Hexed (Iron Druid Chronicles, #2)

Sep 06, 2011 Kat Kennedy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was hesitant to bring this up in my last review because I thought it was just me - I thought I was reading too much into these novels. But I don't think so anymore and the issue is ruining my enjoyment of an otherwise good series.

You see, this series is terribly sexist - yet it's all so subversive that it was hard to pin at first.

There are many, many female characters. Normally, I'd consider this a good thing.

However we can effectively separate them into categories.

Harmless, likable and a sex...more

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Oct 26, 2011 Regina rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy-uf, audio-also-listened-to, listened-to-audio-only

I listened to the narration of this book and did not finish the book. I stopped around chapter 13 or so.

Positives: The narration is decent. I liked the inclusion of Coyote. I think he is a great character. I enjoy his presence in other books by other authors, this one was not an exception. Atticus and Oberon are mildly entertaining. The scene where Oberon talks to Atticus about life and death and Atticus tells the readers that he has been artificially prolonging Oberon’s life was very moving. Th...more I listened to the narration of this book and did not finish the book. I stopped around chapter 13 or so.

Positives: The narration is decent. I liked the inclusion of Coyote. I think he is a great character. I enjoy his presence in other books by other authors, this one was not an exception. Atticus and Oberon are mildly entertaining. The scene where Oberon talks to Atticus about life and death and Atticus tells the readers that he has been artificially prolonging Oberon’s life was very moving. This was the best scene in the two books I read in this series. Ultimately, this series is just not for me. I love urban fantasy and fantasy books. I enjoy male authored and male point of view books, but for me this book missed the mark. I am clearly in the minority.

Okay, on to the rest of my review: I thought this book suffered from the same issues I had with book #1: no emotional connection with Atticus, low cost to using his magic, everything comes easy for him. here is my review for #1.

I am not going to go into a lot of detail about this book, but here are some scenes that irritated me:

The scene in the beginning where his assistant answers the door scantily clad is just beyond silly. First, no woman who was not purposely trying to entice would answer the door dressed like that. Let me make it clear -- I have no problems with purposely trying to entice, titillating scenes or scantily clad women. It was the delivery of this scene I thought was off. Once Atticus is conversing with her, his apprentice is apparantly clueless as to the affect of her near nakedness and continues to wonder out loud why Atticus is uncomfortable and looking up in the air? Umm, any woman knows immediately when a man is reacting to her appearance in such an obvious way! Sorry Kevin Hearne, women don’t answer the door dressed like that generally and usually don’t go to bed wearing such an outfit unless there is a specific man present they want to please. I hope this doesn’t disappoint you too much. I know the general style of humor he was attempting here -- oblivious sexy woman doesn't understand her effect on man, walks around in sexy nighties just waiting to answer the door for men who ring it. I just thought it was not very believable. And because of that I couldn't enjoy it.

Atticus verbally attacks a teacher who calls out and wonders what is going on, no animosity in her voice – he is fighting a demon near the school. Atticus then proceeds -- out of nowhere and completely disconnected with the scene – to attack the teacher for not teaching the children English well enough. So here we have someone he apparently does not know, we have had no information or discussion of poorly prepared students in the subject of English presented in this book thus far. Then Atticus says to himself, “I need to shut up and stop taking my frustrations out on this poor frumpy lady who probably never gets laid.” Huh? Just random attacking of teachers based on assumptions, criticizing their appearance and then making assumptions that they don’t have sex because her appearance is not pleasing to him? I really don’t have a problem with “frumpy” as a description, but when it is contrasted with how he describes almost every other woman in the story and we don’t get to know anything else about her appearance (mousy limp hair maybe? Don’t know, not in the description. Slack ill fitting clothes? Don’t know, not in the description. All he says is “frumpy” which I guess means he doesn’t want to have sex with her and thus he assumes she is not getting laid very often, because you know if Atticus doesn’t want her she isn’t getting any. What if she has a husband or wife somewhere she has spent her life with? I know I am getting deep here and humor was intended. I just don’t think it is funny to make jokes about innocent bystander's appearance. It really rubs me the wrong way.) I know the humor he was going for, but it just came off the wrong way. I think that if he also described men as frumpy or had provided more of a decription of this woman beyond "frumpy" and had not equated her being frumpy with not having sex, I likely would not have had an issue. For me it was the delivery e.g. -- I find her unattractive, I will dismiss her completely and assume that no other man wants her. I honestly don't think this is the way most men think.

I won’t be reading or listening to Hammered, #3 in this series.
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Jun 26, 2011 Laura Lulu rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fae, gods-mythology-folklore, magic, male-pov, urban-fantasy

I am really liking this series. Lots of action and humor, and the characters we met in the first book get more fleshed out in this one.

I love Atticus, he's just a guy, and it's nice reading a male character written by a man. Fills a little bit of the void waiting for the next Harry Dresden. And I love how his power is earth based--his appreciation and respect for the earth warms me. Such a beautiful, natural power.

And Oberon, the wolfhound, is still a funny kick in the ass--Jim the demon dog d...more

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Jun 12, 2011 Rane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, keeper

Falling in love with Hounded - I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next in this series Hexed, with much of the plot and weakness smoothed out very nicely, Hexed kept everything that was great about Hounded there by grew great from it and made the series even better!

After Atticus finally defeats his long time nemesis Aenghus Og, he thought he get a nice break, of course that’s so not the case for our last druid! Not only does he almost get killed by a long distance magic attack by a new cove...more Falling in love with Hounded - I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next in this series Hexed, with much of the plot and weakness smoothed out very nicely, Hexed kept everything that was great about Hounded there by grew great from it and made the series even better!

