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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
That’s it. I’m caught up with everything published in the Iron Druid Chronicles so far. And I’m sad that I have to wait for the next book, but at least I only have to wait until April! Honestly, how this book ended could’ve been the end of the series. Unlike most of its predecessors, there was a legitimate ending here, one that didn’t in some way set up for the next installment.
However, this is the first book in the series that made me feel a bit lost. I know there are short stories between many of the full novels, but I tend to always skip these. I think a lot of readers do, because it’s hard enough to make sure you’re reading the books in the right order, much less trying to make sure you read the short stories in the right order between the appropriate installments. Usually, this isn’t a problem. But with this book, I missed a good chunk of relevant plot by not reading the short story that came between it and the novel before it. I was able to follow what was going on, but I knew I was missing a decent chuck of background. That made the book less enjoyable.
There was also more sadness in this installment. Yes, there was still the humor that I’ve come to love, but it was missing some of the lightheartedness that made the series special for me. I’m still enjoying the three divergent plot lines, but there is one character I loved earlier on in the series who has become stale for me.
Regardless of the problems I had with the book, I still really enjoyed it. I love the characters, and the humor, and the mingled mythologies. I love the magic systems. I love Atticus, and I love Oberon most of all. I’ll be a loyal fan of the series until it comes to a close.
However, this is the first book in the series that made me feel a bit lost. I know there are short stories between many of the full novels, but I tend to always skip these. I think a lot of readers do, because it’s hard enough to make sure you’re reading the books in the right order, much less trying to make sure you read the short stories in the right order between the appropriate installments. Usually, this isn’t a problem. But with this book, I missed a good chunk of relevant plot by not reading the short story that came between it and the novel before it. I was able to follow what was going on, but I knew I was missing a decent chuck of background. That made the book less enjoyable.
There was also more sadness in this installment. Yes, there was still the humor that I’ve come to love, but it was missing some of the lightheartedness that made the series special for me. I’m still enjoying the three divergent plot lines, but there is one character I loved earlier on in the series who has become stale for me.
Regardless of the problems I had with the book, I still really enjoyed it. I love the characters, and the humor, and the mingled mythologies. I love the magic systems. I love Atticus, and I love Oberon most of all. I’ll be a loyal fan of the series until it comes to a close.
We now enter the sad point in life where you read through a series too fast and then suddenly realize you now have to wait for another installment.
Nooooo!!! Why did Hal have to die?!?!?! Dang it, I was totally and completely bummed when I read that part and even after I finished the book. I think I was crushing a bit on Hal and this turn of events totally sadden me. Also, I have a feeling that Ragnarök will be happening/starting on the next book, I can't hardly wait!
Great Story, but Too Perfect
The plot of this book is entertaining and well developed. My only real issue is that everything works out too well. (Yes, I know the one scene in *spoiler* where *spoiler*, but that is one event in the entire book.) There is so,e tension, but there is never a point where I questioned that everything was going to turn out fine.
The plot of this book is entertaining and well developed. My only real issue is that everything works out too well. (Yes, I know the one scene in *spoiler* where *spoiler*, but that is one event in the entire book.) There is so,e tension, but there is never a point where I questioned that everything was going to turn out fine.
On the whole, I enjoyed it. The whole war with the vampires thing doesn't do as much for me as Hearne's previous plot lines that involved re-imaginations of whole pantheons of gods from various parts of the world. I must admit also that the werewolves' antipathy toward Atticus because of what the vampires did to them strikes me as illogical and unlike a group who should understand violence. Saying it was Atticus' fault is sort of like blaming a car manufacturer when a drunk driver kills someone...the blame was misplaced. Nonetheless, it was a lighthearted read, suitable for log car rides and airplane reading.
The Iron Druid series was one of my go-to favs and I usually pre-order so I can read the latest installment the day it is out!
I was incredibly disappointed that a short story was required reading instead of hey, if you enjoyed this story, read more about *blah* in the short story. I also was disappointed that the short story wasn't part of the book so I either had to buy A Prelude to War or stumble through the book - I chose stumble.
For me, the book just didn't pick up the fun because I was trying to figure out what was going on and switching between three different POV's.
I think for the next installment, I will just wait and read it when it is available from my library.
I was incredibly disappointed that a short story was required reading instead of hey, if you enjoyed this story, read more about *blah* in the short story. I also was disappointed that the short story wasn't part of the book so I either had to buy A Prelude to War or stumble through the book - I chose stumble.
For me, the book just didn't pick up the fun because I was trying to figure out what was going on and switching between three different POV's.
I think for the next installment, I will just wait and read it when it is available from my library.
Originally read when it was released in 2016, and re-read on audio in 2021 in preparation for finally reading the last book.
Having just re-read the entire series on audiobook over the last year, it's wild to see so many of Atticus's consequences show up to bite him in the ass - but also great to see how the long term relationships he's fostered are there to keep him standing.
Also loved that this penultimate book had a solid, emotionally-satisfying, non-cliffhanger ending to prepare us and let us get our bearings before we dive into Ragnarok in the final book.
Popsugar 2021 Reading Challenge #29: A book set in multiple countries.
Having just re-read the entire series on audiobook over the last year, it's wild to see so many of Atticus's consequences show up to bite him in the ass - but also great to see how the long term relationships he's fostered are there to keep him standing.
Also loved that this penultimate book had a solid, emotionally-satisfying, non-cliffhanger ending to prepare us and let us get our bearings before we dive into Ragnarok in the final book.
Popsugar 2021 Reading Challenge #29: A book set in multiple countries.
Great wrap up of some loose ends before Ragnarok. I was very upset about the major character death, and they will be missed. Owen continues to be an unexpected asset to the series, and I like that someone (other than Jesus) is calling Atticus on his bad judgement while developing his own allies and goals. Granville also is doing at lot of growing as a person, and I am relieved at how she is supportive of Atticus while being no less powerful or committed to her own goals and opinions of people. Atticus is no less the druid we've come to know and love, except when he's being Nigel in Toronto.
starts out with them in 3 different places. I didn't figure out till ch 17 that the animal around the chapter # tells me who the chapter is about. I had to figure out by the happenings. I'm glad when they got together, they have good energy.
Kevin Hearne: write faster! <3
Kevin Hearne: write faster! <3
It wold be 3.5 stars Not the best one. The Granauille parts are too serous and a bit boring missing the humour and the lightness of the other books