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The Colin McCool series #2
Graveyard Druid
Colin McCool here, otherwise known as the Junkyard Druid. Not my favorite title, but since it’s my only title I guess I’m stuck with it.
But hey, things are looking up. Sure, a powerful and sentient magical artifact may have taken up residence inside my skull, and I’m still burdened with a nasty curse cast by an ancient sorceress of the Tuatha Dé Danann…
...but I’m trying really hard to look on the bright side of things.
Seeing as how I’ve been dragged back into the world of the fae, I figure I may as well be of use. And if I can make a little scratch while using my druidic talents for good and not evil, so much the better.
Which is why I took this job working for Austin’s vampire coven, cleaning up a ghoul infestation at the city cemetery. It’s not their work and they don’t want the heat, so they hired me to take care of it before it gets out of hand.
Easiest. Job. Ever. I’ll just whack a few ghouls, hide the bodies, and collect my fee.
I mean, seriously—what could possibly go wrong?
But hey, things are looking up. Sure, a powerful and sentient magical artifact may have taken up residence inside my skull, and I’m still burdened with a nasty curse cast by an ancient sorceress of the Tuatha Dé Danann…
...but I’m trying really hard to look on the bright side of things.
Seeing as how I’ve been dragged back into the world of the fae, I figure I may as well be of use. And if I can make a little scratch while using my druidic talents for good and not evil, so much the better.
Which is why I took this job working for Austin’s vampire coven, cleaning up a ghoul infestation at the city cemetery. It’s not their work and they don’t want the heat, so they hired me to take care of it before it gets out of hand.
Easiest. Job. Ever. I’ll just whack a few ghouls, hide the bodies, and collect my fee.
I mean, seriously—what could possibly go wrong?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2017
853 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
M.D. Massey
66 books564 followersM.D. Massey describes himself as the prototypical INTJ. His eclectic background provides him with a rich tapestry of experiences to draw on when crafting fiction, as evidenced by the believable worlds and relatable characters he creates.
As a former Army combat medic (91B), professional martial arts instructor (Krav Maga, JKD, FMA), and women's self-defense instructor, he possesses a unique understanding of close combat, firearms, and criminal violence that few authors can match. This knowledge provides an element of realism to the Druidverse™ novels, setting them apart from other fantasy series.
Mr. Massey lives in the Texas Hill Country with his family and a huge American bulldog that keeps him company while he writes. When he's not in his office or at the local coffee shop writing, you can find him in his garage pummeling inanimate objects or knife-fighting with his friends.
As a former Army combat medic (91B), professional martial arts instructor (Krav Maga, JKD, FMA), and women's self-defense instructor, he possesses a unique understanding of close combat, firearms, and criminal violence that few authors can match. This knowledge provides an element of realism to the Druidverse™ novels, setting them apart from other fantasy series.
Mr. Massey lives in the Texas Hill Country with his family and a huge American bulldog that keeps him company while he writes. When he's not in his office or at the local coffee shop writing, you can find him in his garage pummeling inanimate objects or knife-fighting with his friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
August 18, 2021
Book one was really good... book two was even better!
In this book the author keeps the action going while we get a deep dive into Colin and a few others! So many thrills, chills and plenty of humor! Smelly trolls who rhyme, devious fae always plotting something and a druid or two for good measure! What a incredible ride this was! Can't wait to start book three!
In this book the author keeps the action going while we get a deep dive into Colin and a few others! So many thrills, chills and plenty of humor! Smelly trolls who rhyme, devious fae always plotting something and a druid or two for good measure! What a incredible ride this was! Can't wait to start book three!
April 6, 2017
The more i read of this author's work the more impressed i am and the more i love the books that he has written!!! This tale is full of action the whole way through, right up until the last chapter, this is definitely a book that once you pick it up you won't be able to put it down until you have completed it, but once you have finished it, it leaves you wanting more!!!The more i read of this author's work the more impressed i am and the more i love the books that he has written!!! This tale is full of action the whole way through, right up until the last chapter, this is definitely a book that once you pick it up you won't be able to put it down until you have completed it, but once you have finished it, it leaves you wanting more!!!
You definitely get a roller coaster of a ride while reading this book and this storyline definitely keeps your imagination hooked. I adored this book and i loved the way that the author wrote this so that you are pulled into the story! There is a lot that happens in this book but not so much that it's too much but enough to make you want more of this world! The way this is written and the addictive nature of the storyline makes this a major page turner and a must read.
One of the things i loved about this book is how we find out more about the characters within this world. The characters we meet in this book we met in the previous book but we really start to get to know them even more, their pasts and what makes them who they are and why they make the decisions that they make. The more i read about Colin he more i love his character, he is extremely complex and has quite a dark past that he blames himself for. He is so protective of those he cares about and will do anything to keep them safe, he is definitely my favourite character in this book and i can't wait to read more about him!!!
