I liked this one much more than some of the previous entries, and thank god, no cliffhanger ending ( )

I definitely did not realize this was a later entry in a more extensive series when I started it (if I had known I would've avoided it like the plague). But my mind blanked out, so I selected something on my wife's audible list. I thought I was getting horror but nope, modern fantasy. A strike against it in my opinion but I listened to it all the way through. It had its moments, I liked the part with the ghost in the school the most. I really, really hated that the author kept throwing pop-culture/nerd references everywhere, I f***ing hate that. So, overall, I'm not angry at it but it was just okay, it took me a long time to listen through this one. Would I recommend this book? Nope, unless you're already going through this series, otherwise not at all. ( )

I'm actually still really annoyed I can't read the story before this book because it's only an ebook. But this was due back to the library do I read it and enjoyed it anyway. ( )

Iron Druid Atticus O'Sullivan has a vampire problem and he has decided to once and for all take care of that by staking the ancient and power crazy Theophilus. And, he will need some allies to help him to that. But, both Owen Kennedy and Granuaile have their own problems. Owen skipped packing custom to a troll many years ago and now he learns that a troll has a very, very long memory. Granuaile is trying to rid herself of the mark that Loki has put on her, but with the help of Odin will she perhaps finally be free of it.

I was a bit worried that I would have a hard time getting into this book since I've only read the first book in this series. But, I was lucky. Before the story started, was it a short examination of the books before this one and that made it a lot easier to read Staked because that way I got the gist from all the books before this one. What I like about this book is the mix of humor, adventure, and mythology. I love that the books are using so many different Gods from different beliefs. It's quite cool to have Odin showing up one minute and then Jupiter.

The book is following Atticus, Owen, and Granuaile separately before they join force towards the end. I remember Granuaile from the first book, and she has come a long way from the wanna-be-druid to the fully trained druid she is now. I found her story quite good, apparently, she has a big problem with Loki and last time she saw him she tried to kill him and he has put a mark on her that she will do anything to get rid of. Also, now that she is a druid will she finally be able to confront her step-father which is the reason she asked Atticus to train her in the first place. Owen is a fellow druid that Atticus knew a long time ago. For me was he a totally new character, but I instantly liked him and his, well let's say problems with adjusting to the modern world. He has agreed to tutor new druids, but vampires and trolls are getting in the way. Atticus meanwhile has finally decided enough is enough when it comes to the vampires and now he will find Theophilus and put and end to all the nasty vampire business. He does have to deal with some stuff before, like for instance stopping a war, rob a bank and deal with a lovesick ghost.

I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The thing with this book is that it's so easygoing to read. It's a lot of fun banter, puns, and a lot of action. And, since I love mythology is it really fun to have all these Gods show up here and there.

I'm now quite eager to go back and start off where I left the series. I feel that knowing what happens here in book 8 doesn't take away the fun of reading the previous books. Quite contrary, reading the short summary of the previous books just made me more excited about the prospect of reading books two and buying the books I don't have.

I recommend this series to those that like to read well-written and funny urban fantasy books with Gods, druids, witches werewolves etc.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review!

Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede ( )

Not the book I was expecting, which is one of the reasons I keep coming back to Kevin Hearne with such delight. The three way split on the narrative is very effective, not least because they are all doing such different things over the course of the book. I appreciate how the druids are growing as characters, and that Atticus is finally starting to sort things out rather than cause more chaos -- the books tend to be one long string of reactions -- I have hope for him that this might change. Still clever, still a mile a minute, still kick-ass.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss. ( )