Reviews

Tricked by Kevin Hearne

dreaming_ace's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Just an overall fun read filled with Gods and Mythology and Tricksters too. (Plus an adorable snugglepumpkin but that is you will have to read the book to understand.)

hirvimaki's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Better. More action that, although over the top, was not quite at the completely over the top of the first three. I have decided that the disconnect of my liking and not liking this series is because Atticus is presented as thousands of years old and yet has the temperament of someone in his early 20s. It causes a disconnect and makes suspension of disbelief almost unachievable. I do enjoy the rich pantheon of supernaturals that Hearne obviously puts lots of research into. Hopefully as the books progress Atticus will grown and not be such a dislikable jerk. (It does get better in this one.)

kathydavie's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Fourth in the Iron Druid Chronicles revolving around Atticus O’Sullivan, the last surviving Druid.

My Take
Tricked is full of fake deaths, after all, it is difficult to settle down and teach when most of your concentration is fixed on wondering when the next god will pop up to knock you off!

I love it—"GodSurround Sound and scored a little reverb off the ceiling of clouds." We get more backstory on Atticus and how he got to America as well as an anecdote about his long-lived human family. Granuaile has her own backstory about her ruthless stepfather Beau Thatcher.

Then there's Oberon's new experiment with how people react to a dog called "Snugglepumpkin"...I do love Oberon.

Interesting interpretation of using the Blessing Way on a hogan.

It's irritating how Hearne uses greater/less than symbols to indicate Oberon's dialog but puts Atticus' return conversation in italics. Choose one or the other!

Overall, I was not thrilled with this installment. Hearne's writing seems to be deteriorating to a juvenile level...as much as I enjoy the unique measurement terms such as shitload and fuckton. I kept expecting teen behavior to break out all over.

The Story
We begin with Atticus whining about dying an ignoble death...quite contrary to his father's instructions. Well, yeah, who wants to have their epitaph read "Died in Tuba City". Absolutely no glory in that! The Æsir are so not happy about events in Hammered and they've sent thunder gods to "redress the balance". An easy deal with Coyote takes care of this, but the Morrigan questions Atticus' terms of that deal. Quite rightly it turns out when Atticus learns he should have been much more detailed.

Atticus and Granuaile have become Reilly and Caitlin Collins as befits their newborn status, not that that lasts long. Now if they can just get Coyote to stop calling Atticus "Mr. Druid" while Coyote explains his vision of the future for the Diné: the American Southwest becoming the Saudi Arabia of renewable energy. As well as how Atticus/Reilly fits in to his scheme with the elemental Colorado.

Naturally, life just ain't that easy and Hel pops up with an offer Atticus just can't see his way to and Hel takes her own measures to protect her plans. A protection that brings the skinwalkers. Meanwhile, Oberon has his own studies he pursues.

The Characters
Atticus "O'Sullivan" Siodhachan is the last surviving Druid, 2,100-years-old, and he just can't seem to stay out of trouble. The Morrigan (the Celtic Chooser of the Slain) feels a proprietary interest---and ya just don't say "no" to her! Granuaile is training to be a Druid with Atticus and she has some difficult decisions ahead. She's also been tested by Flidais and Brighid. His dog, Oberon, has been enhanced to enable mental telepathy between them and their conversations just crack me up. Atticus has a deal with Oberon that he will tell him a story when he gives him a bath. Their first bath in Tricked includes a story about Francis Bacon and, naturally, Oberon has his own interpretation: "Bacon is the Way and the Truth"---you can just hear that dog in the Beggin' Strips commercial! Rebecca Dane is about to inherit the Third Eye Books and Herbs in Tempe, Arizona.

Leif Helgarson is Atticus' vampire lawyer and required that Atticus accompany him on his trip for vengeance in Hammered. A trip which has led to a number of issues with Leif's sire, Zdenik Hal Hauk is Atticus' attorney. And a werewolf. Greta is a member of the pack and runs Hal's odd jobs.

Coyote is one of the First People and an Indian trickster god...oh, yeah, he certainly lives up to that rep'. His construction crew includes Darren Yazzie, the foreman; Sophie Betsuie is the head engineer; Frank Chischilly is the hataalii; and, Albert is Frank's nephew, currently idle and able to drive 'em around for a little thievery. Robert and Ray Peshlakai have their own particular agenda.

Ganesha and his cronies claim to be in Human Services and they have an offer Atticus can't refuse.

Those after Atticus include Týr the Norse god of single combat; Vidar is Odin's son and the god of vengeance; and, the thunder gods include Ukko from Finland, Indra from India, Lei Gong from China, Raijin from Japan, and Shango from Nigeria. Mrs. MacDonagh makes an unfortunate reappearance with/as Hel, ruler of the dead in Niflheim and daughter of Loki. Seems she has a deal for Atticus, one with far-reaching repercussions. Detective Geffert is with the Tempe PD and would love to find some way to put Atticus behind bars.

The Cover and Title
The cover is deep oranges and browns with a flash of pink as Atticus throws a spell from his hand.

Oh, yeah, Atticus has been Tricked all right. Coyote got him good.

whimsicalmeerkat's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I liked the ending quite a bit.

yodamom's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Woah Boy this was a difficult book for Atticus-
Ah Atticus, he romped through Navajoland, fought with native mythical beasties, lost some, gained some, was betrayed, found himself feeling lusty, and almost loses his greatest love. Phew, and thats just the beginning. Atticus is presumed dead, The Gods think he was killed after the battle that left many including Thor dead. This gives him the opportunity to start over, with Granuaile his apprentice. Coyote has a deal for them, one that would give them great access to a new location with freedom to train. Plus it's only to benefit the locals who have lost so much. Everything with Coyote is not always clear and easy. Atticus meets head on some Navajo gods and they are not so happy to see him. His trust and his life are in danger.
I really enjoyed this latest adventure. I love Coyote's character and he is all over this book. He is just the little trickster I know and love. He is one hard one to figure out. I like that he is not a done deal, many secrets still are hidden on him. There was some strong hints at a possible romance. Yipeee.
We get a lot of background on Atticus's former loves and his past. This was thrilling, he has been around a long time. Oberon, sniff, sniff. Just pick up and extra sausage for the world best hound.
You do need to read the series in order to get the full understanding of the characters.

anits12's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

AMAZING!!!! and luke daniels is really great narrator

shiyr's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced

3.0

hollsbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious medium-paced

3.5

danielled75's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

4.5/5

trixx_reads's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Atticus has already proven that age and wisdom don't necessarily go hand in hand. Since the murder of Aenghus Og, he has made increasingly bad decisions, which have angered almost every god in existence. There is, of course, only one solution to this problem: he must die, as violently and loudly as possible.

Granuaile and Oberon stand by Atticus against all difficulties. I'm glad they became protagonists in this sequence, because the brave apprentice and the funny dog are great companions for the druid. Moreover, the attraction between master and apprentice is growing stronger, which might cause a lot of trouble.

The Navajo mythology was an interesting new experience, and a nice expansion of our knowledge of the various magical systems. Now we were able to learn with Atticus, because despite 2100 years, he knew little about this culture.

This twisting and entertaining story shows that there is a way out of even the largest magical mess.