This is such a brilliant book and i can't give it enough praise, everyone should read this book no matter your genre preference, it's an experience you won't regret!!!!!
You definitely get a roller coaster of a ride while reading this book and this storyline definitely keeps your imagination hooked. I adored this book and i loved the way that the author wrote this so that you are pulled into the story! There is a lot that happens in this book but not so much that it's too much but enough to make you want more of this world! The way this is written and the addictive nature of the storyline makes this a major page turner and a must read.
One of the things i loved about this book is how we find out more about the characters within this world. The characters we meet in this book we met in the previous book but we really start to get to know them even more, their pasts and what makes them who they are and why they make the decisions that they make. The more i read about Colin he more i love his character, he is extremely complex and has quite a dark past that he blames himself for. He is so protective of those he cares about and will do anything to keep them safe, he is definitely my favourite character in this book and i can't wait to read more about him!!!
This is such a brilliant book and i can't give it enough praise, everyone should read this book no matter your genre preference, it's an experience you won't regret!!!!!
December 27, 2017
I liked it enough to keep reading the series, but if one of my favored authors had a book out I'd have put this series down in a heartbeat. Yet, when another comes along if I haven't got something attractive on my "to read" list, I'll probably pick it up. When a description of a one on one fight hits 5 Kindle pages, I am bored and skimming - out of the story with more of an academic interest to see if the author used any particular imagery or words to make that particular fight warrant so much text. I suppose there are others who might be thrilled for the descriptions and happy the homework on fighting techniques was well used. Not my thing. Every book has at least two highly detailed lengthy fights. It's tedious for me, but I can skim pages faster than most to get back to the story. I've decided to be generous to authors, so bumped this up to four as fans of sword and sorcery plus some other sci-fi may love the detailed fight descriptions that knock it a bit off base for me.
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April 27, 2018These books aren't quite as good as The Iron Druid Chronicles, but they still rock! I'm glad I found it later on, because I'm going to jump straight into the next book instead of having to wait!
April 23, 2018
Moonlight Druid by M. D. Massey
In this second book of the Junkyard Druid series, the fae are still the fae (and not at all like the elves, dwarves and other fae folk from LotR), a curse is still a curse (how on Earth did our hapless young hero wind up 'musk-marked'?) but Colin McCool is changing. He is slowly growing into his power, slowly growing into his supernatural side and slowly growing into his adult life. In short, he is doing what most people do at some point or another. He is growing up, and taking more charge of his circumstances, responsibilities and abilities and slowly leaving his own personal pity party behind him.
There's a necromancer on the loose, and he's turning ghouls into his own personal army. Nasty critters, ghouls, who love nothing better than feasting on humans…dead or alive. And, ghoulishness is contagious. One bite, and your next meal could be your neighbor's entrails. One or two ghouls, Colin can handle, no sweat. An army? Colin might just be in over his head on that one…especially after his friend and sometimes combat buddy, Belladonna, winds up in the hospital and his mentor Finn is hiding secrets (not to mention, just plain hiding) forcing him to sort things out alone.
The humor in the book is nicely interspersed with the drama, and the blood and gore are not too graphically displayed. The action is paced just right (IMO) to offset the descriptive narrative and bring an edge of suspense, drama and mystery to the entire story. Another great read from M. D. Massey, and a great addition to the library of any fan of the world of the Fairies, and other such supernatural creatures.
In this second book of the Junkyard Druid series, the fae are still the fae (and not at all like the elves, dwarves and other fae folk from LotR), a curse is still a curse (how on Earth did our hapless young hero wind up 'musk-marked'?) but Colin McCool is changing. He is slowly growing into his power, slowly growing into his supernatural side and slowly growing into his adult life. In short, he is doing what most people do at some point or another. He is growing up, and taking more charge of his circumstances, responsibilities and abilities and slowly leaving his own personal pity party behind him.
There's a necromancer on the loose, and he's turning ghouls into his own personal army. Nasty critters, ghouls, who love nothing better than feasting on humans…dead or alive. And, ghoulishness is contagious. One bite, and your next meal could be your neighbor's entrails. One or two ghouls, Colin can handle, no sweat. An army? Colin might just be in over his head on that one…especially after his friend and sometimes combat buddy, Belladonna, winds up in the hospital and his mentor Finn is hiding secrets (not to mention, just plain hiding) forcing him to sort things out alone.
