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Wandering Monsters #1
Run Like Hell
Bloody, broke, and face down on the floor is no way to end a job... even for a “monster.” Life hasn’t been easy for Scars of No-Clan. The king has a bounty out on all monstrous folk, leaving half-orc warriors like Scars no choice but to work for the local evil wizard. Now adventurers have hit the wizard’s dungeon, wiping out years of hard work along with most of his co-workers. He’s left with a handful of an outcast goblin scout, a heretical gnoll, the wizard’s bizarre apprentice, a bandit cut loose from the stockade, and a murderous knife-fighting lady bugbear. They have to escape before the adventurers find them--and the only way out is through the darkest reaches of the dungeon. Scars wanted to walk off this job the day he was hired, but going out like this is going to look terrible on his résumé. RUN LIKE HELL contains explicit violence, profanity, heresy, necromancy, sexualized pyromancy, failure to give two weeks’ notice of resignation, workplace violence, lies, theft, looting, bickering, bullying, literal backstabbing, disrespect, oppression, desecration of the dead, negligent safety practices, toxic workplace culture, abuse of prisoners, starvation, endless curses, treason, harassment, unsanitary medical practices, misrepresentation of identity, flagrant abuse of authority, exploited workers, stabbing, slashing, clawing, bludgeoning, biting, stereotyping, immolations, drowning, betrayal, spontaneous unionization, destruction of a historical landmark, vast hordes of the undead, labor disputes, sacrilege, revenge, blunt discussions of cannibalism, unfulfilled dental benefits, and a full embrace of subjects targeted by the Satanic Panic of the 1980s.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2018
235 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 28, 2018
This was a fun read. I rather enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to seeing where the new crew goes in the future. I was originally very wary of this book because I loved the Good Intentions series, but I absolutely hated the Poor Man's Fight series. This right here is up there with his other book, Days of High Adventure , which I also loved. So let's get to the meat and potatoes of this shall we? This is a story about a bunch of people (damn it just because they aren't human doesn't make em not people) trying to move up in life and are quite tired of being stepped on. After being waylaid during a rade, a group of "losers" band together to do the impossible. This is a story of people learning more about other people, and learning more about themselves. I'm not going to sit here and say that there's some DEEP meaning behind everything, or that there's some crazy growth that goes on, but you do see subtle changes that start to add up the longer you read. By the end of the book, if you're not rooting for these people, something is wrong with you. There's no OP characters, and this book is ALL about teamwork. At the end of the day, everyone has their burdens, but they are easier to carry when you have some support. READ THIS.
September 12, 2021
I read Fantasy less and less, because Fantasy is taken more and more seriously, it's impossible to find books of less than 600 pages with 12 points of view, often simple introductions to three or four even longer and more complex suites. They're not necessarily bad books, but they wear me out.
Fortunately, sometimes a talented writer brings a little liveliness, lightness and sheer pleasure to this genre.
This is the case with this little marvel that is "Run Like Hell": a chase of less than 300 pages in a dungeon. A story of friendship, a thrilling adventure, and a cheerful, almost parodic tribute to the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.
The hunted characters (a motley bunch of monsters) are very endearing, you don't waste a single minute being interested in the bad guys (humans who make a typical AD&D team), it's full of humor, action . You don't get bored for a single second.
I loved it !
Fortunately, sometimes a talented writer brings a little liveliness, lightness and sheer pleasure to this genre.
This is the case with this little marvel that is "Run Like Hell": a chase of less than 300 pages in a dungeon. A story of friendship, a thrilling adventure, and a cheerful, almost parodic tribute to the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.
The hunted characters (a motley bunch of monsters) are very endearing, you don't waste a single minute being interested in the bad guys (humans who make a typical AD&D team), it's full of humor, action . You don't get bored for a single second.
I loved it !
June 3, 2023
q_q ok maybe i am a sucker for monsters and found family.
