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fredosbrother's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sophia_konrad's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
An anthology of nine short stories with eight of them new in The Iron Druid Chronicles urban fantasy series and revolving around a 2,000-year-old Druid and his (mis)adventures. (Hearne considers this anthology to fall in at 8.5 in the series, publication-wise, after The Purloined Poodle, which is actually 8.5.)
The Series
"The Eye of Horus", 4.1
"Goddess at the Crossroads", 4.2
"The Demon Barker of Wheat Street", 4.6
"Gold Dust Druid", 4.7
"The Bogeyman of Boora Bog", 8.1
"Cuddle Dungeon", 8.2
"Blood Pudding", 8.6
"Haunted Devils", 8.7
"The End of Idylls", 8.9
My Take
Okay, it’s weird to hear Atticus talk in modern day language when he’s relating stories that take place centuries before this day when he, Oberon, and Granuaile are sitting around a campfire in Arizona. And it is fun to hear those stories in his voice. Several of the stories are told by the archdruid and another by Perun.
Most of the stories are simply outtakes of Atticus' life through the centuries, and some do provide background into where/how/why Atticus learned more about his powers and how his views were shaped.
Core Characters
Atticus O'Sullivan/Siodhachan Ó Suileabháin is an ancient Druid who takes his responsibility for earth seriously. Fragarach is the sword he stole from Conn. Oberon is an Irish wolfhound with a great "doggy" sense of humor who can thought-speak with Atticus and Guanaile MacTiernan, his apprentice. Gaia is the earth, Mother Nature, however you want to think of her. The Morrigan is the crow goddess, the Chooser of the Slain.
The Stories
"The Eye of Horus" is a tale of thievery (and protection). There’s a rumor going about amongst the gods that the Great Library of Alexandria is threatened, and there are a few things they’d like Atticus to steal for them.
There's a little foreshadowing for "The Grimoire of the Lamb", 0.4, which would make me think "The Eye of Horus" should actually be more like 0.3???
"Goddess at the Crossroads" finds Atticus saving Shakespeare’s life even as he thwarts three witches and provides some interest to Shakespeare’s King Lear.
"The Demon Barker of Wheat Street" is supposed to be a vacation for Granuaile to see how her mother is faring since Granuaile "died". Supposedly, carnivals are also supposed to be a fun part of any vacation, unless you run into one that’s the front for a demon hellmouth! It can also be found in Carniepunk.
"Gold Dust Druid" finds Atticus in San Francisco during the Gold Rush when a Qabbalist is too lazy to work and pays for it. Permanently. It certainly gave me a sense of the time period with its greed and gambling, even as San Francisco is trying to instill some law and order.
"The Bogeyman of Boora Bog" uncovers the evil lurking in the marshes of Boora Bog with Atticus’ mentor, Archdruid Owen Kennedy, and how Owen met Atticus. It also relays how Owen’s experiences change how he teaches his new apprentice.
"Cuddle Dungeon" is an exploration of different by a god and goddess, as Perun and Flidais explore BDSM. And Perun comes to appreciate that consent is all.
"Blood Pudding" is part of Granuaile’s apprenticeship with thirteen witches in Poland and a trial by fire when she must root out a belligerent vampire and his followers.
"Haunted Devils" is told by Archdruid Owen Kennedy as he, Greta, his apprentices, Atticus, and Oberon tackle the cancer-ridden Tasmanian devils who are dying Down Under. Owen has his own reflections on Greta’s anger towards Atticus and reflects on his gratitude for what Atticus has accomplished.
"The End of Idylls" is one of those sad tales…and yes, I cried. Atticus explains to Oberon how guilt has compelled him to avoid long-term animal companions…until Oberon.
The Cover and Title
The background of the cover is a smoky range of warm reddish browns, the better to highlight but not overwhelm a seemingly brown-haired Atticus in his trademark linen shirt and iron charm worn around his neck, a sword in hand. Behind him is a dark-haired and -bearded guy in a red plaid shirt open over a white tank top, an engraved gold band wrapped around the knuckles of his clenched fist. Both men are in a three-quarter profile, their heads turned to look back at what’s coming.
