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The Iron Druid Chronicles #8.7, 9.1-9.2
First Dangle and Other Stories
From the world of the New York Times bestselling Iron Druid Chronicles comes an adventure featuring the ancient Druid, Owen Kennedy, and his favorite sloth, Slomonomobrodolie.
Owen the archdruid and Slomo, his sloth friend, are about to see the world together when they are interrupted by Coriander, Herald Extraordinary for the First among the Fae. He asks them to do him the small favor of solving a supernatural murder. Helping Coriander takes Owen and Slomo to Granada, Spain, then to London, England, and Austin, Texas, where they confront an Irish goddess of wisdom, streak through Kew Gardens, and encounter some spriggans in a honky tonk. They get to see the world after all—just not the way they thought.
This collection also includes "The Naughtiest Cherub," narrated by Loki and taking place directly before the events of Scourged, book 9 of the Iron Druid Chronicles, and also "The Waters," narrated by Granuaile sometime after the events of Scourged. It also contains "Friendly Emily," a short science fiction piece that is the prelude to a novella called A Question of Navigation.
Owen the archdruid and Slomo, his sloth friend, are about to see the world together when they are interrupted by Coriander, Herald Extraordinary for the First among the Fae. He asks them to do him the small favor of solving a supernatural murder. Helping Coriander takes Owen and Slomo to Granada, Spain, then to London, England, and Austin, Texas, where they confront an Irish goddess of wisdom, streak through Kew Gardens, and encounter some spriggans in a honky tonk. They get to see the world after all—just not the way they thought.
This collection also includes "The Naughtiest Cherub," narrated by Loki and taking place directly before the events of Scourged, book 9 of the Iron Druid Chronicles, and also "The Waters," narrated by Granuaile sometime after the events of Scourged. It also contains "Friendly Emily," a short science fiction piece that is the prelude to a novella called A Question of Navigation.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2019
162 people are currently reading
1079 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
June 17, 2019
KEVIN HEARNE!
IRON DRUID STORIES!
KEVIN HEARNE HAS NEW IRON DRUID STORIES!
ICE CREAM!!!
I’m a paunchy middle aged dude but hearing that Kevin Hearne has published a new Iron Druid story – IN A COLLECTION! – evokes the memory of being nine years old and hearing the tinny music of the ice cream man driving through my parents’ neighborhood. There is the frantic hunt for money and then the mad dash for the truck, cruising ponderously through the residential lanes, being joined by other kids with a cold sugar addiction.
Hearne brought Atticus O’Sullivan’s story to a somewhat end in his 2018 novel Scourged. But thankfully, he has too much fun with the world building to walk away for good and he has rewarded his fans with some great Oberon stories since and now this, a new novella featuring Owen Kennedy and Slomo the super sloth. Owen and Slomo join up with Coriander from the Fae court to solve a murder mystery.
This collection also includes a Granuaile story and a cool SF short story. "The Naughtiest Cherub", narrated by Loki is a TASTY morsel of fun where our favorite trickster god pays a visit to the Christian Adversary in Hell.
Since I am a Hearne fan from way back, I chose the audiobook edition as this contains a production of one of my favorite Iron Druid stories – The Chapel Perilous. Narrator Luke Daniels does a great job bringing to life this story of Atticus’ past where he calls himself Gawain and he is searching for a very special and famous artifact. It may have been this short work that bound my reading spirit to this urban fantasy universe – with connections to ancient history, myth and legend.
I’ve noted before that while Hearne’s novels are as captivating as a box of Lucky Charms – and they’re magically delicious – the enchantment of this series comes alive in the shorter works and as he’s demonstrated with great characters like Owen and Granuaile that there is OODLES of good stories available in this world building.
So pull a couple of pints of cold brew, have some sausages ready for your hound, and enjoy!
IRON DRUID STORIES!
KEVIN HEARNE HAS NEW IRON DRUID STORIES!
ICE CREAM!!!
I’m a paunchy middle aged dude but hearing that Kevin Hearne has published a new Iron Druid story – IN A COLLECTION! – evokes the memory of being nine years old and hearing the tinny music of the ice cream man driving through my parents’ neighborhood. There is the frantic hunt for money and then the mad dash for the truck, cruising ponderously through the residential lanes, being joined by other kids with a cold sugar addiction.
Hearne brought Atticus O’Sullivan’s story to a somewhat end in his 2018 novel Scourged. But thankfully, he has too much fun with the world building to walk away for good and he has rewarded his fans with some great Oberon stories since and now this, a new novella featuring Owen Kennedy and Slomo the super sloth. Owen and Slomo join up with Coriander from the Fae court to solve a murder mystery.
