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West of West #2
Ziemi tej nie opuścisz
Dumne plemię Wotan kontynuuje wędrówkę na Zachód. Po spotkaniu z niedźwiedziem, Rzeką Matką, tornadem i niezwykle przyjaznymi plemionami pozostało ich dziewięcioro. W tym dwoje dzieci. I dwa szopy. Razem z nimi wędrują krwiożercze wojowniczki, które marzą tylko o tym, by ich wszystkich wyrżnąć do nogi i spokojnie wrócić do domu. Na horyzoncie właśnie pojawili się Badlandczycy, znani głównie z bycia zwyrodniałymi sadystami.
Zapowiada się naprawdę wesoła przygoda!
Zapowiada się naprawdę wesoła przygoda!
688 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2018
40 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Angus Watson
23 books425 followersIn his twenties, Angus Watson’s jobs ranged from forklift truck driver to investment banker. He spent his thirties on various assignments as a freelance writer, including looking for Bigfoot in the USA for the Telegraph, diving on the scuppered German fleet at Scapa Flow for the Financial Times and swimming with sea lions off the Galapagos Islands for the Times. Now entering his forties, Angus lives in London with his wife Nicola and baby son Charlie. As a fan of both historical fiction and epic fantasy, he came up with the idea of writing a fantasy set in the Iron Age when exploring British hillforts for the Telegraph, and developed the story while walking Britain’s ancient paths for further articles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 27, 2018
Thanks to Orbit for an ARC of The Land you Never Leave in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this ARC in no way influences my thoughts or opinions on the book or its author.
Have you ever judged a book by its cover? The reason I ask is because I am a book cover snob. If a cover appeals to me, I’ll more than likely pick it up and at least give it a glance over.
Well, that is sort of what happened with You Die When You Die (not to mention that awesome title).
Having never read Watson’s Iron Age trilogy, I had no idea what to expect from his writing. All I knew was that it was Viking fantasy and had to involve a mass amount of bloodshed. While I didn’t find myself disappointed, it turned out to be a completely different novel than I was expecting.
It was actually pretty freaking hilarious. Sort of a mix between the lore/violence/heritage of Vikings and the humor of Douglas Adams. Weird, right? But it worked brilliantly.
Now, we have its sequel, The Land You Never Leave.
Taking place on the heels of Book 1, we are once again camping out with the group from Hardwork (aka The Mushroom Men) and the Owsla (a group of magically endowed, brutish women) as they make their way west of west, across the Ocean of Grass, to save mankind. Unfortunately for them, they are captured early on by a group of murderers known as Badlanders and are taken to a Thunderdome-ish arena for the enjoyment of the Badland’s inhabitants. Forced to wear box collars full of spiders and watched 24/7 by a group of creepy children, our heroes must do what they are told or face imminent death.
What I enjoy so much about this series is the humor. It is a constant back and forth between antagonists and protagonists, fraught with dick jokes and demasculinization (the urban dictionary definition; not the testicle removal Webster version) of one another. It is chok-full of danger and violence, and enough bloodshed to fill the ritual bowls 1,000,000 times over. It is a bunch of Floki’s who are forced to fight for their lives when all they want to do is take drugs and build boats.
But this series also has a lot of heart. Finnbogi the Boggy (absolutely love his name) has to grow up quickly and decide whether or not he wants to become a hero, and if so, what sort of hero he will be. It is about how this group comes together, despite their differences, and works together to overcome all obstacles in their way, even when a huge chunk of those obstacles includes running around with deadly spiders wrapped around their necks.
West of West is a seriously underestimated, underhyped, and overlooked series that absolutely garners more attention than it is getting. If you enjoy an overhaul of humor with your intense fight scenes and gory detail, then these books are right up your alley.
Have you ever judged a book by its cover? The reason I ask is because I am a book cover snob. If a cover appeals to me, I’ll more than likely pick it up and at least give it a glance over.
Well, that is sort of what happened with You Die When You Die (not to mention that awesome title).
Having never read Watson’s Iron Age trilogy, I had no idea what to expect from his writing. All I knew was that it was Viking fantasy and had to involve a mass amount of bloodshed. While I didn’t find myself disappointed, it turned out to be a completely different novel than I was expecting.
It was actually pretty freaking hilarious. Sort of a mix between the lore/violence/heritage of Vikings and the humor of Douglas Adams. Weird, right? But it worked brilliantly.
Now, we have its sequel, The Land You Never Leave.
Taking place on the heels of Book 1, we are once again camping out with the group from Hardwork (aka The Mushroom Men) and the Owsla (a group of magically endowed, brutish women) as they make their way west of west, across the Ocean of Grass, to save mankind. Unfortunately for them, they are captured early on by a group of murderers known as Badlanders and are taken to a Thunderdome-ish arena for the enjoyment of the Badland’s inhabitants. Forced to wear box collars full of spiders and watched 24/7 by a group of creepy children, our heroes must do what they are told or face imminent death.
What I enjoy so much about this series is the humor. It is a constant back and forth between antagonists and protagonists, fraught with dick jokes and demasculinization (the urban dictionary definition; not the testicle removal Webster version) of one another. It is chok-full of danger and violence, and enough bloodshed to fill the ritual bowls 1,000,000 times over. It is a bunch of Floki’s who are forced to fight for their lives when all they want to do is take drugs and build boats.
