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The Milesian Accords #1
A Reluctant Druid Three-Book Box Set: An Epic Urban Fantasy Adventure
Three bestselling urban fantasy books--including Dragon Award Finalist "A Tempered Warrior." THE CHALLENGE IS ON! Centuries ago, the followers of the new gods defeated the old gods and the folk of legend, banishing them from the world of man. With their departure, magic faded from the land. The Milesian Accords had provisions for a new challenge, though, and the Exiled Gods have sent their minions back to our world to seek out a champion to fight for them and a druid able to wield the magic needed to fulfill the challenge. A descendant of the druid who participated in the original challenge, Liam Knox doesn’t know anything about the Accords or his ancestors, but those seeking to maintain the status quo are hunting him, and the beings of myth are doing their best to convince him to help the Exiled Gods return to the world of man, bringing magic back with them. Liam is faced with a choice he doesn’t want, and if he chooses wrong, he risks more than his own life—he could end the world as we know it. And he’s running out of time to decide.
934 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2017
563 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
December 14, 2022
1.5 maybe.
Uuuum…this is a very specific fantasy for scruffy internet pagan men. Every female character wants to jump Liam’s bones and he’s getting…excited by every female character and it’s kind of an eye roll. All of the women are sexualized in this book. (Erin, Pixel, Susan, Raven, the one that walks around in leather with her brother. Yep, that’s all of them.) The plot doesn’t go anywhere at all. It’s an entire book of innuendo and build up, rolling along in a very 80s paced, American Gods/Good Omens but not polished way. I’m kind of curious about the second book to see if it goes anywhere? But I don’t know 🤷🏼♀️. Because we’ve hardly left the farm, I can’t even keep going for world building really. Also, why have the 12 year old creep on the adults while they were carrying on. Seems gross and unnecessary. And then I got to the skeevy coven scene. Just nah.
Uuuum…this is a very specific fantasy for scruffy internet pagan men. Every female character wants to jump Liam’s bones and he’s getting…excited by every female character and it’s kind of an eye roll. All of the women are sexualized in this book. (Erin, Pixel, Susan, Raven, the one that walks around in leather with her brother. Yep, that’s all of them.) The plot doesn’t go anywhere at all. It’s an entire book of innuendo and build up, rolling along in a very 80s paced, American Gods/Good Omens but not polished way. I’m kind of curious about the second book to see if it goes anywhere? But I don’t know 🤷🏼♀️. Because we’ve hardly left the farm, I can’t even keep going for world building really. Also, why have the 12 year old creep on the adults while they were carrying on. Seems gross and unnecessary. And then I got to the skeevy coven scene. Just nah.
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June 28, 2020I wrote this book, so I'm a little biased (hence why I won't rate it).
April 10, 2024
I’m sort of stunned that this book was published just 2 years ago. I thought for sure it was from the 80s. It really does have it all: Casual unchecked racism, persistent homophobia, endless misogyny, and a strong reliance on the narratives of better books. The lazy writing is full of clunky, irrelevant jokes that punch down on fat people, vegans, people who can use a computer, and sci-fi fantasy fans. That last one really seems like shooting yourself in the foot, right? All of the characters are super boring. The women only talk about sex. Having sex in this world is how they grow their magical power. Huge eye roll. All the male characters talk about is the women’s bodies and how hard it is not to ogle them. I cannot believe how often this author uses the word “rack” and isn’t taking about billiards. All of the characters and relationships are super heteronormative and barely one dimensional. The only exceptions are the two European elf siblings. The author alludes to them being possibly pansexual, maybe incestuous, and definitely unsavory. This book thinks it’s edgy but really it’s just so tedious. I know it takes a lot of work to write a book. Maybe this author had a terrible editor. Or maybe he grew up in an echo chamber in which no one ever taught him to think critically. Either way it’s 2022. We absolutely must do better than this. Don’t get me wrong. I love a good trashy novel. This just isn’t one.
December 17, 2023
Great start to the series, but not a stand alone read. Leaves you hanging. Luckily, 4 more in the series are available and I can go to the next.
