Cover Image: Scourged

Scourged

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Member Reviews

Series enders tend often fall flat, but Kevin Hearne managed to tie up all of the open plots from his Iron Druids series. Readers were treated to appearances by most of the series regulars without feeling like they were forced into the final plot.

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Atticus O'Sullivan knows that Ragnarok aka the Apocalypse is coming soon. And he knows that he is to blame for what is about to happen. So he has been preparing by making deals, safeguarding those he loves, and trying to minimize the destruction. But, with all his preparations and plans within plans, he is caught off guard by the personal price he will have to pay in the end. Kevin Hearne carefully chose the series titles and especially this one. If you are a fan of the series, read it and consider it in light of the whole series. There are a couple of loopholes the author left that would allow future books in this universe to see the light of day, but Atticus's tale has come to an end.

Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this title.

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There wasn't much to not LOVE about this final book in the Iron Druid Chronicles. I'll admit it is a little difficult to say a farewell to Atticus, Oberon and the rest of the gang but I have to hope that they'll make some occasional appearances in the future despite the fact that author Kevin Hearne is moving on to different projects.

What I enjoyed about this narrative was the three separate journeys of Atticus, Granuaile and Owen in order to save the world and help fight Loki and Hel. Hearne is a genius at creating memorable characters, and he certainly outdid himself with a certain sloth, that I'm sure readers will agree is a gem and new favorite! Reader Recommendation: You have to seek out the audio done by Luke Daniels. Once again he is amazing!

I have to admit I was a little shocked by the ending. I won't say too much but as I've gotten some distance from the end, I agree with it and can appreciate Hearne's choices. Life is all about the journey and for someone who has lived as long as Atticus, the 'end' is not necessarily all rainbows and flowers. I understand the feeling of loss, isolation and uncertainty but also the prospect of hope and new beginnings that might not be expected.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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This whole series is entertainment reading at it's best!!!! I am sorry to see it come to an end ( if it really does.) I have come to love these characters. Kevin Hearne is a brilliant writer able to mix mythologies of the world into an adventurous,funny and exciting plot line. I thoroughly enjoyed each installment.

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Kevin Hearne finishes up the Iron Druid series with this novel. While leaving room for more adventures in that universe this is definitely an ending that includes a few twists.

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Parting is such sweet sorrow. In the case of Hearne’s “Iron Druid Chronicles,” the parting is bittersweet. Hearne took us on an amazing adventure since the series began. “Scourged” did not fail to deliver. It was fast-paced from beginning to end with Ragnarok thrown in the mix.

The book brought the story of Atticus to a resounding conclusion. Did it conclude as I would have wished? No. It was a fitting ending. Longtime readers have known since Christ’s appearance several books ago, Atticus would have to face the consequences on his actions. Atticus made questionable decisions, no matter his justifications. Sooner or later the bill had to come due.

As the entire series has been rushing to Ragnarok, the war to end all wars, readers have known this war would have consequences for Atticus and the people in his life. In “Scourged,” we saw friends survive Ragnarok, and those who did not. We saw relationships change. We witnessed new friendships take form. All of this led to the bittersweet conclusion. Actions have consequences, and those consequences can be disarmingly high.

Longtime readers of Hearne will appreciate this conclusion to the “Chronicles,” and will have to decide how they feel about Atticus’ victory.

Note: This reviewer received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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I am so sad to see this series go, but I have to say this book was an excellent conclusion. I loved the great writing, the great plot, and of course, all the great characters. I really don’t want to spoil the book so I can’t say much, but I can’t imagine a better ending. There was a wonderful amount of action, fun, and adventure, all the things I expect from a book in this series. I will look for future books by this very talented author as Mr. Hearne has become a favorite. Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.

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As broken-hearted as I am to see the Iron Druid Chronicles end, Kevin Hearne has done a marvelous job wrapping the series up with "Scourged." Readers are left feeling hopeful for Atticus's future, as well as the future of the other characters we have grown to love over the course of the series. It is hard to talk about the plot without giving away spoilers, but this fan is left feeling satisfied by the ending even though I would love for the series to go on forever. 5/5 stars.

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I award this book 1 billion wagging dog tails for a fulfilling, unexpected finale to what has been one of my favorite series.

Remember a few books back when Atticus, ignoring the advice of his good friend Jesus, made a few poor decisions and set off the events of Ragnarök? It's time to pay the piper.

Told in quick, shotgun-blast chapters from the viewpoint of Atticus, Owen, and Granuaile, the events of <i>Scourged</i> cover a relatively short period of time -- perhaps even less than a day. (Can anyone verify this for me?) As Loki initiates the violence of Ragnarök, other baddies around the world decide to take advantage of the chaos to wreak a little havoc of their own. The three druids and some heroes of world pantheons rise up to meet them, culminating in an epic battle against Loki.

(You will snicker a little at the wager that the gods and goddesses have going on who will be the one to finally slay Loki.)

Several figures from the past play a part in the finale, but the hounds are noticeably absent. Hardcore Oberon fans will miss him, but who brings their pet to the battleground? Not Atticus. Don't forget to read Oberon's Meaty Mysteries if you need a hit.

And speaking of animals, Owen makes his own furry friend, and I keep thinking about it throughout the day and internally squeeing a little.

For a fun fantasy romp of a series, it doesn't shy away from harsh losses and the need for atonement. Not all of the good guys make it out alive, and not all of the living survive unscathed. Atticus is forced to reckon with the knowledge that he is responsible for much of it.

The series did not end the way I anticipated it, and I doubt many other readers will see the ending coming, either. I'm pretty confident this is the last book Mr. Hearne has planned for Atticus. But you still see future adventures for him off in the distance, and can imagine him and his doggos off saving the world and speaking in the Irish accent he has reclaimed for himself.

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Kevin Hearne has done an outstanding job wrapping up the series. He keeps up the usual puns, jokes, and insights into the human condition. A great ending with more than its share of twists that are not where you thought it would go.

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Ragnarok has come, and I can't believe this series is over. It is, to quote the book "Dolofabolo." I have love every adventure that the Druid's have taken me on. I can't recommend this book, or series enough. Kevin Hearne has become my favorite author(Sorry J.K Rowling). Scourged was fantastically written, and there was just as much action and adventure as one would expect from the Iron Druid. I Reaaaaaaaaaaally hope there is some kind of spin-off series. I was able to read this early thanks to the publishers, and NetGalley!

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I started this series a few years ago and found it a nice series to recommend to those who enjoy Jim Butcher's "The Dresden Files."

However, I have not kept up on the series, and I personally would recommend to others that they begin with the first book rather than dive right in with "Scourged.".

That is not so much because this book can't stand alone; it can. Rather, it has to do with the plethora of characters and the multiple points of view. These are easier to keep track of if one has read the previous books.

There is plenty of action in this book, and since most of it involves fighting, that can be a good or bad thing depending on the reader.

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Love the Iron Druid chronicles. Kevin Hearne is one of my favorite urban fantasy authors. This is NOT the one to start with. A satisfying conclusion to the series.

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