Trapped by Kevin Hearne
(The Iron Druid Chronicles, #5)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: paperback
Read: 2/4/2013 — 2/8/2013
In Six Words: The IDC series keeps getting better. [Is it June yet? No? Damn.]
Links
Kevin Hearne — Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook
Amazon — Paperback | Kindle
Add it to Goodreads
Book Order
1. Hounded
2. Hexed
3. Hammered
4. Tricked
5. Trapped
6. Hunted (June 26th, 2013)
7. Shattered
8 & 9. Untitled
Synopsis
After twelve years of secret training, Atticus O’Sullivan is finally ready to bind his apprentice, Granuaile, to the earth and double the number of Druids in the world. But on the eve of the ritual, the world that thought he was dead abruptly discovers that he’s still alive, and they would much rather he return to the grave.
Having no other choice, Atticus, his trusted Irish wolfhound, Oberon, and Granuaile travel to the base of Mount Olympus, where the Roman god Bacchus is anxious to take his sworn revenge—but he’ll have to get in line behind an ancient vampire, a band of dark elves, and an old god of mischief, who all seem to have KILL THE DRUID at the top of their to-do lists.
-from Goodreads
Thoughts on Book 5
This series fucking rocks. Yes, the swearing is necessary. Kevin Hearne manages to shove Atticus’s personality off the pages and straight into your brain, making these stories so deliciously addicting. Delicious like the Atticus cover model or chocolate or whatever food slides you into a state of bliss. (See? I’m avoiding the pajama comparison. I’m sticking to food instead.)
Most of what happens in Trapped is a direct result of all the shenanigans that went down in Hammered. All these forces are beginning to swirl around Atticus and well, shit is gettin’ serious. (The ending is cruel, by the way. CRUEL. It’s why I want it to be June. I also want it to be June so it’s not cold anymore, but that’s off topic.) But Atticus continues to come up with plans that are simply delightful. (Delightful in the way you might clap your hands in excitement over diabolical plans, all the while laughing a little maniacally.) These stories are worth reading for the shenanigans alone.
Granuaile takes more of a prominent role in Trapped, and I have to say that I’m really liking how bad ass she is. She may not have Atticus’s years of wisdom, but she is smart and crafty and is definitely a Druid to be reckoned with. There are also certain…developments in this story. And, as I so often say: THINGS HAPPEN. I was also pretty sure that it was impossible for Oberon to become more charming and entertaining, but I was so very wrong. Oberon remains one of my favorite sidekicks.
Though it’s a bit jarring at first to realize that Trapped starts off TWELVE YEARS after Tricked, it’s quickly forgotten, because Kevin Hearne really does make it that easy to jump back into this world. And I can’t wait until we found out what trouble Atticus gets himself out off next.
Kristilyn (Reading in Winter) February 27, 2013 at 8:23 am
Oooh … another great cover! Just like you said! :) I may have to buy these JUST for the covers. :) Of course, if the story is just as good as you say it is, I may have to buy them for that, too!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 27, 2013 at 9:40 am
The stories are FUN, Kristilyn. I think you might enjoy them, too. (Though yes. The covers are fabulous.)
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal February 27, 2013 at 9:10 am
ATTICUS! GRANUAILE! OBERON!
I loved LOVED this book. It was delicious. And Granuaile? Granuaile ROCKED! <3 <3 <3 this series so hard!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 27, 2013 at 9:41 am
I don’t want to wait until June to read Hunted!
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal February 27, 2013 at 9:43 am
I’m still crossing my fingers that I can go to the Kevin Hearne signing when the book comes out. *crosses fingers and hopes REALLY HARD*
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 27, 2013 at 9:44 am
I hope you can, too! One of us has to see him!
Rummanah February 27, 2013 at 9:13 am
For me, I thought this was the weakest one. I wanted more of Granuallie and Atticus interaction as well as wanting to know how the binding worked. I just got so frustrated when they kept getting interrupted! Grr… Anyway, really like this series and I’m curious to how the story continues.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 27, 2013 at 9:42 am
Sorry this wasn’t your favorite. =/ Hopefully the next one will be better!
