Who Would Like This Book:
If you like your urban fantasy packed with Celtic mythology, snarky humor, and non-stop action, "Hounded" is a great pick. Atticus O'Sullivan is a druid with 2,100 years of experience, but thanks to his witty banter (especially with his lovable Irish wolfhound Oberon), he feels fresh and fun. The book blends modern life and ancient magic in a way that's both accessible and clever. Fans of The Dresden Files, readers who enjoy myth-heavy modern fantasy, or anyone looking for a male-driven, lighthearted take on the genre will feel right at home here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found "Hounded" a bit too lightweight, especially if you're seeking deep character psychology or morally complex heroes. Atticus can come across as more of a super-powered, never-in-real-danger protagonist, and his youthful attitude doesn't always match his ancient age. Others didn’t click with the humor or felt that the female characters were a bit one-dimensional. If you prefer your fantasy a bit darker, with higher stakes or more emotional weight, this may not hit your sweet spot.
About:
'Hounded' in 'The Iron Druid Chronicles' series by Kevin Hearne follows the story of Atticus, a 2100-year-old Druid living in Tempe, Arizona, who runs an occult bookstore and is being pursued by vengeful Irish gods. The plot involves a mix of mythology, folklore, and supernatural beings, with Atticus navigating through encounters with gods, werewolves, vampires, witches, and other unexpected characters. The writing style is described as fast-paced, full of snark, humor, and wit, with a focus on character development and interactions, particularly the unique relationship between Atticus and Oberon, his Irish Wolfhound who communicates with him through mind speak.
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Notes:
Has Romance?
While there are romantic undertones and interactions with various female characters, romance is not the primary focus of the story.
From The Publisher:
The first novel in the Iron Druid Chronicles-introducing a cool, new, funny urban fantasy hero
Atticus O'Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old-when in actuality, he's twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.
Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he's hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power-plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish-to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.
Don't miss any of Kevin Hearne's phenomenal Iron Druid Chronicles novels:
HOUNDED | HEXED | HAMMERED | TRICKED | TRAPPED | HUNTED | SHATTERED | STAKED
Ratings (210)
Incredible (28) | |
Loved It (87) | |
Liked It (56) | |
It Was OK (22) | |
Did Not Like (15) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (373):
Read It (219) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (89) | |
Did Not Finish (5) | |
Not Interested (59) |
7 comment(s)
I have to question myself on why i waited so long to start this series... I LOVED IT!
Flagged as one of my favorites, I can't wait to continue with the next installments.
If you love Dresden, pick this one up, it has all the same vibes, amazing characters, strong worldbuilding, just great writing overall and dont forget the kickass heroes :D Enjoy!
Hounded is a good mix of mythology, strong characters, bloody-good action and humor. Atticus O’Sullivan, a 2,100 year-old druid, is so long-lived because of his magical knowledge and his ability to walk the line between sharing and secrets with more than one goddess. His Irish wolfhound companion, Oberon, is a hoot and offers much comic relief throughout their adventures.
My husband has been after me to start this series and I'm glad I finally did. I am looking forward to continuing this series. Kevin Hearne has done a great job of blending together my favorite aspects of UF.
What an absolutely fantastic start to a series! I loved it! Everything from the hero to the world-building, to the tremendous sense of humor... everything was excellent.
If you're a fan of Dresden, you'll love this series.
Despite getting bonus points for the dog sidekick, this book still totals bad due to: 90% of females being sex objects, the absurd inability of the main character to keep a secret, and disappointing lack of exploration of fascinating themes that were just mentioned (the personality rigidity of immortals, the loneliness, the weakness of too much male gaze + libido, etc).
A full video review: https://youtu.be/PaJucPAChNo
This was something fresh and new. I liked Atticus and loved Polish witches. It was a funny read. I will definitely read the other books in the series.
Good writing, fun story, interesting characters. Hidden gem of an author
Excellent world building, fast paced, interesting way of combining mythology and UF, unexpected plots, witty (humour in the style of Dresden Files), very well written. A sure recommendation and in my top series... until... Yeah, sadly the last book - actually, it started the book before that - utterly ruined the series for me. That ending & writing turned Kevin Hearne from an 'always buy- blurb unseen' to a 'let's wait for the reviews' kind of author.
What can you read after
Hounded?
About the Author:
Kevin Hearne hugs trees, pets doggies, and rocks out to heavy metal. He also thinks tacos are a pretty nifty idea. He is the author of A Plague of Giants and the New York Times bestselling The Iron Druid Chronicles…
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