Just finished reading Hounded by Kevin Hearne which was a fantastic read.  I really enjoyed myself reading this story, so much so that I finished it in the same day and could happily pick it up and start over again!

The story is told by Atticus, a 2000 year old druid.  He lives in Arizona and runs an occult shop.  Atticus occupies a much more expanded world than your average person.  A world where witches, demons, vampires, fey and many more creatures (including Gods) roam freely and mix with the general, unknowing, public.  Atticus is bound to the earth, he protects it and receives his magic from it.  He is however in hiding.  Many years ago he took possession of (okay stole) a powerful magic sword and the previous owner wants it back, quite badly, and is focusing all his attention on finding Atticus and retrieving the blade.

I hope that I’m not giving too much away by revealing that Atticus is about to come out of hiding!  Big time.  Well, there wouldn’t be much of a story going on if he stayed in hiding after all!  Anyway, things pretty soon become quite involved!  Atticus is receiving visits from different deities, dodging the police and practically having to keep his smooth talking lawyer as his constant companion.  I won’t reveal anything more.

Basically I just loved this book and can’t wait to get the rest.  The characters are great.  Atticus is cute, cheeky, tough, capable and funny.  His friendship with his dog Oberon is brilliant and really funny – I mean, you have to love Irish Wolfhounds in the first place, but then imagine being able to communicate telepathically.  Not to mention the name Oberon – cool!  Naming your dog after the King of the Fairies – particularly when you’re being pursued by them!  The world imagined is just so full and imaginative – it’s got virtually everything you’ve ever read about before all rolled up in just one episode – which sounds as though it’s going to be overwhelming but apart from a bit of chaos it’s just great!  There’s action, romance, intrigue, fighting, werewolves, vampires, and loads of references ranging from the Monty Python’s Black Night to Star Wars and Yoda.  MMmmm, love it you will!  Well, I did at any rate.  And, what’s more I think the author had a really great time writing this, he clearly loves his characters and it shows and I have to admit that I love them too.

Gushing will stop here!

Read the book and see what you think.

Hounded