Tara SG (25 Hour Books) February 27, 2013 at 9:22 am
“This series fucking rocks.”
I may need you to kick up the nagging a notch for me to start these…
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 27, 2013 at 9:42 am
Wait. Kick UP the nagging? I haven’t been nagging you at all.
Tara SG (25 Hour Books) February 27, 2013 at 9:47 am
Then maybe start nagging me about these :) I started the audio and couldn’t get into it, but I feel like I’m missing out on a great series.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 27, 2013 at 9:47 am
I’m not going to nag. If you want to read it, read it.
Mandi Kaye February 27, 2013 at 11:10 am
I was so excited that she finally got bound. I actually had *tears* in my eyes because I was so damned happy. This is a series that should just never end. Why aren’t these people real?
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 27, 2013 at 12:12 pm
“Why aren’t these people real?”
THIS. Mandi! You have perfectly captured my feelings with that statement. I love these characters (and the series) so much that I wish they were real.
Jenny February 27, 2013 at 2:36 pm
This book starts 12 years after the last one? Jeez, that’s quite a jump! I’m not super excited about this cruel ending you mention, but it’s kind of irrelevant since I suck and haven’t read any of these awesome books anyway. I bet I could get caught up by June no problem:)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 27, 2013 at 2:37 pm
Yessss. TWELVE YEARS! But it makes sense for the series/characters/world. I’d tell you more, but it’s probably easiest to just read the books. *wink wink*
Mary @ BookSwarm February 27, 2013 at 4:37 pm
ATTICUSSSSS!! I can’t wait for the next book because, you’re right, that ending was brutal. BRUTAL!! *shakes fist* Damn you, Kevin Hearne!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 27, 2013 at 6:29 pm
Kevin Hearne is my new hero. Even with that ending. *joins in the fist shaking*
Sarah (saz101) February 27, 2013 at 6:20 pm
I would just like to point out that “The IDC series keeps getting better. [Is it June yet? No? Damn.]“ is not six words. You’re welcome :P
This… sounds awesome. I haven’t read any of the books but… meeeep! And a 12 year jump is… wow.
And the guy on the cover is VERY pretty ♥
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 27, 2013 at 6:31 pm
It’s twelve words, actually. That’s why the second set of six words is set in brackets. =P
The 12 year jump makes sense in context of the series. It’s just a blip of time when you’re 2,100 years old!
Sarah (saz101) February 27, 2013 at 6:48 pm
Well, 12 year jump, 12 words. Fair enough :P
2100 is… kind of really old O__O
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 27, 2013 at 9:37 pm
Old, but AWESOME. And also hot. Just look at the cover!
Allison February 27, 2013 at 9:02 pm
Hi there! (Normally silent reader checking in!) :D
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! *Drools on cover* It’s only gotten better and Kevin Hearne is on my auto-buy list along side Jim Butcher, Kat Richardson, Jim Bernheimer, Mark Del Franco, Michael Langlois, B. J. Shier, etc.
*faithful minion bows in respect to Book-Goddess Amanda*
Thank you for reviewing this wonderful series! I think Trapped, while the most scattered of the series so far, does a decent job of trying to tie up loose ends from the events in Hammered and Tricked. [Can it be that there's only 4 more books left?!?] And Granuaile is gonna be a BAMF-Druidess!
Amanda, have you read the short stories yet?!?! “Two Ravens and One Crow” is set 6 years after Atticus starts training Granuaile, and DAMN, things get interesting… Just sayin’ I wouldn’t want to be around when the Morrigan get’s frisky *wink-wink* And Oberon always deserves a treat for, as he puts it, helping Atticus “To hide the evidence of his BLISTERING PASSION—” hahaha!
Mr. Hearne has two more short-stories coming out soon, and I CAN’T WAIT!
