What do you think?
Rate this book
The Iron Druid Chronicles #0.4
The Grimoire of the Lamb
There's nothing like an impromptu holiday to explore the birthplace of modern civilisation, but when Atticus and Oberon pursue a book-stealing Egyptian wizard - with a penchant for lamb - to the land of the pharaohs, they find themselves in hot, crocodile-infested water.
The trip takes an even nastier turn when they discover the true nature of the nefarious plot they've been drawn into. On the wrong side of the vengeful cat goddess Bast and chased by an unfathomable number of her yowling four-legged disciples, Atticus must find a way to appease or defeat Egypt's deadliest gods - before his grimoire-grabbing quarry uses them to turn him into mincemeat.
The trip takes an even nastier turn when they discover the true nature of the nefarious plot they've been drawn into. On the wrong side of the vengeful cat goddess Bast and chased by an unfathomable number of her yowling four-legged disciples, Atticus must find a way to appease or defeat Egypt's deadliest gods - before his grimoire-grabbing quarry uses them to turn him into mincemeat.
64 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2013
231 people are currently reading
5516 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Hearne
75 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 556 reviews
August 25, 2017
Iron Druid is apparently Gaelic for “addictive literary series that makes you want the next one like a book junkie”
I finish Grimoire of the Lamb, Kevin Hearne’s novella in the Iron Druid series, immediately go to the Amazon page and order the next book, Hexed, and get frustrated when the download took too long.
Joan Rivers had a funny sketch where she was making fun of Elizabeth Taylor, saying that she stood in front of a microwave and screamed, “HURRY!!”
I turned my phone off, reloaded, and then played with the Wi-Fi trying to figure out why it was not instantly downloading.
I need my fix!!
I’ve read 3-4 short stories, the first in the series Hounded, and have liked them all. Really liked them. And I’m the guy who complains about series, who decries the state of publishing these days because that’s all anyone does is write series: book two in this series, Part 5 in the ongoing saga, yada yada yada.
OK, let me make a distinction. I get annoyed when a book does not stand-alone. When I get to the end, or what is presumed to be the end as I am running out of pages and then - it just stops. That’s like a soap opera, just tune in next week to get strung along some more.
To his credit, each of Hearne’s works that I have read do, somewhat, stand-alone. There may be a reference to a previous story, or an explanation of some device, but for the most part each one is it’s own story.
Weird fiction fans will especially like Grimoire because of the "untold" allusions to Lovecraft. This time Atticus and Oberon go mano y gato with Bast and a crocodile priest in Egypt, and the aforementioned homage to HP.
Enforcing Druidic law and taking names.
I finish Grimoire of the Lamb, Kevin Hearne’s novella in the Iron Druid series, immediately go to the Amazon page and order the next book, Hexed, and get frustrated when the download took too long.
Joan Rivers had a funny sketch where she was making fun of Elizabeth Taylor, saying that she stood in front of a microwave and screamed, “HURRY!!”
I turned my phone off, reloaded, and then played with the Wi-Fi trying to figure out why it was not instantly downloading.
I need my fix!!
I’ve read 3-4 short stories, the first in the series Hounded, and have liked them all. Really liked them. And I’m the guy who complains about series, who decries the state of publishing these days because that’s all anyone does is write series: book two in this series, Part 5 in the ongoing saga, yada yada yada.
OK, let me make a distinction. I get annoyed when a book does not stand-alone. When I get to the end, or what is presumed to be the end as I am running out of pages and then - it just stops. That’s like a soap opera, just tune in next week to get strung along some more.
To his credit, each of Hearne’s works that I have read do, somewhat, stand-alone. There may be a reference to a previous story, or an explanation of some device, but for the most part each one is it’s own story.
Weird fiction fans will especially like Grimoire because of the "untold" allusions to Lovecraft. This time Atticus and Oberon go mano y gato with Bast and a crocodile priest in Egypt, and the aforementioned homage to HP.
Enforcing Druidic law and taking names.
December 24, 2015
A quick little novella that takes Atticus the Druid and Oberon the wolfhound to Egypt, looking for a book stolen by a mysterious magic-user. It is a solid entry into the Atticus canon, with my normal ambivalent reaction to Hearne's writing.
