Hammered: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 3

I really enjoyed the first two books in the series (and the narrator is excellent) with their mix of mythology, humor, and high-stakes paranormal adventure. Sadly, this installment was a let-down for me--it was oddly-paced, with lots of starts and stops, and it turned Atticus into a bloodthirsty jerk with a serious case of hubris.

There were some brilliantly funny parts (Atticus's conversation with Jesus, and Oberon's bacon latte riff), but the book just didn't work for me as a whole. For example, the story comes to screeching halt for three or four chapters as a several characters we've just met sit around a campfire and tell stories about how Thor done 'em wrong. I didn't know these guys, so that section really dragged, and it killed the forward momentum of the plot.

Also, Atticus is visited by several deities in advance of his ill-advised hunting party, and warned that killing Thor is a Really Bad Idea. But he shrugs off the warnings, and goes his merry way--and the predicted doom never materializes.

But the major problem I had with this book was that there wasn't anything real at stake for Atticus. He's made a promise to help his lawyers Gunnar and Leif in their attempts to assassinate Thor. Atticus himself has zero personal stake in the outcome--to quote a friend, he's like a guy who's promised to give his buddies a ride so they can rob a bank.

For being the one person in the "hunting party" without a personal grudge against Thor, Atticus causes an awful lot of collateral damage during his visits to Asgard, killing and maiming beings who never did him any harm and who were just trying to protect their turf. I finished listening to the book thinking that Atticus richly deserved whatever vengeance the surviving gods were going to wreak upon him.

I'm going to listen to the next volume in the series, in hopes that the author will regain his mojo, but I was pretty disappointed with this installment.

I love this series, the main character is humble and witty. Oberon the dog is hilarious, although, I don't see how Bacon Lattes would be tasty!!! I find my self researching some of the gods mentioned and have learned a little bit about mythology. Great series, light and fun all around!!!

I am going through this series really quickly. It is just that fun and easy to read.
In this volume our druid is going to have that fight we were all waiting for. I just saw Thor in the theaters so it felt weird reading about ice giants, Thor, Odin and Asgaard.

From the beginning he is warned by the friendly deities including Jesus warn him of going to Asgard to kill Thor. It's Leif's revenge but he wants to keep his word.

As with the previous novels Atticus wrecks havoc all over. Some places it made me wince but overall it was enjoyable. We finally get to find out just WHY Thor is so hated everywhere.

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the author's continuous pop culture references in the book. If you are not familiar with them, you might get lost. I especially enjoyed, being a trekkie, the part about having Spock angel and Kirk devil on Atticus' shoulder giving advice!! Since I listened to the audio book version, the narrator does his best to create the distinct characteristic of them and it was fun to listen to!

Just can't wait to read more to see what happens to Atticus and Co.

I really love this series. These books are great for my short attention span. They're full of action, comedy and more than a little bit of danger. I'll keep listening as long as Kevin Hearne keeps writing. The ending was a wee bit irksome but I'll patiently wait for the next book and an explanation :)

Atticus O'Sullivan is a funny druid..and I like the communication he has with his dog..but this book relied a bit too much on they telepathic link and it got to be too much for me..or it could be that I listened to all 3 books in a week, one after another.

I might have OD'd on druids..or maybe Hearne listened to all the reviewers who demanded more more more of dog and master by play. I felt Hearne tried too hard with this novel...the plot wasn't as strong.

Character development was as good as the first two books though-and thats important to a series.

Maybe I need to take a druid break...

BUT-still worth the listen and also a second listen next winter I think.

Yes, I would recommend this book for anyone . I laughed hard for a few times. If was openy funny , mysterious and belivable.

A good laugh not just once but several times. The best friend the dog was my favorite. His mind was cute but right on target. Sausages!

Good voice I felt his voice was the character.

Laughing and laughing at that silly dog.

I've read the three books in this series back to back. This was my least favorite of the three because it didn't really advance the story of Atticus, and didn't have much of Oberon in it. I like Atticus and want to read about him - I'm not particularly interested in the pantheon of various gods, what they look like, or what their 'super powers' are. And without Oberon, a huge component of the story's humor is missing.

I was not particularly smitten with the way the story was told around the halfway mark, after Atticus took his "friends" to go after Thor... it remained quite educational, but the story changed from a story of Atticus to a "storytime" with other characters - characters we don't know and don't really care about. This gave the author a chance to share some more mythological information, but it also made the story turn into some sort of "Bard's Tale" a la Canterbury Tales style. While this isn't necessarily bad in itself, I picked up this book because I wanted to follow Atticus' story, and for at least 1/3 of the book, the story has little to do with him.

The next book in the series is due out soon... I will pick it up because I want to know how things turn out (there are some big loose threads left dangling at the end of this book), I just hope it returns to focusing on Atticus and Oberon and doesn't continue detailing various mythological worlds and their inhabitants.

A fun read (listen) with action, humor and a romance waiting to happen. Luke Daniels plays the roles well and the story line gives a decent lesson on cultural mythologies. Oberon, (the dog) gives the comic relief....and is easily believable. I often look at my own dog and give her Oberon's attitude and light heartedness. Recommended.

This was a great surprise for me. It was recommended because I LOVE Jim Butcher and it was a really fun book. A refreshingly original concept with a wonderful hero. Atticus is a Druid who is over 2000 years old but is blending into society in Arizona. He owns a new age store and sells medicinal herbs and brews a mean tea. There is a plethora of wonderful characters and a terrific Irish Wolfhound that steals the show. I am thrilled to have discovered this series with a few books already out because I would have hated to wait for the next installment.

I just finished this 3rd book in the series. I find myself missing the story. The main character is charming and funny and his dog Oberon is great. The story meanders around a lot, but there's lots of action.

Luke Daniels is one of the best Narrator's I've ever listened to. He really brings the character to life. He has voices for all the characters even with different accents. Oberon is maybe a little too Skooby Doo, but it's also charming.

I'm looking forward to the 4th in the series.