If you are in the mood for a humorous, action-packed thrilled ride filled with mythological and paranormal creatures alike, you should definitely pick up the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne. There are currently four books out in the series thus far with more books to follow. I've yet to become disappointed with this series.
Description (from Goodreads): Thor, the Norse god of
thunder, is worse than a blowhard and a bully—he’s ruined countless
lives and killed scores of innocents. After centuries, Viking vampire
Leif Helgarson is ready to get his vengeance, and he’s asked his friend
Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids, to help take down this Norse
nightmare.
One survival strategy has worked for Atticus for more than two thousand years: stay away from the guy with the lightning bolts. But things are heating up in Atticus’s home base of Tempe, Arizona. There’s a vampire turf war brewing, and Russian demon hunters who call themselves the Hammers of God are running rampant. Despite multiple warnings and portents of dire consequences, Atticus and Leif journey to the Norse plain of Asgard, where they team up with a werewolf, a sorcerer, and an army of frost giants for an epic showdown against vicious Valkyries, angry gods, and the hammer-wielding Thunder Thug himself.
Review: Unlike Hounded and Hexed, Hearne turns a bit more introspective, dark, and serious in Hammered, but still retains its spectacular humor and action. Though we've traveled and battled alongside Atticus, we didn't get a chance to know him on an intimate level. Throughout the series thus far, we have been given glimpses into his long lived life. We know that he is capable of overcoming many obstacles and has been successful in being the oldest druid alive. In Hammered, we are introduced to the human Atticus who has made mistakes, loved and lost people he's cared for. Atticus's saddness becomes your own thus making you all that more connected to him.
For me the draw of the Iron Druid series has always been the perfect balance of Atticus's character. He’s a guy’s guy, who tries to think logically and long term without going crazy. He is blunt and honest, never to hide his emotions. He may not have all the answers and he does make mistakes along the way. He is fiercely loyal (especially to his wonderful, screen stealing irish wolfhound Oberon. Love him!) and a man of his word. Atticus is someone you want to have your back in times of trouble. Despite his very, very old age, he retains his humanity.
Since Atticus has promised Leif and a few others he meets along the way to finally kill Thor, Atticus is warned by none other than Jesus (over beer, fish & chips) to be reconsider, warning him that his move to the Norse god will have serious repercussions. Determined to keep his promise no matter the cost, partly out of a code of honor and partly out of pride, Atticus sets his path. He organizes his affairs in Tempe, Arizona, and set sails for a tumultuous odyssey. I have to say that I had two thoughts running through my head while reading Hammered. My first thought: I kept asking Atticus (yes, I know he's not real but still) whether or not he was really sure he sure about him committing deicide. My second thought: Why would you want to hurt this face? I did have to remember that I was meeting a completely different, unlikable Thor in Hammered who took satisfaction is causing people pain for no real reason. Hearne does a great job in giving a glimpse into the lives of those whose that Thor has hurt, especially Leif, which not only make you step back and view the actions and very some huge surprises but truly feel their anguish and anger.
Hearne continues to do a great job in exploring the theme of power, particularly with the mythological gods as the issue of keeping power in check versus behaving like spoiled little children. Questions of what makes us truly human, to the choices we tend to make shape our lives and the effects. It's very easy for Atticus to go down the dark road of a god complex, but he has learned the hard way of balancing his powers. We do, however, see how others deal with this same situation through Thor and Lief.
Just a heads up, there is a slight, kinda big cliffhanger at the end of the book. One part of the plot arc has finished while another one leads to the next book. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: There is strong violence, some language and sexuality in the book. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.