The writing is witty, the action sections are pretty easy to follow, and its really fun to see a mash of dnd worldbuilding applied to the realistic lens of "what would it be like to be someone working low wage for an evil wizard"
also they should unionize.
The writing is witty, the action sections are pretty easy to follow, and its really fun to see a mash of dnd worldbuilding applied to the realistic lens of "what would it be like to be someone working low wage for an evil wizard"
also they should unionize.
September 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this novel. It takes the current trend toward writing stories that are really simply roleplaying adventures and turns it on its head. The monsters are the good guys—but here’s the twist—they really are. Our “heroes” are a group of outcasts who band together to try and survive a group of adventurers who are overrunning the dungeon they are currently employed in. Most of the monsters in that dungeon are nasty bullies but our heroes are the ones who were getting kicked around by them so in addition to avoiding the adventurers they have plenty of trouble with their supposed allies. And of course, there are the legions of undead who inhabit the lowest levels of the dungeon (an old dwarf stronghold) who are a threat to everyone.
As the novel advances, Kay does an excellent job of drawing out the backstories of these misfits making them even more likable and sympathetic. He also shows us that they aren’t wimps. Their problems largely resulted from having no one to watch their backs in the survival of the fittest atmosphere of the barbaric monstrous society. We also learn that the humans, elves and dwarfs are not so likable either (or at least their governments aren’t). The humans have broken a treaty with the monster races that had kept the peace for three generations and appear to have done so for the basest of motivations—greed and racism. Even the adventurers (who would normally be the heroes of this tale) show themselves to be the worst kind of mercenaries.
This is a fun adventure all around and I look forward to the next installment. I’m particularly grateful that Kay avoided all the leveling up and character statistics that usually dominate this subgenre. The novel was much better for concentrating on story and characterization than on character sheets.
As the novel advances, Kay does an excellent job of drawing out the backstories of these misfits making them even more likable and sympathetic. He also shows us that they aren’t wimps. Their problems largely resulted from having no one to watch their backs in the survival of the fittest atmosphere of the barbaric monstrous society. We also learn that the humans, elves and dwarfs are not so likable either (or at least their governments aren’t). The humans have broken a treaty with the monster races that had kept the peace for three generations and appear to have done so for the basest of motivations—greed and racism. Even the adventurers (who would normally be the heroes of this tale) show themselves to be the worst kind of mercenaries.
This is a fun adventure all around and I look forward to the next installment. I’m particularly grateful that Kay avoided all the leveling up and character statistics that usually dominate this subgenre. The novel was much better for concentrating on story and characterization than on character sheets.
March 4, 2019
Very quirky and easy to read.
Written from the viewpoint of monsters (orc's, goblins, etc) who are working for an evil wizard in an underground dungeon when 'adventurers' come in and trash the place, killing everyone indiscriminately.
The few survivors band together and create a camaraderie, which carries them through various challenges to get out alive.
It's a unique take on the old dungeon hunter theme from a totally different angle, and overall I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the sequel.
Written from the viewpoint of monsters (orc's, goblins, etc) who are working for an evil wizard in an underground dungeon when 'adventurers' come in and trash the place, killing everyone indiscriminately.
The few survivors band together and create a camaraderie, which carries them through various challenges to get out alive.
It's a unique take on the old dungeon hunter theme from a totally different angle, and overall I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the sequel.
June 5, 2019
After Poor Man's Fight I expected rather better of Kay than this.
It's a blatantly moralizing book, with all the subtlety of a kick in the teeth. The morals being preached aren't BAD by any means, but it's got all the depth of "bullying is bad OK?" and "don't commit genocides".
Instead of reading this book, read any of several of the Discworld series, many of them deal with the same topics, but with subtlety and far better humor.
It's a blatantly moralizing book, with all the subtlety of a kick in the teeth. The morals being preached aren't BAD by any means, but it's got all the depth of "bullying is bad OK?" and "don't commit genocides".
Instead of reading this book, read any of several of the Discworld series, many of them deal with the same topics, but with subtlety and far better humor.
October 31, 2018
An Unexpected Crew
A nice twist on traditional hack and slash. About the right number of characters, a variety of different monstrous humanoids. All develop as the story progresses.
Scar the half Orc born to a loving couple.
Shady Tooth the strong female, who has a me-too movement undertone. Although never described in detail, she appears to be a sexy bugbear who fills out her leather armor, at least in a way that a troll can't help noticing, and staring at.
Yargol the magician golem constructed from parts from various humanoid races. We never learn of his back story beyond the pain he suffers, ostracized and fitting in no where. (The overriding theme of the book)
War Cloud the heretic paladin hob-goblin.
DigDig the misfit goblin, who somehow manages to find a magic shovel, thus making his character make sense.
Teryn the human who comes to know and trust them all, before revealing her true identity.
Suck the "evil" mage, who really just seems to be a busy guy trying to get things done expediently, and not a classic evil mastermind with world domination plans, or wide reaching mischief.
A classic, if somewhat stereotypical, adventuring party pursues the group through a dungeon, providing some tension and motivation, and a bit of ironic comic relief. The scene where the adventuring parties "Paladin's" backpack is spilled open, and the endless loot (plus several 10' poles) that come spilling out is worth the time to read the book alone. Very humorous.
Looking forward to future books in the series.
A nice twist on traditional hack and slash. About the right number of characters, a variety of different monstrous humanoids. All develop as the story progresses.
Scar the half Orc born to a loving couple.
Shady Tooth the strong female, who has a me-too movement undertone. Although never described in detail, she appears to be a sexy bugbear who fills out her leather armor, at least in a way that a troll can't help noticing, and staring at.
Yargol the magician golem constructed from parts from various humanoid races. We never learn of his back story beyond the pain he suffers, ostracized and fitting in no where. (The overriding theme of the book)
War Cloud the heretic paladin hob-goblin.
DigDig the misfit goblin, who somehow manages to find a magic shovel, thus making his character make sense.
Teryn the human who comes to know and trust them all, before revealing her true identity.
Suck the "evil" mage, who really just seems to be a busy guy trying to get things done expediently, and not a classic evil mastermind with world domination plans, or wide reaching mischief.
A classic, if somewhat stereotypical, adventuring party pursues the group through a dungeon, providing some tension and motivation, and a bit of ironic comic relief. The scene where the adventuring parties "Paladin's" backpack is spilled open, and the endless loot (plus several 10' poles) that come spilling out is worth the time to read the book alone. Very humorous.
Looking forward to future books in the series.
October 13, 2018
Well Done, Interesting, and Fun
And now for something completely different.
No Sci-Fi, no succubi, no tech, no sex. None of the past hallmarks of Kay’s excellent stories. Well...
Pragmatic smart-ass underdog heroes? Check. Dry / inappropriate humor? Check. Magic? Check. Rich world history and environment? Double-check. Companions counting on each other more than The System? Triple-check. Interesting storyline promising a great series? Check-mate.
This looks eat like something that could be thought up during a good role-playing game session, sparked by a few what-ifs and some extra beer. A great many good ideas come up that way, but most don’t see development, and almost none the those that make it see the crafting and polish applied to them like this. Deep characters that grow easily tucked into a world rich with history at every turn. Toss in a despot, politics, and racial injustice and you’ve got another excellent book / series from a great author. Great stuff. Definitely following this. Very recommended.
And now for something completely different.
No Sci-Fi, no succubi, no tech, no sex. None of the past hallmarks of Kay’s excellent stories. Well...
Pragmatic smart-ass underdog heroes? Check. Dry / inappropriate humor? Check. Magic? Check. Rich world history and environment? Double-check. Companions counting on each other more than The System? Triple-check. Interesting storyline promising a great series? Check-mate.
