New year, new system. So I literally haven't updated here since shifting all my previous reviews from Tumblr to here and there's a host of books I've read that I haven't mentioned. I'll do my best to rectify that some but life is hectic so I'll do what I can.
From now on I'll be starting reviews with a brief mention of how I got into or found out about the series so if you want to refer books to me this is a prime opportunity to get yourself some free taffic; she says with zero hits.
I have an account with audible.co.uk where in exchange for a reasonable £7.99 a month I get a credit to spend on whatever audio book takes my fancy. If one doesn't by the time we get to next month the credits roll over so some times I'll have a handful to spend. As such I was browsing the fantasy section for some recommended listens and this cropped up. The cover was an instant grab (even if our red headed potagonist Atticus O'Sullivan looks dubiously blonde on all 6 covers) and is it just me or do the rest of the series covers remind you of anything?
Just a little?
Mean nothing by it but it's something about the lighting effects, the blonde, the red head, sword, poses and the muted colours. So basically everything.But what really sold this series for me was having a brief peak at the ebook preview. I was laughing in seconds, within pages I was entirely entertained. And with that I spent all my book token points on purchasing all 6 books.
Usually I wait till I've finished a series to do a review or at least get half way through but I've decided to just review book 1 for now and do a brief look at the series when I'm done, which could take some time.
So the story follows Atticus O'Sullivan, 2000+ and last of the druids, forever 21 and still getting carded with his never ending wise cracks in his feud with Aenghus Og. Actually it's less of a feud more like Aenghus wants him dead and Atticus doesn't really feel like playing ball. In the middle of this power play is the sword Fragarach; The Answerer, the Morrigan, Oberon the Wolf Hound and a deep distrust of Witches. Also a 24 hour lawyer service provided by a werewolf and a vampire.
One of the aspects I really loved about this book was the presence of mortal, unaware, law enforcement. Human, fallable and constantly getting in the way. Rather than have the hero almost removed from the constrains of regular day to day life to indulge in whatever epic quest is sweeping them along, Atticus has regular run ins with the police. People get killed in broad day light, people notice, men turn into wolves in broad day light, people notice. There are reactions and consequence and it grounds the story in a way that makes it more accessible I think.
There's a flipside to that coin however. Now Atticus is 2000+ and he's had several attempts on his life in that time. So naturally he's equipped himself well with pen and sword, fortified his magical defences, aquired a large wolf hound with whom he can mentally communicate and kept himself in shape. So barring all that in mind don't expect leaps and bounds of vulnerable protagnist learning the way of the world and undergoing masses of character development. This book is the epitomy of 'boys and their toys'. Keeping all that in mind I still felt some of the humor and smattering of swear words were unwarranted at times. The seriousness of some of the fight scenes was lost I felt because of Atticus' near unswayable levity. But then there will be readers who find this endearing so don't take my word as law.
Romance wise Atticus certainly gets some action. Some times from more than one source within near as many pages. Something I wasn't initially prepared for. Been reading too many books about awkward teenagers. Still it had it's appeal and why not? If you were 21 forever and you had hot (predominantly read haired) deities walking right out of legend and practically falling all over you would you say no? No I suppose your right, meaningful relationship it is then. There may be potential for that with certainly-G-something from the bar but I'm hoping Atticus doesn't settle down too quickly.
So would I recommend it? Sure. Yes.
Will I be continuing with the series? Most definitely. For all the unstable ground with regards to Atticus' temperament I still want to know what happens next and he's still a really fun character to be following.
