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The Iron Druid Chronicles #4.3
Two Ravens and One Crow
Six years into the training of his beautiful apprentice, Granuaile, a large crow swoops down and transforms into none other than the Morrigan, a goddess who insists that Atticus come with her at once. He must leave his apprentice behind, along with his Irish wolfhound, Oberon—and he must also leave his sword. The Morrigan has always taken extreme pleasure in pronouncing the Druid’s mortal danger and imminent doom, so the fact that she won’t reveal the purpose of their journey makes him very nervous. Of course, any time the Celtic Chooser of the Slain drops in unannounced, it’s never good. When she does let slip that she’ll be saving his life in the near future, Atticus is left to wonder . . . will he soon be giving his legions of enemies something to crow about?
68 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
272 people are currently reading
5242 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Hearne
72 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 689 reviews
April 28, 2019
The Morrigan rocks.
Reading Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid series, I envision the Irish goddess of the dead and chooser of the slain as kind of goth rock star.
This novella sees Atticus halfway between the events from Tricked and Trapped, as he takes a break from Granuaile’s training to mend some fences with some deeply pissed off Norse deities.
Hearne’s writing is in top form and an Iron Druid story seems well fitted to a shorter format. Atticus is able to confront some high antagonists in a formal, neutral setting, deal with some adventure, tell a good Irish story and talk baseball with a druidic goddess all in a tightly wound and economical 65 pages.
But it is the Morrigan that steals the show. Hearne takes time to add depth and emotion to his vision of the Irish goddess of battle, strife, and fertility and while his portrait of Odin is captivating, it is his illustration of the Morrigan that stays with the reader.
Reading Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid series, I envision the Irish goddess of the dead and chooser of the slain as kind of goth rock star.
This novella sees Atticus halfway between the events from Tricked and Trapped, as he takes a break from Granuaile’s training to mend some fences with some deeply pissed off Norse deities.
Hearne’s writing is in top form and an Iron Druid story seems well fitted to a shorter format. Atticus is able to confront some high antagonists in a formal, neutral setting, deal with some adventure, tell a good Irish story and talk baseball with a druidic goddess all in a tightly wound and economical 65 pages.
But it is the Morrigan that steals the show. Hearne takes time to add depth and emotion to his vision of the Irish goddess of battle, strife, and fertility and while his portrait of Odin is captivating, it is his illustration of the Morrigan that stays with the reader.
July 27, 2018
Another excellent short story in the Iron Druid Chronicles. 8 of 10 stars
June 18, 2017
A surprisingly fulfilling and action-packed novella.
I may seem a bit harsh saying this, but I find a lot of mid-series novellas to be unworthy of the e-ink they're displayed in. Most of the time, the stories within are so much padding and filler with no progression to the characters or the series as a whole. And I can understand why; you can't really have something major plot-wise happening in a novella that some people see as 'optional' reading. It will be far too confusing come the next book trying to explain what happened during the break.
However, you've got to give the people who do fork out for the novella (not me, obviously) something worth reading. And this novella did just that. It gave a surprisingly revealing glimpse into Atticus' feelings for Granuaile, as well as a closer look at the beautifully terrifying Morrigan.
I have to confess, I'm finding Atticus' befuddlement over things with Granuaile extremely sweet. He's sounding more and more like a man suffering unrequited love by the day. And even though both of them have been heading out at weekends over the last six years of Granuaile's training for 'booty calls,' it seems it's becoming more and more unfulfilling for Atticus. And those guilt ferrets really are bastards.
As I mentioned earlier, Atticus and Granuaile—going under the amazing secret identities of Sterling Silver and Betty Baker (thanks to Coyote for that one)—are approximately mid-way through Granuaile's 12-year training to become a druid. If you recall, at the end of the last book, Tricked, Atticus suffered some damage to his healing tattoo on his hand (giant mutant cockroaches will do that to you), so when the Morrigan turns up with an offer to repair it, he accepts.
You'd think at 2100 years old he'd know better than to trust the Morrigan by now. Guess not. Naturally, madness and mayhem ensues with much hilarity.