After Atticus finally defeats his long time nemesis Aenghus Og, he thought he get a nice break, of course that’s so not the case for our last druid! Not only does he almost get killed by a long distance magic attack by a new coven of witches, but he has to deal with some crazy Bacchus and to top it off a fallen angel and the everyday troubles-like the cops!

The story just zooms by with Atticus trying to keep the peace on his home turf, and getting pulled into things that we wish he could avoid, but with humor and some heavy back-up Atticus goes in there fighting. For someone really old, Hearne does a great job of slowly revealing Atticus’s past and more is relieved about him in Hexed. as he helped families in WWII (a fun moment when Hal - werewolf lawyer and the good witch coven gather around with popcorn to hear his war stories) Atticus is also shown not to be no where near perfect, with his prejudice against all witches, he’s seen to have more trust on the coven he makes a treaty with, and his view of black and white/ good and evil is put into shades of grey as he fights along side the coven.
He’s such a guy that he can’t help but being a normal guy which makes him all that much more loveable to me from drooling over the sexy woman going by, which is very cute. One part had me cringing and laughing with some beat down sex Atticus goes through, but Hearne once again keeps to the story and doesn’t use the sex has a filler but more of a passing joke. There’s also a very serious side when he comes face to face with one of his own goddess, and keeps his head and uses his brain very well, something he’s great at when having to deal with non-magic uses on Kabbalistic priests from a group Hammers of God or the cops! Atticus is not all humor and laughs and butt-kicking, there are moments of deep emotion that tears at your heart and gives you a deeper look into the loneliness, he’s faced through the many many years. One was his talk of after-life and death with Oberon his hound, whom has come to mean much to the reader as he has to Atticus.
Oberon of course, is a big part of the Iron Druid series, and going through his 60's phase as Peace Dwag with a tie-died scarf and “sticking it to the man!” and with some one liners and conversation that will have you rolling on the floor with laughter!

Oberon asked hopefully
"Yeah, but not the kind your thinking about unfortunately" I said aloud

Characters that only get mentioned in Hounded get more time in Hexed, like the trickster Coyote, and Atticus nighttime laywer Leif, whom stole the show when he showed up with his ever proper English and trying to be FUCKIN’ A cool told in a flat tone and which ends up falling flat in humorous way. Leif has a bone to pick with Thor (whom everyone seems to love to hate) and leaves a opening to the next book Hammered. Granuaile, Attiucs’s new apprentice, starts showing her smarts and her backbone, standing up to Attiucs when she feels he’s in the wrong. Looking forward from more of her and the steady growth of her character.

Hexed had more action that kept your page flipping, with Atticus thinking on his feet and glimpses of more of his powers as he fights the evil German witches called the Daughters of the Third House and other enemies. The action was at perfect pitch that don’t go overboard comic-book style or magical lighting or flash, but quick take-downs to getting the job done as quickly as possible. The book went quickly by with a nice wind-down at the end leaving you happy with the ending and wanting more!
The series has made such a fangirl out of me, that’s fine by me.

Marry Me Atticus!
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Nov 01, 2011 Valerie rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011

I'd like to think I tolerated a lot. Atticus' Gary-Stuness, his talent of getting away from danger every single time, the fact that an omg scarily powerful!!!! fallen angel was no match for him (and oh hey, it pierced his side to the point where he felt the claws "scrape by his ribs" - and after the battle was finished, all he had was a "flesh wound"). The veiled sexism (covered very well in this review, which gave me a Bad Feeling before starting this): every woman is introduced by how attracti...more

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Feb 11, 2012 Laurel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Everything you may have enjoyed about Hounded is present in Hexed, but perhaps slightly better. Mr. Hearne has hit his stride, and I for one am extremely anxious to read the next book in this series! And the next, and the next...

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Oct 24, 2011 Kat Hooper rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook

ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.

Usually, after a hero slays the bad guy in his first book, he gets a break. But not Atticus O’Sullivan. He knew this would happen, too, which is part of the reason he would have preferred to leave Aenghus Óg alone, if he could have. But now he’s done it and, sure enough, there are consequences — everyone knows where he is and everyone wants a piece of him. Suddenly, Tempe Arizona is full of paranormals, most notably a coven of East European witches who fou...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-read, audiobook, audible-purchase-2009-to-2011, physical-owned, signed-copy

Bought for myself
Overall Rating 4.25
Audio Rating 4.50
Story Rating 4.00
Humor Rating 4.25

Sorry Melissa but this is a SNORT Club Member Book!
Snort Club!

NOTE: Hexed is the 2nd book in the Iron Druid Chronicles. I am going out on a limb to say this is probably one of the funniest series I have ever read. I highly recommend the audio version as Luke Daniels does a great job with the narration.

What I Loved: Lief---seriously the last few chapters when the vampire tried to become hip had me in stitches....more

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Jan 11, 2012 Cathy Keaton rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: i-own, read-in-2011, faves, reviewed, epic, to-reread

My favorite Adult read of 2011.

This review is also on my blog at: http://abnormallyparanormal.blogspot....

Okay, I'm pretty sure I cracked a rib laughing through this one, since I can feel the pain in my right side. This book went to epic levels of hilarity, and I could not—NOT put it down. That, for me, is saying a lot, because I usually have no trouble putting a book down and doing other stuff. But, not with Hexed. Atticus put a binding spell on my copy, so when I started to read it, I could on...more My favorite Adult read of 2011.

This review is also on my blog at: http://abnormallyparanormal.blogspot....

Okay, I'm pretty sure I cracked a rib laughing through this one, since I can feel the pain in my right side. This book went to epic levels of hilarity, and I could not—NOT put it down. That, for me, is saying a lot, because I usually have no trouble putting a book down and doing other stuff. But, not with Hexed. Atticus put a binding spell on my copy, so when I started to read it, I could only get about 10 feet from it before I found myself right back at the bookshelf I keep it on. It was the weirdest thing ever!