But this series also has a lot of heart. Finnbogi the Boggy (absolutely love his name) has to grow up quickly and decide whether or not he wants to become a hero, and if so, what sort of hero he will be. It is about how this group comes together, despite their differences, and works together to overcome all obstacles in their way, even when a huge chunk of those obstacles includes running around with deadly spiders wrapped around their necks.
West of West is a seriously underestimated, underhyped, and overlooked series that absolutely garners more attention than it is getting. If you enjoy an overhaul of humor with your intense fight scenes and gory detail, then these books are right up your alley.
April 30, 2020
"Bravery is being afraid but standing your ground." - Gunnhild Kristlover
Absolutely loved this audio book! Terrific narration of a hilarious, heartwarming and crazily action packed story. Particularly appreciated the character development in this second installment of the West of West trilogy - I think I've found my people ;-)
Absolutely loved this audio book! Terrific narration of a hilarious, heartwarming and crazily action packed story. Particularly appreciated the character development in this second installment of the West of West trilogy - I think I've found my people ;-)
November 18, 2020
4.5 Stars
Again I really enjoyed this second in the series and it definitely lifted things up a notch.
The world building is good although for a long book a bit sparse. There are some amazing places the characters journey through and it just didn't quite pop out as much as I expected. Some scenes though are really vivid and detailed which really add to the story.
Fantastic characters though even though there are a lot of them. This book really focuses on the characters and so it should. They are a very diverse and unusual group but are bound together for better or worse. And the characters really grew in this one which I loved. The Owsla in particular really shine and it was brilliant to learn more about them and to see different aspects to their characterisations.
And the new name for the hardworkers is brilliant. No spoilers but I think you'll love it.
The pacing wasn't always on point and the plot seemed a bit underdeveloped at times but they are minor issues really.
An excellent follow up to the first and definitely lifted in a few areas from the first.
Really excited to read the last in the series and see where this epic journey takes them all.
Highly recommended
Again I really enjoyed this second in the series and it definitely lifted things up a notch.
The world building is good although for a long book a bit sparse. There are some amazing places the characters journey through and it just didn't quite pop out as much as I expected. Some scenes though are really vivid and detailed which really add to the story.
Fantastic characters though even though there are a lot of them. This book really focuses on the characters and so it should. They are a very diverse and unusual group but are bound together for better or worse. And the characters really grew in this one which I loved. The Owsla in particular really shine and it was brilliant to learn more about them and to see different aspects to their characterisations.
And the new name for the hardworkers is brilliant. No spoilers but I think you'll love it.
The pacing wasn't always on point and the plot seemed a bit underdeveloped at times but they are minor issues really.
An excellent follow up to the first and definitely lifted in a few areas from the first.
Really excited to read the last in the series and see where this epic journey takes them all.
Highly recommended
December 11, 2018
TBH I fucking loved this book. That's all I have to say
October 5, 2018
Combine Viking mythology, the action of the tv series Spartacus, a touch of the absurd, alchemical magic and a healthy dose of humor and you'll come close to having the West of West series by Angus Watson. What can I say? I absolutely loved every second of this crazy journey.
The Land You Never Leave is the second book in the trilogy and the story picks up immediately where book one leaves off. The two tribes have formed an uneasy alliance as they set off across the Ocean of Grass to continue their quest to take Ottar the Moaner to a place called the Meadows. Between our heroes and their ultimate goal are the Badlands, home to the one of the most brutal tribes west of the Water Mother and a collection of terrifying monsters. As if the world wasn't dangerous enough as it was.
Each of the characters that took so long to grow on me in book one all have solidified their places in my heart. Their inner monologues combined with the back and forth banter between them is so much fun. I loved the insights into their motivations and even the one guy who enjoys pointing out phallic shaped rocks was quite funny. All the points of view, and there are a lot of them, are woven together well.
As to the plot, my summary above really doesn't do any justice to just how bizarrely wonderful and quirky the story is. Watson is so creative that after the first hour or so of listening I stopped trying to guess what was coming next and just enjoyed the ride. It was glorious.
I listened to the audio book narrated by Sean Barrett. I love his voice! His narration brings all the characters to life and his comedic timing is perfect. It was a joy to listen to.
I truly cannot express how much I loved this book. Can't wait for book 3!
The Land You Never Leave is the second book in the trilogy and the story picks up immediately where book one leaves off. The two tribes have formed an uneasy alliance as they set off across the Ocean of Grass to continue their quest to take Ottar the Moaner to a place called the Meadows. Between our heroes and their ultimate goal are the Badlands, home to the one of the most brutal tribes west of the Water Mother and a collection of terrifying monsters. As if the world wasn't dangerous enough as it was.
Each of the characters that took so long to grow on me in book one all have solidified their places in my heart. Their inner monologues combined with the back and forth banter between them is so much fun. I loved the insights into their motivations and even the one guy who enjoys pointing out phallic shaped rocks was quite funny. All the points of view, and there are a lot of them, are woven together well.
