Trapped (The Iron Druid Chronicles 5) (edition 2012)

Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 5.00

Audio Rating: 5.00 (Not Part of the overall Rating)

What I thought of the characters/story: Trapped is the 5th book in the Iron Druid series and I will admit upfront that I am a huge fan. I have enjoyed each of these books immensely and know that I am in for a good time when I start to listen. I love the characters! They are the reason this series works so well. Atticus, Oberon, and Granuaile are a fantastic trio. Just going to say it, Kevin can write some very smart and witty banter that is made of epic awesomeness! The story was a little uneven for me this time and the ending was really abrupt (to the point I checked a print copy to make sure something wasn't left out). I will also admit that I could do without the romance. I love Atticus and love Granuaile BUT so far I am not loving them as a couple. I think they work better as friends and partners. That being said, I am willing to keep an open mind during the next book to see if I feel more of a connection. Overall, this series is not one to be missed and one that I recommend to everyone!

What I thought of the audio: At this point I just sound like a broken record: Luke Daniels is made of awesome and hit it out of the park again!


*I did get a print copy for review but chose to listen to a copy I bought instead

Okay, so it’s now 12 years later and Granuaile is now ready to become a full time druid. But of course, it’s not going to be an easy process or else we wouldn’t have book 5. In the last book Atticus had to declare himself dead to gain some peace, but now it’s time to come out of hiding and things have gotten interesting…and confusing. There are so many gods out to kill Atticus that I’ve given up trying to keep up. The web is so tangled at this point that I don’t recall how we even got this far. I just sort of went for the ride in this one. It was an enjoyable ride, but there were two things that annoyed me.

Annoyance #1- There is a reference to something that takes place 6 years ago, but we’re never told what it is. It’s referenced quite a few times, but we’re never told what the heck happened. As it turns out there is a novella called [b:Two Ravens and One Crow|15728721|Two Ravens and One Crow (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #4.5)|Kevin Hearne|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344336650s/15728721.jpg|21407171] that addresses the event that happened 6 years ago. I really wish I had known about the novella, because I would’ve read it in order and it would’ve prevented my annoyance at having the event referenced but never explained.

Annoyance #2- The “love” relationship was mediocre at best. Look, I’m not looking for nookie details but a little explanation on the feelings would be nice. Lust does not equal love and that’s something I don’t think Hearne quite gets. We get all this explanation on how hot Granuaile is and we’ve seen how she’s turned into a real badass, but the relationship between Atticus and Granuaile is never fully explained. Prior to this book Atticus only lusted after her, but now he’s supposedly in love with her. How did they get to that point? Show me…just don’t tell me and expect me to accept it.

Besides these two things, I did enjoy the book. I really enjoyed learning about the druid tattoos and about how the bindings work. I have to say though I’m ready for the series to start on a conclusion. I think there are too many entanglements and some resolution needs to start happening. ( )

I received this book as a Goodreads ARC giveaway. This was a great book and I really enjoy it ( )

Poor Atticus, he's trying to bind Granuaile to the earth, but the only place he can do it is at the base of Mount Olympus because Bacchus is interfering. I really enjoyed this book. Oberon (the dog) was especially funny and it will be nice to have Granuaile as a full Druid in upcoming books, with her own power. I also enjoyed the growth of their relationship. ( )

Trapped by Kevin Hearne Iron Druid Chronicles #5

3 stars

Twelve years have passed since the events in book 4. Atticus now only needs to bind Granuaile to the Earth to complete her training as his Druid apprentice. Of course many paranormal events conspire to delay this-not the least of which are Gods, a Goddess or two, vampires and dark elves.

Hearne throws quite a bit of knowledge at his readers and you can Google as you read to get the full scoop on who is who and some of the mythology back story. He includes a pronunciation guide as well but I just let it wash over me and read for the enjoyment of the tale! Hearne is one of the few authors in this genre that you can do that and not feel like you've missed something important.

The story moves along quite well with lots of action and drama. The 'relationship' between Druid & apprentice is wrapped up quite well and Oberon the wolfhound is on hand for comic relief. Some baddies from past books show up again to cause trouble and leave plot droppings that should sprout & grow into several more books.

All in all a quick read for me (takes longer if you look up all the detaily stuff!) I really like this series and recommend it for anyone interested in intelligent grown-up urban fantasy. ( )