I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Tricked
by
Kevin Hearne
urban fantasy in Paperback edition that was published by Random House on April 24, 2012 and has 341 pages.
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Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Hounded, Hexed, Hammered, Trapped, Hunted, "Two Ravens and One Crow", Shattered, Besieged, "The Purloined Poodle", Staked, Kill the Farm Boy
Fourth in the Iron Druid Chronicles revolving around Atticus O’Sullivan, the last surviving Druid.
My Take
Tricked is full of fake deaths, after all, it is difficult to settle down and teach when most of your concentration is fixed on wondering when the next god will pop up to knock you off!
I love it — “GodSurround Sound and scored a little reverb off the ceiling of clouds.” We get more backstory on Atticus and how he got to America as well as an anecdote about his long-lived human family. Granuaile has her own backstory about her ruthless stepfather Beau Thatcher.
Then there’s Oberon’s new experiment with how people react to a dog called “Snugglepumpkin”…I do love Oberon.
Interesting interpretation of using the Blessing Way on a hogan.
It’s irritating how Hearne uses greater/less than symbols to indicate Oberon’s dialog but puts Atticus’ return conversation in italics. Choose one or the other!
Overall, I was not thrilled with this installment. Hearne’s writing seems to be deteriorating to a juvenile level…as much as I enjoy the unique measurement terms such as shitload and fuckton. I kept expecting teen behavior to break out all over.
The Story
We begin with Atticus whining about dying an ignoble death…quite contrary to his father’s instructions. Well, yeah, who wants to have their epitaph read “Died in Tuba City”. Absolutely no glory in that! The Æsir are so not happy about events in Hammered and they’ve sent thunder gods to “redress the balance”. An easy deal with Coyote takes care of this, but the Morrigan questions Atticus’ terms of that deal. Quite rightly it turns out when Atticus learns he should have been much more detailed.
Atticus and Granuaile have become Reilly and Caitlin Collins as befits their newborn status, not that that lasts long. Now if they can just get Coyote to stop calling Atticus “Mr. Druid” while Coyote explains his vision of the future for the Diné: the American Southwest becoming the Saudi Arabia of renewable energy. As well as how Atticus/Reilly fits in to his scheme with the elemental Colorado.
Naturally, life just ain’t that easy and Hel pops up with an offer Atticus just can’t see his way to and Hel takes her own measures to protect her plans. A protection that brings the skinwalkers. Meanwhile, Oberon has his own studies he pursues.
The Characters
Atticus “O’Sullivan” Siodhachan is the last surviving Druid, 2,100-years-old, and he just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. The Morrigan (the Celtic Chooser of the Slain) feels a proprietary interest — and ya just don’t say “no” to her! Granuaile is training to be a Druid with Atticus and she has some difficult decisions ahead. She’s also been tested by Flidais and Brighid. His dog, Oberon, has been enhanced to enable mental telepathy between them and their conversations just crack me up. Atticus has a deal with Oberon that he will tell him a story when he gives him a bath. Their first bath in Tricked includes a story about Francis Bacon and, naturally, Oberon has his own interpretation: “Bacon is the Way and the Truth” — you can just hear that dog in the Beggin’ Strips commercial! Rebecca Dane is about to inherit the Third Eye Books and Herbs in Tempe, Arizona.
Leif Helgarson is Atticus’ vampire lawyer and required that Atticus accompany him on his trip for vengeance in Hammered. A trip which has led to a number of issues with Leif’s sire, Zdenik Hal Hauk is Atticus’ attorney. And a werewolf. Greta is a member of the pack and runs Hal’s odd jobs.
Coyote is one of the First People and an Indian trickster god…oh, yeah, he certainly lives up to that rep’. His construction crew includes Darren Yazzie, the foreman; Sophie Betsuie is the head engineer; Frank Chischilly is the hataalii; and, Albert is Frank’s nephew, currently idle and able to drive ’em around for a little thievery. Robert and Ray Peshlakai have their own particular agenda.
Ganesha and his cronies claim to be in Human Services and they have an offer Atticus can’t refuse.
Those after Atticus include…
…Týr the Norse god of single combat; Vidar is Odin’s son and the god of vengeance; and, the thunder gods include Ukko from Finland, Indra from India, Lei Gong from China, Raijin from Japan, and Shango from Nigeria. Mrs. MacDonagh makes an unfortunate reappearance with/as Hel, ruler of the dead in Niflheim and daughter of Loki. Seems she has a deal for Atticus, one with far-reaching repercussions. Detective Geffert is with the Tempe PD and would love to find some way to put Atticus behind bars.
The Cover and Title
The cover is deep oranges and browns with a flash of pink as Atticus throws a spell from his hand.
Oh, yeah, Atticus has been Tricked all right. Coyote got him good.