I say this only because I am completely convinced that Atticus is real, and so are all the other amazing characters in this series. Kevin Hearne does a brilliant job of giving each of his important characters detailed little nuances that all real people have—for example, Atticus loves omelets for breakfast and whole wheat toast with orange marmalade. Oberon loves steak (of course, what dog doesn't?). It's things like this that make me believe that they both actually live in the Tempe, Arizona area and that if only I'd drive over there, I might find Atticus' house, and run into his super hot vampire attorney, the famous Leif Helgarson!

Uh, oh... Here comes a long spiel (or squeal?) on how much I love the vampire Leif Helgarson, the famous vampire who isn't famous—or, at least everybody in the book seems to know who he is, yet Atticus can't figure out why, since the man himself claims he is not famous. He is the reason my rib is busted because he's just so ridiculously hilarious, I couldn't not laugh hard enough to crack it. I found myself obsessively reading this book because I just wanted to find out more about Leif…

Here is he is in a nutshell: Imagine an English butler trying to talk like any typical college frat boy. Now, make sure he's pronouncing everything the way an English butler would, very stuffy-sounding and proper, but using all those hip and cool phrases, like “I'm chill, how 'bout you?” or “Throw down!” when he wants to start a fight. But, of course, he's not even using the correct slang, and saying these phrases more like, “I am cold,” or “Throw up!” Now, you have the most epic vampire in fictional existence trying to be cool, and that fella's name is Leif Helgarson. Leif is the raddest, baddest vampire dude ever, and he makes Dracula look like the mosquito of undead bloodsuckers. (He hates Dracula, by the way.)

If you're a nerd like me, and you want to read a fun and funny book filled with forever quotable quotes and quips, then look no further, folks. <— (This sentence has two sets of literary alliteration—go me!) This book is for y'all. If you want to read about crazy, wacky characters and all their antics, and how all the gods and goddesses in every mythology from world history are able to converge together in the same 10-mile radius, and, well, not get along with each other (as you would imagine they would not), then read the Iron Druid Chronicles. I just barely squeezed in reading these before the year ended, but they are already my favorite reads of the entire year of 2011. Mr. Hearne cannot write these books fast enough!

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Nov 03, 2011 Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another really fun read in the Iron Druid Chronicles. The first book made me laugh and I just love Atticus who is a 2100 year old Druid who looks 21. The last of the Druids, he makes his home in Scottsdale, Arizona as the slightly eccentric owner of an occult book store. With his Irish Wolfhound, Oberon, he lives close by and rides back and fort to work on a bike. Atticus and Oberon can communicate by telepathy, and both have great dry senses of humor. In the first book we met Atticus's werewolf...more Another really fun read in the Iron Druid Chronicles. The first book made me laugh and I just love Atticus who is a 2100 year old Druid who looks 21. The last of the Druids, he makes his home in Scottsdale, Arizona as the slightly eccentric owner of an occult book store. With his Irish Wolfhound, Oberon, he lives close by and rides back and fort to work on a bike. Atticus and Oberon can communicate by telepathy, and both have great dry senses of humor. In the first book we met Atticus's werewolf and vampire lawyers, a great number of witches, Gods and Goddesses, some of which were very very evil and some great friends. Atticus draws power and magic from the earth and obviously has learned to live with danger to survive for over two thousand years. He also knows how to fit in with the crowd his own age (21) and would be considered quite a hip and hot guy. (well, I considered him hot in spite of the lack of romance in the book) He's great!

This book continues from the previous one where Atticus has led some of his supernatural friends into a huge battle that ended with destroying a powerful evil man (well, not exactly a man). It is told in the first person. Now Atticus is swamped with requests to take down Thor who everyone seems to want to get. He has no interest in doing so. He is pulled into a war between two covens of witches, and there are several very big battles in this book. Battles are usually not my thing but Atticus's humor throughout the book (and battles) makes the whole story a wonderful read. One of the best parts is at the beginning when he is trying to explain to his hundreds of years old vampire lawyer how to fit in with modern society. I actually laughed out loud a few times in the conversation and seldom do that reading a book. The lawyer, Leif, is in this story a lot and I learned to quite like him. I was really sad when it appeared he had been killed but....
"He's not dead," I said to the witches assembled around his body.
"Yes he is." Berta begged to differ.
"Well, yes, you have a point, but I mean he'll be okay. Still dead, but fine."

Even if I hadn't enjoyed the whole story, the banter between Atticus and Oberon are priceless.

Is there romance? Not really. There is a very lengthy episode of sex (with no details) between Atticus and a Goddess of Death which leaves him cut, bleeding, and bruised but it definitely is not love. He did get an apprentice in the previous book and has a serious problem trying to keep his mind off her body so as to keep their relationship professional. During these times he forces him self to think about....baseball and trades and plays and players. It's funny.

This is a book about a guy written by a guy. It's a pretty quick read. It was fun. Love the covers. That is Atticus to me and it works.(less)

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May 13, 2013 Daniel Brandon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This series continues to be good, solid, action-adventure urban-type fantasy. On the one hand, there's not a whole lot that the author does particularly well-- certainly, nothing that isn't done better by one or more other authors in the genre. Characterization, plot, dialog, setting, etc.; all are good, none are exceptional.

On the other hand (and the more I think about this the more amazing it is), I cannot find a single thing to seriously complain about in this book. I could pick nits, certain...more

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Nov 01, 2011 Wendy F rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, fae, urban-fantasy, vampires, werewolves, witches

This book is gravy baby!

