Two Tales of the Iron Druid Chronicles, by Kevin Hearne

June 5, 2024 Book Reviews 3 ★★★★

Two Tales of the Iron Druid Chronicles, by Kevin HearneTwo Tales of the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne
Published by self-published on May 18, 2015
Genres: Contemporary Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 39
Format: Kindle or ebook
Source: purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
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four-stars
Also by this author: Hounded, Hexed, Hammered, Tricked, Trapped

Two Iron Druid short stories, previously available only in limited release, have now been revised and made available worldwide!

"Kaibab Unbound" occurs just a couple of weeks before the events of HOUNDED, book one of the series. Before Atticus gets drawn into the battles of gods and monsters, he has to protect one of the earth's elementals from an accomplished coven that wants to steal its power for their own.

The events of "A Test of Mettle" happen concurrently with book 3 of the series, HAMMERED, as Granuaile MacTiernan and Oberon discover that Atticus doesn't have the final say over who can become a Druid's apprentice.

These stories serve both as an introduction to the New York Times bestselling series and as exciting background for longtime fans.

Two Tales of the Iron Druid Chronicles contains two short stories, both related (as the title suggests) to Hearne’s urban fantasy series, the Iron Druid Chronicles. The first story, “Kaibab Unbound,” is a prequel; it takes place before the events in Hounded, and begins with Atticus (the Iron Druid) and his Irish wolfhound Oberon setting off for a hunt in the Kaibab forest north of the Grand Canyon. When harm befalls the forest elemental, Atticus comes to the rescue in typical Atticus style. The second story, “A Test of Mettle,” takes place in Arizona during the events of Hammered, the third book in the series, while Atticus is elsewhere. His apprentice Granuaile is alone in the Arizona wilderness, aiding the Sonoran elemental by reducing the population of an invasive species. Unexpectedly, she finds herself facing an unexpected peril that tests her strength, courage, cleverness, and convictions to the utmost. Both stories are entertaining; I particularly enjoyed the second one, which gives a deeper insight into Granuaile’s backstory, character, and motivations.

Challenges: Read in 2023 for COYER Upside-Down, Chapt. 1

four-stars

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

  • COYER Upside-Down 2023: Chapter 1

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