by Kevin Hearne
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles #4.6
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
Ancient Druid Atticus O’Sullivan has had plenty of adventures during his long life, and in “The Chapel Perilous” he shares one of them with his apprentice, Granuaile. He lays out the true story of the quest for the Holy Grail, in which he was personally involved—and the events of which are quite different from the Christian tale most people know today.
While on an errand for Ogma to recover the Dagda’s Cauldron, Atticus confronts evil at a mysterious chapel, takes the first steps to becoming the Iron Druid, and learns the shocking truth about goblin fashion choices.
He was, of course, in terrible peril.
Originally published in 2013 in the Unfettered anthology edited by Shawn Speakman, now offered singly with cover art by Galen Dara.
Stories surrounding the holy grail intrigue me, and I wanted to hear Hearne’s take as told by Atticus O’Sullivan. The Chapel Perilous is the only novella not available on audio, so I picked up the eBook. As the last of the backlist of novellas that I picked up, Luke Daniels voice played in my head as Atticus does another favor for the god, Ogma.
Once again we find ourselves enjoying a fire in the wilderness with Granuaile, Oberon, and Atticus. Over marshmallows, he shares the story of the holy grail originally known to him as Dagda’s Cauldron. Atticus claims that the story is a Celtic Druid story that was twisted through time. I enjoyed Hearne’s tale about the grail but loved the tidbits about the elemental, the iron around Atticus’s neck and his inspiration for his charms and future companions.
This tale may only be thirty-three pages long, but boy did it pack a wallop. The year is 537AD, and Atticus calls himself Gawain. Dagda’s Cauldron is one of the Four Treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann and reported to feed an Army and never empty.
Gawain (Atticus) travels with a horse named Apple Jack to retrieve the “holy grail” Apple Jack could use speech like Oberon would decades later and their conversations were hilarious. I would love to have spent more time with this horse. The tale that unfolds has them traveling in rain, being attacked by an evil force at an old church and meeting the Fish King before he faces off with an evil entity.
Hearne is a masterful storyteller and I quite enjoyed this short.
The Chapel Perilous by Kevin Hearne explores the holy grail as Atticus O'Sullivan does a favor for the god, Ogma #urban #unique #novella 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
Debbie Haupt
I really want to try this series Kim it sounds so good and I love hearing what you think. I too love Holy Grail tales and I often after “listening” to a series then switching to reading find myself hearing the narrator’s voice.
Thanks
Kimberly
It was funny because it was Daniels voice I heard. This is why when I begin a series by reading it, I like to continue that way because I create their voice in my head.
Jackie Briere
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I want it on my kindle now.
Kimberly
Happy reading Jackie!
Tyler H. Jolley
Even a short novella is so worth it if bridges a gap. If I remember correctly, novellas were not your favorite just a few years ago. It seems like they’ve grown on you. 🙂 Or maybe, the quality of novellas has improved over the years.
Kimberly
Still not my favorite, but Hearne does really good even with shorts.
Heidi
I can say you are an Iron Druid addict. You have dug up novellas that I didnt’ even know existed and I thought I read them all. I will have to track this down. Thirty three pages is a short one, but glad to hear it was terrific.
Kimberly
LOL, yes I’ve read or listened to every available book or novella.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
This of course sounds good! I have the first in the series but haven’t had a chance yet to read it. But, all these great reviews – you know I can’t wait! =)
Kimberly
Yay, glad you have book one!
Daniela Ark
yay mor eon this series! These reviews are going to make me break my vow of not expending too much in books and get an audible membership! Because I have been to exhausted lately to read and I’m doing mostly audio books and this series is not available in my library as audio!
Kimberly
Oh, noes. All but this are on Audible for this series.
Ailyn Koay
so is it like a 7.5 or 8.5 positioned novella?
Kimberly
Nope #4.5