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The Colin McCool series #4
Underground Druid
I thought the job was done when we broke up the Fae's child sex trafficking ring. We rescued the kids, killed the ringleaders, and everyone was supposed to live happily ever after.
But as it turns out, that only happens in fairy tales.
Because when you're dealing with the Fae I know, there's always another nightmare waiting in the wings.
Now I'm traveling into the belly of the beast--straight into Underhill, the mystical realm of the Fae. And to pay for my passage to and from the Faery lands, I'll have to do something no one has ever done before.
I'm going to steal the source of magic that powers Underhill itself.
All I have to do is get to Underhill, steal a few uber-powerful magical relics from some Celtic gods, rescue the remaining children the Fae abducted, and get us all home in one piece.
Oh, and I also have to outsmart Maeve, Austin's local faery queen... because I know she's not helping me travel to Underhill out of the goodness of her heart.
Piece of cake, right? Yeah, right.
One thing's for certain... if this mission is going to be my swan song, I intend to go down spell-slinging.
But as it turns out, that only happens in fairy tales.
Because when you're dealing with the Fae I know, there's always another nightmare waiting in the wings.
Now I'm traveling into the belly of the beast--straight into Underhill, the mystical realm of the Fae. And to pay for my passage to and from the Faery lands, I'll have to do something no one has ever done before.
I'm going to steal the source of magic that powers Underhill itself.
All I have to do is get to Underhill, steal a few uber-powerful magical relics from some Celtic gods, rescue the remaining children the Fae abducted, and get us all home in one piece.
Oh, and I also have to outsmart Maeve, Austin's local faery queen... because I know she's not helping me travel to Underhill out of the goodness of her heart.
Piece of cake, right? Yeah, right.
One thing's for certain... if this mission is going to be my swan song, I intend to go down spell-slinging.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2017
717 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
M.D. Massey
65 books565 followersM.D. Massey describes himself as the prototypical INTJ. His eclectic background provides him with a rich tapestry of experiences to draw on when crafting fiction, as evidenced by the believable worlds and relatable characters he creates.
As a former Army combat medic (91B), professional martial arts instructor (Krav Maga, JKD, FMA), and women's self-defense instructor, he possesses a unique understanding of close combat, firearms, and criminal violence that few authors can match. This knowledge provides an element of realism to the Druidverse™ novels, setting them apart from other fantasy series.
Mr. Massey lives in the Texas Hill Country with his family and a huge American bulldog that keeps him company while he writes. When he's not in his office or at the local coffee shop writing, you can find him in his garage pummeling inanimate objects or knife-fighting with his friends.
As a former Army combat medic (91B), professional martial arts instructor (Krav Maga, JKD, FMA), and women's self-defense instructor, he possesses a unique understanding of close combat, firearms, and criminal violence that few authors can match. This knowledge provides an element of realism to the Druidverse™ novels, setting them apart from other fantasy series.
Mr. Massey lives in the Texas Hill Country with his family and a huge American bulldog that keeps him company while he writes. When he's not in his office or at the local coffee shop writing, you can find him in his garage pummeling inanimate objects or knife-fighting with his friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
May 24, 2018
Another fantastic entry in the Colin McCool series, a series which is constantly and consistently getting better with every entry.
From the begining of this book I had a sinking feeling that Colin was in over his head and would lose a friend as he's been lucky to keep everyone alive to date and never have I been so gutted to be right, especially when said lost character was my favourite to boot. I'm just hoping and praying that the hints about the nature of the permenance of said death prove right or I'm going to majorly PISSED!
From the begining of this book I had a sinking feeling that Colin was in over his head and would lose a friend as he's been lucky to keep everyone alive to date and never have I been so gutted to be right, especially when said lost character was my favourite to boot. I'm just hoping and praying that the hints about the nature of the permenance of said death prove right or I'm going to majorly PISSED!
September 2, 2021
Best book in the series so far!
The author in many ways just exploded the world he created and has left his characters to pick up the pieces... Not sure where things are going in the next book but can't wait to see! Despite being in Austin, Colin faces a challenge with most remaining far against him! The complexity of his new world and how he deals with it will be quite the adventure!
The author in many ways just exploded the world he created and has left his characters to pick up the pieces... Not sure where things are going in the next book but can't wait to see! Despite being in Austin, Colin faces a challenge with most remaining far against him! The complexity of his new world and how he deals with it will be quite the adventure!
September 26, 2017
I'm Smitten
This series is one of the reasons I've become a fan of urban fantasy. I have been fascinated with the ancient Celts since grade school, and with the sidhe almost as long. These novels feed my habit.
M.D. Massey writes really well; his books are an easy read, well-plotted, move at a good pace. There is just enough action and conflict, balanced with thoughtfulness and a bit of humor. While Massey draws on actual Celtic gods and legends, he adds his own twists, making it original.
