I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An estranged father and son must reluctantly join forces to survive a deadly mountain town and a horde of deadly threats in author Joel McKay’s “The Dungeoneers and the Treasure of Roan.”

The Synopsis

Two thieves. One legendary treasure. Zero trust.

Wincott is a washed-up burglar with a bad back, frozen toes, and a goblin kill count that’s making his life very complicated. When he flees into the long-abandoned mountain city of Roan—just ahead of a bloodthirsty goblin horde—he finds himself knocked out cold by none other than his estranged son: Sish Torren, a fast-talking rogue with a short sword, shorter temper, and a talent for backstabbing… sometimes literally.

Roan is rumored to house an ancient treasure. It’s also filled with deadly traps, crumbling ruins, and the kind of secrets that swallow people whole. Wincott and Sish reluctantly join forces—not out of love, but because no one survives Roan solo for long. Especially not with mercenaries, monsters, and a certain vengeful former crew barreling toward them.

The Dungeoneers and the Treasure of Roan is “Dungeons & Dysfunction” meets Ocean’s Eleven—if everyone in the crew had unresolved trauma and zero impulse control. A darkly funny, fast-paced fantasy adventure full of sharp blades, sharper tongues, and just enough heart to keep you rooting for the worst people to do the right thing… eventually.

Perfect for fans of Nicholas Eames, Joe Abercrombie, and heist stories with emotional baggage and bite.

The Review

This was a truly unique and captivating read. The author did an exceptional job of utilizing a unique mythology and world-building that brought the dark fantasy elements of the narrative to life. The imagery in the author’s writing style captured the gritty tone that the narrative conveyed, and the plethora of fantasy creatures and action that peppered the story drew readers in as they progressed through the narrative.

The heart of the story lay in the complex character development that unfolded, especially between the two main protagonists. The humor in their calamitous relationship as they bicker with one another helps lighten the mood in certain scenes. Still, it is in the more somber moments, as they delve into the more emotional aspects of their failed bond as father and son, and the trauma their past has on them, that drives the narrative forward. The heart and passion that this stirs in readers helps elevate the sword and sorcerers style of storytelling.

The Verdict

Witty, action-packed, and entertaining, author Joel McKay’s “The Dungeoneers and the Treasure of Roan” is a must-read dark fantasy novel. The twists and turns in the quest that these two and their allies find themselves on, along with the wealth of fantasy creatures and tense atmospheric scenery throughout the narrative, will keep readers invested in the overall story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab a copy on August 15th, 2025!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Joel McKay is an award-winning writer. He calls Prince George, B.C. home, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Wolf at the Door is his first novella, which won the 2022 Global Book Award gold medal for horror. His most recent published fiction was the short story Number Hunnerd in Tyche Books’ anthology Water: Selkies, Sirens and Sea Monsters, and the splatterpunk western short story Hands, which was published in Brigids Gate Press’ anthology Blood in the Soil, Terror on the Wind.

The inspiration for his fiction is drawn from the landscapes and people of British Columbia, particularly the province’s vast, untamed and often misunderstood north. It’s the small towns and the people who call them home that inspired the good ol’ boys featured in Number Hunnerd, or the cool, crisp evenings and early sunsets of October that planted the idea for werewolves at a Thanksgiving feast.

Joel is passionate about Canada, its history and the history of the peoples who have called it home since time immemorial. As far as he’s concerned, New England has got nothing on Northern B.C. when it comes to perfect settings for supernatural tales.

In his spare time, Joel is an avid fly fisherman, mountain biker, hiker and reader. His work as an economic development professional, public relations specialist and journalist has earned him numerous national, provincial and local awards and recognitions.

https://www.joelmckay.ca/