February 18, 2019
This is the first book in the Milesian Accords, and it's not bad. The only real two problems I have with it are the sex (which isn't really needed, but does serve a purpose) and the fact that it turns out that out of the entire world to choose from, the Druid and Champion who have to contest the next Challenge are both Americans (and know each other and have a son together), and that the secret training base the Champion must travel to is also in America. Given the fact that they are both descended from Irish ancestors, you'd have thought they'd at least have had to travel to Ireland, to the land of their ancestors to learn how to forge a magic sword, and how to fight like a Champion.
It's a story of a druid who has never really excelled at anything, and he considers most other druids "posers" and frauds. The Champion is a barmaid, who's served in Iraq, and knows how to fight. Together with a group of fae, dwarves, and demi-gods, these two humans have to bring the world of faery back into the world of man. Opposing them, are God's minions, and true believers among others, and its strongly hinted that Lucifer is also involved.
It ends abruptly, with no real resolution, almost as if the author got told "this is your word limit, and if you go over, the ending gets cut off." I'll read the next book, and will wait and see if I end up getting the third book thats due out later this year.
It's a story of a druid who has never really excelled at anything, and he considers most other druids "posers" and frauds. The Champion is a barmaid, who's served in Iraq, and knows how to fight. Together with a group of fae, dwarves, and demi-gods, these two humans have to bring the world of faery back into the world of man. Opposing them, are God's minions, and true believers among others, and its strongly hinted that Lucifer is also involved.
It ends abruptly, with no real resolution, almost as if the author got told "this is your word limit, and if you go over, the ending gets cut off." I'll read the next book, and will wait and see if I end up getting the third book thats due out later this year.
August 6, 2021
Alerts…
As others have mentioned this book is cut off in the middle of the story forcing you to purchase the next volume. I won’t — I hate this cheap trick. There’s nothing wrong with writing a multivolume story, but every volume should stand on it’s own as part of a larger whole. Also, I’m a huge fan of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files and this author drew WAY to heavily from those stories - a druid instead of a wizard coming into his power is not a big departure - nor is the female heroine (an ex-military black belt instead of a Chicago cop) or the pixie helper (this one works for a chance at sex instead of pizza), or the world of magic being ruled by a set of “accords”. He even set the story in Illinois like the Dresden Files. To make matters worse, the author completely lost track of the plot about half way through the book, and just kept adding more and more irrelevant characters to fill pages. This was a disappointment and a waste of time - couldn’t wait till it ended.
As others have mentioned this book is cut off in the middle of the story forcing you to purchase the next volume. I won’t — I hate this cheap trick. There’s nothing wrong with writing a multivolume story, but every volume should stand on it’s own as part of a larger whole. Also, I’m a huge fan of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files and this author drew WAY to heavily from those stories - a druid instead of a wizard coming into his power is not a big departure - nor is the female heroine (an ex-military black belt instead of a Chicago cop) or the pixie helper (this one works for a chance at sex instead of pizza), or the world of magic being ruled by a set of “accords”. He even set the story in Illinois like the Dresden Files. To make matters worse, the author completely lost track of the plot about half way through the book, and just kept adding more and more irrelevant characters to fill pages. This was a disappointment and a waste of time - couldn’t wait till it ended.
July 25, 2023
Don’t waste your time. If all an author has is a middle-aged white man lusting after a 19yo appearing female and a dwarf dropping his version of the f-bomb for two chapters, they don’t have a story. I’ve read better fan fiction. Couldn’t finish it. The characters were shallow and the plot development dull. Glad I didn’t pay for it.
February 15, 2025
I truly enjoyed this first novel in the series. Mr. Osbourne combines the magical with the mundane well and believe it or not the characters and scenes I enjoyed the most were the mundane. It is not all high magic and low character but the prospect of both.
February 26, 2024
2.5 - not my jam.
March 19, 2023
1 ⭐️
honestly couldn’t have cared less lmao
honestly couldn’t have cared less lmao
September 10, 2020
Great action, interesting backstory.
And lots of humor. One of the best parts IMO was early in the book when the protagonist describes his opinion of tequila...but there are plenty of funny things to go along with a lot of the other parts of the book.
