Review of Hounded by Kevin Hearne

Title: Hounded
Author: Kevin Hearne
Published by: Random House Publishing Group

Pages: 239

Source: Bought
Format: ebook
Rating: ★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: 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 sexy 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.

I had so much fun reading this for the Kiss Me I'm Irish: Hounded Read Along.  It was a great experience and made me think about Hounded in different ways than I normally would have.  If you haven't had the chance to participate in a read along go out and sign up for one.  They are such a great experience.

Out of all the paranormal and fantasy books I've read I have never read one about an ancient Druid.  It was fascinating learning all the magic that Atticus could do and all the knowledge he has.  I thought vampires lived forever, but apparently they have nothing on druids.  Hounded was fresh and original + I loved how Kevin Hearne incorporated the gods interacting with the human race.  There were so many mythical creatures in the novel that it had a little bit of something for everyone.
Let's start with Atticus....Yumm!!!  Not only is he super knowledgeable, he can fight and look hot doing it + he's really nice to old Irish widows.  If that is not great husband material I don't know what is.  Atticus was an incredibly interesting character.  He really knew how to read people and how the world worked.  He was cautious and most of the time kept his wits about him.  The best thing about him is that I genuinely believe he was a great guy + he has the coolest dog in the world.  After reading about Oberon you will be insanely jealous and want an Oberon all for yourself. 

While there wasn't much romance, that didn't take away from the book for me.  The fighting scenes were interesting as brute force wasn't always the successor; there was a lot of scheming and cunning knowledge involved.  Sometimes it seemed to be about who you knew and who could help you, than who has the biggest sword.  It was always interesting who would show up to either help in the battle or who was working against Atticus. 

The one thing that I really loved about the story was how connected Atticus was to the earth.  He had so much respect for it and I'd like to think that along with it being his source of power he has also realized (due to his vast time spent on it) how important the earth is and how badly it's been treated in the past.  Overall this was a great read that I think all ages would really enjoy.

Hounded Read-along: Week 5

I have been wanting to read this book for a while so when the lovely ladies from Geeky Blogger's Book Blog, On a Book Bender, Smash Attack Reads!, In the Closet With a Bibliophile, and The Unread Reader decided to host this read-along I jumped on board. Come join the fun!

Questions for Chapters 21-25 + epilogue

1. In a moment of anger, Atticus reveals something about himself that he usually keeps very secret, for his own benefit. Has something similar ever happened to you? Have you ever spilled a closely guarded secret in a moment of excitement or anger or absent-mindedness?

I don't think that I've ever spilt a secret in moments of anger, but I know that I've said things that I regret.  It may not be secrets about anyone else, but I think it reveals something about me and it is something that I hope I don't do much of anymore. 

2. Atticus tells Mrs. MacDonagh, "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." Then he asks her what she is going to do with the new information she has discovered. What would you do if you found out that other beings were among us? Would you deny it or embrace it?

I would love to say I'd embrace it, but I'm a pretty logical person and it would take more than someone biting on my neck for a little liquid nourishment to make me believe in other beings.  (I mean humans have some interesting fetishes too.)  I think I'd need proof multiple times before it would finally sink in.  But once I believed, I would embrace it 100%.  I love individuality and as long as no one is trying to kill me or eat me alive I'm all for it!

3. So far, Atticus has revealed a few of his powers and has even shared some power by putting bindings on Granuaile. What do you think has been his coolest or most helpful power so far?

I love his power to cast invisibility cloaks on people and things.  Just imagine the power of hiding anything and anyone.  Man I would have loved that power in high school. 

4. Atticus gets pretty pissed when he finds out that Aenghus Óg is drawing power from the Earth and, in turn, killing it. That's when Atticus decides he must fight the old Fae for committing such a heinous offense. What is something you would fight for, even if it meant you might die trying?

So I must admit I'm kind of a wuss.  I hate confrontation and will avoid it at all costs.  I know the only thing I would fight for is my family...everyone else, get your own damn body guard because I'm too cute to get shot and I seriously need to be alive so I can find Mr. Sweep-me-off-my-feet-change-my-last-name-I'll-love-you-forever-and-I'll-always-do-the-dishes.  BTW if you see him, send him my way please!     

5. What did you think of the final showdown between Atticus and Aenghus Óg? Did it go down the way you expected? Was there anything about their battle that surprised you?