Okay, I had to. Actually, through most of the first half of this installment I was nervous because I just wasn't enjoying it quite as much as the first one. Except somewhere just after halfway through I started busting out laughing. Sure there were great Oberon moments, but the cool part was there were alot of funny moments with others too. And in the end this one had a much better plot then the first, in my humble opinion. Perhaps it's because I like reading about witche...more This book is gravy baby!

Okay, I had to. Actually, through most of the first half of this installment I was nervous because I just wasn't enjoying it quite as much as the first one. Except somewhere just after halfway through I started busting out laughing. Sure there were great Oberon moments, but the cool part was there were alot of funny moments with others too. And in the end this one had a much better plot then the first, in my humble opinion. Perhaps it's because I like reading about witches.

And Atticus... boy howdy, if I thought he was sexy in the first one I wasn't prepared for how hot I thought he got in Hexed. There were more then a handful of moments in this 300 page book where I actually had to fan myself because he was just so bad ass. More then loving how good he is with Fragarach, I love how he is with his words. Take this for example...

Detective Geffert eyed me steadily, looking for signs of deceit, and I gave him my most placid expression in return. He broke eye contact first, shoving his hands in his pockets and finding something interesting on the tips of his shoes.
"You know, my ears are actually pretty good. I heard what you said earlier. 'There is a special providence in the fall of a sparrow,' you said."
"So?"
"So that sounded to me like something you were quoting. I called in to the station and talked to our dispatcher, who used to be an English major, and she told me that was a line from Hamlet." His eyes flicked back up to study my reaction.
"Right," I confirmed, keeping my expression neutral.
"So what are you hiding, Mr. O'Sullivan?"
I shrugged. "Nothing."
He shook a finger at me. "That isn't true. Yesterday when we searched your house, you walked around like you didn't have an IQ above eighty. Today you're quoting Shakespeare off the top of your head."
My patience evaporated like a dewdrop in Yuma and my anger throttled my better sense. "'Is't not enough to break into my garden, and, like a thief, to come to rob my grounds, climbing my walls in spite of me the owner, but thou wilt brave me with these saucy terms?'"
Geffert's eyebrows shot up. "What play is that from?"
"Henry the Sixth, Part Two," I said.
The detective frowned. "How much Shakespeare have you memorized?"
"All of it. Dude."

I mean, that was damn sexy. Damn sexy.(less)

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Feb 24, 2013 Lily rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Reseña publicada en: http://www.desvandesuenos.com/2012/06...

Acorralado es la segunda parte de la saga Crónicas del Druida de Hierro que comenzó con Acosado y que me encantó. Pensé que no había tenido demasiado éxito porque no lo había visto demasiado por la blogosfera, así que pensé que no se publicaría la continuación. ¡Cuál fue mi sorpresa (y alegría) al descubrir por casualidad que sí!

Atticus acaba de derrotar al enemigo del que ha estado huyendo durante siglos pero la paz no se instalará en...more Reseña publicada en: http://www.desvandesuenos.com/2012/06...

Acorralado es la segunda parte de la saga Crónicas del Druida de Hierro que comenzó con Acosado y que me encantó. Pensé que no había tenido demasiado éxito porque no lo había visto demasiado por la blogosfera, así que pensé que no se publicaría la continuación. ¡Cuál fue mi sorpresa (y alegría) al descubrir por casualidad que sí!

Atticus acaba de derrotar al enemigo del que ha estado huyendo durante siglos pero la paz no se instalará en su vida tan fácilmente. Se ha creado un vacío de poder en Arizona y las malvadas Hexen alemanas lucharán por llenarlo. Pero no es el único peligro al que se enfrentará el druida porque los demonios y las diosas son una constante en su dilatada experiencia.

Kevin Hearne nos ofrece mucha más magia, mucha más acción y mucha más fantasía urbana en esta segunda parte que continúa justo donde se quedó la anterior. Me ha encantado que retome tramas y las desarrolle, y que vaya sentando las bases para nuevos hilos argumentales que están por venir en las próximas entregas. La cuidada elaboración del argumento y su planificación dicen mucho a favor del autor, que sabe claramente qué es lo que quiere contar y hacia dónde van sus personajes. Es una historia compleja, llena de personajes con intereses encontrados con los que Atticus tendrá que lidiar, sortear y a veces aceptar para sobrevivir un día más.

Es refrescante encontrarse con un personaje masculino en una novela de fantasía urbana, porque las que han caído en mis manos han estado protagonizadas en su mayor parte por mujeres. Pero, además, ver el mundo a través de la particular visión de Atticus es una auténtica aventura: el druida rebosa inteligencia que canaliza en forma de ironía y referencias culturales. Pero su sabiduría y edad no lo hacen en absoluto inaccesible: es un personaje cercano, que ha ido actualizándose con el paso de los siglos, de manera que conjuga en su persona una mezcla perfecta y totalmente creíble de experiencia y juventud de espíritu. Es irreverente, atrevido y sagaz, con un puntito de descaro y un montón de recursos para sobrevivir. Me encantan los poderes del druida y que estén basados en la naturaleza y en su contacto directo con la tierra, es un poco la vuelta a los orígenes.

El resto de personajes que construyen la historia son necesarios y muy interesantes. Cada uno es único en su especie y los detalles y peculiaridades que el autor nos ofrece de ellos los convierte en personajes tangibles, realistas y definidos.

Si los detalles descriptivos son importantes para la construcción de la obra, lo que la recubre de brillo son los diálogos frescos, perfectamente adaptados a las características de cada personaje e irónicos desde la sonrisa de medio lado a la carcajada. Todos los personajes tienen su momento de gloria verbal pero el que se lleva la palma es Oberón, el perruno mejor amigo del druida, con la singularidad, simpatía y naturalidad que le caracterizan. Adoro la sólida y sincera relación entre ambos: hay una escena en particular y una frase de Atticus que me emocionaron.

