Despite having read numerous urban fantasy series, I still consider the Dresden Files as the benchmark for what good urban fantasy looks like. So when I was done with the books that were released I was left with this void I had to fill. The Iron Druid Chronicles is one such series that despite the flamboyant covers, delivered in being a very good Dresden clone; though calling it a clone feels like a disservice. Unlike the Dresden Files, the Iron Druid Chronicles is a completed series and focuses more on the mythological aspect of the fantasy genre. We have gods, monsters, an Irish druid, and an Irish wolfhound that deserves the best treats. Very fast-paced, laugh out loud funny at times, and a very engaging plot made this series an unfortunately quick read. These books can’t be read as standalone, and I wouldn’t recommened missing anything either, as the growth and evolution of these characters is pivotal to the series as a whole. Not to mention the entire series reads as one big continuous arc, with a few interludes thrown in.
I’ve added some small reviews of each book in the series and tried very hard to minimise spoilers so I don’t give away the plot too much.
Book 1 – Hounded
A very strong first entry into the Iron Druid Chronicles. We’re introduced to Atticus O’Sullivan (as he goes by at this time), and his trusty companion, and true protagonist, the Irish wolfhound Oberon. Atticus is a druid, the last one remaining, and only so because he has been in hiding for a very long time. Stealing a precious sword from a Celtic God in the heat of a battle would do that. Especially when this God has been hounding you for more than a millennia to get that sword back. Things seem to have quietened down for Atticus, until one day things aren’t so quiet. He’s been found again but this time he’s tired of running and hiding, and he’s ready for a fight.
A very good entry to the series and had me hooked throughout. I had never been introduced to the Celtic gods before, or to some of the other gods in this particular way and it was both refreshing and entertaining at the same time. I had initially rated this a 3/5 when I first read it years ago but on a re-read for this blog post, and having read quite a bit more in the genre, this book is definitely a solid 4/5. Very few series can throw so much at you in the first book and leave you feeling exhilarated and craving more.
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Book 2 – Hexed
Book 2 of the Iron Druid Chronicles is a bit of a step back from book 1, but that’s more because books 2 and 3 felt like one cohesive story where book 2 is essentially setting the building blocks for the events that take place in book 3. In this book Atticus is dealt the unfortunate hand of having to deal with witches; and not the friendly kind. Events with the local coven of witches in the first book have left a power vacuum and now a new coven of witches is looking to claim this part of Arizona as their own. Atticus is caught in the crossfire because despite not wanting to be a part of anything, the presence of a druid on site automatically made him a de-facto protector of the area.
We meet witches, gods wanting revenge, a nosy neighbour, a friend asking for a favour of the god-extermination kind, and a potential candidate for a new druid, despite them being possessed by a witch’s soul (who is also calling in a favour for events in book 1). Entertaining but just a stepping stone for book 3.
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Book 3 – Hammered
Book 3 is a continuation of book 2 in that these two books are based around one larger plot; Killing the Norse God of Thunder, Thor. Yup, only this Thor is a bit of an ass. In this book we see how Thor has used, abused, and downright killed people for the sake of fun because he feels he’s untouchable considering his place, and appearance, at the time of Ragnarok. But that doesn’t stop a group of people wronged by him to band together to kill him. Chief among them is Lief, Atticus’ vampire attorney, who calls in his favour by using Atticus to travel the planes to Asgard.
This book took me a bit by surprise in how much happens and the corresponding effects of what this could mean for the series. The events in this book more closely felt like they would fit in the penultimate book of a series rather than just the third book. There are epic clashes, a lot of banter, some surprising secrets, a very nice Thunder God, plans being made for when shit hits the fan, and the sobering realisation of the effect of said plans. Good conclusion to this particular plot arc and had me even more curious about what’s next on the horizon.
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Book 4 – Tricked
Reeling from the events in Asgard from Book 3, Atticus and company find themselves on the run from vengeful gods. With the help of Coyote, the trickster god from the Navajo mythology, Atticus is able to fake his own death to earn some reprieve on the grounds that he would help Coyote with a particular task. At this point Atticus should know better than to offer favours, especially to dieties. What seemed like a simple enough task soon turned out to be a lot more complicated and dangerous when Skin walkers are involved. Turns out Coyote is the trickster god for a reason.
This book mostly focuses on Navajo mythology and is once again, a bridge book before the main series kicks off again. As with the others, it was fast-paced and entertaining, but I couldn’t wait for it to end to get on with the main show, if that makes sense. Afterall, Hel is loose and makes an appearance, bringing dire portents to Atticus of the coming of Ragnarok while offering him a place on their side.
