Hexed by Kevin Hearne Narrator: Luke Daniels
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles #2
Published by Brilliance Audio on June 7, 2011
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 8 hours, 52 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
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Atticus O'Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn't care much for witches. Still, he's about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they're badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.
With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly decadence, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. But aided by his magical sword, his neighbor's rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and his vampire attorney, Atticus is ready to sweep the town and show the witchy women they picked the wrong Druid to hex.
What a ride! Hexed by Kevin Hearne is the second adventure in The Iron Druid Chronicles which follows Atticus O’Sullivan, the last iron druid, as he attempts to live a peaceful life in the hills of Arizona. This book picks up not long after the events of book one, Hounded, so there may be some minor spoilers to that book in this review. Atticus’s former quiet life has been given a new purpose after the events of the last book. A swath of land killed by the overuse of magic requires his care and attention, he’s picked up an apprentice, the witches are asking for a truce, and now a horde of Bacchants has invaded his town.
The story opens a week or so after the events of book one. Atticus is still recovering from his use of magic during the battle, two goddesses are vying for his attention, and now he’s being magically attacked. The question is by whom. The action never stops nor does it get dull. It is constantly moving, constantly flowing. When one thing stops, another takes its place. As a reader, you almost feel badly for Atticus because so much is happening. It’s hard to believe it all occurs over the course of a week!
Like book one though, I was left slightly disappointed in Atticus as a character. I still don’t know him; I didn’t learn anything new either. I did love seeing his interactions with his neighbor, Mrs. MacDonagh, and Granuaile. These characters have come into Atticus’s life at a time when he’s forgotten what it means to be human. He’s spent years blending in, and now he actually cares for someone other than himself. Oberon is still fantastic and my favorite!
Overall, I enjoyed Hexed. The fast pace held my attention, and the set up for the next novel has me intrigued. Highly recommend for fans of urban fantasy.
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The chat will be Sunday, April 2nd
COYER Challenge is adopting our Read-along. You can read about COYER and join that challenge or just the Facebook community chat HERE. On the Sunday after the review posts, they will host a FB room (like we do for COYER book club) at 12 PT, 2 CT, 3 ET and 9pm Europe, for a one hour chat. You do not have to join the COYER challenge to participate, only the Facebook group.
Here’s your to-do list:
- Find your copies of these books, borrow them from a friend, get them at the library or buy them
- Read book 3, Hammered by May 5.
- Read book 3.5 A Test of Mettle. This is set during the events of Hammered from Granuaile’s point of view. Included in print and ebook at the end of the trade paperback edition of Hammered. Audio is included in Two Tales of the Iron Druid Chronicles.
- Make note of a favorite quote or two as you read the book.
- If you haven’t read the books before, make a list of questions you have for the discussion. If you have read them, please don’t spoil new readers.
- Enter the giveaways!
Games:
Who said (enter the answer in the Rafflecopter, don’t put in the comments)
Who said “I find the college children delightful. I’d like to have a drink with them, too.”
There are other options in the rafflecopter for you to enter discussion questions and quotes to share.
The quote for Who said “Untrusting. Good to know you’re cautious about some men. ” in Hounded is Oberon.
The villain was Aenghus Óg.
Observations and questions you shared from Hounded:
(Thank you so much for sharing!) If you can answer any of these questions, you can do so in a comment.
- Why did Atticus retrieve the ruby necklace for the witch?
- Why did the pack allow their doctor to be hurt rather than protecting him? Seems unusual!
- I love the conversations between Atticus and Oberon.
Quotes you readers shared from Hounded:
“The point is, Mrs. MacDonagh, that the universe is exactly the size that your soul can encompass. Some people live in extremely small worlds, and some live in a world of infinite possibility.”
“She must use that Oil of Olay stuff. I wonder if it would get rid of the wrinkles on a shar-pei?”
“Wow you need to get some sun.” “Shut up. I’m Irish.”
“Monty Python is like catnip for nerds. Once you get them started quoting it, they are constitutionally incapable of feeling depressed.”
“I thought Sundays were supposed to be relaxing. As a male citizen of America, I’m entitled on Sundays to watch athletic men in tight uniforms ritualistically invade one another’s territory, and while they’re resting I get to be bombarded with commercials about trucks, pizza, beer, and financial services. That’s how it’s supposed to be; that’s the American dream.”
Be sure to enter the giveaways!!!
Giveaway:
For US MP3 audio copy of Hammered ,and for Intl a paperback from Book depository. The giveaway is international, as long as The Book Depository ships there free of charge (find that out here!)
Grand-Prize Giveaway:
For a US / Canadian winner, this will be a full set of SIGNED trade paperbacks by Kevin Hearne.
For an Intl winner, it will be $50 at Book Depository. The giveaway is international, as long as The Book Depository ships there free of charge (find that out here!)
Time to start reading Hammered by Kevin Hearne for the 2023 Read-along! #giveaways #giveaway @BooksofMyHeart Click To Tweet
Schedule:
We are doing one book every 4-5 weeks, posting on Fridays. We will have a review with the team here at Books of My Heart plus some of our friends.
Mar 3: Hounded – Stephanie @ Once Upon A Chapter
Mar 31 Hexed – Lillian @ Mom with a Reading Problem
May 5: Hammered – Jen @ That’s What I’m Talking About
Jun 2: Tricked – Terrie @ Bookshelf Journeys
Jul 7: Trapped – Rachel @ Waves of Fiction
Aug 4: Hunted – KC @ Books of My Heart
Sep 8: Shattered – Berls @ Because Reading
Oct 6: Staked – Sophia @ Books of My Heart
Nov 3: Besieged – Kimberly @Caffeinated Reviewer
Dec 1: Scourged – Anne @ Books of My Heart
Dec 17: Q & A with Kevin Hearne
About Luke Daniels
Luke Daniels has narrated over 250 audiobooks, has been the grateful recipient of thirteen AudioFile Earphones Awards, and has earned three Audie nominations. His background is in classical theater and film. Luke has performed at repertory theaters around the country, but now he resides in the Midwest with his pack.