And Colin McCool is a very likeable guy. Er, druid.
So, dear author, make with the next novel, okay? Soon?
This series is one of the reasons I've become a fan of urban fantasy. I have been fascinated with the ancient Celts since grade school, and with the sidhe almost as long. These novels feed my habit.
M.D. Massey writes really well; his books are an easy read, well-plotted, move at a good pace. There is just enough action and conflict, balanced with thoughtfulness and a bit of humor. While Massey draws on actual Celtic gods and legends, he adds his own twists, making it original.
And Colin McCool is a very likeable guy. Er, druid.
So, dear author, make with the next novel, okay? Soon?
May 6, 2020
Colin is on a mission for Maeve with another side jaunt of recovery. He’s out for some payback too. What a thrill ride! He manages to anger just about everyone and some of those are heavy hitters. New allies and old are tested as he embarks on a rescue mission to Underhill. I can’t wait for the next book to answer some big questions. I read this book using my KU subscription.
October 17, 2024
Well crafted story
I enjoyed the story, the world build is quite good. The pace of the book, and story line flowed easily. Will be reading the rest of this series in the near future
I enjoyed the story, the world build is quite good. The pace of the book, and story line flowed easily. Will be reading the rest of this series in the near future
August 16, 2021
Really enjoying this series. The characters are great. I look forward to seeing what Colin gets up to in the next book
Read
May 11, 2018Great story! I'm really getting into this series!
April 8, 2021
𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒅, Colin McCool/Junkyard Druid series, Book #4
by M.D. Massey
For me, it is common to find my interest in a character lagging at about book 4 or 5 of the series, and this one is no different. Don't get me wrong, I still love this series, but I found that at this point, the character was a bit stale.
Perhaps Massey felt the same way, because he loaded the second half of this book with lots of insights into not only Colin's life, but the life of other returning characters, both human and supernatural. This episode of our favorite Junkyard Druid includes several encounters with creatures living in the Underhill, a realm where old gods and the fae have taken refuge from the above-ground world of Earth. There was a lot of action, a lot of stupid, reckless action on the part of Colin, who is lucky enough to have other powerful entities to help/clean up the messes he gets them into. While the storyline leads the reader to believe that Colin will work to better his magic and his control of The Eye, once he is back above ground, there is little in the ending of the novel to follow up on that. Perhaps the next novel will reveal Colin taking a more common sense attitude toward not only his training, but his tendency to run headlong into danger with his only plan being to somehow stay alive.
Most of what I like about the techniques of writing by Massey is contained in this book. The characters are relatable and most show some growth. The plotting is good and well executed, which keeps the book rolling along steadily towards resolution of the issues. There is not much enlightenment to the main issue running through all of these books, being who should Colin trust.
Editing is good, proofing revealed a couple of perhaps picky points, such as this, found at location 1416 on my Kindle: "The smoke smelled like chronic, which made me chuckle." It didn't make me chuckle, however. Colin was visiting with another who was smoking a pipe. Did he mean the smoke smelled like the other person was a chronic smoker, or did he mean something else? Hell If I know. Then, in the area leading up to location 2205, Colin is shifting to his Formorian form. He's done this a few times prior in this particular adventure, and every time, Massey references the destruction of the clothing he is wearing, and that when he shifts back that he is either wearing shreds of those clothes or is naked. But here, it just says this:"Great. Yeah, I'll be ready by then." I shifted and focused my energies on healing my hand fully. Twenty minutes later, the task was done. "Ready as ever." There is no mention of taking clothing off, of rending clothing, and no mention of putting on clothes or even mention of shifting back to human form, which one would assume he did as it has often been reiterated that it takes a lot of energy to stay in event the half Formorian form.
But the worst thing, technically, of the writing is the almost cliffhanger ending. Not a true cliffhanger, but too damn close. Yes, the issues addressed in this episode were mostly solved, but it sure left a lot hanging over the edge of that cliff, plus opening a new issue perhaps related to the issues in the current story, but just that. Open the issue. Talk about it for a page or so and end the book. That type of ending is always shocking to me. It story simply ends, leaving so many questions unanswered or only partially answered.
As Massey usually doesn't allow proofing or writing style errors in these books, I opted for thinking that this was an aberration and didn't knock off any stars. I won't be as kind if it is repeated in the next book.
by M.D. Massey
For me, it is common to find my interest in a character lagging at about book 4 or 5 of the series, and this one is no different. Don't get me wrong, I still love this series, but I found that at this point, the character was a bit stale.
