ARC Review: Trapped

Trapped
Kevin Hearne
Fantasy
Iron Druid Chronicles/Book 5
Del Rey/November 27, 2012

After twelve years of secret training, Atticus O'Sullivan is finally ready to bind his apprentice, Granuaile, to the earth and double the number of Druids in the world.  But on the eve of the ritual, the world that thought he was dead abruptly discovers that he's still alive, and they would much rather he return to the grave.  

Having no other choice, Atticus, his trusted Irish wolfhound, Oberon, and Granuaile travel to the base of Mount Olympus, where the Roman god Bacchus is anxious to take his sworn revenge - but he'll have to get in line behind an ancient vampire, a band of dark elves, and an old god of mischief, who all seem to have KILL THE DRUID at the top of their to-do lists.

This is a series that continues to deliver excitement, complex plots and wickedly evil adversaries for Atticus and friends to fight.  Sometimes, there does seem to be a few too many of those evil adversaries for Atticus to handle, as was the case in Trapped.  A little too much going on, I would have preferred more focus on Atticus and Grauaile's changing relationship and fewer interruptions.

The story has a lot of action, tension and what I've begun to think as Hearne's trademark humor.  Smart, dry and self-deprecating on Atticus' part.  With Oberon, well he has the humor just as I would imagine a dog would have.  Makes me want my own Oberon.

The way Atticus and Granuaile's relationship has evolved is not only satisfying but makes sense since they've spent so much time together (twelve years).  They also have developed a deep respect for each other and their abilities.  This is more evident on Atticus' part since Granuaile already had some hero-worshiping going on.

Hearne does well keeping this reader's interest.  The only time I find myself wavering is when the mythological history lessons begin. Then I wish I had a fast forward button.  This may only be a personal preference but after the fast pace of the rest of the story, it becomes hard to downshift to the slower gear.

I do like how the different mythologies are connected to Atticus and his world.  But sometimes it becomes a little crowded and greater focus on one or two would have given a more streamlined feel to the story.  Even with those few minor problems, I found Trapped to be entertaining and the series as a whole one to recommend.

Rating:  B

The Iron Druid Chronicles

Hounded
Hexed
Hammered
Tricked
Trapped
Hunted (June 25, 2013)