⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes. Granuaile is finally ready to be bound as a Druid, but the universe seem to have other plans for our small group of heroes.
After twelve years of secret training, Atticus O’Sullivan is finally ready to bind his apprentice, Granuaile, to the earth and double the number of Druids in the world. But on the eve of the ritual, the world that thought he was dead abruptly discovers that he’s still alive, and they would much rather he return to the grave. Having no other choice, Atticus, his trusted Irish wolfhound, Oberon, and Granuaile travel to the base of Mount Olympus, where the Roman god Bacchus is anxious to take his sworn revenge, but he’ll have to get in line behind an ancient vampire, a band of dark elves, and an old god of mischief, who all seem to have KILL THE DRUID at the top of their to-do lists.
MY THOUGHTS
The book was made up of various separate events that didn’t necessarily blend well together or led anywhere useful. We already knew Brighid and a bunch of Fae and gods were very unhappy with Atticus.
It was inevitable that the Dark Elves and Bacchus would come after Atticus after he had been using them as a scapegoat for years. And then Frigg sent Atticus on another quest that wouldn’t end well for him, as usual. The fight with Fenris was fast-paced and thrilling.
Granuaile’s binding ritual was equally riveting, even with all the interruptions. And at the end of it it was exciting to discover her animal forms with her, and that kickass weapon that she received from the Fae.
I really liked Granuaile. She wasn’t afraid to ask for what she wanted and she didn’t take any nonsense from anybody. She also employed a sharp sense of humor and fit in really well with Atticus and Oberon in that regard. Atticus and Granuaile worked really well together in a fight.
While I didn’t like this book as much as the previous ones, I am invested in Atticus, Granuaile, and Oberon and will definitely continue the series.
I am reading this series as part of a read-along hosted by Anne on Books Of My Heart. I can highly recommend this entire series if you like magic, druids, gods, and fast-moving action.
Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.
Genre: Fantasy
Published: November 27, 2012
Sensuality Rating: Subtle
Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles
Other books in the series: Hounded, Hexed, Hammered, Tricked
Thanks so much for joining us. The next one is very fast paced and the following 2 are ones I enjoyed most in the series so far.
That’s good to know.
Yes, some of Atticus’ casual blaming has come back to bite him in this one. I was sad about it, but I do still really like Atticus as a character. I think he does some growing and acknowledges his mistakes.
I also think he has painted himself into a bit of a corner with all his past actions and now there is only going forward.
This one, having three separate stories, was very different from the earlier ones, and it wasn’t my favorite, either. But I still enjoyed it. I think that we needed to see each character grow a bit as they prepare for what is coming – lines are being drawn.