As to the plot, my summary above really doesn't do any justice to just how bizarrely wonderful and quirky the story is. Watson is so creative that after the first hour or so of listening I stopped trying to guess what was coming next and just enjoyed the ride. It was glorious.
I listened to the audio book narrated by Sean Barrett. I love his voice! His narration brings all the characters to life and his comedic timing is perfect. It was a joy to listen to.
I truly cannot express how much I loved this book. Can't wait for book 3!
September 15, 2018
The Wootah Hooter!
Angus Watson is at it again, this is a genuinely fitting follow up to the excellent You Die When You Die. It gets better and better as it goes along with Watson's humorous approach to fantasy leading the Wootah refugees and Sophie Tornado and her gang through a genuinely epic adventure. Watson's imagination runs riot with monsters, battles, arena fights and chases each vying for attention.
The way that he delivers internal monologues and then Sean Barrett brings them to life is audiobook gold. Watson lets us get right inside the heads of his characters and one rather short-lived character's thoughts as he charged into battle had me genuinely laughing out loud. The joy of these books is that while there is at times an almost cartoon like feel to some of the characters and fighting you are constantly engaged with the characters and their fates. Who could not love Finbogie the Boggy or admire Sophie Tornado? Who could not laugh at Keith the Beserker or not find themselves grinning to hear the battle cry "Wootah!"
This is cracking stuff and I can't wait to hear how the trilogy ends with the next one!
Angus Watson is at it again, this is a genuinely fitting follow up to the excellent You Die When You Die. It gets better and better as it goes along with Watson's humorous approach to fantasy leading the Wootah refugees and Sophie Tornado and her gang through a genuinely epic adventure. Watson's imagination runs riot with monsters, battles, arena fights and chases each vying for attention.
The way that he delivers internal monologues and then Sean Barrett brings them to life is audiobook gold. Watson lets us get right inside the heads of his characters and one rather short-lived character's thoughts as he charged into battle had me genuinely laughing out loud. The joy of these books is that while there is at times an almost cartoon like feel to some of the characters and fighting you are constantly engaged with the characters and their fates. Who could not love Finbogie the Boggy or admire Sophie Tornado? Who could not laugh at Keith the Beserker or not find themselves grinning to hear the battle cry "Wootah!"
This is cracking stuff and I can't wait to hear how the trilogy ends with the next one!
June 8, 2020
4.5⭐️
I can’t get enough of this series. Angus Watson has crafted a sequel in The Land You Never Leave which is just as imaginative and exhilarating as the first book. Again, it’s kind of hard to describe these books. It’s like a mashup of Viking lore books with fantasy, Voltaire-like satire and farcical elements combined with the pacing and feel of Mad Max Fury Road.
That doesn’t even do it justice.
Watson has also created so many unforgettable characters. The female characters are especially well drawn. There are so many points of view that all seem distinct. My favorites: Sassa, Finn, Bjarni, Sofi are characters that I would know just by reading their words in a particular chapter.
I feel like these books are criminally underrated in the grim dark community. There are many thought provoking tidbits scattered through an absolutely joyride of a story. These books keep me guessing and then guessing again, all while having a great time.
If you’re not sure about these books, don’t judge them by their covers. Give them a read.
I can’t get enough of this series. Angus Watson has crafted a sequel in The Land You Never Leave which is just as imaginative and exhilarating as the first book. Again, it’s kind of hard to describe these books. It’s like a mashup of Viking lore books with fantasy, Voltaire-like satire and farcical elements combined with the pacing and feel of Mad Max Fury Road.
That doesn’t even do it justice.
Watson has also created so many unforgettable characters. The female characters are especially well drawn. There are so many points of view that all seem distinct. My favorites: Sassa, Finn, Bjarni, Sofi are characters that I would know just by reading their words in a particular chapter.
I feel like these books are criminally underrated in the grim dark community. There are many thought provoking tidbits scattered through an absolutely joyride of a story. These books keep me guessing and then guessing again, all while having a great time.
If you’re not sure about these books, don’t judge them by their covers. Give them a read.
October 1, 2018
I'm officially invested in this. It's so.... friggen good. If I didn't prefer certain characters in the first book, they've solidified themselves in my heart in this one. It's amazing. So terribly underrated. Those who like action packed, character driven awesomely unexpected plots really need to explore this series. Most especially if you crave books where female characters are actually worthy. Not just tossed into the mess of things before male authors feel they need a female to mix up the trend of their story. These characters actually feel like they belong where they are. I flew through this one. It got me through a long long work week.
It's funny, dramatic, sad, emotional, everything in between. It takes fantasy and flips it the bird and does its own thing and it's amazing.
Amazing.
I'll say it again.
It's amazing.
It's funny, dramatic, sad, emotional, everything in between. It takes fantasy and flips it the bird and does its own thing and it's amazing.
Amazing.
I'll say it again.
It's amazing.
September 25, 2018
Outstanding, brutal and fantastic good fun. Full review to come.