The humor in the book is nicely interspersed with the drama, and the blood and gore are not too graphically displayed. The action is paced just right (IMO) to offset the descriptive narrative and bring an edge of suspense, drama and mystery to the entire story. Another great read from M. D. Massey, and a great addition to the library of any fan of the world of the Fairies, and other such supernatural creatures.
March 22, 2017
More fun than the first one, which was good as well
Massey is finding his groove with McCool and the world he lives in. While there are still some rough edges in the motivations of the characters, this second book of the series has growth happening for all the major characters.
I disliked how easy it was for the baddie to lay traps for our hero, but it did drive the plot forward. Also there seemed to be a few instances of too many coincidences going for the plot.
I enjoyed the descriptions of magic and the fight scenes, and the self doubt of the character was an encouraging sign.
Good read!
Massey is finding his groove with McCool and the world he lives in. While there are still some rough edges in the motivations of the characters, this second book of the series has growth happening for all the major characters.
I disliked how easy it was for the baddie to lay traps for our hero, but it did drive the plot forward. Also there seemed to be a few instances of too many coincidences going for the plot.
I enjoyed the descriptions of magic and the fight scenes, and the self doubt of the character was an encouraging sign.
Good read!
April 20, 2018
Great reading and solid story telling
I often find that I dread the second in a series. Second book second movie second album. They are often a bridge to the next story. All support and structure no thrills. I am thrilled to say that is NOT the case here. This story teller, bard like, or Druidic talent, charges in and paints the town, people and events in excellent high fantasy urban adventure. Without a doubt every bit as good as book one, with hints that this tale will get better and better. No slack or slowing so get your reading runners on, you will not regret making the druids and his creators acquaintance!
I often find that I dread the second in a series. Second book second movie second album. They are often a bridge to the next story. All support and structure no thrills. I am thrilled to say that is NOT the case here. This story teller, bard like, or Druidic talent, charges in and paints the town, people and events in excellent high fantasy urban adventure. Without a doubt every bit as good as book one, with hints that this tale will get better and better. No slack or slowing so get your reading runners on, you will not regret making the druids and his creators acquaintance!
December 23, 2017
Got to love it
Really good hero with interesting friends and a strange family line. Between faeries of all stripes and weres of several types and a nineteen forties undertone you'll be entertained.
His writing is consistent, well done and fun.
Really good hero with interesting friends and a strange family line. Between faeries of all stripes and weres of several types and a nineteen forties undertone you'll be entertained.
His writing is consistent, well done and fun.
April 23, 2020
“Seriously? I risk my life to save your ass, and you’re worried about the furniture? First off, why the hell would the local government spend my tax dollars on furniture made in another country, when they can buy perfectly good tables here in Texas? Second, I believe a thank you is in order.”
At the time of this review being written, this book was available to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription for free. This was the medium I chose to read this book.
I enjoyed this book more than its predecessor, as there was a significant decline in the main character, Colin, whining and pining over his deceased beloved, Jesse. It still happened, mind you, it was just thankfully less frequently.
The relationship dynamic between Colin and his female friends—Belladonna and Sabine—felt awkward and forced this time around. In the previous book, the poor boy was crying every other minute over the loss of Jesse, but now he’s suddenly fair game and has the capacity to potentially move on?
Keep in mind he’s still definitely pining over her quite a bit, but he’s begun actively taking steps towards potentially engaging in another romantic relationship while he’s whining about Jesse. It doesn’t make much sense, especially since the person who he’s teetering a relationship with knows he’s actively pining over his dead lover and made it clear in the previous book he wasn’t interested in pursuing a relationship (mostly because of Jesse, but still).
Conversing with trolls was always trying, because they only spoke in rhyme. Plus, they were horrible poets, and often their responses could be interpreted many different ways.
When I first read about trolls, I was wondering which type Colin would be facing. Would he be against the huge mother truckers who really just want to whoop someone into next Sunday or the cute looking ones with tufts of hair like in Disney movies? It turns out they’re disfigured, horrendously smelling creatures that are rhyme-bound and have more honor than most.
In this universe, trolls seriously speak in rhymes. I thought that would grate my nerves, but instead I found it humorous and an aspect I quite liked about the trolls. Can you imagine how much effort it would take a normal person to talk only in rhymes? Either way, I hope to see them in future books.
I watched as he and his trolls made their exit, moving like a bunch of green, lumpy extras from The Last of the Mohicans. Those guys were rubbery ninjas that healed like Deadpool. Just as ugly, too, but damned handy to have in a fight.
All in all, I was happy to see improvements to things that were irksome in the previous book. Additionally, I was happy to see some of the underdog reoccurring characters get some more action time in this book than they had prior.
A great example of this is Finn. While we seen him off and on in the first book, he was typically high, getting beaten up, yelled at, or all of the above at once. He cleaned up his act this time around, so much so that he was sober the entire book—go Finn!
