This is actually book 3 in the Iron Druid Chronicles. I read (listened, the only way to do IDC) the first two in the series 2 years ago. I started this one, got half an hour in, got mad, and set it aside. Fast forward two years to all of a sudden having over quadruple my old commute time, because Little Beth Ellen’s child care hasn’t switched yet. Once it has my commute will only be triple the old time. That’ll be nice.
Anywho, as this is book 3 we jump right back into our story. Our beloved 2,000 year old Druid Atticus is off to Asgard to fetch a golden apple for a witch for whom he owes a favor. Then he has to return to Asgard after the fact with a few of his friends as a favor to them so they can kill Thor. All the while he’s being chased on earth by Bacchus and some crazy religious zealots. Interspersed with being a drinking buddy with Jesus. Suffice to say, there’s a whole lot going on.
Iron Druid is something you definitely can’t just pick up and read on it’s own. The story and world keep building with each successive book. Half of this book was setting up the next one to two. What you do get, especially if you’re listening to it, is Luke Daniels excellent narration, and a fun filled romp for the most part. It’s light, silly, not remotely taxing, but overall just a heck of a lot of fun.
Which is why I’m a little sad about this one. This one started out with an innocent creature dying, and kept building on that theme. I didn’t enjoy losing so many characters so early on in the series (I think there’s 8 published now? I’m pretty sure there will be more). Lots of deaths in this one. Also, as you know what the climax will be for the entire book, there was a heck of a lot of setup pre. It just felt very wheel-churny (it’s a word now!) until the last hour and a half or so. Then everything happened pretty quick, and wrapped up setting up book 4.
Anyways, if you’re taking a long road trip, or have a decent commute I recommend the series so far. They’re pretty fun overall, and quite distracting for stop and go traffic. I’ll keep going (Mr. Beth Ellen has them all on his audible account so it’s easy), but I wish this one had a bit more cohesive and contained story.
I’m halfway through this one, and I have basically been angry since Atticus got the squirrel killed. Also, post Thor:Ragnarok, I don’t really want anyone messing with Asgard – they’ve been through enough ?
Given how much less I am enjoying this one, I thought it was a good time to check out some other reviews. I also don’t care about Granuile at all and I think it goes back to how she was introduced. She’s never really risen above that to me.