November 2, 2018
Woooootah! Another magnificent story from the talented Angus Watson. The Land You Never Leave is the sophomore addition to his West of West series and it has everything you'll ever need in a romping fantasy tale: Vikings, Native Americans, battles, adventure, warlocks, gratuitous violence, romance (or lack thereof...sorry, Finn), monsters, psychotic chieftains, phallic rocks and fucking magical dinosaurs. You read that correctly, magical dinosaurs. After reading You Die When You Die - let's take a moment to appreciate these amazing titles - I thought I had some semblance of an idea of what I was in for, but I was oh so wrong. I LOVED this story and cannot recommend it enough if you're looking for something that strays from the norm and is tons of fun.
My absolute favorite aspect of this story is that although the plot itself is severe, it doesn't take itself seriously. The humor is just in a class by itself. While the tribes' quest is brutally violent, harrowing and wrought with danger, the tone is raunchy and vulgar and utterly hilarious. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud at the ridiculous situations our lovely Wootah find themselves in, often thinking: what a mess, but such a beautiful mess.
The characters Watson has created and continues to develop are simply amazing. We follow a group of adults, who act like children, and children who are destined to save the world, each so well-defined with backstories and distinctive traits. I really started appreciating the Calnian Owsla arcs as we get to learn more about the women beneath the bravado, their true selves revealed in a genius manner. It's really incredible witnessing all the characters drastically alter in such organic and believable ways. Oh, and Keef the Berserker is my spirit animal.
The Land You Never Leave is absolutely brilliant and entertaining to the fullest. The journey is beyond exciting and the baddies are REALLY bad. If you decide to partake in this weird and absurd adventure, which I strongly suggest you should, be ready for a wild ride. I can't wait to read more in Where Gods Fear to Go.
My absolute favorite aspect of this story is that although the plot itself is severe, it doesn't take itself seriously. The humor is just in a class by itself. While the tribes' quest is brutally violent, harrowing and wrought with danger, the tone is raunchy and vulgar and utterly hilarious. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud at the ridiculous situations our lovely Wootah find themselves in, often thinking: what a mess, but such a beautiful mess.
The characters Watson has created and continues to develop are simply amazing. We follow a group of adults, who act like children, and children who are destined to save the world, each so well-defined with backstories and distinctive traits. I really started appreciating the Calnian Owsla arcs as we get to learn more about the women beneath the bravado, their true selves revealed in a genius manner. It's really incredible witnessing all the characters drastically alter in such organic and believable ways. Oh, and Keef the Berserker is my spirit animal.
The Land You Never Leave is absolutely brilliant and entertaining to the fullest. The journey is beyond exciting and the baddies are REALLY bad. If you decide to partake in this weird and absurd adventure, which I strongly suggest you should, be ready for a wild ride. I can't wait to read more in Where Gods Fear to Go.
October 19, 2018
I need the third book now!!!
This 2nd book in the series was an amazing read, funny and brutal.
All the characters are well written and you find yourself even liking the “baddies” but in a weird way, obviously you don’t want them to win but they are very entertaining.
The story is complex but very easy to follow.
This book has ended on a huge cliffhanger and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
I now have a severe book hangover now!
I definitely recommend reading this series as it is very enjoyable!
This 2nd book in the series was an amazing read, funny and brutal.
All the characters are well written and you find yourself even liking the “baddies” but in a weird way, obviously you don’t want them to win but they are very entertaining.
The story is complex but very easy to follow.
This book has ended on a huge cliffhanger and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
I now have a severe book hangover now!
I definitely recommend reading this series as it is very enjoyable!
September 3, 2020
Wootah!!!
So, you have acted in arguably the best comedy of all time (yes I am talking about father ted) , one would think their career had already peaked, I mean, seriously, how do you top that? Sean barrett managed it doing the Audible for Angus Watson's West of West...
I actually finished this yesterday and meant to write the review right away but it was so good I jumped straight into book 3
I am actually jealous of angus's kids having a dad who is such a great storyteller must make for some great bedtime stories.
I was lucky enough to meet him at WorldCom and he is a lovely and really funny guy and this comes across brilliantly in his writing. His mixture of alternative historical fiction, fantasy is incredible and like I say, I have already started into book 3.. His characters are funny, "deep" , relatable to a degree. Magical warriors, warlocks, rattlecondas and sasquache.. Read this now!...
So, you have acted in arguably the best comedy of all time (yes I am talking about father ted) , one would think their career had already peaked, I mean, seriously, how do you top that? Sean barrett managed it doing the Audible for Angus Watson's West of West...
I actually finished this yesterday and meant to write the review right away but it was so good I jumped straight into book 3
I am actually jealous of angus's kids having a dad who is such a great storyteller must make for some great bedtime stories.
I was lucky enough to meet him at WorldCom and he is a lovely and really funny guy and this comes across brilliantly in his writing. His mixture of alternative historical fiction, fantasy is incredible and like I say, I have already started into book 3.. His characters are funny, "deep" , relatable to a degree. Magical warriors, warlocks, rattlecondas and sasquache.. Read this now!...
May 11, 2020
Absolutely brilliant book, i found myself giggling like a demented squirrel throughout this book, it quite simply has everything, it has good guys/girls and bad guys/girls, good guys/girls that are bad, and bad guys/girls that are good, a healthy dose of good magic and bad magic, great characters on all sides, (there's more than two), a rip roaring adventure set in a screwed up world with screwed up people, it's superbly funny, heart breakingly sad, violent and crude all at once, the best book iv'e read this year.
