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suvata's review against another edition
4.0
• The Iron Druid Chronicles #1
The only reason that I got this audiobook was because Michael Kindness recommended it on the Books on the Nightstand podcast, Episode #319. He was so enthusiastic about it that I decided to give it a try even though I haven't ready any books in the fantasy genre for many, many years.
My first impression after listening to the first two chapters was that Luke Daniels is an awesome narrator.
This book is about the last living druid. Atticus O'Sullivan is a 21-century-old druid who runs an occult bookstore while hiding from fairies in modern-day Arizona. Atticus hunts with an Irish wolfhound who, in my opinion, is one of the best characters in the audio version. Anyway, Atticus is in possession of a magical sword that is being pursued by a Celtic god. Let the battles begin!
The only reason that I got this audiobook was because Michael Kindness recommended it on the Books on the Nightstand podcast, Episode #319. He was so enthusiastic about it that I decided to give it a try even though I haven't ready any books in the fantasy genre for many, many years.
My first impression after listening to the first two chapters was that Luke Daniels is an awesome narrator.
This book is about the last living druid. Atticus O'Sullivan is a 21-century-old druid who runs an occult bookstore while hiding from fairies in modern-day Arizona. Atticus hunts with an Irish wolfhound who, in my opinion, is one of the best characters in the audio version. Anyway, Atticus is in possession of a magical sword that is being pursued by a Celtic god. Let the battles begin!
mogffm3's review against another edition
4.0
2000+ year old druid using 2000 slang, lol. Far-fetched yes, but still an enjoyable and cute read. And I just can't help but like books that personify doggos!
Audio-book -- narrator was pretty good. Doggo was goofy.
Audio-book -- narrator was pretty good. Doggo was goofy.
trixx_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I've read this book several times, but this year I finally want to read the whole series.
Atticus is a really bold, inventive and entertaining protagonist who defies common perceptions of druids. He adapts to the conventions of modern times in both his behaviour and his mindset. His best friend is his Irish wolfhound, with whom he shares a telepathic bond, so that we can almost constantly hear Oberon's funny thoughts, who loves hunting, sausages and poodles.
We learn about Celtic mythology and the gods of Tuatha Dé Danann. For example, Morrigan, the goddess of the Death Changer and war, plays an important role in the story, making a pact with the druid that as long as his existence annoys Aenghus Óg, she will try to protect him from death. We also read about werewolves, vampires, witches and fairies.
Although I've read this book many times, the funny Oberon, the mysterious Granuaile and Mrs MacDonagh, who helps to get rid of the bodies, are still my favourites.
Hounded is an action-packed and entertaining story that brings Celtic mythological figures to life.
Atticus is a really bold, inventive and entertaining protagonist who defies common perceptions of druids. He adapts to the conventions of modern times in both his behaviour and his mindset. His best friend is his Irish wolfhound, with whom he shares a telepathic bond, so that we can almost constantly hear Oberon's funny thoughts, who loves hunting, sausages and poodles.
We learn about Celtic mythology and the gods of Tuatha Dé Danann. For example, Morrigan, the goddess of the Death Changer and war, plays an important role in the story, making a pact with the druid that as long as his existence annoys Aenghus Óg, she will try to protect him from death. We also read about werewolves, vampires, witches and fairies.
Although I've read this book many times, the funny Oberon, the mysterious Granuaile and Mrs MacDonagh, who helps to get rid of the bodies, are still my favourites.
Hounded is an action-packed and entertaining story that brings Celtic mythological figures to life.
faerietrails's review against another edition
2.5
Ending spoilers//
I wanted to like this one, and was into the world-building and magic system(s), but, man, is this peak male power fantasy.
When he first realizes Aengus Óg is after him, Atticus is petrified; it's a revenge centuries in the making. Then, our big bad sends several obstacles that Atticus disposes of with ease, and despite everyone thinking he's going to die, we are never given any reason to worry he might be in any real danger. The actual fight with Aengus lasts 3ish pages. None of the choices or plot points have any lasting negative consequences, Atticus is exactly the same, it just felt really pointless. He kills TWO gods in this book like it's nothing, where do you go from there??
Also is Atticus' main weakness just the fact that he's...really thirsty for the female gods?? Most of the women in this book are described in an objectifying manner (you have to know EXACTLY how hot everyone is), and there is just. No reason for any of it. He doesn't develop any relationships, I guess he's just so cool and awesome and sexy that all the female gods want to sleep with him. Also that final interaction with the Morrigan was extremely unnecessary.
I chuckled a few times and my interest was piqued at Granuaile becoming his apprentice so we could also learn more about Druidic practices, but I cannot read any more of this writing.
I wanted to like this one, and was into the world-building and magic system(s), but, man, is this peak male power fantasy.
When he first realizes Aengus Óg is after him, Atticus is petrified; it's a revenge centuries in the making. Then, our big bad sends several obstacles that Atticus disposes of with ease, and despite everyone thinking he's going to die, we are never given any reason to worry he might be in any real danger. The actual fight with Aengus lasts 3ish pages. None of the choices or plot points have any lasting negative consequences, Atticus is exactly the same, it just felt really pointless. He kills TWO gods in this book like it's nothing, where do you go from there??
Also is Atticus' main weakness just the fact that he's...really thirsty for the female gods?? Most of the women in this book are described in an objectifying manner (you have to know EXACTLY how hot everyone is), and there is just. No reason for any of it. He doesn't develop any relationships, I guess he's just so cool and awesome and sexy that all the female gods want to sleep with him. Also that final interaction with the Morrigan was extremely unnecessary.
I chuckled a few times and my interest was piqued at Granuaile becoming his apprentice so we could also learn more about Druidic practices, but I cannot read any more of this writing.
brianne_k's review against another edition
4.0
I quite enjoyed this! The plot was interesting, I loved all the creatures (... best word I could think of at the moment) that inhabit this world. Druids, witches, vampires, werewolves, ghouls, fae and many gods/goddesses/deities.. and a very hilarious Irish Wolfhound. I liked Atticus a lot.
I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
nadine_booklover's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Nice story, lovely main character, dialogues which makes you smile a lot and a great combination of ancient gods and the modern world. If you enjoyed reading American Gods, you'll like this one for sure :)
bigs2021's review against another edition
5.0
I like it!
Simple, but well written and clever. I really enjoyed the story and the writing. He is kind of a superhero, but I truly appreciated that there are elements of vampire stories, traditional fantasies, and modern day superheroes woven together in the hip and enjoyable tale.
Simple, but well written and clever. I really enjoyed the story and the writing. He is kind of a superhero, but I truly appreciated that there are elements of vampire stories, traditional fantasies, and modern day superheroes woven together in the hip and enjoyable tale.
dapplezee's review against another edition
4.0
Light, fun urban fantasy. What's not to like? Hot guy with an appreciation for strong women does battle with supernatural evil. Runs a bookshop, quotes Shakespeare when's he's ticked off, and keeps company with a charming wolfhound named Oberon who's a sucker for sausages and French poodles. I like that the southwestern US setting isn't just window-dressing; Atticus lives there for specific reasons and it's well tied in to the plot.
dajoyofit's review against another edition
4.0
Funny and dorky. I love it. The world building is awesome. Atticus and his hound are hilarious. The interchanges between Atticus and Lief are great. Atticus’ precarious relationship with the various gods and goddesses is very interesting. The mythology is intriguing. Overall the storytelling and dialogue are compelling.
The only con I could come up with is that Atticus is not only an imperfect flesh and blood man, but he is a lifelong pagan who is not governed by Christian-Judeo morals. This fact at times made reading Atticus’ internal dialogue and actions awkward and uncomfortable. If you’re sensitive about cultures and religious beliefs that are starkly different from your own, you may find Atticus and this series unappealing.
The only con I could come up with is that Atticus is not only an imperfect flesh and blood man, but he is a lifelong pagan who is not governed by Christian-Judeo morals. This fact at times made reading Atticus’ internal dialogue and actions awkward and uncomfortable. If you’re sensitive about cultures and religious beliefs that are starkly different from your own, you may find Atticus and this series unappealing.