The protagonist kind of reminds me of myself in that he had trouble settling on a major in college. I did come out with a more practical degree, though. Also, he has a lot of things that interest him, as I always do, so he has a library full of an eclectic selection of a lot of books, as I do, andnjas had a lot of hobbies, though I found some I wanted to stay with, where he hadn't yet. The only exception is I'd love to have his eidetic memory, and my main hobby os tech of any and all sorts. I also have studied all the najor world religionsz the cults, had a father (who wasn't much interested in me) who came from a familu rhat was new age at the turn of the last century and 8ve studied the cults as well. And while I enjoy the story, I can tell you that the supposed 3 "Abrahamic" religions in the book are totally misrepresented as to their compatibility with each other and their religions' views (but in the case of evangelicals like I am, the representation of being in direct opposition to paganismm are real, though the methods are most definitely not accurate).
So, I'd call this a nice romp into a fantasy that is a lot of fun to read bit shouldn't be taken seriously, just enjoyed.
I'll be finishing the series amd enjoying it...they go a bit wild with the sex thing but at least it's not a bodice-ripper-romanxe novel sex manual type exposition on physiologically impossible, challenge-the-Kama-Sutra-to-a-duel, blow by blow description that puts an American sportscaster to shame for detail and color (which is a huge relief).
Th8s ends on abit of a cliffhanger. The ending occurs innthe middle of a supernatural storm and we don't find out for sure what has happened tp Izzy, though we can guess. The ending was too abrupt for.my tastes. I had to wonder how much of the protagonist's short attention span was maybe a bit autobiographical.
Still, worth the read, because I liked the humor and the kick-butt heroine of the story.
And lots of humor. One of the best parts IMO was early in the book when the protagonist describes his opinion of tequila...but there are plenty of funny things to go along with a lot of the other parts of the book.
The protagonist kind of reminds me of myself in that he had trouble settling on a major in college. I did come out with a more practical degree, though. Also, he has a lot of things that interest him, as I always do, so he has a library full of an eclectic selection of a lot of books, as I do, andnjas had a lot of hobbies, though I found some I wanted to stay with, where he hadn't yet. The only exception is I'd love to have his eidetic memory, and my main hobby os tech of any and all sorts. I also have studied all the najor world religionsz the cults, had a father (who wasn't much interested in me) who came from a familu rhat was new age at the turn of the last century and 8ve studied the cults as well. And while I enjoy the story, I can tell you that the supposed 3 "Abrahamic" religions in the book are totally misrepresented as to their compatibility with each other and their religions' views (but in the case of evangelicals like I am, the representation of being in direct opposition to paganismm are real, though the methods are most definitely not accurate).
So, I'd call this a nice romp into a fantasy that is a lot of fun to read bit shouldn't be taken seriously, just enjoyed.
I'll be finishing the series amd enjoying it...they go a bit wild with the sex thing but at least it's not a bodice-ripper-romanxe novel sex manual type exposition on physiologically impossible, challenge-the-Kama-Sutra-to-a-duel, blow by blow description that puts an American sportscaster to shame for detail and color (which is a huge relief).
Th8s ends on abit of a cliffhanger. The ending occurs innthe middle of a supernatural storm and we don't find out for sure what has happened tp Izzy, though we can guess. The ending was too abrupt for.my tastes. I had to wonder how much of the protagonist's short attention span was maybe a bit autobiographical.
Still, worth the read, because I liked the humor and the kick-butt heroine of the story.
December 7, 2019
This is the first book in The Milesian Accord
This is a good start to a new supernatural/paranormal series the main two protagonist Liam and Erin have a history including a child that Liam knew nothing about into they are reunited . Both Liam and Erin are descents from ancient druid and Irish legendary figures in history Liam from a powerful druid bloodlines and Erin from legendary Marshal fighting bloodlines . Together they must win back the right for the other supernatural races who lost them in a challenge against the Christian champion . Although both have powerful allies there are rules and both sides will do whatever it takes too win . But there are other forces that are involved too that have their own agenda with Liam and Erin separated with their own task to get ready for the next challenge . They will need all the help they can get because the opposing side means business .