Luther managed to snag a little more screen time this time around, too. In fact, the subject of vampires was also more broadly discussed. There were several small tidbits of information that were explained during the book that revealed quite a bit of vampirism that I found fascinating.
I suspect there will be a big reveal involving Maeve in the next book, possibly even drawn out to the following one after that. I haven’t quite been able to draw any theories, yet, but I look forward to seeing what unfolds in the third book.
She reached into a top drawer on her desk and pulled out a business card. Maeve always seemed to have someone’s business card handy, like some supernatural majordomo who specialized in making connections between wizards, witches, and things that go bump in the night. She handed a cheap, multicolored card to me.
February 5, 2020
The first book in this series was good. Solid. A fun read with an ending I wasn't thrilled about. The sequel wasn't bad, per se. It also wasn't as good as the first book.
Colin is still a great character with an amazing voice, and I love the way Massey unfolds his world for us. There's more than a bit of character growth - and for more than just Colin. The plot of this book was lightyears ahead of the first novel. It was a tighter, more engaging, more interesting and more mysterious. The players were better defined, and the events were far more suspenseful and felt like they had a lot more gravitas.
The bad guy in this book? Amazing villain. THAT was good writing. The ending of this book was fantastic; the climax was satisfying, and Massey made me look back at the ending of the last book and give him a nod - he set up the end to this book really, really well.
Massey's character and authorial voice continue to impress me. He's got a deft hand with it, and obviously has a very clear, strong image of his characters and his world.
So, why only three stars?
The women. For one, the idea that both of the main female characters have a crush on/want to be with Colin smacks of wish fulfillment, and felt forced.
Secondly, while the romantic reveal was really well written, Massey changed the nature of one of his female characters. The idea that a character might wear a mask and hide their true personality isn't a bad concept, and the way the reveal was written was good writing. It just weakened the characterization - mostly, because the character became unevenly written after the reveal, as if Massey wasn't quite sure how she should be having after the reveal.
His other female lead, Sabine, didn't seem to have a purpose in the story at all. She existed to be Colin's friend, hide her physical assets behind a glamour, and be socially anxious. At no point did she substantively contribute to the story - and then she up and vanished after Colin ended up with the badass Belladonna. In the first book, Sabine's entire purpose seemed to be to tell Colin he was a great person and to be kidnapped by the bad guy.
And I know the writer can do better, because his other characters are so well developed and have such great voices and attitudes.
Massey's plot and world and voice are great. This was a good, fun read with a great villain and a fantastic climax. But the female characters need - more.
Colin is still a great character with an amazing voice, and I love the way Massey unfolds his world for us. There's more than a bit of character growth - and for more than just Colin. The plot of this book was lightyears ahead of the first novel. It was a tighter, more engaging, more interesting and more mysterious. The players were better defined, and the events were far more suspenseful and felt like they had a lot more gravitas.
The bad guy in this book? Amazing villain. THAT was good writing. The ending of this book was fantastic; the climax was satisfying, and Massey made me look back at the ending of the last book and give him a nod - he set up the end to this book really, really well.
Massey's character and authorial voice continue to impress me. He's got a deft hand with it, and obviously has a very clear, strong image of his characters and his world.
So, why only three stars?
The women. For one, the idea that both of the main female characters have a crush on/want to be with Colin smacks of wish fulfillment, and felt forced.
Secondly, while the romantic reveal was really well written, Massey changed the nature of one of his female characters. The idea that a character might wear a mask and hide their true personality isn't a bad concept, and the way the reveal was written was good writing. It just weakened the characterization - mostly, because the character became unevenly written after the reveal, as if Massey wasn't quite sure how she should be having after the reveal.
His other female lead, Sabine, didn't seem to have a purpose in the story at all. She existed to be Colin's friend, hide her physical assets behind a glamour, and be socially anxious. At no point did she substantively contribute to the story - and then she up and vanished after Colin ended up with the badass Belladonna. In the first book, Sabine's entire purpose seemed to be to tell Colin he was a great person and to be kidnapped by the bad guy.
And I know the writer can do better, because his other characters are so well developed and have such great voices and attitudes.
Massey's plot and world and voice are great. This was a good, fun read with a great villain and a fantastic climax. But the female characters need - more.
January 6, 2025
Книгите все още са далеч от поредицата за Скрач, но Майси може да пише увлекателно. Благодарение на това спокойно мога да простя всичко останало и да си оставя поредицата при неангажиращите, развлекателни четива. Има хумор, макар и малко лузърски, има двубои и масовки. Има пукотевица и битки с хладно оръжие. На фона на това върви леко постна криминална интрига и доста бавно развитие на героите, ама само ако можеш да се откъснеш от нон стоп екшъна.