What seems abundantly clear to me whenever I read anything by Mr. Hearne—other than the fact that he is a comedic genius of course— is that he really has a great appreciation for the mythology his series is based around; Norse and Celtic mostly. He hasn't simply chosen it because it's popular or because it comes with ready-made characters to draw from. He really seems to just love the old stories and creating his own interpretations and retellings of them. And I, in turn, enjoy reading them too.
For fans of the series, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. It was lots of fun and surprisingly enlightening.
4 Stars ★★★★
ARC received from the publisher for an honest review
I may seem a bit harsh saying this, but I find a lot of mid-series novellas to be unworthy of the e-ink they're displayed in. Most of the time, the stories within are so much padding and filler with no progression to the characters or the series as a whole. And I can understand why; you can't really have something major plot-wise happening in a novella that some people see as 'optional' reading. It will be far too confusing come the next book trying to explain what happened during the break.
However, you've got to give the people who do fork out for the novella (not me, obviously) something worth reading. And this novella did just that. It gave a surprisingly revealing glimpse into Atticus' feelings for Granuaile, as well as a closer look at the beautifully terrifying Morrigan.
I have to confess, I'm finding Atticus' befuddlement over things with Granuaile extremely sweet. He's sounding more and more like a man suffering unrequited love by the day. And even though both of them have been heading out at weekends over the last six years of Granuaile's training for 'booty calls,' it seems it's becoming more and more unfulfilling for Atticus. And those guilt ferrets really are bastards.
As I mentioned earlier, Atticus and Granuaile—going under the amazing secret identities of Sterling Silver and Betty Baker (thanks to Coyote for that one)—are approximately mid-way through Granuaile's 12-year training to become a druid. If you recall, at the end of the last book, Tricked, Atticus suffered some damage to his healing tattoo on his hand (giant mutant cockroaches will do that to you), so when the Morrigan turns up with an offer to repair it, he accepts.
You'd think at 2100 years old he'd know better than to trust the Morrigan by now. Guess not. Naturally, madness and mayhem ensues with much hilarity.
What seems abundantly clear to me whenever I read anything by Mr. Hearne—other than the fact that he is a comedic genius of course— is that he really has a great appreciation for the mythology his series is based around; Norse and Celtic mostly. He hasn't simply chosen it because it's popular or because it comes with ready-made characters to draw from. He really seems to just love the old stories and creating his own interpretations and retellings of them. And I, in turn, enjoy reading them too.
For fans of the series, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. It was lots of fun and surprisingly enlightening.
4 Stars ★★★★
ARC received from the publisher for an honest review
November 1, 2015
Another short set between Tricked and Trapped, I think... Atticus is in the middle of training Granuaile, when the past catches up to try and kill him. The usual.
The relationship issues Atticus has with Granuaile are utterly ridiculous. It boils down to my major problem with this series. How can a guy that has lived for two millenia be so juvenile? The fight scenes are good, so is the humour. ScoobyDoo goes on my nerves every now and then. He pops up at moments, when it tends to break the flow of the story and is just a silly distraction at times. But Atticus' teenage mentality is what actually has the power to make me drop this series. Saying that, I fully intend to get the next book in the series, because I want to see how it plays out with Loki. Who, btw, is another character that I find utterly stupid. Can't wait for him to be killed off.
The relationship issues Atticus has with Granuaile are utterly ridiculous. It boils down to my major problem with this series. How can a guy that has lived for two millenia be so juvenile? The fight scenes are good, so is the humour. ScoobyDoo goes on my nerves every now and then. He pops up at moments, when it tends to break the flow of the story and is just a silly distraction at times. But Atticus' teenage mentality is what actually has the power to make me drop this series. Saying that, I fully intend to get the next book in the series, because I want to see how it plays out with Loki. Who, btw, is another character that I find utterly stupid. Can't wait for him to be killed off.
June 6, 2023
Got some interesting background on the immortal-a-tea. Nice to know that Atticus realized what a very bad idea it was to offer up Freya in such a way. Thank goodness for that admission!
As usual Luke Daniels nails his audio performance!
As usual Luke Daniels nails his audio performance!
September 29, 2020
Un interludio en la historia que ocurre 6 años después del final de la cuarta parte y -por lo que he visto- 6 años antes de la quinta parte.
