Audiobook review: Hexed by Kevin Hearne
Starting my re-listen of Hexed, the second title in Mr. Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles, I realized I had the order of events wrong in my memory and enjoyed being “surprised” by what goes down in this one (I recalled it happened later in the series). The story expands Atticus’s world beyond the personal grudges of the Celtic Fae, although he must still deal with the outfall of his battle with Angus Og. I really like how every pantheon, and even multiple versions of each deity, exists in this world. Mr. Hearne is able to build upon what was established in the first book, while creating new and interesting characters and mythology. Even with several new players and mythologies, I didn’t feel confused or overwhelmed.
Atticus is a character that could easily walk away from the trouble brewing around him, after all, he didn’t survive for two millennia by heading head-first into adversity. So I appreciate his reason for staying around and helping to protect the East Valley, out of concern for the land that was damaged in the first title. He’s not a noble protector; rather a practical hero, which is genuine and refreshing.
The interactions with other characters and friendships Atticus develops give the series heart. His relationship with his more-than-a-dog Oberon is both sincere and entertaining. However, it’s his fondness for his widowed neighbor and his respect for her faith that truly made me smile this time around. I love how this 2,000 year old man is a “youngster” to the widow.
One thing that I did not care for in Hexed was the voice and persona presented for the Native American Coyote god. After loving the character of Coyote in the Mercy Thompson series, I found him to be unlikeable as presented in Atticus’s world. Second, Coyote’s attitude is no fun. He was really not a trickster god, but rather, a pain in the ass and just mean. I was thankful his part was limited to the first part of the book.
Narration: The story is shared via the first person of Atticus, who is hiding out as an American, and therefore speaks with an American accent. Mr. Daniels successfully alters dialogue based on gender, species, age, and ethnic origin, making each character wholly unique. And my love for Atticus’s Irish wolf hound, Oberon, is something fierce. He sounds just like I would imagine. Mr. Daniel’s captures the essence of Mr. Hearne’s characters and makes them more. He fills each with emotion, therefore making the events that much more memorable and real. That said, I absolutely HATED Mr. Daniels’s voice for Coyote! The twangy, slow, cowboy accent did not suit a native god in my head. And when Atticus started using the same accent, it made me bonkers, and it was hard to tell who was talking.
Overall, I enjoyed my second outing with Atticus and his friends.
My Ratings
Story: B
Narration: B
Jen
About the Book:
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.
Author: Kevin Hearne
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Audiobook Release Date: June 7, 2011
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins
Source: purchased
Audio Speed: 1.4x
Purchase info:
Audible/Amazon (affilate link)