Колин е там, където го оставихме в предишната книга. Все така на служба при Мейв – кралицата на фаите в Остин, все така извършващ услуги за малката популация вампири. Все така на нож с Кръга и в добри отношения с местната глутница ликантропи.
Точно преди голям музикален фестивал из Остин започват да се появяват гули, което е проблем и за човешката и за другата популация. Колин ще се впусне в разследване, нещо в което не е особено добър. Това ще ни докара до разправии с тролски моми, пиянски обиди към кралицата на феите, доста обикаляне из гробища, няко;лко скъпо платени адвокатски услуги и един много стар, много зъл некроменсер със собствени планове за семейство Маккул и Колин в частност. Ще има и пропиляване на студентство и непохватни романтични почти взаимоотношения с няколко от познатите ни персонажи.
Имам чувството, че извън честите, доста добри стълкновения, Майси не е много сигурен на къде иска да ни поведе с историята на Друида от гробището (в този случай).
Ама става, сигурно ще пробвам още 1-2 и ако нещата се развият ще зачестя с четенето на поредицата. Ако не, ще си я оставя за неделни следобеди, когато ми е скучно.
Колин е там, където го оставихме в предишната книга. Все така на служба при Мейв – кралицата на фаите в Остин, все така извършващ услуги за малката популация вампири. Все така на нож с Кръга и в добри отношения с местната глутница ликантропи.
Точно преди голям музикален фестивал из Остин започват да се появяват гули, което е проблем и за човешката и за другата популация. Колин ще се впусне в разследване, нещо в което не е особено добър. Това ще ни докара до разправии с тролски моми, пиянски обиди към кралицата на феите, доста обикаляне из гробища, няко;лко скъпо платени адвокатски услуги и един много стар, много зъл некроменсер със собствени планове за семейство Маккул и Колин в частност. Ще има и пропиляване на студентство и непохватни романтични почти взаимоотношения с няколко от познатите ни персонажи.
Имам чувството, че извън честите, доста добри стълкновения, Майси не е много сигурен на къде иска да ни поведе с историята на Друида от гробището (в този случай).
Ама става, сигурно ще пробвам още 1-2 и ако нещата се развият ще зачестя с четенето на поредицата. Ако не, ще си я оставя за неделни следобеди, когато ми е скучно.
June 17, 2018
A great villain, a bit of mystery, a chunk of history
Excellent growth in the characters and relationships between Finn, Colin, and Bells. Good to see a reasonable progression in Colin's bereavement of his lost partner Jess. Wish Finn would have had more time in his new sober state.
Great to see the return of the Maori warrior as a supporting character. Hope we continue to see more of him and learn more about his back story. In general, lots of good "pull forwards" of characters introduced in last book.
Several deepish dives into Irish folklore and mythology but not crucial to ongoing story.
The dark druid was an excellent villain, with nefarious schemes on a grand scale. Love that Colin can't always just win and kill the bad guys! Makes character much more believable and relatable.
Colins cooperation with the trolls and there characters are a great addition. Could be just comic relief but turns into more. In general a sign of Colin's maturation realizing he can't go it alone.
Maeve and the fae continue to be ueber powerful and mysterious, without overwhelming the plot. Friend, enemy, above it all, hard to tell.
Excellent growth in the characters and relationships between Finn, Colin, and Bells. Good to see a reasonable progression in Colin's bereavement of his lost partner Jess. Wish Finn would have had more time in his new sober state.
Great to see the return of the Maori warrior as a supporting character. Hope we continue to see more of him and learn more about his back story. In general, lots of good "pull forwards" of characters introduced in last book.
Several deepish dives into Irish folklore and mythology but not crucial to ongoing story.
The dark druid was an excellent villain, with nefarious schemes on a grand scale. Love that Colin can't always just win and kill the bad guys! Makes character much more believable and relatable.
Colins cooperation with the trolls and there characters are a great addition. Could be just comic relief but turns into more. In general a sign of Colin's maturation realizing he can't go it alone.
Maeve and the fae continue to be ueber powerful and mysterious, without overwhelming the plot. Friend, enemy, above it all, hard to tell.
February 28, 2019
This book is about a young druid who looses his girlfriend on their first mission and what happened to him after that incident .