Dados los acontecimientos que aquí ocurren me parece que es un librito importante para el avance de la trama, y al igual que el resto de la historia es divertido y entretenido.
Dados los acontecimientos que aquí ocurren me parece que es un librito importante para el avance de la trama, y al igual que el resto de la historia es divertido y entretenido.
September 6, 2012
Full review originally at Bastard Books
ANALYSIS: As far as the sub-genre of urban fantasy is concerned, Kevin Hearne is counted as one of its upcoming stars and the Iron Druid Chronicles is named by many to be one of the best series out there currently. With four books released, the story has been progressing at a rapid rate and the world and mythologies introduced have made the read very riveting so far. However with the fourth book TRICKED, the story concluded the first arc of the series and began a dozen year gap in which Atticus begins the Druidic initiation of his protégé.
This novella is set exactly in the middle of that initiation phase, six years have passed after the events orchestrated by Coyote. Atticus is realizing some of the difficulties involved in the training process which he did not imagine would arise. He’s managing to get by with Oberon’s help though, and it's absolutely hilarious to read about it, especially with Oberon’s witty repartee. Their semi-idyllic training is interrupted by Morrigan’s arrival, who demands that Atticus accompany her immediately. Faced with no choice, Atticus is forced to tag along and leave his sword and other precautionary measures as well. He will have to learn more about Morrigan’s plan and also ferret out where she is taking him. The novella deals with the rest of the events that develop, including how a certain pantheon plans to involve Atticus in forthcoming events and what are Morrigan’s ultimate plans for him.
This novella was a doozy, not only does it give the reader a fun read of about 70-odd pages, but it also reveals a secret about Atticus’s past in regards to his long life. This novella though serves as a huge spoiler for events in HAMMERED and TRICKED and therefore should not be read by readers who are unfamiliar with the aforementioned books. The story, while seeming simple, lays down the groundwork for several upcoming books as well as a few character arcs which include both mortals and immortals. This story should be read before TRAPPED and hopefully will also clue in to certain events that are hinted at by the title.
The story featured is both action packed and serves as an introspection piece. The author has to be lauded for his approximation of the character of Morrigan, he admirably paints her as a fey goddess who oscillates from being kind one second to megalomania within the other. Atticus’s dread about her and her intentions is brought to the fore within this novella (once again) and readers will be left with no doubt as to why she is to be feared and avoided at all costs. Lastly the humor in this series is invariably tied to Oberon and his hilarious banter with Atticus. We get a small snippet of it in the start before Atticus departs and that is enough to give the readers nostalgia and increase the anticipation for the next book wherein Oberon will have a bigger role. However a surprising laugh out moment is provided by Morrigan when she airs her view on baseball and all what it entails. With the humor being on the lower side than its predecessors, the novella does manage to prove itself with its action and information reveals, thereby laying the stage for future events such as the Ragnarok that Atticus so desperately wants to avoid.
Two Ravens and One Crow is aimed at bridging the gap between two books TRICKED and TRAPPED and does its job well enough. This novella will be a treat to read for fans of the series as they get to learn more about Atticus’s past and future. Kevin Hearne shines once again with his witty prose and action-filled plot, this novella is a must read if you have read the previous four books and want to stem the anticipatory tide until TRAPPED releases in November.
July 1, 2013
I needed to back up and read this little interlude because there were just too many references to it in the later novels. It was a quick but fun read and follows up 6 years after training his little love interest in the Druidic Arts. At this point, I'm getting my hands on everything I can to fill in my knowledge of this series. I'm hooked, plain and simple.
September 21, 2012
A fun, and informative addition to the series. Too often when authors put out short stories with the ongoing series it seems like nothing more than a cheap ploy to milk more profits out of readers. The stories have little substance, and no bearing on the series as a whole. I was pleasantly surprised to find this was not the case with this story. It was nice getting a feeling for Betty's training (nice names Coyote) without having to devote chapters to it. It was also nice to see the tension building between them. I'm still not sold on this romance, but maybe my mind will be changed.