The title is something of a spoof, as Atticus is Besieged around the campfire for stories about his past.
The Series
"The Eye of Horus", 4.1
"Goddess at the Crossroads", 4.2
"The Demon Barker of Wheat Street", 4.6
"Gold Dust Druid", 4.7
"The Bogeyman of Boora Bog", 8.1
"Cuddle Dungeon", 8.2
"Blood Pudding", 8.6
"Haunted Devils", 8.7
"The End of Idylls", 8.9
My Take
Okay, it’s weird to hear Atticus talk in modern day language when he’s relating stories that take place centuries before this day when he, Oberon, and Granuaile are sitting around a campfire in Arizona. And it is fun to hear those stories in his voice. Several of the stories are told by the archdruid and another by Perun.
Most of the stories are simply outtakes of Atticus' life through the centuries, and some do provide background into where/how/why Atticus learned more about his powers and how his views were shaped.
Core Characters
Atticus O'Sullivan/Siodhachan Ó Suileabháin is an ancient Druid who takes his responsibility for earth seriously. Fragarach is the sword he stole from Conn. Oberon is an Irish wolfhound with a great "doggy" sense of humor who can thought-speak with Atticus and Guanaile MacTiernan, his apprentice. Gaia is the earth, Mother Nature, however you want to think of her. The Morrigan is the crow goddess, the Chooser of the Slain.
The Stories
"The Eye of Horus" is a tale of thievery (and protection). There’s a rumor going about amongst the gods that the Great Library of Alexandria is threatened, and there are a few things they’d like Atticus to steal for them.
There's a little foreshadowing for "The Grimoire of the Lamb", 0.4, which would make me think "The Eye of Horus" should actually be more like 0.3???
"Goddess at the Crossroads" finds Atticus saving Shakespeare’s life even as he thwarts three witches and provides some interest to Shakespeare’s King Lear.
"The Demon Barker of Wheat Street" is supposed to be a vacation for Granuaile to see how her mother is faring since Granuaile "died". Supposedly, carnivals are also supposed to be a fun part of any vacation, unless you run into one that’s the front for a demon hellmouth! It can also be found in Carniepunk.
"Gold Dust Druid" finds Atticus in San Francisco during the Gold Rush when a Qabbalist is too lazy to work and pays for it. Permanently. It certainly gave me a sense of the time period with its greed and gambling, even as San Francisco is trying to instill some law and order.
"The Bogeyman of Boora Bog" uncovers the evil lurking in the marshes of Boora Bog with Atticus’ mentor, Archdruid Owen Kennedy, and how Owen met Atticus. It also relays how Owen’s experiences change how he teaches his new apprentice.
"Cuddle Dungeon" is an exploration of different by a god and goddess, as Perun and Flidais explore BDSM. And Perun comes to appreciate that consent is all.
"Blood Pudding" is part of Granuaile’s apprenticeship with thirteen witches in Poland and a trial by fire when she must root out a belligerent vampire and his followers.
"Haunted Devils" is told by Archdruid Owen Kennedy as he, Greta, his apprentices, Atticus, and Oberon tackle the cancer-ridden Tasmanian devils who are dying Down Under. Owen has his own reflections on Greta’s anger towards Atticus and reflects on his gratitude for what Atticus has accomplished.
"The End of Idylls" is one of those sad tales…and yes, I cried. Atticus explains to Oberon how guilt has compelled him to avoid long-term animal companions…until Oberon.
The Cover and Title
The background of the cover is a smoky range of warm reddish browns, the better to highlight but not overwhelm a seemingly brown-haired Atticus in his trademark linen shirt and iron charm worn around his neck, a sword in hand. Behind him is a dark-haired and -bearded guy in a red plaid shirt open over a white tank top, an engraved gold band wrapped around the knuckles of his clenched fist. Both men are in a three-quarter profile, their heads turned to look back at what’s coming.
The title is something of a spoof, as Atticus is Besieged around the campfire for stories about his past.