December 28, 2018
Why isn't everyone reading this?
Plenty of great characters that I like and want to like. Cool and harsh and difficult situations that they find themselves in but (most of them) they get through it and are better for it.
One slight issue is that there are probably too many characters as some get short shrift. The best example of this is Thyri although there is enough of her to know that she is partly to blame for the (lack of) relationship with Finnbogi.
Plenty of great characters that I like and want to like. Cool and harsh and difficult situations that they find themselves in but (most of them) they get through it and are better for it.
One slight issue is that there are probably too many characters as some get short shrift. The best example of this is Thyri although there is enough of her to know that she is partly to blame for the (lack of) relationship with Finnbogi.
September 28, 2018
Gloriously vulgar and awesome....!
February 7, 2020
The second book in Watson's West of West trilogy continues following the Hardworkers (a small tribe of Nordic descendants) and the former Calnian Owsla (a Native American warrior team), who have now joined forces. Their aim is to simply head West to try and save the world, as told by a dream. The book sees them approaching Badland country and expecting trouble. The Calnian army are gathered to track them down and attack them, the empress being controlled by her mysterious new healer, and following her own dream which told her the Hardworkers would destroy the world.
As in the first book, the humorous dialogue keeps this book rolling along really well. The interactions and relations between characters is superb and believable. The world is familiar enough to us, but with some unusual creatures and customs thrown in. The Badlanders are a truly psychotic tribe.
The pacing of the book is top notch with plenty of action and excitement spread throughout, and told from numerous different points of view.
A wonderful read with excellent characters.
As in the first book, the humorous dialogue keeps this book rolling along really well. The interactions and relations between characters is superb and believable. The world is familiar enough to us, but with some unusual creatures and customs thrown in. The Badlanders are a truly psychotic tribe.
The pacing of the book is top notch with plenty of action and excitement spread throughout, and told from numerous different points of view.
A wonderful read with excellent characters.
March 13, 2020
Beyond bloody fantastic.
January 11, 2019
It's easy for middle books of a trilogy to be a bit pedestrian. This one is not. It manages to sustain edge-of-your-seat adventure and excitement from start to finish. The rather thinned-out, motley group of Vikings who set out in Book One are faced with new challenges in the form of an uneasy alliance with some horribly scary warrior women who are supposed to kill them, and a parade of of awful, terrifying, gruesome, fascinating, sometimes funny monsters and baddies that try to thwart their quest. I couldn't stop reading this once I started. It was funny and heart-stopping and I don't know why this series isn't better known. I've done quite a lot of reading recently and the quality of Watson's writing is so far superior to most of the things I've read by many best-selling authors. I also like that it appeals to a crossover of people - it's pitched firmly at the fantasy audience in its marketing, but this isn't a genre I normally read and I still love it. I think this is because it brings such a range of characters and is written with wit and a fantastic plot. I've passed all of Watson's books on to my dad after reading, and he's never read a fantasy, thriller, or anything like it but he absolutely loves these. He just keeps talking about it.
September 29, 2019
Great book
Really well written, excellent characters, a serious page Turner, very enjoyable, nothing negative to say about it, can't wait for the next one.
Really well written, excellent characters, a serious page Turner, very enjoyable, nothing negative to say about it, can't wait for the next one.
November 28, 2018
Excellent! Love the audio version too, great narrator!
December 22, 2018
3-3.5 . Not as good as the first but still stupidly addictive.
Going to read the third just to see who the Pigeon Fucker ends up with.
Going to read the third just to see who the Pigeon Fucker ends up with.
February 18, 2020
I really liked this book.
I actually think this is a better in the series so far.
Angus does a great job creating his trilogies, as the first trilogy (Iron Age) was a very good one, although it was a historical fiction and not a fantasy one.
This series being a historical fiction as well, contains a lot of fantasy elements, so this series is actually some weird combination, and a good one.
This book, as the opposite to the first one in the series has non-stop action. Not that I didn't love the first one, I really did, but this one surpass it in every way: characters get more development. and we getting some new interesting ones, action is on another scale, the fantasy elements shining more and the finale is just makes you want to read the next one so bad... It only shows how good it is.
After reread:
Great book, liked it even more than the first time.
Angus Watson - the most underrated author in the fantasy genre for sure.
Although all the good things I've mentioned, I did not gave it 5 stars, and there is a reason.
Although I liked the fantasy elements displayed in this book, I think some of them were strongly exaggerated, and I don't like that. Many people think that if it's a fantasy, so anything can be used, but not me.
I think that a balance should be in it too. Enemies cannot be overwhelming with their power and not use it, the cannot be overpowered and have small ambitions.
These kind of inconsistency ruins story for me. Basically, if these were be handled, I've probably gave it 5 stars.
Still, it was a good book, and I'm eagerly waiting for the 3rd one, which supposed to come out very soon.
After I read this book, I've got an urge to reread the Iron age trilogy, so a little more Angus Watson until he releases his next one.
I actually think this is a better in the series so far.
Angus does a great job creating his trilogies, as the first trilogy (Iron Age) was a very good one, although it was a historical fiction and not a fantasy one.
