The first novel in the New York Times bestselling Iron Druid Chronicles—the hilarious, action-packed tales of a two-thousand-year-old Druid pursued by ancient gods in the modern world
“A page-turning and often laugh-out-loud-funny caper through a mix of the modern and the mythic.”—Ari Marmell, author of The Warlord’s Legacy
Atticus O’Sullivan is the last of the ancient druids. He has been on the run for more than two thousand years and he’s tired of it. The Irish gods who want to kill him are after an enchanted sword he stole in a first-century battle, and when they find him managing an occult bookshop in Tempe, Arizona, Atticus doesn’t want to uproot his life again. He just wants everything to end one way or another, but preferably the way in which he can continue to enjoy fish and chips.
He does have some small hope of survival: The Morrigan, the Irish Chooser of the Slain, is on his side, and so is Brighid, First Among the Fae. His lawyer is literally a bloodsucking vampire, and he has a loyal Irish wolfhound with opinions about poodles.
But he’s facing down some mighty enemies: Aenghus Óg, a vengeful Irish god, plus a coven of witches and even the local police. On top of all that, Aenghus has a direct line to the firepower of hell. Atticus will need all the luck of the Irish and more if he’s going to stay alive.
Don’t miss any of The Iron Druid Chronicles:
HOUNDED | HEXED | HAMMERED | TRICKED | TRAPPED | HUNTED | SHATTERED | STAKED | SCOURGED | BESIEGED
I don't read many male authors. It isn't because I have something against them, but there aren't many male authors writing Urban Fantasy, which is my favorite genre of all time. So when I heard about The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne I knew I had to check it out.
Hounded introduces us to Atticus. An ancient Druid living in Arizona and doing a darn good job of blending in with us average joes. That is until his gods start messing with his life. Silly gods. If only they would read Urban Fantasy books they would know their meddling really puts us in a tough spot. But they have to entertain themselves somehow ...
Atticus is a very believable character. His morality is a little skewed from ours, but what would you expect after having lived as long as he has? His thought process constantly cracked me up, and it is pretty much what I imagine the inside of a guys head is like.
And his dog Oberon. I want Oberon. And I want to be able to communicate with him as well. That has to be one of the best perks ever. He is a great side-kick and side character. And Atticus so obviously adores him. It is pretty cute.
Since this is the first book in a series, there is some world building but it isn't overwhelming. The one thing I did have trouble with was the language. There are a lot of Gaelic (I am assuming) words used and while I appreciate the authenticity, and there is even a glossary in the front to help with pronunciation, I still ended up making up words in my head as I read. Don't let that scare you off from a great book though, it's just a pet peeve of my own :-).
Overall, anyone who likes a good solid UF without all the messiness of a romance will love Hounded!
Reading updates
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Started reading
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19 January, 2014:
Finished reading
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19 January, 2014:
Reviewed