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
Ah, this was so good, everything I wanted from a collection of IRON DRUID short stories. It was awesome to read stories from different countries and time periods, with our beloved heroes (and hounds) kicking all kinds of ass. Every story carried the signature Kevin Hearne charm, but my favourites had to be "Goddess At The Crossroads" (laughed so hard during that one), "The Demon Barker of Wheat Street," and "The Bogeyman of Boora Bog." The stories all have different tones and themes (I did not expect Perun's story to go the way it did), but they were all fun, short adventures that make me want to re-read the entire series again. Long time fans will adore this book, but there is enough for new, curious readers to fall in love with these characters and hopefully buy the rest of the books in time to join Atticus on his final adventure next year. Highly recommended for anyone who loves urban fantasy, laughing, and the ultimate Druid-Wolfhound bromance. Loved it!
morris722's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
ryzar's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
katietopp's review against another edition
3.0
Honestly more of a 3.5. Obviously I love the cast of characters. But I’m not super into the short story format. All the stories still have that Atticus flair of dramatic nonsense though!
kim_brockway_gatehouse's review against another edition
5.0
Damn, I love The Iron Druid Chronicles. Kevin Hearne's writing style is fantastic and his stories keep me hooked. His tales are intelligent, obviously well researched while still being easy to read. They're full of threads that weave in and out of the whole series but never leave me feeling confused. Kevin keeps me entertained from the first page to the last; the humour and satire putting a wry smile on my face.
I loved this audiobook. Christopher Ragland’s performance was once again outstanding. He transported me into each and every adventure. The pace at which he read each of the stories and the emotions he portrayed were perfect. I loved the different accents and voices he gave each character – his performance brought them all to life. I knew straight away whose head we were in and didn't get lost in any of the conversational dialogue.
While I’m talking about the characters, I must say how much I love them all in this series. Atticus, Granuaile and Owen all get their own stories in this collection. I've read all the novels now and enjoyed going back to the various times and situations that these stories were set in. Oberon, Atticus’ faithful Irish Wolfhound is still my favourite character. He just lights up my heart in every scene he’s in and I LOVE the voice that Christopher created for him in his narrations.
Obviously, Kevin assumes that the readers of Besieged are not new to the Iron Druid Chronicles. That we already have a relationship with Atticus, Granuaile and Owen so don't need huge amounts of explanations. However, each story has a prelude telling us where in the series timetime it sits. You don't need to read this or any of the other novellas, however, I feel that these short stories gave me a further depth of understanding of our main protagonists as well as adding extra nuggets of information about the main series story arc. I now want to listen to the other novellas and short stories in this incredible series!
I loved this audiobook. Christopher Ragland’s performance was once again outstanding. He transported me into each and every adventure. The pace at which he read each of the stories and the emotions he portrayed were perfect. I loved the different accents and voices he gave each character – his performance brought them all to life. I knew straight away whose head we were in and didn't get lost in any of the conversational dialogue.
While I’m talking about the characters, I must say how much I love them all in this series. Atticus, Granuaile and Owen all get their own stories in this collection. I've read all the novels now and enjoyed going back to the various times and situations that these stories were set in. Oberon, Atticus’ faithful Irish Wolfhound is still my favourite character. He just lights up my heart in every scene he’s in and I LOVE the voice that Christopher created for him in his narrations.
Obviously, Kevin assumes that the readers of Besieged are not new to the Iron Druid Chronicles. That we already have a relationship with Atticus, Granuaile and Owen so don't need huge amounts of explanations. However, each story has a prelude telling us where in the series timetime it sits. You don't need to read this or any of the other novellas, however, I feel that these short stories gave me a further depth of understanding of our main protagonists as well as adding extra nuggets of information about the main series story arc. I now want to listen to the other novellas and short stories in this incredible series!
papidoc's review against another edition
3.0
A worthy collection of short stories to fill in some of the gaps in and around the Iron Druid series. Not bad for light, formulaic entertainment. You just need to like the formula.
malreynolds111's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advance copy from Net Galley in exchange for a honest review.
I adore the Iron Druid Chronicles. The only thing that would have made this absolutely perfect would have been a short story from Oberon's point of view.
I adore the Iron Druid Chronicles. The only thing that would have made this absolutely perfect would have been a short story from Oberon's point of view.