304 pages
English language
Published May 1, 2011
Hounded is the first novel in Kevin Hearne's urban fantasy series, The Iron Druid Chronicles. It was released on May 3, 2011. The sequel, Hexed was released on June 7, 2011.
A very entertaining read. I would have given it 4 stars for its rollicking pace (and a pooch to die for), were it not for a few bits of unnecessary and sloppy-snarky theologizing from the main character, whom I otherwise liked. It took me clean out of the story.
Brilliant book! I’m a huge Steve McHugh fan and this reminds me a lot of his Hellequin Chronicles. Lots of action, magic and mythology and bursting with snark! Very happy I found this series!
Solid urban fantasy; I'd almost decided not to read it based on reviews , but am glad that I did. The humor is very good, the story good also, and the writing is very good. The story involves not just the last Druid, but a cast of characters that are quite intriguing and unexpected in their characterizations. I don't know much about Celtic lore, but as entertainment, it was both well explained and logical within its rules, which always makes for a better read. It was a good start to a new series, and I'll be visiting this world again, I'm sure.
I had very mixed feelings on this book. On the positive side, the story was entertaining, the pacing was great, and it kept me coming back to learn what would happen next. I don't believe it was meant to be taken seriously, and so in that light it was mostly a fun read.
On the negative side, I found the protagonist unbelievable - and not at all likable. This is a character who has been learning his craft for well over 2100 years, but his actions and reactions to most situations are more befitting his appearance - that of a 21 year old, and an immature one at that. That appears not only in his actions and reactions with every single female character who's the least bit attractive - human, goddess, or whatever - but also in the way he treats other characters who, lacking any knowledge of his superior …
I had very mixed feelings on this book. On the positive side, the story was entertaining, the pacing was great, and it kept me coming back to learn what would happen next. I don't believe it was meant to be taken seriously, and so in that light it was mostly a fun read.
On the negative side, I found the protagonist unbelievable - and not at all likable. This is a character who has been learning his craft for well over 2100 years, but his actions and reactions to most situations are more befitting his appearance - that of a 21 year old, and an immature one at that. That appears not only in his actions and reactions with every single female character who's the least bit attractive - human, goddess, or whatever - but also in the way he treats other characters who, lacking any knowledge of his superior intellect/ancient wisdom/superior healing abilities, are only trying to help him. The character of Oberon the Irish wolfhound was meant to provide humor value - and at times he did - but in the end his obsession with another breed 1/10 his size left me cold.
I really quite liked this. It reminded me of The Dresden Files, but with fewer edges. That may change, but it was a bit more lighthearted.
I enjoyed the synopsis enough to buy it. Then, a chapter into it, I nearly abandoned it. In the end, I enjoyed it as the bit of light-hearted entertainment it is.
This was a fun read. I loved the protagonist's Irish wolfhound, Oberon, and generally enjoyed the book. I wouldn't say it's accomplished—this is a first book, and the sequels could be more polished. What struck me the most was the dialogue. Every character sounds the same, and a very high proportion of the conversations involved bargaining.
The character of "The Widow" made no sense. Fine, he's a nice guy who stops to chat with an elderly woman who sits out on her front porch, and he does yard work for her. But why is he stopping to do yard work when a god is out to kill him, and he really should be spending time at his magically well-protected house or office? And with all the action that takes place at her house, why does she stay such a caricature and is hardly ever referred to by her actual name, …
This was a fun read. I loved the protagonist's Irish wolfhound, Oberon, and generally enjoyed the book. I wouldn't say it's accomplished—this is a first book, and the sequels could be more polished. What struck me the most was the dialogue. Every character sounds the same, and a very high proportion of the conversations involved bargaining.
The character of "The Widow" made no sense. Fine, he's a nice guy who stops to chat with an elderly woman who sits out on her front porch, and he does yard work for her. But why is he stopping to do yard work when a god is out to kill him, and he really should be spending time at his magically well-protected house or office? And with all the action that takes place at her house, why does she stay such a caricature and is hardly ever referred to by her actual name, but instead always "the widow"?
In an environment where daytime temperatures are often 100, does it really make sense that she sits outside, or that he rides a bike every place?
I kept waiting for it to grow on me but it never did. I was also distracted by his video game-like depictions of magic and magical combat.
Hounded. Part one of a trilogy about Atticus O'Sullivan. At least that's the name he goes by these days. He's a Druid, and not just any Druid. His Irish wolfhound Oberon isn't just any Irish wolfhound. A very good book about a very old man who looks like he's in his twenties and runs an esoteric shop. Gods and witches keep running in and out, and a few big battles make of Atticus' life quite a turmoil.
I really enjoyed this book and immediately continued with part two of this set, called Hexed.
I cannot stop making -tea based jokes in my head now. Thanks Kevin.
(Also the book is really good, read it!)
I literally started reading this book because the title was 'Hounded.' That is how easy I am for dogs.
And the book does have a wolfhound, but he was not particularly doggy. I mean, when our hero buries the Super Secret Sword in his herb bed, the dog does not immediately dig it up and bring it to him. That would have been the dog thing to do.
And Our Hero. UGH.
Okay, part of this is not this book's fault. But.
Basically, if you failed out of Dresden Files because you got so annoyed with Harry Dresden's continual failure to realize he is not the center of the universe, this book is Harry Dresden's asshole entitlement turned up to eleven. And it includes a scene early on where he's really smug about not being attracted to a witch, because she's probably secretly old. And Our Hero is, like, …
I literally started reading this book because the title was 'Hounded.' That is how easy I am for dogs.
And the book does have a wolfhound, but he was not particularly doggy. I mean, when our hero buries the Super Secret Sword in his herb bed, the dog does not immediately dig it up and bring it to him. That would have been the dog thing to do.
And Our Hero. UGH.
Okay, part of this is not this book's fault. But.
Basically, if you failed out of Dresden Files because you got so annoyed with Harry Dresden's continual failure to realize he is not the center of the universe, this book is Harry Dresden's asshole entitlement turned up to eleven. And it includes a scene early on where he's really smug about not being attracted to a witch, because she's probably secretly old. And Our Hero is, like, a thousand years old.
Sooooo yeah. I didn't make it through more than a couple chapters.
3.5 stars.
Hounded is NOT a good book.
Hounded is a book I very much enjoyed listening to.
The characters are flat, and mostly unoriginal.
The characters have interesting and complex motivations.
That’s not how dogs talk/think.
The dog’s kinda funny.
The main character is a total Marty Stu.
I still found myself rooting for him.
There’s not a single female character who doesn’t want to sleep with the main character. Even the gods!
...I’ve got nothing here.
All the women are beautiful.
All the men are buff.
The dialogue is rather wooden in spots.
It’s punny in others. (this is a plus for me)
Most of the writing is passable at best
Luke Daniels (the narrator) makes it come to life.
This book is worth picking up to see if this is to your taste or not. If it is there is a whole series of follow ups which explore the world further. They deepen the history of Atticus, and Hearne has a love of location which he backs up with plenty of details.
The story has interesting elements, and Atticus' reasoning for doing most of what he does is sound. He is likable and has a gamer's wisdom for the better part of valor. He calls on help when he needs it and doesn't bull ahead just to be manly. The cast of characters is colorful and his use of magic is consistent and internally 'real'.
Overall though, this book and its sequels left me with the feeling that Mr. Hearne isn't stretching his considerable talent.
I love the magic system. Very strong, but its strength comes with the huge weakness of "bare skin must touch earth." I also love how a lot of his victories come through the use of knowledge and making opponents underestimate him. All in all I thought it was just great fantasy.
