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)

Entertaining adventure!

I highly recommend this listen. The writing is excellent, with intelligent humor and many references to literature and mythology. The main character is completely charming, as he's witty and never treats anyone with undeserved disrespect, even when in battle for his life. A totally heartwarming relationship with his also-humorous hound is a big factor in his life, and they are a joy to "spend time" with. The narration by Luke Daniels is spot-on for the character and sounds just like you would imagine he does. He is also talented with the varied accents of supporting-cast characters. This story is a bargain at the price (I bet you'll listen more than once!) in fact worth paying cash for and saving your credit for another great story that's priced higher.

Great story

This is a great book and i loved Luke Daniels he made the book come a live,I hope Kevin Hearne
has some more books in the pipe line.

I found a new favorite!

If you like Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, you will enjoy The Iron Druid! I was surprised and laughed out loud often! Look forward to more!!

Fantastic!

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

I would definitely recommend this book not only to my friends but family also. In fact I will probably buy it to keep a hard copy to lend out. Where to start how about the narrator, he was fantastic the main character was very smooth and level headed which is not something I think I could have pulled off but I have to admit it was not the main character that I fell in love with but it was Oberon. What I would not give to be able to talk with Oberon daily.
This book is so refreshing not horror, but imagination and fun absolute fun! Wow I just finished it and I am not sure how to explain it to you except to say, Wow. Great book can't wait to read more by this author and what a great ending. It's great give it a try you won't be sorry and may even laugh a little.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hounded?

Everything that Oberon said and did but mainly the very end when Oberon gets what he deserves!

What about Luke Daniels’s performance did you like?

His voice was just very well fitting for all the characters and of course dare I say it again....Oberon I just smile when I think of the voice he used for him.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did not think it would be but it ended up pretty much being that way I started late on Thursday and have ended it late Friday.

Any additional comments?

I just can't explain it but truthfully I may listen to it again I enjoyed it that much. Thank you to both Kevin Hearne for writing it and Luke Daniels for making me smile when I think of well you know who I am not going to say it again lol.

Superb, witty urban fantasy with great narration

Hounded is one of those stories that you start listening to while making dinner and then end up staying all night because you can't bear to turn it off. I resisted buying the title for several months because the glossy cover and targeted marketing made me dismiss it as 'just another vampire and werewolf series'...but it is DEFINITELY NOT. The historical research is well-done and integrated with up-to-the-moment pop culture references. Who knows if it'll still be as good in 10 years (though I like to think that LOL cats are timeless) but it's a great modern read. My only critique is that it's relatively short and there are only three books...I can't wait for the next one, coming soon.

Luke Daniels is the best narrator on Audible!

What did you love best about Hounded?

Love the entire storyline for the Iron Druid Chronicles.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Oberon, as a dog that has been endowed with intelligence and long life. . .awesome!

What about Luke Daniels’s performance did you like?

He has a separate and distinct voice for each character. So many others have a limited repertoire that I almost regret hearing Luke Daniels as my introduction to Audible as no one else lives up to his standard.

Enjoyable, easy, listen

What made the experience of listening to Hounded the most enjoyable?

The narrator did a great job of a believable druid. Ilistened to it twice just because the narrator was so good

What did you like best about this story?

I like druids. Enjoyable story that yo could pretty much guess what was going to happen next. Not for those who want to think and ponder, just a nice, delightful plot. Characters were very well described both in appearance and personality.

What does Luke Daniels bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

The main character is

not my cup of tea but kept me going

Would you listen to Hounded again? Why?

I am more of a romance and details kind of person... but I do enjoy a good mystery, while this book kept me going and entertained it really wasn't my style. I did enjoy the story but if your like me and like the romance with the mystery this isn't it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed a couple characters and the author did a great job at explaining each I cannot give away more cause my favorite is the bar tender cause of her twist. :)

Best modern fantasy since the Harry Dresden series

I would describe this book as perfect mixture of "The Dresden Files" by Jim Butcher,
"Chet and Bernie Mysteries" by Spencer Quinn and "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman

We really enjoyed listening to this book.

Would you consider the audio edition of Hounded to be better than the print version?

I think this was very well read. I haven't read the printed version, but the audio was excellent.

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

The book was humorus. Especially the interactions with the dog.

Any additional comments?

Fun story.