This is the second book in this series and this series is quickly becoming one of my favorites I'm really liking all of these characters it's almost like Colin has the right people around him when he needs them . As for the women in his life dead or otherwise I get that Jess was suppose to be it for life and it's tragic how she died but she needs to move on for her own sake and Colin's . As for belladonna I'm not really feeling her for Collin don't get me wrong she's a good person and she definitely has our boy's back but there just something about her that always struck me as off like she was trying to hard or she's got a secret that may come back to bite Colin in the but . Than there's the fae girl I like her the best for our main I like her quiet strength and the way that she tells Colin exactly what he needs to hear . The trolls are my favorites their too funny than there's his new bro lol can't wait to see what happens with the werewolves this should be interesting .
This is the second book in this series and this series is quickly becoming one of my favorites I'm really liking all of these characters it's almost like Colin has the right people around him when he needs them . As for the women in his life dead or otherwise I get that Jess was suppose to be it for life and it's tragic how she died but she needs to move on for her own sake and Colin's . As for belladonna I'm not really feeling her for Collin don't get me wrong she's a good person and she definitely has our boy's back but there just something about her that always struck me as off like she was trying to hard or she's got a secret that may come back to bite Colin in the but . Than there's the fae girl I like her the best for our main I like her quiet strength and the way that she tells Colin exactly what he needs to hear . The trolls are my favorites their too funny than there's his new bro lol can't wait to see what happens with the werewolves this should be interesting .
September 30, 2018
Graveyard Druid
This is the second, and in my opinion, the superior book in the Junkyard Druid series. The primary reason for this is that there is almost no new introduction. It commences shortly after Junkyard Druid, and features most of the same characters. Further, the main character, Colin, seems a little better drawn here and thus less chaotic.
The plot, unsurprisingly, deals with a necromancer raising the dead and Colin attempting to track the necromancer and end the threat. This does lead to one of my minor quibbles with the book, that when the villain is revealed it is someone that the reader has never heard of, even in passing, which was okay, but lacked the impact that it could have had.
The pacing is very good and the decision points are well done. By the end of the book one feels that not only have they read a good story, but that they have learned a lot more about the world of these books - thus making one eager to read the next one. Something, I'm going to do.
This is the second, and in my opinion, the superior book in the Junkyard Druid series. The primary reason for this is that there is almost no new introduction. It commences shortly after Junkyard Druid, and features most of the same characters. Further, the main character, Colin, seems a little better drawn here and thus less chaotic.
The plot, unsurprisingly, deals with a necromancer raising the dead and Colin attempting to track the necromancer and end the threat. This does lead to one of my minor quibbles with the book, that when the villain is revealed it is someone that the reader has never heard of, even in passing, which was okay, but lacked the impact that it could have had.
The pacing is very good and the decision points are well done. By the end of the book one feels that not only have they read a good story, but that they have learned a lot more about the world of these books - thus making one eager to read the next one. Something, I'm going to do.
December 2, 2021
I'm starting to get into it.
As an avid urban fantasy fan I've been looking for another series to sink my teeth into. I resisted reading this one because based on the character's name I thought it was going to be on the cheesy side. So I was happily surprised when I finally gave it a try that there is a pretty solid story here. Yeah, there's still a bit of cheese, I never realized how annoying the term "Hella" is. Also, the fact that the main bad guys keep slipping away is a bit annoying. Sure, I know it's going to build into some major boss battle later on, but it robs the book from being able to stand on its own. That said, I liked this one much more than the first. The first book was a little slow for me. This one mostly kept a quick pace, with only a couple of slow points, but not enough to make me put it down. I just started the third one so hopefully it's even better.
As an avid urban fantasy fan I've been looking for another series to sink my teeth into. I resisted reading this one because based on the character's name I thought it was going to be on the cheesy side. So I was happily surprised when I finally gave it a try that there is a pretty solid story here. Yeah, there's still a bit of cheese, I never realized how annoying the term "Hella" is. Also, the fact that the main bad guys keep slipping away is a bit annoying. Sure, I know it's going to build into some major boss battle later on, but it robs the book from being able to stand on its own. That said, I liked this one much more than the first. The first book was a little slow for me. This one mostly kept a quick pace, with only a couple of slow points, but not enough to make me put it down. I just started the third one so hopefully it's even better.
September 16, 2017
Controlled Power, Kinda Sorta
Colin McCool, the Junkyard Druid, finally gets it on with Bells his friend and sometimes hunting partner. He feels guilty when he finds out that the ghost of his dead girlfriend, Jesse, observed it all. Ghouls are attacking people in the city, and more are being created. Colin takes on the job of putting a stop to it. A powerful necromancer is responsible and has additional motives involving Colin. His compassion for his friends gets him in trouble when he tries to sacrifice himself to save them. He shows better control when shifting to his inner demon form to deal with the necromancer. Will he learn control of his form shifting? Will he be able to work with the powerful alien Balor's Eye? I look forward to the next book.