Perhaps Massey felt the same way, because he loaded the second half of this book with lots of insights into not only Colin's life, but the life of other returning characters, both human and supernatural. This episode of our favorite Junkyard Druid includes several encounters with creatures living in the Underhill, a realm where old gods and the fae have taken refuge from the above-ground world of Earth. There was a lot of action, a lot of stupid, reckless action on the part of Colin, who is lucky enough to have other powerful entities to help/clean up the messes he gets them into. While the storyline leads the reader to believe that Colin will work to better his magic and his control of The Eye, once he is back above ground, there is little in the ending of the novel to follow up on that. Perhaps the next novel will reveal Colin taking a more common sense attitude toward not only his training, but his tendency to run headlong into danger with his only plan being to somehow stay alive.
Most of what I like about the techniques of writing by Massey is contained in this book. The characters are relatable and most show some growth. The plotting is good and well executed, which keeps the book rolling along steadily towards resolution of the issues. There is not much enlightenment to the main issue running through all of these books, being who should Colin trust.
Editing is good, proofing revealed a couple of perhaps picky points, such as this, found at location 1416 on my Kindle: "The smoke smelled like chronic, which made me chuckle." It didn't make me chuckle, however. Colin was visiting with another who was smoking a pipe. Did he mean the smoke smelled like the other person was a chronic smoker, or did he mean something else? Hell If I know. Then, in the area leading up to location 2205, Colin is shifting to his Formorian form. He's done this a few times prior in this particular adventure, and every time, Massey references the destruction of the clothing he is wearing, and that when he shifts back that he is either wearing shreds of those clothes or is naked. But here, it just says this:"Great. Yeah, I'll be ready by then." I shifted and focused my energies on healing my hand fully. Twenty minutes later, the task was done. "Ready as ever." There is no mention of taking clothing off, of rending clothing, and no mention of putting on clothes or even mention of shifting back to human form, which one would assume he did as it has often been reiterated that it takes a lot of energy to stay in event the half Formorian form.
But the worst thing, technically, of the writing is the almost cliffhanger ending. Not a true cliffhanger, but too damn close. Yes, the issues addressed in this episode were mostly solved, but it sure left a lot hanging over the edge of that cliff, plus opening a new issue perhaps related to the issues in the current story, but just that. Open the issue. Talk about it for a page or so and end the book. That type of ending is always shocking to me. It story simply ends, leaving so many questions unanswered or only partially answered.
As Massey usually doesn't allow proofing or writing style errors in these books, I opted for thinking that this was an aberration and didn't knock off any stars. I won't be as kind if it is repeated in the next book.
May 10, 2020
That’s why you fae will never figure us humans out. It’s because you lack empathy and a sense of justice. We humans—some of us would walk a mile barefoot over broken glass to get justice for the innocent.
At the time of this review being written, this book was available to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription for free. This was the medium I chose to read this book.
Up until now, Colin had faced challenging adversaries one at a time, all the while gaining some form of experience or knowledge from each respective conflict. However, upon reading the summary to this story, I had a sinking feeling he would be outrageously outmatched and tremendously over his head. And he definitely was.
”So, a druid, a wizard, a troll and a Maori warrior walk into a bar...” My joke was met with a chorus of groans—even from Crowley, who was morose as shit. “Alright, alright already. Sheesh, try to add some levity to a dire situation and everyone’s a critic.”
It grated my everlasting nerve that the romantic relationship between Colin and Belladonna was crammed down our throats in the past two books only for her to be absent almost this whole book. To top it off, Sabine has reappeared in this book. She dropped off the radar a few books ago when the whole Colin-Belladonna relationship blossomed, as she had felt strung along.
To say the relationship between Colin and Sabine was strained would be a gigantic understatement. Half the book she was overly aggressive or just flat out ignored Colin, despite being tasked to go on the dangerous adventure to the Underhill with Colin. I don’t know what changed, but eventually Sabine relaxed the hostility enough to crack a joke or two. Admittedly, it was nice to see it; I’ve missed Sabine’s lighthearted jokes.
We see another original character be cycled back into the series—Crowley. It took me half the book to stop second guessing and feeling skeptical of everything he said or did. I’m still not convinced his arrival back into Colin’s life is due to his “perspectives shifting”, as he said. He fed his sorrow and desire to make amends stuff well, I’ll admit, but I still think he’s playing a long con somehow.
”I’d like to see him do that to you,” I said, marveling at the weapon in my hand. I swear, the thing twitched and nuzzled my calloused hand in response, startling me so much I nearly dropped it. Hemi’s voice snapped me back to the task at hand. “Um, Colin? When you’re done playing with your shaft, you might want to deal with the big mean-looking fella over there.”
Despite Colin’s seemingly growing list of inexperience and flaws, he somehow manages to wind up on the winning side of every situation he faces. However, I suspect after the outcome of this book he will be keen to try and iron out some of those flaws, specifically the skills he’s novice in as a druid. It would be nice to see him in a fight where he doesn’t have to rely so heavily on his ríastrad.
Overall, a good book. It is good to see the recycling of characters we seen in the first couple books, rather than just new folks being introduced every book. We'll see what new hailstorm wishes to take a swipe at Colin in the next book.