This is a good start to a new supernatural/paranormal series the main two protagonist Liam and Erin have a history including a child that Liam knew nothing about into they are reunited . Both Liam and Erin are descents from ancient druid and Irish legendary figures in history Liam from a powerful druid bloodlines and Erin from legendary Marshal fighting bloodlines . Together they must win back the right for the other supernatural races who lost them in a challenge against the Christian champion . Although both have powerful allies there are rules and both sides will do whatever it takes too win . But there are other forces that are involved too that have their own agenda with Liam and Erin separated with their own task to get ready for the next challenge . They will need all the help they can get because the opposing side means business .
April 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, just a couple of "regular people" thrust into a fantastic situation and dealing with it as best they can. I don't know how "reluctant" the Druid really is, but maybe skeptical is a better word. In regards to reviews that mention too much sex, fear not... for the most part the scenes are like "they start undressing" and then they cut to afterwards, so it's not particularly graphic, and I think that the whole point has more to do with the druid's magic and its draw and its not just wanton women panting after him. Really well written, adventurous, and funny in places.
November 3, 2017
An absolute pleasure
Often times it takes me a chapter of two to become enmeshed in a story. I fell into this one from the starting gate! I love the characters and the plot is highly engaging. The dialogue is easy flowing and the tensions and relationships expressed naturally. I can't find a single thing to complain about. If you enjoy fiction with substance, this is the book for you!
Often times it takes me a chapter of two to become enmeshed in a story. I fell into this one from the starting gate! I love the characters and the plot is highly engaging. The dialogue is easy flowing and the tensions and relationships expressed naturally. I can't find a single thing to complain about. If you enjoy fiction with substance, this is the book for you!
April 10, 2022
This is incredibly boring.
The overall story has a lot of potential, but it falls apart in the details. The narrative drags on with no real progress made, it is obviously trying to rely on the characters to provide entertainment. That is the problem. The characters are one dimensional and poorly thought out. The MC provides no direction. The support characters provide no support. The villains are obvious. They are flat and boring.
The overall story has a lot of potential, but it falls apart in the details. The narrative drags on with no real progress made, it is obviously trying to rely on the characters to provide entertainment. That is the problem. The characters are one dimensional and poorly thought out. The MC provides no direction. The support characters provide no support. The villains are obvious. They are flat and boring.
January 21, 2023
We listened to this book on audible during a horrible road-trip, so it gets 3 stars for being a highlight of the trip. The narrator was great. The story premise was cool. The plot was fairly nonexistent after the first half, and the gratuitous sex scenes were so unnecessary. The naming of the Spanish characters was corny-cute, but really, the lack of plot movement coupled with a lackluster cliffhanger dropped it down significantly.
May 6, 2021
I gave three stars as a punishment for something which would otherwise be a solid 4 stars. Simply because this books had the worst cliffhanger ending imaginable : "Liam heard his name called as the sky lit up, and everything went black." It really ends with this. Why? This does not even generate any tension or anticipation. It is not as if we would seriously assume that one of the two main characters of a multi-book series will die of lightning in the last sentence of book one. It is, in one word, lame. And instead of putting a book down with the satisfied feeling of some hours pleasantly spent, I ended up annoyed.
Honestly, the ending is so bad, I would suggest to change it in the eBook versions.
Otherwise, this is a decent urban fantasy, describing the attempted return of the Fae to the world after their banishment by the "Abrahamistic" religions. The story has a good pace and the characters are lovely rendered. Some sex and romance, but tasteful and realistic. There is a bit of suppression of disbelief required, since Mr Osborne tries to tell a world-changing story with a very limited cast of characters. The nature of our two main actors is realistic: after all, they were not chosen for their previous achievements or abilities, but mainly because of their bloodlines. However, given that we are reading about a world-changing challenge, anticipated for several centuries, the two opposing parties seem to operate on a shoestring. The good guys are lovable, but not the five people I would send for my one and only chance over the next centuries to return to the mortal world. Same goes for the evil guys: being the hidden magic power behind everything for centuries, they mainly rely on the service of a single priest, who is kind of blackmailed into helping them and some not-so-bright helpers. You have to ask yourself whether they really care.