The battle didn't go down as I expected.  I hate to say it, but it felt almost too easy for Atticus.  I wanted some down and dirty, gladiator style, fight to the death battle.  I love that Atticus got help, but a little more hand-to-hand combat would have been nice. 

6. What was your favorite/least favorite part of Hounded? Who was your favorite/least favorite character?

My favorite part was when Atticus would talk to Mrs. MacDonagh.  I think it showed what a great person he is and it made me like him even more.  My least favorite part would be when Atticus has Emily's head and he's thinking about sending it to the new coven.  Gross and totally inconvenient to be suck with the head of the person he hates while the cops are still him.  My favorite character (hands down) would be Oberon.  He made me laugh so much and always brought a smile to my face.  My least favorite character would be Emily...she was such a snotty brat.

7. What do you think is coming up next for Atticus? Will you continue reading this series, and if so, what do you hope to see happen in the next book?

I would like to see Atticus teach Granuaile to become a druid and maybe meet a nice girl, instead of these goddess who use and abuse him.  As for reading this next book, I already ordered it!  I can't wait to see what happens next.

Hounded Read-along: Week 4

I have been wanting to read this book for a while so when the lovely ladies from Geeky Blogger's Book Blog, On a Book Bender, Smash Attack Reads!, In the Closet With a Bibliophile, and The Unread Reader decided to host this read-along I jumped on board. Come join the fun!

Questions for Chapters 16-20

1. Just after Atticus is shot, Oberon has to "ninja" his way out of the shop and into Hal's Beamer (with the icky air freshener). Have you ever been in a situation where you had to "ninja" your way out and try not to be discovered? If so, what happened?

Shhh...you can't tell anyone but I'm actually part of a secret family of ninjas.  My code name is Chopstick.  We have some serious ninja skills so beware.  As for my non-ninja self, the last time I remember having to sneak out without being discovered was when I saw an ex-boyfriend at the store with his new girlfriend.  I ducked down a different isle, stashed the cereal I was going to buy on a shelf, and left as fast as I could.  It may be immature but it was a Friday night and I was buying cereal and renting a movie...not how you want your ex-boyfriend to picture your life.    

2. Atticus's main goal through a large portion of the book is not only protecting Oberon, but also protecting the sword. You are now living in a paranormal world and you need a weapon! What weapon do you choose and what can it do?

I want a wand...all Harry Potter style.  You can do everything with that small piece of wood.  If Harry can take down the Dark Lord, I hope I could at least cast a Patronus charm.  I think my Patronus would be a tiger.  What would yours be? 

3. To recharge and heal after being shot, Atticus sleeps naked, tattoos to the earth, in a patch of grass near the Civic Center in downtown Scottsdale. Where is the weirdest place you have ever slept?

I had to sleep at the Atlanta airport overnight because ours was the last flight of the night to get cancelled and all the hotels were filled already.  It was not a very fun experience and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. 

4. We finally find out some very interesting information about Granuaile and I don't know about you, but I certainly wasn't expecting to find that she's sharing her head with someone else. What about you, did you expect anything along those lines? If not, what were you expecting concerning Granuaile?

That blew me away.  I had no clue.  I think I was expecting her to be some goddess in disguise that would save the day. 

5. Laksha is a witch, a truly evil one at that for many of the things she's done in the past. However, she's supposedly seen the error of her ways. Do you think she really has? Would you be willing to trust her? Do you think Atticus is smart to have decided to trust her to help him with the "other" witches?

I don't think I would trust her.  I'm all for second chances, but his track record with witches is not the best.  I think Atticus needs her so he's put in a situation where he has to semi-trust her, but I think he will keep a very close eye on her. 

Hounded Read-along: Week 3

I have been wanting to read this book for a while so when the lovely ladies from Geeky Blogger's Book Blog, On a Book Bender, Smash Attack Reads!, In the Closet With a Bibliophile, and The Unread Reader decided to host this read-along I jumped on board. Come join the fun!

Questions Week 3: Chapters 11 to 15

1. I love Leif Helgarson, Viking Vampire, Esq. I have to say that combo makes a pretty cool attorney. If you could have a paranormal/mythical beastie (or combo) covering your tuckus in court, what would you choose and why?

I think I would choose a Greek god or goddess.  They are sneaky and devious and are not afraid to play dirty.  I'm too naive to go to jail.  I'd need someone who would throw out all the stops to make sure I stay out of prison.  Plus if I didn't win, then they could just kill everyone with their lightning bolt, trident, etc. 

