Colin McCool has outwitted necromancers, sorcerers, fae assassins, and evil demigods… but can this journeyman druid survive a face-to-face fight with a god?
It’s me again—your friendly neighborhood druid, pissing people off everywhere I go in the supernatural world.
After killing a psychotic demigod, I just wanted to retreat to my beloved junkyard in peace. Unfortunately, the Celtic gods are bringing the fight to my doorstep--whether I like it, or not.
Now Austin’s fae queen has banished me from her demesne, forcing me into hiding. To complicate matters, I’ve also been tasked with hunting down an ancient vampire who’s terrorizing the people of New Orleans.
Um, okay boomers—I’m game.
Question is, can I evade the Tuatha Dé Danann, all while bringing a dangerous master vampire to heel? And if worse comes to worst, can I survive a direct confrontation with a god?
M.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.
I am rewriting my reviews. I liked Gail's review originally, so I recommend it. The setting changes to New Orleans temporarily and I remember feeling as if I had been there just from his descriptions. The vampires were just what I think vampires in that city would have to be.
A "rogue" Goodreads tech does not "Allow" me to see other's reviews, does not "Allow" me to see my commenters' names, sometimes grays out the like buttons and does not respond to query or complaint. 🤔🤔🤔
I closed my pages and removed all but one lurker. The "rogue" Goodreads tech will not allow me to unfriend Dr Susan Hamilton (a Maths professor at University of Tennessee?). She posted nothing over the two years since her friend request and has not responded to five requests that she unfriend me. 🤔🤔
She can not find my reviews that fascinating. I have read my originals and I am just not interesting.🤗🤗
You write one scathing review of "a poorly written salute to the January 6, 2021 hero" and suddenly your being a communist is s bad thing. Quite the surprise.😊😊
For more Goodreads, see my review of "Waking Magic", urban fantasy of the racist/sociopathic variety or Powers of the Earth (a poorly written salute to the January 6, 2021 hero) and comments from a Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710 (a self-identified NeoNazi and US patriot).
Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710 Don't be a numpty. Be a smarty. Come and join the Communist Party.
My latest cultural discovery courtesy of the Brittany Page YouTube channel, was that the Russian Army "Z" symbol is being used by US white nationalist sites. Apparently shared fascist ideology supersedes the war threats made by an enemy nation against their own country. Wow! In any case.
GLORY TO UKRAINE !!! and GLORY TO ITS PEOPLE !!!
Back to the Junkyard Druid. There are more than two dozen books so far, I think. Any one book should be entertaining but to see the entire journey of the main character is immensely satisfying.
I definitely have to read this book again. I remember the vampires of New Orleans being a very different lot to those of the previous books. Their personalities fit so well together with description of the city, that I could not imagine them being any other way.
This was one challenge that I imagined would be the end of the Druid barring divine intervention. With the number of deities active in this universe, that was not an impossibility. I only made the sketchiest of notes originally. I will read it again and then we can both enjoy it for the first time, as it were.
Until the next review of science fiction or fantasy, be well.
This is one of my three favorite urban fantasy writers. As I am rewriting my reviews, I realize that I want to reread the entire series. There are many good urban fantasy titles in the Amazon selection, many of them being steampunk novels.
Sadly most of the fantasy on Amazon seems to be the lower end print. The screen fantasy seems to be as poor storytelling as the lower end print, unfortunately. The fantasy on screen seems to be generic swords and sorcery with no attempt at world building and/or writers who have no feel for fantasy. Urban fantasy on screen, is handled a bit better but loses the plot sometimes.
I have lost much of my interest In new low end science fiction and fantasy print but the streaming services are a nice source for better stories and better writing. There is also a good multinational collection to be found on Netflix.
I began searching YouTube a little more than two years ago for science fiction. I found those channels and sampled many of the other interest area channels. A while later, I stumbled across the advertisements for documentary sites and the book channels on YouTube. My first educational video site was Curiosity Stream/Nebula at a cost of about $15 USD for a year's subscription. I think that they are all worth a look.
The book tubers were the best discovery. 😍😍 The communities of readers fostered are thoughtful and excited about all things bookish across all categories. The channel creators and their followings are a welcome change to whatever the Goodreads experience is. I recommend a visit to several book channels for any reader and have listed several below.
My YouTube picks of the moment. Brittany Page, Diane Morgan, Tom Nicholas, TVP News, Meidas Touch, Chloe Stafler, Breaking Points, Alt Shift X, Mandy, Hello Future Me, Ben and Emily, Euronews, Digital Engine, Lex Fridman, Dave Channel, Michael Lambert.