The world-building is extremely Europe-North America-centric. Which would not be a problem, if there would be at least a hint somewhere in the book that we are dealing with events limited to this area. But it is kind of "changing the whole world"-concepts, in which more than 3/4 of the world does not and not had an input.
I will probably read the second part of the series, since I enjoyed the book before I reached the end. If I will ever get over the end.
Honestly, the ending is so bad, I would suggest to change it in the eBook versions.
Otherwise, this is a decent urban fantasy, describing the attempted return of the Fae to the world after their banishment by the "Abrahamistic" religions. The story has a good pace and the characters are lovely rendered. Some sex and romance, but tasteful and realistic. There is a bit of suppression of disbelief required, since Mr Osborne tries to tell a world-changing story with a very limited cast of characters. The nature of our two main actors is realistic: after all, they were not chosen for their previous achievements or abilities, but mainly because of their bloodlines. However, given that we are reading about a world-changing challenge, anticipated for several centuries, the two opposing parties seem to operate on a shoestring. The good guys are lovable, but not the five people I would send for my one and only chance over the next centuries to return to the mortal world. Same goes for the evil guys: being the hidden magic power behind everything for centuries, they mainly rely on the service of a single priest, who is kind of blackmailed into helping them and some not-so-bright helpers. You have to ask yourself whether they really care.
The world-building is extremely Europe-North America-centric. Which would not be a problem, if there would be at least a hint somewhere in the book that we are dealing with events limited to this area. But it is kind of "changing the whole world"-concepts, in which more than 3/4 of the world does not and not had an input.
I will probably read the second part of the series, since I enjoyed the book before I reached the end. If I will ever get over the end.
February 8, 2023
Centuries ago, the followers of the new gods defeated the old gods and the folk of legend, banishing them from the world of man. With their departure, magic faded from the land.
The Milesian Accords had provisions for a new challenge, though, and the Exiled Gods have sent their minions back to our world to seek out a champion to fight for them and a druid able to wield the magic needed to fulfill the challenge.
A descendant of the druid who participated in the original challenge, Liam Knox doesn’t know anything about the Accords or his ancestors, but those seeking to maintain the status quo are hunting him, and the beings of myth are doing their best to convince him to help the Exiled Gods return to the world of man, bringing magic back with them.
Liam is faced with a choice he doesn’t want, and if he chooses wrong, he risks more than his own life—he could end the world as we know it. And he’s running out of time to decide.
Liam finding out hes related to an ancient druid, finding out he has a son, still attracted to his son's mother all while being tempted by a Fae determined to charm the pants off him and trying to decide the fate of the world. It was a great read and I plan on continuing the series.
The Milesian Accords had provisions for a new challenge, though, and the Exiled Gods have sent their minions back to our world to seek out a champion to fight for them and a druid able to wield the magic needed to fulfill the challenge.
A descendant of the druid who participated in the original challenge, Liam Knox doesn’t know anything about the Accords or his ancestors, but those seeking to maintain the status quo are hunting him, and the beings of myth are doing their best to convince him to help the Exiled Gods return to the world of man, bringing magic back with them.
Liam is faced with a choice he doesn’t want, and if he chooses wrong, he risks more than his own life—he could end the world as we know it. And he’s running out of time to decide.
Liam finding out hes related to an ancient druid, finding out he has a son, still attracted to his son's mother all while being tempted by a Fae determined to charm the pants off him and trying to decide the fate of the world. It was a great read and I plan on continuing the series.
October 22, 2020
Interesting world with an interesting story. The title is a little misleading since Liam doesn't show much reluctance to help the "glassies", as he calls them. He is understandably worried about writing up the new Accords and dictating the new rules magic and magical beings would have to follow if they win the challenge. Also, be warned that the book ends on a big cliffhanger.
The character I find most interesting is Tim, Erin's 12 year old son. I feel like his powers may be stronger than Liam's and I want to know if they're going to help him develop his powers. What kind of role is this kid going to play in the coming conflicts?