If you like this book try: Tricked (Iron Druid Chronicles #4) by Kevin Hearne, The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher, Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman, Child of Fire by Harry Connollly
Description (from Goodreads): Thor, the Norse god of
thunder, is worse than a blowhard and a bully—he’s ruined countless
lives and killed scores of innocents. After centuries, Viking vampire
Leif Helgarson is ready to get his vengeance, and he’s asked his friend
Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids, to help take down this Norse
nightmare.One survival strategy has worked for Atticus for more than two thousand years: stay away from the guy with the lightning bolts. But things are heating up in Atticus’s home base of Tempe, Arizona. There’s a vampire turf war brewing, and Russian demon hunters who call themselves the Hammers of God are running rampant. Despite multiple warnings and portents of dire consequences, Atticus and Leif journey to the Norse plain of Asgard, where they team up with a werewolf, a sorcerer, and an army of frost giants for an epic showdown against vicious Valkyries, angry gods, and the hammer-wielding Thunder Thug himself.
Review: Unlike Hounded and Hexed, Hearne turns a bit more introspective, dark, and serious in Hammered, but still retains its spectacular humor and action. Though we've traveled and battled alongside Atticus, we didn't get a chance to know him on an intimate level. Throughout the series thus far, we have been given glimpses into his long lived life. We know that he is capable of overcoming many obstacles and has been successful in being the oldest druid alive. In Hammered, we are introduced to the human Atticus who has made mistakes, loved and lost people he's cared for. Atticus's saddness becomes your own thus making you all that more connected to him.
For me the draw of the Iron Druid series has always been the perfect balance of Atticus's character. He’s a guy’s guy, who tries to think logically and long term without going crazy. He is blunt and honest, never to hide his emotions. He may not have all the answers and he does make mistakes along the way. He is fiercely loyal (especially to his wonderful, screen stealing irish wolfhound Oberon. Love him!) and a man of his word. Atticus is someone you want to have your back in times of trouble. Despite his very, very old age, he retains his humanity.
Since Atticus has promised Leif and a few others he meets along the way to finally kill Thor, Atticus is warned by none other than Jesus (over beer, fish & chips) to be reconsider, warning him that his move to the Norse god will have serious repercussions. Determined to keep his promise no matter the cost, partly out of a code of honor and partly out of pride, Atticus sets his path. He organizes his affairs in Tempe, Arizona, and set sails for a tumultuous odyssey. I have to say that I had two thoughts running through my head while reading Hammered. My first thought: I kept asking Atticus (yes, I know he's not real but still) whether or not he was really sure he sure about him committing deicide. My second thought: Why would you want to hurt this face? I did have to remember that I was meeting a completely different, unlikable Thor in Hammered who took satisfaction is causing people pain for no real reason. Hearne does a great job in giving a glimpse into the lives of those whose that Thor has hurt, especially Leif, which not only make you step back and view the actions and very some huge surprises but truly feel their anguish and anger.
Hearne continues to do a great job in exploring the theme of power, particularly with the mythological gods as the issue of keeping power in check versus behaving like spoiled little children. Questions of what makes us truly human, to the choices we tend to make shape our lives and the effects. It's very easy for Atticus to go down the dark road of a god complex, but he has learned the hard way of balancing his powers. We do, however, see how others deal with this same situation through Thor and Lief.
Just a heads up, there is a slight, kinda big cliffhanger at the end of the book. One part of the plot arc has finished while another one leads to the next book. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: There is strong violence, some language and sexuality in the book. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.
If you like this book try: Tricked (Iron Druid Chronicles #4) by Kevin Hearne, The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher, Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman, Child of Fire by Harry Connollly
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Hahaha! Yeah, it's hard to imagine that anyone would want to hurt that face! I was kind of surprised that Atticus didn't really take Jesus' advice.
As you know, I love this series. I still haven't read Tricked, which is a shame on me, but I plan to soon. Glad you are still enjoying this series, too. I liked that Hammered had a more emotional tone to it.
Sorry for the lack of comments. I was out of town for a few days this past week. I really need to get to this series. Everyone seems to rave about it.
Rummanah, I don't tend to read adult novels but I feel like this series has good crossover potential and so may give it a try. I know Missie really loves it too, and I like that it explores some interesting themes instead of just being filled with romance.
Yep this is one fantastic series! I'm glad you're enjoying it! I really enjoyed Tricked so I hope you are able to read it soon!