This series being a historical fiction as well, contains a lot of fantasy elements, so this series is actually some weird combination, and a good one.
This book, as the opposite to the first one in the series has non-stop action. Not that I didn't love the first one, I really did, but this one surpass it in every way: characters get more development. and we getting some new interesting ones, action is on another scale, the fantasy elements shining more and the finale is just makes you want to read the next one so bad... It only shows how good it is.
After reread:
Great book, liked it even more than the first time.
Angus Watson - the most underrated author in the fantasy genre for sure.
Although all the good things I've mentioned, I did not gave it 5 stars, and there is a reason.
Although I liked the fantasy elements displayed in this book, I think some of them were strongly exaggerated, and I don't like that. Many people think that if it's a fantasy, so anything can be used, but not me.
I think that a balance should be in it too. Enemies cannot be overwhelming with their power and not use it, the cannot be overpowered and have small ambitions.
These kind of inconsistency ruins story for me. Basically, if these were be handled, I've probably gave it 5 stars.
Still, it was a good book, and I'm eagerly waiting for the 3rd one, which supposed to come out very soon.
After I read this book, I've got an urge to reread the Iron age trilogy, so a little more Angus Watson until he releases his next one.
August 7, 2020
2nd book in the trilogy. Lots of action, characters continue to grow and develop in leaps and bounds in this book. Gritty and often violent, a few unlikely heroes. Traveling across a continent, this unlikely group survives the craziest situations and most awful people and creatures. This is not the average fantasy novel! Cliffhanger at the end, which is no surprise. Of course I will read the next book!
June 21, 2020
It was hard to write more disturbing scenes than in the first book, but Watson was able to surpass himself. Although the scenes with Ayanna wasn't strictly necessary.
Now even people you don't hate get to die.
Now even people you don't hate get to die.
October 8, 2018
6/10, Still very funny, but not as good as the first. Will definitely read book 3.
October 25, 2019
4.3 / 5 ✪
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The Land You Never Leave is the second book in Watson’s West of West series, the continuation of a journey of stranded Vikings across a fictionalized New World in order to defeat an ancient evil threatening to destroy the world. Following the events of You Die When You Die; the Hardworkers have fled their destroyed town, pursued west across the continent by the Calnian Owsla—a squad of Amazon-like super soldiers, intent on eliminating them. In a twist ending, the two tribes unite, whereupon they must journey west of the Shining Mountains, past the Desert That You Don’t Walk Out Of, to the Meadows to save the world.
So begins tLYNL, or as I like to call it “Sex, Lies, and Wootah”.
Finnbogi realized he might admire the psychopath who’d tried to have him killed by giant snakes more than the woman who’d taken him in and raised him like her own child. Life was odd.
TLYNL picks up right where YDWYD leaves off, with the Wootah and the Owsla on the edge of the Ocean of Grass, traveling west. Though some of the Owsla have been making eyes at the Mushroom Men, and the Wootah—though, mostly Finnbogi—have been entertaining lurid sexual fantasies involving the Owsla, the two tribes are far from trusting each other. Or even tolerating one another.
Soon enough, however, any chemistry is the least of their problems. For even before the two reach the Water Father, our heroes encounter the denizens of the Badlands—the Badlanders—a horrifying collection of monsters and killers, complete with their own Owsla. Far from bonding over a picnic, the two are soon at one another’s throats, with the Badlanders victorious, and the Wootah and Calnians taken prisoner and carted off to the Badlands to be brutally killed.
Before the book is out, Watson treats us to some terrifying threats both new and ancient, a few high-profile deaths, and a truly epic, entertaining adventure. Assuming you’ve read YDWYD, TLYNL provides more of the same, with intense violence, near-constant sexual innuendo, dark comedy, and generally good-natured fun. While I wouldn’t call any of what it does “family friendly”, well… you’d probably have noticed that from #1 anyway. TLYNL is an excellent continuation of the series—combining adventure, excitement, comedy with a number of unexpected twists, including one at the very end.
Though the Badlands plot dominates most of the book, there exist a number of minor and sub-plots throughout that add further elements to an otherwise jam-packed story. While a few of these are too brief or absurd to be enjoyable, most provide a brief respite, ensuring that the overarching plot doesn’t grow tedious or the pacing lax.
I was all-around impressed with The Land You Never Leave, but my favorite aspect of it is what I love to see in every post-first-book entry: character development.
Over the course of epic adventures, characters change. This is a big component especially of Coming-of-Age stories, so I was pleased to see it in TLYNL, for what were the Hardworkers in YDWYD exactly but big children? From being provided with everything they’ve ever needed, to being forced to survive on their own while being hounded and hunted across the continent. Well, come TLYNL they’re evolving into something more—or being left behind. Without a doubt, my personal favorite of these was Finnbogi’s development, for coming into TLYNL, well, he hadn’t done much. And as any such hero, the sequel provides him with more than enough hardship and strife to mold him into something new, something… Boggy-ish. Or, MORE Boggyish, I suppose. Without spoiling anything, I can’t say much, only that his personal journey was particularly impressive, though not without its own blunders.
