What do you think?
Rate this book
The Iron Druid Chronicles #3.5
A Test of Mettle
This wee story, told from Granuaile’s point of view, takes place concurrently with the events of HAMMERED, book three of The Iron Druid Chronicles. It is available for free on the author's website.
10 pages, ebook
First published December 2, 2011
15 people are currently reading
5028 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Hearne
70 books12.8k followersKevin is the NYT bestselling author of the Iron Druid Chronicles, as well as The Seven Kennings, an epic fantasy trilogy, and the Tales of Pell, a humorous fantasy series co-authored with Delilah S. Dawson. INK & SIGIL, a new urban fantasy series set in the Iron Druid universe, will be out in 2020.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
March 16, 2018
Interesting to get the view of some of the trials it takes to become a Druid.
March 8, 2016
A Test of Mettle by Kevin Hearne is a short story in his Iron Druid series and is written to be during the same time as Hammered, the third novel in the series.
This story is unique in this cycle because it does not feature Atticus O’Sullivan as the protagonist but rather his Druid student, Granuaile MacTiernan. While Atticus and his troupe are attacking Asgard, Granuaile and Oberon have stayed back to do some good earth work with Sonora the local earth elemental.
In my review of Hammered, I observed that Hearne had missed the mark somewhat, lacking the personality and charm of his other Iron Druid works I had read. A Test of Mettle demonstrates that quality from Hammered that was missing.
Using Granuaile’s introspective thoughts on her apprenticeship and with a narrative crafted for the Druidic theme, Hearne captures the tone of some of his best Iron Druid writing and expands the depth of the series with some quality time developing Granuaile’s character.
This story is unique in this cycle because it does not feature Atticus O’Sullivan as the protagonist but rather his Druid student, Granuaile MacTiernan. While Atticus and his troupe are attacking Asgard, Granuaile and Oberon have stayed back to do some good earth work with Sonora the local earth elemental.
In my review of Hammered, I observed that Hearne had missed the mark somewhat, lacking the personality and charm of his other Iron Druid works I had read. A Test of Mettle demonstrates that quality from Hammered that was missing.
Using Granuaile’s introspective thoughts on her apprenticeship and with a narrative crafted for the Druidic theme, Hearne captures the tone of some of his best Iron Druid writing and expands the depth of the series with some quality time developing Granuaile’s character.
February 27, 2017
Very short story, but very good, of course. Granuaile is in the first stages of her Druid training. She is tested while she is alone. Hearne is a master at putting a lot of suspense into just s few pages.
August 10, 2016
Original review over at Fantasy Book Critic
This story can be read free over at the author's website
A Test Of Mettle is featured in the e-book version of Hammered. The short story is about 9-10 pages long and occurs side-by-side with the latter half of Hammered. A Test of Mettle is narrated in the first-person by Granuaile MacTiernan, who must perform a task set to her by an elemental, while overcoming the expectations of the pantheon to which her new status is associated with. Accompanying Granuaile on her task is Oberon.
A Test Of Mettle reveals a small, but significant part of Granuaile’s past which I believe might factor in future volumes. The pace of the story is rather fast and it was good to see Kevin give Granuaile a narrative voice distinctive from Atticus’s. The short story also reveals a bit about a certain pantheon, which happens to establish Atticus’s views of that pantheon from the earlier books. Overall, I thought A Test Of Mettle was a nice addition to Hammered, making an already great book even better...
This story can be read free over at the author's website
A Test Of Mettle is featured in the e-book version of Hammered. The short story is about 9-10 pages long and occurs side-by-side with the latter half of Hammered. A Test of Mettle is narrated in the first-person by Granuaile MacTiernan, who must perform a task set to her by an elemental, while overcoming the expectations of the pantheon to which her new status is associated with. Accompanying Granuaile on her task is Oberon.
A Test Of Mettle reveals a small, but significant part of Granuaile’s past which I believe might factor in future volumes. The pace of the story is rather fast and it was good to see Kevin give Granuaile a narrative voice distinctive from Atticus’s. The short story also reveals a bit about a certain pantheon, which happens to establish Atticus’s views of that pantheon from the earlier books. Overall, I thought A Test Of Mettle was a nice addition to Hammered, making an already great book even better...