Por último, me ha encantado la construcción del sistema mágico de la saga Crónicas del Druida de Hierro: me parece consistente, detallado y con límites perfectamente definidos. Atticus es irlandés y por tanto de tradición pagana pero el autor no descarta ninguna confesión ni práctica religiosa-mágica. La inclusión de tantos sistemas de creencias y de sus dioses en mayor o menor medida me parece un aspecto positivo en general, porque aporta riqueza y variedad al argumento concreto de esta novela y un abanico infinito de posibilidades para futuras historias. Sin embargo, ha sido un arma de doble filo porque, en ocasiones, tanta mezcla se me ha hecho un poco confusa e inverosímil. Ese es el aspecto negativo que le encuentro y por el que no le he puesto la puntuación máxima.

En resumen, una saga muy, muy recomendadísima para los amantes de la fantasía urbana.(less)

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Oct 31, 2011 Anoolka rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gods-demigods-immortals, guilty-pleasure, mythology-and-folklore, paranormal, series, shapeshifters, urban-fantasy, vampires, werewolves, witches-and-wizards, celtic, demons

It's so weird. I should love this book. It's original, mixes up a lot of different mythologies (which I love), has plenty of intersting characters, most of them women, even. And yet, the more I read the more, sadly, annoyed I get. I told myself to just ignore it. I liked the first one and hoped I've finally found a book by a male author that I can read in relative peace - without having male blindness to privilage or sexism shoved into my face. I gave up on a lot of writers because I didn't want...more It's so weird. I should love this book. It's original, mixes up a lot of different mythologies (which I love), has plenty of intersting characters, most of them women, even. And yet, the more I read the more, sadly, annoyed I get. I told myself to just ignore it. I liked the first one and hoped I've finally found a book by a male author that I can read in relative peace - without having male blindness to privilage or sexism shoved into my face. I gave up on a lot of writers because I didn't want that in my mindless entartainment.
And yes, Atticus is even more of a Gary stu in this one. Puts everyone in their place. He can easily thwart every baddie, all the guys like him and are best palls, or are jealous of him, all the women want him. OK, typical, I can even live with that. It's the 'all women are emotional, illogical, and need a lesson from him' that kind of annoyed me. Kat Kennedy's review puts it better.

I've just read the part after Morrigan's and Brigid's visits so I'm not done yet. Maybe it gets better...

ETA: 3.5. Finished and overly enjoyed the book. Less than the first one but enough to continue with the series. I hope it tests Atticus a little more (he's far too magically strong and he needs some serious challange). Less of the goddesses and more of the witches and Granuaile would be good too, as the former seem to rely on Atticus far too much (the amulet lessons) for goddesses, and the latter felt more fleshed out in the last chapters (though still Atticus was all reason and they- all emotion in the last scenes, but it did not annoy me quite like the scenes with the goddesses).

I still like the mixing of religions, the plots are interesting though in this one it felt like there were too many subplots, harder to keep track of the over all main plot, and this book didn't grab me the same way the first one did. I read it before sleeping so never too much at the same time and yet the first one didn't take me this long.

I am excited for more Norse myths in the next one.(less)

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Jan 07, 2012 Hillary Hunt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As with the first book, I really like Atticus, the humor, and Hearne's ability to play with religion/mythology.

But I don't think "Hexed" impressed me quite as much as my initial read of "Hounded". Atticus battles foes in an episode like fashion, almost like this is begging to be adapted into a tv show. Sometimes I lost track of what the eminent threat/overarching point of the story was because there is always some new thing going down. Lots of distracting tangents along the way. I guess what I n...more

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Nov 02, 2011 Isamlq rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5/5

I loved the first one but find that I merely like this one… Wait, make that like moments of this one. Why? After an eye opening conversation on the first, I find myself agreeing with how some think that the author’s view of women might be a tad skewed. Yes, these books be women-filled, BUT none of them seem to be strong ones, as in thinking, non sex-driven or independent ones.

There be goddesses, there be witches and even druids in-the-making. But it seems the lot of them needed to be taugh...more

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Jul 13, 2011 Jenn of Frequent Reader, Infrequent Blogger rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-books, own, review-written

***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***

It isn't often that I find a book that I truly believe deserves a five star rating, a book with well-rounded and intriguing characters, a page-turning plot and no obvious little quirks to irritate me as I read. Hexed is one such book. While I recommend reading Hounded before reading Hexed, it's not completely necessary and the second book in the Iron Druid series blows the first one away.

In this story Atticus, the 2100 year old druid in a 21 year old's...more ***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***

It isn't often that I find a book that I truly believe deserves a five star rating, a book with well-rounded and intriguing characters, a page-turning plot and no obvious little quirks to irritate me as I read. Hexed is one such book. While I recommend reading Hounded before reading Hexed, it's not completely necessary and the second book in the Iron Druid series blows the first one away.

In this story Atticus, the 2100 year old druid in a 21 year old's body is facing a whole new future after having killed his long time rival Aenghus Og in the previous novel. He doesn't have to fear the Celtic pantheon chasing him down anymore and thinks he can finally really plant roots and find peace. Unfortunately for him, but fortunate for readers of this series, he's wrong. Pantheons from all over the world are approaching him to warm him not to mess with them while trying to sick him other pantheons, there are still demons on earth contracted to kill him and since he weakened the coven of The Sisters of the Three Auroras by taking half the coven out in Hounded, other dangerous magical groups are crossing into his little territory in Arizona and gunning to take him out of it. He faces not only a fallen angel from hell, but a group of super-strong Bacchants, a coven of German witches called the Daughters of the Third House, and some Kabbalistic priest from a group called the Hammers of God. To make matters worse, when one of his battles becomes a little too public the police are on his tail and he's got to find a way to shake them while still taking out all the bad guys they can't even begin to comprehend, let alone handle. Even without a Celtic god out to kill him in this book, the stakes are higher and the dangers more intense.

Except for the already almost perfect character of Oberon, the mind-talking dog, this book shows a lot of character growth in almost every character. Granuaile, the somewhat naive apprentice he agreed to take on in the first book begins to show signs of higher intelligence and strength. She stands up to Atticus when she thinks he might be wrong and does her best to support him in whatever ways she can if he needs her. If she continues to grow with each book in the series I look forward to seeing what she becomes by the time the series has reached its conclusion.

Atticus begins to show a little bit more grudging respect toward the Coven of The Sisters of the Three Auroras when he enlists their help to taken on the other coven of witches invading their territory after those witches attack him in the widows home. While he does reveal a lot more about his past to begin to make you understand why he hates witches so much it's nice to see him starting to view the witches as individuals rather than showing prejudice against the group as a whole.

The Morrigan actually start to show some signs of emotion when she helps him to regrow his ear and then makes an actual effort towards becoming his friend. Before this they shared a shaky truce, and you wondered throughout Hounded if she was really on his side or not. In Hexed it becomes clear despite her manipulating ways she kind of actually cares about what happens to Atticus. While I never expect the death goddess to become warm and fuzzy, it's nice to see that she does have a somewhat softer side.

My absolute favorite character changes though were in that of the Sisters of the Three Auroras when they came to Atticus's side to help fight the evil German coven. Malina and her sisters showed some real a##kicking power in that battle and I hope to see more of that in future novels. Atticus may not completely trust the coven yet, but they proved themselves to be valuable allies in that battles and I think Hearne has actually created some female characters equal to Atticus in power and honor.

As you read through this second book in this series, you see that the difference between the female characters in this book and the previous ones was tremendous and as a female reader you can't help but cheer on the new powerful, honorable female characters he's brought to the table in Hexed.

While my review can't even begin to show you how much of wonderful read this book is any reader, of Urban fantasy would definitely be missing something if they passed over this page turner in a book store. What's really wonderful about Hearne's books is that while there is a greater story arc and a larger danger that plagues Atticus throughout the book, within that story there are smaller dangers leading to almost constant action on every page. It's like reading multiple stories packed into an exciting larger story. I for one am greatly looking forward to Hammered when it comes out in July.

My only complaint, and it isn't a very important one, is when writing a review I have to constantly look up how the names of characters are spelled in these novels because Hearne doesn't employ characters named Joe and Bob that everyone remembers how to spell. lol. But then again that's just me and it's not really a complaint. I'm very grateful to the writer for offering this book in a Goodreads giveaway that I was fortunate enough to win. If I hadn't I might have missed the excellent characters and plots of the Iron Druid series since he wasn't a writer I was previously familiar with. Now I can guarantee I won't miss any of his other works. (less)

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Apr 14, 2012 Kathryn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, pnr-urban-fantasy, read-2012

Just because it took me so long to read the book, doesn't mean that it wasn't good.

Reading a book after another has been a painful process for me this year.
You see, I've only read 8 books including this one and not one of them is a 'novel'!
I'm pretty embarrassed with myself actually, but there's nothing I can do but to just go with the flow.

Have I not been in such bad mood lately, I would've given this book 4 stars.
But the witty and snide comments from Atticus and hilarious assaults from his...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Sebastian rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"I was one Druid with a possibly fractured jaw, a missing ear, a wounded thigh, and very little magic against four hexen jazzed"

The quote above is a good summary of what is good about this book. When the action begins it is fun, relentless and over the top. However, the main problem with this second entry in the series is that the first half is somewhat dull. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying it was boring, but after the blast I had with Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book One, this one w...more "I was one Druid with a possibly fractured jaw, a missing ear, a wounded thigh, and very little magic against four hexen jazzed"

The quote above is a good summary of what is good about this book. When the action begins it is fun, relentless and over the top. However, the main problem with this second entry in the series is that the first half is somewhat dull. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying it was boring, but after the blast I had with Hounded: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book One, this one was a letdown. Half-way thought this novel, when the main's character dog, Oberon, and the Morrigan take a more prominent role in the story things become better.

After defeating the supremely annoying Aenghus Og, things are looking up for the young-looking 2100-year-old druid Atticus, but there are some loose ends to clean up. Left-over demons are no good, and neither is missing an ear! Add to this a gorgeous looking girl that wants to become a druid under his guidance, one that can make him babble like a toddler, and things look promising. When you throw into the mix witches, werewolves, a vampire, goblins and other creatures, the stage is set for a great urban fantasy. The point in which the author falls short is just in the fact that the story is not as interesting as the previous one and it gets a while to get completely drawn into it. At least for me.

When the brown stuff hits the fan though we are treated to fast and furious action scenes in which the weapons, abilities and magic system are among the best in the genre. If the author had taken less time to get to the good stuff, this would have been great and that is why I am going to continue reading this series hoping that is the case in future books. In this one, spending more time focusing on the gods, Oberon and the initiate would have probably done the trick. One final point is that for the most part the humor is as good as in the previous book, but I have no clue why the author decided to spend so much time at the start dealing with how Leif the vampire talks and Atticus nagging him about it, when this was not an issue previously.(less)

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Apr 10, 2012 Beth Cato rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: in, 2011, urban, fantasy, iron-druid-chronicles

Atticus O'Sullivan, a 2,100-year-old Druid, is masquerading as a 21-year-old bookshop owner in Tempe, Arizona. He can't catch a break. First, he had to deal with a few angry gods from his own pantheon. Now, as he's finally reached an uneasy alliance with a local group of Polish witches, something of a witch epidemic hits Phoenix. These newcomers want to rule the turf, and they are an especially nasty sort who happen to be bearing demonic babies. Oh, and they tried to kill Atticus back in World W...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Grimnir rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Personally I loved his first book Hounded, but this ones even better.

