Hexed (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #2)

by Kevin Hearne

[Amanda]

Original review: http://onabookbender.com/2012/04/23/audiobook-review-hexed-by-kevin-hearne/

As I mentioned in my post about my audiobook experience, the way I processed this book in audiobook format is different than if I had read it. But other than sometimes not tracking all of the characters, it didn’t affect my enjoyment of this book. I spent quite a bit of time with a huge grin on my face and occasionally snorting in laughter. All the humor in Hounded is present in Hexed as well (and with the audiobook, it is perhaps even better). Because I read this during the read-along of Hounded, I think it gave me an advantage to remembering what had happened and how it influenced the happenings of Hexed. There are bits and pieces of Hounded sprinkled into Hexed, but there is by no means an information dumping.

There is a lot of action in Hexed, with a lot of different threads. This is where listening to the audiobook put me at somewhat of a disadvantage, but I was able to track what was happening, even if it took me a few moments to remember and mentally sort it out. There are unresolved story arcs here that will (presumably) be addressed in the next book. I have a terrible habit of not reading the synopses of books until I’m writing the review after reading the book, so I’m just guessing here. Regardless. This is obviously a series book that resolves some plot threads, and leaves other hanging. I wanted to pick up the next in the series (Hammered) as soon as I finished Hexed, but not because there was a cliffhanger — Kevin Hearne simply writes enjoyable stories.

In Hexed, I think Atticus goes through some serious changes as a person (Druid?). Because he has spent so much of his life attempting to stay hidden, being able to live “freely” changes things. In a sense, Atticus is settling down and growing roots, and this means how he lives must change as well. He is still very adept at adapting to his environment, but he now has different worries. There are a few specific instances in Hexed that underscore these changes, and I am curious to see how Atticus continues to grow throughout the next few books in the series.

The characters in Hexed, and the series overall, continue to be delightful. Atticus may be the main character, but he shares the stage with a lovable cast of characters from Oberon to even the witches (the “good” ones, not the nasty ones mentioned in the synopsis). I was particularly amused by Atticus’s dealings with his goddesses. They are at once awe inspiring and like petulant little children who expect to always get their way. Oberon is his usual silly self.

Hexed does not suffer from the second book syndrome, and continues to deliver the same quality of story and humor that Hounded promised. The Iron Druid Chronicles series is not the typical urban fantasy read, but that is a big part of why it is as good as it is. If you’re looking for a lighthearted and humorous fantasy read, look no further than the Iron Druid Chronicles.

Audiobook Specific: this was my first audiobook, so I don’t have much to compare it to. I did really enjoy Luke Daniels’ variations of the voices, though, and I am definitely looking forward to listening to Hammered on audiobook as well.