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The Iron Druid Chronicles #0.6, 3.5
Two Tales of the Iron Druid Chronicles
Two Iron Druid short stories, previously available only in limited release, have now been revised and made available worldwide!
"Kaibab Unbound" occurs just a couple of weeks before the events of HOUNDED, book one of the series. Before Atticus gets drawn into the battles of gods and monsters, he has to protect one of the earth's elementals from an accomplished coven that wants to steal its power for their own.
The events of "A Test of Mettle" happen concurrently with book 3 of the series, HAMMERED, as Granuaile MacTiernan and Oberon discover that Atticus doesn't have the final say over who can become a Druid's apprentice.
These stories serve both as an introduction to the New York Times bestselling series and as exciting background for longtime fans.
"Kaibab Unbound" occurs just a couple of weeks before the events of HOUNDED, book one of the series. Before Atticus gets drawn into the battles of gods and monsters, he has to protect one of the earth's elementals from an accomplished coven that wants to steal its power for their own.
The events of "A Test of Mettle" happen concurrently with book 3 of the series, HAMMERED, as Granuaile MacTiernan and Oberon discover that Atticus doesn't have the final say over who can become a Druid's apprentice.
These stories serve both as an introduction to the New York Times bestselling series and as exciting background for longtime fans.
37 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2015
105 people are currently reading
1918 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 138 reviews
September 26, 2016
I always forget how much I like the "Iron Druid Chronicles", until I get started on one and these being short stories of course were not long enough. The first story was a good look into the very beginning of the whole legacy and the second was a good Scooby snack. Great pallet cleanser with a Fantastic narrative.
April 4, 2018
Kaibab Unbound - This short takes place before, Hounded, book one of the Iron Druid Chronicles. Oberon and Atticus O'Sullivan are enjoying a run in the woods when an Elemental calls out for Atticus's help. What he finds is a coven of witches determined to steal the Elemental's power for their own. The tale showcases Atticus's wit, strengths, abilities, and snark. While Oberon is absent from the battle that ensues, his humor and bubbling logic shine. 3 cups
A Test of Mettle - Events in A Test of Mettle happen concurrently with Hammered, book three in the series. It is important to note, that this can be read for free on Kevin Hearne's website, but I was delighted to see Luke Daniels narrate the tale. At the time of this story, Atticus is in Asgard. The story focuses on Granuaile MacTiernan who is training to become a druid and tasked to clean a river by Sonora, the desert elemental. Oberon is with her, and both are shocked to learn Atticus doesn't get the final say on who becomes a druid. Granuaile is tested when she is attacked by the animals under the influence of Flidais, the goddess of the hunt. This was a hard lesson and test for Granuaile and one I found most interesting. It also shares a darker thread, Granuaile's obsession with punishing her stepfather. 4 cups
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
May 25, 2015
Love the Iron Druid Chronicles and this was not exception.
The first story was my favorite because of the story and the excellent narration of Oberon by Luke Daniels (Audiobook). The second story wasn't as entertaining, but it did help to flush out a bit more lore that was only hinted at.
The first story was my favorite because of the story and the excellent narration of Oberon by Luke Daniels (Audiobook). The second story wasn't as entertaining, but it did help to flush out a bit more lore that was only hinted at.
August 2, 2017
Interesting, I still love Atticus, but The narrator read these different than the main stories.
May 30, 2019
These were two fun little stories that made me nostalgic for the Iron Druid series even though it's only been a few months since I finished them. I think at some point I'll probably go back and listen to them all again- Luke Daniels is so riveting in his performance and the characters are so lovable.
January 30, 2017
Two Tales of the Iron Druid Chronicles is just that - two shorter-length stories set in the Iron Druid Chronicles world that are tied to the series, but do not directly impact the overall storyline of the series.
The first tale, Kaibab Unbound, takes place shorty before the start of the series. Atticus and his dog companion, Oberon, go north to the Arizona wilderness for some hunting time. However, their trip is cut short when the Kaibab elemental calls to Atticus for assistance, and Atticus must right the wrongs of a trio of witches.
The short story is a glimpse into Atticus's life and duties as the last Druid. It's a self-contained short and good introduction to the series. It was enjoyable for this existing fan of Atticus and Oberon.
Test of Mettle is a bit different because it is shared in the first person POV narration of Atticus’s apprentice, Granuaile. The story takes place concurrently with book 3, Hammered, when Atticus is in Asgard. Granuaile is keeping her promise to Sonora, the desert earth elemental, by ridding the river of an evasive species, when she is attacked by animals under the direction of the goddess of the hunt, Flidais.