The developments with the Norse pantheon were messy, and complicated, and I appreciate seeing Atticus (I'm sorry Sterling) still has to deal with the fall out of his actions. It was nice seeing a bit of his past as well. I felt it gave me greater insight into his character. I love that Sterling is not some infallible, and all powerful immortal. He continues to make mistakes, and he, and those around him, have to deal with the consequences. It makes him a more fully realized character, and much more fun to read. Oberon never fails to make me smile, and I love how the banter between Oberon and Sterling does so much to highlight the love they have for each other without descending into pat sentiment. This story has only heightened by excitement to read Trapped.
I received this book as an ARC through Net Galley, and would like to thank Net Galley, and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read, and review it.
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The developments with the Norse pantheon were messy, and complicated, and I appreciate seeing Atticus (I'm sorry Sterling) still has to deal with the fall out of his actions. It was nice seeing a bit of his past as well. I felt it gave me greater insight into his character. I love that Sterling is not some infallible, and all powerful immortal. He continues to make mistakes, and he, and those around him, have to deal with the consequences. It makes him a more fully realized character, and much more fun to read. Oberon never fails to make me smile, and I love how the banter between Oberon and Sterling does so much to highlight the love they have for each other without descending into pat sentiment. This story has only heightened by excitement to read Trapped.
I received this book as an ARC through Net Galley, and would like to thank Net Galley, and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read, and review it.
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September 7, 2012
As 12 years pass between the events in Tricked (Bk 4) and Trapped (Bk 5), this novela is set right in the middle timewise and sets the stage for Ragnarök (the showdown between the Norse gods and some really bad people) and some very interesting alliances between Atticus and some gods. We also learn how Atticus and Granuaile are dealing with their 'working' relationship and some very revealing tidbits about Atticus' past.
I wouldn't say the book was boring but it didn't have excitement of previous books, specially because most of the action occurred during a formal dinner - and we hear descriptions of every course.
Luke Daniels did a bang up job with the narration as usual but I don't know that I'd recommend anybody to pay the current price of this audiobook (which is $9.80 for Audible members.) I think it's a definite must read but I think the ebook will suffice.
But of course, I'm a big fan of this series and I'm sooo looking forward to Trapped. Like the last few books in the series, I'll probably buy the audio the day it comes out.
I wouldn't say the book was boring but it didn't have excitement of previous books, specially because most of the action occurred during a formal dinner - and we hear descriptions of every course.
Luke Daniels did a bang up job with the narration as usual but I don't know that I'd recommend anybody to pay the current price of this audiobook (which is $9.80 for Audible members.) I think it's a definite must read but I think the ebook will suffice.
But of course, I'm a big fan of this series and I'm sooo looking forward to Trapped. Like the last few books in the series, I'll probably buy the audio the day it comes out.
September 1, 2016
A diferencia de muchas historias cortas (o .5 como les llamo yo) ésta es esencial para la trama y me sorprende que el autor no la incluyera en Tricked.
En este relato, han pasado seis años del entrenamiento de Granuaile cuando Morrigan aparece para ayudar a Atticus con sus tatuajes . A cambio, él debe acompañarla a una cena con dioses nórdicos , aunque todo se va al caño cuando intentan asesinarlo.
En medio de la reunión, Atticus se toma un momento para relatar su historia con Airmid y cómo logro que ella le entregara su herbolario y el secreto de la inmortalidad.
Una historia corta, pero llena de acción, y tremendamente importante para los eventos de los siguientes libros.
En este relato, han pasado seis años del entrenamiento de Granuaile cuando Morrigan aparece para ayudar a Atticus con sus tatuajes . A cambio, él debe acompañarla a una cena con dioses nórdicos , aunque todo se va al caño cuando intentan asesinarlo.
En medio de la reunión, Atticus se toma un momento para relatar su historia con Airmid y cómo logro que ella le entregara su herbolario y el secreto de la inmortalidad.
Una historia corta, pero llena de acción, y tremendamente importante para los eventos de los siguientes libros.
September 12, 2012
This is a terrific novella and it's only $2.99! Woot! What an excellent addition to the Iron Druid Chronicles. Some of Atticus's decisions from prior books are coming back to haunt him and the decisions he makes in Two Ravens and One Crow will have ramifications in later on.
