Hounded

The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1

By: Kevin Hearne

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

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

©2011 by Kevin Hearne. (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Hearne, a self-professed comic-book nerd, has turned his love of awesome dudes whacking mightily at evil villains into a superb urban fantasy debut.” (Publishers Weekly)

“A page-turning and often laugh-out-loud funny caper through a mix of the modern and the mythic.” (Ari Marmell, author of The Warlord’s Legacy)

“Kevin Hearne breathes new life into old myths, creating a world both eerily familiar and startlingly original.” (Nicole Peeler, author of Tempest Rising)

Worth it for Oberon alone

If you like "The Dresden Files" then you will probibly like this one. Less gritty and noir than Dresden, but the same idea. AND Oberon! As another reviewer mentioned talking animals can go horribly horribly wrong. Not so in this case. This one is written very well, caused me several spit takes and strange looks as I laughed out loud while listening on earphones.
The main character can seem a bit flat at times but that is common in the first book in a series. The book is not a deep philosphical treatse it is a light fun Fantasy novel set in the modern day, like Urban Shaman.
A fun and light read for the weekend.

Yea! A new series for me.

I putt off reading the reviews for this series because to me the covers looked a little like romance novels.  The old saying came to mind " never judge a book by its cover".  I thoroughly enjoyed this listen, the characters were great, had depth, and the story moved at lightning speed. A perfect balance of fantasy and reality, so glad I can go right on to the next.   A Two thousand and something old Druid and a hilarious dog take you through a great adventure along with many fantastical creatures. 

The narrator did a great job and was very easy to listen to. I highly recommend, even though I jumped on this band wagon a little late.  

good entertainment

I never thought that I would enjoy "urban fantasy". However this book had such positive reviews, and I had many hours of driving in front of me, I figured 'what's to lose'?
I am very glad I did. Although complete fantasy set in a semi-believable urban environment, the story rolls off easily, has its humorous bits and is an easy listen. The plot is simple, and enjoyable. Good guys win, bad guys lose. A perfect fantasy morality play.
I recommend this to you, even though you, as I, are not into urban fantasy. Its fun to listen to and a good story.

Very enjoyable

I bought this first book in the series on sale for less than $10, and it was easily my best new discovery of the year. I had never read anything by Kevin Hearne or listened to anything read by Luke Daniels before.

The story is creative and a different twist on all the old mythological stories. I found I liked the characters almost immediately, which for me is the all-important requirement for continuing the series. After listening to the first book, I immediately bought the other two. I listened to the series over the course of about 3 weeks during my commute, and I found I was looking forward to getting into the car!

Luke Daniels does a very good job reading. His voices are always distinct and varied enough that you never have trouble telling who is speaking. Atticus's dog is actually the comedian to Atticus's straight man in these stories, and Luke does delivers some of the best lines in the book perfectly. He's on my short list of readers who might get me to try a new author just because he's reading the book.

As I'm writing this, the 4th book is due on April 24th. I have a reminder on my calendar to get it for my commute home that day. That's how much I like this series.

Great Storyline with a touch of Humor!

What did you love best about Hounded?

I loved the story! I also loved the tiny bits of humor that were interjected to make me smile!

I'm a Fan Already

Would you listen to Hounded again? Why?

I am a fan of the Dresdan Files as well as Kim Harrison's Books... This first book was a great addition to that genre. If you are looking for a new series to start, this is a great selection.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The dog Oberon... Good bit of humor to balance the story...plus I figured that is exactly what my dog would be thinking.

Enjoyed this book

I really enjoyed this series. It was a fun read. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I smell a movie franchise!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have already recommended this book to a friend! Thoroughly enjoyed the story. I'm about to check on Book 2 as soon as I finish this review!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Such fascinating characters all around! You gotta love Atticus and Oberon with the way they play off of each other. So I really like Atticus but I most identify with Granuaile. She doesn't get a lot of face time in the book but I would have the same desires/goals as she if I were in her shoes (not giving any spoilers 'cause I think you should read it!).

What about Luke Daniels’s performance did you like?

At first I was a little disappointed because I though Atticus was supposed to have an Irish accent. Once I realized he was supposed to have an American accent, I was right as rain. He did a great job! I especially liked the old Irish widow.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Off the top of my head... "After two thousand years, what would you live for?"

Any additional comments?

The story keeps a good pace. Kevin does a good job of providing exposition without dragging down the speed of the narrative.

Dresden light

Would you listen to Hounded again? Why?

Yes. It was entertaining, with enough of a mix of mystical and action.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Luke Daniels?

Maybe. I liked his voice, but the lack of emotion made the book lose something. Atticus' voice needs more of an attitude and sense of humor.

Fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Look, if you want fantasy that includes world building in the spirit of JRR Tolkien this may not be for you. This series does not take itself that seriously, and much of the action actually takes place in our 21st century. But, if you want some fantasy that allows you to just have fun you should give this book, and series a listen.

Ever wondered what it would be like to communicate with your dog? Anyone would want to fly like a bird, or hunt like a wolf. Have you considered the problems associated with making the change? How would you avoid boredom if you outlived everyone that you knew, over and over? Just how long would you have to live before you really made some God angry? This series brings you vampires, werewolves, witches, druids (of course), Nordic gods, fairies, elementals, demons, Jesus and Satan, magical swords, and much more. All you have to do is hang on for the ride and have fun.

An excellent job by Luke Daniels in narration throughout the series. Every character is distinct and memorable. The tone, pace, and characters are all consistent from one book to another. Really outstanding work that required an incredibly versatile skill set.

Like most series it all starts to get a little old as the series moves along. Some people will think it is somewhat juvenile. I just think it is fun, and some listening that doesn’t require me to concentrate on every tiny detail, every minute of every chapter. It is relaxing, enjoyable, and there is enough new even later in the series to keep me wanting more.