He cleared his throat and nodded. “Then let’s hope she doesn’t turn me into a frog when I emerge from the portal. If you happen to see a toad sitting on the floor when you come through, do me a favor and put It in your pocket, just in case.”
November 12, 2019
2 1/2 and bumped up
This is not a stand alone as it starts with many of the plot points touch upon from the last. Personal life, he picked Belladonna over Sabine. Bell is absent in this book so it just takes on () and coming to some understanding there.
Colin makes a deal with Maeve to go to underhill to rescue kids that have been kidnapped for slavery to underhill. Maeve agrees to open the realm but only for if he brings certain objects back. So Colin goes with his ragtag team Sabine is along, along with his friend Hemmy, his past enemy turned maybe friend Crawley (he burn his face up in the other book), and a sprite (obvious bad guy). From there is is all going through Underhill, battling to get to the kids, collecting the items of power for Maeve and thinking about what to do. While in this very violent trip, he and Sabine come to an understanding of friendship (reluctant on her side). Colin makes new alliances biggest being the Dagda a fae on the other side of Underhill. His friends frequently become essential and save him in many ways.
The end almost makes the drag of a straight plot going through battles to get objects and save the kids, worth the book. It didn't move forward much until the very end. At the very end a little cliffhanger epilogue but it doesn't take away from the ending. I was so glad of the fix at the end. Jessie also makes an appearance at the end to keep Colin going. It leaves us knowing that she will be helping him in some way and stay a part of Colin.
I think this was a little too much dark and not enough fun of friends so wasn't my favorite and with the last book, which was good but I didn't want to read on. I think this might be the last Junkyard Druid for me.
This is not a stand alone as it starts with many of the plot points touch upon from the last. Personal life, he picked Belladonna over Sabine. Bell is absent in this book so it just takes on () and coming to some understanding there.
Colin makes a deal with Maeve to go to underhill to rescue kids that have been kidnapped for slavery to underhill. Maeve agrees to open the realm but only for if he brings certain objects back. So Colin goes with his ragtag team Sabine is along, along with his friend Hemmy, his past enemy turned maybe friend Crawley (he burn his face up in the other book), and a sprite (obvious bad guy). From there is is all going through Underhill, battling to get to the kids, collecting the items of power for Maeve and thinking about what to do. While in this very violent trip, he and Sabine come to an understanding of friendship (reluctant on her side). Colin makes new alliances biggest being the Dagda a fae on the other side of Underhill. His friends frequently become essential and save him in many ways.
The end almost makes the drag of a straight plot going through battles to get objects and save the kids, worth the book. It didn't move forward much until the very end. At the very end a little cliffhanger epilogue but it doesn't take away from the ending. I was so glad of the fix at the end. Jessie also makes an appearance at the end to keep Colin going. It leaves us knowing that she will be helping him in some way and stay a part of Colin.
I think this was a little too much dark and not enough fun of friends so wasn't my favorite and with the last book, which was good but I didn't want to read on. I think this might be the last Junkyard Druid for me.
May 14, 2018
Underhill is dying. It could take seconds, minutes, decades or centuries, but it is slowly fading into non-existence. Colin McCool knows Underhill is dying, but that's not going to stop him from making a trip inside. He knows the risks, and the rules: Don't drink the water. Don't eat the food. And, above all, don't drink the broth from Dagda's magic cauldron.
As dangerous as it all is (move and things will kill you … stand still, and other things will try to kill you) and as slim as the chances are, not only for success but for mere survival, Colin is still determined to make this journey. The fae Underhill have children that they stole from the realms of earth and Colin is going to get those children back come hell, high water or slimy dungeon crawls. Nope, not gonna find any cheerful, carefree and helpful hobbits in THIS Underhill.
On top of all that Colin must retrieve the 4 treasures of the Tuatha de Danann. Lugh's spear, with its constant flame. Dagda's never empty cauldron of broth. The Stone of Fal. And the Sword of Nuadu. They are his only key to open the portal back to Earth. Without them, not only Colin, but his whole crew (Guts, the troll; Sabine; Hemi, and Crowley … who may or may not be trustworthy) and all the children will be trapped in Underhill forever. Or, for as long as Underhill lasts. This trip would have a much greater chance of success if Colin had studied his magic the way he should have. And, if he could ever gain control of his full Fomorian form instead of only being able to shift part way.
Good luck, Colin. Maybe this time, you bit off more than you (or your alter ego) could chew.
Only time, and reading to the end of the book, will tell.
As dangerous as it all is (move and things will kill you … stand still, and other things will try to kill you) and as slim as the chances are, not only for success but for mere survival, Colin is still determined to make this journey. The fae Underhill have children that they stole from the realms of earth and Colin is going to get those children back come hell, high water or slimy dungeon crawls. Nope, not gonna find any cheerful, carefree and helpful hobbits in THIS Underhill.
