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.

Bear meets Girl

Bear meets Girl is the seventh installment of Pride series.  This series is written by Shelly Laurenston. If you ever need a good laugh, this is a serious you should definitely consider picking up and adding to your library. The world is getting pretty intricate, but you still get to see most of your favorite characters from previous books. I must say I loved this side of Novikov (the previous book in the series' main character)

I really do love her world building. Maybe it's her slow talking southern wolves that hooked me long ago. I can't go on enough about the fun factor this series brings. You will find yourself laughing out loud every few pages or so.

From Laurenston's website:
"Lou Crushek is a reasonable, mellow, easygoing kind of guy—especially for a shapeshifting bear. But once someone starts killing the scumbags he works so hard to bust, that really gets under his fur. Especially when that someone is a curvy she -- tiger who's bringing his passion out of hibernation...
Marcella Malone is a member of an elite feline protection unit, and Crush is proving one major pain in her gorgeous tail. The only reason she's joined forces with him is to track down the wealthy human who's got her entire species in his ruthless sights. But there's no denying that beneath that big, burly exterior is a man who knows how to rub her in all the right ways..."

If you want a fun, light summer read; this is the book/series for you.  I have turned several of my friends into major Laurenston fans. Maybe you'll pick up her books as well. I love hearing from new converts. This book has lots of laughs, a good dose of smex and even more layering/world building into the Pride universe.

If you'd like to pick it up, or some of the others in the series check out your local books store of Amazon.com.

My long overdue post about Tricked

I waited and waited for months on the 4th Iron Druid book from Kevin Hearne and I was at the bookstore to pick up my held copy as soon as they opened on release day.  Of course I read right through that day, but I have been in such a run around with work and life and all that stuff that I'm just now getting around to sharing my thoughts...Sorry!

I loved the book, no surprise there. I love the entire universe that Hearne has created. His portrayal of all the different theologies is so appealing to me and the research that he must do to create all these stories must be painstaking.
With Tricked, he brings in more Native American mythology and its all interesting and makes a great tale.  This book like his others are chock full of great humor, especially in the form of zingers from Oberon. 
There's a lot going on in this book, but it only progresses the continuing story a bit. So, I'm really looking forward to seeing what is going to happen next, I'm just glad that I don't have to wait a year.

Overall, I loved the book, the story is fun, full of interesting details, extremely humorous and at time wildly and delightfully violent. I definitely mark it a must read. 

One more day!

So, the book I've been waiting for the most here lately comes out tomorrow.  I'll be at bookstore waiting on them to open the doors first thing.
Kevin Hearne's latest installation in his Iron Druid Chronicles will hit the shelfs on April 24th.  Tricked is the 4th book of the series about a really old and really cool druid and his dog and his adventures. Hearne does a great job of keeping the story quick and entertaining. His wit is fresh and fun and the way he writes the characters is just damn entertaining.  I recommend picking up the entire series if you haven't read them yet.

EEEk I've been bad

I've read a couple review worthy books and I'll have their reviews up shortly. I've been pacing frantically waiting for Kevin Hearne's latest and greatest to come out.

There are tons of books coming out this month and last. I need a fairy to come give me either a bn, amazon or itunes gift card so i can get my read on!

but for you viewing pleasure is a small excerpt from my book....

enjoy..

“What the eff, James? What the eff?”

“Damn it Callie Anne. Learn to cuss like an adult.” He spit out a mouthful of blood on the old wood floors. He cradled his jaw in his hand. “You sure as hell hit like one.”

“oh you flatterer.” I stormed out of the room and into the kitchen. I yanked open the freezer and grabbed a bag of frozen peas. I threw them at his face as he entered the kitchen.

“Thanks.”

“Blah, blah. Let’s get back to the part where you’ve been lying to me our whole damn lives.”

“Not lying. I can’t tell people outside of the family.”

“Well you just told me.”

“Well you’re family.”

“haven’t I always been family?”

“Yes” He sighed.

“Then why did you wait until now to tell me? Hell I’ve been seeing spooky shit my whole life and it never occurred to you, that I might like to know that you’re like me?”

“I’m not like you. We don’t really know what you’re like. But I didn’t tell you because of Molls. She’s not like either of us.”

“Still shitty of you. See, I can cuss like an adult.” I said, hands on hips.

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.

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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: Ch 16-20

Over at http://intheclosetbibliophile.blogspot.com/, is the continuation of our Iron Druid Chronicle Read Along. You should really go check this out, Love the series, love the author. Just all around fun!

Here we go....

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? 

Yes! One time I was at a music festival with my best friend. She had recently broken up with a guy and we were waxing poetic about his downfalls when BAM we see him across the street. We ducked really low and tried to hide behind a group of people. We were trying "become one" with the group all stealthy ninja like. FAILURE! He saw us. We were forced to eat our words and be nice to him. He was like a little lost puppy and he then continued to follow us from stage to stage, playing tag a long.

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 choose a bow and a quiver full of infinity iron and silver tipped arrows. I.E. it's always magically full. I honestly, would rather fight from far away and just take people out that way. Plus the arrows could turn into flaming arrows when needed. So I could set things on fire, for whatever reason necessary.

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?  

TIE: It is either on a parking deck roof or in an elevator.
My mom passed away when I was in high school. I spent ALOT fo time in the hospital. A few times I had friends stay the night with me. Well being typical teenagers we had to keep ourselves entertained. One night we went up on the roof of the parking deck and played cards all night. We had brought blankets to keep warm, so we just decided to stretch out and sleep. On another night, around the same time. We decided to hang out in one of the elevators and ride it up and down all night. Eventually we just fell asleep between 2-5 when no one was using the elevator.

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?  

I sort of thought Granuaile was going to be a Goddess or some other supernatural creature. I was not expecting her to be sharing his skull with a very old witch.

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 think for Laksha, you can trust her as far as you can throw her. She would be a great ally to have, and I would want to be on her good side. However, I wouldn't trust her more than I absolutely had to. Your actions speak louder than your words. She would have to prove to me that she deserved my trust.