November 1, 2012
Holy... moly. I'm still shell shocked from reading book 3, so this short story helped bring me back to earth and reminded me that ALL IS NOT FLAILY FLAILY FLAIL HANDS IN THE WORLD OF MY FAVORITE #NAKEDDRUID! It's just, you know, mostly flaily with a tiny side of flail.
Anyway. I loved seeing Granuaile's perspective on what becoming a Druid means to her. Her joy at helping the land heal in even the smallest way was sweet and so... Atticus. I liked being in her head. It was fun. Even when it wasn't. Go figure.
This book was a free download I picked up 10/16/12 from the author's website for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Anyway. I loved seeing Granuaile's perspective on what becoming a Druid means to her. Her joy at helping the land heal in even the smallest way was sweet and so... Atticus. I liked being in her head. It was fun. Even when it wasn't. Go figure.
This book was a free download I picked up 10/16/12 from the author's website for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 6, 2018
REALLY enjoyed this interlude from Granuaile’s point of view. It takes place during the time frame of book three, while Atticus and the boys are away. She and Oberon are out working with Sonora, the local earth elemental, when they are set upon by Fae goddesses who "test her mettle" to see if she is worthy of continuing her Druid studies. It was short but packed a lot into just a few pages. I really love Granuaile and hope that she is a long-term character. And my main man Oberon!
June 27, 2014
This was a quick little novella tucked in at the back of one of the Iron Druid books, Hammered. I liked it. It was the story of Atticus' apprentice and her test - was she worthy of being a druid. It fleshed out her back story and let me get to know her a bit more. Definitely worth the time to read.
January 19, 2018
Short story about Granuaile and her druid beginings while Atticus is away. It reminded me how much I liked Iron Druid Chronicles
August 28, 2018
Stupendous.
/rant.
A misguided attempt to prove Hearne’s ability to write feminine characters. We are presented with Granuaile’s solo mission to remove invasive crayfish from a river - complete with the stereotypical tears, poetry, fierceness, & Emotion expected of The Woman. What I got from the brief jaunt through this book was a slow, steady, perfect-for-stewing cook fire of indignation. The man can write a perfectly passable urban fantasy for the geeks of high fantasy - you know the ones. Cis, heterosexual, sexual, romantic-ish white guys who think armour for women is what Princess Leia wore in Return of the Jedi. I’m reading the series on the recommendation of friends, & I’m going to finish it… but man, imma use this indignation to cook a stew up & pour it out in these reviews because the shit that is going on in this series is Not Okay.
/end rant.
/rant.
A misguided attempt to prove Hearne’s ability to write feminine characters. We are presented with Granuaile’s solo mission to remove invasive crayfish from a river - complete with the stereotypical tears, poetry, fierceness, & Emotion expected of The Woman. What I got from the brief jaunt through this book was a slow, steady, perfect-for-stewing cook fire of indignation. The man can write a perfectly passable urban fantasy for the geeks of high fantasy - you know the ones. Cis, heterosexual, sexual, romantic-ish white guys who think armour for women is what Princess Leia wore in Return of the Jedi. I’m reading the series on the recommendation of friends, & I’m going to finish it… but man, imma use this indignation to cook a stew up & pour it out in these reviews because the shit that is going on in this series is Not Okay.
/end rant.
December 27, 2012
It was nice to read something in the Iron Druid universe that a) wasn't inside Atticus's head, and b) told us more about his apprentice, which we know little enough about, other than that Atticus finds her to be as intelligent as he finds her to be sexy. Don't mistake this three-star review for a drop in quality, it just wasn't long and substantial enough to warrant a "love it!" ranking. It is definitely a must read for anyone that's read the novels in the series, as it gives insight into Granuaile's training while Atticus is off in Asgard.
June 25, 2013
Quick coming of age story for our druid's apprentice, giving us a pov we haven't seen before. Interesting to see from her eyes.
May 21, 2017
Granuaile is a favorite secondary character in the Iron Druid Chronicles series. Loved getting this short story that takes place during Hammered from her perspective as she completes a Druidic task for Sonora the desert elemental. Oberon and a bit of a surprise adventure round it out nicely.
October 28, 2022
Not as strong as Kaibab Unbound, but better than the other two novellas at this point in the story timeline.