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Book 5 – Trapped
Book 5 carries forward the main storyline again, but this time with a time jump. 12 years have passed since the events of book 4, and Granuaile is now ready to become a druid. All that’s left is to bind her to the earth. But 12 years of isolation after faking their deaths are soon wiped away when Atticus, Granuaile, and Oberon find that they were not so presumed dead as they imagined. Several deities from different pantheons want a piece of the Iron Druid and have taken measures to make his life difficult. Foremost of them being the Greek and Roman pantheons. Finding out that the only place for Granuaile to be bound to the earth happens to be at the base of Mount Olympus is a very convenient trap if there ever was one.
This book finally saw some resolution to the sexual tension between Atticus and Granuaile which was mushier than expected (Oberon’s words). We also get a glimpse of the Roman and Greek pantheons and how closely related some deities are to their counterparts. It was a fun read and I’m glad we’re back on the main arc. Looking forward to the next one!
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Book 6 – Hunted
It seems like the preceding Book 5 ‘Trapped’ and this current Book 6 ‘Hunted’ form another set that contain a mini-arc, that being the chase and hunt for the Iron Druid by the Roman and Greek Deities. Continuing from the previous book we find Atticus, Granuaile and Oberon racing across Europe after heeding the warning of the Morrigan. They are being chased by the Roman and Greek goddesses of the hunt, Artemis and Diana. Luckily for them the pantheons have decided to make this hunt a bit of a sport for their pleasure so no outside help can be provided to the hunters. This is unfortunately, not the only foe they face as certain parties in the fae have been leaking information to interested parties, and our group are constantly beset by vampires, dark elves with very little respite.
This book was one fast ride as befitting the hunt, and we also get to witness the use of plot armour but in a fairly reasonable setting considering all the circumstances. That didn’t stop some very moving dialogue and by far one of the most heartbreaking sentences I’ve read in a long while. I’m really enjoying this series.
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Book 7 – Shattered
Book 7 of the series takes a small step back from the main action. I wouldn’t consider this to be an outright filler book but more of an interlude. In book 6 we finally have two druids walking the earth now that Granuaile was inked. In book 7 we end up with three?! Turns out the Morrigan had captured and stationed Atticus’ old arch druid mentor Owen on a time island. To what end is beyond Atticus. With Owen’s release, Atticus takes it upon himself to bring the old geezer upto speed with the ways of the world in this day and age before he sets Granuaile on him, which leaves Granuaile with a bit of time on her own. Unfortunately for her, an old friend calls for help in releasing a spirit that is possessing Granuaile’s dad.
This book isn’t as fast paced as the rest but maybe was written to help give Granuaile’s character a little more depth. Granuaile has always been shown to have issues with her parental figures, and with Atticus having to confront one such figure in this book as well, it’s hard not to draw parallels and the conclusion that this is all building up to something around Granuaile’s character down the line. Not as entertaining as some others in the series.
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Book 8 – Staked
As the titled suggests, book 8 is all about the vampires. The vampires have plagued our druids throughout the course of the series, and this time things are coming to a head. The vampires did not take lightly the unrest and diminishing of their numbers at the hands of Atticus’ allies and so have decided a more direct approach would see the purpose done. Our druids on the other hand are all drawn in different directions, Atticus after the vampires, Owen with the werewolves on the verge of training new druids, and Granuaile shuttling between the Norse pantheon and the Polish coven.
This book made me a bit mad if I’m being honest. There’s just so much bloodshed and loss of life just because Atticus is hardwired to doing things on his own (considering he actually has been on his own for over 2000 years). Owen is really coming into his own and he’s adapting well to the times. Granuaile is just confusing me. The more I read of her character, the less druid-like she feels. I’m not sure how I feel about the overconfidence and aggression she tends to show on occasion. Good book, tragic losses, anticlimactic at times, a mish-mash of everything else other times.
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Book 8.5 or Book 9 – Besieged (collection of short stories)
A collection of short stories that give a little more insight into the world of the Iron Druid Chronicles. Nothing of great importance but it will explain one or two things mentioned in the final book. Only included this here because it is listed as book 9 in the series but I can see myself skipping this and not losing anything out of it.
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Book 9 or Book 10 – Scourged
The final book of the Iron Druid Chronicles sees our protagonists finally face off against the forces of Loki and Hel in Ragnarok. This book was a race from start to finish. There is so much happening that the druids are all scattered across the world trying to help as best they can. Granuaile is on a mission in the east which involves the Monkey King Sun Wukong. Owen is shuttling across the globe wherever Gaia requires the help of druid. He is accompanied by a sloth which makes for some charming interactions. Atticus is, well, fighting in Ragnarok. Prior to the main battle several small schemes were hatched and while coming to fruition, Ragnarok took its toll.
I have to say that this book just felt like a bit of a mess. So much happening, the shifting povs, and well, the ending. I will say that I’m not entirely a fan of the ending, especially Granuaile’s role, but maybe these are just feelings trickling down from book 8, or maybe this is just how she’s meant to be written. For what it’s worth, it’s still a very interesting ending to one hell of a series. I was a bit disappointed in this final book but maybe this is for the best.
Rating:
Liminal Ramblings 