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Wandering Monsters #2
Nowhere to Run
Life on the open road is no easier than working in the wizard’s dungeon.Scars and his crew escaped their old lives by finding each other, but a found family still needs a home. Even defense of a small mountain town from bandits doesn’t change the order of exile against monsters throughout the kingdom. Given the boot as soon as the job is done, the crew discovers a blighted camp of orcs and goblin folk all under the same rule of banishment.Pinned against the border with no hope of mercy, the camp has little chance against hunger, raiders, and the dark otherworldly power hidden below the surface. With nowhere to run and no help in sight, the crew has to hold together tighter than ever—even if they have to open up about their pasts, share their dreams, and endure the horrors of warmth and friendship. NOWHERE TO RUN contains explicit violence, racial violence, religious violence, personal and general violence, profanity, inter-species oppression, mayoral misconduct, murder, impalement, dismemberment, multiple defenestrations, threats, torture, awkward friendship, mature reactions to sexual rejection, covert operations, revenge, sacrilege, kidnapping, bounty hunting, transdimensional incursions, temptation, possessions, disappointment, knives in the dark, knives in the head, so much knives, questionable theology, questionable economics, arson, treason, resisted arrest, obstructionist debate tactics, destruction of religious sites, unauthorized construction, unauthorized highway demolition, soul harvesting, prejudice, tentacles, bad candy, aiding and abetting of a known fugitive, sexual objectification of elves via pyrotechnics, cavalry warfare, banditry, robbery, negligent urban planning, wholesale theft of military supplies and too much information about mom and dad’s sex lives.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2019
104 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 3, 2023
UM OK SO
the rate at which i went thru these two books was really funny to me. I also just finished a shitton of final assignments at uni and haven't read anything since Jan soooo idk that probs has something to do with it. POINT BEING! I've really enjoyed the series so far! Its a very witty story and they keep stopping to have philosophical conversations in the middle of like *trying to save the town* or something and i think that's really funny so i hope they keep that up.
The group dynamic is really well put together, I can feel the love that Kay put into all of these individuals and how they come together as a unit. I like that they were able to break into groups and still maintain a friendly banter and attitude, it really helped some friendships shine.
I do hope there's more in the series coming out (though the last book came out 4 years ago you never know what authors are up to! I have faith) because I would love to see where these lovable goofs end up next.
(also Yargol is precious he's my favorite but probably because I'm also a big nerd who struggles with fitting in too q_q I love how he gets more confident over the series in himself and who he's with, it was really poignant to see him fighting his fears and knowing they can no longer get to him, maybe i teared up a lil ;^; )
the rate at which i went thru these two books was really funny to me. I also just finished a shitton of final assignments at uni and haven't read anything since Jan soooo idk that probs has something to do with it. POINT BEING! I've really enjoyed the series so far! Its a very witty story and they keep stopping to have philosophical conversations in the middle of like *trying to save the town* or something and i think that's really funny so i hope they keep that up.
The group dynamic is really well put together, I can feel the love that Kay put into all of these individuals and how they come together as a unit. I like that they were able to break into groups and still maintain a friendly banter and attitude, it really helped some friendships shine.
I do hope there's more in the series coming out (though the last book came out 4 years ago you never know what authors are up to! I have faith) because I would love to see where these lovable goofs end up next.
(also Yargol is precious he's my favorite but probably because I'm also a big nerd who struggles with fitting in too q_q I love how he gets more confident over the series in himself and who he's with, it was really poignant to see him fighting his fears and knowing they can no longer get to him, maybe i teared up a lil ;^; )
June 22, 2019
Nowhere to Run picks up with the Wandering Monsters trying to earn a living by taking care of problems for a small village in the north of the kingdom. They frighten off some bandits only to have the villagers they are protecting turn on them and throw them out once the danger is over. (Humans in this series often fill the role of “bad guy” not because humans are evil, but because many just suck.)
Our heroes find a group of refugee goblins, hobgoblins, etc. and try to help them out. They’ve arrived just in time. The “bandits” that were driven off from the human village turn out to be cavalry scouts for the king acting incognito so as not to alarm neighboring lands. Real reinforcements are on their way and they plan to exterminate the refugees who have no place further to flee. So this novel ends up being about preparations for a fight while trying to resolve internal problems in the goblin camp and an ancient evil that is buried beneath it. As with all of Kay’s books, the action is solid and the story moves along at a very quick pace.
