"Hounded" by Kevin Hearne

Urban fantasy is a large sub-genre of fantasy, and there are some big names writing it: Laurel K. Hamilton, Jim Butcher, Kim Harrison, and many more. The three I have named all have one thing in common: they write the "alternate" earth urban fantasy - some aspect of fantasy is living among the humans. Vampires, werewolves, magic, fae live and work in "real" cities like St. Louis, Chicago and Cincinnati.

A new voice has entered the field. Hounded is the first book in Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid Chronicles. Set in Tempe, Arizona, the usual elements of urban fantasy are here: werewolves, vampires, witches and faeries. And gods. Oh, and did I mention our hero is a 2100 year old Druid?

Atticus is our main hero, a Druid that would like nothing more than to live in peace with his wolfhound, Oberon. However, it's hard to live in peace when the gods are looking for you.

Hounded has a rich mythology, a hero that's fun and flawed, and the world's best Irish Wolfhound - Oberon. It is Atticus' relationship with Oberon that really makes the book. Atticus has taught the dog how to speak, and they communicate mentally. Oberon, however, does not stop being a dog. He is still excited about life, sometimes single minded, and hungry.

And this is why I HATE reviewing books that I loved. I don't know what to say. I laughed out loud on several occasions, and the book kept me up well past my bedtime. I'm planning to go out and buy Hexed and Hammered, the next books in the series, as soon as possible.

Okay, so what exactly did I like about this book? I enjoyed the fact that the entire Celtic pantheon was involved. The story was full of conflict - non stop as most urban fantasy - which left you out of breath, and in typical "Irish" fashion, the slow parts usually involved drinking. Oberon is a great character, you don't for a moment forget he's still a dog, even though he can mentally speak with Atticus.

There is a little bit of "first book" - ness? - to this book. Somethings get repeated that maybe don't need to be. Specifically referring to some of the talk of the gods, but while some of it makes it clear that hey, these guys don't get out much - some of it is a bit over the top. Also, the fact that "women" are Atticus' weakness is pointed out a few too many times. They could have just showed it, instead of everyone commenting on it time after time again.

So, while there are some faults, it's a very fun book: it's intended purpose is to entertain, and on that order it certainly delivers. I look forward to more of the adventures of Atticus and Oberon.