This collection also includes a Granuaile story and a cool SF short story. "The Naughtiest Cherub", narrated by Loki is a TASTY morsel of fun where our favorite trickster god pays a visit to the Christian Adversary in Hell.
Since I am a Hearne fan from way back, I chose the audiobook edition as this contains a production of one of my favorite Iron Druid stories – The Chapel Perilous. Narrator Luke Daniels does a great job bringing to life this story of Atticus’ past where he calls himself Gawain and he is searching for a very special and famous artifact. It may have been this short work that bound my reading spirit to this urban fantasy universe – with connections to ancient history, myth and legend.
I’ve noted before that while Hearne’s novels are as captivating as a box of Lucky Charms – and they’re magically delicious – the enchantment of this series comes alive in the shorter works and as he’s demonstrated with great characters like Owen and Granuaile that there is OODLES of good stories available in this world building.
So pull a couple of pints of cold brew, have some sausages ready for your hound, and enjoy!
November 19, 2019
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Luke Daniels
The Waters is an extremely short story featuring Granuaile and takes place after the the final book. It looks at the work she's undertaken now that Ragnarok is over. Although nothing of note happens in it, it served to remind me just how much I dislike her character. She feels filled with a self righteousness that irks me. Hopefully this is the last we'll hear of her.
Narrator: Luke Daniels
The Waters is an extremely short story featuring Granuaile and takes place after the the final book. It looks at the work she's undertaken now that Ragnarok is over. Although nothing of note happens in it, it served to remind me just how much I dislike her character. She feels filled with a self righteousness that irks me. Hopefully this is the last we'll hear of her.
December 13, 2019
The only thing with this story is that it is not a full novel. I really miss the Iron Druid Chronicles since the series ended. These short stories do keep the flame alive. Highly recommended
November 26, 2019
A patchwork of stories, but always delightful when narrated by Luke Daniels.
June 17, 2019
The Chapel Perilous - 5/5 - Stories like this are why I use to recommend the series to Urban Fantasy fans.
The Naughtiest Cherub - 1/5 - Loki is not an interesting character, fight scenes are not Hearne's strong suit, and the letdown that was Ragnarok doesn't help.
First Dangle - 4/5 - Really good once he got off the preaching at the beginning. Owen as detective is a great fit. I even enjoyed Slowmo this time as she behaved more like a sloth than a somewhat slowed down Oberon.
The Waters - 0/5 - F*** a Granuaile story. It's just a (thankfully) very, very short excerpt of Hearne venting on his soapbox, which seems to be the whole point of Granuaile as a character tbh. Interesting that he decided to ruin the character of woman MC by stuffing his own words and beliefs into her mouth.
Friendly Emily - 0/5 - Hey Hearne, did you forget you already wrote a SciFi book? Granted it was a really bad Star Wars book and part of the even worse Disney Canon, but you still have a SciFi book out there. This short snippet really should have just been left out and is basically just his Granuaile preaching from a little girl alien. (Why do you always turn your female characters into your personal megaphones?) The message is strangely mixed here too, as the pro-environmental mouth piece character is also a human eating colonial monster.
Final Score - Averages to 2.5/5 (Combining the two short stories)
Hearne has a real talent for Urban Fantasy, but seems to spend way too much time in the twitter echo chamber and it's ruining his writing. If he could just tone down the neo-puritan demagogy he'd be up at Jim Butcher's level.
The Naughtiest Cherub - 1/5 - Loki is not an interesting character, fight scenes are not Hearne's strong suit, and the letdown that was Ragnarok doesn't help.
First Dangle - 4/5 - Really good once he got off the preaching at the beginning. Owen as detective is a great fit. I even enjoyed Slowmo this time as she behaved more like a sloth than a somewhat slowed down Oberon.
The Waters - 0/5 - F*** a Granuaile story. It's just a (thankfully) very, very short excerpt of Hearne venting on his soapbox, which seems to be the whole point of Granuaile as a character tbh. Interesting that he decided to ruin the character of woman MC by stuffing his own words and beliefs into her mouth.
Friendly Emily - 0/5 - Hey Hearne, did you forget you already wrote a SciFi book? Granted it was a really bad Star Wars book and part of the even worse Disney Canon, but you still have a SciFi book out there. This short snippet really should have just been left out and is basically just his Granuaile preaching from a little girl alien. (Why do you always turn your female characters into your personal megaphones?) The message is strangely mixed here too, as the pro-environmental mouth piece character is also a human eating colonial monster.