Reading this book and seeing all the different perspectives and players, I find something intriguing. While the deities on the pagan side are actively involved in helping the Druid and the Champion, I notice that the Abrahamic deities are absent. The servants of the deities, the Avramites, are very active in trying to stop the challenge. But there is no sign of the actual deities being involved and at one point it's implied they don't know what their servants are doing. Will we actually get to see them step in?
The character I find most interesting is Tim, Erin's 12 year old son. I feel like his powers may be stronger than Liam's and I want to know if they're going to help him develop his powers. What kind of role is this kid going to play in the coming conflicts?
Reading this book and seeing all the different perspectives and players, I find something intriguing. While the deities on the pagan side are actively involved in helping the Druid and the Champion, I notice that the Abrahamic deities are absent. The servants of the deities, the Avramites, are very active in trying to stop the challenge. But there is no sign of the actual deities being involved and at one point it's implied they don't know what their servants are doing. Will we actually get to see them step in?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2019
If you ever wondered what might happen if a fairly Average Joe living in Peoria, Illinois, with Average Joe problems and interests, discovers he's the key to a plan stretching back millenia and involving gods, angels, demons, faeries, dragons and the like, well, this book is for you.
Well-written and fast-paced, A Reluctant Druid is a fun read, and I'm looking forward to picking up the next in the series. Mr. Osborne has done a ton of research, diving deep into various mythologies and pantheons to create his world's cosmology. Then, and this is key, he has had fun with it, not taking it too seriously or being overly solemn about the whole thing, except when the beings in question have a solemn bent. (Wait until you meet God's angels. Yeah, no fun at parties.)
All and all a good story well-told, taking the bildungsroman trope and turning it on its head by having the "youth" in question be sitting at or near middle age as tale begins. Highly recommended.
Well-written and fast-paced, A Reluctant Druid is a fun read, and I'm looking forward to picking up the next in the series. Mr. Osborne has done a ton of research, diving deep into various mythologies and pantheons to create his world's cosmology. Then, and this is key, he has had fun with it, not taking it too seriously or being overly solemn about the whole thing, except when the beings in question have a solemn bent. (Wait until you meet God's angels. Yeah, no fun at parties.)
All and all a good story well-told, taking the bildungsroman trope and turning it on its head by having the "youth" in question be sitting at or near middle age as tale begins. Highly recommended.
April 11, 2021
A better book in the beginning than in the end. Solid worldbuilding and interesting characters.
However a few points dragged it down from what could have been an engrossing adventure.
- pacing slowed considerable down after the initiel introduction. I found myself skim in the later half of the book
- the romantic sub plot was boring, cliche and took way too much time away from the plot which literally came to a standstill due to the drama there
- shift of point of view was not consistent especially from 'the other side'. If as much care had gone into introducing them as the heroes I would probably also have been more engaged reading about them. Especially as they begin to feature heavily in the last 20 percent
Even though the story was interesting enough I wont be picking up the second book due to the above.
And a note. It ends on a cliff hanger. Which in my opinion the book couldnt bear as it was too long with too little action.
However a few points dragged it down from what could have been an engrossing adventure.
- pacing slowed considerable down after the initiel introduction. I found myself skim in the later half of the book
- the romantic sub plot was boring, cliche and took way too much time away from the plot which literally came to a standstill due to the drama there
- shift of point of view was not consistent especially from 'the other side'. If as much care had gone into introducing them as the heroes I would probably also have been more engaged reading about them. Especially as they begin to feature heavily in the last 20 percent
Even though the story was interesting enough I wont be picking up the second book due to the above.
And a note. It ends on a cliff hanger. Which in my opinion the book couldnt bear as it was too long with too little action.
August 4, 2023
Amazing world building and fantastic character development. This book really delves deep into its world and the reader gets a full picture of what it is like.
It is set in our world, we just don't know about magic because of accords that were drawn up years (centuries) ago. The Exiled Gods want back in and it is up to our titular main character to deal with the situation, fall out, etc because it turns out he's a descendant of a druid involved in the original Accords.
He deals with a lot - there's personal and familial things that come up. He has to deal with the modern iteration of druidism, etc and how it, to his mind, diverged from what the path is really about. Things aren't neatly tied up in a bow at the earliest possible time and he, as well as those around him, have to sit with consequences and deal with them like real people.