On top of all that Colin must retrieve the 4 treasures of the Tuatha de Danann. Lugh's spear, with its constant flame. Dagda's never empty cauldron of broth. The Stone of Fal. And the Sword of Nuadu. They are his only key to open the portal back to Earth. Without them, not only Colin, but his whole crew (Guts, the troll; Sabine; Hemi, and Crowley … who may or may not be trustworthy) and all the children will be trapped in Underhill forever. Or, for as long as Underhill lasts. This trip would have a much greater chance of success if Colin had studied his magic the way he should have. And, if he could ever gain control of his full Fomorian form instead of only being able to shift part way.
Good luck, Colin. Maybe this time, you bit off more than you (or your alter ego) could chew.
Only time, and reading to the end of the book, will tell.
June 5, 2020
It could be said that MD Massey's druid series was unfortunate as the books started to come out right after Kevin Hearnes excellent Iron Druid series and thus, unavoidable is compared to them. This is a pity as the Colin McCool series is very much capable of standing on its own merits. I've found both series to be excellent and in terms of this series, each book has improved and I look forward to the next one.
I've heard it said of novels that having interesting characters is the most important aspect and that the plot is simply there to give these characters something to do while the author shows the reader why they are interesting. While I'm not sure I'd go that far, I do think that well written and interesting characters are very important and it is here that Massey delivers in spades. All of his characters, heroes and villains, are worthy of reading about. In fact I would even go as far as saying that the main character, Colin McCool himself is probably the least interesting, and even then, he will keep ones attention. My only real complaint about Colin is that he does seem to have a lot of great things just handed to him.
This book escalates the scales again where Colin goes to Underhill, the realm of the Fae. In the last book he learned that human children have been kidnapped and sent to Underhill where they are sure to suffer terrible fates. Colin cannot allow this and even teams up with one of his previous worst enemies to mount a rescue mission. As I said at the beginning, I believe that each of these books is getting better and thus I am very much looking forward to the next one in the series.
I've heard it said of novels that having interesting characters is the most important aspect and that the plot is simply there to give these characters something to do while the author shows the reader why they are interesting. While I'm not sure I'd go that far, I do think that well written and interesting characters are very important and it is here that Massey delivers in spades. All of his characters, heroes and villains, are worthy of reading about. In fact I would even go as far as saying that the main character, Colin McCool himself is probably the least interesting, and even then, he will keep ones attention. My only real complaint about Colin is that he does seem to have a lot of great things just handed to him.
This book escalates the scales again where Colin goes to Underhill, the realm of the Fae. In the last book he learned that human children have been kidnapped and sent to Underhill where they are sure to suffer terrible fates. Colin cannot allow this and even teams up with one of his previous worst enemies to mount a rescue mission. As I said at the beginning, I believe that each of these books is getting better and thus I am very much looking forward to the next one in the series.
May 7, 2025
Макар да е доста важен за главната сюжетна линия, този роман от поредицата ми се стори някак като крачка встрани. Не на зад, имайте предвид, но встрани.
Цялото приключение в Ъндърхил (което си е там англоезичният еквивалент на Долната земя) ми докара едно класическо фентази звучене, доста далеч от постиндустриялния сетинг на предишните книги.
Не помага и това, че Колин е супер смотан в отношенията си с противоположния пол. Да, на ясно съм, че нямаме паранормален романс, защото нямаше да подхвана поредицата. Наясно съм, че Колин е дълбоко травмиран от смъртта на гаджето си, ама. Имаме един риж симпатяга, страдащ при това, на който яки каки му се лепят като ваденки, а той не може две думи на кръст да завърже, ебаси.
Това настрана, какво се случва?
След събитията в предходната книга, все още имаме дечица, които са продадени на феическия народ и замъкнати „под хълма“ и Колин е много навит да ги измъкне. Мейв ще му помогне, най-малкото с осигуряване на път надолу, но иска бая в замяна. Колин и компания (добре събрана за една правилна одисея) трябва да докопат четири артефакта от келтските богове и с тях да осигурят на Мейв сериозна сила.
Без да се налага да издавам съдържанието, нещата са ясни – спасяване на отвлечерни хлапетии – да, доставяне на неограничена сила на социопатична и мизантропски настроена богиня... мииии.
Цялото пътуване блъска на вълшебна приказка, а повечето от спътниците на Колин някак го засенчват и с действията, и с присъствието си. Финалът пооправи нещата, но да видим.
Цялото приключение в Ъндърхил (което си е там англоезичният еквивалент на Долната земя) ми докара едно класическо фентази звучене, доста далеч от постиндустриялния сетинг на предишните книги.
