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timinbc's review
3.0
OK, that was enough fun that I'll read another - but I'm going to insist on some improvements to go beyond #2.
First and most important: did anyone else keep wanting to call the dog Loiosh? Oberon is far too close to being Vlad Taltos's jhereg (author Steven Brust), albeit less intelligent.
Hearne's done his homework on the mythology, and I can excuse some info-dumping in what is obviously meant to kick off a series. Indeed, it's too obviously meant to be a series, probably one with a LOT of books in it. I got a strong feeling of "If Jim Butcher and Richard Kadrey can get rich off this, and I'm a better writer, let's get at it." That's OK, and he's probably right, and to be fair the mythology here adds a new angle.
As others noted, Atticus is about as mature as Kvothe despite being thousands of years old. A wedgie? Really? Also, can we please have some women who are neither Jessica Rabbit nor a caricature from a 1950s musical about Ireland?
I award a mark, however, and a read-the-next-one point for the setup in which everyone's manipulating everyone else.
Half a point off for the feeling that every time Aenghus Óg was mentioned I thought of "Young Frankenstein" where the horses whinny at every mention of Frau Blücher's name.
First and most important: did anyone else keep wanting to call the dog Loiosh? Oberon is far too close to being Vlad Taltos's jhereg (author Steven Brust), albeit less intelligent.
Hearne's done his homework on the mythology, and I can excuse some info-dumping in what is obviously meant to kick off a series. Indeed, it's too obviously meant to be a series, probably one with a LOT of books in it. I got a strong feeling of "If Jim Butcher and Richard Kadrey can get rich off this, and I'm a better writer, let's get at it." That's OK, and he's probably right, and to be fair the mythology here adds a new angle.
As others noted, Atticus is about as mature as Kvothe despite being thousands of years old. A wedgie? Really? Also, can we please have some women who are neither Jessica Rabbit nor a caricature from a 1950s musical about Ireland?
I award a mark, however, and a read-the-next-one point for the setup in which everyone's manipulating everyone else.
Half a point off for the feeling that every time Aenghus Óg was mentioned I thought of "Young Frankenstein" where the horses whinny at every mention of Frau Blücher's name.
testaroscia's review
4.0
These are very easy on the brain fun books, almost novellas. Totally plot driven, the characterization is right on the surface and there are plenty of good characters (some, I swear, shared with American Gods if I am not mistaken - Russian witches?) Plus one star just for the Oberon character alone.
trin's review
1.0
Dude fantasy. As in: a fantasy for dudes, by a dude, and featuring a dude's notions of women that are not based in any material reality. The protagonist, a supposed 2,000+-year-old druid, is from the Jim Butcher school of narrators, except somehow less charming. And somehow, every sexy woman wants to sleep with him, despite the fact that he's described as having a gross goatee. (Pictured on the cover. Take a gander at that.) Meanwhile, he drips with disdain for witches who disguise their age to appear young -- soooooo nastydisgusting! -- even though he is doing pretty much the exact same thing.
Anyway, I liked the protagonist's talking Irish Wolfhound when he spoke like a dog, but not when he spoke like a mid-2000s shitposter who Hearne literally has quote Eric Cartman. The book ends with him getting his greatest wish, which is to fuck a bunch of French Poodles, apparently because Hearne's weird takes on gender include which breeds of dog are the most "feminine." Please go to therapy.
I, meanwhile, am going to go take a shower.
Anyway, I liked the protagonist's talking Irish Wolfhound when he spoke like a dog, but not when he spoke like a mid-2000s shitposter who Hearne literally has quote Eric Cartman. The book ends with him getting his greatest wish, which is to fuck a bunch of French Poodles, apparently because Hearne's weird takes on gender include which breeds of dog are the most "feminine." Please go to therapy.
I, meanwhile, am going to go take a shower.
veraann's review
3.0
**3.5 STARS**
I was in the mood for a light hearted read Hounded fit the bill. It was fast-paced and action packed. While I didn't feel the story or characters necessarily drew me in, it was a fun read. It had me laughing out loud at parts. An interesting take on Druids, wolves, vampires, fae and gods/goddesses. I will definitely read more of this series.