Test of Mettle was my favorite of these two tales because it gives a perspective we don’t normally experience. I liked seeing how Granuaile interacted with Oberon since she can't hear him, therefore neither can I. I also enjoyed seeing her survive her trials and get a new perspective of her enjoyment and desire to become a Druid. HOWEVER… there is a dark side to Granuaile as she thinks about a time in the future when she will be able to destroy her stepfather. Eep!
While the stories are both narrated by series narrator Luke Daniels, my first notice was that the narration was slightly different. The biggest difference was that Oberon came off a bit rough around the edges - more wild and goofy than I’m used to. I don’t know if it was recorded early on or if the narrator purposely changed slightly.
Since we haven't had a story told from Granuaile's POV, I didn’t have a lot to compare her voice to. Mr. Daniels kept his narrator voice softer and lighter than what he uses for Atticus and therefore, appropriate for this female lead, and there was no confusion who was sharing the tale.
Overall, Two Tales of the Iron Druid Chronicles is a very enjoyable look into the series. The book is like a slice-of-life duology. It’s a good place for newbies to get a feel for the series without too many spoilers, so one could then go back and start the series with the first book.
Rating: B
Narration: B
The first tale, Kaibab Unbound, takes place shorty before the start of the series. Atticus and his dog companion, Oberon, go north to the Arizona wilderness for some hunting time. However, their trip is cut short when the Kaibab elemental calls to Atticus for assistance, and Atticus must right the wrongs of a trio of witches.
The short story is a glimpse into Atticus's life and duties as the last Druid. It's a self-contained short and good introduction to the series. It was enjoyable for this existing fan of Atticus and Oberon.
Test of Mettle is a bit different because it is shared in the first person POV narration of Atticus’s apprentice, Granuaile. The story takes place concurrently with book 3, Hammered, when Atticus is in Asgard. Granuaile is keeping her promise to Sonora, the desert earth elemental, by ridding the river of an evasive species, when she is attacked by animals under the direction of the goddess of the hunt, Flidais.
Test of Mettle was my favorite of these two tales because it gives a perspective we don’t normally experience. I liked seeing how Granuaile interacted with Oberon since she can't hear him, therefore neither can I. I also enjoyed seeing her survive her trials and get a new perspective of her enjoyment and desire to become a Druid. HOWEVER… there is a dark side to Granuaile as she thinks about a time in the future when she will be able to destroy her stepfather. Eep!
While the stories are both narrated by series narrator Luke Daniels, my first notice was that the narration was slightly different. The biggest difference was that Oberon came off a bit rough around the edges - more wild and goofy than I’m used to. I don’t know if it was recorded early on or if the narrator purposely changed slightly.
Since we haven't had a story told from Granuaile's POV, I didn’t have a lot to compare her voice to. Mr. Daniels kept his narrator voice softer and lighter than what he uses for Atticus and therefore, appropriate for this female lead, and there was no confusion who was sharing the tale.
Overall, Two Tales of the Iron Druid Chronicles is a very enjoyable look into the series. The book is like a slice-of-life duology. It’s a good place for newbies to get a feel for the series without too many spoilers, so one could then go back and start the series with the first book.
Rating: B
Narration: B
May 19, 2015
This is two very short stories. It took me a single lunch break to read the whole thing. The first was not bad, and a nice glimpse into the story that launched Kevin Hearne's career.
The second was written in the abominable first person present tense style so prevalent in the sort of fiction that is not so much written as excreted. Hearne usually uses correct person/tense pairing, and this piece is clearly written by one of his characters rather than himself. In other novels he switches styles well to denote character authors within writing the various chapters his books. As a result, instead of being an unpardonable literary sin, the tense/person choice is merely irritating. The character's opinions and points of view are similarly annoying, but I forgive it because Oberon is there and even when he doesn't talk Oberon is awesome.
The second was written in the abominable first person present tense style so prevalent in the sort of fiction that is not so much written as excreted. Hearne usually uses correct person/tense pairing, and this piece is clearly written by one of his characters rather than himself. In other novels he switches styles well to denote character authors within writing the various chapters his books. As a result, instead of being an unpardonable literary sin, the tense/person choice is merely irritating. The character's opinions and points of view are similarly annoying, but I forgive it because Oberon is there and even when he doesn't talk Oberon is awesome.
June 10, 2015
"Americans assert their own opinions as if they were facts, and dismiss inconvenient facts as if they were mere opinions".
Aw man, I have to memorize this quote. I know too many people who, when you are debating with them, like to brush off your answers as opinions and ask for the "source". When it is provided, they attack the source as well and try to discredit it, while raising their opinions(and they are opinions) to the front and foremost.