Не помага и това, че Колин е супер смотан в отношенията си с противоположния пол. Да, на ясно съм, че нямаме паранормален романс, защото нямаше да подхвана поредицата. Наясно съм, че Колин е дълбоко травмиран от смъртта на гаджето си, ама. Имаме един риж симпатяга, страдащ при това, на който яки каки му се лепят като ваденки, а той не може две думи на кръст да завърже, ебаси.
Това настрана, какво се случва?
След събитията в предходната книга, все още имаме дечица, които са продадени на феическия народ и замъкнати „под хълма“ и Колин е много навит да ги измъкне. Мейв ще му помогне, най-малкото с осигуряване на път надолу, но иска бая в замяна. Колин и компания (добре събрана за една правилна одисея) трябва да докопат четири артефакта от келтските богове и с тях да осигурят на Мейв сериозна сила.
Без да се налага да издавам съдържанието, нещата са ясни – спасяване на отвлечерни хлапетии – да, доставяне на неограничена сила на социопатична и мизантропски настроена богиня... мииии.
Цялото пътуване блъска на вълшебна приказка, а повечето от спътниците на Колин някак го засенчват и с действията, и с присъствието си. Финалът пооправи нещата, но да видим.
May 1, 2025
Trigger warning again: Abuse of minors, SA mentions regarding minors.
This author is frustrating because the stories are interesting and the writing itself gets better with each book. But, they pass themselves off as a feminist in some ways but body shame women while saying they don’t want to body shame men. I’m not even sure the author is aware they’re doing it. Women are objects. Often they can fight, but most of the time they seem to be there to be desired or abhorred (if they don’t follow typical feminine standards of smiling or wearing makeup). Women are old if they’re over 30, and not valued unless they’re still beautiful or fae, but men are still capable. The description of “granny boobs” in this book is really obnoxious and gross but not because they’re venomous, it’s because they sag and the description of them is lengthy and vehement. I really want to like the series but every time I think there will be less objectification, I’m proven wrong.
Some of the other things that bug me could be chalked up to characterization’s.
Good things are the improvement of writing, better editing perhaps. Overall the stories are interesting and much of the violence comes down to the types of fae involved. The reluctant hero aspect is done well enough, and they try to avenge the kids who keep getting hurt.
This author is frustrating because the stories are interesting and the writing itself gets better with each book. But, they pass themselves off as a feminist in some ways but body shame women while saying they don’t want to body shame men. I’m not even sure the author is aware they’re doing it. Women are objects. Often they can fight, but most of the time they seem to be there to be desired or abhorred (if they don’t follow typical feminine standards of smiling or wearing makeup). Women are old if they’re over 30, and not valued unless they’re still beautiful or fae, but men are still capable. The description of “granny boobs” in this book is really obnoxious and gross but not because they’re venomous, it’s because they sag and the description of them is lengthy and vehement. I really want to like the series but every time I think there will be less objectification, I’m proven wrong.
Some of the other things that bug me could be chalked up to characterization’s.
Good things are the improvement of writing, better editing perhaps. Overall the stories are interesting and much of the violence comes down to the types of fae involved. The reluctant hero aspect is done well enough, and they try to avenge the kids who keep getting hurt.
July 5, 2018
I fear this series went too far too fast with this book
Colin has jumped from facing individual adversaries that are challenging, to suddenly traveling to underhill (itself near impossible to do safely for a mortal), and facing not one, but four of the four immortal legendary beings of his world.
The newly developed romantic relationship with Belladonna in last book has all but disappeared.
Sabine is drawn back into the story unwillingly. The relationship is a bit odd. I'm guessing the author is drawing on some personal relationship experience where a woman did something similar to him (our relationship would never work, oh, but I'm very jealous and angry if you have a relationship with someone else).
Dozens of new players named, most from Celtic/Irish mythology. No time to really explain any of them or learn who / what they are. On to the next challenge!
So Colin has moved from being a relatable, flawed guy who needs training and experience, to a guy who still needs training and experience, but is somehow facing and winning the biggest challenges possible in his world.
Disappointing.
The author does do a good job with the denouement, and in general has a pleasant writing style for story telling.
Colin has jumped from facing individual adversaries that are challenging, to suddenly traveling to underhill (itself near impossible to do safely for a mortal), and facing not one, but four of the four immortal legendary beings of his world.
The newly developed romantic relationship with Belladonna in last book has all but disappeared.
Sabine is drawn back into the story unwillingly. The relationship is a bit odd. I'm guessing the author is drawing on some personal relationship experience where a woman did something similar to him (our relationship would never work, oh, but I'm very jealous and angry if you have a relationship with someone else).
Dozens of new players named, most from Celtic/Irish mythology. No time to really explain any of them or learn who / what they are. On to the next challenge!
So Colin has moved from being a relatable, flawed guy who needs training and experience, to a guy who still needs training and experience, but is somehow facing and winning the biggest challenges possible in his world.
