Besieged by Kevin Hearne

Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles (Book 8.5)

Link to Review of Book 1:

https://www.krwardbookreview.com/2019/05/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none_11.html

Title: Besieged

Author: Kevin Hearne

Published: 2017

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Grade Level: Adult

-Movie Rating: R, for mild vulgar language and mild sexual content

-Extra Notes: This novel does need to be read in order to fully understand the events in book 9 (Scourged).

 

Audiobook:

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 8hrs 47min

Recommend: Yes!

 

Blurb (from goodreads):

In ancient Egypt, Atticus agrees to raid a secret chamber underneath the library of Alexandria, dodging deadly traps, only to learn that on-site security includes two members of the Egyptian pantheon.

At a Kansas carnival, fun and games turns to murder and mayhem, thanks to soul-snatching demons and flesh-craving ghouls luring visitors into an all-too-real house of horrors.

Verily, in olde England, striking up a friendship with William Shakespeare lands both Atticus and the Bard in boiling hot water with a trio of infamous witches.

During the Gold Rush, the avatar of greed himself turns the streets of San Francisco red with blood and upsets the elemental Sequoia. Atticus may have to fight fire with fire if he’s going to restore balance.

More, you say? Indeed there is—including bogeymen, vampire hordes, wrathful wraiths, and even a journey to the realm of the dead. Prepare to be besieged with nine tantalizing tales—not to be missed, never to be forgotten.

My Scores:

Writing Style: Solid

Characters: Fully Developed

Plot: Slow Burn

I dove headfirst in to book 9 (Scourged) only to be informed (by the novel) that I should probably read book 8.5 (Besieged) first. Anthologies aren’t really something I enjoy, so I wasn’t looking forward to reading this book.

Overall, the stories were pleasant to read. I felt there was more development of Owen Kennedy and Granuaile, but not of the MC, Atticus O'Sullivan. 

I adored Atticus’ POV at the beginning of this series, but now his voice feels flat and robotic. I no longer get a sense of his personality through his voice.

What I didn’t expect is how much I grew to love reading the POV of the arch druid, Owen Kennedy. He’s a unique combination of a brash outer shell with an inner golden heart that really got me attached to his character. 

Overall: Enjoyable

I enjoyed most of the short stories, even if a few of them have slow pacing.

 

Goodreads Rating: 3 out of 5 stars