As for Goodreads, please consider treating this site as potentially hostile. 😐
From NeoNazi lurkers to Goodreads techs able to intervene with no consequences, there is reason to step carefully. Minimizing profile information, removing all lurkers, screenshots of the odd or the really bad and accepting that no complaint or query will necessarily be answered are probably the best that we can do. 🙂
Please protect yourself and may we all enjoy Good Reading. 😊😊
Some of my favorite YouTube channels are.
Mythic Concepts, Some More News, Novara Media, Tom Nicholas, Crecganford, Ship Happens, Munecat, Eleanor Morton, Tara Mooknee, Lady of the Library, Books with Emily Fox, Owen Jones, A Different Bias, Sarah Z, Big Joel, Double Down News, France 24, Alize, Alice Cappelle, Jessica Gagnon, DW News, Tom Nicholas, Vlad Vexler, Crux, Karolina Zebrowska, Celtica, Neringa Rekaslute, We're in Hell, Make Better Media, Swell Entertainment, Quinn's Ideas, The Narrowboat Pirate, The Narrowboat Chef, The Armchair Historian, SandRhoman History, Kathy's Flog in France, Sabine Hossenfelder, Brittany the Bibliophile, 2 Steps from Hell, Noelle Gallagher, Merphy Napier, Jaxon the Critic, Rebecca Watson, AstronautX, Then and Now, Euronews, Invicta, With Olivia, BrandonF, Jessie Gender, Owen Jones, Dan Davis History, Practical Engineering, Abbie Emmons, Emmie, Adult Wednesday Addams, The Shades of Orange, Autumn's Boutique, Books and Quills, Chris Animations, Prime of Midlife, Spacedock, The Gravel Institute, Philosophy Tube, Ask a Mortician, Avalishvili, Tulia, Mala Armia Janosika, Sufficiently Advanced Lena, Lily Alexander, With Olivia, Lilly's expat life, Lady knight the Brave, Cruising Alba, Adult Wednesday Addams, Nikolay Kutuzov, PaddyHats, Caucasian sword dance, Ben and Emily, Steam Punk, IzzzYzzz, Zoe Baker, Books and Lala, Kings and Generals, Mythology and Fiction Explained, Enby Reads, Three Arrows, Patrick is a Navajo, Petrik Leo, Thirdworld Booknerd, What Vivi did next, Mrs Betty Bower, Between the Wars, World War Two, The Great War, Boat Time, Camper Vibe, Natasha's Adventures, Ireland AM, Maximillien Robespierre, Dark Seas, What Vivi did next, Military History Visualized, Overly Sarcastic Productions, The Radical Reviewer, Daniel Rubin, 2Cellos, Pro Robot, History of the Universe, UA Courage, Art by Annamarie, Danni and Joe, May Moon Narrowboat, I'm Rosa, Alt Shift X, The Mindful Narrowboat.
I wish you a splendid morning, a productive afternoon, a splendid evening, a wonderful night and may we all keep learning.
Hope does not sprint, it is a marathoner. Operations, Children of the Raven
Maybe it’s just me but it seems like the series has lost some of its shine in the last few books. I was a huge fan of the earlier books but I’m getting a little jaded with the whole underdog theme that’s been happening since forever. And it seems like Colon’s magic hasn’t improved in forever either, he can only rely on luck for so long to win all his fights and battles. And the last few books has lost some of the realism (?) as well, too much mysticism and not enough of his “earth” friends from the earlier books.
The Colin McCool series continues to be everything I want in a story. This one is a new beginning as we see Colin having to move on with his life. Not only is he on the run, add usual, but he's had to leave home for now. As much as I liked his adventures in Austin and especially the side trips to New Orleans, it's nice to see him growing outward as well as up. As for the prose, well done. The story flowed smoothly and I didn't notice anything in the writing that caused me to have to go back or reread a sentence. Of your fans of the Junk Yard Druid, now Colin McCool, series, you'll live this one. If you're not then it's time you got started. Can't wait to see where Colin goes from here.
This book was really just setting things up for action that will happen later. Colin has to leave Austin and learn how to become exactly what the Tuath Dè fear, but none of that actually happened in this book. I'm not sure why Colin feels that he has to explain what happened with St Germain to Luther - Colin said that he'd get rid of him, and he did - if he's terrorizing things Underhill, and no one can get there, who cares?
Colin and finnigan are in a pickle again. A god is after Colin and finnigan and they need to leave yesterday but not before colin kills the twin fae assassins, goes after an ancient vampire who rules New Orleans Finnigan is mortal danger and Colin has to fight another fomorian in order to get him the helps he needs. Will he be successful? An excellent fantasy, paranormal mystical, magical story with enough blood spilled to make anyone who likes a little action happy. Well worth reading.
