A review by spootilious
Trapped by Kevin Hearne

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? No

2.5

 

Read: January 2, 2023 

Title: Trapped 

Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles #5 

Author: Kevin Hearne 

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal 

 

 

 

Rating: 2.5/5 

Review: 

All of the downsides I have mentioned about this series previously continue. In addition to those, this book has a bad habit of ‘telling’ things rather than ‘showing’ them. In other words, there is a stark disconnect in many aspects of the story that pulls the ready out of it. The romance between Atticus and his apprentice for example is explained repeatedly by the main character but is never really allowed to be shown in a natural way to allow the reader to feel it. 

 

There is also as whole parade of forgettable bad guys that makes the story feel generic rather than unique and while the first book’s dialog was funny and witty it has become a bit forced with the repetition of one liners with Atticus and his hound. 

 

I suppose the thing I disliked the most about this installment was the fact that I was forced to go back and read the novellas to really understand what was happening, when there wasn’t much in the novella to begin with that couldn’t simply be added to Trapped, considering much of the story is Atticus retelling something that had happened in the past. 

 

The story is still funny however, and the characters are as loveable as ever. Hearne has also managed to sew up a few of the more glaring  plot holes of the series. 

 

Quotes: 

N/A