I thought this book was even better than the first. Very punny which I love. I see a lot of allusions to one of my favorite stories, The Princess Bride, in a playful but not harsh way.

No Country for Old Gnomes by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne
Available April 16, 2019

After the halflings destroy Offi’s home and send his family off on a journey to find sanctuary amongst the humans, Offi teams up with a rag-tag crew of gnomes, halflings, ovitaurs, dwarves and a killer gryphon who loves eggs. Together they must find out who is causing the increasing tensions between the gnomes and halflings and find out the mystery behind a golden metal man.
With their hilarious wit and fun twist on the old fairy tale tropes, Dawson and Hearne have written an incredibly amusing tale of friendship and found family.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

No Country for Old Gnomes (The Tales of Pell, #2)
by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne

War is not a pretty thing, and it means less and more for the ones faced with it. The Gnomes are facing an oppressive force, destruction at the hands of a relentless enemy. What they do to stop the battles, and change the world is what this story is about. The king has little to know about the circumstances the gnomes are facing it takes a party of mixed ancestor to gather the information to change the world.
This is a hilarious adventure of mammoth proportion with many opportunities for misconception and misdirection. Bringing the humor of Terry Pratchett, and Monty python, to the modern reader.

I received a copy of this from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my open and honest review.


"Red sky before night, no need for a fight. Red sky at dawn, don’t yawn. Halflings probably set your barn afire, so gather your war ponies, tie back their manes, and attack–then, my good gnomes, you burn them back.”
Gnute Yakkin, in The Compendium of Gnomeric Resistance Rhymes

First, let me say that I have a deep and intense love of humor, satire, and cheekiness. I am a smart ass in the most profound and deep sense of the word. This was much to my detriment growing up. I can say without hyperbole that this is one of the funniest books I have ever read. Maybe it is my particular brand of punny and silly humor, but this story speaks to me. It is hilarious. It isn’t perfect, the story trips over itself a few times and gets lost in the humor, but generally, this book is laughing out loud funny the whole way through.

The story is the second one thus far that takes place in the land of Pell; the first is the tale Kill the Farmboy. However, if you have read the first book in the series some of the characters are revisited, but this is very easy to keep up with as a stand-alone book.

“Few gnomes appreciate how stonking big the culinary accouterments must be to feed the taller folk. More than one gnome has mistaken an oven for cozy guest quarters, only to discover that it’s a box of deadly fire.”
Sonni Somnambulist, in How I survived Twenty-One Terrible Places to Sleep

Pell is a land full of creatures of myth and fantasy tropes. In this edition of the series, the brothers Offi, Onni, and their family head to a town for refuges after their home has been attacked by a halfling gang known as Rogues Under Bigly-Wicke. There is a lot of fun cheeky naming going on. With a cast of characters brought from the four corners of fantasy, a ragtag group set off to fight the halfling horde and by God RESTORE THEIR LAND.

All I am going to say is goth cardigans…

Read this if you want some light and fun humor. I wouldn’t call the story engaging in a deep plot sort of way, but more like an excellent vehicle for funny jokes which are actually quite good, so give it a try.