The writing is exquisite. Whether correcting a 1000 year old vampire on modern day vernacular, describing an extremely beautiful and wanton goddess, teasing a polish witch with immature innuendo, or viscerally describing an epic demon filled battle filled with explosion and swords the prose are flawless and just right for each individual scene. I'm not sure it could be done any better than this.

Its not Shakespeare (though he i...more Personally I loved his first book Hounded, but this ones even better.

The writing is exquisite. Whether correcting a 1000 year old vampire on modern day vernacular, describing an extremely beautiful and wanton goddess, teasing a polish witch with immature innuendo, or viscerally describing an epic demon filled battle filled with explosion and swords the prose are flawless and just right for each individual scene. I'm not sure it could be done any better than this.

Its not Shakespeare (though he is quoted) but then the book, its contents, and its target audience, isn't a universities high intellectuals recital. This is supposed to be a fun book, with wit, humour, loads of action, druids, swords, vampires, goddesses, witches and werewolves, and in that respect I doubt you'll find anything any better.

I struggle to find the words to adequately describe how much I loved reading this book, it was almost a tragedy that it had to end. I also have to admit how impressed I was that Mr Hearne seamlessly weaved into a compelling, mesmerising, page turning wonder, the seeds for at least five more plot lines, that I'm sure we'll see in future books. And done so naturally as to enhance the present story and not detract from the action in any way.

If you want a witty, fun, action packed book based on modern day and magic then Mr Hearne is definitely an author to follow. I particularly dislike the modern preference of weaving in emotive love interests and turning decent fantasy fiction into fantasy romance, with too much emphasis on the romance. Some authors get the balance right most over do the romance, or do in later books. Though Mr Hearne alludes to his druid heroes healthy libido he steers well clear of the romance section and for that alone he deserves a hearty thanks. If you want fantasy romance read twilight. If you want a book with magic, explosions, demons, a talking dog, magical assassinations, good and bad witches, nice vampires and werewolves, trickster gods, deadly goddesses, kick ass addictive action beautifully composed and described, and a lot of wit and humour to balance it out then this is definitely the book to read.

In short every aspect of this book is beautifully woven, highly addictive and masterfully written. I definitely recommend this to fans of modern day fantasy fiction. And although it does Mr Hearne a disservice in comparing the two (as in truth they differ in every aspect, yet there is a resonance here that reminds you of Dresden) I can honestly say if you like the Harry Dresden series, you will absolutely love this. (less)

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Feb 24, 2013 Stephanie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013reads, action-adventure, fantasy, fiction

The second in the Iron Druid Series featuring Atticus O’Sullivan a 2000+ year old Druid living in modern day Tempe, AZ. This book picks up very shortly after the end of book one. A magical power vacuum has opened up in Atticus’ part of Tempe after the destruction of half of the local coven. As a result, a fearsome and demon-spawning coven of witches is looking to take over. Atticus is forced to help the remaining members of the resident coven drive these invaders out along with some other magica...more

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Feb 21, 2013 Lynne rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: people who want a great story, also folklore nerds

Recommended to Lynne by: a friend

Shelves: folklore, mythology, paranormal

5 stars for story and scholarship, 3 for prose. 2 stars for offending my feminist sensibilities and giving us archetypal, flat female characters. Much more pronounced in this book than in Hounded because this time Atticus is battling witches.

Again, cutesy prose and the breaking of the fourth wall by the author to scream at us "notice my cleverness OMG I am so funny"

I just found out this is a series of six books. I am one of those people who believes "life is too short to read crap," yet I near...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm really enjoying this series & told Jared he needs to read them, too. The main character reminds me of Dresden (Jim Butcher wizard series), although so far, Hearn's stories aren't so formulaic. Dresden & Atticus can both use magic, are restricted in how they use it (they aren't all-powerful), and are 'live & let live' kinds of guys who keep getting dragged into fights with more powerful beings. They both have hilarious side-kicks, they're both irreverent & laid back, yet have...more

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Dec 12, 2012 Kyle Shields rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hexed is the second book in Kevin Hearne's The Iron Druid Chronicles and takes place only a short while, about 3 weeks, after the events of book one and doesn't miss a beat before plunging Atticus & Co. back into the action.

I'll skip much discussion on the main characters, as they should be familiar to anybody at this point. Atticus is still a charming character who is trying to do right by everyone while preserving his own hide. Oberon is still the lovable hound, adding a lot of comic reli...more Hexed is the second book in Kevin Hearne's The Iron Druid Chronicles and takes place only a short while, about 3 weeks, after the events of book one and doesn't miss a beat before plunging Atticus & Co. back into the action.

I'll skip much discussion on the main characters, as they should be familiar to anybody at this point. Atticus is still a charming character who is trying to do right by everyone while preserving his own hide. Oberon is still the lovable hound, adding a lot of comic relief to the book and being a good companion to Atticus (reminding me of my own dogs). Many other characters from the first book are also present, although their screen time is relatively limited.

