HOUNDED (Iron Druid Chronicles #1)
by Kevin Hearne
PUBLISHER: Orbit Books | Brilliance Audio
RELEASE DATE: April 2011
FORMAT: Audiobook, 8 hours and 11 mins
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
GENRE: Urban Fantasy
Tempe, Arizona is as far removed from paranormal activity as is possible. And that’s where Atticus O’Sullivan, rare book salesman, herb peddler, and 2,000 year old Druid – the last of his kind – has decided to set up shop. He’s been on the run, guarding a very powerful sword from a very angry ancient Celtic god for over two millennia now.
But while these years have been good to him – Atticus has become more powerful than he could have possibly imagined – The Morrigan, a very old god of death, has predicted death and doom for our hero, and it’s up to Atticus, with help from a pride of werewolves, and a gorgeous bartender with a secret of her own, to stay alive, hopefully for another thousand years. (Goodreads)
REVIEWER: Laura
I have to begin this review by stating just how much I loved this book! I think it could very well be my favourite urban fantasy of the year so far. It’s strange I tend to often stick to female lead characters in my books, but after reading HOUNDED I think that’s probably very shortsighted of me.
Atticus is a Druid, don’t be fooled be his youthful appearance. He’s not in fact 21, but 2100 years old. But Atticus hasn’t survived this long by being the toughest and baddest around, no Atticus has lived this long by being very, very clever.
Unfortunately Atticus has also upset an ancient celtic God and been on the run from him for most of this time too, hiding a very powerful and dangerous sword from him. And it looks like Atticus’s time may just about be up.
This book is so well written, it’s pacy, imaginative, but best of all it’s packed full of fantastic dry wit. Sometimes the wit is quite subtle and it sneakily catches up on you, causing a belated chortle. In fact overall this book is absolutely hilarious. It’s shame I listened to it as an audio books otherwise I could quote some stunning one-liners to you.
Atticus is a great hero, while he is powerful, it was his cunning and intelligence that really made me like him, as he manoeuvred through situations through brain not brawn. But equally important is just how cool he is, the kind of coolness that comes about without that person even trying.
I also have to mention Atticus’s awesome sidekick, Oberon the Irish Wolfhound. Who can communicate with Atticus mind to mind, which is handy as he can share with Atticus his obsession with French poodles and his dream of becoming like Genghis Khan. His latest hero of choice. And of course I mustn’t forget the sausages!
Humour aside there also some superb action scenes, sword fights ahoy! Showing while he can be clever, Atticus can also kick some serious butt when required. The characters of this book are well thought out, mixing Irish myth into the story. As well as Irish Gods, you’ve got werewolves, vampires and witches. Plenty of supernatural species to keep you busy.
The narrator of this book was Luke Daniels, I’ve listened to a couple of books narrated by him and he is fast becoming one of my favourite audio narrators. He totally sucks you into the story and grasps the essence of the character he is portraying. Making this a really entertaining audiobook.
VERDICT:
Quite frankly I defy you not to like HOUNDED. It is without a doubt being added to my favourite urban fantasy book list. And I shall be purchasing the subsequent instalments very, very soon. If you love urban fantasy, it’s a must-read.
RATING: 
KEVIN HEARNE ONLINE
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter
BOOKS IN SERIES ORDER
- Hounded
- Hexed
- Hammered
- Tricked
- Trapped
- Hunted (2013)
BUY THE BOOK
5 Comments
Thank you for sharing today. I recently listened to my first audiobook CD and it was hard for me to get into, although once I got into the story I could not wait to listen to more. I want to keep trying and recently entered a giveaway for this audiobook and my fingers are still crossed
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Thanks so much for reviewing Hounded — it's definitely one of my keepers! Hearne has crafted an amazing series. After reading your review, I'll have to try out the audio version!
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This one sounds good – I already have it on my shelf so hopefully I'll get around to reading it soon
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Nothing about this book sounds bad! Hearne is pulling in some of my favorite mythological and paranormal elements into one, and I am literally going to finish typing this comment and then heading over to amazon to pick this one up.
Thanks so much for the awesome review!
Smiles!
Lori
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@Denise Z I find the narrator makes a real difference with audiobooks. I hope you win the competition
@Dani I'm so glad you liked the review. It's a very good audio adaptation if you're an audio fan.
@Bookchickcity do pick this book up I loved it and would love to know what you think
@LoriStrongin ooh yes do it, buy it! Come back and tell me what you think after too
thank you for the lovely compliment on my review too!
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