I always dislike Granuaile's chapters, her use of unnecessary prose makes her come across as a pretentious twat to me. I know she is anything but that(her hipster tree hugging ways doesn't help matters), but the prose doesn't help in my eyes.
2.5/5 Stars
Aw man, I have to memorize this quote. I know too many people who, when you are debating with them, like to brush off your answers as opinions and ask for the "source". When it is provided, they attack the source as well and try to discredit it, while raising their opinions(and they are opinions) to the front and foremost.
I always dislike Granuaile's chapters, her use of unnecessary prose makes her come across as a pretentious twat to me. I know she is anything but that(her hipster tree hugging ways doesn't help matters), but the prose doesn't help in my eyes.
2.5/5 Stars
August 15, 2015
Nice additions to the series.
The first story takes place prior to book one and gives us some background on Atticus and Oberon along with an explanation or example for why he dislikes witches so much. 5/5 stars.
The second story takes place during book 3 and focuses on a test Granuile must face. It's told in first person present and that can be tricky. Not bad but I didn't really feel a whole lot other than the hard decision she has to make to pass the test. 3/5 stars.
The first story takes place prior to book one and gives us some background on Atticus and Oberon along with an explanation or example for why he dislikes witches so much. 5/5 stars.
The second story takes place during book 3 and focuses on a test Granuile must face. It's told in first person present and that can be tricky. Not bad but I didn't really feel a whole lot other than the hard decision she has to make to pass the test. 3/5 stars.
July 5, 2023
The story Kaibab Unbound is here which I reviewed separately.
A Test of Mettle is from Granuaille's POV and I was really excited to get her thoughts. She seems solid although still a young attitude. We learned her home life was not perhaps great.
COYER Buddy read with Berls (3.5), Lillian, Brandee (3.5)
A Test of Mettle is from Granuaille's POV and I was really excited to get her thoughts. She seems solid although still a young attitude. We learned her home life was not perhaps great.
COYER Buddy read with Berls (3.5), Lillian, Brandee (3.5)
July 21, 2015
Loved the two short stories. Luke Daniels is probably one of my favorite narrators, and these stories were great (but short!) visit with Atticus and Granuielle.
October 4, 2016
I always prefer Atticus to Granille (can't spell that) but they were short!
April 7, 2018
Two Tales of the Iron Druid chronicles is a two short story collection that is best read after book three, Hammered, in the Iron Druid Chronicles series. Both stories are completely unnecessary to read, so if you are wondering if you should get this, it is not strictly necessary. They are fun to read, but will probably only take about 30-50 minutes to read depending on how fast you read.
Kaibab Unbound takes place almost immediately before book one, Hounded. The events in this short story get brought up a few times in the books, but you don't have to read it to feel like you aren't missing something. A Test of Mettle takes place during the events of book three, Hammered. In this short story we meet Atticus' apprentice, Granuaile, who is alone for the first time in the series.
Kaibab Unbound
62 points/100 (3.25 stars/5).
On his way to a vacation, Atticus is stopped by an elemental because some witches captured it to steal its power.
This was a much better written short story than Clan Rathskeller, much more coherent. This short story shows the moral compass and some motivations behind the way Atticus thinks. This isn't just some random collection of events to show how things can spiral out of control just for fun.
I liked this short story a lot because it has a purpose to the series, even if it isn't really big. While unnecessary to read, it is a fun, quick little behind the scenes.
A Test of Mettle
56 points/100 (3 stars/5).
While working on a job for the Senora elemental during the events of Hammered, Granuaile is put under a test by some Tuatha De Danann.
This is just a really quick short story that shows more of Granuaile's character. We see how she reacts in situations that she hasn't been in before. This is a good thing because up until this point, most of which we have seen of her has been Atticus telling her stay out of the way and let the druid handle it. In this, we actually see that Granuaile is a capable person with a solid moral compass.
Kaibab Unbound takes place almost immediately before book one, Hounded. The events in this short story get brought up a few times in the books, but you don't have to read it to feel like you aren't missing something. A Test of Mettle takes place during the events of book three, Hammered. In this short story we meet Atticus' apprentice, Granuaile, who is alone for the first time in the series.
Kaibab Unbound
62 points/100 (3.25 stars/5).
On his way to a vacation, Atticus is stopped by an elemental because some witches captured it to steal its power.
This was a much better written short story than Clan Rathskeller, much more coherent. This short story shows the moral compass and some motivations behind the way Atticus thinks. This isn't just some random collection of events to show how things can spiral out of control just for fun.
