URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: The Iron Druid Chronicles 1: Hounded - Kevin Hearne

Release Date: 03/05/11

SYNOPSIS:

Atticus O’Sullivan has been running for two thousand years and he’s a bit tired of it. After he stole a magical sword from the Tuatha Dé Danann (those who became the Sidhe or the Fae) in a first century battle, some of them were furious and gave chase, and some were secretly amused that a Druid had the cheek to defy them. As the centuries passed and Atticus remained an annoyingly long-lived fugitive, those who were furious only grew more so, while others began to aid him in secret.

Now he’s living in Tempe, Arizona, the very last of the Druids, far from where the Fae can easily find him. It’s a place where many paranormals have decided to hide from the troubles of the Old World—from an Icelandic vampire holding a grudge against Thor to a coven of Polish witches who ran from the German Blitzkrieg.

Unfortunately, the very angry Celtic god who wants that sword has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power, plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good, old-fashioned luck of the Irish to kick some arse and deliver himself from evil.


REVIEW:

I always love to try a new author so when one lands I pretty much pick up the book and start. What made this one even better was that it came with a recommendation from a friend of mine (Suzanne McLeod of Spellcrackers.com fame) and a more than intriguing book jacket.

What unfurls within is not only an Urban Fantasy that will appeal to readers but one that has taken a different approach to Celtic myths and respun them to suit not only the tale woven within but also the principle lead character who is an ancient druid (Over 20 Centuries old). It’s intriguing, it has great twists and when you meet a whole host of the ancient gods (and yes Thor is apparently a real ass-hat (although you don’t meet him) you know that it’s a tale that is building to one hell of a climax.

Add to this a pretty unique take on the lands of mist as well as Tir Na Nog alongside a huge cast that are rounded and multifaceted and this is a tale that I couldn’t put down. Finally add a side kick that is fun with a two track mind (sausages and his own personal harem) and it’s definitely a tale that kicks off pretty much as it means to go on. I really hope that I get the chance to read the other two successive tales in this series as with a start like this; Kevin will be around for years to come.