by Kevin Hearne
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles #1
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old - when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.
Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power - plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish - to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil
Hounded by Kevin Hearne first sat on my Kindle after bloggers I adore and trust called it a must-read. Then when I read reviews about the narrations of Luke Daniels, I added the Audible edition. There it sat in my queue for over a year. I am kicking myself. Seriously, Hounded is all that I love about urban fantasy with a narration that was utterly addictive.
Atticus O’Sullivan lives in Arizona and owns an occult bookshop. At first, glance he appears to be a carefree handsome, twenty-something, tattooed Irish dude. In actuality, he is the last of the Druids and twenty-one centuries old. He pulls magic from the earth, carries a magic Druid sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer. In his spare time, he loves shape-shifting and hunting with his Irish wolfhound. Hells yes, within five minutes I was all in.
I devoured Hounded and loved everything from the paranormal world living in secret side by side with humans to Atticus’s dealings with FAE, witches, shifters, vampires, and gods.
I loved Atticus and felt Hearne made him complex, funny, relatable and genuine. He can telepathically communicate with Oberon, his Irish wolfhound, and lord this pup is funny! His obsession with sausage and French Poodles about killed me. From Atticus’s sharp wit and cunning battle skills to his posh vampire lawyer, listeners will find themselves laughing, holding their breath and wondering how Atticus will survive.
It looks like each book will have an overall dilemma as Hearne builds on the overall story ARC. In Hounded, a Celtic god wants Atticus’s sword and sends mercenaries of the paranormal variety to do his bidding before the big showdown. Atticus must rely on friends, Gods, and his wits if he is to survive. The action scenes and climatic encounter were brilliantly done with attention to detail, twists, and kickassery. The story wraps up nicely and provides a set up for things to come. I cannot wait to dive in.
If this is sitting in your TBR pile, or its one you’ve meant to pick up…Do it! You can expect to see the rest of the series reviewed on the blog. Currently, there are eight published novels available in this series. All are available in audio, print, and eBook. The ninth and last book is due out in 2018. There are several novellas and some side stories with Oberon, most are available on audio as well.
Hearne created a masterful tale that left me craving a return to this world.
Narrated by Luke Daniels, Hounded by Kevin Hearne delivered all that I love in Urban Fantasy. #audio #mustlisten 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
I agree with everything you said. I really enjoyed revisiting this book through your review. I love Oberon. He makes the series.
AngelErin
Excellent review Kim! I’m glad you liked this one. I’ve been meaning to read it for ages and I finally bought it (probably forever ago by now) and I still haven’t read it. Maybe I should bump it up on my TBR already!
Lorna
I have had this in my tbr forever in ebook form. It sounds fantastic and I am sure i bought it after I read someones review. I have no excuses as to why I haven’t read it yet. Back on my radar now-Thanks!
Debbie Haupt
Over a year on your audible queue really. LOL
This sound absolutely like something I must have. Thanks Kim
ShootingStarsMag
I’ve heard SUCH good things about this series, and Hounded has been on my wish list for awhile now. Looks like I need to really get on it. I’m glad to hear you loved this one so much.
-Lauren
Leona
I found that I really enjoyed this story on audio. The characters, storyline, and conflict were definitely Grade A, now I just have to fit the rest of the series into my reading schedule. Plus I hope that you’re feeling better!
Laura Thomas
Yeah! I was hoping you enjoyed this. Got it on my night stand to read this weekend, hopefully. I’ve heard lots of good things about the series.
Sophia Rose
Now, see, I read this one when it first released, loved it, and then waited a few years to keep going with the series. LOL I was glad that when I kept going with books two and three that I had Luke Daniels narrating. He’s fantastic at Atticus and his world.
Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict
I think I got these with some credits from audiobooks.com! I’ve been wanting to start for some time. Eight books isn’t a bad series binge. I’m hoping to squeeze it in before the last book comes out!
Melissa (Books and Things)
This is one I need to get back into and I’ve only done the books on audio. Love Luke Daniels in this one… and I need an Oberon in my life. I need Oberon’s tea for my pups. So glad you enjoyed this one.
Heidi
Christy, Kristin and I are all saying, “I told you so.” Seriously love this series. I have been addicted to it. The audio is always fantastic. I absoultely adore Luke Daniels. I know you have pretty much plowed your way through this series by now, and that you are loving it. Yeah!
sherry fundin
Now that’s what I call a recommendation. Sounds great to me too.
Stefanie
Ooh, I’m glad you liked this book; sometimes I’m more prone to lean toward a fantasy where a female is the lead character. .I think I have it on my TBR. I’ll go and check.
Mary Kirkland
I hadn’t heard of this one before today but it sounds like one I might like. Thanks for the great review.
Heather B
I love this series so much!!! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying it.
Blodeuedd
I wonder if I would like it if I tried it again, now when I can speed things up
Stormi Johnson
I have wanted to try this series for a long time. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Ailyn Koay
druidism and hinduism is so different! how … did they manage to get along?
Kristin @ Addicted to HEA
I remember now that I wanted so badly years ago to go to Phoenix and visit Rula Bula and sit and chat with Jesus. Kevin made it sooo believable and I’m so stinkin’ glad you love this series and especially the audio with Luke. I haven’t listened but OMG, the raves on his narrations!!! THANK YOU for reminding me of my love of this series. 2018 might be my year of UF!!
Melliane
I have this one as well for a long time in fact and I still need to read it!
Jackie Briere
As usual, you did a great job. I loved your review as it helps me remember it too. I never reviewed these books, and I regret it because I can’t remember them now. I’m just curious; you finished book eight already haven’t you? You read eight books in a little over a month?!! Girl, you are chewing them up like IDK they were skittles? Lol anyway, I hope you are feeling better.
Kimberly @ Turning the Pages
So glad you loved this one! This is one of my favourite series Atticus and Oberon are great aren’t they? I read this one years ago and have a couple books I need to catch up on in the series but it is one I go to when I really need a boost. Might just have to do a listen of the series though to brush up on them before I pick up the ones I missed. Hope you get to the next one soon.