I liked this short story a lot because it has a purpose to the series, even if it isn't really big. While unnecessary to read, it is a fun, quick little behind the scenes.
A Test of Mettle
56 points/100 (3 stars/5).
While working on a job for the Senora elemental during the events of Hammered, Granuaile is put under a test by some Tuatha De Danann.
This is just a really quick short story that shows more of Granuaile's character. We see how she reacts in situations that she hasn't been in before. This is a good thing because up until this point, most of which we have seen of her has been Atticus telling her stay out of the way and let the druid handle it. In this, we actually see that Granuaile is a capable person with a solid moral compass.
January 30, 2023
Two enjoyable short stories in the Iron Druid series, but they happen at disparate times.
Kaibab Unbound takes place before the series starts, and is written as an introduction of sorts (explains Atticus' world and magic). A Test of Mettle is told from Granuaile's (Atticus' apprentice) POV, and happens after the events of Hammered. It's a great story that add depth to characters and the world, but the distance between them makes for an odd choice of binding together. Still recommended reads - just keep it on the shelf as you work through this excellent series.
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.
Kaibab Unbound takes place before the series starts, and is written as an introduction of sorts (explains Atticus' world and magic). A Test of Mettle is told from Granuaile's (Atticus' apprentice) POV, and happens after the events of Hammered. It's a great story that add depth to characters and the world, but the distance between them makes for an odd choice of binding together. Still recommended reads - just keep it on the shelf as you work through this excellent series.
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.
October 4, 2022
A bonus advantage to my medical plan forcing me to drive not quite an hour to get my Covid booster and flu shot. I finished these two audio shorts.
They're not great, and in many ways I would list these are required only if you are a series completist type as I tend to be (for both good and bad in all honesty). The short A Test of Mettle stars Granuaile, who, at the point I am at in the series, remains a underdeveloped character. The short gives her a little personality and gives the reader some background as to what she will undergo if she completes her journey to be coming a druid.
Kabib Unbound is Atticus going at it with witches. Frankly, if I didn't know better and perhaps I do, Atticus is a bit misogynistic about witches. He'll claim he's right, that in his mind all witches are bad/evil. But really?
They're not great, and in many ways I would list these are required only if you are a series completist type as I tend to be (for both good and bad in all honesty). The short A Test of Mettle stars Granuaile, who, at the point I am at in the series, remains a underdeveloped character. The short gives her a little personality and gives the reader some background as to what she will undergo if she completes her journey to be coming a druid.
Kabib Unbound is Atticus going at it with witches. Frankly, if I didn't know better and perhaps I do, Atticus is a bit misogynistic about witches. He'll claim he's right, that in his mind all witches are bad/evil. But really?
Read
March 19, 2023Two Tales of the Iron Druid Chronicles contains two longish short stories. The first, "Kaibab Unbound," takes place before the events in Hounded, and begins with Atticus and Oberon setting off for a hunt in the Kaibab forest north of the Grand Canyon. When harm befalls the forest elemental, Atticus comes to the rescue in typical Atticus style. The second story, "A Test of Mettle," takes place in Arizona during the events of Hammered. Granuaile is alone in the wilderness, aiding the Sonoran elemental by reducing the population of an invasive speces. Unexpectedly, she finds herself facing an unexpected peril that tests her strength, courage, cleverness, and convictions to the utmost. Both stories are entertaining; the second gives a deeper insight into Granuaile's backstory, character, and motivations.
(Read for COYER Upside-Down 2023, Chapt. 1.)
(Read for COYER Upside-Down 2023, Chapt. 1.)
Read
November 17, 2017I will review this as I listen to the two included stories in the order of the series they were meant to follow. As a side note I am trying to listen to the entire series, including short stories, in order in preparation for the release of the last book in the series coming out in April 2018.
"Kaibab Unbound":
occurs just a couple of weeks before the events of HOUNDED, book one of the series
My thoughts:
This is a great little introduction to Atticus and Oberon as well as to just what a druid is meant to do :)
I will revisit this review after I listen to the second story after I have listened to Hammered again.
The events of "A Test of Mettle" happen concurrently with book 3 of the series, HAMMERED.
My thoughts:
"Kaibab Unbound":
occurs just a couple of weeks before the events of HOUNDED, book one of the series
My thoughts:
This is a great little introduction to Atticus and Oberon as well as to just what a druid is meant to do :)
I will revisit this review after I listen to the second story after I have listened to Hammered again.
The events of "A Test of Mettle" happen concurrently with book 3 of the series, HAMMERED.