I flew through this series like crazy!
It is set in our world, we just don't know about magic because of accords that were drawn up years (centuries) ago. The Exiled Gods want back in and it is up to our titular main character to deal with the situation, fall out, etc because it turns out he's a descendant of a druid involved in the original Accords.
He deals with a lot - there's personal and familial things that come up. He has to deal with the modern iteration of druidism, etc and how it, to his mind, diverged from what the path is really about. Things aren't neatly tied up in a bow at the earliest possible time and he, as well as those around him, have to sit with consequences and deal with them like real people.
I flew through this series like crazy!
September 30, 2023
Osborne knows his stuff. I feel like Osborne has a deep interest in the celtic mythos. It shows in this book, he gently introduces the reader to very deep and established concepts brilliantly. The cast of characters grew pretty fast but each character was developed enough to create drama/tension and were easy to get to know. The story felt well paced but there was a little too much soap opera like interaction at points for my taste, but that is my particular taste and it shouldn’t stop someone reading this review from enjoying this well written book. One of the highlights of this book is the description of how the Druid interacts with magic. I would have liked to have known exactly what one of the characters actually did when they were in the Army. Worth the money more than worth your time excited to read the next book in the series.
September 1, 2020
To be honest, I thought the blurb for the book sounded a bit derivative, but the high ratings made me give it s a shot. I was right. It sounded just like the tsunami of gamers-cross-to-alternate-universe works that came out in the 70s and 80s. Imagine my surprise to find it was only published in 2018, complete with teenage (straight) boy fantasies about over-sexed large-breasted women and omnipotent monsters that get plunked down just as they would in D&D, only to be vanquished by the intrepid (male) hero. At the 20% mark I was getting irritated but I stuck it out to the non-ending that clearly was a setup for book 2. It was hard work.
And no, there's really nothing reluctant about him. 2 stars simply because the writing was good enough to allow me to finish.
And no, there's really nothing reluctant about him. 2 stars simply because the writing was good enough to allow me to finish.
February 2, 2023
This is basically 10 hours of info dumping a mashup of various esoteric traditions and mythologies (which was actually well researched and interesting so I gutted through it instead of marking it DNF). Way too much course language and pseudo erotica for me (YMMV) and the basic plot was very mechanical and derivative without adding much to the overall entertainment value. Over all this comes across as a Pagan Fantasy where stereotypes pretty much dictate how the judeo-christian antagonists are portrayed and the good guys are free loving naturalists from the 60's (aka hippies). However, the narration was decent and I am a fan of the genre over all with some of the obvious inspirations on my favorites shelf ... so I am rounding UP! And I doubt I will continue the series.
#AReluctantDruid #FreeAudiobookCodes #KindleUnlimited
#AReluctantDruid #FreeAudiobookCodes #KindleUnlimited
March 7, 2023
I actually think I would have loved this story if it was not for the sheer amount of vulgar unnecessary sexual content. I actually felt physically ill listening to some of it. Crude and creepy. None of the male characters presented as safe, they were all leering creeps. The female cast had zero thoughts of their own, they were all there for the male characters to gawk at and use.
The actual story, old gods vs new gods was cool and I am curious where that part of all this goes. But I cannot stomach another page of this. So sadly book two and anymore will remain unread.
The story ends just as it’s actually starting, had the author actually written the story and less crude sexual content- it would have been a better book.
The actual story, old gods vs new gods was cool and I am curious where that part of all this goes. But I cannot stomach another page of this. So sadly book two and anymore will remain unread.
The story ends just as it’s actually starting, had the author actually written the story and less crude sexual content- it would have been a better book.
November 13, 2024
It has a few problems.
I liked the story well enough, the world building is interesting and the stakes are high but I have a few gripes that I cannot shake of.
First of, I understand why, but centering all mythos in the european-ahbramic religions and just plain ignoring the rest of the worlds religions is a bit too much occidental centric. Yes, to the main audience of this book they might now nothing about those religions, but at least acknowledge them.