With Atticus one of the only characters, it gives a chance for the readers to have a little more insight into his personality. If possible, he felt even younger in this story; somewhat overconfident, a poor planner, a liar and a thief. He's also fairly self-justifying when it comes to a story of druidic origins and mission. While I respect the attempt to round out his character, I was left with a feeling that Atticus was a bit of a jerk, and maybe I wouldn't mind if he gets his ass kicked once or twice. Conveniently, he does, and I appreciate that Hearne was willing to let his lead be fallible, although I take issue with the mechanism.
I feel like Hearne is working to develop his writing, shining in those moments where he is able to rise above simple plot narration with such bon mots as Atticus' thoughts on collecting items in a get-rich-slow scheme: "The slow part was living until pop culture aged long enough to take on the luster of dignity and the physical product deteriorated to the point where it could whisper of a halcyon epoch before the buyer's time." Cumbersome, certainly, but I appreciate the sentiment and perspective. Hearne's description can also be very evocative, such as when he describes a room: "his presence was smeared over the chamber like a greasy film." I also appreciated the aside on art criticism: "his art consisted of some unispired splatter paintings--the efforts of a person who looked at Jackson Pollock's work and said to himself, 'I could do that.'"
However, Atticus' witticisms inappropriately contrast pivotal dramatic moments. I find this to be one of the most irksome aspects of the UF focus on the clever quip; emotionally incongruent, it ruins any pretense of truly ominous atmosphere. As an example: "The beast's teeth were mismatched ebony punji sticks, showcases of rot and an example to all who refuse to floss."
I did have a few problems with character reasoning/plotting, which seems to be a point I come to again and again in Hearne's writing. In the very beginning, Atticus takes a phone call from a mysterious foreign collector, invites him to his shop and then "happily lost myself in the daily needs of the shop and thought nothing more of the Egyptian, until he walked in a week later." It's a strange moment, because it doesn't speak to his ability to plan for confrontation (Hearne had already alluded to being on the run from various gods). Even stranger, Atticus didn't plan to "shut down Egyptian magic systems" allowing the next event to occur. An inconsistent deus ex machina that allows the plot to take the next direction, it seemed unnecessary, especially given later explanations about the types of magic. Furthermore, Atticus finds himself giving Hal the lawyer a call to ask for a rush investigation into the client. It further emphasized his bad planning/Hearne's lazy plotting. I suppose it was because Atticus was going to need to have incomplete information on the visitor--but he could have planned and still had that result. Its one of those things that just pokes at me when I read, much like a little stone in my shoe when I'm walking the dogs. Is this guy a 2000 year old druid who has the responsibility for protecting earth magic, or is he a twenty-year-old kid still working out his defensive logic? Make me believe this character.
Speaking of character, the one appearance of a female (a sexed-up cat goddess who wants her property back) is irritating as usual. I find it hard to complain about the sexism mainly because Atticus is also a bit of an ass, but still. Female roles have unfortunate consistency across Hearne's works.
Overall, my usual mixed reaction to Hearne's storytelling: interesting plot arc (except for the inconsistencies), improving writing (with hiccups), interesting world-building, and ambivalence on the characterization.
Three stars.
Ps. The one word I had to look up (on the computer, because the Kindle refused) was slang for 'penis.' Not impressed, Hearne. One of us needs to improve our vocabulary.
P.P.s. Bravo, Amazon with the One-Click button. Guaranteed to have me buying these little in-between novellas. Curses.
Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/0...
With Atticus one of the only characters, it gives a chance for the readers to have a little more insight into his personality. If possible, he felt even younger in this story; somewhat overconfident, a poor planner, a liar and a thief. He's also fairly self-justifying when it comes to a story of druidic origins and mission. While I respect the attempt to round out his character, I was left with a feeling that Atticus was a bit of a jerk, and maybe I wouldn't mind if he gets his ass kicked once or twice. Conveniently, he does, and I appreciate that Hearne was willing to let his lead be fallible, although I take issue with the mechanism.
I feel like Hearne is working to develop his writing, shining in those moments where he is able to rise above simple plot narration with such bon mots as Atticus' thoughts on collecting items in a get-rich-slow scheme: "The slow part was living until pop culture aged long enough to take on the luster of dignity and the physical product deteriorated to the point where it could whisper of a halcyon epoch before the buyer's time." Cumbersome, certainly, but I appreciate the sentiment and perspective. Hearne's description can also be very evocative, such as when he describes a room: "his presence was smeared over the chamber like a greasy film." I also appreciated the aside on art criticism: "his art consisted of some unispired splatter paintings--the efforts of a person who looked at Jackson Pollock's work and said to himself, 'I could do that.'"
However, Atticus' witticisms inappropriately contrast pivotal dramatic moments. I find this to be one of the most irksome aspects of the UF focus on the clever quip; emotionally incongruent, it ruins any pretense of truly ominous atmosphere. As an example: "The beast's teeth were mismatched ebony punji sticks, showcases of rot and an example to all who refuse to floss."
I did have a few problems with character reasoning/plotting, which seems to be a point I come to again and again in Hearne's writing. In the very beginning, Atticus takes a phone call from a mysterious foreign collector, invites him to his shop and then "happily lost myself in the daily needs of the shop and thought nothing more of the Egyptian, until he walked in a week later." It's a strange moment, because it doesn't speak to his ability to plan for confrontation (Hearne had already alluded to being on the run from various gods). Even stranger, Atticus didn't plan to "shut down Egyptian magic systems" allowing the next event to occur. An inconsistent deus ex machina that allows the plot to take the next direction, it seemed unnecessary, especially given later explanations about the types of magic. Furthermore, Atticus finds himself giving Hal the lawyer a call to ask for a rush investigation into the client. It further emphasized his bad planning/Hearne's lazy plotting. I suppose it was because Atticus was going to need to have incomplete information on the visitor--but he could have planned and still had that result. Its one of those things that just pokes at me when I read, much like a little stone in my shoe when I'm walking the dogs. Is this guy a 2000 year old druid who has the responsibility for protecting earth magic, or is he a twenty-year-old kid still working out his defensive logic? Make me believe this character.
Speaking of character, the one appearance of a female (a sexed-up cat goddess who wants her property back) is irritating as usual. I find it hard to complain about the sexism mainly because Atticus is also a bit of an ass, but still. Female roles have unfortunate consistency across Hearne's works.
Overall, my usual mixed reaction to Hearne's storytelling: interesting plot arc (except for the inconsistencies), improving writing (with hiccups), interesting world-building, and ambivalence on the characterization.
Three stars.
Ps. The one word I had to look up (on the computer, because the Kindle refused) was slang for 'penis.' Not impressed, Hearne. One of us needs to improve our vocabulary.
P.P.s. Bravo, Amazon with the One-Click button. Guaranteed to have me buying these little in-between novellas. Curses.
Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/0...
March 27, 2024
This is a short story that is part of a series. It is a prequel as the first novel in the series was published before this one. In this one Atticus travels to Egypt to retrieve an item that was swindled from him.
I just started this series a little time ago and I enjoyed the first book. So I figured to go back and start from the very beginning. I am glad that I read the first novel entry of this series before reading this novella as I would have been lost on what is actually going on. There is not really much depth to the story as this is a quick adventure where we get to see a different culture and their respective gods. Honestly I thought the story was a little weak and that might be the case of it being a novella. Maybe we needed more time with this adventure. What saved the book for me was the humor and the characters. I love Oberon. The humor made me laugh out loud several times in my breakroom at work. If you reference a scene from what I consider the very best comedy ever I am going to enjoy my time with the book. I am probably adding a star to my rating because of my feelings with the humor as this offering probably deserves two stars.
Please do not use this as a starting point as this is not a true representative of the series. It does encapsulate what the series is like though with the humor and the supernatural genre. It was just too quick of an adventure to really get a feeling of what the novels have to offer.
I just started this series a little time ago and I enjoyed the first book. So I figured to go back and start from the very beginning. I am glad that I read the first novel entry of this series before reading this novella as I would have been lost on what is actually going on. There is not really much depth to the story as this is a quick adventure where we get to see a different culture and their respective gods. Honestly I thought the story was a little weak and that might be the case of it being a novella. Maybe we needed more time with this adventure. What saved the book for me was the humor and the characters. I love Oberon. The humor made me laugh out loud several times in my breakroom at work. If you reference a scene from what I consider the very best comedy ever I am going to enjoy my time with the book. I am probably adding a star to my rating because of my feelings with the humor as this offering probably deserves two stars.
Please do not use this as a starting point as this is not a true representative of the series. It does encapsulate what the series is like though with the humor and the supernatural genre. It was just too quick of an adventure to really get a feeling of what the novels have to offer.