We also learn a little more about the characters and set the stage for the next volume. The dwarves have discovered that Dig Dig has uncovered a powerful artifact and they want it. The king has discovered that the daughter who escaped him is with the Wandering Monsters crew and he wants her back as a powerful token in his relationships with his neighbors. This series is only getting better with each new volume. I look forward to reading the next one.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
Our heroes find a group of refugee goblins, hobgoblins, etc. and try to help them out. They’ve arrived just in time. The “bandits” that were driven off from the human village turn out to be cavalry scouts for the king acting incognito so as not to alarm neighboring lands. Real reinforcements are on their way and they plan to exterminate the refugees who have no place further to flee. So this novel ends up being about preparations for a fight while trying to resolve internal problems in the goblin camp and an ancient evil that is buried beneath it. As with all of Kay’s books, the action is solid and the story moves along at a very quick pace.
We also learn a little more about the characters and set the stage for the next volume. The dwarves have discovered that Dig Dig has uncovered a powerful artifact and they want it. The king has discovered that the daughter who escaped him is with the Wandering Monsters crew and he wants her back as a powerful token in his relationships with his neighbors. This series is only getting better with each new volume. I look forward to reading the next one.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
September 15, 2021
The plot is a little more complex than that of the first episode, and it is less in the second degree. It's still very enjoyable to read, even if the narration is a bit more exploded. It's always fun, even if the treatment of the story and the themes are more serious.
A very good second volume, which probably calls for others.
A very good second volume, which probably calls for others.
August 9, 2020
Action Action Action
Like book one, this second book is filled with action and reads much like a Spielberg movie. (Both books would make great movies: “Raiders” combined with “The Magnificent Seven”, with a dash of “Oceans 11”.)
Supporting all that action though is great writing, excellent editing, and creative characterization. This small group of misfits feels for each other, and supports each other, regardless of what they are. They show far more humanity, compassion, and intelligence than most of the “human” characters that they meet. (Which is kind of the point.) Everything about these stories is done well: drama, action, humor - all combine very nicely without any hyped sex or gore or horror needed to sell the story. Highly Recommended (15+ for subtleties). Can’t wait for more.
Like book one, this second book is filled with action and reads much like a Spielberg movie. (Both books would make great movies: “Raiders” combined with “The Magnificent Seven”, with a dash of “Oceans 11”.)
Supporting all that action though is great writing, excellent editing, and creative characterization. This small group of misfits feels for each other, and supports each other, regardless of what they are. They show far more humanity, compassion, and intelligence than most of the “human” characters that they meet. (Which is kind of the point.) Everything about these stories is done well: drama, action, humor - all combine very nicely without any hyped sex or gore or horror needed to sell the story. Highly Recommended (15+ for subtleties). Can’t wait for more.
June 14, 2019
Evil book makes you think
All those quests to kill the goblin menace? Slaughter the twisted children of demon magic? Rescue the princess? What if they're all wrong? What if the quest givers are lying?
This book cheerfully takes the standards of fantasy adventure and twists them into something to make you think. Think maybe you chose the wrong quest. Think maybe you picked the wrong side.
This is a fantastic book with a great story. And enough parody in it to make you laugh at things you've never laughed at before. I will not be able to look at a quest givers and magic shops the same.
All those quests to kill the goblin menace? Slaughter the twisted children of demon magic? Rescue the princess? What if they're all wrong? What if the quest givers are lying?
This book cheerfully takes the standards of fantasy adventure and twists them into something to make you think. Think maybe you chose the wrong quest. Think maybe you picked the wrong side.
This is a fantastic book with a great story. And enough parody in it to make you laugh at things you've never laughed at before. I will not be able to look at a quest givers and magic shops the same.
January 17, 2021
Nowhere
First off I love everything I have read by Elliott Kay. He writes well and usually paces his plots well. On this one he seems to have struggled to come up with a plot after a brilliant first entry into a new and exciting series. In this second book, the characters stumble into a Magnificent Seven scenario but everything feels temporary, unsure, and drawn out. Not a page turner like his other books. In fact I put it down for a while then decided I wanted to know how it ended months later. Over all, I enjoyed following Digdig and his crew on another adventure but I didn't feel it took me anywhere special.
