Reviews

Hounded, Hexed, Hammered - The Iron Druid Chronicles Volume 1 by Kevin Hearne

raj_page's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read.

Atticus, the Iron Druid, is a human even older than many Gods. He has shape-shifting powers, super healing, magic vision, and tons of druid magic that comes really handy at times.
Is that why I liked it? Um... No.

What I loved about this book, and about Atticus is how charming he is. He is a master of puns. He just can't help but crack bad puns. He has the perfect Shakespeare quote for each scenario. He can be very sophisticated and very silly at the same time. He has a talking Dog!

1. Hounded - 4 stars
2. Hexed - 3 stars
3. Hammered - 5 stars

If you want to read an urban fantasy with a witty protagonist, read this.
If you want to read a book with silly puns in order to have fun, read this.

kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition

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5.0

LOVE THEM!
*tries to notch fangirling down a bit*

I do love Ireland. I do love dogs. I do think druids are very interesting. I do like celtic myths. I love funny dialogues and urban fantasy.

I'm pretty sure Kevin Hearne has wrote this one especially for me! ;)

Atticus is an extremely cool and likeable main character, whom I'd love to have as a best buddy. Oberon his wolfhound is pretty hilarious with his witty jokes - may they be intended, or by accident. The story is intriguing, and the pace keeps up throughout the whole series. The writing style is fluent and allows the reader to completely submerge in the story.

I usually recommend this series to fans of Harry Dresden and so far everyone I forced to read it loved it too.

So as you might have guessed - a wholehearted recommendation from me!

assaphmehr's review against another edition

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5.0

I've heard good things about the Iron Druid chronicles, and finally found the time to start the series.

What to Expect

[b:Hounded|9533378|Hounded (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #1)|Kevin Hearne|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660271491l/9533378._SY75_.jpg|14419515] (book #1) starts as a solid contemporary urban-fantasy, steeped in Irish mythology. Atticus is a 2,000 year old druid, with deep connection to the earth and some old enemies he'd rather not meet again. Naturally they come hounding him, resulting in the inevitable clash of mythology, supernatural, and nature.

Picking up from the last novel, [b:Hexed|9595650|Hexed (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #2)|Kevin Hearne|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660271532l/9595650._SY75_.jpg|14482685] (book #2) sees Atticus and his gang square off against those who think him weakened after the last novel, particularly witches from the old world. Expect the same shenanigans, with quips and pop-references amidst the action.

[b:Hammered|9595620|Hammered (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #3)|Kevin Hearne|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660271547l/9595620._SY75_.jpg|14482655] (book #3) again continues the events of the previous novel, this time with Atticus fulfilling promises he made when securing aid in Hexed. This novel is much about the Norse mythology (rather than the Irish, as in previous). We get to see some more of of the magic system, beings, and planes, and the interplay between them. We also get an answer to the question of why everyone hates Thor.

What I liked

I love the character of Atticus, proving that growing old and growing up are optional. He's a lighthearted rascal, and you can't but like him for it. His dog Oberon is the perfect companion, and has his priorities straights (sausages). Add a fast-paced plot on the background of a very interesting world and magic-system (which we get to see more of in this novel), and you got all the ingredients of great entertainment.

The series does get a little bit darker in Hammered (the most hilarious scene in first meeting the frost giant chieftain aside). In fact, it's Hearne's exploration of consequences that gives the series depth; the humour that keeps it entertaining, for a perfect balance.

What to be aware of

It's a quick, fun read -- entertaining rather than overly thought-provoking (perfect for the beach, in other words). The series definitely builds up on previous events (one of it's draw points, for me), so you should really start with Hounded and read from the start.

Felix's Review

Felix appreciated Atticus' temperament, his flippant and irreverent attitude at times, though he thinks he's slightly suicidal, not to say unhinged, in facing against gods. Still, he acknowledges that Atticus has the impressive power to carry this through.

Felix also finds Oberon a worthy companion, and supports his move for more treats and belly rubs. The story is an adventure story, not Felix's preference of mystery, but that didn't stop him from enjoying it.

Summary

Highly recommended read for excellent, entertaining, light urban-fantasy. I'm going to jump on the rest of the series.


Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.

[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1596954987p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1457914061l/29500700._SY75_.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.

larisa2021's review against another edition

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5.0

Yeah, I reread them. The Quotes...the fabulous Quotes and Snark.

pages_and_procrastination's review against another edition

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5.0

This continues the adventure of Atticus and Oberon. This time they are dealing with witches and Bacchants. I won't go into detail, since it is the second one. But there is humor, crazy battles with demons and witches. There is sausages and Oberon's expected wild cracks and snark. Something political is brewing. This is the third time reading this, and I still loved every minute of it.
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