Disappointing.
The author does do a good job with the denouement, and in general has a pleasant writing style for story telling.
September 30, 2017
Certainly better than the last couple. Still a very flawed book, especially what with it's glorification of torture and general tough guy-ism. This is especially egregious in light of its continued failure to reference Chuck Norris and his relevance to a druid story set in Texas. Chuck Norris is a great man and an urban fantasy novel set in Austin (mentioned on screen in an episode of Walker: Texas Ranger when Walker had to go speak to Bush about something in the governor's mansion!) really owes it to him and the reader to engage with that, especially given that he was referenced in the first book.
The fixation on children was pretty annoying. It's cute with Harry Dresden goes on and on about protecting children and how much he hates people who harm them, but here it's just overblown and irritating. I mean really, threatening a fey who's whole schtick is drowning children and eating them if she drowns another child? Respect their culture you bigoted prick.
Still want to see the protagonist traumatized some more. He's been making way too much progress emotionally.
The fixation on children was pretty annoying. It's cute with Harry Dresden goes on and on about protecting children and how much he hates people who harm them, but here it's just overblown and irritating. I mean really, threatening a fey who's whole schtick is drowning children and eating them if she drowns another child? Respect their culture you bigoted prick.
Still want to see the protagonist traumatized some more. He's been making way too much progress emotionally.
May 17, 2022
The trip to Underhill
Colin had quite an adventure in Underhill, rescuing the children, gathering g all the treasures that Maeve sent him To acquire for her. The trip was filled with every kind of creature trying to kill Colin and his crew. Colin met The Dagda, Lugh, Peg The Hag who helped them escape from Fummnac, when they stole The treasures from The Castle.
The getting back part did not work out so well because Colin closed the way into Underhill so Mave's powers were cut off. Needless to say Maeve punished our hero to leave him for dead because he was stuck behind tons of rock without food or water for 6 weeks. Finnegas comes to the rescue and saves Colin. Overall Co!ins adventures was exciting, to come along and see how he, Crowley and his crew overcame obstacles in the way. Could not put the bookdown.
Colin had quite an adventure in Underhill, rescuing the children, gathering g all the treasures that Maeve sent him To acquire for her. The trip was filled with every kind of creature trying to kill Colin and his crew. Colin met The Dagda, Lugh, Peg The Hag who helped them escape from Fummnac, when they stole The treasures from The Castle.
The getting back part did not work out so well because Colin closed the way into Underhill so Mave's powers were cut off. Needless to say Maeve punished our hero to leave him for dead because he was stuck behind tons of rock without food or water for 6 weeks. Finnegas comes to the rescue and saves Colin. Overall Co!ins adventures was exciting, to come along and see how he, Crowley and his crew overcame obstacles in the way. Could not put the bookdown.
September 22, 2017
While I enjoyed the book, and the series in general, this felt short to me. It was a quick read, and while it did not feel rushed, it did not have the build up the previous books had. With what happens to some of the supporting cast, you would expect reaction from Colin, as well as from others. While it was good to get more of Sibien, she felt under explored.
As I said, I like the where the story went, and the use of past characters, but it seemed a waste to explore them so little. I would have love to have this book be another 100 pages, and really flesh out some of the touched on points. Especially the ending, where it makes references to what others are doing, as a sort of cliff hanger.
As I said, I like the where the story went, and the use of past characters, but it seemed a waste to explore them so little. I would have love to have this book be another 100 pages, and really flesh out some of the touched on points. Especially the ending, where it makes references to what others are doing, as a sort of cliff hanger.
May 14, 2018
The fourth in the series and the story picks up steam as Colin is pushed into going to the underworld where the fae have created their separate existence. The overarching plot is for Colin to steal key magical artifacts that both support the under realm and provide the magical powerhouse for the fae in our world. In it, Colin meets both allies and enemies in the Tuatha Dan, the gods of the fairy and druids. The ending is nicely handled. The story shows the essential importance of our main character given such a momentous task.
Overall, the story line and writing has IMHO improved over the four books and I look forward to future efforts.
Overall, the story line and writing has IMHO improved over the four books and I look forward to future efforts.
August 25, 2019
Honestly, the series is starting to get dragged out. I can't explain it, but after devouring the first three, this fourth installment - which should have been an adventure romp through Underhill - fell majorly flat. It felt rushed and lacked a lot of plot that would have made it better. Totally skipping over the part with Hemi's mum and reducing it to a one-line teaser? That was lame and utterly disrespected Hemi.
I'm hoping the next book starts picking back up and delivering, otherwise I'm gonna move on.
I'm hoping the next book starts picking back up and delivering, otherwise I'm gonna move on.
March 7, 2020
I wasn't that excited to read a tale that took place mostly in Underhill, since I sometimes get bored with pure fantasy settings but this one was better than I hoped.