Final Score - Averages to 2.5/5 (Combining the two short stories)
Hearne has a real talent for Urban Fantasy, but seems to spend way too much time in the twitter echo chamber and it's ruining his writing. If he could just tone down the neo-puritan demagogy he'd be up at Jim Butcher's level.
June 16, 2019
A great Owen and Slomo story
I love reading about Slomo. There’s something about her positive, non judgmental outlook that just makes me happy. Not a fan of Loki, though.
I love reading about Slomo. There’s something about her positive, non judgmental outlook that just makes me happy. Not a fan of Loki, though.
June 14, 2019
I love me some murder sloth! This is a short Owen and SloMo story but also includes a few other Iron Druid shorts which is nice. I hope there is more of SloMo in the future.
There is also an additional piece of Kevin Hearne Flash Fiction at the end that is not Iron Druid related but delightfully terrifying.
There is also an additional piece of Kevin Hearne Flash Fiction at the end that is not Iron Druid related but delightfully terrifying.
November 24, 2023
The First Dangle and Other Stories is a collection of previously published shorts and a new novella, “The First Dangle.” All but one story are set in the Iron Druid Chronicles world, some taking place before the end of the series, and others after the conclusion. Author Kevin Hearne provides his own “liner notes” before each story, giving context to the story that follows.
The Chapel Perilous is told from Atticus’s POV and set during Granuaile’s training period. Atticus shares a story of his involvement in the Holy Grail myth. It’s mostly a “backstory” tale, with little ties to the Iron Druid stories. Overall, it was action-packed and entertaining.
The Naughtiest Cherub is told by Loki and takes place just before the events of the final book, Scourged. Loki is preparing for the start of Ragnarok, and without the bounds of Fate, he approaches the Christian devil, Lucifer, for assistance in the upcoming battles. Mr. Hearne’s sense of humor shines in this short story.
I originally read this novella in the Urban Enemies anthology in 2017. I really enjoyed the story when I first read it (in chronological order with the overall series), and I still liked it this time around, just not as much now that the series is over. I think my knowledge of what comes after shadows the tale just a bit.
First Dangle is Mr. Hearne’s first of the Owen and Slomo story and is shared from Owen’s POV. Coriander, herald to Bree, comes to Owen with a desperate personal request. Friends of his (human witches) were murdered by something not-human, and he wants Owen to help him discover what happened.
The story set up is similar to Oberon’s tales. Owen is out to solve a mystery, and Slomo comes along providing some insight and wonder. The mystery is pretty complex and well done, although without quite as much humor as Oberon’s tales. I would definitely listen to another one!
The Waters is shared by Granuaile and takes place after the the final book. It’s just a very short look at something she’s working on now that Ragnarok is over. It’s too short to have any plot and is more of a “slice of life.”
Friendly Emily is the only tale NOT from the Iron Druid Chronicles. It is a random sci-fi short about an encounter between a human hiker and an alien who looks like a 9-year old girl. She tells him how someday her kind will come to earth to live and feed on humans.
Narration: The Iron Druid Chronicles wouldn’t be what it is without the amazing narration by Luke Daniels. A cast of dozens couldn’t do better. Mr. Daniels has honed and refined his voices over the course of the series, and I am still amazed at how many he has. From big to small, from old to young, from human to god, from sloth to dog… he captures the essence of Mr. Hearne’s characters and brings them to life. He fills each with emotion, therefore making the events that much more memorable and real.
Overall, I enjoyed The First Dangle and Other Stories. I liked the “First Dangle” story best. It is entertaining, and I liked Owen, Coriander, and Slomo working together.
My Ratings:
Stories: B
Narration: A
====
Re-read November 2023: I listened to The Chapel Perilous, First Dangle, and The Waters as part of 2023 IDC Read-Along.
The Chapel Perilous is told from Atticus’s POV and set during Granuaile’s training period. Atticus shares a story of his involvement in the Holy Grail myth. It’s mostly a “backstory” tale, with little ties to the Iron Druid stories. Overall, it was action-packed and entertaining.
The Naughtiest Cherub is told by Loki and takes place just before the events of the final book, Scourged. Loki is preparing for the start of Ragnarok, and without the bounds of Fate, he approaches the Christian devil, Lucifer, for assistance in the upcoming battles. Mr. Hearne’s sense of humor shines in this short story.
I originally read this novella in the Urban Enemies anthology in 2017. I really enjoyed the story when I first read it (in chronological order with the overall series), and I still liked it this time around, just not as much now that the series is over. I think my knowledge of what comes after shadows the tale just a bit.