July 25, 2018
Fairly well-done short novella. 6 of 10 stars
June 20, 2017
Rating: 3.5* of five
WHAT?! You *haven't* read the Iron Druid Chronicles yet?!
Start here. I pretty much promise you that you won't stop until you've finished the entire 9-novel 8-story plus one side trip series. And I'm only using the conditional because you're likely to bristle and refuse to start if I use the imperative.
But I believe the latter to be the appropriate mood.
WHAT?! You *haven't* read the Iron Druid Chronicles yet?!
Start here. I pretty much promise you that you won't stop until you've finished the entire 9-novel 8-story plus one side trip series. And I'm only using the conditional because you're likely to bristle and refuse to start if I use the imperative.
But I believe the latter to be the appropriate mood.
July 7, 2025
No średnio się bawiłam, w dodatku jak można tak koty traktować... 2⭐
June 5, 2023
Grimoire of the Lamb is a novella introducing us to Atticus O’Sullivan a Druid who has a puncheon for messing with the gods.
This novella was a blast! It was so much fun and a great introduction to The Iron Druid Chronicles. In a way it reminded me a little of Jim Butchers, The Dresden Series, but more light in tone with lots of action.
Atticus is a lot of fun. He’s a book collector and seller. Some of his items are rare and dangerous. He receives a call about a rare Egyptian cookbook that he stole, called The Grimoire of Lambs. He won’t sell it to just anyone and so he has the collector come to him. Things don’t go as planed and he must get the book back.
Kevin Hearne is a talented author. I was captivated from begging to end with this novella. I enjoyed the adventure we are taking on in stoping the bad guy and introducing us to the world. My favorite character is Atticus’s Irish Wolfhound, Oberon. He is just a hoot. I laughed every time he talked.
Audio: I’m so glad this novella is in audio. Luke Daniels brings Atticus and his hound, Oberon, to life. It’s a quick listen and a good glimpse into the world.
The Grimoire of the Lamb is perfect for fans of Urban Fantasy. I’m looking forward to continue my listen of The Iron Druid Chronicles.
Rated: 4 Stars
This novella was a blast! It was so much fun and a great introduction to The Iron Druid Chronicles. In a way it reminded me a little of Jim Butchers, The Dresden Series, but more light in tone with lots of action.
Atticus is a lot of fun. He’s a book collector and seller. Some of his items are rare and dangerous. He receives a call about a rare Egyptian cookbook that he stole, called The Grimoire of Lambs. He won’t sell it to just anyone and so he has the collector come to him. Things don’t go as planed and he must get the book back.
Kevin Hearne is a talented author. I was captivated from begging to end with this novella. I enjoyed the adventure we are taking on in stoping the bad guy and introducing us to the world. My favorite character is Atticus’s Irish Wolfhound, Oberon. He is just a hoot. I laughed every time he talked.
Audio: I’m so glad this novella is in audio. Luke Daniels brings Atticus and his hound, Oberon, to life. It’s a quick listen and a good glimpse into the world.
The Grimoire of the Lamb is perfect for fans of Urban Fantasy. I’m looking forward to continue my listen of The Iron Druid Chronicles.
Rated: 4 Stars
May 8, 2013
Okay to start this review, I feel it necessary to give full disclosure that I am totally a Kevin Hearne fanpoodle. This means that this review will probably just consist of the obligatory fanpoodling that happens when one of a readers favourite author released a new book. Lucky for you, The Grimoire of the Lamb is a novella so that means you won't have to tolerate much of my poodling.
The Grimoire of the Lamb is set four years before the events of Hounded. This means that while we still get Atticus and Oberon having an epic adventure in Egypt, Granuaile is missing. It all begins when a man from Egypt calls with the hope of purchasing one of Atticus' rare books. Nkosi Elkhashab is desperate to get his hand on the a grimoire, which appears to have nothing but recipes for cooking lamb, but Atticus decides that there has to be more to Elkhashab's desire than ancient culinary delights and does some research. When he learns that the grimoire contains 13 spells, which Elkhashab wants to use to "restore Egypt to its rightful place as supreme among the world," Atticus realises that no matter what happens, Elkhashab must not be allowed to possess it.
When Elkhashab manages to undo Atticus' magic and escape to Egypt, Atticus and Oberon have no choice but to follow. Like every other pantheon, Atticus is not exactly very friendly with the Gods. Before Atticus can even deal with Elkhashab, he must find a way to make peace with the goddess Bast, whose holy book he stole centuries ago.