While the individual character development stole the show, the group element needs to be mentioned. Coming into the second book, the Calnian Owsla and Wootah were tenuous allies. Throughout the course of the story this evolves into something more—while at the same time, also something less. That is, bonds are tested and stretched, or just broken and reformed. While some characters change, others stay resolute, forcing their dynamic to adapt, or be broken. Not all the change in TLYNL is positive. There is a combination of the two, some of which remains unresolved even at the end.
Sadly, while I loved TLYNL, it is not perfect. Toward the end, after the main plot has been completed, there is a bit of a stutter. Plot-holes, gaps, and questionable reasoning solved, and a setup for the finale only made possible by the timely intervention of a clairvoyant (and short-lived) warlock. Solved in but a chapter, no less. After an adventure that was entirely epic, this was a bit of a let-down.
TL;DR
The Land You Never Leave is a suitable successor to You Die When You Die, providing an epic adventure with more of the same fun, comedy, sex and violence prevalent in its predecessor. I particularly enjoyed the character development, specifically that of its individuals, though that of the group’s dynamic as well. However, a misstep toward the end when a fairly large number of potential problems are solved by a magical intervention, tends to spoil an otherwise epic conclusion. A number of revelations and interesting sub-plots did well to keep me reading through the end without issue—the last pages providing a particularly intriguing twist, one that hopefully will pay dividends in the final book.
Secrets and lies may yet bring an end to this noble mission, or the truth may remain forever buried. An epic adventure requires a fitting conclusion, one that I fervently hope Watson can provide. I don’t know about you, but I eagerly await the conclusion to this trilogy. And personally I’m hoping for a Bard’s Tale-esque ending. No, not that one. The second one. Or the third one, where they just go drinking. You know, either or.
Where Gods Fear to Go, the third and final installment of West of West, is set to release late this year—on December 3rd in the US and December 5th in the UK.
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
The Land You Never Leave is the second book in Watson’s West of West series, the continuation of a journey of stranded Vikings across a fictionalized New World in order to defeat an ancient evil threatening to destroy the world. Following the events of You Die When You Die; the Hardworkers have fled their destroyed town, pursued west across the continent by the Calnian Owsla—a squad of Amazon-like super soldiers, intent on eliminating them. In a twist ending, the two tribes unite, whereupon they must journey west of the Shining Mountains, past the Desert That You Don’t Walk Out Of, to the Meadows to save the world.
So begins tLYNL, or as I like to call it “Sex, Lies, and Wootah”.
Finnbogi realized he might admire the psychopath who’d tried to have him killed by giant snakes more than the woman who’d taken him in and raised him like her own child. Life was odd.
TLYNL picks up right where YDWYD leaves off, with the Wootah and the Owsla on the edge of the Ocean of Grass, traveling west. Though some of the Owsla have been making eyes at the Mushroom Men, and the Wootah—though, mostly Finnbogi—have been entertaining lurid sexual fantasies involving the Owsla, the two tribes are far from trusting each other. Or even tolerating one another.
Soon enough, however, any chemistry is the least of their problems. For even before the two reach the Water Father, our heroes encounter the denizens of the Badlands—the Badlanders—a horrifying collection of monsters and killers, complete with their own Owsla. Far from bonding over a picnic, the two are soon at one another’s throats, with the Badlanders victorious, and the Wootah and Calnians taken prisoner and carted off to the Badlands to be brutally killed.
Before the book is out, Watson treats us to some terrifying threats both new and ancient, a few high-profile deaths, and a truly epic, entertaining adventure. Assuming you’ve read YDWYD, TLYNL provides more of the same, with intense violence, near-constant sexual innuendo, dark comedy, and generally good-natured fun. While I wouldn’t call any of what it does “family friendly”, well… you’d probably have noticed that from #1 anyway. TLYNL is an excellent continuation of the series—combining adventure, excitement, comedy with a number of unexpected twists, including one at the very end.
Though the Badlands plot dominates most of the book, there exist a number of minor and sub-plots throughout that add further elements to an otherwise jam-packed story. While a few of these are too brief or absurd to be enjoyable, most provide a brief respite, ensuring that the overarching plot doesn’t grow tedious or the pacing lax.
I was all-around impressed with The Land You Never Leave, but my favorite aspect of it is what I love to see in every post-first-book entry: character development.
Over the course of epic adventures, characters change. This is a big component especially of Coming-of-Age stories, so I was pleased to see it in TLYNL, for what were the Hardworkers in YDWYD exactly but big children? From being provided with everything they’ve ever needed, to being forced to survive on their own while being hounded and hunted across the continent. Well, come TLYNL they’re evolving into something more—or being left behind. Without a doubt, my personal favorite of these was Finnbogi’s development, for coming into TLYNL, well, he hadn’t done much. And as any such hero, the sequel provides him with more than enough hardship and strife to mold him into something new, something… Boggy-ish. Or, MORE Boggyish, I suppose. Without spoiling anything, I can’t say much, only that his personal journey was particularly impressive, though not without its own blunders.
While the individual character development stole the show, the group element needs to be mentioned. Coming into the second book, the Calnian Owsla and Wootah were tenuous allies. Throughout the course of the story this evolves into something more—while at the same time, also something less. That is, bonds are tested and stretched, or just broken and reformed. While some characters change, others stay resolute, forcing their dynamic to adapt, or be broken. Not all the change in TLYNL is positive. There is a combination of the two, some of which remains unresolved even at the end.