2. The police show up to question Atticus about his Irish Wolfhound, Oberon. If you could own any dog breed, what would it be and why? (P.S. Oberon is going on my list of favorite sidekicks!)

I really enjoy Labrador retrievers.  This is a breed my family has had it whole life and I really like it.  I also like Huskies and the Husky-Pomeranian mixes are as cute as can be!

3. Malina Sokolowski and the other Sisters of the Three Auroras coven have my antennae up. What is your opinion of them?

As of now I like Malina Sokolowski, but I think the witches are up to no good.  I normally really like witches but this coven seems to be hiding something...and Emily is a whole other story.  Yikes, what a nightmare.

4. Brighid, goddess of poetry, fire and the forge, gave Atticus the power of Cold Iron, which can be used to fight off that nasty lilttle hellspawn. If you could wield one magical power, what would it be and why?

I think I would like the knowledge to be able to absorb knowledge at incredible speed and to be able to master anything I read.  That way I could become an expert at everything in a very short time.  I would be intelligent, be able to speak multiple languages, learn some serious ninja moves and hopefully improve my cooking skills. 

5. The cops show up at Atticus’ shop to search for poor Oberon, who remains magically hidden throughout the ordeal. What is the one thing you would do if you could remain hidden from sight? I want to hear some good answers for this one!

I can't think of something quite appropriate so I'll let you use your imagination. 

Hounded Read-along: Week 1

I have been wanting to read this book for a while so when the lovely ladies from Geeky Blogger's Book Blog, On a Book Bender, Smash Attack Reads!, In the Closet With a Bibliophile, and The Unread Reader decided to host this read-along I jumped on board.  Come join the fun!

Questions Week 1 (March 5th): Chapters 1 to 5

1) Kevin Hearne had the most perfect beginning for this book:  "There are many perks to living for twenty-one centuries, and formost among them is bearing witness to the rare birth of genius."  If you were to live for centuries what do you think you would be excited to see?

I would be most excited to see all the new advances in technology and healthcare.  So many new devices, cures and treatments have been created in the last 20 years and I can't even image what else is to come.  I would also hope to see society get over it's prejudices and accept all people for who they are.  And lastely of course to see a huge monument built in my honor for my pure awesomeness and because of the life-changing discovery in chemistry that I'm going to find!  Hahaha...sorry I couldn't help myself.   

2) In the 2nd chapter we learn about the amulet and its protection powers!  Do you think having met the Morrigan and heard about Aenghus Og that it will be enough to protect Atticus?  I mean the Morrigan has a point about hot chicks coming after him and his defenses might be down! He is very male!

I think the amulet will help, but ultimately it will come down to Atticus's strength, cunning, and intellect.  Heck if I had an amulet and a hot guy came near me, I'd find it more of a curse than protection. 

3) The literary world's coolest dog is introduced in this chapter!  Did you love Oberon immediately?  Show me a picture or describe the type of animal you would love to have as a talking companion! (Cat, Dog, Mouse, Sloth, Horse---what is your pick--pictures please)?

Photo courtosy of http://www.rutherfordschools.org/

I've always wanted a White Siberian Tiger as a pet.  They are gorgeous and graceful.   I bet if they could talk, they'd come across very intellectual with a bit of snark.  It would be perfect...as long as they didn't try to eat me.    

4) In this chapter Flidais asked Atticus what his name is and then precedes to ask if anyone actually believes he is Greek?  He says nobody pays attention to names here.  Do you know what your name means and where it comes from?  Or do you have a name you wish had?  Let's talk names!

Lisa is Hebrew for "God's promise."  My parents however didn't name me because of the meaning. They actually just had to come up with a name they both liked quick, because they were going to let my older sister name me, but she insisted I be named Strawberry Shortcake up until my birth.  Good thing they didn't let her decide or I think high school would have been a lot more difficult for me.    

5) We learn about Atticus' lawyers in this chapter, a rather unique combo!  Without jumping ahead, would you hire a lawyer combination of two supernaturals who on the surface would appear to be natural enemies or at the very least two very Alpha attitudes? What would be the positives and negatives of that decision.

I think I would hire a lawyer or lawyers with Alpha attitudes.  I would hope they would fight harder for me.  On the downside though they might not listen to me with their blown up Alpha male egos getting in the way of my wants and needs.