Once again, Hearne's writing is laugh out loud funny. Atticus and Oberon have become so familiar, starting one of Hearne's books is like meeting an old friend. If I had not read any of Hearne's previous works I might well have found the character of Elkhashab and Atticus' commentary regarding Egyptian Gods offensive; however, when put into persepctive of how Hearne has written about the various pantheons which Hearne has had Atticus interact with, I find the treatment to be equal. It is still however a little sad that the only inclusion of POC in this novella were as antagonists. Similarly, women had a very small role to play as well, but given that The Grimoire of the Lamb is a novella, exceptions should most certainly be made.
Read More
The Grimoire of the Lamb is set four years before the events of Hounded. This means that while we still get Atticus and Oberon having an epic adventure in Egypt, Granuaile is missing. It all begins when a man from Egypt calls with the hope of purchasing one of Atticus' rare books. Nkosi Elkhashab is desperate to get his hand on the a grimoire, which appears to have nothing but recipes for cooking lamb, but Atticus decides that there has to be more to Elkhashab's desire than ancient culinary delights and does some research. When he learns that the grimoire contains 13 spells, which Elkhashab wants to use to "restore Egypt to its rightful place as supreme among the world," Atticus realises that no matter what happens, Elkhashab must not be allowed to possess it.
When Elkhashab manages to undo Atticus' magic and escape to Egypt, Atticus and Oberon have no choice but to follow. Like every other pantheon, Atticus is not exactly very friendly with the Gods. Before Atticus can even deal with Elkhashab, he must find a way to make peace with the goddess Bast, whose holy book he stole centuries ago.
Once again, Hearne's writing is laugh out loud funny. Atticus and Oberon have become so familiar, starting one of Hearne's books is like meeting an old friend. If I had not read any of Hearne's previous works I might well have found the character of Elkhashab and Atticus' commentary regarding Egyptian Gods offensive; however, when put into persepctive of how Hearne has written about the various pantheons which Hearne has had Atticus interact with, I find the treatment to be equal. It is still however a little sad that the only inclusion of POC in this novella were as antagonists. Similarly, women had a very small role to play as well, but given that The Grimoire of the Lamb is a novella, exceptions should most certainly be made.
Read More
February 23, 2018
Atticus receives a phone call about a rare Egyptian cookbook that he stole in the short called, The Eye of Horus (Besieged).
The book, the Grimoire of Lambs is a recipe book so Atticus considers selling it but is still leery so he informs the man he must appear in person to negotiate the sale. Using his sword he discovers the book is not just a harmless cookbook, but before he can stop him the man flees with the grimoire. Atticus and Oberon travel to Egypt, a place Atticus has avoided since he angered a certain god of cats. The tale that unfolds has feral cats, angry gods, moats, crocodiles, and demons!
Kevin Hearne is truly talented and is able to whip up a fully satisfying tale regardless of the length. I love that this was available on Audio, in fact, most of his novellas are. Luke Daniels has become the voice of these characters and I cannot imagine Hearne without Daniels. For fans of the series, I encourage you to grab The Grimoire of the Lamb.
As an added bonus the audiobook contains the short Clan Rathskellar. (Iron Druid Chronicles #0.5) and shares events that take place ten months before Hounded. Please note, you can download the story as a PDF right from Goodreads. I enjoyed this tale filled with gnomes, fairies and an evil creature known as a Kobold. This was a nice set up for the series, introducing Atticus and Oberon as it gave us a taste of the world. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The book, the Grimoire of Lambs is a recipe book so Atticus considers selling it but is still leery so he informs the man he must appear in person to negotiate the sale. Using his sword he discovers the book is not just a harmless cookbook, but before he can stop him the man flees with the grimoire. Atticus and Oberon travel to Egypt, a place Atticus has avoided since he angered a certain god of cats. The tale that unfolds has feral cats, angry gods, moats, crocodiles, and demons!
Kevin Hearne is truly talented and is able to whip up a fully satisfying tale regardless of the length. I love that this was available on Audio, in fact, most of his novellas are. Luke Daniels has become the voice of these characters and I cannot imagine Hearne without Daniels. For fans of the series, I encourage you to grab The Grimoire of the Lamb.
