Two ravens and a very badass crow

Just finished Kevin Hearne's Two Ravens and One Crow.  It was brief, quickly read, and as always entertaining.  My calling it brief was not a complaint or form of criticism, it is as intended a novella, about 52 pages(not counting the sneak peek at Trapped) long(Nook pages), and fills in some blanks.  You see, between the last installation about everyone's favorite druid and the next, 12 years in the story and several months reader wise will have passed, so Mr. Hearne, being the awesomely cool guy he is, decided to provide us with a wee bit of filler on both accounts.

The story takes place 6 years after Tricked and gives us a little insight to a few things.  We learn about the Morrigan's unique perspective of baseball, a peek at the progression of the dynamic between Atticus and Granuille and what I am sure will be some background to explain some of how Atticus will be interacting with the Norse in Trapped.

One nugget of detail that I really appreciated was the dive into how the druid gets his ink repaired. That was definitely interesting. 

There wasn't as much banter with Oberon, but there wasn't much opportunity with the length of the story.  As always, I was left wanting more, not in a dissatisfied, the story needed more way, but in a, darnit, I love this story and could just keep reading on and on about anything Kevin Hearne writes kind of way.

All in all, I'm happy that he took the time to pen it for us to read. I hope Kevin knows how much we all really love his story and I for one appreciate him for giving us some filler.  Now I'm ready Trapped. 

I will add one more thing, if you haven't read the other books in this series, you will be lost if you just pick this one up. It's not intended to be a stand alone read, so don't try it, you will be doing yourself a huge injustice.  Buy the books, all of them, start at the beginning. They aren't expensive and they are well worth the time. 
-Del

http://www.kevinhearne.com
http://www.twitter.com/kevinhearne
https://twitter.com/IrishOberon

Tricked; Dianne's Take

kevinhearne.com

I know you've read Del's take on Tricked earlier. I have been dragging my feet about posting this update. I don't know why exactly. But life has just been getting in the way lately.

Don't take my procrastination as a slight against the series, or this particular book. This installment continued to hammer on home what I've been saying all along about Kevin Hearne. He is a masterful world builder. The amount of lore he weaves into his world, is a key indicator of his exceptional writing style.

He effortlessly went from his last installment which landed Atticus heavy with the Norse, to this story which had him Ass-Deep into trouble with the Dine (Navajo) Gods.

As in the previous three books, Oberon is mega charming and one of the most shining beacons in the story. If this story doesn't make you 1. want to buy an Irish Wolfhound or 2. fall in love with a fictional hound dog, you have no soul.
Coyote is one of my favorite characters in IDC world. He's neither a good or bad character. He's just Coyote. Which If you've read any Native American stories about Coyote, you'll understand that Trickster gods are always to be watched out for and never to be trusted.

The Norse is still a problem and Atticus is coming to realize that for all his 2,000 years in this world, he doesn't always make the best decisions. There is also a resolution of sorts with the local resident vampire.

I was very happy with this book. I felt like he wrapped up a few loose ends and opened the book up for the fifth installment. Again, I always recommend this series. It's smartly written, it's fun and it's worth the read.

I give it an A++

I am super excited y'all. If all goes right we will be heading to Nashville to meet Mr. Kevin Hearne on June 9th at his book signing at Parnassus Books. Let's cross our fingers and hope that nothing happens to throw a wrench in those plans.

Kiss Me I'm Irish Read Along: Ch 21-25 + Epilogue

I have really enjoyed this read along. I will absolutely do more in the future. It's been fun seeing others blogs and reading their opinions on the book. I'm sort of sad that this is the final week. Well here goes the final section.

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?



When someone entrusts me with information, my lips are sealed. I'll take it to the grave. I can't think of a single time I've spilled a big secret. These lips are sealed!



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 embrace it whole-heartedly. I think the world is full of wondrous things and why deny a few more ingredients.

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 know it is probably one of his tamer powers, but I love his ability to talk with Oberon. Oberon is great and has his back. I think his ability to interact with Oberon is one of the most fulfilling powers I've encountered in fiction.

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?


The safety of my family and our freedom to live our life the way we want.


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?





I was surprised with the hell spawn. But I was super excited when he got brought down the Hell instead of the Morrigan coming for him.

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


This sounds like such a cop out, but I do not have a least favorite part of Hounded. I loved the whole book and wouldn't change a thing. With that said, I don't really have a least favorite character. I mean you totally have to hate the witches, but they had to be there. Plus  I loved how terrible he made them.

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?


EEEEK! I've already read the next books. For anyone debating whether or not to do so, I say DO IT!! They are wonderful.

---

Read-alongers: If you have CAPTCHA on your blog, please consider turning it off (even for the day). With the new CAPTCHA system on Blogger, it is even more difficult and annoying to comment, especially if someone is trying to comment from a phone or tablet. Truth is, many commentors now skip over blogs with CAPTCHA. To keep commenting simple and fun for everyone, please turn CAPTCHA off. If you need insturctions on how to turn CAPTCHA off, visit this post: CAPTCHA: How to Eradicate Evil.

Hounded Discussion Schedule:

March 02nd: Chapters 1-5 hosted by Geeky Blogger's Book Blog
March 09th: Chapters 6-10 hosted by On a Book Bender
March 16th: Chapters 11-15 hosted by Smash Attack Reads!
March 23rd: Chapters 16-20 hosted by In the Closet With a Bibliophile
March 30th: Chapters 21-25 + epilogue hosted by The Unread Reader
April 06th: Special interview with Kevin Hearne & announcement of winners!