Colin McCool, the Junkyard Druid, finally gets it on with Bells his friend and sometimes hunting partner. He feels guilty when he finds out that the ghost of his dead girlfriend, Jesse, observed it all. Ghouls are attacking people in the city, and more are being created. Colin takes on the job of putting a stop to it. A powerful necromancer is responsible and has additional motives involving Colin. His compassion for his friends gets him in trouble when he tries to sacrifice himself to save them. He shows better control when shifting to his inner demon form to deal with the necromancer. Will he learn control of his form shifting? Will he be able to work with the powerful alien Balor's Eye? I look forward to the next book.
November 6, 2017
Graveyard Druid: Fun, Exciting, and Heratbreaking
Massey continues his Junkyard Druid series with Graveyard Druid.
Colin McCool continues his story weeks after Junkyard Druid. He has to figure out what's going on in Austin to cause all of the ghouls. But, as he's getting things figured out by stumbling from one clue to the next he starts cleaning up his girl problems with a added dash of troll.
Massey has created a great story and set of characters. Colin McCool is great fun, sort of a combination of Kevin Hearne's Atticus and the ever faithful Dresden, just with an added club that goes "bong!"
Thanks and keep up the good work.
Massey has created a great storyline and set of characters.
Massey continues his Junkyard Druid series with Graveyard Druid.
Colin McCool continues his story weeks after Junkyard Druid. He has to figure out what's going on in Austin to cause all of the ghouls. But, as he's getting things figured out by stumbling from one clue to the next he starts cleaning up his girl problems with a added dash of troll.
Massey has created a great story and set of characters. Colin McCool is great fun, sort of a combination of Kevin Hearne's Atticus and the ever faithful Dresden, just with an added club that goes "bong!"
Thanks and keep up the good work.
Massey has created a great storyline and set of characters.
November 11, 2018
I didn’t want to like this
When I started reading this series, I really didn’t want to like it. I had read the Iron Druid series (and loved it) and imagined this as a rip-off of that series. Then, once I started reading it only got worse! A lot of the same names and references appeared (albeit, mostly with variations) and to make matters worse, I didn’t like the whining and complaining that would come out of our “hero”.
However, as the story progressed it became readily apparent that this is a unique universe and an original and unique story. Also, our hero, the graveyard Druid starts to realize that he needs to get on with his life. Now, I am really enjoying to story and looking forward to the continued development of both the story line, and the Graveyard Druid.
When I started reading this series, I really didn’t want to like it. I had read the Iron Druid series (and loved it) and imagined this as a rip-off of that series. Then, once I started reading it only got worse! A lot of the same names and references appeared (albeit, mostly with variations) and to make matters worse, I didn’t like the whining and complaining that would come out of our “hero”.
However, as the story progressed it became readily apparent that this is a unique universe and an original and unique story. Also, our hero, the graveyard Druid starts to realize that he needs to get on with his life. Now, I am really enjoying to story and looking forward to the continued development of both the story line, and the Graveyard Druid.
March 2, 2020
The second installment of this series has the author and his character really coming together nicely. This series is one of those that gets better and better. This time out, Colin has to bring down a powerful necromancer – but it won’t be easy and Colin will need help. I like that Colin is different than the normal heroes in the urban fantasy genre and the pacing is much better in this second book. The world here is building nicely and the snarky Colin is on point. There are some great secondary characters that Colin has built around him, whether he did it on purpose or not. Looking forward to book three.
September 10, 2020
Nowhere near as good as the first book. Not sure whether it was the narration or that the stakes in the book just weren’t high enough from the outset. It’s not until halfway through that the stakes were raised enough to hold my attention or make me care.
Whatever the reason, this book did not work for me and was impacted by very stilted narration. What do I mean by ‘stilted’? At many points throughout the book, the narrator simply stops as if trying to find his place in the script. It’s jarring.
Anyway, not sure I’ll spend another Audible credit on this series. It’s better to read on here, if at all, I think.
Whatever the reason, this book did not work for me and was impacted by very stilted narration. What do I mean by ‘stilted’? At many points throughout the book, the narrator simply stops as if trying to find his place in the script. It’s jarring.
Anyway, not sure I’ll spend another Audible credit on this series. It’s better to read on here, if at all, I think.
October 20, 2020
McCool IS Cool!
Really liking where his series is going.
Collin is getting in deeper with Maeve .
He's definitely got woman problems lol, Bells and Sabine, so ghost and real. Also nearly losing another one of them sends him into a spin.
Add in a dark druid to fight with who's making ghouls.
Those that stand beside him, a big Maori warrior, Hemi, who has his own secrets. Also Guts and the other warrior Trolls.
I lol that the Trolls like to play the long game to prank Collin!
Really liking where his series is going.