First off I love everything I have read by Elliott Kay. He writes well and usually paces his plots well. On this one he seems to have struggled to come up with a plot after a brilliant first entry into a new and exciting series. In this second book, the characters stumble into a Magnificent Seven scenario but everything feels temporary, unsure, and drawn out. Not a page turner like his other books. In fact I put it down for a while then decided I wanted to know how it ended months later. Over all, I enjoyed following Digdig and his crew on another adventure but I didn't feel it took me anywhere special.
June 12, 2019
Great Fun
Full of themes of oppression, privilege, and the treachery of the powerful, this series is not an allegory. It just shows that a thing is bad, and has a lot of great humor and exciting conflicts along the way.
While the world would be familiar to any tabletop fantasy adventure veteran, the colorful and complex characters are a real treat. A blending of cultures, beliefs, expectations, and perspectives that really works.
A lot of the humor is grim. If you can't laugh about violence and death then you probably won't enjoy it.
Full of themes of oppression, privilege, and the treachery of the powerful, this series is not an allegory. It just shows that a thing is bad, and has a lot of great humor and exciting conflicts along the way.
While the world would be familiar to any tabletop fantasy adventure veteran, the colorful and complex characters are a real treat. A blending of cultures, beliefs, expectations, and perspectives that really works.
A lot of the humor is grim. If you can't laugh about violence and death then you probably won't enjoy it.
October 5, 2019
My only complaint about the books in this series is that they are so short. For the volume, Kay packs in a HUGE amount of fun.
We continue the adventures of "the Crew" looking for a place they can call home. They face challenges both physical and arcane and make time for friends and even a little romance in between (well it's a goblin form of romance..). Great characters each with plenty of 'human' foibles packed in with a moderate amount of action and intrigue all wrapped up in just a bit of irreverence. Great fun for a gloomy day.
We continue the adventures of "the Crew" looking for a place they can call home. They face challenges both physical and arcane and make time for friends and even a little romance in between (well it's a goblin form of romance..). Great characters each with plenty of 'human' foibles packed in with a moderate amount of action and intrigue all wrapped up in just a bit of irreverence. Great fun for a gloomy day.
June 19, 2019
Adventurous Goblinkin
This book is really short which is depressing because it’s so good. Continuing the excellence of book one we see the group begin to meld into a more cohesive adventuring unit under Scars leadership. In particular we got to see what each individual member brought to the team and why they were important as a whole. Even the human Princess. Can’t wait until book 3.
This book is really short which is depressing because it’s so good. Continuing the excellence of book one we see the group begin to meld into a more cohesive adventuring unit under Scars leadership. In particular we got to see what each individual member brought to the team and why they were important as a whole. Even the human Princess. Can’t wait until book 3.
June 28, 2019
Book two
Mistakes: I found two, both where words missing from sentences.
Characters: The MC's still displayed more humanity then the humans did. I love them and hope they bring the king down and find a way to stop the hatred and fear running rampant in the kingdom.
Plot: defense of the hopeless and battling evil from beyond a magic portal are all in a day's work for The Crew.
8.9/10
Mistakes: I found two, both where words missing from sentences.
Characters: The MC's still displayed more humanity then the humans did. I love them and hope they bring the king down and find a way to stop the hatred and fear running rampant in the kingdom.
Plot: defense of the hopeless and battling evil from beyond a magic portal are all in a day's work for The Crew.
8.9/10
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December 13, 2020Full on Fantasy Adventure
High Fantasy
We aren't supposed to root for humanoids like half-orcs, knolls, bugbear, goblins, and bandits. Decades of stories and movies tell us that. This is very much a novel of turning preconceptions on their heads. Plenty of tension, drama, and action while learning to judge others by their deeds and not their race. Very relevant message with the action. Looking for book 3! Recommended.
High Fantasy
We aren't supposed to root for humanoids like half-orcs, knolls, bugbear, goblins, and bandits. Decades of stories and movies tell us that. This is very much a novel of turning preconceptions on their heads. Plenty of tension, drama, and action while learning to judge others by their deeds and not their race. Very relevant message with the action. Looking for book 3! Recommended.
December 11, 2023
Goblins, Orcs, and an economics dissertation
The further adventures of our heroes, encounters with the prosperity gospel, a magic shovel, and a political insurgent/princess wanted for attempted regicide. I heartily recommend this book (and the first in the series) to MAGA folks, as it gives a fantastic explanation of diversity and loyalty.
Progressives will enjoy the skewering of the clergy-industrial complex.