About Kevin Hearne
Kevin Hearne lives with his wife, daughter, and doggies in Canada. Kevin hugs trees, pets doggies, and rocks out to heavy metal. He also thinks tacos are a pretty nifty idea. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling series the Iron Druid Chronicles, the Seven Kennings trilogy that begins with A PLAGUE OF GIANTS, and co-author of the Tales of Pell with Delilah S. Dawson.
About Lillian @ Mom with a Reading Problem
My name is Lillian and I am a bookaholic. My addiction started at a young age because of my mom and grandmothers who read to me on a daily basis. It only grew from there as I became obsessed with the Goosebumps and BoxCar Children series. I moved from them to the classics (Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, etc.). Now I read anything I can get my hands on: Young Adult, New Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Historical based fiction and nonfiction alike, and of course I still love the classics. Now I want to pass my love of reading on to my own son and all of you!
The blog started as a dare from my husband in February 2014. I stumbled upon Goodreads and started reviewing the books I read for fun. On average I was writing 2 to 3 reviews a week. So one night while writing a review, my husband said, “Why don’t you just start a blog?” And thus Mom with a Reading Problem was born.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 23-COYER
This is an author that is on my to read list, yes that very long list LOL
Thanks for this
I know how it is Debbie. These books are relatively short reads although I suppose more medium length right around 300p. We are only starting book 3 and would love to have you join us if you can.
Wonderful review, Lillian💜
Thank you and I would love to have you read these or catch up with us even. I hope things are going better for you.
Unfortunately not. Just got more bad news yesterday. His doctors feel confident it’s all manageable, though. *sigh* I’ve had to get help in another group so thanks very much for your Grace Anne💜
I really hope it can be managed as they think.
Lillian, thank you so much for sharing your review. It’s fun reading with you.
This is such a fun series! I do enjoy the conversations between Oberon and Atticus, too.
Humor makes everything better and easier to handle the world-building details somehow. I choose audio because then I don’t have to know how to pronounce anything but then I don’t know how to spell anything like I would with an ebook. lol
I am planning on joining the group chat on Sunday but I may be a few minutes late. I’m part of the group now. Do they send out an invite or do I just go onto Facebook and click something? I noticed there are two buttons. Ones says “online” the other says “messenger room”. Which one would I be clicking? Sorry. I’ve never done a FB chat.
oh Rachel I hate I didn’t see this until now. You go to the event and look for the join room button on the right. It’s pretty easy. Please go see if you can see it even though it’s too late for this month. If you can’t, I’ll make you a little video. Darn. It was a really good discussion too.
No worries, Anne! There was a separate issue that Berls sorted out for me yesterday afternoon and I was able to leave some after-chat comments. Looking forward to the next one. 🙂
I enjoyed this book, I’m looking forward to book three. I also rated it a 4. Good stuff.
Thank you Victoria. It is good stuff. I really enjoy the action and the humor and the interesting world building. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I hadn’t thought of it since things are so crazy busy in the book, but you’re right that Atticus is still something of a mystery. Great review, Lillian!
It is very busy. There are lots of players in this one. Through his interaction, we learn more about Atticus and this world.
Great review. I liked the fist book more, but I enjoyed this one too.
Thank you for reading with us. I really enjoyed both and am looking forward to the next one.
This is a re-read for me, and I’m struck by just how much foreshadowing there is in this book. No wonder he didn’t have time to give us much insight on Atticus himself!
And of course, Oberon still steals the show. He should have all the snacks!
Well it’s my first time reading the series but I agree Oberon steals the show and should have all the snacks. As for foreshadowing, I see Thor coming up sooner than later.
You make a good point about Atticus’s character development… as in, there isn’t much, in either book so far. He’s still the person he was in the last book. Well, I suppos he has changed in one respect over the two books so far: he’s willing to make peace and even work with Malina’s coven, with the appropriate safeguards.
I have a feeling that dealing with Granuaile is going to have an effect on him in the long run, though.
yes and these happenings are a short period of time. I suspect it will take time for him to adjust to his new notariety and the fact he has people to care for and obligations. It’s different than he has done for so many years. He’s had business relationships but kept independent from personal ones.
Chat today was fun. I loved the comment about Atticus’s brain development and impulse control. What an interesting thought and it would explain a lot! Your point about not really knowing Atticus is interesting. I wish I could go back and remember if I felt the same when I first read it. He’s definitely a character you get to know via his actions.
yes I also think Atticus is just opening up more after years of being independent and we are seeing some personal growth as he actual works with others.
I’m still enjoying this series!
It’s my first time reading and I’m loving it so far.
I remember really enjoying this one! I will have to do a re-read of the series sometime soon.
Well we’ve only read 2 so you are welcome to join us.
While these aren’t my type of read, I do love that you do these read-alongs! I like the covers in the banner at the top a lot too. They would have probably got me to pick them up at least in a bookstore based on my preferences.
yes these are mostly urban fantasy. We have done PNR and I’m going to try something different next year and I’ll talk about it in my Sunday post.
Mmmm I am intrigued…but IDK. I read Jen’s review too and I feel like there are some things I would struggle with.
Well it is up to you. You could try one and see. We’d love to have you join us.
I am having a blast doing the re-listen. So good.
Thank you so much for joining us Kimberly. I am really loving it so far.