April 4, 2022
Кратка история, която беше бонус към третата книга. Разказва се от Грануел и е за първата ѝ мисия, дадена ѝ от Сонора. Действието е по времето, когато Атик атакува Асите. Грануел неочаквано бива изпитана от Туата Де Данан, явно поради липса на други друиди.
Тук да си кажа, че не разбрах щом това изпитание, което си е на живот и смърт, е очаквало Грануел, как по дяволите Атик грам не се притесни за нея цяла книга по дяволите?
Тук да си кажа, че не разбрах щом това изпитание, което си е на живот и смърт, е очаквало Грануел, как по дяволите Атик грам не се притесни за нея цяла книга по дяволите?
December 31, 2011
I like the purpose of this story, it is a very important part of the Druid lore. My reason for 3 stars instead of 4 is that I believe it needs to be flushed out a bit more. Such an important trial deserves a more thorough handling. Still, a good read!
April 9, 2021
It was interesting to hear the story from Granualie's point of view and I really liked the little back story.
September 23, 2016
Very short story with Oberon and Granuaile!
April 6, 2018
Meh. It was ok, a bit boring. But good to get the meaning behind when she finally told Atticus about it.
January 21, 2020
Enjoyable. Kept me entertained on my trip into London.
I liked that it was from Grannies point of view.
Short, simple, but sweet the tone on how she will be a druid.
I liked that it was from Grannies point of view.
Short, simple, but sweet the tone on how she will be a druid.
August 24, 2024
Holy Shit! This book was incredible! I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to read the next book!
January 19, 2018
3.75 stars
I wanted a little bit more from Granuile, so I got a little bit more
I wanted a little bit more from Granuile, so I got a little bit more
April 7, 2020
Fun little short where we see Granuille doing her first druidy duty.
November 30, 2012
This was an interesting short story told from Granuaile’s point of view. As the description states the events in this book occur concurrently to the events in Hammer (book #3), so it’s best to read #3 before this one.
Granuaile is an interesting character in this series considering she’s the only positive female besides the widow in Atticus’ life. Unlike the goddesses and witches in the series she’s not seeking revenge on anyone or using her womanly charms to get what she wants. She’s just a cool, go with the flow kind of chick studying to be a druid. Unfortunately, in the last two books Granuaile has taken a back seat. She’s in the beginning of the stories, but a third of the way through we seem to lose her a bit. Atticus gives her something to work on and off she goes. So this story was a nice way of getting to know Granuaile and see what she’s doing during those times she’s not in the story.
In this particular story Granuaile is helping the elemental Sonora with a pest control problem. It was interesting to see how Granuaile’s studies are evolving and how the whole druid thing works. The druid magic is explained in bits here and there by Atticus, but because he’s been doing it for so long his powers and how they work are never fully explained. In Hammer, readers get a nice lesson on how to talk to elementals, but in this story we get an understanding of how it feels to actually talk to an elemental through Granuaile’s point of view. It’s refreshing to see something through a newbie’s eyes.
It’s also nice to see what it actually takes to be a druid. Let’s face it Atticus is pretty bad ass, but are all druids like this or just him? Since he’s the only druid in the series this has never been answered. However, this short story shows that you have to have some badassness along with some cleverness in order to even pass into the next step of druid lessons. I look forward to more of these short stories and to see what becomes of Granuaile. I think she’s going to a force to be reckon with once all is said and done.
Granuaile is an interesting character in this series considering she’s the only positive female besides the widow in Atticus’ life. Unlike the goddesses and witches in the series she’s not seeking revenge on anyone or using her womanly charms to get what she wants. She’s just a cool, go with the flow kind of chick studying to be a druid. Unfortunately, in the last two books Granuaile has taken a back seat. She’s in the beginning of the stories, but a third of the way through we seem to lose her a bit. Atticus gives her something to work on and off she goes. So this story was a nice way of getting to know Granuaile and see what she’s doing during those times she’s not in the story.
In this particular story Granuaile is helping the elemental Sonora with a pest control problem. It was interesting to see how Granuaile’s studies are evolving and how the whole druid thing works. The druid magic is explained in bits here and there by Atticus, but because he’s been doing it for so long his powers and how they work are never fully explained. In Hammer, readers get a nice lesson on how to talk to elementals, but in this story we get an understanding of how it feels to actually talk to an elemental through Granuaile’s point of view. It’s refreshing to see something through a newbie’s eyes.
