Hounded

The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1

By: Kevin Hearne

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The first novel in the Iron Druid Chronicles - introducing a cool, new, funny urban fantasy hero

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old - when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power - plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish - to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

Don’t miss any of Kevin Hearne’s phenomenal Iron Druid Chronicles novels:
Hounded | Hexed | Hammered | Tricked | Trapped | Hunted | Shattered | Staked

©2011 by Kevin Hearne. (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Hearne, a self-professed comic-book nerd, has turned his love of awesome dudes whacking mightily at evil villains into a superb urban fantasy debut.” (Publishers Weekly)

“A page-turning and often laugh-out-loud funny caper through a mix of the modern and the mythic.” (Ari Marmell, author of The Warlord’s Legacy)

“Kevin Hearne breathes new life into old myths, creating a world both eerily familiar and startlingly original.” (Nicole Peeler, author of Tempest Rising)

Not Quite Dresden, but a fun alternative.

Where does Hounded rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The Iron Druid will fall in my top 25.

What other book might you compare Hounded to and why?

Harry Dresden

Have you listened to any of Luke Daniels’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my 1st Luke Daniel performance and he did an amazing job. From accents to voice changes all went beautifully with the story.

Any additional comments?

This was a fun story. i was a little disappointed with the iron druids cavilier attitude toward protecting us meer mortals and the commentary on religions in general was very "new age" and could be scary if someone was weak in their own beliefs. But all in all...great fun.

who do i love?

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, in a hurry

What did you like best about this story?

Both the writing and this amazing reader, who knows no bounds in accents and is about as perfect as I can even imagine.

What about Luke Daniels’s performance did you like?

I am now a Luke Daniels fan. He is amazing and so very entertaining. Love him!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but didn't.

Any additional comments?

I wish Kevin would write these forever, and Luke would perform them. I can't imagine ever getting tired of either.

Intrique and Amusement

Where does Hounded rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I loved reading Hounded - whilst it is not a style I have read much lately it is definately one of the best Adult fantasy novels I have read.q

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hounded?

I loved Oberon's observations - simple and to the point and generally very amusing. I may have to agree with him on the citrus car air freshener!

Which character – as performed by Luke Daniels – was your favorite?

Both Atticus and Oberon were well portrayed by the narrator. Their dry wit and the connection between the pair was amazingly conveyed.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was frequently moved by the caring relationship between Atticus and Oberon, the way they interact and work to help each other is amazing - the man/dog bond was strong and led to many emotional as well as amusing moments.

Any additional comments?

I absolutely loved this book - can't wait to read more of the series!

Enjoyable listen for fantasy fans

Luke Daniels sounds perfect for this character, a 21 year old druid (that's actually a couple of thousand years old). It's a fast paced magical tale with almost too many characters to keep track of. They all seem to want his help or our hero's head, or should I say magical sword. It's a fun read with a dog that makes the perfect sidekick providing comic relief. If you enjoy Dresden Files then give this series a try.

Fantastic

Would you consider the audio edition of Hounded to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but given how excellent the performance was, I can't imagine it being better.

What other book might you compare Hounded to and why?

Dresden Chronicles - as it's fantasy that's set in modern times.

Have you listened to any of Luke Daniels???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not that I know of.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh, and it was gripping. Beautiful delivery of a magnificent tale.

Any additional comments?

This is a winner. It might be the best audiobook I've heard.

Fun

Completely entertaining. I enjoyed it the entire way through. Just bought the other 2 books and can't wait to get to them.

FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC!!! (size 72 font)

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would absolutely recommend this book. I've already told friends about it in fact- before I even finished. The best book I've listened to yet!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Oberon, the dog was my favorite. Because he was a dog, and if dogs could talk and think like humans, I'd want one like Oberon.

What about Luke Daniels’s performance did you like?

He was flawless. By far the best narration I've heard to date. He transitioned seamlessly between irish, polish, indian, young lady, "mature" lady, police officer and wolfhound. The voices stayed the same and didn't morph in pitch, accent, or cadence. I was amazed throughout.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book immensely. I liked the author's clever use of modern day objects and thought the humor was just enough to make me giggle at times, but never overly done. I like Atticus and love the dog and I am excited to see where the author goes with the druid's apprentice in the next book.

Oberon - the horny Scooby Doo

Would you listen to Hounded again? Why?

No, not because it's not good but I felt pretty satisfied with the story once it was done.

What did you like best about this story?

Oberon for sure and the old Irish neighbor - they brought the comedy to this book and made me laugh.

Have you listened to any of Luke Daniels’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't, but his performance was good. He does a good job in changing voices and doesn't make the book sound monotonous, I would listen to more books by him.

Any additional comments?

This is a good book, I wouldn't say great - but I do plan on purchasing the second one because this series seems to have promise of being really good.

AWESOME!!

This book is a home run!! Kevin Hearne spins a tale of the life of 2100 year old druid. His insights into the world and a tiny look back into his past. I was attached to "Addicus" almost at once and then when you add his hound to the picture you get attached to him too. You can understand why a man who will outlive almost everyone he knows would want a companion he can keep with him. I love this story, and I have listened to the whole series over and over. I am waiting for "Tricked" with baited breath.
You also get a little bit of Kevin Hearne himself in this I think also. Ex: the baseball etc.
Luke Daniels is another home run himself. His perforance is outstanding!!
BRING ON "TRICKED"!!

True Candy for your ears!

I am an avid audible "reader" with 100's of books in my A-Library, This is my first reveiw and my current favorite Author and Narrator! I'm so excited about this series! I say series because you will not be able to stop after "Hounded" and will continue with the next three (so far) in the Iron Druid Chronicles. I'm reviewing "Hounded" because this is where the fun begins. Kevin Hearne..., there are not enough superlatives. Mr. Hearne's stories are fun, brilliant, creative, surprising and constantly evolving! Funny! I defy you to finish a "read" without laughing out loud at least a dozen times! Fantasy at it's best! Luke Daniel's... could Mr. Hearne have picked a better narrator! Mr. Daniel's ability to bring each character to life and his comic timing are, in a word, Amazing, All his characterizations are unique and more than words on a page. Oberon's characterizaion is in a class by himself and not to be missed! Just a little teaser... Oberon and bathtime = storytime and LOL fun. The bath time stories are pivotal to the Oberon's storyline so pay close attention during bath time. Kevin Hearne combines Druids, Gods, Goddesses, Indian folklore, religion, vampires, werewolves, Irish tipsy grannies and a wolfhound...(to name a few) makes each character believable then adds an amazing plotline... the guys a genius! Now add Luke Daniel's narration and AMAZING characterizations and it all come to life!

If I were to gift someone with their first Audible, "Hounded" by far would be my first pick! I'm sure this series would be a great true read but I'm absolutely sure, much would be lost without this narration! "Hounded" is true candy for your ears!