Hounded is the first novel in Kevin Hearne's urban fantasy series, The Iron Druid Chronicles. It was released on May 3, 2011. The sequel, Hexed was released on June 7, 2011.
Hounded introduces the character of Atticus O'Sullivan and his world, a secret history where magic, vampires, werewolves, gods, and other supernatural elements exist (albeit in hiding). O'Sullivan, the last Druid and proprietor of Third Eye Books and Herbs occult shop, comes into contact with many of the supernatural characters of his home city of Tempe, Arizona. He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.
And for Hounded (book one), this particular sword sets off a series of godly events. The novel blends elements of mythology and urban fantasy.
The book was received well by critics. Publishers Weekly called it, “a superb urban fantasy debut.” [1]
Several other authors have also praised Hearne's first book. Nicole Peeler said that Kevin breathed “new life into old myths,” and created “a world both eerily familiar and startlingly original.”[2] Ari Marmell called it “a page-turning and often laugh-out-loud funny caper through a mix of the modern and the mythic.” [2]
