This one I had a difficult time reading. Not because of the writing style, language, or other stylistic elements of the writing. I wasn't comfortable with the plot. Atticus helps a group seeking revenge/justice on Thor. Atticus sneaks them up Yggdrasil to Asgard. A battle ensues. Odin loses a raven, several Valkyries bite it, and ultimately Thor is killed. This is after Atticus kills the Norns and Ratatoskr in the previous book, Hexed.
I will admit that a different reader will likely have a different reaction to the story. I'm pagan and have a strong affinity for the Norse deities. I'm particularly fond of the Norns. And the idea of starting a fight with the Norse deities is off putting.
My aversion aside, the book continues with the witty phrasing and interesting characters that Hearne presents in the previous two books. Fans of the first books will likely find Hammered a good read.
Showing posts with label Kevin Hearne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kevin Hearne. Show all posts
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
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.
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.
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