Oh, and if you haven’t listened to the audiobooks yet, I highly recommend them. Luke Daniels is an amazing narrator and the whole “Epic-Wedgie in an Ambulance” scene is worth the price of HOUNDED alone.
Also, I’m the admin for the #IronDruidChronicles Group on Deviant ART! If you have a DA profile, feel free to stop on by and hang out with us Druids-in-Training. :) Actually, I got inspired to create the group from the IDC read-along you did last year!
Cheers,
Allison Baskett
aka BurnTheMidnightOil
P.S. I’m posting a link to your blog review on the group page, so our members can see that IDC is getting love out here in cyberspace. :)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 27, 2013 at 9:31 pm
*tackle hugs* Err… I’m sorry if that’s a bit forward, but hearing from you has MADE MY DAY. :)
I’ve read the short stories available on Kevin Hearne’s website, but not Two Ravens and One Crow. I *do* have to admit that I feel like I’m missing out. The whole situation was mentioned a few times in Trapped, and I was very INTRIGUED.
I have listened to the audiobooks! Well, I listened to Hexed and Hammered in audiobook. Then I went back to paperback.
Allison, you’re making me sad that I deleted my DA account way back when. I am going to bookmark your IDC group on DA, though, and link it up in my Clock Rewinders post this week. I love it!
Allison February 27, 2013 at 9:54 pm
*SQUEE!!!*
Yay! :3 I always look forward to your reviews in my inbox, and I normally never comment *shameface* but this series ROCKS!
*GASP!* Say it isn’t so!! You must read it, it’s soo good, I can’t even tell you… *rubs hands with evil grin* Mwuahahahaha!
I’ve listened all the way up to Tricked, and I have to say my fave part is the Oprah-like impersonation Oberon does “Everybody gets a cow!” that had me laughing so hard it hurt!
*pouts* why o why did you leave?!
*faints!* OMG! THANK YOU! thank you for sharing our group link! Hope you stop by when the latest book comes out to celebrate with us! :D
-Allison
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 27, 2013 at 10:02 pm
Allison, you can comment as much or as little as you like. I love your comments, but knowing you’re reading makes me happy, too. :D
I am going to add Two Ravens and One Crow to my wishlist NOW.
I wanted to continue with the audiobooks, but I just didn’t have the time for them. I actually missed the audiobook when I picked up Tricked. Luke Daniels kicks ass.
Years (years and years) ago, I was on DA and posting my photography. I stopped after a while, and decided to delete my account. SOME DAY I’ll come back!
I went and looked through some of the featured art in the IDC group. I am AMAZED at the work. It is SO GOOD. And I’m pretty sure that other IDC fans will appreciate it too. :)
Felicia February 28, 2013 at 6:03 am
Great Review!
I love how kick ass G is! She is just a delight :)
While I might not be on board with their romance (yet) I do like their friendship and banter. The trio is pretty rocking when they are on their A game :)
I can’t wait for the next one!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 28, 2013 at 8:41 am
I think it’s very much a man’s romance. Very understated. Not like most romances currently in the UF I read, that’s for sure.
Amy @ bookgoonie February 28, 2013 at 6:16 am
My favorite trio around. I’m interested in how G & Atticus will continue to move forward together as Druids & you know. You are so right about the 12 years. Like what? But considering they have that immotali tea. It’s all good. My favorite books are all the ones where Oberon is front and center providing his usual Oberon-ness. Love, Love, Love.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender February 28, 2013 at 8:41 am
I think Oberon gets better with each book. Seriously. He’s just… awesome.
Kat M. March 24, 2013 at 3:12 pm
I read it all in one sitting, that’s how awesome and engrossing book 5 was. I agree about that ending and can’t wait for book 6. :D
It makes me into conspiracy theorist waiting, such as the possible secrets a certain Celtic huntress might be keeping concerning her helping Granuaile.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender March 25, 2013 at 9:20 am
Why isn’t it June yet?? ;)