No Country for Old Gnomes is the second novel in the Tales of Pell series. It's a series born from joint effort, being written and developed by both Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne. If you've read the first novel, Kill the Farm Boy, then you already have a strong idea of what sort of inane humor you're going to find within this one.
The series has been described as being a cross between Monty Python and Terry Pratchett. And honestly? There's unlikely to be a more accurate description out there.
As the title suggests, this novel focuses on a different cast of characters than the first novel did, some of whom are gnomes. I am happy to report that the original characters do make appearances as well.
Warnings: Like the original novel, there are some...peculiar moments in the series. And that sometimes results in graphic deaths, animal deaths, and things like that. It's kept mostly light and bubbly, despite the content. Some may find that more jarring though.
No Country for Old Gnomes quite possibly exceeded my expectations. I'm not going to say that I enjoyed it more than Kill the Farm Boy – I think I liked them both equally well. But I did truly enjoy the sudden shift in focus for the series.
This is a whimsical novel, but it's also quirky, odd, and utterly unique. I still maintain that the description above is the most accurate one you're going to get though. I personally enjoyed the unique form of storytelling, and I'm not just talking about the tone of voice or style itself. We don't see enough author team-ups, in my opinion, and I would absolutely adore seeing more.
I must confess that in this instance I am not a reader of both authors – I'm an avid fan of Delilah S. Dawson, but have read very little of Kevin Hearne. Clearly that's something I 'm going to have to change, based on how much I've enjoyed this series.
I can't praise the decisions made for this novel as much as they deserve. I love that an entirely new cast was made, while also allowing for moments for the original characters to make appearances as well.
The new set of characters allowed for a new perspective, a new set of issues and dilemmas, and a better understanding of the world of Pell as a whole. And of course the specific characters chosen helped to enhance the whimsical and sometimes silly nature of the story.
I think in some ways I liked this cast better, though I honestly couldn't quite explain why. They were so cute and endearing on the whole, with such big tasks on their small shoulders. I guess it was impossible not to root for them.
The world of Pell is proving to be surprisingly rich and full of diversity. Best of all, it's filled out with references upon references. That may break the immersion for some, but I personally loved the added touch. Some were references to classic fairy tales, which makes sense, others to more modern writing (relatively speaking), and others yet to modern day events and issues. It's a fascinating blend.
Where Kill the Farm Boy shocked me with a decision made early on in the novel, No Country for Old Gnomes surprised me with its conclusion. I won't say what specifically, for obvious reasons. But I will say that I actually teared up a little bit, and truly hadn't seen it coming. And that's coming from somebody who thought they had steeled themselves to expect anything and everything from this series.
I know that No Country for Old Gnomes just released, but I honestly can't wait to hear more about the next novel. So far I just know the name, Princess Beard, and even then it's not listed on Goodreads yet, so grain of salt with that title.

I tried reading this one earnestly because I am a big fan of Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles. I had the assumption that this book will have more or less similar charms to Iron Druid. The first few pages were funny, but I soon lost interest and realized that this book is probably written for a different audience. The writing style and the jokes may be suitable and funny for young adults, but I find them annoying. I may give this book a second chance later.

No Country For Old Gnomes (The Tales of Pell #2) is the hilariously awesome sequel to Kill the Farm Boy. This time around we're following the gnomes of Skyr as they attempt to retake their home from the halflings. Gustave is about to face his first real test as the Goat King - will he bring peace or civil war to the kingdom. I can't believe I got approved for this on NetGalley. Book one was absolutely hilarious and exactly my thing and the sequel does a fantastic job of expanding the world of Pell all while keeping up with everything I loved about Kill the Farm Boy. Hearne's and Dawson's off-the-wall sense of humor is awesome and I have to admit I couldn't get enough of the pop culture references. If you love The Princess Bride, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Terry Pratchett, then you need to this series in your life. I can't wait to see what Dawson and Hearne do in the future.

I generally only post reviews of books if I love them, or they really challenge me in some way, but I got an ARC of this so review it I shall.

Meh.

The first book in the series was also meh. It was mostly along the lines of a satire as done by the Scary Movie guys - various pop culture references and plenty of leaning on the 4th wall, but no real bite to it the way someone like Pratchett does satire. This was in the same ball park.

On the whole I think I liked it better. The characters were deeper, and by the end I was pretty caught up in what would happen to them. The first book the jokes were better - I particularly liked the literal troll who also wore a fedora and who's final words were, "Well, actually..."

On the whole, if you're looking for something light and fun, this isn't a bad choice. I would probably have loved it if I'd gotten it in middle school. As it is: meh.

Funny! Ridiculous! Thoroughly enjoyable to read. Fans of Piers Anthony's Xanth series should really like this series. I didn't realize it was a sequel when I started reading it, but it became obvious that there's another story before this one. I would still say this is readable as a stand alone, but some will probably enjoy it more if the previous book is read first.

