Hounded (with two bonus short stories): Book One of The Iron Druid Chronicles
The first novel in the New York Times bestselling Iron Druid Chronicles—the hilarious, action-packed tales of a two-thousand-year-old Druid pursued by ancient gods in the modern world
“A page-turning and often laugh-out-loud-funny caper through a mix of the modern and the mythic.”—Ari Marmell, author of The Warlord’s Legacy
Atticus O’Sullivan is the last of the ancient druids. He has been on the run for more than two thousand years and he’s tired of it. The Irish gods who want to kill him are after an enchanted sword he stole in a first-century battle, and when they find him managing an occult bookshop in Tempe, Arizona, Atticus doesn’t want to uproot his life again. He just wants everything to end one way or another, but preferably the way in which he can continue to enjoy fish and chips.
He does have some small hope of survival: The Morrigan, the Irish Chooser of the Slain, is on his side, and so is Brighid, First Among the Fae. His lawyer is literally a bloodsucking vampire, and he has a loyal Irish wolfhound with opinions about poodles.
But he’s facing down some mighty enemies: Aenghus Óg, a vengeful Irish god, plus a coven of witches and even the local police. On top of all that, Aenghus has a direct line to the firepower of hell. Atticus will need all the luck of the Irish and more if he’s going to stay alive.
Don’t miss any of The Iron Druid Chronicles:
HOUNDED | HEXED | HAMMERED | TRICKED | TRAPPED | HUNTED | SHATTERED | STAKED | SCOURGED | BESIEGED
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Community Reviews
I really enjoyed this book. It was smart, funny and full of action. Atticus is a witty chameleon with very sharp teeth. He has managed to survive for 21 centuries and he really hates witches and The Celtic God of Love.
Oberon, his Irish Wolfhound is fantastic. Hearne has given this character the innocence that counter acts Atticus' cynicism. Also Oberon's conversations with Atticus are some of the best dialog in the book.
"She's kind of like a Mary Poppins just before she turns to the dark side of the Force. Let go of your anger, Malina! There's still good in you! The Emperor hasn't driven it from you fully!"
The story's pace is good and the action scenes well written. You could really see them play out visually. The story is a good start to a series and leaves you wanting more.
One thing this geeky fangirl kept visualizing was what the heck the conversation between Atticus and Methos (from Highlander: The Series) would be like. There were a lot of times that I could not help but see some of the elements of Methos (snarky humor, beer lover, and survivalist) in Atticus. But I think I will probably be in the minority with that opinion.
This was a great read, plus I got two short stories that take place prior to Hounded. They too, are good reads. ;-)
Oberon, his Irish Wolfhound is fantastic. Hearne has given this character the innocence that counter acts Atticus' cynicism. Also Oberon's conversations with Atticus are some of the best dialog in the book.
"She's kind of like a Mary Poppins just before she turns to the dark side of the Force. Let go of your anger, Malina! There's still good in you! The Emperor hasn't driven it from you fully!"
The story's pace is good and the action scenes well written. You could really see them play out visually. The story is a good start to a series and leaves you wanting more.
One thing this geeky fangirl kept visualizing was what the heck the conversation between Atticus and Methos (from Highlander: The Series) would be like. There were a lot of times that I could not help but see some of the elements of Methos (snarky humor, beer lover, and survivalist) in Atticus. But I think I will probably be in the minority with that opinion.
This was a great read, plus I got two short stories that take place prior to Hounded. They too, are good reads. ;-)
A new favorite! I’ve read Kevin Hearne before, so I knew to expect wit, humor, and chaos—and Hounded delivered all that and more. The story follows Atticus, a centuries-old Iron Druid who’s somehow still relatable and sharp-witted as ever. He’s tangled in ancient pacts, hunted by a Faerie lord, and surrounded by the most bizarre allies you can imagine: a vampire and a werewolf duo (who happen to be his lawyers), a scheming witch, and a shapeshifting crow who serves the dead.
And then there’s Oberon. The real MVP. An Irish wolfhound obsessed with poodles, history, and snacks. That ending... OMG! His banter with Atticus was everything.
The plot centers on a stolen legendary sword, a looming fae grudge, and all the magical mayhem in between. It’s light, fast-paced, and packed with moments that had me grinning.
If you like your urban fantasy full of clever twists, snarky banter, and magical shenanigans, Hounded is your next great escape.
And then there’s Oberon. The real MVP. An Irish wolfhound obsessed with poodles, history, and snacks. That ending... OMG! His banter with Atticus was everything.
The plot centers on a stolen legendary sword, a looming fae grudge, and all the magical mayhem in between. It’s light, fast-paced, and packed with moments that had me grinning.
If you like your urban fantasy full of clever twists, snarky banter, and magical shenanigans, Hounded is your next great escape.