Let’s get one issue out the way – you don’t have to know anything at all about the Iron Druid series, or have first read the books to enjoy this one. It’s an essentially a standalone, with a specific scene added for those of us pining for Atticus and Oberon. So don’t let that consideration get in the way of you acquiring this one.
It’s a packet of fun. I loved the fact that Al is in his mid-sixties and a widower. I am aware that the average hero and heroine are fit young things, full of vim and vigour – but I hadn’t realised just how much that affected their worldview, until I plunged into this adventure alongside dear old Al. He is thoroughly likeable protagonist with plenty of quirks and eccentricities, but the amount of fun between him and a certain naughty hobgoblin is great and helps to leaven the rather sombre subject of kidnapping and trafficking. Humour is always a hit and miss affair, and mostly I chuckled my way through this book – though for some reason, I got a bit fed up with Al’s hacker friend insisting on being called Saxon Codpiece…
Overall, I really enjoyed the story which was well paced, full of action and yet not too full-on to skimp on effectively establishing the main characters – a balance that is harder to achieve than Hearne makes it look. I also loved the magic system, where human Al is given leave to help the Fae by use of magical sigils that are achieved by the spells being sealed through specific inks. It worked well – and this being Hearne, there was also some humour to be had with some of those inks, too. Overall, this was a solid delight and I’m very much looking forward to reading more about Al and his adventures – particularly that curse he’s afflicted with… Highly recommended for fans of quirky urban fantasy adventures featuring eccentric characters.
8/10
Flip to back
Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
See all formats and editions
Hide other formats and editions
|
Amazon Price
|
New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
$0.00
|
Free with your Audible trial | |
|
Hardcover
"Please retry"
|
$28.72
|
$28.72 | — |
Get 90 days FREE of Amazon Music Unlimited
with the purchase of any eligible product. Shop now
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
AUDIBLE FREE TRIAL
Includes your first audiobook free, a bonus book selected by our editors, unlimited access to exclusive podcasts and more. $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime. Learn more >
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customer reviews
Review this product
Top reviews from other countries
sjhigbee
Strong start to a new series with delightfully quirky hero...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 September 2020Verified Purchase
squidbeak
Woke nonsense
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 February 2021Verified Purchase
John N.
An enjoyable read. Oh yes that and more.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 October 2020Verified Purchase
Kindle Customer
return to form in a spin off from the Iron Druid universe
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 September 2020Verified Purchase
Kindle Customer
Quirky Paranormal
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 September 2020Verified Purchase