As with the first book, Hounded, Hexed is a very busy novel. Again I am unsure how much of this is just Kevin Hearne, or if it is a trait of Urban Fantasy in general (I tend to be more of an Epic Fantasy guy). There is of course a primary antagonist(s) in this book, but it feels a bit less focused than the first. The main antagonists of this book are a coven of German Witches, who open up the book by trying to sucker punch Atticus and his allies (including some friendly witches) with a rather nasty spell (spontaneous combustion). It seems that these witches have a history of antagonism towards Atticus dating back to WWII, as well as turf war with the "good" witches. It is very interesting that Atticus has a history with these witches, but that history is only briefly mentioned and the lack of more about their past leaves a lot to be desired. But overall they serve as pretty good villains and the final showdown is satisfying.

Like I said earlier, this novel is busy. There are some things in it that make for really cool scenes/arcs but I am not sure that they are necessary or cohesive in regards to this particular novel. For example, the Cabalists, taking the form of a Jewish Rabbi and Catholic Priest, who are interested in Atticus and his exploits. They are stereotypically zealous in their beliefs, and while serving to expand the "universe" they are not really important to the story as anything more than a footnote. I truly hope that Kevin Hearne has a plan for them and their brethren (which I am sure he does), otherwise it was just a distraction.

The encounter with the Bacchans (orgy crazed demon-people who cause wanton destruction) also confused me. There is mentioned a slight connection to the main antagonists (if I remember correctly), but it was pretty tenuous and only mentioned briefly. I get that this was used to push Atticus towards a future visit to Asgard and confrontation with the Norse gods, but based on the events of the book there were already other ways that this could have happened. Again it is a cool expansion of Hearne's universe, and definitely a fun scene, but felt unneeded.

Despite a few weaknesses, if they can be called that, this book is great. It is laugh out loud funny (Atticus' remarks about the "most terrifying sex ever" or Oberon's reaction to Morrigan talking to him were great) and has pacing that leaves many of it's contemporaries in the dust. If you can swing it it is worth it to get the audio book version, listening to it on the way to and from work has been a real pleasure. (less)

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Sep 29, 2012 Midnyte Reader rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, audio-books

I picked up this audio book from the library because of the front cover. I'm kind of a sucker for Celtic tattoos and he looks dreamy. Once I read the synopsis I figured I would give it a try. I thought it would be perfect for a few Reading Challenges too.

The story is the second in the Iron Druid Chronicles (I didn't read the first one ) and while a few pieces were missing, it didn't hinder the story in any way. The character explains when something occurs that pertains to the first book. Howev...more I picked up this audio book from the library because of the front cover. I'm kind of a sucker for Celtic tattoos and he looks dreamy. Once I read the synopsis I figured I would give it a try. I thought it would be perfect for a few Reading Challenges too.

The story is the second in the Iron Druid Chronicles (I didn't read the first one ) and while a few pieces were missing, it didn't hinder the story in any way. The character explains when something occurs that pertains to the first book. However, there is a lot of backstory and telling. I enjoyed it more when the book concentrated on the here and now.

The narrator, Luke Daniels, is hands down the best performer in an audio book I've ever encountered. His delivery is perfect! Absolutely perfect! The humor shone through and I was cracking up at one word sentences. "Hello," and "Hey!" come to mind. The accents used are convincing and even the voice for his dog Oberon, is cute. I will probably listen to anything this guy does.

One of the other things I liked about this book is the way that the magic is explained. Atticus doesn't simply allow his apprentice to see through his eyes with a snap of his finger, he explains what he's doing. Changing energy or molecules or whatever, then binding her aura to his. But this relates to something I didn't like about the book. That Atticus seems to be able to do SO much and therefore get out of some serious scrapes. Even though he is a druid who is several hundred years old, it was hard to swallow everything.

The main thing that bothered me is the portrayal of the Goddess Brighid. She comes off as needy and a little petty and I love the Celtic Pantheon so I have them up on a pedestal. But this is only one scene in the book and does not overshadow the positive aspects.

I usually don't always enjoy smart alec, talking dogs, I did enjoy Oberon, his Irish Wolf Hound. He was funny and silly in only a way a dog can be. I especially loved when Atticus told him about the 60's, Oberon would indulge in hippie phrases.

This is a fun, action packed story with a lot of magic. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it as much in print form, but I would definitely listen to more in this series, especially if Luke Daniels is the narrator.
(less)

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Aug 17, 2012 Dangerous Romance Book Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Publisher Description: Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn’t care much for witches. Still, he’s about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty—when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they’re badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas wi...more

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Jul 24, 2012 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

More like 3.5 stars.

Atticus and friends are back in another action packed, sword yielding, enemy killing, installment of the Iron Druid Chronicles.

Atticus's life never slows down, especially now that he's killed Aenghus Og. He's got friends calling in favors, fallen Angels to kill and a new coven of witches trying to kill him. To me Atticus seemed a bit younger in this book than in Hounded. In Hounded, Atticus really thought carefully about every situation and showed the wisdom and restraint of...more

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Jul 19, 2012 Tal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: library-book, sf-fantasy

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn’t care much for witches. Still, he’s about to “make nice” with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial non-aggression treaty—when suddenly the witch population in modern day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. The new girls are not just bad, they’re badasses with a dark history on the German side of WWII.

With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Lisa M rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: faries-fae, funny-clever-or-sarcastic, gods, magic, rated-pg, urban-fantasy, action

Somehow I missed book two while reading this series. I never like to read out of order. I'm also one of those people who finishes one thing at a time on her plate before starting another. Needless to say it pained me to read book two after the last (4 or 5?). While this wasnt my favorite in the series it was still well worth the time.

One of the many things about this series that I really like is the dialogue. Super funny and sarcastic. I give the author great credit for breaking down and thinkin...more

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Hexed (The Iron Druid Chronicles #2)

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