by Kevin Hearne
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles #3
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Length: 9 hours and 40 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is worse than a blowhard and a bully - he’s ruined countless lives and killed scores of innocents. After centuries, Viking vampire Leif Helgarson is ready to get his vengeance, and he’s asked his friend Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids, to help take down this Norse nightmare.
One survival strategy has worked for Atticus for more than two thousand years: stay away from the guy with the lightning bolts. But things are heating up in Atticus’s home base of Tempe, Arizona. There’s a vampire turf war brewing, and Russian demon hunters who call themselves the Hammers of God are running rampant. Despite multiple warnings and portents of dire consequences, Atticus and Leif journey to the Norse plane of Asgard, where they team up with a werewolf, a sorcerer, and an army of frost giants for an epic showdown against vicious Valkyries, angry gods, and the hammer-wielding Thunder Thug himself.
My Iron Druid Chronicles addiction continues with Hammered written by Kevin Hearne and narrated by Luke Daniels. Atticus and Leif journey to the Norse plane of Asgard to face down the hammer-wielding god Thor but first Atticus must steal a golden apple. Darker than its predecessors Hammered shared insight into key characters, epic battles, and death. Hearne once again left me eager for more.
Hammered picks up almost where Hexed ended, and Atticus is traveling to Asgard to retrieve steal a golden apple promised to Laksha. Ratatosk, the squirrel, gods, and Ravens made for exciting travels. Once back in Tempe, he is faced with honoring Leif’s request. Leif wants to travel to the Norse plane of Asgard to kill Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Despite warnings and Atticus’ advice, Leif will not be persuaded, so off they travel along with the Tempe Alpha wolf and Atticus’ trusty wolfhound.
As we travel Hearne shared how Leif became a vampire, gave insight into Atticus’ past and reminded us once again how long this druid has lived. We even learn a little about our alpha. Others join them on their journey and share stories of their encounters with Thor. Prepare yourselves because the Thor in Hearne’s world is not at all like the god portrayed in Marvel and other tales. What a great twist seeing a darker version of this character. I loved the fireside chats, Russian vodka and different characters they encounter. Hearne is a brilliant storyteller.
Visits from gods, and of course the Morrigan made for some interesting listening before the climatic, ruthless battle began. Though Atticus’ was reluctant he stepped up but not before we suffered loss. Hearne weaved in humorous moments to offset the darkness, and I found myself bursting into laughter. If you are a proud geek like myself you will love all the references to fandoms weaved into this tale. There is no doubt Hearne is a proud flag flying member of many fandoms.
The worldbuilding was absolutely incredible and I was able to envision Asgard, frost giants, the angry gods, and the ruthless Valkyries. Things are changing for Atticus and the Iron Druid Chronicles as we have reached a pivotal point in the plot. Whatever happens, I know I will continue the journey on audio. Luke Daniels is amazing! Each character no matter how small their role has a distinctly unique voice that you instantly recognize. He captures the nuances of their personalities and adds another layer of enjoyment to this already epic series.
Hammered wrapped up well regarding the quest, but I am anxious to know where things are headed and downloaded Tricked, the next audio. If you haven’t begun the series, now is the time. The final book releases in 2018.
Atticus and friends take on Thor, the Greek god of thunder in Hammered by Kevin Hearne and narrated by Luke Daniels #iloveaudiobooks Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Melanie Simmons
The thing that bothered me with this book, I hated Thor. He is my favorite Norse God. I didn’t like hating him. I’ve read a few things with him, but mostly the Marvel movies. I want Thor to be more like Chris Helmsworth. I know, silly. He really is a jerk in this book. I wanted him dead too.
MarthaE
I’m glad you are enjoying the series. Your enthusiasm makes me want to pick up again with book 5.
Thanks for sharing.
Laurie (Bark’s Book Nonsense)
I need to make some time to read this series.
Daniela Ark
ok this is a MUST! a book 3 with 5 stars??? and I don;t think I.ve read Norse mythology is forever! [yeah I can’t remember reading it so maye NEVER??] and since watched Thor and Vikings I’m very into it! This sounds like an incredible world-building! a MUST!
Blodeuedd
I guess I should try these
Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict
I’m trying to decide if this will be a sooner rather than later read. I’m kind of getting in a romance mood, but we’ll see. I’m excited by how much you love these. I just know they are going to be amazing!
Laura Thomas
I’m getting ready to start the series this weekend, Kim,. You are really living these and now I’m excited to see for myself.
Kimberly @ Turning the Pages
You’re on a roll with this series!
Tyler H. Jolley
Luke Daniels is SUCH a good narrator. Five stars all around.
Stefanie
Since you have loved this series so much, I will put it on my TBR for this year. I binged on the Kate Daniels series since reading book one. I’m waiting for the last book to come out. I just posted a post but it doesn’t show up here.
Stefanie
OMGosh, I forgot you are so sick. I’m sorry if it seemed like I was like where you at. Take care dear. Getting better is #1. XX
Kimberly
No, not at all. 🙂 enjoy your weekend!
Angela Adams
Wow — this author has an incredible imagination! Thanks for the post, and enjoy the weekend!!!
Mary Kirkland
This sounds so good.
Lily
This is a series that I really want to start this year too, I have been one and two waiting for me <33
Heidi
This one had a darker sadder tone to it. It wasn’t my favorite. Tricked is hilarious you will get a kick out of coyote. I still remember the whole discussion about a crap ton of nails.
Kari @ Kari Reads and Writes
I tried book 1 and got in about 4 chapters and stopped reading, put aside– not DNF. Wasn’t sure if I enjoyed the snarky tone of the dialogue… but I think if I’d listened to it as you did that the enjoyment would be more so, like listening to a humorous storyteller.
I’m glad you’re loving this series! I will definitely give the beginning book another try soon and will keep in mind that it gets darker. Thanks for your thoughts!
kindlemom1
So glad you are trying and loving this series Kim! I think this is as far as I’ve gotten, I need to read more! I think I own all of them, I just need to make time for them now. 😉
Hope you are doing better and have a great weekend!
Jenea's Book Obsession
This series sounds absolutely awesome! And something I’d enjoy too.
Melliane
wow you’re fast with these and I still need to read book 1. I’m so late!