from Jordan:

Hounded by Kevin Hearne is the first book of his Iron Druid series, which follow the exploits of the last remaining druid, Atticus O'Sullivan. As the introductory novel, Hounded establishes the long history of O'Sullivan, who is 2,100-years-old. Aenghus Óg, the Celtic god of love, has a longstanding grudge with O'Sullivan because he opportunistically stole a magic sword forged by Aenghus' pantheon in a battle long ago. Since then, O'Sullivan has been wandering and hiding to avoid a confrontation. Hounded's plot is founded in the fact that Aenghus has finally found O'Sullivan living and operating a magical book store in Tempe, Arizona, and the conflict that springs from their eventual confrontation.

I have mixed feelings about Hounded. The prose is very accessible, the plot is fun in a sort of popcorn movie kind of way, and it's a generally easy and entertaining read, but there are many hallmarks of the fact that this is Hearne's first novel. He spends a significant amount of time describing arbitrary physical characteristics of characters and settings and spends a little too much time and page space on indulging in passably amusing little jokes and stereotypes. The pace of the novel is kind of all over the place and he mistakes the need for twists and turns for a desire for arbitrary and shallow zig-zags. I did, however, enjoy it and feel glad I read it, which is what matters. ( )

Just a tremendously fun book. Superb urban fantasy. ( )

Enjoyable, engrossing read. Definite fun. Atticus is the first praciticing druid I've read about in a long while, and it's nice to have a new take on magic in the urban fantasy line. In fact, all sorts of immortals and deities seem to be present, particularly from Celtic and Norse mythologies. They actually behave a lot like the stereotypes of gods from mythology (at least in the Greek myths I read), which is to say, manipulative, egotistical and randy. Hearne does a nice job of balancing their scary powers with approachability. Just like the Greek gods--sometimes you could wheedle a favor out of them if you had the right gift. Vampires, werewolves and witches also play a role in the action.

Characters are very likeable, although at first Atticus really seems a lot like a moderately interesting 25 year old rather than a 2100 year old druid. That's one of my only complaints about the series to date; I just don't have the feel of great age behind him, only power. Sure, his running a store in the middle of campus might keep him in contact with current culture, but I expect him to be a little more ponderous and thoughtful. Oberon the wolfhound kept me laughing, especially the running joke about "Oberon Khan." I like their banter, and Atticus' consideration for their relationship.

Hearne's attempt to fully integrate the 'real world' of police, persistent detectives and nosy neighbors is interesting too--so many urban fantasy books have the cops either on the "clueless" or "colluding" list, that it's another interesting take to seem them behaving normally.

I like the small touches, like the bar with the best fish and chips, and the lawyerly behavior of both vampire and werewolves. I do think the big battle was over too quickly for it to feel satisfying for the build-up; it was the only moment that pacing felt truly disruptive. Otherwise, hugely enjoyable and I'll definitely keep reading the series.

Cross-posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/hounded-by-kevin-hearne/ ( )

Better than expected. Plenty of action and not much depth, which is exactly what I was looking for in my next novel. Could be classified as a YA crossover novel, and probably a good recommendation for reluctant male readers. ( )

Fantasy. Book 1 of the Druid Atticus O'Sullivan ( )