First Dangle is Mr. Hearne’s first of the Owen and Slomo story and is shared from Owen’s POV. Coriander, herald to Bree, comes to Owen with a desperate personal request. Friends of his (human witches) were murdered by something not-human, and he wants Owen to help him discover what happened.
The story set up is similar to Oberon’s tales. Owen is out to solve a mystery, and Slomo comes along providing some insight and wonder. The mystery is pretty complex and well done, although without quite as much humor as Oberon’s tales. I would definitely listen to another one!
The Waters is shared by Granuaile and takes place after the the final book. It’s just a very short look at something she’s working on now that Ragnarok is over. It’s too short to have any plot and is more of a “slice of life.”
Friendly Emily is the only tale NOT from the Iron Druid Chronicles. It is a random sci-fi short about an encounter between a human hiker and an alien who looks like a 9-year old girl. She tells him how someday her kind will come to earth to live and feed on humans.
Narration: The Iron Druid Chronicles wouldn’t be what it is without the amazing narration by Luke Daniels. A cast of dozens couldn’t do better. Mr. Daniels has honed and refined his voices over the course of the series, and I am still amazed at how many he has. From big to small, from old to young, from human to god, from sloth to dog… he captures the essence of Mr. Hearne’s characters and brings them to life. He fills each with emotion, therefore making the events that much more memorable and real.
Overall, I enjoyed The First Dangle and Other Stories. I liked the “First Dangle” story best. It is entertaining, and I liked Owen, Coriander, and Slomo working together.
My Ratings:
Stories: B
Narration: A
====
Re-read November 2023: I listened to The Chapel Perilous, First Dangle, and The Waters as part of 2023 IDC Read-Along.
June 22, 2019
A bit of a letdown
This is a collection of four short stories. Each is narrated by a different character. Three of the stories are set in the Iron Druid setting but none of the stories actually feature him.
The first story is narrated by Loki. This story is a problem. Since the series has concluded, most people will have already read it or won't care since it doesn't add anything to the story. Only people that haven't finished the series will get anything out of it. And really, it can be skipped entirely and it wouldn't hurt the series.
The second story featured Owen and Slomo the sloth. Owen is okay even if he gets a little preachy at times. What can you expect when dealing with a druid talking about the environment? The only thing is the story does not have anything to do with the environment so that could have been ignored here. Also for a guy that missed so much time, he tends to follow the politically correct rules a little too easy. (The singular they seems strange from him and felt more natural when the author slipped once and used its instead.) This was, thankfully, the longest entry and the best story of the bunch. When the author focuses on the story instead of his causes, he can tell a good tale.
The third story really wasn't much of a story. More of an excuse for the female druid to get really preachy and depressing while trying to make the readers feel guilty for destroying the planet. (Ironic that a guy that puts out huge hardback books is always trying to make his readers feel bad about tree loss and other environmental issues.)
The last story is a sci-fi tale, again very preachy, about the environment and other social issues. For me this one didn't work.
Summing up,the first story is old and didn't add a lot even when it was new. The third and fourth entries were not so much stories as reasons for the author to climb on his personal soapbox. The second/main story was decent and the only one worth reading.
This is a collection of four short stories. Each is narrated by a different character. Three of the stories are set in the Iron Druid setting but none of the stories actually feature him.
The first story is narrated by Loki. This story is a problem. Since the series has concluded, most people will have already read it or won't care since it doesn't add anything to the story. Only people that haven't finished the series will get anything out of it. And really, it can be skipped entirely and it wouldn't hurt the series.
The second story featured Owen and Slomo the sloth. Owen is okay even if he gets a little preachy at times. What can you expect when dealing with a druid talking about the environment? The only thing is the story does not have anything to do with the environment so that could have been ignored here. Also for a guy that missed so much time, he tends to follow the politically correct rules a little too easy. (The singular they seems strange from him and felt more natural when the author slipped once and used its instead.) This was, thankfully, the longest entry and the best story of the bunch. When the author focuses on the story instead of his causes, he can tell a good tale.
The third story really wasn't much of a story. More of an excuse for the female druid to get really preachy and depressing while trying to make the readers feel guilty for destroying the planet. (Ironic that a guy that puts out huge hardback books is always trying to make his readers feel bad about tree loss and other environmental issues.)
The last story is a sci-fi tale, again very preachy, about the environment and other social issues. For me this one didn't work.
Summing up,the first story is old and didn't add a lot even when it was new. The third and fourth entries were not so much stories as reasons for the author to climb on his personal soapbox. The second/main story was decent and the only one worth reading.