So Colin is faced with regrets of not doing what he should have when he should have. Faced with eviction from maves sight and every where else Colin and his favorite Druid plan to disappear for an extended vacation till she cools down but of course he decides he has to deal with the vampire in charge of New Orleans who has turned into a butcher and gets a huge surprise there then it starts to get interesting can’t wait for #11
I think I'm getting tired of this series. Granted I realized when I started this book that I had forgotten a lot and the author doesn't really remind the readers of much. I think I lost interest, I don't care much what happens to Colin now so I was really eager to be done with the book. Of course, there are a lot of unresolved plot lines that makes me kind of want to keep reading but I wonder if it's worth it. This one was okay but I can't say I particularly enjoyed it...
This is one of those books you can't put down, it just begs to be read in one sitting. Colin is a fantastic character and his adventure in this book has to be the best so far. With a touch of humor, lots of suspense and action, the book is over way too quick and now everyone has to wait for the next in the series.
Great book, once again, u get into it and boy how does the Bks fly. Now comes the fun part of waiting for the next bk to come out. The whole series has been great, and the bad part is once u read the whole series before you know ur done, and waiting on the next one. That is where I’m now at. Highly recommend this series.
Colin has always been a man who is quick to action and this one is not much different, but he is learning that that isn't always the best plan and this latest escapade has healed and harmed in many ways. Another awesome book by M.D Massey, this man never fails to hook you in.
These books are always so incredibly entertaining, fast-paced, full of amazing descriptions and imagination and even cursewords that I absolutely love it. This book went so fast that I was shocked when I hit the last page! I hope that the next book comes out very soon, because I don’t know if I can wait!
Druid Mystic is just as good as the first nine books. I enjoyed the change of venue to New Orleans, and then later in the book, a non-Earth location. It was also nice to see Colin grow as a person and develop his powers more. Hope there are more books coming in this series.
Colin has to get out of town but first he’s got a stop to make. This little side trip leads him on a dangerous quest of discovery and heartbreak. This story was so good I slowed my reading so as not to finish too quickly. Doppelgängers and deceitful dealings with Maeve’s offspring. Loved the well crafted story and I can’t wait for the next book.
Always engrossing and grabbing your attention sums up Colin McCool. This installment doesn't disappoint. Whether starting here or reading in order, M.D. Massey always brings an enjoyable character in Colin and his day to day dealings with supernatural world.
Colin runs into more and more obstacles with tantalizing hints about his origins. Lots of the Celtic Pantheon. Finnegan tries to help. Colin becomes acquainted with new vamps. The Oak. Intriguing story telling. Difficult to put down this book. Recommended !
I enjoyed this book it seemed a bit like an "in between" book but I'm a good way. Full of action, adult humor some feels happening. I think Colin might finally be growing up and becoming the druid he's destined to be.
I can’t wait to read the continuation of this story they are light hearted and funny. Quite the change from post-apocalyptic offerings as good as they are a change is good..
Colin finally starts accepting that he has to step up into his heritage and powers of Druid magic and his heritage of Fomori and Fae influences on his lineage. Also, never trust the Fae, or those who are mostly Fae
Another great continuation of the Druid Chronicals
I love this series! Love the sarcasm and action. And love the drop in from one of favorite songs. Heaven won’t let him in and hell doesn’t want him. Can’t wait for the next one.
To short. The story keeps you so enthralled that when you get to the end you say “that was too short.” Nice job bringing Colin’s family into the story. Great character development and nice loose ends to tie up later in another story.
Great Series. All 10 books are worth reading. Colin continues to amaze as he extracates himself from impossible predicaments. Can't wait for the next book.
Good read, fast paced, but too short. Maybe slow down the action a lil bit and develop the story more instead of rushing it. But still good read and ready for the next book.
Loved it. Great ongoing story. Relatable character. I really enjoy the way something aspect of the story is left asking for just one more book. Addiction in the best way. Can't wait for the next installment.
This is one author that I buy every one of his books the minute they are for sale, and I’m never disappointed. l can’t wait to see Colin McCools next adventure. Keep writing, M.D Massey, keep writing.
Outstand boook! Highly recommend all of these books as they provide really fun reads with plenty of action, Druid magic, fae, vamps. and just about anything your mind can imagine to entertain you. Looking forward to the next book, can't wait.
I really liked this one. Colin has always tried to do the right thing. He really allowed his human emotions flow in this book. He now can look back at his mistake and how holding grudges will hurt you more than the person you are holding it against. Great lesson learned
As Colin has matured, these stories have become more about the journey from trainee to full druid and I've enjoyed the change in perspective. I will be very curious how the next one turns out, but have enjoyed things so far!