This series is entertaining and very goofy! The main cast is great. My only complaint is that sometimes the jokes go on too long, but that's just a personal pet peeve. The authors are fantastic and I love the world they created!

For those of you that have a fun and pun sized whole in your heart, this book is what you are looking for. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC for an honest review. Gnomeric and ungnomeric sensibilities abound in this satirical fantasy questing merry band of gnomes, a halfling, an ovitaur, a gryphon, and of course a dwarf on its meadeschpringa. Will they uncover the halfling Marquant Dique's conspiracy to drive the gnomes out of their homes? This was such a pleasant book to read that had me laughing and weeping.

No Country for Old Gnomes is the second tale set in the fantastical kingdom of Pell, a land filled with mythical creatures, silly misfortune, and heroic deeds. This time around, gnomes are under attack by the drubs, a halfing gang known as Dastardly Rogues Under Bigly-Wicke. After his gnomeric home is bombed, Offi and his family head to a refugee center, where he meets up with a motley crew of unlikely heroes. Together, the merry band sets off to find the king and restore law and order to the land.

No Country for Old Gnomes is a new adventure in the lands of Pell, separate from the first book. However, several of the previous characters make appearances in the story, with some, like King Gustave, playing a critical roll. But this is a standalone tale, and one could pick up the book without having read Kill the Farm Boy.

As in the first book, the humor is witty and fun, although sometimes the silliness seemed to get in the way of the tale. The play on words is fabulous: things like “Dique” and “smöl” and “Foine” all made me smile. The combination of subtle digs and pop culture references along side blatant ridicule and humor is brilliantly written. Yet… I struggled.

Although I enjoyed my return visit to Pell, meeting a whole new cast of characters, and revisiting familiar faces, it took me nineteen days to get through this book (about 4 times longer than usual). I loved the premise of the plot and found the group’s quest both noble and entertaining. But I struggled to get through this one. It’s not that it was bad; I just never could get into the story whole-heartedly. The storytelling is choppy, with the group going from one situation to another, each time meeting new people, finding new danger, etc. Although there is a cohesive mission in their journey, the constant interruptions, and often outrageous side quests, proved to be too much distraction, never allowing me to submerse into the adventure fully.

If you are a fan of Terry Pratchett’s anything-goes humor and storytelling, I urge you to give The Tales of Pell series a try. It’s a lot of fun, just not for everyone.

My Rating: C, Finished It – Liked some, didn’t like some

Dawson and Hearne are back with another hilarious instalment of their The Tales of Pell series.This time focusing on the land of Skyr, home of gnomes and halflings, which are currently not getting along very well. While this book doesn’t follow the same cast of characters as the first book, we still get to spend a little time with our past heroes and are introduced to a whole new wonderful group setting out on their own quest.

All the humor that I loved in the first book is back just as strong and the slight parody on fantasy tales works just as well this time around as in the first book. I loved getting to meet so many new characters, see more of Pell, and watch our heroes battle new and exciting dangers.

I hope this series sticks around and I can’t wait to join the next group as they transverse Pell on their own quest.

This book was received as an ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine - Del Rey in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

At first thins book was very hard to understand and comprehend. The first few chapters were very confusing and it was difficult keeping up with all the characters and their motives throughout the story. It was not until midway through the book where I started to follow along and it got more clear as I read on and then everything started to make sense and the story just got good. This book at time did remind me of Monty Python and the Holy Grail and also the Box Trolls but with Gnomes and Halflings. This book in the end was really cute and creative but at first readers will have some difficulty catching up and most of them might quit right there.

That is why we give this book 3.5 stars.

DNF. I read the first 30% and while I had a few chuckles, I did not connect to any of the characters. I also did not have a clear idea of where the plot was heading. And finally, by that point I was already finding the humor to be too heavy-handed, drowning out the underlying story. The premise was good and I loved the title, this just wasn't the book for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this early copy.

I went into this blind, reading the second books set in this fantasy universe. It was well written and interesting. The humor style reminds me of Princess Bride so if you enjoy that this series is for you.

