by Kevin Hearne
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles #9
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Length: 8 hours and 57 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
Kevin Hearne creates the ultimate Atticus O’Sullivan adventure in the grand finale of the New York Times bestselling Iron Druid Chronicles: an epic battle royale against the Norse gods of Asgard.
Unchained from fate, the Norse gods Loki and Hel are ready to unleash Ragnarok, a.k.a. the Apocalypse, upon the earth. They’ve made allies on the darker side of many pantheons, and there’s a globe-spanning battle brewing that ancient Druid Atticus O’Sullivan will be hard-pressed to survive, much less win.
Granuaile MacTiernan must join immortals Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen in a fight against the Yama Kings in Taiwan, but she discovers that the stakes are much higher than she thought.
Meanwhile, Archdruid Owen Kennedy must put out both literal and metaphorical fires from Bavaria to Peru to keep the world safe for his apprentices and the future of Druidry.
And Atticus recruits the aid of a tyromancer, an Indian witch, and a trickster god in hopes that they’ll give him just enough leverage to both save Gaia and see another sunrise. There is a hound named Oberon who deserves a snack, after all.
I devoured Scourged by Kevin Hearne, the ninth and final book in the Iron Druid Chronicles within the first 24 hours of its release. Once again, I listened to the brilliant narrations of Luke Daniels. Then, I listened again. As much as I am not ready to say goodbye to this series, Hearne delivered an intense, twisted and heartfelt finale that still left the door open for more stories. (Please let there be more stories.)
*Spoiler-Free*
The audio opens with a recap of the series delivered by Oberon and gads Luke Daniels is such a gifted narrator. The story picks up right after events in Besieged and is broken up into three narratives as Atticus, Granuaile, and Owen each face battles during Ragnarok. A prophesied apocalypse in which the Earth burns. The chapters are short and fast-paced as we spend time with each.
- Granuaile is sent to Taiwan to fight against the Yama Kings alongside immortals Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen. Before the battle, she gets some training, advice, and tea. I enjoyed the time spent with the immortals but things happen that will alter Granuaile’s course. While I haven’t always been warm and fuzzy towards Granuaile, I understood her motives.
- Owen…OMG, the man is a such a hoot. While Owen certainly faces danger, time spent with him had me laughing aloud. There will be fires, humor and a sloth. The conversation about Jack Shite was brilliant. I want a spin-off series with Owen and I want it now!
- Atticus’s thread is the darkest as he and those who aid him face the Norse gods Loki and Hel, at the heart of Ragnarok. The Gods, the Fae and more gather for the great battle. The battle was intense and we suffer loses. As the series has eluded to it is also time for Atticus to face his reckoning. I held my breath, I shed a tear and hung my head.
Hearne provided us with cameo appearances from characters throughout the series, like Jesus, Coyote, the Morrigan, and the Monkey King. Loose ends like favors owed and more are answered.
Oberon does make an appearance here or there along with Orlaith and Starbuck but none of the Druids took them into battle. However, I loved the little updates about them, the pups and gravy talk. The story comes with three epilogues. Hearne gave us some closure while still leaving the door open to revisit any one of these characters. A brilliant and fitting end to this beloved series.
Scourged by Kevin Hearne the final book in the Iron Druid Chronicles delivered cameos, intense battles and twists. #audio #mustlisten Luke Daniels #favorite #narrator 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
Olivia-Savannah Roach
Another urban fantasy book series for me to try! It’s always so heart warming when old characters cameo in books later down the line and I also really like the how much you talk about the characters – as a character driven reader that is always a plus for me.
Kimberly
I hope you do try these and yes very character driven and simply awesome!
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer
I’m so glad this series remained good to the very end! It is one that is on my TBR list that me and my writing partner have together! I hope to read the first book soon. (But the audiobook may be the way to go!) ❤️
Kimberly
If you listen to audiobooks at all..then yes Luke Daniels was sooo good!
Lindsi
Wait… a sloth? Why in the world would there be a sloth? Haha! I cannot wait to listen to this and find out. I always enjoy an amazing audiobook, and this one sounds peachy. 🙂
Oh, and I’m following you via Bloglovin’ and Twitter! I also added you on Goodreads. I thought I was before, so I’m glad I checked! I’ve been double checking all the blog that I comment on tonight just to be sure!
Do You Dog-ear?
Kimberly
Hehehe..yes a sloth. This series is a blast on audio. Thanks for stalking me. I am pretty sure I am already doing the same but will double check.
Debbie Haupt
Thanks for the review Kim. I think I noted some tear stains on this one 😉
Kimberly
Perhaps, but I had such a good time with these characters.
Heidi
You are going to experience some serious ID withdrawals. It was fun for me to go back and revisit favorite characters from the series. It has been a seven year journey for me, and I was remiss to let it go. I will miss these characters and Luke Daniel’s brilliant narration. I am hopeful we will get a spin off down the road. Glad you loved this series as much I as I have.
