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)

What a fun story!

I really enjoyed listening to this story. It has a lot of awesome action, lots of the ancient gods come to life, and the dog kept me in stitches!!! I want another sausage, after that!!! I just downloaded the next two books in the series, and I am looking forward to many more hours of excellent entertainment. Luke Daniels did a great job of narration, too.

A Bloody Good Laugh & Adventure

Where does Hounded rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is my second favorite adventure/magical/humor book that I've listened to this year, second only to Christopher Moore's "Lamb" (only because Lamb made me laugh AND cry).

What did you like best about this story?

Once the story starts, the action jumps out at you and never really slows down. You get just enough of a breather to appreciate the virtues of a fine glass of Irish whiskey or sitting on a rocking chair with a friendly neighbor before the next Hell-acious calamity is breaking down or melting the door. The pacing was great, and the narrator kept me right at the edge of my seat the whole time. On the flip side of the action was the humor that kept just the right edge of sarcasm and wit without being corny or over the top.

Which scene was your favorite?

I won't say that I have a favorite scene, however, I will say that Oberon is definitely my favorite character. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that as a confirmed cat person, Oberon won my heart and made me wish I had an Irish Wolfhound too.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were lots of "catch your breath" moments and just as many chuckles. This isn't your touchy-feely romance novel disguised as a mystical adventure. This is a pure hold-onto-your-girdle magiky, fun, romp in the burning desert. I finished listening to the novel today, and I've already downloaded book 2 to start tomorrow. If #2 is half as good as #1, then I will be a happy little commuter for another week.

Good!!

First book very much liked. Looking forward to second book. Getting right after finishing writing this review.

A fun story

Would you listen to Hounded again? Why?

After a while, Once I've listened or read a book, I really don't re read them again.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Oberon, without him I don't think I would have enjoyed the book as much. He brought a lot of comic relief and made me laugh out loud several times. I also liked the widow.

What does Luke Daniels bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He did a good job. Accents were good and tone was good

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

I hope they don't make this into a movie, I see it more as a TV series. Tag line would be
It's hard to find good fish n chips

or

It's not nice to mess with mother nature, especailly when a Druid is around.

Any additional comments?

This book is a guilty pleasure for me. As an older reader, I see this more as a book for older teens and college students but I really enjoyed it. It's not lengthy, doesn't require a lot of thought and is just pure enjoyment. If you looking for a more complex book, this is not it; however if you just want something that you can sit back and enjoy, it's a fun read.

Loved it! Very similar to the Dresden Files but...

If you could sum up Hounded in three words, what would they be?

Funny, creative, interesting

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hounded?

Realizing the dog could communicate.

Which character ??? as performed by Luke Daniels ??? was your favorite?

Oberon.

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

If Druids did still walk the earth...their story would rock our world!

Any additional comments?

Loved books 2 and 3 also!

The Story Continues....

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

Luke Daniels does a great job in the book. The story was good all around, but if I had to give it a fault it is that the story goes on building, then the book ends quickly. Now ifyou know that this book has multiple parts that is not that big of deal. So If you want the full story listen the the whole series.

Very well presented

I enjoyed this book. The story and characters were engaging and the narration was wonderful.

Greatest Book Series!

This is the start of one of the greatest book series I have ever read. The narrator is perfect and provides great comedic timing for the voice of Oberon. This book has made me a huge fan of both Kevin Hearne and Luke Daniels. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you listen to this book. Be fair-warned, this book is so enjoyable that you will then want to read the other books in the Iron Druid series. :)

A wonderful take on modern fantasy

Well read and exciting throughout. I couldn't put it down. A fascinating take on the druids of old and the fact that they don't focus on just one set of Gods is epic.

great fun, the dog was the best

already have the rest of the series and starting the next one. highly recommend if your looking for something light.