As an added bonus the audiobook contains the short Clan Rathskellar. (Iron Druid Chronicles #0.5) and shares events that take place ten months before Hounded. Please note, you can download the story as a PDF right from Goodreads. I enjoyed this tale filled with gnomes, fairies and an evil creature known as a Kobold. This was a nice set up for the series, introducing Atticus and Oberon as it gave us a taste of the world. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
June 10, 2015
3.5 stars
Originally posted at FanLit.
I don’t think it’s possible to get too much Atticus and Oberon. That’s why I love these little novellas that Kevin Hearne has been putting out while we wait for his next IRON DRUID novel. For those of you who don’t know, Atticus is an ancient druid who runs a bookstore in modern-day Arizona. His dog Oberon, a large Irish Wolfhound, is his humorous sidekick. In each novel, Atticus and Oberon have to deal with some sort of supernatural threat involving gods from various pantheons.
In The Grimoire of the Lamb, an Egyptian wizard steals an ancient text from Atticus, so Atticus and Oberon transport themselves to Alexandria where they plan to steal it back. Not only must they deal with the evil wizard and his underground lair, but they are also now in the territory of the goddess Bast who has all the cats of the city under her command. When the kitties bristle at the presence of ... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
Originally posted at FanLit.
I don’t think it’s possible to get too much Atticus and Oberon. That’s why I love these little novellas that Kevin Hearne has been putting out while we wait for his next IRON DRUID novel. For those of you who don’t know, Atticus is an ancient druid who runs a bookstore in modern-day Arizona. His dog Oberon, a large Irish Wolfhound, is his humorous sidekick. In each novel, Atticus and Oberon have to deal with some sort of supernatural threat involving gods from various pantheons.
In The Grimoire of the Lamb, an Egyptian wizard steals an ancient text from Atticus, so Atticus and Oberon transport themselves to Alexandria where they plan to steal it back. Not only must they deal with the evil wizard and his underground lair, but they are also now in the territory of the goddess Bast who has all the cats of the city under her command. When the kitties bristle at the presence of ... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
July 16, 2014
This level of bad guy deserved his own full length novel. A short story just didn't do the job. Gaia created Druids because of him and he's finally vanquished in four or five pages? Lame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2020
Read this one for the House Cup. I was not aware of the Iron Druid Chronicles before this. I enjoyed this and have considered the series. Hearne is an interesting writer and I actually started another one of his series today and it is more slapstick and I enjoy it also.
January 30, 2023
Light in tone, but heavy in action this prelude story in the Iron Druid Chronicles introduces Atticus O'Sullivan and his Irish Wolfhound Oberon on an adventure in Egypt soothing vengeful goddess Bast so they can recover a magical book from an Egyptian magic wielder. Nothing is ever easy, but Atticus is quick-witted and finds a way in tight spots.
Quick-read, but a good glimpse at the world and tone of the series that makes one eager to see what comes next for Atticus and Oberon.
COYER Friends RAT- Kimberly and Jen
Books of My Heart Readathon
Quick-read, but a good glimpse at the world and tone of the series that makes one eager to see what comes next for Atticus and Oberon.
COYER Friends RAT- Kimberly and Jen
Books of My Heart Readathon
November 24, 2017
The lack of interaction with other characters (who actually spoke) made this book a bit of a chore to get through, I think. It was interesting and fun to see Atticus go up against Egyptian gods and goddesses though.
AND, it didn't have the women characters as sex objects (something I had a problem with on my last re-read of Hounded), which gives me hope for the rest of the books in the series.
AND, it didn't have the women characters as sex objects (something I had a problem with on my last re-read of Hounded), which gives me hope for the rest of the books in the series.
November 5, 2013
Atticus heads to Egypt with Oberon for an adventure filled with ancient gods and mysteries. I love his interaction with the tales of long ago. His interaction with one catty god is purrfect.
November 8, 2014
Another good short prequel story for the Iron Druid series, an Egyptian adventure. Luke Daniels read this well enough except I HATE Oberon's (the Irish Wolf hound) voice. It's awful.
December 5, 2023
That was --- weird.
Oberon's voice was AWFUL, especially when compared to Hunted. Oberon spoke a lot (too much), which significantly diminished the charm of his character and the enjoyment of this story. As for the tale itself - ehh, It didn't really offer much.
And that's all I have to say about that.
Oberon's voice was AWFUL, especially when compared to Hunted. Oberon spoke a lot (too much), which significantly diminished the charm of his character and the enjoyment of this story. As for the tale itself - ehh, It didn't really offer much.