I missed Oberon, Atticus's meat-lovin' Irish wolfhound!!! Atticus and Oberon's back and forth always has me in stiches and while we get a little bit of that interaction, Atticus has to leave Oberon behind on this trip. However, we do learn more about the Morrigan and how Atticus comes to learn how to make Immortali-Tea (think he'll share that recipe?).
I loved the quick pace, action and wit that comprised the story. If you're like me and counting the days until Trapped (Iron Druid #5) comes out in November 2012, then pick up Two Ravens and One Crow. It will help tide you over and make the wait a little more bearable.
I missed Oberon, Atticus's meat-lovin' Irish wolfhound!!! Atticus and Oberon's back and forth always has me in stiches and while we get a little bit of that interaction, Atticus has to leave Oberon behind on this trip. However, we do learn more about the Morrigan and how Atticus comes to learn how to make Immortali-Tea (think he'll share that recipe?).
I loved the quick pace, action and wit that comprised the story. If you're like me and counting the days until Trapped (Iron Druid #5) comes out in November 2012, then pick up Two Ravens and One Crow. It will help tide you over and make the wait a little more bearable.
September 5, 2012
Another terrific tale. Hearne is just a great storyteller, his writing is always perfectly smooth, with a great balance of adventure, humor and intelligence. He never fails to crack me up with the conversations that Atticus has with Oberon, I just love that dog. And the Morrigan is such an interesting character, it was fun to see a bit of a different side to her in this one as well. The story was a nice bridge between Tricked and Trapped, I really enjoyed it.
January 10, 2021
eta: just knocked off a star. The more I process what I just read the more internal inconsistencies I discover. Also this was kind of a big info-dump to set up the story arc for the next severals novels. It probably should have been a prologue to book 5, Trapped, rather than a stand alone novella.
Original review: I’m going to leave this at three stars because it fills in a piece of the story you need in book five but there is an anecdote related by Atticus in this story that is completely inconsistent with the precepts of Druidic Arts as laid out in the other novels. I can’t rationalize it away and it’s driving me crazy. No spoilers here - you’ll have to read it and decide for yourself.
Original review: I’m going to leave this at three stars because it fills in a piece of the story you need in book five but there is an anecdote related by Atticus in this story that is completely inconsistent with the precepts of Druidic Arts as laid out in the other novels. I can’t rationalize it away and it’s driving me crazy. No spoilers here - you’ll have to read it and decide for yourself.
January 29, 2013
Decent novella that takes place in between books, and the best part by far was Atticus finally retelling the story of how he learned the recipe for his life-extending tea. This gives a tiny bit of present-day plot, but it's all setup for the future of the series and there really wasn't much of it. Most of this felt like filler content, with Atticus spending an awful lot of time talking about erections (I mean, seriously, after thousands of years he still acts and sounds like a teenage boy in so many ways).
Really, all the events in here could have been incorporated somewhere else in the series, so while this was decently enjoyable it felt fairly unnecessary.
Really, all the events in here could have been incorporated somewhere else in the series, so while this was decently enjoyable it felt fairly unnecessary.
August 1, 2017
That was a great short story. A big jump forward in time, but it was also a great fill in on where things stand in the aftermath of the Asgard/Hel debacle and of course a peak at the temptations of druid apprentice training.
November 9, 2014
A good short story that should be read in the series order. A preview of the 5th book "Trapped" is included. Sounds like it will be good. Luke Daniels read this well. Thankfully, Oberon only had a few lines because Daniels' voice for him drives me crazy. It's awful.
September 10, 2017
this fills in a nice little hole
January 1, 2016
3.5 stars
A fun, quick listen to get me back in the mood for Atticus and Oberon.
A fun, quick listen to get me back in the mood for Atticus and Oberon.
July 14, 2019
Morrigan getting rapey again....
May 29, 2023
A pivotal novella that falls about the midway point of Granuaille's apprenticeship after the exciting events of Tricked and before Trapped (which is chronologically a few years later).
Two Raves and One Crow begins when the Morrigan arrives to inform Atticus he is needed. Granuaille and Oberon remain behind while he is taken for a private time in the Morrigan's lair and then on to an important meeting. Seems his faked death and disappearing act didn't fool as many as he thought. While at the meeting, someone goes for a bit of revenge.
