Review: Shattered by Kevin Hearne (Iron Druid #7)

Shattered (Iron Druid Chronicles #7)
Kevin Hearne
Published: June 17, 2014 (Del Rey)
Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon
Review source: copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by Jo

Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars

Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it does make reference to previous books in the series. If you haven’t started yet, check out VBC’s review of book 1, Hounded.

Atticus has more than 99 problems in Shattered and his Archdruid is most definitely one. After pulling the cantankerous old git off the time island the Morrigan had stored him on, Atticus sets about trying to teach him the ways of the new world—with varying (and truly snort inducing) results. Unfortunately, Eoghan (or modern day Owen) is the least of Atticus’ worries, as he still needs to figure who was behind the, very nearly fatal, attack on him at the end of Hunted.

Meanwhile, Granuaile receives the news that her father has been possessed by a demon spirit whilst on a dig in India. With the help of Laksha and her new hound, Orlaith, she sets out on a mission that will test all her Druidic abilities. Even though our favorite Druids are split up tackling their own tasks, the political stirrings of the various pantheons are still swirling around. Plans are afoot and most of them aren’t good.

Opening a new Iron Druid book is like putting on your favorite pajamas (you know the ones with Batman logos on): you just know you’ll be comfortable in five minutes, the total geekiness makes you happy and, quite honestly, they’re just flat out awesome. And if you need miraculous bacon of youth, Game of Thrones references and Oberon going all Forest Gump over ham bones in your life, never fear, Shattered is here!

Told in alternating points of view between Atticus, Granuaile and Owen, the majority of the action takes place with Granuaile as she globe trots on her mission. There isn’t a huge amount of interaction between her and Atticus, and while I did miss it, I really enjoyed seeing her take a starring role in her own adventure. And what an adventure it is! Mystery, heartbreak and a dive into Indian mythology had me looking forward to her chapters. A particular highlight was seeing the binding process with Orlaith from the beginning and how this deep bond grows with time.

While he does have a run-in with a Japanese deity and another very insightful chat with Jesus, Atticus’ side of things are more character central. He may get mad at me for saying this but… I think I have a new favorite Druid. Owen. Is. Badass. He’s grumpy, hard-headed and just itching for a fight but he’s also very insightful. Never afraid to tell it like it is, he is a type of challenge we haven’t seen Atticus face yet. I loved learning about their history but even more, I loved seeing the dynamic we’ve only ever heard from Atticus’ perspective come to life. The fact that Atticus in now the teacher (and the elder) is difficult for both of them to adjust to, resulting in some fabulous back and forth.

All this builds to a climax that has some epic scenes and big consequences. This series just gets bigger and better, and Shattered shows no signs of it slowing down. Another Druid walking the earth can surely only mean more adventure and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Sexual content: Kissing, references to sex