July 14, 2019
Listened to this on a roadtrip, and PLEASE CAN WEE HAVE MORE MURDERSLOTH? Slo Mo is one of my favorite characters and she always makes me smile.
June 16, 2019
4.5/5 I enjoy the Iron Druid books as audio books because the narrator Luke Daniels. It was nice to have one of the prior stories recorded as well as the main event “First Dangle”, just like the meaty mysteries, this was an enjoyable story in the Iron Druid universe.
August 15, 2019
This collection of short stories was the best. I loved the extra back story we got for each of the stories from Mr. Hearne himself. I thought the extra sci fi story at the end was an awesome addition. I want ALL of the Owen and Slowmo stories humanly possible because they bring me such joy.
August 17, 2019
A few fun stories from Iron Druid Chronicles
March 25, 2020
ALWAYS MORE SLOMO STORIES KEVIN!!!
He said he would write more if the demand is there so I better find multiple ways to tell him lol.
He said he would write more if the demand is there so I better find multiple ways to tell him lol.
June 14, 2019
LOVED all of these awesome IDC shorts that appeared in different anthologies and/or were never recorded on audio by the inestimable Luke Daniels. The great characters, the raunchy humor, the nuggets of wisdom, even the taco references—Hearne at his best. I'm so glad he put this together.
June 13, 2019
Kevin Hearne once again visits with Owen an slomo
When we see Owen an slomo they are interrupted by the Herald of Brigitte with a personal problem he wold like help with, not having any other plans the two of them decide to lend a hand, let the mayhem ensue....
When we see Owen an slomo they are interrupted by the Herald of Brigitte with a personal problem he wold like help with, not having any other plans the two of them decide to lend a hand, let the mayhem ensue....
June 15, 2019
Quick fun read. Several stories included from the Iron Druid world, one a sci-fi short story that I had read before, but the rest new to me. Enjoyed the Owen story, the main one, I really liked Owen in the books and his friend the sloth is too easy to picture in my mind. Hope for more from this world.
June 11, 2019
A super quick read! Was pleasantly surprised by the Loki short story. My favorite of course was with Slomo. I love that murder sloth. Of course, do not read these short stories unless you have read the Iron Druid series which I highly recommend.
April 5, 2020
I keep coming back to this series in the hopes my love for it will be rekindled. It never works. There were so many things wrong with the last two novels, so many choices (and characters) that branched away from what this series started out, that now I can't even enjoy a short story collection.
October 5, 2021
This is my review of the audio book version of this title. This is also my first exposure to the fantasy writings of Kevin Hearne. I really enjoyed this book and was charmed by the characters and his sense of humour. I will delving into his Iron Druid series to immerse myself in this world more. Now let's get down to business and explore this book.
The First Dangle and Other Stories is a collection of previously published shorts and a new novella, “The First Dangle.” All but one story are set in the Iron Druid Chronicles world, some taking place before the end of the series, and others after the conclusion. Author Kevin Hearne provides his own “liner notes” before each story, giving context to the story that follows.
The Chapel Perilous is told from Atticus’s POV and set during Granuaile’s training period. Atticus shares a story of his involvement in the Holy Grail myth. It’s a “backstory” tale, with little ties to the Iron Druid stories. Overall, it was action-packed and entertaining.
The Naughtiest Cherub is told by Loki and takes place just before the events of the final book, Scourged. Loki is preparing for the start of Ragnarok, and without the bounds of Fate, he approaches the Christian devil, Lucifer, for assistance in the upcoming battles. Mr. Hearne’s sense of humour shines in this short story.
First Dangle is Mr. Hearne’s first of the Owen and Slomo story and is shared from Owen’s POV. Coriander, herald to Bree, comes to Owen with a desperate personal request. Friends of his (human witches) were murdered by something not-human, and he wants Owen to help him discover what happened.
The story set up is similar to Oberon’s tales. Owen is out to solve a mystery, and Slomo comes along providing some insight and wonder. The mystery is pretty complex and well done, although without quite as much humour as Oberon’s tales. I would definitely listen to another one!
The Waters is shared by Granuaile and takes place after the the final book. It’s just a very short look at something she’s working on now that Ragnarok is over. It’s too short to have any plot and is more of a “slice of life.”
Friendly Emily is the only tale NOT from the Iron Druid Chronicles. It is a random sci-fi short about an encounter between a human hiker and an alien who looks like a 9-year old girl. She tells him how someday her kind will come to earth to live and feed on humans.