This looks eat like something that could be thought up during a good role-playing game session, sparked by a few what-ifs and some extra beer. A great many good ideas come up that way, but most don’t see development, and almost none the those that make it see the crafting and polish applied to them like this. Deep characters that grow easily tucked into a world rich with history at every turn. Toss in a despot, politics, and racial injustice and you’ve got another excellent book / series from a great author. Great stuff. Definitely following this. Very recommended.
August 10, 2023
I wanted to like it, but with all the characters and all the villains the fighting descriptions I just got lost and had trouble visualizing what was happening, We have a basic group of downtrodden individuals who we learn as we go along the troubles they have faced to become the people that they are of course they are not humans but we learn that they are each individual that only want to be treated with equality and respect - but none of them have ever gotten it from their race and most form any race. They come together and form a band of ... well a family, kinda reminds me of all the A Team or as recient as Guardians of the galaxy gang. Unfortunately there is alot of fighting and I found myself skipping /skimming the fighting.. and I'm about to stop my Unlimited subscription- if they let me read the book after the unlimited ends I plan to come back to this book to keep skimming the fighting and see where they take this misfit band of adventures.
October 20, 2018
Excellent
This is an excellent story. Well written with decent characters...warning it's also kind of a downer, basically this is what you get if you translate certain elements of any historical period where the leaders and people decide "they want their country back" and monsters are literally made up of antagonist groups who lost earlier wars and disenfranchised races who got pushed to that side because their lives were turned upside down because the whole country decided racism is cool again...Ultimately, like I said its decently written, well characterized, and certainly very engaging....but if you were looking for an escapist romp like I was this is not the book for you.
This is an excellent story. Well written with decent characters...warning it's also kind of a downer, basically this is what you get if you translate certain elements of any historical period where the leaders and people decide "they want their country back" and monsters are literally made up of antagonist groups who lost earlier wars and disenfranchised races who got pushed to that side because their lives were turned upside down because the whole country decided racism is cool again...Ultimately, like I said its decently written, well characterized, and certainly very engaging....but if you were looking for an escapist romp like I was this is not the book for you.
February 19, 2021
The author has a talent for fun, entertaining narrative with lovable characters. The monsters in this book stick together in adversity caused by the unstoppable destructive force of super-high level adventurers doing a 'clean sweep' through a dungeon. The monsters learn to stick up for each other and stand up to the bullies who pushed them around their entire lives.
It is sublime nonsense primed for an escapist thrill in a nostalgic fantasy world that is throw back to a session of Dungeons and Dragons as run by a GM who allows players to totally ignore the dice whenever the rolls don't go their way. Anyone picked on as a kid will feel a profound sense of vindication as they watch these loser monsters get transformed into an invincible team.
It is sublime nonsense primed for an escapist thrill in a nostalgic fantasy world that is throw back to a session of Dungeons and Dragons as run by a GM who allows players to totally ignore the dice whenever the rolls don't go their way. Anyone picked on as a kid will feel a profound sense of vindication as they watch these loser monsters get transformed into an invincible team.
June 22, 2019
A fun little book. I am not really a fan of all the RPG lit floating around but I did play a little D&D back in the day (okay, a LOT of D&D). The premise was an interesting one, telling of a dungeon raid by "adventurers" from the perspective of the victims. After all, the "adventurers" are trespassing as well as committing all sorts of other aggressions.
Far beyond a cute premise, Kay does a great job with the characters themselves. It is the characters that drive the story and it makes for a good time. Though it's not my usual genre, I will definitely read the next installment.
Far beyond a cute premise, Kay does a great job with the characters themselves. It is the characters that drive the story and it makes for a good time. Though it's not my usual genre, I will definitely read the next installment.
June 26, 2019
Book one
Mistakes: None found. Very well written.
Characters: I love them. The Crew portrayed the very best of humanity time and time again, even though they were the monsters. While the adventures showed the darker side of humanity. Nice contrast.