I liked the quest aspect of this book with the group of warriors venturing into the unknown, and Crowley has definitely redeemed himself in my books.
On the other hand, I really hated the treatment Sabine got in this book. She was presented as an interesting character in previous stories and now she's become the caricature of an annoying resentful woman. Cheap move, there, Mr. Massey...
I liked the quest aspect of this book with the group of warriors venturing into the unknown, and Crowley has definitely redeemed himself in my books.
On the other hand, I really hated the treatment Sabine got in this book. She was presented as an interesting character in previous stories and now she's become the caricature of an annoying resentful woman. Cheap move, there, Mr. Massey...
April 28, 2021
I love this series. Exciting, action and magic packed adventures. The characters are all well written, and compelling. Colin McCool is a druid, or a druid in training who takes on cases that the human authorities can't solve even if they are aware of them which in most cases they are not. The interactions between the characters are always entertaining, and there are some laughs to keep these books entertaining. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy and paranormal suspense.
March 15, 2018
Another amazing tale of Colin McCool
I'm becoming more and more a fan of M.D. Massey and his Druid series.
As always the characters, goodies and baddies alike, are interesting and fun. The plot is hack and slash in a contemporary setting. There's nothing like a trip Underhill to enliven the story.
I can't wait until I dig into the next story.
If you like the Iron Druid or the Dresden series then you will enjoy the Junkyard Druid.
I'm becoming more and more a fan of M.D. Massey and his Druid series.
As always the characters, goodies and baddies alike, are interesting and fun. The plot is hack and slash in a contemporary setting. There's nothing like a trip Underhill to enliven the story.
I can't wait until I dig into the next story.
If you like the Iron Druid or the Dresden series then you will enjoy the Junkyard Druid.
May 29, 2018
A Good Urban Fantasy Romp
I'll be blunt. You're not breaking any new ground here. This is a hybrid of Harry Dresden, Sandman Slim with a healthy dose of teen angst. But who needs new ground? It's a well written series, even with some of the character quibbles I have. Considering I went from book 1 to book 5 in 3 days, that means a lot works here. Very good bit of fiction for those us who like our fairytales dark.
I'll be blunt. You're not breaking any new ground here. This is a hybrid of Harry Dresden, Sandman Slim with a healthy dose of teen angst. But who needs new ground? It's a well written series, even with some of the character quibbles I have. Considering I went from book 1 to book 5 in 3 days, that means a lot works here. Very good bit of fiction for those us who like our fairytales dark.
October 7, 2018
Not one of the better ones
This book has the makings of an epic fantasy adventure. Fell short about 60% of the way through. The book left me feeling underwhelmed as it just kind of ended having opened up more questions than answers while leaving the hero to be portrayed as bad as the monsters he fights.
I feel like Colin kept true to his opinion on how he feels about the fae, but ended up being just as underhanded and tricky as they are.
This book has the makings of an epic fantasy adventure. Fell short about 60% of the way through. The book left me feeling underwhelmed as it just kind of ended having opened up more questions than answers while leaving the hero to be portrayed as bad as the monsters he fights.
I feel like Colin kept true to his opinion on how he feels about the fae, but ended up being just as underhanded and tricky as they are.
September 15, 2017
Yes
It was a great read. The characters made sense. The story itself was strong.
I recommend this book to the people who like adventure, comedy,and fantasy. I really think you should read the books in sequence. They will hold your attention.
The author finishes up a story arc quite nicely, and plants a seed for something new. It's just an enjoyable read.
It was a great read. The characters made sense. The story itself was strong.
I recommend this book to the people who like adventure, comedy,and fantasy. I really think you should read the books in sequence. They will hold your attention.
The author finishes up a story arc quite nicely, and plants a seed for something new. It's just an enjoyable read.
September 16, 2017
Another action packed Colin junkyard druid adventure!
Colin and his merry band invade Underhill and hand out a lesson to the Fae which will have severe repercussions for Colin, the Fae and the human race! This is a great story with former enemies becoming friends and friends being lost, another great addition to the series.
Colin and his merry band invade Underhill and hand out a lesson to the Fae which will have severe repercussions for Colin, the Fae and the human race! This is a great story with former enemies becoming friends and friends being lost, another great addition to the series.
October 3, 2017
This was the best story to date. I recently found this series and have burned through them one after another and I enjoy the stories as well as Mr Massey's writing style. These are extremely quick reads and expose you to Irish mythology in a unique way. if you are a fan of Dresden Files, or Demon Accords you will enjoy this series.
October 13, 2017
I was so worried that we had reached the end of this series, but thank goodness there will be a fifth one...I hope soon. This one was as good as the rest and thoroughly enjoyed the book. I would recommend this series to anyone to read that loves magic, paranormals, heroes, tons of bad guys and girls and a lover ghost and human lovers.
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