The Iron Druid Chronicles wouldn’t be what it is without the amazing narration by Luke Daniels. A cast of dozens couldn’t do better. Mr. Daniels has honed and refined his voices over the course of the series, and I am still amazed at how many he has. From big to small, from old to young, from human to god, from sloth to dog… he captures the essence of Mr. Hearne’s characters and brings them to life. He fills each with emotion, therefore making the events that much more memorable and real.
Overall, I enjoyed The First Dangle and Other Stories. I liked the “First Dangle” story best. It is entertaining, and I liked Owen, Coriander, and Slomo working together.
The First Dangle and Other Stories is a collection of previously published shorts and a new novella, “The First Dangle.” All but one story are set in the Iron Druid Chronicles world, some taking place before the end of the series, and others after the conclusion. Author Kevin Hearne provides his own “liner notes” before each story, giving context to the story that follows.
The Chapel Perilous is told from Atticus’s POV and set during Granuaile’s training period. Atticus shares a story of his involvement in the Holy Grail myth. It’s a “backstory” tale, with little ties to the Iron Druid stories. Overall, it was action-packed and entertaining.
The Naughtiest Cherub is told by Loki and takes place just before the events of the final book, Scourged. Loki is preparing for the start of Ragnarok, and without the bounds of Fate, he approaches the Christian devil, Lucifer, for assistance in the upcoming battles. Mr. Hearne’s sense of humour shines in this short story.
First Dangle is Mr. Hearne’s first of the Owen and Slomo story and is shared from Owen’s POV. Coriander, herald to Bree, comes to Owen with a desperate personal request. Friends of his (human witches) were murdered by something not-human, and he wants Owen to help him discover what happened.
The story set up is similar to Oberon’s tales. Owen is out to solve a mystery, and Slomo comes along providing some insight and wonder. The mystery is pretty complex and well done, although without quite as much humour as Oberon’s tales. I would definitely listen to another one!
The Waters is shared by Granuaile and takes place after the the final book. It’s just a very short look at something she’s working on now that Ragnarok is over. It’s too short to have any plot and is more of a “slice of life.”
Friendly Emily is the only tale NOT from the Iron Druid Chronicles. It is a random sci-fi short about an encounter between a human hiker and an alien who looks like a 9-year old girl. She tells him how someday her kind will come to earth to live and feed on humans.
The Iron Druid Chronicles wouldn’t be what it is without the amazing narration by Luke Daniels. A cast of dozens couldn’t do better. Mr. Daniels has honed and refined his voices over the course of the series, and I am still amazed at how many he has. From big to small, from old to young, from human to god, from sloth to dog… he captures the essence of Mr. Hearne’s characters and brings them to life. He fills each with emotion, therefore making the events that much more memorable and real.
Overall, I enjoyed The First Dangle and Other Stories. I liked the “First Dangle” story best. It is entertaining, and I liked Owen, Coriander, and Slomo working together.
October 17, 2020
I thoroughly enjoy these quick excursions into the Iron Druid universe. I especially liked the late introduction of Owen into the series and found his crotchety demeanor oddly refreshing to the series. Something about having to explain the world of today from someone from the past, made his character and interaction of modern day technology an interesting plot device. It got even more interesting when Slomo got introduced as his murder sloth side-kick. Both relatively new to feck’n wonders of the modern day world, and their responses to what they saw and experience made the two of them a lovely pair. As for Coriander, I vaguely remember him from the series, and not too sure what to make of him. I guess he acts as a proper and pristine foil to Owen’s rough personality, but he barely stood out in the Iron Druid series books, and he barely stood out in this novella.
That said, I am still a fan of these novellas and wouldn’t mind getting more of them from time to time. Kinda like checking in on the black sheep uncle from time to time, see what shenanigans they’re been up to.
So Mr. Hearne, please continue with Owen’s mini adventures as you see fit. Oh, and you have to write in a flash back sequence to explain who and how “the cloud” was explained to Owen.
That said, I am still a fan of these novellas and wouldn’t mind getting more of them from time to time. Kinda like checking in on the black sheep uncle from time to time, see what shenanigans they’re been up to.
So Mr. Hearne, please continue with Owen’s mini adventures as you see fit. Oh, and you have to write in a flash back sequence to explain who and how “the cloud” was explained to Owen.
January 19, 2021
**The Chapel Perilous- Atticus 3
Read this when it first came out. Stealing back the Holy Grail as Gwain, except it was a fae object then and could feed armies. Didn't reread but gave it a 3 the first time.
