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A review by its_justine
The Land You Never Leave by Angus Watson
5.0
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.