Audiobook review: Trapped by Kevin Hearne
Twelve years have past since the last book, and Granuaile has finished her Druidic apprenticeship. While looking for a safe place to bind her to Gaia, Atticus discovers that Loki is free and the Olympian pantheons are plotting his demise. It even appears that someone within the Tuatha Dé Danann is working against Atticus.
Starting my re-listen of Trapped, I found that I remembered little from the book until events happened. I enjoyed being “surprised,” as it felt a bit more like listening for the first time than the previous titles. With that said, originally I absolutely LOVED Trapped; however, this time around, I felt it was good, but I also found myself bored at times. Maybe because subconsciously I remembered more than I thought, or perhaps, since I know how the series ends, I am looking more to the end rather than enjoying the journey.
The best part of Trapped is the deepening connection between Atticus and Granuaile. The book isn’t a romance, but their love is true and a delicious addition to the overall mythology and storylines. I’ve grown to care about Atticus, Granuaile, and Oberon, making their journeys more emotional with each book. All three characters have matured so much since the first book. Especially Granuaile, who is now a full Druid. Yet she still has so much awe for the world around her. Having Atticus reconnect and rediscover the wonders of the earth and other planes through Granuaile, in effect allows me the same discoveries and awe-inspiring experiences.
I also appreciate the direction the author has taken with the overall story arc. Atticus continues to pay for his crimes when he chose to help Leif seek revenge against Thor instead of walking away. It was one thing to kill Angus Og, who had been hunting him, but to cause such destruction to the Norse pantheon was simply outrageous. Each lie he told is coming back to haunt him. Every life he took is rebounding karmically. Atticus is both remorseful and accepting of past choices, yet he remains cocky.
Narration: Luke Daniels continues to surprise and amaze me with his consistently strong narration. Not only has he mastered the voice for Atticus, Granuaile, and Oberon (which I completely love!), but his wealth of accents for all creatures great and small is astounding. He seems to fit each character’s personality with a slight inflection here and there, or an outrageous accent when called for. He softens his voice for gentler characters, rasps it for deadly ones, booms loudly for thunder gods, and some how works in jovial mirth into others, making each voice utterly unique and memorable.
In the end, I enjoyed my re-listen of Trapped. The story sets the stage for future tales, and I wonder how Atticus can right his wrongs and save the world without dying.
My Ratings
Story: B
Narration: A+
Jen
About the Book:
After twelve years of secret training, Atticus O’Sullivan is finally ready to bind his apprentice, Granuaile, to the earth and double the number of Druids in the world. But on the eve of the ritual, the world that thought he was dead abruptly discovers that he’s still alive, and they would much rather he return to the grave.
Having no other choice, Atticus, his trusted Irish wolfhound, Oberon, and Granuaile travel to the base of Mount Olympus, where the Roman god Bacchus is anxious to take his sworn revenge—but he’ll have to get in line behind an ancient vampire, a band of dark elves, and an old god of mischief, who all seem to have KILL THE DRUID at the top of their to-do lists.
Author: Kevin Hearne
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles #5
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Audiobook Release Date: November 27, 2012
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins
Source: purchased
Audio Speed: 1.5x
Purchase info:
Audible/Amazon (affilate link)