**The Naughtiest Cherub- Loki 3 1/2
Well, interested lead into Ragnorok and Loki getting Lucifer to agree to not enter into the fray.
**The First Dangle- Owen 4 1/2 (longest of the shorts)
I would like more Owen and his sloth. They are fun but not as much as Oberon with Atticus. I hope Atticus grows his arm back. Here they help Coriander, herald to the first among the fae, part of the fae gods, find his friends killer. It leader to Spain and the fae court, then to a hired killer but... the healing doesn't always come from revenge.
**The Waters- Granueile 2
Well, very short and scorched earth, climate conscientious. Talk of Trolls, and talk about damage with a little fun Orla chasing squirrels. Forgettable and not fun. Good thoughts but not a story.
**Friendly Emily- Scifi very short, not Iron Druid 5
A walk, hike, leads to a lost child, the future doesn't look good. Very funny, very, very short.
Read this when it first came out. Stealing back the Holy Grail as Gwain, except it was a fae object then and could feed armies. Didn't reread but gave it a 3 the first time.
**The Naughtiest Cherub- Loki 3 1/2
Well, interested lead into Ragnorok and Loki getting Lucifer to agree to not enter into the fray.
**The First Dangle- Owen 4 1/2 (longest of the shorts)
I would like more Owen and his sloth. They are fun but not as much as Oberon with Atticus. I hope Atticus grows his arm back. Here they help Coriander, herald to the first among the fae, part of the fae gods, find his friends killer. It leader to Spain and the fae court, then to a hired killer but... the healing doesn't always come from revenge.
**The Waters- Granueile 2
Well, very short and scorched earth, climate conscientious. Talk of Trolls, and talk about damage with a little fun Orla chasing squirrels. Forgettable and not fun. Good thoughts but not a story.
**Friendly Emily- Scifi very short, not Iron Druid 5
A walk, hike, leads to a lost child, the future doesn't look good. Very funny, very, very short.
September 1, 2019
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
First Dangle and other stories is a fun visit to the Iron Druid Chronicles world. A couple of these stories are re-record by Luke Daniels from previous analogies. It was really nice to hear these stories all in Luke’s talented voice. We get a story from Loki, Granuaile and of course Atticus. But the gem of this collection is Owen and Slomo’s adventure. How can you go wrong with a murder Sloth on your side.
I really enjoyed this book and I hope that Kevin will give us more stories in the IDC soon. I am excited for the new spin off Ink & Sigil too. But the IRC, Atticus and Oberon will always have a special place in my heart. Plus, I really really want another Atticus and the Morrigan story.
As always Luke brings these characters to life in a way that I am not sure any other narrator could. Great job Luke!!! Can’t wait to hear more!!!
Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
First Dangle and other stories is a fun visit to the Iron Druid Chronicles world. A couple of these stories are re-record by Luke Daniels from previous analogies. It was really nice to hear these stories all in Luke’s talented voice. We get a story from Loki, Granuaile and of course Atticus. But the gem of this collection is Owen and Slomo’s adventure. How can you go wrong with a murder Sloth on your side.
I really enjoyed this book and I hope that Kevin will give us more stories in the IDC soon. I am excited for the new spin off Ink & Sigil too. But the IRC, Atticus and Oberon will always have a special place in my heart. Plus, I really really want another Atticus and the Morrigan story.
As always Luke brings these characters to life in a way that I am not sure any other narrator could. Great job Luke!!! Can’t wait to hear more!!!
Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
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October 11, 2023I don't think they have the numbering right on this one. if Owen & Slo-mo are in a story, then it has to be AFTER Scourged (Iron Druid #10) and The Chapel Perilous was already in one of the other collections.
Regardless, I found the ending of Scourged dissatisfactory, especially having four epilogues, and I found the last story, taking place after those stories to also be a bit unnecessary. I pretty much only listened to it because Luke Daniels' is a TREMENDOUS voice actor and does a terrific job with the drastically different voices and personalities with Owen and Slo-mo.
Regardless, I found the ending of Scourged dissatisfactory, especially having four epilogues, and I found the last story, taking place after those stories to also be a bit unnecessary. I pretty much only listened to it because Luke Daniels' is a TREMENDOUS voice actor and does a terrific job with the drastically different voices and personalities with Owen and Slo-mo.
July 16, 2019
First Dangle and Other Stories is an Iron Druid Chronicles collection set after the main series (Atticus's story) ended in the ninth book Scourged.
First Dangle, in fact, is a story of Owen (Atticus's own mentor) and Slomo, his sloth friend. There is also a Granuaile (who is living her own life post-Atticus, thank you very much) story. And even a Loki story.