Second, this book fails miserably the Bechdel Test. I don't mind the spicy thrown into the mix, but it feels weird in a center-fantasy-male-heterosexual way. I'm a cis hetero man myself but it just feels weird.
Not a bad read by any stretch, but I personally will not follow the story.
I liked the story well enough, the world building is interesting and the stakes are high but I have a few gripes that I cannot shake of.
First of, I understand why, but centering all mythos in the european-ahbramic religions and just plain ignoring the rest of the worlds religions is a bit too much occidental centric. Yes, to the main audience of this book they might now nothing about those religions, but at least acknowledge them.
Second, this book fails miserably the Bechdel Test. I don't mind the spicy thrown into the mix, but it feels weird in a center-fantasy-male-heterosexual way. I'm a cis hetero man myself but it just feels weird.
Not a bad read by any stretch, but I personally will not follow the story.
September 15, 2020
This was an enjoyable novel because of the rich lore of magic and dual worlds. Servants of the Lord conflict with magic creatures in preparation for a future battle to rewrite the Milesian Accords that constraint magic creatures in this world. A druid and a champion are reunited and must complete their tasks in preparation for conflict. That they are past lovers who begat a son adds spice. A combination of rich character development, sex, comedy, and good pacing make this a rewarding novel. While both druid and champion get to flex some muscle at the end, the tale continues in the next book.
December 29, 2022
Well, this was a fairly decent first book in this new (for me at least) urban fantasy series.
It is pretty standard urban fantasy fare but it is a kind of story that I generally like. Our main protagonist, although being a self proclaimed druid, thought it was all just about some old religion or belief. That magic would actually be real was not something he even contemplated. So when magic comes nocking on his door, literally, his world is turned upside down.
I like the main protagonist, or rather protagonists in plural since there are two of them. There are several other likable characters in the story as well.
The overall story is quite good. I like it. However, this was but the first book in the series. It now depends on what the author makes of this story in the coming books if this series takes off or if it falls flat.
My main gripe with the story so far would be that parts of it was too rushed. More specifically, that people just accepted that magic was real and that they had a role to play way too easily. A missed opportunity actually. At least for me since, in this kind of story, I really like the surprise bits when people actually discover that there are things that go bump in the night.
Anyway, I guess I will have a go at the second book in the series as well then.
It is pretty standard urban fantasy fare but it is a kind of story that I generally like. Our main protagonist, although being a self proclaimed druid, thought it was all just about some old religion or belief. That magic would actually be real was not something he even contemplated. So when magic comes nocking on his door, literally, his world is turned upside down.
I like the main protagonist, or rather protagonists in plural since there are two of them. There are several other likable characters in the story as well.
The overall story is quite good. I like it. However, this was but the first book in the series. It now depends on what the author makes of this story in the coming books if this series takes off or if it falls flat.
My main gripe with the story so far would be that parts of it was too rushed. More specifically, that people just accepted that magic was real and that they had a role to play way too easily. A missed opportunity actually. At least for me since, in this kind of story, I really like the surprise bits when people actually discover that there are things that go bump in the night.
Anyway, I guess I will have a go at the second book in the series as well then.
April 29, 2023
No Spoilers.
Currently in the middle of reading Urban fantasy stories and A Reluctant Druidcame across my feed. Decided to give it a try since it touched upon topics I enjoy. Jon R. Osborne got to the point, didn't waste time introducing the reader to various characters from folk and mythological plains. The book having Angelic aspects is what made it a must read since I haven't come across many that pit each other.
A Reluctant Druid is a fast-paced, easy to get into story. Much of book 1 is a build-up to the many obstacles and or battles ahead. Can't wait to read them.
Currently in the middle of reading Urban fantasy stories and A Reluctant Druidcame across my feed. Decided to give it a try since it touched upon topics I enjoy. Jon R. Osborne got to the point, didn't waste time introducing the reader to various characters from folk and mythological plains. The book having Angelic aspects is what made it a must read since I haven't come across many that pit each other.
A Reluctant Druid is a fast-paced, easy to get into story. Much of book 1 is a build-up to the many obstacles and or battles ahead. Can't wait to read them.
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