And that's all I have to say about that.
June 6, 2018
Short story in this series that I read out of order. Atticus and Oberon are on a mission to Egypt to get back a stolen book. It has lots of action but not a lot of side characters. It was a fun, quick read.
May 8, 2013
When a man named Nkosi Elkhashab from Egypt called Atticus about a rare book known as "Grimoire of the Lamb" (which contains thirteen recipes of lamb), Atticus felt suspicious. Later, Atticus was able to get the truth from Nkosi, that the book was actually "the lost book of Amun". When Nkosi was able to grab the book from Atticus, Atticus must go back to Egypt to get the book back, even if he must plead his case with Bast, who clearly hated him...
-----------------------
I wasn't completely satisfied with book #5 of this series, Trapped, in which I could only gave that one 3-stars. But with this short novella, in which the story was set before Hounded, I found myself LOVING it again.
I enjoyed Atticus' adventure in Egypt, although I must say that all those cats chasing him (thanks to Bast), raring for blood, was soooo creepy!! Yes, I know cats could be very VERY vicious and I couldn't imagine thousands of cats gunning for my flesh! *shudders*
It was a fun read; Oberon was entertaining as always. There was a touching moment too, involving Atticus saving a boy. Now I am definitely looking forward to book #6. No, I didn't read the sneak peak in this. Because it can make me feel frustrated when I don't yet have the book in hand *grin*
-----------------------
I wasn't completely satisfied with book #5 of this series, Trapped, in which I could only gave that one 3-stars. But with this short novella, in which the story was set before Hounded, I found myself LOVING it again.
I enjoyed Atticus' adventure in Egypt, although I must say that all those cats chasing him (thanks to Bast), raring for blood, was soooo creepy!! Yes, I know cats could be very VERY vicious and I couldn't imagine thousands of cats gunning for my flesh! *shudders*
It was a fun read; Oberon was entertaining as always. There was a touching moment too, involving Atticus saving a boy. Now I am definitely looking forward to book #6. No, I didn't read the sneak peak in this. Because it can make me feel frustrated when I don't yet have the book in hand *grin*
June 12, 2013
"Grimoire of the Lamb" is an entertaining, wild ride that highlights Atticus' most compelling aspects: he's cunning, witty, ballsy, and his dog is fricken hysterical.
I also love that Atticus' universe allows for cameos from any pantheon. Here he tangles with Egyptian deities, giving us a glimpse of their powers while expanding our understanding of his own. It's another great opportunity to see how much Atticus has thought through his magic, how much he's prepared for every eventuality...and how even his pain-staking preparations can sometimes fall short.
This takes place before the series proper. Have to say I did not miss Granuaile one bit.
------------
Best line from the Hunted preview:
*I knew it. If you give a witch a cookie, she’s going to ask you for a glass of milk.*
Since when does Oberon read kids' books?
I also love that Atticus' universe allows for cameos from any pantheon. Here he tangles with Egyptian deities, giving us a glimpse of their powers while expanding our understanding of his own. It's another great opportunity to see how much Atticus has thought through his magic, how much he's prepared for every eventuality...and how even his pain-staking preparations can sometimes fall short.
This takes place before the series proper. Have to say I did not miss Granuaile one bit.
------------
Best line from the Hunted preview:
*I knew it. If you give a witch a cookie, she’s going to ask you for a glass of milk.*
Since when does Oberon read kids' books?
May 11, 2013
Another thrilling chapter in the adventures of everyone's favorite Irish Wolfhound and his meddling and troublesome sidekick, the Iron Druid. Chronologically speaking, this could be said to be the first thrilling chapter in the adventures blah blah blah, but if you're following the series already, you know that and you're smart enough to not let me have to tell you that. If you're not following the series, GET ON IT!!! Pronto! LOL Pulse pounding adventure and thrilling daring do, not to mention the mysteries of the universe solved by the greatest mind ever born to Irish Wolfhounds await!
August 22, 2014
Excellent read. Excited to start book one soon!
November 17, 2015
Atticus and Oberon head to Egypt to track down the thief of an ancient book that was stolen from him. As always with Hearne, very entertaining.
January 22, 2023
This is a chronologically-early novella in the Iron Druid series, written around the same time as Hounded. As with the rest of the series, each story pits Atticus against a new pantheon of myths and gods -- this time, Egyptians.