I was in the mood for a light hearted read Hounded fit the bill. It was fast-paced and action packed. While I didn't feel the story or characters necessarily drew me in, it was a fun read. It had me laughing out loud at parts. An interesting take on Druids, wolves, vampires, fae and gods/goddesses. I will definitely read more of this series.
hirvimaki's review against another edition
3.0
This took me FOREVER to finish. I usually get through a novel in a few weeks if not a few days. But this one just took a long time. I kept putting it on the back burner and, to be honest, I totally forgot about it during the whole of 2020 and half of 2021. I recently read a collection of shorts that included our intrepid druid and remembered it. So, all finished. I enjoyed it. Hearne is no Jim Butcher or Ben Aaronovitch or Benedict Jacka, but he spins a good tale. Although I did not think this book was spectacular, it has enough potential to keep me interested in the series. Hopefully Hearne tones down the awesomeness of Atticus moving forward because without fault a main character just isn't that interesting long-term. I do wonder how the majority of people Atticus meets are Irish, the majority of them hot Irish lasses with flaming red hair. Looking forward to the next book.
hashbrownwarrior's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Pretty good introduction to the world and characters of the book.
kathydavie's review
5.0
First in the Iron Druid Chronicles, an urban fantasy set in contemporary Tempe, Arizona centered on an occult bookstore and the 2,100-year-old Druid running it.
In 2011, Hounded was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Paranormal Fantasy.
My Take
It's an odd mix of debrief and homey. A fascinating group of characters with a lovely, homey life. Atticus runs his occult bookstore selling specially-blended teas and the occasional hardcore magic book. He enjoys some of his neighbors, spends quality time with his dog, Oberon, flirts with the intriguing barmaid, Granauile, at Rúla Búla and enjoys a good run with the local Pack, his lawyers.
It just reads more like a debriefing with more fact than emotion. The history is fascinating with a different perspective on the Irish pantheon…I kept flashing back on Laurell K. Hamilton's Meredith Gentry series. The whole deal with Laksha was just too easy and neat. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Other than that…I loved it. The bit where Atticus explains about Allah, Shiva, Jesus, etc., to Mrs. MacDonagh…too funny. I couldn't put it down. And I can't wait to read Hexed.
The Story
Atticus O'Sullivan thought he'd be safe in the middle of the desert. No rowan, oak, or thorn to form a gateway from Tír na nóg for the fae to drop in on him. Still, Atticus sees paranoia as a survival skill, so when a group of fae appear to attack him, he's ready, willing, and able.
His confidence does take a hit a bit later though ,when the Morrigan flies into his shop with her warning. Seems Aenghus Óg has found him again. Seems he still wants Fragarach, the Answerer, the ancient sword of Manannan Mac Lir. The magical sword Atticus stole during the Battle of Magh Lena.
Turns out, Aenghus Óg has a purpose for Fragarach and it does not bode well for Tír na nóg. Doesn't turn out so hot for the rangers or police either!
The Characters
Atticus O'Sullivan/Siodhachan Ó Suileabháin likes to tell people he's 21. He just doesn't elaborate on the fact that it's in centuries not years. An ancient Druid, Atticus takes his responsibility for earth seriously. He has four animal forms: stag, owl, wolfhound, and otter. His identity as the Iron Druid comes from the iron necklace laden with special charms that protects him from fae and most other magic powers. A protection that took him 750 years to create.
Oberon is an Irish wolfhound with an obsession for French poodles and specially bound to Atticus. They have a fun relationship speaking to each other via a mind link as Oberon makes the most fascinating pronouncements on movies, historical figures Atticus has met, his love for Atticus, the hunting they share…
Leif Helgarson is an old Icelandic Viking who came to America with Eric the Red turned vampire turned lawyer…yeah, yeah, I can hear the cracks already…what's the diff. Leif is one of the lawyers Atticus uses. He's also Atticus' sparring partner when they work on their swordwork. Hal Hauk is also Icelandic and one of Atticus' attorneys. And a werewolf. Gunnar Magnusson is also one of the lawyers, but, more importantly, the leader of the Pack.
Widow MacDonagh is one of Atticus' neighbors. He likes to visit with this lovely, old Irish widow, listen to her stories, drink Tullamore Dew with her, and take care of her yard. In turn, she takes care of him when he needs it.
The Celtic pantheon of gods includes…
…Aenghus Óg, the Celtic god of love. Bit of a misnomer if you ask me unless you consider love of oneself adequate. There's Morrigan. The battle crow. Celtic Chooser of the Slain and the goddess of war who haunts battlefields waiting to take the dead. Flidais is the goddess of the hunt with power over all animals, shifted and normal with a newfound fascination for smoothies. Bres is married to Brighid — goddess of fire, and First among the Fae —; he's a mean and stupid god with a preference for Fomorians.
The Tempe Coven, a.k.a.…
…the Sisters of the Three Auroras, is one with whom Atticus thought he had a friendly relationship. Not that he trusts witches.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a very TV-ish quality to it. There's a chain of square metal ruins bordering near the bottom with this insanely young man with short curly hair in a tight-fitting t-shirt, his left bicep banded in Celtic bracelet tattoos, pulling a gorgeous sword from a sheath on his back beautifully backlit…just magnificent.