My thoughts:
May 3, 2025
I liked this little 40-page additional piece better than the ones I've read before. The adventure of Atticus and Oberon brought the usual atmosphere and humorous style of the series. It was nice to see them together before they got into a fight with the gods, dark elves or even vampires. I also like reading about elementals, I thought this topic was just ideal for this shorter adventure. I felt sorry for the poor squirrel, the witches were really quite ruthless.
And in Granuaile's story, the goddesses were cruel, but in the end they were right to want to test her commitment and competence. I liked Granuaile's mindset as she weighed the options and didn't want to harm nature. She and Oberon made a super couple even if they couldn't talk telepathically.
And in Granuaile's story, the goddesses were cruel, but in the end they were right to want to test her commitment and competence. I liked Granuaile's mindset as she weighed the options and didn't want to harm nature. She and Oberon made a super couple even if they couldn't talk telepathically.
October 12, 2019
I will read anything at all as long as the characters' names are Atticus, Oberon, and Granuille. These two stories fit the bill. I'm happy to have found them. I like the world Atticus lives in, and having just recently visited the town on Flagstaff Arizona I was enthralled with his descriptions of the land around the Grand Canyon. It's so much fun to read about places where you have been. It's almost like you become part of the story.
Anyway, if you are a Hearne fan, or if you just enjoy his irreverent writing, these stories will take you back there.
Anyway, if you are a Hearne fan, or if you just enjoy his irreverent writing, these stories will take you back there.
May 31, 2017
This installment of the Iron Druid series is just 2 short stories. In the first Atticus and his hound Oberon are involved in a story set before the first proper novel. In the second Granuille faces a test on her way to becoming a druid. Both stories help flesh out the characters and are interesting additions to the series if you already like it.
July 8, 2017
Iron Druid short stories.
These were both very well written and a fun read. I have only read the first book of the Iron Druid series but I find the thought of a Druid student intriguing. The biggest compliment I can give is I am really looking forward to reading more of this series.
These were both very well written and a fun read. I have only read the first book of the Iron Druid series but I find the thought of a Druid student intriguing. The biggest compliment I can give is I am really looking forward to reading more of this series.
September 29, 2017
these two stories were very good, minus the profanity. I do like the reader in the audiobooks. He gives different life to each character and well done at that. I'm glad these stories are short and easy enough to follow. Granted, i havent gotten far with the other books and chronicles but these two give some life and entertainment to the characters we will meet in later stories.
May 26, 2019
Love this whole series
My only negative comment is that I ran out of books! Add more books, haha!
The druid and dog relationship just tickled me. All the monsters and lots of action kept me excited to read another page! The Druids commitment to healing the earth and helping Gaia was right up my alley and made me root for Atticus through every battle.
My only negative comment is that I ran out of books! Add more books, haha!
The druid and dog relationship just tickled me. All the monsters and lots of action kept me excited to read another page! The Druids commitment to healing the earth and helping Gaia was right up my alley and made me root for Atticus through every battle.
August 22, 2017
I really like The Iron Druid Chronicles series and the shorter stories are no exception to that rule. I highly recommend anything written by Kevin Hearne. Odds are, if you like one of his books, you will like them all.
March 19, 2018
Two short stories that enhance the total narrative
I enjoyed these two short stories, one of pre-Hounded Atticus and Oberon, one of Granuaile in the midst of her training. Now I wait for the final book. April cannot come fast enough
I enjoyed these two short stories, one of pre-Hounded Atticus and Oberon, one of Granuaile in the midst of her training. Now I wait for the final book. April cannot come fast enough
November 18, 2018
A fast read of 2 short stories that I have unknowingly read before! One occurs shortly before the first book in the series. The second one was added at the back of the third book of the series. Both are well worth reading.
June 19, 2019
Both stories were okay, but not my faves in the series run so far. Although I did like that a Test of Mettle did describe the test Granuaile goes through with Brigit and Flitish is more detail as it's merely alluded to in book 5 in the series.
October 6, 2021
Fun to read these two short stories from the Iron Druid universe. The first is rather slight but the second shows some of the same qualities that made the books great as Granuille is tested by others than the Iron Druid himself.
February 26, 2023
Great Reads!!
Excellent short stories that gives another great insight into the Druid Chronicles and their characters. The interactions with the Elementals also add to the character of the series. It was great to see Granuaile on her own and to read the story from her perspective.
Excellent short stories that gives another great insight into the Druid Chronicles and their characters. The interactions with the Elementals also add to the character of the series. It was great to see Granuaile on her own and to read the story from her perspective.
May 28, 2017
Very good, I like all the references and the humour.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews