Book Review: Kevin Hearne’s “Two Ravens and One Crow”

Posted August 2, 2013 by Kathy Davie in Book Reviews

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
Book Review: Kevin Hearne’s “Two Ravens and One Crow”

"Two Ravens and One Crow"


by

Kevin Hearne


urban fantasy in eBook edition that was published by Del Rey Books on September 4, 2012 and has 65 pages.

Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon


Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Hounded, Hexed, Hammered, Tricked, Trapped, Hunted, Shattered, Besieged, "The Purloined Poodle", Staked, Kill the Farm Boy

A short story, 4.5, in the Iron Druid Chronicles urban fantasy series. The focus is on the Morrigan and Atticus.

My Take

This is before Granuile becomes a Druid. It’s cute as Oberon is enjoying being spoiled by Granuile while Atticus is off with the Morrigan.

It’s easy to tell that this was written after Hunted, 6, as it has the same writing style and lack of coherence as Hunted. All of a sudden the Morrigan has gotten introspective and I don’t know where this is coming from. She’s apologizing, unloading, and having regrets, and I keep wanting to look behind the door to see if she’s trapped back there.

Hearne includes the story of Dian Cecht and Nuada’s silver hand. His envy when his son, Miach, is able to do so much more to help.

It felt rather odd sitting down to dinner in a restaurant with Odin and Frigg — very S.M. Stirling’s Shadowspan!

I did enjoy reading Atticus’ fast and fancy footwork as he explains his side of the events from Hammered, 3, to a furious god and goddess!

The Story

It’s an unexpected meeting that will require Atticus’ presence in the Morrigan’s home, for Atticus will need every bit of help he can find. And that includes the Morrigan redoing certain of his tattoos.

It is an opportunity to clear the air with Odin, to relate his side of the misadventures from Hammered, although it doesn’t prevent attacks or chases…

The Characters

Atticus Siodhachan Ó Sueleabháín is the last surviving Druid, 2,100-years-old, His dog, Oberon, is quite chatty thanks to a spell enhancement that allows him to mindspeak with Atticus, and it’s always fun to read his interpretation of events. Granuaile MacTiernan is almost ready to take her tests. Hal Hauk is both werewolf and Atticus’ lawyer.

Frigg is Odin‘s wife and not one of Atticus’ admirers. Odin is desperate to prevent Ragnarök, an event made more possible by Atticus’ actions in Hexed. Hugin and Munin are crows and Odin’s spies. Freyja is the wife of Ód and a goddess of war and beauty (yeah, I know it was “love and fertility” in Trapped, 5).

It’s Airmid, daughter of the Druid Dian Cecht, who taught Atticus how to make his Immortali-Tea in exchange for a service. Nuada was a fae king who lost his hand in battle. Dian Cecht helped him; Miach is Dian’s more talented son.

Linda is the human who almost runs Atticus the otter over.

The Cover and Title

This story was at the end of Hunted.

The title makes half sense for the “Two Ravens and One Crow” are Hugin and Munin and the Morrigan. I just don’t see why the ravens are rated as highly as the Morrigan unless for their being Odin’s representatives??