Kimberly
I am hopeful that we will at least see some novels or maybe more Meaty Mysteries. It is so weird that for the longest time I thought this series was YA and held back. Silly me.
Daniela Ark
I’m 50% into the first book of the series. Getting a little restless because not much has happened 🙁 and I’m in a mini slump so I may have to put it aside for a few days 🙁 So glad you love this series so much Kim. Nothing like finding a series one is passionate about until the end! 🙂
Kimberly
Ack. I wish you were listening!! Keep going Do Not Give Up!!
Melanie Simmons
This book was so hard and so good at the same time. I thought it was a great ending to the series, as much as I didn’t want it to end. I hope we get to see more of these characters. Maybe another Besieged style books and definitely more Meaty Mysteries. Great review.
Kimberly
Yes, Yes and Yes to your suggestions. I wouldn’t mind some from Owen and his trainees.
Jennifer
I loved the recap by Oberon. I’m listening to this one slowly. Mostly because I can’t listen to audiobooks at work anymore (cries) but also because I don’t want the ride to end.
Kimberly
Awe sorry you cannot listen at work. Yep, I listened to it twice, the second time slowly.
Darlene
I did buy the first audiobook on Audible based on your recommendation, and I hope I love it as much as you do!
Kimberly
I am excited to see what you think.
Lily
gah cannot believe this series is over D: I am almost done with book 2, still loving it but heard it eventually gets to be a bit sad.
Kimberly
There are some sad moments, but I loved this series hard Lily.
Cyn @ Bookmunchies
It’s always nice when a final book in a lobg series is amazing! Must of been pretty awesome to listen to it twice! Sounds like I need to check this series out. Great review, Kim!
Kimberly
I just wanted more time with the characters.
Tracy Terry
I’m not into audio books myself but will certainly put my friend in the direction of this series as I’m sure she’d love it every bit as much as you evidently do.
Kimberly
You can always read them.
Melliane
arghhhh so late so late so late! I need to read book 1!
Kimberly
Yes, you seriously do!
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader
That’s awesome to find a favorite male narrator. When I listened to Dracula, I loved all the male narrators. But alas, I haven’t found one that since then. Great review Kimba! I love finding new reads through you. 🙂
Kimberly
I tend to favor male narrators, and Luke is wonderful.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I love the fact that you listened to this one twice. I cannot wait to get started with this series. I am so glad you have enjoyed all of these books as much as you have.
Kimberly
Yeah. I devoured it and then listened taking my time. Enjoy!
verushka
AHHHHH!!! It sounds so good — but I have to ask, I’ve been meaning to finish this series for ages now, and since this book is out — can I jump into it, or should I go through everything? I saw you mentioned a recap, so I am crossing my fingers it might okay to! But I wait for your verdict!
Kimberly
Yes, there is a recap, but you would miss so much awesomeness. I will say you could skip all the novellas, although I loved them all as well. In general, I recommend UF be read in order of release.
The Orangutan Librarian
Glad this was such a satisfying and fitting conclusion- great review!
Kimberly
Thank you! Have a lovely weekend.
Jenea’s Book Onsession
I’m glad that you enjoyed this so much and it was a fantastic ending to the series too! Maybe you’ll get a little more of the characters, since the door wan’t completely closed on them. *fingers crossed for you*
Kimberly
I am hoping for lots of side stories etc.
Sophia Rose
Oh, just how a series should end. Should I send condolences on your loss now that the series is over?
Kimberly
Coffee will work 🙂
Vanessa
I have this series in my to-read list! I’m glad it continued to be as good even in its last book <3
Kimberly
I hope you enjoy them as much as I did Vanessa!
Stormi Johnson
Wow, you really flew through this series! Glad you enjoyed it, always a bummer when it’s the last in a series you love.
Kimberly
I really did and I read all but this in January when I was sick. Audios are perfect for the sickbed.
kindlemom1
Three epilogues? That is interesting! I’m so glad that not only did this end well but it left it open to more or a spin off. This series really is fun. Have a great weekend Kim!
Kimberly
Yes. He does that quite often but I love it.
Ailyn Koay
a little disappointed ><
not to mention those two are enemies (they fought a lot)
Kimberly
Sorry to hear you were let down Ailyn
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I am sorry for you that this is the last book. But, think of it this way – you can listen to these again and fall in love all over again and in case you missed something, find it. I know how much you enjoyed these books, that is why I did get the first in the series, so keep your head up!
Mary
Kimberly
Very true Mary!
Silvia
I read a review for the first book earlier today and I noted this series down right away, but it’s so good to know the author delivered quite a great final instalment! Yep, I’m definitely curious to see if this series works that great for me, too 🙂
Kimberly
Yay. I cannot wait to hear what you think 🙂