I enjoyed how this book gave a bit of an update of what happens during the years between Tricked and Trapped. Atticus has been living quietly on the Navaho reservation training his apprentice and trying very hard to keep the teacher-student roles in mind even if time has not lessened the temptation who is Granuaille. Always interesting to get more details of his past, too.
Great in between adventure that only builds the thirst for Trapped.
Two Raves and One Crow begins when the Morrigan arrives to inform Atticus he is needed. Granuaille and Oberon remain behind while he is taken for a private time in the Morrigan's lair and then on to an important meeting. Seems his faked death and disappearing act didn't fool as many as he thought. While at the meeting, someone goes for a bit of revenge.
I enjoyed how this book gave a bit of an update of what happens during the years between Tricked and Trapped. Atticus has been living quietly on the Navaho reservation training his apprentice and trying very hard to keep the teacher-student roles in mind even if time has not lessened the temptation who is Granuaille. Always interesting to get more details of his past, too.
Great in between adventure that only builds the thirst for Trapped.
August 7, 2013
3.5
Originally posted at Fantasy Literature:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
You could think of Two Ravens and One Crow as book 4½ in Kevin Hearne’s IRON DRUID CHRONICLES series. It’s a novella that takes place halfway between book 4, Tricked, and book 5, Trapped. I don’t always read these “extra” stories, but I think fans of THE IRON DRUID CHRONICLES will want to read this one because 12 years passes between Tricked and Trapped —Atticus is training Granuaile to be a druid during this time —and readers will want to see get a glimpse of what was happening all those years.
Atticus and Granuaile have faked their deaths and are living in a trailer under the false names Sterling Silver and Betty Baker. (If it’s not obvious, these names were supplied by Coyote the Navajo trickster god.) Oberon the Irish Wolfhound is with them, too, of course. Granuaile has been getting mentally and physically prepared for her life as a druid. Kevin Hearne ramps up the sexual tension — Atticus and Granuaile are attracted to each other but as teacher and student, they keep a professional relationship.
We don’t see too much of Granuaile and Oberon in Two Ravens and One Crow because along comes the Morrigan to whisk Atticus away for a short trip. She says she wants to fix his tattoos which were damaged in the battle with the giant locusts in Tricked. Since these tattoos are what heal and protect Atticus, he knows this means that the Morrigan has foreseen danger for him. But that’s not all that she wants, of course, and in her lair, Atticus is pretty much at her mercy.
After that, the Morrigan drags Atticus to dinner with Odin and Frigg who have discovered that Atticus isn’t dead after all. This might explain why the Morrigan insisted on fixing his protective tattoos. Dinner is a stuffy six-course tuxedo affair which gets interrupted with all sorts of mayhem including a naked fist fight in the middle of a street in Oslo. You don’t want to miss that.
Two Ravens and One Crow is another fun story by Kevin Hearne and will definitely go at least a little way toward satisfying readers who wish they could see some of those missing 12 years. I hope Hearne will write a few more of these novellas. Two Ravens and One Crow is available on audio, just like the rest of the series, but I chose to purchase it in Kindle format since it’s only $2.99 — a lot less than the audio. It took me only a couple of hours to read it.
Originally posted at Fantasy Literature:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
You could think of Two Ravens and One Crow as book 4½ in Kevin Hearne’s IRON DRUID CHRONICLES series. It’s a novella that takes place halfway between book 4, Tricked, and book 5, Trapped. I don’t always read these “extra” stories, but I think fans of THE IRON DRUID CHRONICLES will want to read this one because 12 years passes between Tricked and Trapped —Atticus is training Granuaile to be a druid during this time —and readers will want to see get a glimpse of what was happening all those years.
Atticus and Granuaile have faked their deaths and are living in a trailer under the false names Sterling Silver and Betty Baker. (If it’s not obvious, these names were supplied by Coyote the Navajo trickster god.) Oberon the Irish Wolfhound is with them, too, of course. Granuaile has been getting mentally and physically prepared for her life as a druid. Kevin Hearne ramps up the sexual tension — Atticus and Granuaile are attracted to each other but as teacher and student, they keep a professional relationship.
