Iron Druid Series

Author: Kevin Hearne
Book One: Hounded

My husband brought home Hounded for me. He works at a bookstore and a coworker suggested I read it. I as skeptical. After reading dozens of paranormal fiction, many plots start reading like others and the book description reminded me of Harry Dresden. I thought to myself, if someone's going to be copying another author, intentionally or not, then Jim Butcher's not a bad choice. I cracked the book and read.

LOVE the book. I like the main character, Atticus, very much. The author introduces strong characters who do not overshadow the plot. Hearne introduces the reader to dieties in a less than reverent manner, which I adore. Atticus shows respect and a healthy amount of fear while managing to stand up to them when appropriate. And Oberon, Atticus's dog... Fantastic sense of humour. Atticus's lawyers, a werewolf and a vampire. I cannot explain what that is priceless, it just is. One human character of note is an elderly Irish Catholic widow in Atticus's neighborhood. She's a whiskey drinking gem of a character.

So, what does Hounded remind me of? Harry Dresden, naturally. But also a bit of American Gods, if only because of the mix of pantheons and humanistic presentation of gods. The tone of the writing reminds me more of Kim Harrison or Patricia Briggs, serious and even with moments of pure delight. If you like any of these authors or have a passing interest in paganism, read it.

Dresden Files

If you've not heard of "Harry Dresden" or Jim Butcher, before you read another word know that you MUST read these books. The author, Butcher, has a blog that he keeps updated like few others. Check it, www.jim-butcher.com

Harry Dresden lives in Chicago and works as a wizard for hire. He consults with a paranormal investigation unit with the Chicago Police Department. He lives in the basement of a rented out house with Bob, his en-spirited skull assistant, and Mister, his cat. Others live with him as the series develops (look for Mouse, in Blood Rites - he's awesome) and I don't want to spoil the surprise.

The books are urban fantasy meets pulp detective. Characters are strong, believable, and evolving. These books are addicting. I've recommended these books to nearly every reader I know. I don't believe a single person who read one, on my recommendation, hasn't love them and become die hard fans of the series. These books are so popular at my house, we first bought them in paperback but replaced them with hard cover when they became available. It's like that.

The newest release in the series is due July 26, 2011. That's also my birthday. I'll be spending it reading Ghost Story. Though this year we might be buying an ebook copy too so the husband and I can read simultaneously ;-) 

[side note, the pre-ordering on nook is amazing! They just show up in your ebook library. Brilliant]

Jim Butcher also writes a high fantasy series, Codex Alera, and has written for Spiderman. I'm not a fan of the Alera series and the hubby is on the same page. Though, Scott (hubby), tells me that Butcher's writing for Spiderman is some of the best he's read for Spiderman.