I'm further very pleased that the author is planning a follow-on Iron Druid Chronicles series starring a new Scottish Druid. I have enjoyed this world so much all these years and it will be great to see it continue!
Highly recommended to longtime Iron Druid Chronicles fans and to urban fantasy fans in general!
First Dangle, in fact, is a story of Owen (Atticus's own mentor) and Slomo, his sloth friend. There is also a Granuaile (who is living her own life post-Atticus, thank you very much) story. And even a Loki story.
I'm further very pleased that the author is planning a follow-on Iron Druid Chronicles series starring a new Scottish Druid. I have enjoyed this world so much all these years and it will be great to see it continue!
Highly recommended to longtime Iron Druid Chronicles fans and to urban fantasy fans in general!
August 20, 2019
Always the best
These are short stories by Kevin Hearne, some of them, most from compilations and previously published. Since i had never read them before though, it was well worth the $4 to read them. I usually listen to them and reading the names were more difficult than i expected, even when i knew what they should sound like. Most of them are vignettes about what happpens when Granuaille and Owen go on with their lives after Ragnarock. They are fun,quick reads, which allows some character development. This is especially true of Granuaille who is struggling between generativity and despair with global warming.
These are short stories by Kevin Hearne, some of them, most from compilations and previously published. Since i had never read them before though, it was well worth the $4 to read them. I usually listen to them and reading the names were more difficult than i expected, even when i knew what they should sound like. Most of them are vignettes about what happpens when Granuaille and Owen go on with their lives after Ragnarock. They are fun,quick reads, which allows some character development. This is especially true of Granuaille who is struggling between generativity and despair with global warming.
January 13, 2020
I enjoyed all the stories in this collection. I love getting into the head of the villain, so Loki’s trip through hell was fun for me. The more Biblical appearance for Lucifer was a nice approach too, writers really should treat Biblical imagery more accurately more often. I can’t turn down an Owen story either. Despite naming my kid after Atticus, I kinda prefer Owen’s stories. Plus I love me some murder sloth. Granuaile is always nice writing even though Kevin’s style for her viewpoint isn’t my aesthetic. I can only take so much Old English influence. Overall a welcome addition to the series.
November 14, 2024
Collection of short stories I didn't love.
First Dangle -- SLOMO the sloth is a bit annoying, I commented somewhere about the Badgermen origin story being stupid, whatever that means... introduces Sigil agents, which are important to the Ink & Sigil trilogy...
The Waters -- Granuaile short, I believe it deals with her issues with her father's oil company and human damage to nature?...
Friendly Emily -- snippet of an idea for an Alien First contact story, that really has nothing to do with the Iron Druid series... interesting, but a bit pointless since this premise isn't really being used to start a series...
First Dangle -- SLOMO the sloth is a bit annoying, I commented somewhere about the Badgermen origin story being stupid, whatever that means... introduces Sigil agents, which are important to the Ink & Sigil trilogy...
The Waters -- Granuaile short, I believe it deals with her issues with her father's oil company and human damage to nature?...
Friendly Emily -- snippet of an idea for an Alien First contact story, that really has nothing to do with the Iron Druid series... interesting, but a bit pointless since this premise isn't really being used to start a series...
August 2, 2019
I knew most of the stories in this one already and liked them. There a new really short one that I liked, and then there's the main one - first dangle.
Another one that had me sighing at the "mature" penis jokes...
It's a trait of the main character, as people weren't as fussy back on his day, but even the sloth constantly asking about "the little snake" and what happens to it when the druid changes form... *Exasperated eyeroll*
Aside from that it was quick and entertaining, and a sloth is obviously simply awesome as a character!
Another one that had me sighing at the "mature" penis jokes...
It's a trait of the main character, as people weren't as fussy back on his day, but even the sloth constantly asking about "the little snake" and what happens to it when the druid changes form... *Exasperated eyeroll*
Aside from that it was quick and entertaining, and a sloth is obviously simply awesome as a character!
October 12, 2019
A few in this collection I'd already read, but it was nice to get back to Owen and SloMo again. I'd love a whole series with them as the main focus, similar to Atticus and Oberon in the Iron Druid series. Fun to read, but make sure you've finished Book 9 in the series first or there will be spoilers for you.
Also, on the audible version, Kevin Hearne adds some narration at the start of each story with his thoughts on the story or a fun anecdote on how it was written or read or something fun like that.
Also, on the audible version, Kevin Hearne adds some narration at the start of each story with his thoughts on the story or a fun anecdote on how it was written or read or something fun like that.
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