I adored Kill the Farm Boy, book one of The Tales of Pell, so when I was approved for the ARC of book two I was super excited! And let me tell ya, No Country For Old Gnomes is just as uproariously hilarious and whimsical!

The highest praise and biggest compliment I can give is to say that The Tales of Pell rank right up there with the humorous fantasy Discworld series by the great Terry Pratchett. Absolutely delightful!

Looking for some fantasy that is far off the beaten path? Quirky, humorous and filled with clichés, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD GNOMES by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne is whimsy at its best and is either going to nail your funny bone or send your eyes rolling skyward.

Halfings with an organized crime unit, gnomes being displaced, forced from their homes and the power they once enjoyed. Can the King Gustave the Goat save his kingdom from ruin or is it time to usher in a different world?

Some will venture out to discover new worlds and their quest will be filled with new friendships and trusts.

I think for me, this had too much quirky humor, too many clichés piled on top of each other, kind of craving some chocolate, so someone generously offers you a ten pound box, and waits for you to eat it all.

A fun read, but just a little too much “funny” for me, maybe?

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Del Rey!

Series: The Tales of Pell - Book 2
Publisher: Del Rey (April 16, 2019)
Publication Date: April 16, 2019
Genre: Humorous Fantasy
Print Length: 394 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

"Go big or go gnome. The New York Times bestselling authors of Kill the Farm Boy welcome you to the world of Pell, the irreverent fantasy universe that recalls Monty Python and Terry Pratchett.

War is coming, and it’s gonna be Pell.

On one side stand the gnomes: smol, cheerful, possessing tidy cardigans and no taste for cruelty.

On the other side sit the halflings, proudly astride their war alpacas, carrying bags of grenades and hungry for a fight. And pretty much anything else.

It takes only one halfling bomb and Offi Numminen’s world is turned upside down - or downside up, really, since he lives in a hole in the ground. His goth cardigans and aggressive melancholy set him apart from the other gnomes, as does his decision to fight back against their halfling oppressors. Suddenly Offi is the leader of a band of lovable misfits and outcasts - from a gryphon who would literally kill for omelets to a young dwarf herbalist who is better with bees than with his cudgel to an assertive and cheerful teen witch with a beard as long as her book of curses - all on a journey to the Toot Towers to confront the dastardly villain intent on tearing Pell asunder. These adventurers never fit in anywhere else, but as they become friends, fight mermaids, and get really angry at this one raccoon, they learn that there’s nothing more heroic than being yourself.

In No Country for Old Gnomes, Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne lovingly tweak the tropes of fantasy and fairy tales. Here you’ll find goofy jokes and whimsical puns, but you’ll also find a diverse, feminist, and lighthearted approach to fantasy that will bring a smile to your face and many fine cheeses to your plate."

Gnomes puns to your heart's content!

No Country for Old Gnomes is the second book in The Tales of Pell (Kill the Farm Boy was the first book).

First, it's important to understand that this is not a sequel in the traditional sense. Meaning that you will not jump right into more adventures with all of your favorite characters from the first book. Although the book has all of the main characters from the first book at some point, this is not their story. Instead, this book is about a couple of gnomes, a dwarf, a griffin, a halfling, a sheep person on a quest. For obvious spoiler reasons, I'm not going to say what that quest is.

Second, I'll admit that I was confused at first because I thought the book was more of a traditional sequel instead of a new story in the realm of Pell. I kept waiting for the familiar characters from the first book to pop-up, but that didn't happen until I'd read almost 30% of the book itself.

Third, it did seem to take this book to get the quest going a bit longer than it had in the first book. There is a lot of background story that happens prior to the protagonists finally hooking up and going on the quest. Once the quest gets going, the book really does speed up and the action files.

Fourth, I still think this series is one of the most novel and creative series I've read. There are so many references to pop-culture (just slightly twisted) throughout the book. Half the fun of reading the book is recognizing the references peppered throughout the book. You can tell that the authors really did have a lot of fun writing the book and thinking up the craze capers our heroes will encounter along their quest.

As a whole, I definitely think this book is a lot of fun, and I recommend it highly.