Collin is getting in deeper with Maeve .
He's definitely got woman problems lol, Bells and Sabine, so ghost and real. Also nearly losing another one of them sends him into a spin.
Add in a dark druid to fight with who's making ghouls.
Those that stand beside him, a big Maori warrior, Hemi, who has his own secrets. Also Guts and the other warrior Trolls.
I lol that the Trolls like to play the long game to prank Collin!
March 27, 2018
This is a very good sequel to the first book, Junkyard Druid. There is some interesting plot progression and character development. The pacing is very good, never slow and boring and never chaotic and confusing. The storyline is interesting and connects eventually with the overlying plot. The ending wraps up the story nicely but also gives the reader some interesting crumbs to follow to the next book.
I have found the first 2 books of this series enjoyable.
I have found the first 2 books of this series enjoyable.
May 8, 2018
Enjoyable Tale
Another enjoyable read in this series. I really enjoying the way the Irish supernatural creatures are used in the books as much as some of the more common supernatural creatures. It's nice to see someone doing an urban fantasy and not immediately going straight to vampires and werewolves as the only supernatural creatures worthy of writing about.
Looking forward to book three and the rest of the series.
Another enjoyable read in this series. I really enjoying the way the Irish supernatural creatures are used in the books as much as some of the more common supernatural creatures. It's nice to see someone doing an urban fantasy and not immediately going straight to vampires and werewolves as the only supernatural creatures worthy of writing about.
Looking forward to book three and the rest of the series.
June 14, 2018
This is Fun
Great literature? No. But it is great fun. As an added bonus, Massey has done his homework. He picks up on legends and myths from Scottish, English, German, and even relatively contemporary bad guys. And he uses them accurately! So, I actually learned a lot. I found myself returning to Wikipedia over and over again to get more information about what he was talking about. Great fun.
Great literature? No. But it is great fun. As an added bonus, Massey has done his homework. He picks up on legends and myths from Scottish, English, German, and even relatively contemporary bad guys. And he uses them accurately! So, I actually learned a lot. I found myself returning to Wikipedia over and over again to get more information about what he was talking about. Great fun.
April 27, 2019
I have begun to enjoy this series. I will be going to down load Massey's free Prequel. Gross is all I have to say, troll stank that is crippling, and ghoul rot. Ohh and then there is his new lover getting nearly dead. I love his best fae friend. The stank of feces and urine UGG! Druid's perfoming necromancy is disturbing, though I understand how they could access the power, as it is the oppisite of life magic.
December 26, 2019
So much better than the first book
This book was far and away better than the first. The writing was much more impressive and there were no data dumps, nor breaks in the flow of the story.
I loved that Colin is beginning to learn that there is so much more complex than what he’s assumed to be the case since Jesse’s death. Finn warned that Colin might remain human through all of this that’s coming, and now we’re starting to see how that might come to pass.
This book was far and away better than the first. The writing was much more impressive and there were no data dumps, nor breaks in the flow of the story.
I loved that Colin is beginning to learn that there is so much more complex than what he’s assumed to be the case since Jesse’s death. Finn warned that Colin might remain human through all of this that’s coming, and now we’re starting to see how that might come to pass.
October 1, 2020
I love this series. Each book has a very good storyline with lots of action, spooky bad guys and twists and turns the keep you interested. Unlike lots of other Urban Fantasys a complete adventure is begun and resolved within one book.
Of course another problem that Colin and his team have to resolve is just over the horizon. You know it and can just see it beginning to evolve in a way that makes you itch for the next book in the series.
Well done, M.D. Massey.
Of course another problem that Colin and his team have to resolve is just over the horizon. You know it and can just see it beginning to evolve in a way that makes you itch for the next book in the series.
Well done, M.D. Massey.
March 10, 2018
Another interesting, involved, and intriguing chapter in the life of the Junkyard Druid. McCool has to face off against one of the most-feared members of the magical realm. The characters introduced in the first book are back, and with much more substance to their persona. Will McCool finally get it on with Bells? Read and discover, my friends.
April 11, 2018
I rather liked this second entry into the series better than the first. The story seems more interesting and less repetitive. I note the reviews are much more positive, I suspect largely that only those liking the first book read the second and reviewed it.
The story has somewhat more complicated decisions for our protagonist to make and more depth to the characterizations. Nice.
The story has somewhat more complicated decisions for our protagonist to make and more depth to the characterizations. Nice.
May 7, 2018
It was good overall. The characters are interesting. The pacing is good enough to keep turning pages without getting frustrated. My only problem - and his goes for all novels - is that it's written in the first person. I don't know if this is a nod to Jim Butcher's Dresden File series or not. The thing is that first-person narratives are simply too confining.
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