Plot: Simple on the surface, monsters trying to get out of a defeated dungeon. Deeper in the since that you feel the bonds of true friendship form.
10/10
Mistakes: None found. Very well written.
Characters: I love them. The Crew portrayed the very best of humanity time and time again, even though they were the monsters. While the adventures showed the darker side of humanity. Nice contrast.
Plot: Simple on the surface, monsters trying to get out of a defeated dungeon. Deeper in the since that you feel the bonds of true friendship form.
10/10
December 19, 2019
“Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.” (Return of the Jedi)
Great literature: No.
A fun read: Absolutely.
A bunch of misfit monsters form into a crew of friends as they fight and flee the terror wrought by a group of “adventurers”.
It’s Dungeons & Dragons from the monsters perspective.
“Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.” (Return of the Jedi)
A fast-reading page-turner with insights on politics, war, religion, and philosophy.
Great literature: No.
A fun read: Absolutely.
A bunch of misfit monsters form into a crew of friends as they fight and flee the terror wrought by a group of “adventurers”.
It’s Dungeons & Dragons from the monsters perspective.
“Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.” (Return of the Jedi)
A fast-reading page-turner with insights on politics, war, religion, and philosophy.
June 22, 2020
I'm noticing a real Social Justice agenda in this author's books, and holy fuck does he beat you over the head with it in this book.
A shame really; overall it's well written and some of it even amusing, but it's overshadowed by very thinly-veiled social commentary. I get enough of that in the media, I don't need it in my fantasy books. I will not be continuing with this series as I've seen enough of the author's work now to know what I'll get.
A shame really; overall it's well written and some of it even amusing, but it's overshadowed by very thinly-veiled social commentary. I get enough of that in the media, I don't need it in my fantasy books. I will not be continuing with this series as I've seen enough of the author's work now to know what I'll get.
March 16, 2019
WANDERING MONSTERS BOOK 1....
WANDERING MONSTERS BOOK 1!
I was looking for a book that had unusual characters, characters that are usually seen as bad or evil or as monsters but have heart after all...just like all of us imperfect humans; to my surprise and pleasure this book completely filled that requirement ....I wish there was already aMONSTERS BOOK 2. Can’t hardly wait!!!
WANDERING MONSTERS BOOK 1!
I was looking for a book that had unusual characters, characters that are usually seen as bad or evil or as monsters but have heart after all...just like all of us imperfect humans; to my surprise and pleasure this book completely filled that requirement ....I wish there was already aMONSTERS BOOK 2. Can’t hardly wait!!!
August 16, 2019
Excellent, excellent, excellent!
An adventure from the point of view of the staple D&D monsters. The characters are written so well, and their banter is insanely good. Plus it dares to ask questions like "why do monsters in dungeons carry coinage anyway? What do they spend it on?).
An adventure from the point of view of the staple D&D monsters. The characters are written so well, and their banter is insanely good. Plus it dares to ask questions like "why do monsters in dungeons carry coinage anyway? What do they spend it on?).
December 19, 2019
Great monster band story
Inverse of the usual adventurers getting together tale, a bunch of misfit monsters (and a half elf) get together to stop the adventurers hell-bent on destroying their lives. It was a pleasure to see the characters grow and develop and turn into a group that I'm looking forward to reading more of!
Inverse of the usual adventurers getting together tale, a bunch of misfit monsters (and a half elf) get together to stop the adventurers hell-bent on destroying their lives. It was a pleasure to see the characters grow and develop and turn into a group that I'm looking forward to reading more of!
September 11, 2018
Really good
LitRPG from a monstrous perspective.
Full of heart, stress, danger, struggle, and backstory. Smart solutions, knowing when to run, and loyalty give them a real chance to survive the calamity that is a powerful adventuring party.
LitRPG from a monstrous perspective.