Sadly, while I loved TLYNL, it is not perfect. Toward the end, after the main plot has been completed, there is a bit of a stutter. Plot-holes, gaps, and questionable reasoning solved, and a setup for the finale only made possible by the timely intervention of a clairvoyant (and short-lived) warlock. Solved in but a chapter, no less. After an adventure that was entirely epic, this was a bit of a let-down.
TL;DR
The Land You Never Leave is a suitable successor to You Die When You Die, providing an epic adventure with more of the same fun, comedy, sex and violence prevalent in its predecessor. I particularly enjoyed the character development, specifically that of its individuals, though that of the group’s dynamic as well. However, a misstep toward the end when a fairly large number of potential problems are solved by a magical intervention, tends to spoil an otherwise epic conclusion. A number of revelations and interesting sub-plots did well to keep me reading through the end without issue—the last pages providing a particularly intriguing twist, one that hopefully will pay dividends in the final book.
Secrets and lies may yet bring an end to this noble mission, or the truth may remain forever buried. An epic adventure requires a fitting conclusion, one that I fervently hope Watson can provide. I don’t know about you, but I eagerly await the conclusion to this trilogy. And personally I’m hoping for a Bard’s Tale-esque ending. No, not that one. The second one. Or the third one, where they just go drinking. You know, either or.
Where Gods Fear to Go, the third and final installment of West of West, is set to release late this year—on December 3rd in the US and December 5th in the UK.
October 26, 2021
A wonderful follow up to “You die when you die” – same crude sense of humour, same thrill packed action, monstrous monsters and teenage sex issues.
Watson does keep it fresh; whereas Book 1 is a fast and furious chase, this chapter sees our mismatched clan getting captured by a truly sadistic bunch of s**ts, having to fight through some horrific challenges and somehow try to escape.
And hanging over our oddly optimistic bunch is the knowledge that no matter how horrible everything has got on the East side of the mountains, everyone says it’s much worse on the other side….
Ranging from the intense and personal to epic battles of men and monsters, Watson is still able to keep the whole narrative together and anchored around his core group; he gives everyone room to shine and for all of the grim horror, he never descends into the utter despair of say, Warhammer books.
Watson does keep it fresh; whereas Book 1 is a fast and furious chase, this chapter sees our mismatched clan getting captured by a truly sadistic bunch of s**ts, having to fight through some horrific challenges and somehow try to escape.
And hanging over our oddly optimistic bunch is the knowledge that no matter how horrible everything has got on the East side of the mountains, everyone says it’s much worse on the other side….
Ranging from the intense and personal to epic battles of men and monsters, Watson is still able to keep the whole narrative together and anchored around his core group; he gives everyone room to shine and for all of the grim horror, he never descends into the utter despair of say, Warhammer books.
June 19, 2022
This is the second book in the West of West series the first being You Die When You Die. I really enjoyed this book and I think it was a slight improvement on the first one. I really enjoy the world building in this series and this book was no exception. I also really like the author's writing style and the sarcastic humour that it carries at points. The main character, Finn, is also starting to grow on me which made this book more enjoyable as previously I hadn't really liked him. He'll never be my favourite character but I do like him now. This book was also fast paced and I was constantly invested and excited to see what was going to happen next. I enjoyed this book and I can't wait to see where the series goes from here.
June 16, 2019
" If Luby was harmed, Caliska was to be executed and have her soul destroyed by being eaten."
And.....
"Luby span as if she really believed there was a bear behind her,"
Span??? Span is a bridge. Spun.
"Caliska’s skill was the ability to throw with extraordinary power and accuracy. Luby Zephyr’s skill was stealth."
It reads like the pamphlet in a D&D computer game. Pick your character, do you want stealth, strength, blah blah, allocate your hit points...
"The following morning she awoke and breakfasted."
Breakfasted. Right. And perhaps she will later lunch?
OMG it's so bad.
And.....
"Luby span as if she really believed there was a bear behind her,"
Span??? Span is a bridge. Spun.
"Caliska’s skill was the ability to throw with extraordinary power and accuracy. Luby Zephyr’s skill was stealth."
It reads like the pamphlet in a D&D computer game. Pick your character, do you want stealth, strength, blah blah, allocate your hit points...
"The following morning she awoke and breakfasted."
Breakfasted. Right. And perhaps she will later lunch?
OMG it's so bad.
November 15, 2020
If you've read the first book then this is more of the same although it's got a bit of a darker tone (albeit while keeping the humour that made the first one so enjoyable).
One thing to note: is that if you are squeamish or easily triggered by self-harm then there are some portions of the book that may not be for you. I'm relatively unshakable normally but there was one portion of the book involving hallucinogenic drugs that made me feel a little bit sick. That's something to bear in mind.
One thing to note: is that if you are squeamish or easily triggered by self-harm then there are some portions of the book that may not be for you. I'm relatively unshakable normally but there was one portion of the book involving hallucinogenic drugs that made me feel a little bit sick. That's something to bear in mind.
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