The story is a bit darker than usual for the series, a little less of the flippant humour. I also found the interactions with Oberon (Atticus' dog), slightly less appealing than the usual. It's still a nice story, but I'd recommend reading it after Hounded, once you know you're a fan and want to read everything for completeness.
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
The story is a bit darker than usual for the series, a little less of the flippant humour. I also found the interactions with Oberon (Atticus' dog), slightly less appealing than the usual. It's still a nice story, but I'd recommend reading it after Hounded, once you know you're a fan and want to read everything for completeness.
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
January 2, 2022
Audiobook. Book 5; Narration 4.
This was a fun, fast paced novella in the Iron Druid series; this series is a fun romp around mythology with a 2000? year old Druid and his trusty Irish Wolfhound Orpheus. I'm looking forward to their further adventures.
This was a fun, fast paced novella in the Iron Druid series; this series is a fun romp around mythology with a 2000? year old Druid and his trusty Irish Wolfhound Orpheus. I'm looking forward to their further adventures.
September 10, 2017
i don't think i can ever get enough kevin hearne.
May 12, 2018
Loved it! Can't wait to read more about Oberon and Atticus.
September 30, 2021
This is another prequel to the first book in this series (which I haven't started yet.) I'm just learning more of the background about Atticus, and I'm enjoying it so far. Hopefully this will give me even more depth of understanding when I start Book #1, "Hounded".
November 15, 2013
Aside from further explanation of the death of the Sahara fundamental (the reason Gaia created druids in the first place), this is one you can skip.
Four years before Hounded opens, Atticus (Siodhachan) O'Sullivan (Og Suleibhan) is running a tea and book shop in Arizona, under his real name, hiding in plain sight from some Celtic gods who wish him dead. We get Atticus in full surfer-dude mode here, cracking wise at inappropriate times (one of my other beefs with this character and the way he's written) and ignoring the warning signals from the guy who wants to steal an ancient book of magic from Atticus's shop. I mean, really: somebody walks into your shop knowing a book with some pretty evil magic exists, and suspects you of possessing it, and you don't give the matter any thought when he comes back with stronger powers of persuasion? Just exactly did you survive those 2,000 years, Mr. Druid? Oh, yeah. By stealing weapons and making Faustian bargains with supernatural beings and sexing up the right goddesses. And ignoring Gaia's purpose for you. How she and the fundamentals continue to help you out while you've shown you're much more out for yourself than for serving Mother Earth is beyond me.
Should I mention that Bast is so similar to the Morrigan in the bitchgoddess department that the two are practically interchangeable? Or is that not really Hearne's fault, since we're pretty much stuck with female archetypes when writing about goddesses anyway?
Hearne is a master of marketing. Put out novellas and short stories in between novels, charge an exorbitant four bucks a pop, make your readers think they have to have the stories that take place between novels, and you have a cash cow with an infinite milk supply. Then the poor sucker who bought the Kindle book buys the next novel and finds they could have had the novella or short story for free, too late to get your four bucks back.
April 17, 2019
This is my first introduction to the Iron Druid series and to Kevin Hearne. His writing reminds me Jim Butcher, what with the sarcastic main character who doesn't take himself too seriously, and whose quips increase in direct proportion to the amount of trouble he encounters. This is good, as I love the Dresden Files, and I really enjoyed the humor in this short story. He seems at first glance to have slightly less scruples than Harry Dresden (ex, he has no problem stealing when he wants something, or to renege on deals), but I'd have to read more of the series to be sure that this is really how Atticus is. This was a very good introduction to the series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it!
A word of advice, I would not recommend listening to the audiobook. It was not pleasant, as the reader (Luke Daniels) has a high-pitched, nasally voice, and his voice for the dog and the werewolves in the story were virtually unintelligible and cartoony (think New Jersey Scooby-Doo trying to talk around a giant dog bone in his mouth). It made me cringe every time. I will definitely be switching to the regular book if the same guy does the reading for the whole series.
A word of advice, I would not recommend listening to the audiobook. It was not pleasant, as the reader (Luke Daniels) has a high-pitched, nasally voice, and his voice for the dog and the werewolves in the story were virtually unintelligible and cartoony (think New Jersey Scooby-Doo trying to talk around a giant dog bone in his mouth). It made me cringe every time. I will definitely be switching to the regular book if the same guy does the reading for the whole series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 556 reviews