It’s also nice to see what it actually takes to be a druid. Let’s face it Atticus is pretty bad ass, but are all druids like this or just him? Since he’s the only druid in the series this has never been answered. However, this short story shows that you have to have some badassness along with some cleverness in order to even pass into the next step of druid lessons. I look forward to more of these short stories and to see what becomes of Granuaile. I think she’s going to a force to be reckon with once all is said and done.
July 23, 2015
Este corto relata, narrado desde el punto de vista de Granuaile, ocurre en simultaneo con los acontecimientos de Hammered.
Luego de la partida de Atticus a Midgard, Granuaile debe realizar su primer trabajo para Sonora, el elemental de la tierra. Acompañada por Oberón, la druida infante deberá sortear una prueba de valor llevada a cabo por los Tuatha Dé Danan.
Me agrado el punto de vista de Granuaile, ella ve poesía y magia en la naturaleza, todo es novedoso. Un gran cambio con respecto al experimentado Atticus, quién no siempre se detiene a explicarnos ciertas cosas.
Al mismo tiempo, llegamos a ver parte de los demonios pasados que acosan a Granuaile y la fuerte convicción que la llevan a desear algo más en su vida.
Lo malo (y la razón por la que se lleva 3 estrellas) es que es demasiado corto para mi gusto y podría haber profundizado más en los pensamientos de Granuaile al encontrase sola en esta misión. Me gustaría leer mucho más desde su punto de vista.
Luego de la partida de Atticus a Midgard, Granuaile debe realizar su primer trabajo para Sonora, el elemental de la tierra. Acompañada por Oberón, la druida infante deberá sortear una prueba de valor llevada a cabo por los Tuatha Dé Danan.
Me agrado el punto de vista de Granuaile, ella ve poesía y magia en la naturaleza, todo es novedoso. Un gran cambio con respecto al experimentado Atticus, quién no siempre se detiene a explicarnos ciertas cosas.
Al mismo tiempo, llegamos a ver parte de los demonios pasados que acosan a Granuaile y la fuerte convicción que la llevan a desear algo más en su vida.
Lo malo (y la razón por la que se lleva 3 estrellas) es que es demasiado corto para mi gusto y podría haber profundizado más en los pensamientos de Granuaile al encontrase sola en esta misión. Me gustaría leer mucho más desde su punto de vista.
January 24, 2013
Though A Test of Mettle is listed as 3.5 in this series, it can be read after Tricked (as I did) without issue. In fact, there were references to what happened to Granuaile (i.e., the events of A Test of Mettle) in Tricked, and it only served to pique my interest in this short story. And you should read it, too!
I think one thing that I appreciate about this story--and Kevin Hearne's writing ability in general--is that it has a different feel and tone than the stories that Atticus narrates. It made Granuaile more of her own person. At the same time, we still get the same Oberon. (Yes, Oberon!) We still get the same world. Just...Granuaile as Granuaile. Good stuff.
A Test of Mettle clocks in at about 10 pages. Not a lot, but it serves its purpose well. If you're already invested in the Iron Druid Chronicles, this is a short story you won't want to miss.
A Test of Mettle was a free short story I downloaded from Kevin Hearne's website on January 22, 2013 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
I think one thing that I appreciate about this story--and Kevin Hearne's writing ability in general--is that it has a different feel and tone than the stories that Atticus narrates. It made Granuaile more of her own person. At the same time, we still get the same Oberon. (Yes, Oberon!) We still get the same world. Just...Granuaile as Granuaile. Good stuff.
A Test of Mettle clocks in at about 10 pages. Not a lot, but it serves its purpose well. If you're already invested in the Iron Druid Chronicles, this is a short story you won't want to miss.
A Test of Mettle was a free short story I downloaded from Kevin Hearne's website on January 22, 2013 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
December 25, 2011
This is a short story told from Granuaile’s point of view and takes place while Atticus is off in Asgard during the 3rd book Hammered.
This is a fantastic little foray into her adventures and mindset while helping the Earth elemental Sonora and involves a major stand off between her and some of the members of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
Oberon cannot communicate directly with words in this story since Granuaile doen't have that ability yet so it was a bit less humorous but still very good.