The further adventures of our heroes, encounters with the prosperity gospel, a magic shovel, and a political insurgent/princess wanted for attempted regicide. I heartily recommend this book (and the first in the series) to MAGA folks, as it gives a fantastic explanation of diversity and loyalty.
Progressives will enjoy the skewering of the clergy-industrial complex.
December 19, 2019
Great start to a series!
I enjoyed the swap of roles for adventures without the trite "all the bad guys are good" stuff. Witty lines and a good sense of pace kept this moving while filling in the back story quite well. Nothing felt forced, it all made sense in context. Good read, look forward to the rest of the series.
I enjoyed the swap of roles for adventures without the trite "all the bad guys are good" stuff. Witty lines and a good sense of pace kept this moving while filling in the back story quite well. Nothing felt forced, it all made sense in context. Good read, look forward to the rest of the series.
June 5, 2019
Love this series
I have read a lot of his let's say adult work and loved thus far. I didn't think I would like this series as much I was delightfully and totally wrong. I couldn't put the book down.
I have read a lot of his let's say adult work and loved thus far. I didn't think I would like this series as much I was delightfully and totally wrong. I couldn't put the book down.
August 11, 2019
Fantastic follow-up!
Gotta love this series, heroes you feel for, villains you wanna smack with an enchanted shovel, and a fantasy setting that's just the right amount of Wow! and Yeah, that makes sense. It's funny, it's heartfelt, it's exciting and I already want the next one!
Gotta love this series, heroes you feel for, villains you wanna smack with an enchanted shovel, and a fantasy setting that's just the right amount of Wow! and Yeah, that makes sense. It's funny, it's heartfelt, it's exciting and I already want the next one!
August 17, 2019
Just keeps getting better
I really really hope that this turns into a series. I'm completely hooked on the characters and the world. There are hints of larger stories that could be told - I want all of them.
I really really hope that this turns into a series. I'm completely hooked on the characters and the world. There are hints of larger stories that could be told - I want all of them.
October 8, 2019
A good follow-up to a good original. We see more characters fleshed out, bonding between people in this ragtag group, and fun situations. The story was enjoyable but also paved the way for more. Excited to see what's in store.
August 26, 2024
Sometimes you want an adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously. That was true about the first book of this series and continues to be true with "Nowhere to Run". It's a fun read that's worth the time.
June 17, 2019
Awesome sequeal
The world gets bigger, the stakes get higher. It felt like a great session of D&D. Well worth the time for a breezy adventure
The world gets bigger, the stakes get higher. It felt like a great session of D&D. Well worth the time for a breezy adventure
July 7, 2019
Good read
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series and i hope to see the next in this seriesout soon
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series and i hope to see the next in this seriesout soon
August 15, 2019
The band of monsters continues to prove that they are anything but that and they continue to be a thorn in the side of the people who are mistreating their people.
August 31, 2019
Definitely good, clean fun. Laugh out loud turnabout on fantasy tropes while inserting *some* serious material.
Fast, funny and enjoyable read.
Fast, funny and enjoyable read.
July 3, 2021
A fun book. Highly recommended!
January 6, 2022
Great book!
The crew continue towards more and more dangers and adventures, making enemies and allies . Great story, nice characters, awesome plot!
The crew continue towards more and more dangers and adventures, making enemies and allies . Great story, nice characters, awesome plot!
May 14, 2022
Great Read
I really enjoy the premise of this series, the characters relatable and interesting. I have been searching for something that grabbed me.
I really enjoy the premise of this series, the characters relatable and interesting. I have been searching for something that grabbed me.
March 25, 2020
Fun binge
Book one and two have been great.
There’s chases and escapes, Magic and battles.
Very enjoyable.
Ending has a bit of a twist but without a cliffhanger but with enough hints that I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Book one and two have been great.
There’s chases and escapes, Magic and battles.
Very enjoyable.
Ending has a bit of a twist but without a cliffhanger but with enough hints that I can’t wait to see what happens next.
February 21, 2023
Just when the story would begin to pull me in, the author would spend an unnecessary amount of time preaching his political views. He would distract from the story multiple times throughout the book pushing the same narrative over and over. His constant need to do this negatively impacts my opportunity to simply enjoy the story.
October 27, 2020
Good follow up
Very good second book. It easily built on the first and delivered. More in depth world and more complex characters. I'm looking forward to the third book.
Very good second book. It easily built on the first and delivered. More in depth world and more complex characters. I'm looking forward to the third book.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews