Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
I didn't love the multiple viewpoints and multiple story lines. Not my favourite of the series.
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I've really enjoyed how this book split into 3 arcs, one for each druid. Each arc didn't feel tacked-on just to give that druid something to do. The author was able to advance both the over-arching story as well as showing character growth and development. Some big things happened in this book, and it's starting to be obvious that we're nearing the end of the series. I've got to take a little break now and catch up on all the novellas and short stories before I dive in to #9.
Another great book in the Iron Druid Chronicles. I will freely admit that the plot and construction of the novel did not seem up to the very high standards Kevin Hearne has set with his previous installments, but the characters are so strong and interesting that it was easy to get swept into the story all the same.
Enjoyable as always. Though I still don't like the 3 separate perspectives I'm getting used to them, just in time for the series to end, but I still don't love them. She bores me, Owen was too sanctimonious for me ~ like he never did something to piss someone off so much, and Atticus this time was just good, not great. The vampire stuff got old, since it's been going on a while now. Still, enjoyable overall.
This had its ups and downs. I think the series is tyring itself out. I liked the three different narrative perspectives, but thought it created unnecessary repetition. Also the story turns Atticus more and more into an unlikable guy, with all his stupid decisions and stuff he gets into.
These books are like a poor man's [b:Dresden Files|47212|Storm Front (The Dresden Files, #1)|Jim Butcher|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1419456275s/47212.jpg|1137060]. The main character is a druid (rather than a wizard) & has an Irish wolfhound companion for comedic relief. I enjoy these, but after I've read one, the plot fades quickly from my mind. This time, Atticus goes head to head against an ancient vampire in vengeance against the druidic genocide they initiated during Roman times. The archdruid Owen & Atticus' love interest & druid-in-training Granuaile have their own side adventures, with everyone converging at the end to work together. They're fine books & if you're looking for some light reading, you could do worse. After talking to Jared, it sounds like these books are best consumed via audio, as the voice actor does some impressive work.
I'm starting to get worried about where this series is going. Good book overall. Told from the three points of view of each druid, which I'm starting to get used to. I love listening to Owen and Granuile isn't as annoying to listen to in this book although she still has a lot to learn about control. The most difficult part of listening to Granuile's part of the story is listening to Orla because she doesn't have nearly the great personality that Oberon has. Of the many plot lines that have been running and forming through the previous books - 1 is "neatly" tied up, another 1 is given minor attention and 1 that we thought was all tied up quietly unties the knots and sneaks away, and we get the possible beginnings of another one. Some interesting side stories (Nigel in Toronto and trolls) that make an appearance to give the book depth, humor and length. These books are starting to feel like short stories that just happen to take place in the same world. Still worth reading and I look forward to the next book and hope it gets better.
Breaking up the three Druids was refreshing, and allowed for some plot deviation, which this series sorely needed. I'm a little concerned about the readability of Granuaile's future path, as that particular topic was the downfall of one of my favorite series as a kid (hint hint [b:The Final Warning|1829709|The Final Warning (Maximum Ride, #4)|James Patterson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440631506s/1829709.jpg|3236104]). Owen's plot opened a ton of avenues for future books, which is pretty great, and a lot of Atticus' problems were finally solved in this one. Maybe they'll develop the same joy and wit as the first few, which would be really fun, or maybe it'll be totally different in the next book. I'm a little excited and a little nervous to find out.
Spoiler
the one downside is I TOTALLY saw Orlaith getting pregnant and it's SO STUPID. SO DUMB. So that's pretty horrible, because now we'll get tons more inane commentary from these dogs. (I have nothing against them separately, but together their conversations really devolve.
Another fun installment. I think it's great that the series POV is expanding beyond Atticus and Oberon - even though their partnership is still one of my favorite things about the series. Granuaile's interactions on her own with various fae and witches and gods is interesting and Owen provides some of the comic commentary we used to get from Atticus and Oberon.
My only two gripes about this book were
On one hand, I'm very glad Kevin Hearne didn't give Granuaile some past child abuse/molestation backstory, because that would've felt contrived. On the other hand, her anger at her step-dad seems over-the-top. He was an asshole.... so?
I'm not sure why everyone blames Atticus for everything that happens - particularly the pack and especially Greta blaming him for Hal's death (or Gunner's death for that matter). Irrational and annoying.
This novel ended on such a good note - if I didn't know there was a planned book 9, I'd consider it a satisfying ending to a very entertaining series.
My only two gripes about this book were
Spoiler
Granuaile's overdramatic sense of injustice about her step-dad and the Tempe and Flagstaff pack's reaction to being attacked at Owen's grove.On one hand, I'm very glad Kevin Hearne didn't give Granuaile some past child abuse/molestation backstory, because that would've felt contrived. On the other hand, her anger at her step-dad seems over-the-top. He was an asshole.... so?
I'm not sure why everyone blames Atticus for everything that happens - particularly the pack and especially Greta blaming him for Hal's death (or Gunner's death for that matter). Irrational and annoying.
This novel ended on such a good note - if I didn't know there was a planned book 9, I'd consider it a satisfying ending to a very entertaining series.