You also get to learn more about what it takes to really be a Druid initiate and some of the tests involved so that you can prove yourself worthy of such powers.
So in this story it all comes down to GIRL POWER! And Granuaile does not disappoint! Atticus definitely picked the right girl for the job and I cannot wait to see her grow more over the next 3 books in the series.
This is a fantastic little foray into her adventures and mindset while helping the Earth elemental Sonora and involves a major stand off between her and some of the members of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
Oberon cannot communicate directly with words in this story since Granuaile doen't have that ability yet so it was a bit less humorous but still very good.
You also get to learn more about what it takes to really be a Druid initiate and some of the tests involved so that you can prove yourself worthy of such powers.
So in this story it all comes down to GIRL POWER! And Granuaile does not disappoint! Atticus definitely picked the right girl for the job and I cannot wait to see her grow more over the next 3 books in the series.
December 1, 2012
An interesting story, but odd in that Granuaile's voice switches between deep formality and the still considered but more modern tones I'd be inclined to assign her.
I'm not overly surprised though. This is in line with my persistent issues with Atticus' voice. Though I like him and I am enjoying the series, I find him hard to connect to. It's as if the distance he maintains from the people in his life is extended to the reader, despite the series being first person narrative.
I'd love to see a scene between Granuaile and Atticus from her point of view, showing us how his efforts to fit in truly appear to more modern eyes. I'm also looking forward to more of her training and it's fun and enlightening to get glimpses of this world from a newbie.
I'm not overly surprised though. This is in line with my persistent issues with Atticus' voice. Though I like him and I am enjoying the series, I find him hard to connect to. It's as if the distance he maintains from the people in his life is extended to the reader, despite the series being first person narrative.
I'd love to see a scene between Granuaile and Atticus from her point of view, showing us how his efforts to fit in truly appear to more modern eyes. I'm also looking forward to more of her training and it's fun and enlightening to get glimpses of this world from a newbie.
May 27, 2015
This story is another short one, available on Hearne's website.
It's from Granuaile's point of view & it kind of sucks. She's helping remove some invasive species (crawdad, of all things) & waxes poetic about it. Blech. I don't know if it's because he's trying to write from a woman's perspective & that's how he thinks women actually think, or what. (Other reviewers have accused Hearne of sexism, & I can see their point)
Another point of order: you do not need to wear a friggin WETSUIT to hunt crawdads. Waders? Sure, I could see that. But not a wetsuit. *SIGH*
Meh, skip it unless you really get into the series & feel like you need to read everything. It's only 10 pages long.
http://www.kevinhearne.com/wp-content...
It's from Granuaile's point of view & it kind of sucks. She's helping remove some invasive species (crawdad, of all things) & waxes poetic about it. Blech. I don't know if it's because he's trying to write from a woman's perspective & that's how he thinks women actually think, or what. (Other reviewers have accused Hearne of sexism, & I can see their point)
Another point of order: you do not need to wear a friggin WETSUIT to hunt crawdads. Waders? Sure, I could see that. But not a wetsuit. *SIGH*
Meh, skip it unless you really get into the series & feel like you need to read everything. It's only 10 pages long.
http://www.kevinhearne.com/wp-content...
March 10, 2013
A short story that takes place concurrently with Hammered, it was a quick read. The beginning is very poetical, which I wasn't expecting, but then the style quickly changes to Hearne's usual style.
We get to see more of Granuaile, Atticu's protege. Atticus is absent and Oberon is mostly absent, but Granuaile holds the story. She makes for a fine protagonist and we really get to see what she's made of. As always, I enjoyed Hearne's take on gods. While not essential to the series, this is a fine addition and if you're a Granuaile fan, it's a must.
We get to see more of Granuaile, Atticu's protege. Atticus is absent and Oberon is mostly absent, but Granuaile holds the story. She makes for a fine protagonist and we really get to see what she's made of. As always, I enjoyed Hearne's take on gods. While not essential to the series, this is a fine addition and if you're a Granuaile fan, it's a must.
July 24, 2012
I didn't expect anything so good from a short story distributed free on the author's web site! This is a wonderful addition to the series, and required reading for anyone following the series. I can only hope that Kevin Hearne gives us more from Granuaile's point of view!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews