeing a bit more of a serious side to him. All of the characters are so loveable in their own ways and it was cool travelling alongside them on their journey. I don't want to give any spoilers but I enjoyed seeing Hendel completing his mission, even if it wasn't what he expected.
I enjoyed seeing more from the Queen and from the brutal Bilvask - there was a scene where I physically shuddered. The meeting with Tom reminded me of Luke and Yoda meeting in Star Wars for the first time. I'm most intrigued about Claressa.
The reunion with Stefan was the cutest thing and I feel like my face could have split in two with my grin. Ben has a brilliant way of balancing humour and action that makes you never want to put the book down. If there was any bunch of people I'd want to go on a quest with it would definitely be these guys. I could read about them forever. Cannot wait for the next book.
This one is for you if:
• you're a LOTR fan
• you like dungeons and dragons
• you enjoy quick witted, fast paced dialogue and action
• you like adventures with quirky characters
An entertaining fantasy quest with humour, danger and charm
Bravo Ben! This is an enjoyable fantasy adventure that wears its influences proudly and keeps the story moving at a brisk pace throughout. Fans of classic fantasy staples — dwarves, barbarians, clerics, giants, elves, mages and archmages — will find plenty to enjoy here, along with energetic action scenes, flashes of dark violence, and a welcome streak of cheeky humour.
What impressed me most compared with the author’s previous work was the greater ambition of the storytelling. The parallel plotlines give the novel a broader scope and a more mature structure, while still keeping the accessible, fast-moving style that suits the genre well. The characters are likeable, the world is lively, and there is a genuine sense of momentum that keeps you turning the pages to see how everything finally comes together.
Honour And Blood knows exactly the sort of audience it wants to entertain, and it does so with enthusiasm and confidence.