What you could win:

Everyone who signs up for the read-along and participates each week will be entered for a chance to win one of three prizes. Best part: there will one winner per prize! The first name drawn will get first choice and so on. Wondering what's up for grabs? A Third Eye Tote Bag, a Sausage Fest Pint Glass, and a personalized, signed copy of any book in the Iron Druid Chronicles.

International participants: The giveaway is open to you as well (as long as The Book Depository delivers to your country), though the prize is limited to any book in the Iron Druid Chronicles (not signed).

Grab a button:

Kiss Me I'm Irish Read Along: Week 3

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 would definitely go with a vampire. He could charm the jury if need be, making them find me Not Guilty!

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 love oberon and an Irish wolfhound is definitely high up on the list, but I have such a soft spot for Basset  Hounds! 

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

I do not trust them at all. In my eyes, they would screw over Atticus if it served them, or even if it didn't, just to prove that they could.  They're sort of scary.

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 want to be able to teleport. It could be offensive or defensive. If you're stuck in a no win situation, you just leave. If you need to sneak up on someone, well you're never in one place too long.

 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 would spy on people all the time. I would go to big governmental meetings and see what's really going on. I would go to big sports teams and see who's really going to snag Peyton Manning!

Hounded Read Along Week 2

Over at http://onabookbender.com/ we're doing the second installment of the read along for hounded. so go over and give it a shot!

________________________________
Discussion Questions for Chapters 6 — 10
1. In Chapter 6, Atticus goes hunting with Oberon and Flidais. What was supposed to be a fun hunting trip turned rather disastrous. Were you expecting something like this to happen or did it catch you by surprise? Have you ever had something that should have been fun turn disastrous or nearly disastrous?

I was caught off guard by the disastrous turn. I felt so bad for oberon. poor chap. I feel like my life is one walking disaster after the other. Heck, simple dinners turn into trips to the hospital in my life.

2. We are only briefly introduced to the witches (or, a witch) in chapter 7. What are your first impressions? How much would you trust the witches? Why?

My first impression was that they shouldn't be trusted. I just didn't get  a good vibe.
 
3. Oberon says, “With dogs you just go up and smell their asses and you know where you stand. It’s so much easier. Why can’t humans do that?” Do you ever wish there was an easier way to find out where you stand with someone (besides Oberon’s suggestion, of course)? In what cases would it be easier or better to hide your true feelings?

I believe just putting it all out there is better than not knowing. A lot of times we make wrong moves, or try to impress people, or try too hard to be something we're not, only to get along with others.  I think if most people grew some thicker skin we'd be better off not hiding our feelings at all.

4. Chapter 9 makes Atticus’ life much more difficult: the witches are in some way working with Aeghus Og, Bres comes after Atticus, and more trouble appears at the end of the chapter. Have you made sense of what has happened thus far? Any predictions for what might happen?

eeek I've already read the books....

5. Atticus has had plenty of time to cultivate attitudes and ethics that would allow him to live a very long time. What do you think it is about Atticus that has allowed him to live for as long as he has?

He keeps a cool head. He's seen it all, and knows when to be "zen-like" and when to kick butt. He doesn't go off after every battle that comes before him, he doesn't pick fights, he just wants to live in his little piece of the world, doing his druid thing. 

Cage Match

Over at SUVUDU there is a cage match a brewing. Votes start today around 10 am est. Our favorite druid is involved. So go on over and give Atticus your vote. I mean c'mon he's a super ancient druid bounding around the Tempe, Arizona area. He's slaying Gods, dealing with witches, and spending time with a very lovable Irish Wolf hound.

Go Check out Kevin's blog for more details about atticus. Heck just go pick up the books.

Iron Druid 1 Read Along Chapters 1-4

Hello everyone!

This is going to be a mega busy blog week. I have so much to review. I am extra excited about this. Plus I plan on leaving a short excerpt from the book that I AM WRITING. yes you read that right, i am going to drop a good little sneak peak at my newest creative venture.
But on to the read along. If you'd like to join, go over to the Geeky Blogger's page and sign on up.

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 think I would for sure love to see the changing dynamics of the world powers. You see some countries rise and fall, while others quietly take their place. Also, the evolution of architecture. I would love to see all the new juxtaposed against the old.

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 felt that atticus was such an old druid, that he hadn't lived through all the craziness by pure chance. I think it would be good protection to a certain point.

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)?
I fell so dang hard for Oberon. I don't think I have ever wanted to adopt a literary animal quite as bad as him. He's so dern lovable!
and you said anything....

 

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!

Diane is the french version of the latin name Diana. She was the goddess of the hunt (Roman mythos) and the daughter of Jupiter. She was the roman counter to Artemis.

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 absolutely would! They would strive to be the most awesome lawyers possible. I would never doubt their loyalyt because once a werewolf gives you his word, it's stone. 

Book Read Along Announcement

In celebration of Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid's fourth installment being released in April the lovely ladies over at Geeky Blogger's Book Blog are doing a "Kiss me, I'm Irish" read along. They'll be going through a set of chapters each week, and sending out question. We will be participating, so tune in each week starting March 02, for our participation.

Squee!

I've mentioned Kevin Hearne several times in this blog. His Iron Druid Chronicles series, is awesome. Super entertaining, smart, and all around enjoyable. I can't even express how excited I was to find out that he is coming to Nashville in June 2012. You see, Nashville is just a couple hours away, and I know I am so going to be there. It's funny, as soon as he posted his summer travel schedule, the brother and I both were like "THERE!".

Needless to say, you should all go to his website and check out his tour schedule. Also, if you haven't you should check out his books.