For some reason, I'm having difficulty getting to my book reviews so I actually have the next two books in the Iron Druid Chronicles, Hexed and Hammered. I continue to enjoy the Iron Druid books and find Atticus O'Sullivan a compelling character. What I find particularly interesting is that the books continue to show us how the results of a dramatic and pantheon shattering event - like the death of a God - can really mess with your life. So many stories don't pursue the consequences of their characters' actions, but Kevin is fully content to show us what happens when you do things that you probably shouldn't, even if they are in self defense. Here is a link for Audible's page for Hexed and the one for Hammered. It continues to be narrated by Luke Daniels and he continues to do a really, really good job. The characters as just as delightful as before and we get to see more of Atticus' powers and understand more of his world.
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Plot: Killing a god is a double edged sword. While it rid Atticus O'Sullivan of a hated and persistent enemy it also put a lot of attention on him. Attention he could do without. Not only that, but the reduction of the local witches' coven has left them weaker and not as able to defend against some of the scarier elements of the super natural. Atticus finds himself sought after by morals and Gods alike who would like to sic him on hated deities, locals who want help protecting their homes, and some who would like nothing more than to see him dead. In order to meet all of his obligations Atticus finds himself exchanging favors and soon is entangled in a plot to invade Asgard and kill Thor. Thor has had it coming for centuries, but that doesn't mean that you can just walk in and challenge him to a duel. Atticus' lawyer, Leif, is determined to end Thor and has gathered an A-team of immortals to help him in the task. Atticus' job is to get them in. But one does not simply walk into Asgard.
My personal favorites: Atticus and Oberon continue to be delightful. Oberon really has some great moments and brings a very invigorating vibe to the books. Like I mentioned earlier, these books take us further along the path of what happens when you kill a God (or more). We don't know much about Atticus' past, but Hearne gives us the exciting moments of "now" where Atticus is trapped in the consequences of his actions. The other characters continue to be delightful and the climax of both stories involves some great action. I really enjoy the humor of these books as it strikes a balance with some of the seriousness they have.
Considerations: This section is getting longer. Like Hounded the books do contain violence and language. The violence continues to be handled well with few graphic descriptions and nothing overlay gratuitous. The language is strong, but limited. I was disappointed that some of it didn't seem appropriately used. There is also more sensuality in both of these books then Hounded although it does keep it relatively vague and is not graphic. The last thing I feel a need to note is that while most of the pantheons that Atticus deals with are usually considered pagan he does meet with the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. While not being well versed on the Virgin Mary her portrayal felt very appropriate and she came across as rather saintly. Jesus on the other hand was a little interesting. The fact that the avatar in question was envisioned by a hippie gives some background. As a Christian I felt that the portrayal was not intended to be disrespectful and even had subtle accuracy others might find the it too casual. I mention it only our of consideration. I rather enjoyed those scenes with Jesus and found them interesting.
Both of the books were good and I'm continuing following the characters but in paper form as I'm borrowing them from my father. Hexed was just shy of 9 hours long while Hammered was just over 9 and a half.
Plot: Killing a god is a double edged sword. While it rid Atticus O'Sullivan of a hated and persistent enemy it also put a lot of attention on him. Attention he could do without. Not only that, but the reduction of the local witches' coven has left them weaker and not as able to defend against some of the scarier elements of the super natural. Atticus finds himself sought after by morals and Gods alike who would like to sic him on hated deities, locals who want help protecting their homes, and some who would like nothing more than to see him dead. In order to meet all of his obligations Atticus finds himself exchanging favors and soon is entangled in a plot to invade Asgard and kill Thor. Thor has had it coming for centuries, but that doesn't mean that you can just walk in and challenge him to a duel. Atticus' lawyer, Leif, is determined to end Thor and has gathered an A-team of immortals to help him in the task. Atticus' job is to get them in. But one does not simply walk into Asgard.My personal favorites: Atticus and Oberon continue to be delightful. Oberon really has some great moments and brings a very invigorating vibe to the books. Like I mentioned earlier, these books take us further along the path of what happens when you kill a God (or more). We don't know much about Atticus' past, but Hearne gives us the exciting moments of "now" where Atticus is trapped in the consequences of his actions. The other characters continue to be delightful and the climax of both stories involves some great action. I really enjoy the humor of these books as it strikes a balance with some of the seriousness they have.
Considerations: This section is getting longer. Like Hounded the books do contain violence and language. The violence continues to be handled well with few graphic descriptions and nothing overlay gratuitous. The language is strong, but limited. I was disappointed that some of it didn't seem appropriately used. There is also more sensuality in both of these books then Hounded although it does keep it relatively vague and is not graphic. The last thing I feel a need to note is that while most of the pantheons that Atticus deals with are usually considered pagan he does meet with the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. While not being well versed on the Virgin Mary her portrayal felt very appropriate and she came across as rather saintly. Jesus on the other hand was a little interesting. The fact that the avatar in question was envisioned by a hippie gives some background. As a Christian I felt that the portrayal was not intended to be disrespectful and even had subtle accuracy others might find the it too casual. I mention it only our of consideration. I rather enjoyed those scenes with Jesus and found them interesting.
Both of the books were good and I'm continuing following the characters but in paper form as I'm borrowing them from my father. Hexed was just shy of 9 hours long while Hammered was just over 9 and a half.
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