First things first, I really like the cover for this sort of mini-anthology. Secondly, I’m finding myself in the middle of a sudden Urban Fantasy kick at the moment. Two Tales of the Iron Druid Chronicles, as the title would imply, features (you guessed it!) two short stories from Kevin Hearne’s series of UF novels, The Iron Druid Chronicles. Imagine that, huh? 😛
The first of the two tales, Kaibab Unbound, takes place shortly before the events of the first novel in the series, Hounded. Phew, there’s gonna be links galore in this post, so consider ye self warned. 😉 It’s been nearly five years (half a decade!) since I finished reading the first book in the series, but it was only after recently finishing the third, Hammered, that I decided to start reading Mr. Hearne’s short stories that are woven in a certain order between his various IDC novels.
Kaibab Unbound centers in on our protagonist druid, Atticus, enjoying a day off with his trusted Irish Wolfhound Oberon. Their plans for a relaxing, nature-filled day are sent astray when a befriended elemental is in dire need. Squirrels, shapeshifting druids, nature elementals and witches might sound like a lot to squeeze into a mere 17 page story, but Kevin Hearne manages to make it look easy, all while throwing in the humor and action his tales are known for.
The second short story, A Test of Mettle, takes place during the events of the third IDC novel, Hammered. While Atticus is off taking care of official druid business, Granuaile, a hopeful druid-in-training, is assisting an elemental of her own in a different way, trying to help level out the local ecosystem that is all out of balance thanks to an invasive species. Things do not go as planned though, and Granuaile is suddenly faced with an unnatural attack of sorts.
I enjoyed these quick little stories and plan to continue on with both the novels and the shorter companion tales. Probably not one right after the other, but it is definitely a series I will be continuing to read. 🙂
I also started reading another UF story last night, Moon Called (Mercy Thompson #1). Like I said, I’m definitely on an urban fantasy kick at the moment. Is it a genre you enjoy reading? Any suggestions of other books/series? Let’s talk books! 😀
I went to GR to see how long ago I had read this and it said…..2016. Lmao. I think it must have been before I joined GR (2013) and I just finally checked it as read several years later. I really need to finished this series as I’m only two books from the end. :3
I won’t lie, I’m digging that you’re SO into UF right now! 😀
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Haha yeah, it has to have been longer than that! 😛
And thanks. ❤ Yeah, it's nice being on an UF binge. I see why it's one of your go-to genres. 🙂
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Sounds cool and I too like the art
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Glad you’re a fan of the art too! 🙂 Yeah, it’s a fun series overall. There’s a lot of humor in it that I think you would appreciate. 😛
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Well my humour is a little dark and twisted at times
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I don’t often read urban fantasy. I do own a few books which are there just in case i ever feel like getting on with them.
I like the Dresden Files and the series by Ben Aaronovich about the police guy. ❤
I finished an urban fantasy series recently which was also pretty cool, the Curseworkers series by Holly Black. It didn't have supernatural creatures, which is something i really enjoyed about it, just the characters had magic skills 😀
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Yeah, it’s a genre I’ve mainly just picked up here and there but I’m really into it at the moment. 🙂 Honestly the sudden shift to UF surprised me because I was really craving some big fat epic fantasy novels not too long ago but didn’t have the time to get into any right then.
Thanks for the suggestions! ❤ I added the first book in the Curseworkers series to my TBR list. 🙂
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