We don’t see too much of Granuaile and Oberon in Two Ravens and One Crow because along comes the Morrigan to whisk Atticus away for a short trip. She says she wants to fix his tattoos which were damaged in the battle with the giant locusts in Tricked. Since these tattoos are what heal and protect Atticus, he knows this means that the Morrigan has foreseen danger for him. But that’s not all that she wants, of course, and in her lair, Atticus is pretty much at her mercy.
After that, the Morrigan drags Atticus to dinner with Odin and Frigg who have discovered that Atticus isn’t dead after all. This might explain why the Morrigan insisted on fixing his protective tattoos. Dinner is a stuffy six-course tuxedo affair which gets interrupted with all sorts of mayhem including a naked fist fight in the middle of a street in Oslo. You don’t want to miss that.
Two Ravens and One Crow is another fun story by Kevin Hearne and will definitely go at least a little way toward satisfying readers who wish they could see some of those missing 12 years. I hope Hearne will write a few more of these novellas. Two Ravens and One Crow is available on audio, just like the rest of the series, but I chose to purchase it in Kindle format since it’s only $2.99 — a lot less than the audio. It took me only a couple of hours to read it.
September 5, 2012
Regular readers know that we are huge fans of Kevin Hearne and have a tendency to fanpoodle terribly, but oh my goodness it's Kevin Hearne, how could we not? Because this is a novella, it's going to be difficult to talk about without spoilers, so consider yourself warned.
Atticus still has a few years left in his training of Granuaile and this of course means much sexual tension. He has devised a plan with Oberon to "conceal the tower of his CARNAL DESIRE," by leaving to give his faithful hound a snack when she starts to perform her exercises in tight fighting work our gear. They both know that something is going on between them, but Atticus believes that their relationship must remain professional.
Into this sexual angst drops the Morrigan to order Atticus, who she still insists on calling Siodhachan to come away with her immediately. Before they can attend a dinner with the Gods who wish to converse with Atticus, he must have his tattoos repaired and this is something only the Morrigan can do, unfortunately for Atticus. In Two Ravens and One Crow we get to see a different side of the Morrigan. According to Atticus she laughs almost girlishly - a term that most certainly does not go hand in hand with the Morrigan. When they enter the chamber of abundance, fertility and harmony, we get to see her frustration and not being able to connect with others because she represents "sex or violent death. Sometimes both." Just when I thought that the Morrigan could not be even more complex this revelation of an inability to connect with others and that it brings her sadness adds a new dimension to her character.
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Atticus still has a few years left in his training of Granuaile and this of course means much sexual tension. He has devised a plan with Oberon to "conceal the tower of his CARNAL DESIRE," by leaving to give his faithful hound a snack when she starts to perform her exercises in tight fighting work our gear. They both know that something is going on between them, but Atticus believes that their relationship must remain professional.
Into this sexual angst drops the Morrigan to order Atticus, who she still insists on calling Siodhachan to come away with her immediately. Before they can attend a dinner with the Gods who wish to converse with Atticus, he must have his tattoos repaired and this is something only the Morrigan can do, unfortunately for Atticus. In Two Ravens and One Crow we get to see a different side of the Morrigan. According to Atticus she laughs almost girlishly - a term that most certainly does not go hand in hand with the Morrigan. When they enter the chamber of abundance, fertility and harmony, we get to see her frustration and not being able to connect with others because she represents "sex or violent death. Sometimes both." Just when I thought that the Morrigan could not be even more complex this revelation of an inability to connect with others and that it brings her sadness adds a new dimension to her character.
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November 30, 2012
"Can I have just a little peril?"
"No, it's far too perilous!"
**Atticus bantering about his attraction to Granuaile with Oberon**
This novella bridges the gap between the previous adventure "Tricked" and the current one "Trapped". In the midst of training Granuaile, Atticus receives a visit from everyone's favorite goddess Morrigan- who has her own designs on our boy, both personal and professional. Seems there's some fallout from the events in Asgard that needs addressing, and the parties involved make for a very interesting dinner conversation. But not everyone's willing to bury the hatchet... unless it's in Atticus' skull.
