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)

light and fun

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

I liked the concept of a 2,000 year old druid having to chat with modern day stoners. There was always a lightness and sense of fun.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I really liked Atticus, although his dog and his werewolf lawyers came close second.

What about Luke Daniels’s performance did you like?

Luke had a really good range of voices and great timing for the comedy parts.

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

Watch where you tread.

Any additional comments?

A cool book that is probably aimed at the YA audience but still fun for older listeners too. I'm looking forward to hearing the next one in the series.

Like a breath of fresh air

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

Excellent and fun story with a unique twist to perspective. Presentation was excellent, performance was spot on. The writing isn't deep or horribly complex but that enables it to come across as very refreshing and fun.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Oberron, the perspective of life from an Irish Wolfhound was inspired. I die laughing every time I come across a part with the dog.

What about Luke Daniels’s performance did you like?

Consistent attitude and accenting differences between each character presented so matter-of-fact that I had trouble NOT instantly visualizing every character.

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

Absolutely. Was so fun and paced lightheartedly.

Any additional comments?

A good pairing of books for people also into the Dresden novels. The Iron Druid Chronicles are nowhere near as dark or gritty as and are a perfect counterpoint for enjoyment.

Voice and Stories perfect

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

YES! Great story to listen to a 4 hour drive there and back. Beat looking at farm land. Let the story entrance you

What did you like best about this story?

Easy to follow character with depth of story. Mix of various elements like humor, wits, adventure, combat, and intellgence

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

I had to make sure I listened to this on long drives ONLY

Better than Expected

Luke Daniels did a really terrific job with the narration. Voices and inflection were really good. The story was interesting, fast and humorous with just the right amount of cynicism for a character that has been around so long. I purchased this during a sale and thought it would be a fun listen. Usually, when I try something new it can be hit or miss, and I base some of my new author choices on the reviews when I am on the fence. I am very glad I picked this book out and will gladly continue with the series.

A fantastic book

An amazing book that I wouldn't put down if I could. Lots of good story, and I learned a lot about different gods I didn't even know existed.

Couldn't stop listening!

Great book, everytime I thought things couldn't possibly develop further, they did! I'm hooked! Thanks

A fun read

Really liked the story - enough to want to continue into the next in the series.

Awsome, period.

I always enjoy it when books portray magic in inventive ways, ways that make it believable, but still magical, and the druidic powers and magical lore in hounded fit in perfectly, which is particularly hard to do in an urban fantasy book. Anyway, the story's good, the performance is great, and the jokes are extreamly clever and outright hilarious. This book is awsome, period.

Fun Fantasy

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

Hounded is ranked in my top 10 of all the audiobooks I've listened to so far.

What other book might you compare Hounded to and why?

This book compares with other teen oriented series like the Hunger Games,

Have you listened to any of Luke Daniels’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not heard Luke Daniels perform before. He did a good job in moving the story and setting the tone.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No

Any additional comments?

No

Phenomenal book series!

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

I would definitely recommend this audiobook to everyone. Not only does Kevin Hearne craft an amazing story in such a unique way, but Luke Daniels brings these characters to life vividly.

What other book might you compare Hounded to and why?

Hounded is virtually incomparable to any other story, but the series in general is right on par with my other favorite series book 1, The Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

What about Luke Daniels’s performance did you like?

Luke Daniels ability to give such a distinct voice to each of these characters and make you forget that he's the sole voice, is utterly unique unto him.

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

This book has so many moments where I burst out into laughter and just as many where I was on the edge of my seat waiting to hear what's next.

Any additional comments?

Must listen for any fantasy lover!