by Kevin Hearne
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles, #0.6,
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Length: 1 hour and 24 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
Two Iron Druid short stories, previously available only in limited release, have now been revised and made available worldwide!
"Kaibab Unbound" occurs just a couple of weeks before the events of HOUNDED, book one of the series. Before Atticus gets drawn into the battles of gods and monsters, he has to protect one of the earth's elementals from an accomplished coven that wants to steal its power for their own.
The events of "A Test of Mettle" happen concurrently with book 3 of the series, HAMMERED, as Granuaile MacTiernan and Oberon discover that Atticus doesn't have the final say over who can become a Druid's apprentice.
These stories serve both as an introduction to the New York Times bestselling series and as exciting background for longtime fans.
I grabbed Two Tales of the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne in my quest to listen to EVERY DANG THING in the Iron Druid Chronicles. Those who remember I was deathly ill in January and over the course of twelve days devoured the series, novellas, and spinoffs on audio. Short or long Hearne knows how to spin a tale and I cannot get enough of this world and its characters.
- Kaibab Unbound – This short takes place before, Hounded, book one of the Iron Druid Chronicles. Oberon and Atticus O’Sullivan are enjoying a run in the woods when an Elemental calls out for Atticus’s help. What he finds is a coven of witches determined to steal the Elemental’s power for their own. The tale showcases Atticus’s wit, strengths, abilities, and snark. While Oberon is absent from the battle that ensues, his humor and bubbling logic shine. 3 cups
- A Test of Mettle – Events in A Test of Mettle happen concurrently with Hammered, book three in the series. It is important to note, that this can be read for free on Kevin Hearne’s website, but I was delighted to see Luke Daniels narrate the tale. At the time of this story, Atticus is in Asgard. The story focuses on Granuaile MacTiernan who is training to become a druid and tasked to clean a river by Sonora, the desert elemental. Oberon is with her, and both are shocked to learn Atticus doesn’t get the final say on who becomes a druid. Granuaile is tested when she is attacked by the animals under the influence of Flidais, the goddess of the hunt. This was a hard lesson and test for Granuaile and one I found most interesting. It also shares a darker thread, Granuaile’s obsession with punishing her stepfather. 4 cups
The purchase of the audio was an indulgence on my part. I could have simply read the free short or picked up the novella for 99 cents, but instead dropped five bucks just to listen to Luke Daniels tell the tales. He is simply brilliant and it was well worth the coin. I regret nothing!
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 dropped the money for the audiobook too. It is well worth for Luke Daniels. I think I have one or two shorts that I still need to tackle.
Kimberly
Yep. I even bought the anthology with other authors. LOL
Laura Thomas
I know how much you love this series and enjoy the narrator, so I can see you buying these short audibles. I’m almost done with the first book now and I get why you enjoy them, Kim:)
Kimberly
I finished the final audio, Laura. Now I will have to take trips down memory lane reading your reviews 🙁
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
Wow! You have listened to everything in this series so quickly. I can completely understand wanting to spend a few bucks to get the audio. Sounds like a good choice!
Kimberly
Yes and I devoured the newest and final book yesterday. *sniffs*
Heidi
You really have devoured everything Iron Druid. I think you are now a life long fan of Luke Daniels as well. So happy that you have as much love for this series as I do. I have been a fan since 2011, and I am sad it is coming to an end. Loaded up Scourged yesterday… Sniff Sniff.
Kimberly
I devoured it already Heidi and am relistening again.
Nadene
Thanks for the heads up about the free read. I am gonna check it out. Great review.
Kimberly
Happy to share Nadene 🙂
Lily
you’ve just been devouring this series 😀 I am currently listening to book 1 and it’s soo much fun
Kimberly
*happy dance* Yay!
Daniela Ark
these novellas added to a very successful series are usually a hit and miss huh?
Did I tell you I signed up for an audible membership JUST so I could listen to this series because they didn’t have it in my library LOL that’s how bad you have influenced this little frugal bookworm [winks]
Kimberly
YES!!! I do hope you love them even half as much as I did! I think all of the books and novellas were worth the time and funds 🙂
Sophia Rose
I got a kick out of these. I didn’t realize they got put on audio with Luke Daniels narrating.
Kimberly
Yes, the fans cried and Kevin listened. I am almost done the final book and it is awesome and sad and I am not ready to let go.
Debbie Haupt
Ah a great narrator is priceless Kim! Thanks for sharing
Kimberly
Thanks Debbie 🙂
Ailyn Koay
without the druid guy I thought this was a kid’s book? I was thinking, rabbits, may be my Brats might like them…
Kimberly
Oh my..they would love Oberon and the other animals but nope.
verushka
Have you read the stories from Oberon’s POV? So cute! I think I need to round out my collection of short stories from this series now!
Kimberly
Yes, I reviewed both of the Meaty Mysteries on Caffeinated last month 🙂
Cindy
I love a free read and thanks for sharing! Have a great Wednesday 🙂
Kimberly
It is nice and gives you a taste of the world
Blodeuedd
There seems to be a lot of short ones :=)
Kimberly
Yes, quite a few but such fun 🙂