The title is Atticus' state of being, Hounded by that Celtic god.
In 2011, Hounded was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Paranormal Fantasy.
My Take
It's an odd mix of debrief and homey. A fascinating group of characters with a lovely, homey life. Atticus runs his occult bookstore selling specially-blended teas and the occasional hardcore magic book. He enjoys some of his neighbors, spends quality time with his dog, Oberon, flirts with the intriguing barmaid, Granauile, at Rúla Búla and enjoys a good run with the local Pack, his lawyers.
It just reads more like a debriefing with more fact than emotion. The history is fascinating with a different perspective on the Irish pantheon…I kept flashing back on Laurell K. Hamilton's Meredith Gentry series. The whole deal with Laksha was just too easy and neat. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Other than that…I loved it. The bit where Atticus explains about Allah, Shiva, Jesus, etc., to Mrs. MacDonagh…too funny. I couldn't put it down. And I can't wait to read Hexed.
The Story
Atticus O'Sullivan thought he'd be safe in the middle of the desert. No rowan, oak, or thorn to form a gateway from Tír na nóg for the fae to drop in on him. Still, Atticus sees paranoia as a survival skill, so when a group of fae appear to attack him, he's ready, willing, and able.
His confidence does take a hit a bit later though ,when the Morrigan flies into his shop with her warning. Seems Aenghus Óg has found him again. Seems he still wants Fragarach, the Answerer, the ancient sword of Manannan Mac Lir. The magical sword Atticus stole during the Battle of Magh Lena.
Turns out, Aenghus Óg has a purpose for Fragarach and it does not bode well for Tír na nóg. Doesn't turn out so hot for the rangers or police either!
The Characters
Atticus O'Sullivan/Siodhachan Ó Suileabháin likes to tell people he's 21. He just doesn't elaborate on the fact that it's in centuries not years. An ancient Druid, Atticus takes his responsibility for earth seriously. He has four animal forms: stag, owl, wolfhound, and otter. His identity as the Iron Druid comes from the iron necklace laden with special charms that protects him from fae and most other magic powers. A protection that took him 750 years to create.
Oberon is an Irish wolfhound with an obsession for French poodles and specially bound to Atticus. They have a fun relationship speaking to each other via a mind link as Oberon makes the most fascinating pronouncements on movies, historical figures Atticus has met, his love for Atticus, the hunting they share…
Leif Helgarson is an old Icelandic Viking who came to America with Eric the Red turned vampire turned lawyer…yeah, yeah, I can hear the cracks already…what's the diff. Leif is one of the lawyers Atticus uses. He's also Atticus' sparring partner when they work on their swordwork. Hal Hauk is also Icelandic and one of Atticus' attorneys. And a werewolf. Gunnar Magnusson is also one of the lawyers, but, more importantly, the leader of the Pack.
Widow MacDonagh is one of Atticus' neighbors. He likes to visit with this lovely, old Irish widow, listen to her stories, drink Tullamore Dew with her, and take care of her yard. In turn, she takes care of him when he needs it.
The Celtic pantheon of gods includes…
…Aenghus Óg, the Celtic god of love. Bit of a misnomer if you ask me unless you consider love of oneself adequate. There's Morrigan. The battle crow. Celtic Chooser of the Slain and the goddess of war who haunts battlefields waiting to take the dead. Flidais is the goddess of the hunt with power over all animals, shifted and normal with a newfound fascination for smoothies. Bres is married to Brighid — goddess of fire, and First among the Fae —; he's a mean and stupid god with a preference for Fomorians.
The Tempe Coven, a.k.a.…
…the Sisters of the Three Auroras, is one with whom Atticus thought he had a friendly relationship. Not that he trusts witches.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a very TV-ish quality to it. There's a chain of square metal ruins bordering near the bottom with this insanely young man with short curly hair in a tight-fitting t-shirt, his left bicep banded in Celtic bracelet tattoos, pulling a gorgeous sword from a sheath on his back beautifully backlit…just magnificent.
The title is Atticus' state of being, Hounded by that Celtic god.
slawler's review
5.0
Very similar vibe to the Dresden Files, but I love the celtic lore. Great urban fantasy with good action. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
emptyharmony's review
4.0
A very fun ride into magic, mythology and mayhem. I picked this up after seeing it recommended as being similar to The Dresden Files. It was a good recommendation. I’m very much looking forward to continuing the series.