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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Let's talk about Hounded by Kevin Hearne.
Anyone else get harem anime vibes from these books? I could definitely see this as an anime someday, what with all the attractive female characters falling over themselves for the main character (though not really).
This was definitely a fun read, especially given the stellar narration by Luke Daniels, who does such an amazing job at bringing Atticus O’Sullivan alive through his performance. I think your view on the main character will definitely make or break whether you enjoy this book. He is our eyes into this world, after all, and if you don't like him, I don't see that world being particularly compelling.
Regardless, I enjoyed his character, even if a lot of the pop culture references could get kind of grating. There is an abundance of characters throughout these pages, each with a distinct personality and relationship with Mr. O'Sullivan. However, I do find myself wishing that the cast was cut back some for this entry specifically, mostly because I felt like we got the start to a lot of stories when we only really needed to focus on a few. I am amazed at how much character Kevin Hearne manages to pull off in such a short amount of time while also making the episodic segments build on each other and set up for what is to come.
My main drawback with this book, however, is with the villain. Simply put, I don't remember him all that well. He felt more like an obstacle for Atticus to overcome rather than a proper character to me. And while the way Atticus defeats him is clever and interesting, I also came away not thinking the main villain was any real threat, to begin with.
Overall, a solid 7 out of 10. If you need a lighter read, I highly recommend this. It is very much a wish-fulfillment story, but I think we could all do with a bit of escapism. Heck, that is what I love so much about fantasy. With all that out of the way, please join me next time as we see who gets Hexed.
Anyone else get harem anime vibes from these books? I could definitely see this as an anime someday, what with all the attractive female characters falling over themselves for the main character (though not really).
This was definitely a fun read, especially given the stellar narration by Luke Daniels, who does such an amazing job at bringing Atticus O’Sullivan alive through his performance. I think your view on the main character will definitely make or break whether you enjoy this book. He is our eyes into this world, after all, and if you don't like him, I don't see that world being particularly compelling.
Regardless, I enjoyed his character, even if a lot of the pop culture references could get kind of grating. There is an abundance of characters throughout these pages, each with a distinct personality and relationship with Mr. O'Sullivan. However, I do find myself wishing that the cast was cut back some for this entry specifically, mostly because I felt like we got the start to a lot of stories when we only really needed to focus on a few. I am amazed at how much character Kevin Hearne manages to pull off in such a short amount of time while also making the episodic segments build on each other and set up for what is to come.
My main drawback with this book, however, is with the villain. Simply put, I don't remember him all that well. He felt more like an obstacle for Atticus to overcome rather than a proper character to me. And while the way Atticus defeats him is clever and interesting, I also came away not thinking the main villain was any real threat, to begin with.
Overall, a solid 7 out of 10. If you need a lighter read, I highly recommend this. It is very much a wish-fulfillment story, but I think we could all do with a bit of escapism. Heck, that is what I love so much about fantasy. With all that out of the way, please join me next time as we see who gets Hexed.
Not sure about the timing, but very reminiscent of the world that Jim Butcher created in Chicago, if only philosophically. Well, that and Atticus seems to get around a bit more...
fast-paced
I really quite liked this. It reminded me of The Dresden Files, but with fewer edges. That may change, but it was a bit more lighthearted.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thoroughly enjoyed this unique take on the paranormal world. It was light but not shallow. Fun and action packed. Can’t wait for more.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In a few ways I remember a few of the details quite vividly. In many others, the book as an entirety already is fading from my mind. The latter is to blame mostly. That cannot be helped. But I'd like to articulate what earned this book four stars.
The first thing is that the writer kept things interesting while making his hero near invincible. The logistics of living in the modern world and what being a Druid in a secular (or not so secular, considering the shop our hero owns) society make for an absorbing perusal. Usually I don't think action translates well to literature. The author...knows this. In the climax most of the battle is implied. I had fun reading the names and powers of the Irish gods. I know that Thor will appear at some point in the future books and I'm anticipating that. The cover art is well done. I would never imagine a Druid so young an so suburban. Granuaile could have been irritating but doesn't come across as a brat. All these nice cajoles and nifty touches is the result of the author being as careful as his hero is paranoid. I feel that the writer knows what works from reading about past and lesser fantasy books.
There are some characters that are memorable, and all of them are clear cut. One of them, the Irish widow, is superfluous. I think the author realized he was making Atticus too unlikable. The clumsiness in the manipulation for our sympathy is resounding. I think that character could be dispensed with without losing anything. I did find Atticus a bit callous but then not so much. Atticus only once showed a mellow side, and that was regarding the death of the detective. At other times, he is tempted, trapped, hounded indeed. The few days narrated in the book is very hectic for our endangered hero and the result is brisk storytelling. I could say more(I never even mentioned the witches, vampire, werewolves and ghouls), but here ends my review.
The first thing is that the writer kept things interesting while making his hero near invincible. The logistics of living in the modern world and what being a Druid in a secular (or not so secular, considering the shop our hero owns) society make for an absorbing perusal. Usually I don't think action translates well to literature. The author...knows this. In the climax most of the battle is implied. I had fun reading the names and powers of the Irish gods. I know that Thor will appear at some point in the future books and I'm anticipating that. The cover art is well done. I would never imagine a Druid so young an so suburban. Granuaile could have been irritating but doesn't come across as a brat. All these nice cajoles and nifty touches is the result of the author being as careful as his hero is paranoid. I feel that the writer knows what works from reading about past and lesser fantasy books.
There are some characters that are memorable, and all of them are clear cut. One of them, the Irish widow, is superfluous. I think the author realized he was making Atticus too unlikable. The clumsiness in the manipulation for our sympathy is resounding. I think that character could be dispensed with without losing anything. I did find Atticus a bit callous but then not so much. Atticus only once showed a mellow side, and that was regarding the death of the detective. At other times, he is tempted, trapped, hounded indeed. The few days narrated in the book is very hectic for our endangered hero and the result is brisk storytelling. I could say more(I never even mentioned the witches, vampire, werewolves and ghouls), but here ends my review.