Full of heart, stress, danger, struggle, and backstory. Smart solutions, knowing when to run, and loyalty give them a real chance to survive the calamity that is a powerful adventuring party.
September 28, 2018
Just OK
I’m a fan of Elliott Kay, his Good Intensions series is excellent. And the first two books of a Poor Man’s Fight equally good. I would have given Run Like Hell 3.5 stars if possible. This book certainly wasn’t bad, just uneventful.
I’m a fan of Elliott Kay, his Good Intensions series is excellent. And the first two books of a Poor Man’s Fight equally good. I would have given Run Like Hell 3.5 stars if possible. This book certainly wasn’t bad, just uneventful.
September 29, 2018
Standing by the fourth wall
Standard fantasy tropes with self-aware characters that *almost* see the narrative. The humor is all in the times they barely avoid breaking the wall.
I will buy the next book. Best recommendation I can give.
Standard fantasy tropes with self-aware characters that *almost* see the narrative. The humor is all in the times they barely avoid breaking the wall.
I will buy the next book. Best recommendation I can give.
November 24, 2018
Just beautiful!
I want to be part of this crew! Funny, heart warming, exciting, with a crew of misfits you cheer for, and everyone else you cheer to see take an enchanted shovel to the head! Can't wait to read more!
I want to be part of this crew! Funny, heart warming, exciting, with a crew of misfits you cheer for, and everyone else you cheer to see take an enchanted shovel to the head! Can't wait to read more!
April 17, 2019
Character-driven swashbuckler
Elliott Kay once again delivers a high-quality action adventure with characters that all have distinct personalities. This story is a nice Twist on the monsters versus heroes genre.
Elliott Kay once again delivers a high-quality action adventure with characters that all have distinct personalities. This story is a nice Twist on the monsters versus heroes genre.
June 18, 2019
Fun and lighthearted
A fun light story about found family. It had a deeper context with underlying themes of prejudice and discrimination, but they enriched the story rather than feeling preachy or forced.
A fun light story about found family. It had a deeper context with underlying themes of prejudice and discrimination, but they enriched the story rather than feeling preachy or forced.
August 1, 2019
Never liked a bunch of monsters so much
Really, we always read about adventures cleaning out dungeons and gathering loot. This is written from the monsters perspective. An unlikely group that becomes a team while trying to escape adventurers and the prior harsh enforcers.
Really, we always read about adventures cleaning out dungeons and gathering loot. This is written from the monsters perspective. An unlikely group that becomes a team while trying to escape adventurers and the prior harsh enforcers.
October 8, 2019
This was cute. The story kept moving, the characters were interesting and sympathetic without leaning too heavily on sappy background stories. I've read a few of these henchmen as protagonists books and this is at the top of the heap.
March 4, 2020
I'm confused... I love EVERYTHING else...
...EK has done. The writing on this was fine... But, just fine.
His other books are SPECTACULAR, 5 stars every one.
I'm confused... I already have the second book of this series, but as of now - I don't plan on reading it.
...EK has done. The writing on this was fine... But, just fine.
His other books are SPECTACULAR, 5 stars every one.
I'm confused... I already have the second book of this series, but as of now - I don't plan on reading it.
October 13, 2021
Fun short read.
Good character creating
Interesting world creation
For a first book it does all that you need to set up future books while still making you care about the players. Again. fun read
Good character creating
Interesting world creation
For a first book it does all that you need to set up future books while still making you care about the players. Again. fun read
September 21, 2018
Wonderfully fun book that skewers many fantasy tropes while slowly revealing hidden depths, hold the angst.
October 8, 2018
Love it
This is a hilarious take on your classic DND adventure story. I love the humanizing of the anti-heroes and the demonizing of the adventure party. Elliot K never disappoints.
This is a hilarious take on your classic DND adventure story. I love the humanizing of the anti-heroes and the demonizing of the adventure party. Elliot K never disappoints.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews