ARC Review: Shattered

Shattered
Kevin Hearne
Urban Fantasty
Iron Druid Chronicles/Book 7
Del Rey/June 17, 2014

For nearly two thousand years, there was only one Druid left walking the Earth—Atticus O’Sullivan, the Iron Druid, whose sharp wit and sharp sword kept him alive while pursued by a pantheon of hostile deities. Now he’s got company.

Atticus’s apprentice Granuaile is at last a full Druid herself. What’s more, Atticus has defrosted an archdruid long ago frozen in time, a father figure (of sorts) who now goes by the modern equivalent of his old Irish name: Owen Kennedy.

And Owen has some catching up to do.

Atticus takes pleasure in the role reversal, as the student is now the teacher. Between busting Atticus’s chops and trying to fathom a cell phone, Owen must also learn English. For Atticus, the jury’s still out on whether the wily old coot will be an asset in the epic battle with Norse god Loki—or merely a pain in the arse.

But Atticus isn’t the only one with daddy issues. Granuaile faces a great challenge: to exorcise a sorcerer’s spirit that is possessing her father in India. Even with the help of the witch Laksha, Granuaile may be facing a crushing defeat.

As the trio of Druids deals with pestilence-spreading demons, bacon-loving yeti, fierce flying foxes, and frenzied Fae, they’re hoping that this time
 . . . three’s a charm.

With Shattered, the seventh book in the adventurous Iron Druid Chronicles, Mr. Hearne has done it again. Not only has he given readers a wonderful ride filled with adventure, intrigue and comedy but he has woven a number of pantheons into a cohesive plot with gods and goddesses vying for the chance to either help Atticus or hasten him to his death.

The story is told in alternating chapters in three different point of view - Atticus, Granuaile and Owen.  Owen is Atticus' archdruid, his teacher who has been spending the last two thousand years on a time island.  But now he is free and it is Atticus' job to see that Owen becomes acclimated to the new world he finds himself in.  Of course, Atticus doesn't exactly have an abundance of free time but he does feel a responsibility towards Owen,  It was interesting to see their relationship unfold in a new direction with Atticus in the role of the teacher and Owen the student.

Granuaile is now a powerful Druid in her own right.  She can kick-ass right alongside Atticus.  She is pulled in another direction when her past association with Laksha comes calling.  With Granuaile, we see how she has embraced her life as a Druid but she brings a more modern outlook to the series.  I do like when Atticus and Granuaile are together because they work so well as partners but they spent most of Shattered apart.

I can't forget to mention Oberon, mostly because it might hurt his feelings.  The hound is in fine form if a little less page time than I would have liked.  Oberon is the comic relief, although not always intentional on his part.  He is the reason I find myself laughing out loud while reading Mr. Hearne's novels although Owen does give Oberon some competition in that arena.

Along with the three different points of view we also have three different plots converging into a final epic battle.  Hearne certainly knows how to choreograph battle scenes.  There are a multitude of fighters with various weapons but the action plays out like a well directed play with everyone knowing their part.  But there is also a great display of emotion in these scenes.  With friends and family members falling under the blade, whether they be god or long lived mortal, they all feel the pain of loss.

Shattered is another well written addition to the series.  It has that roller coaster feeling of exciting, thrilling, scary and left me wanting to get back in line for more.

Rating: A-

The Iron Druid Chronicles ~

Hounded
Hexed
Hammered
Tricked
Trapped
Hunted

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)

Review: Tricked

Tricked 
Kevin Hearne
Urban Fantasy
Iron Druid Chronicles/Book 4
Del Rey/April 24, 2012

Druid Atticus O’Sullivan hasn’t stayed alive for more than two millennia without a fair bit of Celtic cunning. So when vengeful thunder gods come Norse by Southwest looking for payback, Atticus, with a little help from the Navajo trickster god Coyote, lets them think that they’ve chopped up his body in the Arizona desert.

But the mischievous Coyote is not above a little sleight of paw, and Atticus soon finds that he’s been duped into battling bloodthirsty desert shapeshifters called skinwalkers. Just when the Druid thinks he’s got a handle on all the duplicity, betrayal comes from an unlikely source. If Atticus survives this time, he vows he won’t be fooled again. Famous last words.
  
This is a series that continues to surprise me. It is funny, smart and completely entertaining.  The more I get to know Atticus, Oberon and now Granuaile, apprentice to Atticus.  I do think Mr. Hearne has really hit his stride in Tricked.  For some series, the fourth book could turn out to have a "been there, done that" feel to it but Hearne continues to show growth in his characters, keeping them interesting and entertaining.  

Atticus O'Sullivan doesn't lead a quiet life.  He'd like to enjoy some peace and quiet but as soon as he survives one near death experience he's called upon to lend his exceptional talents to another potential crisis.  Along for the always intense ride are his Irish Wolfhound Oberon and Atticus' Druid apprentice Granuaile.  The relationship Atticus and Oberon have goes beyond owner and pet.  They share a unique bond allowing them to communicate telepathically.  Which also allows the reader to enjoy Oberon's wicked sense of humor.  

Atticus and Granuaile's relationship continues to develop as their characters develop.  I really like the direction they're going and the pacing.  The author is taking his time and really allowing this friendship to deepen before bring on the romance.  Whether they ever become romantically involved is still undecided but it looks to be heading that way.  If they do I don't see the romance to be front and center but stay in the background with the magic and world building continuing to take center stage.  

The world of the Iron Druid has numerous inhabitants, in addition to the humans, and can get a bit overwhelming.  Hearne does well in making the mythology, characters and their abilities form a cohesive world.  I do like how some of the well known mythology is refuted by Atticus because he was there when it happened.  It's amusing hear him spin a story, taking a grain of truth and turning it into fact.  The secondary characters each have their place within the story and are well developed in relation to their importance to the overall plot.  

Tricked hit all the sweet spots providing action, humor and intelligent characters.  I'm thankful the wait for the next installment is only a month away!

Rating:  A

Iron Druid Chronicles ~

Hounded
Hexed
Hammered
A Test of Mettle ( free short story/author's website)
Tricked
Two Ravens and One Crow (novella/e-book)
Trapped (November 27, 2012)
Hunted (2013)

Review: Hammered

Hammered
Kevin Hearne
Urban Fantasy
Iron Druid Chronicles/Book 3
Del Rey/July 5, 2011

From Goodreads ~

Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is worse than a blowhard and a bully—he’s ruined countless lives and killed scores of innocents. After centuries, Viking vampire Leif Helgarson is ready to get his vengeance, and he’s asked his friend Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids, to help take down this Norse nightmare.

One survival strategy has worked for Atticus for more than two thousand years: stay away from the guy with the lightning bolts. But things are heating up in Atticus’s home base of Tempe, Arizona. There’s a vampire turf war brewing, and Russian demon hunters who call themselves the Hammers of God are running rampant. Despite multiple warnings and portents of dire consequences, Atticus and Leif journey to the Norse plain of Asgard, where they team up with a werewolf, a sorcerer, and an army of frost giants for an epic showdown against vicious Valkyries, angry gods, and the hammer-wielding Thunder Thug himself.

The third installment of Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles finds ancient druid, Atticus O'Sullivan preparing for a major battle. A battle he might not survive. But if he does, he'll need to go far underground, leaving all behind but his apprentice Granuaile and his best friend and all around awesome dog Oberon.

Atticus has a lot to do before he takes on Thor. It was interesting to see how many attachments Atticus had. He had survived for so long by laying low and not building lasting relationships. Now, he's realized how many people and places have become important to him. Lots of loose ends to tie up. While Atticus is busy doing this, we also get to know more about Leif and Gunnar. Leif is a lawyer and a vampire. No, really. Gunnar is the alpha of the local werewolf pack. They both want revenge against Thor and will be joining Atticus when he goes after him.

Atticus is under a lot of pressure, he knows he might not make it back alive but he still keeps his humor intact. It's one of my favorite things about him. There is a car/chariot chase scene with Leif driving, Gunnar as passenger and Atticus in the back adding his unique humor to the situation. Atticus and Leif end up in a dueling Shakespeare contest that had me in stitches.

It takes a lot for the gang to get to Asgard where they plan to lure Thor into a fight. It's not just Atticus, Leif and Gunnar who want revenge but there are three others who travel with them to Asgard. I liked the new characters, they were well developed for secondary characters and rounded out the "fellowship" determined to take down Thor. The pacing did slow down quite a bit as everyones' reasons for revenge were told around the campfire. The stories were interesting but tended to drag on too long and for some, the willingness to risk their lives didn't balance with the act Thor was accused of.

There are a number of fight scenes and while I liked them I did find it hard to keep track of everyone involved. There were so many engaged in the various fights. There are gods, goddesses and deities along with their supernatural sidekicks making me wish I had a score card to keep track.

The end provides some twists and turns along with sadness and loss. It also leaves the reader wondering what will happen next. We'll have to wait until next April to find out.

Rating: B

Iron Druid Chronicles ~

Hounded
Hexed
Hammered
Tricked (April 2012)

Review: Hexed

Hexed
Kevin Hearne
Urban Fantasy
Iron Druid Chronicles/Book 2
Del Rey/June 7, 2011

*Spoilers for Book 1*

From the back cover ~

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn’t care much for witches. Still, he’s about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty—when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they’re badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.

With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly decadence, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. But aided by his magical sword, his neighbor’s rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and his vampire attorney, Atticus is ready to sweep the town and show the witchy women they picked the wrong Druid to hex.

After reading Hounded, the first book in the Iron Druid Chronicles, I was curious as to what would happen to Atticus and his adorable pooch Oberon next. In turns out there is rarely a dull moment in the life a of druid. To say there is a lot going on and numerous characters running in and out of Atticus' life is an understatement.

Atticus doesn't like witches but they have become a part of his life. After the battle in the Superstition Mountains (Hounded), Atticus has reluctantly decided to form what you would call a non-aggressive alliance with the local coven. Which in theory sounds easy enough - sign some papers in blood and you're done. But it takes Atticus a while to get to there between threats on his life, visits from goddesses, crazy nosy neighbor, fights, questioning by the cops, a mysterious priest and rabbi, more fights and general mayhem and destruction. This poor guy couldn't get a break! And that was the main problem I had with Hexed. Too many characters and too much going on.

Even with the numerous threads and characters to keep track of, I do enjoy Hearne's writing. Atticus is written in a way that you know he's been around for a long time but he keeps up with the modern world, trying to fit in while not giving up his heritage. He's smart, funny and loyal. Unlike some characters in the series with supernatural powers, Atticus actually gives a damn about others and is not just in the fight for his own benefit. Not that he's opposed to reaping some rewards for risking his life, he just isn't immune to the suffering of innocents.

Atticus continues training his apprentice while trying not to notice how attractive she is. He's amusingly cute when he does this, trying to think about baseball stats instead of how good she looks in, well, just about anything. One thing that I found myself looking forward to are the interactions between Atticus and his hound Oberon. Atticus has the ability to communicate telepathically with Oberon which seems to have strengthen their relationship. They both have a clever sense of humor with Oberon adding a his dog POV.

As mentioned, there are a number of fight scenes and like with Hounded, Hearne writes these well giving the reader a look at how different beings use various means and weapons when fighting. Those scenes have just the right amount of tension, blood and guts without going on for too long.

I'm liking this series but I do hope the next book, Hammered narrows the focus on possibly one main plot and maybe one or two sub-plots, giving Atticus and the reader more time to really focus on a few characters instead of so many.

Rating: B-

*I must say how much I love these covers. It is exactly how I picture Atticus.*

Books in this series ~

Hounded
Hexed
Hammered

Review: Hounded

Hounded
Kevin Hearne
Urban Fantasy
Iron Druid Chronicles/Book 1
Del Rey/May 3, 2011

From the back cover ~

Atticus O'Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old - when in actuality, he's twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he's hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power - plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish - to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

It took me a bit longer than I would have liked to get into this book but once I did, I found I really enjoyed it. There are plenty of life and death situations for Atticus but there is always this hint of humor either right on the edge or right in your face. At times it had a Buffy-esque feel to it. Atticus may be in a fierce battle for his life but still manages a few one liners. It's as if the author wanted me to take the story seriously but not too seriously.

The setting for Hounded takes place in my neck of the woods which I don't read too often. So when Atticus would mention where he was going and what direction he would take, I just had to reference my mental map of Tempe. LOL It was fun to see these character in places that I have been.

Atticus (love that name!) O'Sullivan is in a heap of trouble and so is his Irish Wolfhound Oberon. It starts with an attack, then a visit from a goddess and a heap of Fae thrown into the mix. But Atticus keeps his cool for the most part. He defeats his attackers, manages the clean up then heads off to work. He's playing the part of a young 20 something guy but given his real age and experiences, it's not surprising that he doesn't panic but instead makes plans on how to face the next threat. And Oberon isn't just his dog but his good friend. Atticus and Oberon can "talk" to each other in their heads. They have some interesting conversations with Oberon giving his unique observations on people and events. The more I got to know Atticus, the more I liked him. He gives off this earthy vibe which makes sense since he is bound to the earth by his magic.

There are several secondary characters to keep track of along with plots and sub-plots. The gods, goddess and Fae love to manipulate people and events to their liking. I didn't find it difficult to keep track of the characters but there were times when the narration became a little too heavy, making me look forward to the next fight scene. And there was always a next fight scene! Hearne does a wonderful job choreographing the fights.

The ending left plenty of room for expanding the world and the characters. There are a few secondary characters that I'm looking forward to reading more about in the next two releases. Mr. Hearne has written an absorbing novel filled with magic, sword fights and amusing dialogue that will leave the reader wanting more.

Rating: B

Books in this series ~

Hounded
Hexed
Hammered