You just gotta love Morrigan's observations on the Great American Pasttime (baseball, in case you were wondering) and the way she manages to identify with the players... don't look at me like that; just read it.
Funny, to the point, quick-paced and with an enlightening glimpse into Atticus' past, this is another treat from an author who knows the story he wants to tell and does it well.
"No, it's far too perilous!"
**Atticus bantering about his attraction to Granuaile with Oberon**
This novella bridges the gap between the previous adventure "Tricked" and the current one "Trapped". In the midst of training Granuaile, Atticus receives a visit from everyone's favorite goddess Morrigan- who has her own designs on our boy, both personal and professional. Seems there's some fallout from the events in Asgard that needs addressing, and the parties involved make for a very interesting dinner conversation. But not everyone's willing to bury the hatchet... unless it's in Atticus' skull.
You just gotta love Morrigan's observations on the Great American Pasttime (baseball, in case you were wondering) and the way she manages to identify with the players... don't look at me like that; just read it.
Funny, to the point, quick-paced and with an enlightening glimpse into Atticus' past, this is another treat from an author who knows the story he wants to tell and does it well.
September 6, 2012
Catching up with what Atticus & crew were up to was good especially since the next novel jumps 12 years from the last one. And for a short novella, the story was awesome. I could easily see the author making it longer if they so chose to. The story takes place 6 years after Tricked and we discover that Odin & Frigg know that Atticus faked his death. One would think that they want his head (and they do) but they want him fighting in Ragnarok even more. The Morrigan was in the book as well and we discovered more about her other than her cold & cruel persona. This story seemed to hint at Ragnarok happening soon and I could only assume that it will start sometime in Trapped because of what Atticus revealed to us about the Sirens’ premonitions in Hammered. I can’t wait to continue with the next Iron Druid story.
Favorite Line: “Enough is enough! I have had it with these motherfucking snakes on this motherfucking ceiling” - Imaginary Oberon in Atticus’ head
Favorite Line: “Enough is enough! I have had it with these motherfucking snakes on this motherfucking ceiling” - Imaginary Oberon in Atticus’ head
November 29, 2025
This was a pleasant surprise. I was just finishing Hunted and feeling a little bereft it was over when I saw Two Ravens and One Crow following. My book dance followed...
Two Ravens and One Crow takes place early into Granuaile's training. A large crow swoops in transforming into The Morrigan, telling Atticus that he must come with her to fix his healing tattoo.
An unexpected, yet weary, friendship is born and we get the inside scoop.
If you are a Iron Druid Chronicle fan, I highly recommend you check out Two Ravens and One Crow. It is packed full of insight while providing a marvelous short story. You can purchase this book seperately or get the bonus in Hunted.
Two Ravens and One Crow takes place early into Granuaile's training. A large crow swoops in transforming into The Morrigan, telling Atticus that he must come with her to fix his healing tattoo.
An unexpected, yet weary, friendship is born and we get the inside scoop.
If you are a Iron Druid Chronicle fan, I highly recommend you check out Two Ravens and One Crow. It is packed full of insight while providing a marvelous short story. You can purchase this book seperately or get the bonus in Hunted.
January 15, 2013
Sometimes less is more. Such is the case with this novella, which advances Atticus's story more than the previous novel, Tricked, did, while at the same time maintaining the tone of the overarching series, as well as its mythology, excitement and humor. Has me very excited to read the next novel in the series, Trapped.
July 15, 2017
"We're all doomed..."
- Atticus O'Sullivan
Yeah...
So this was mildly entertaining. Low three stars. Atticus agrees to make up for the wrongs he's laid on the Norse pantheon, there's a bit of danger, fighting, and I think he may have knocked up The Morigan.
It's lame to find Atticus and Granuaile in the middle of nowhere living in a trailer trying not to jump in bed with each other.
What the hell happened to this series?
May 27, 2023
I read this anthology the first time and relistened on audio for the Iron Druid Read-a-long. Tattoo retouches/repairs and traveling with Morrigan for a sit down with some angry gods...this short has it all. Morrigan both terrifies me and makes me laugh.
November 24, 2017
MUST READ prior to book 5.
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