Book Review: Hexed by Kevin Hearne

Hexed
Author: Kevin Hearne
Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles (Book 2)
Publication: Del Rey (June 7, 2011)

Description: Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn’t care much for witches. Still, he’s about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty—when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they’re badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.

With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly decadence, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. But aided by his magical sword, his neighbor’s rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and his vampire attorney, Atticus is ready to sweep the town and show the witchy women they picked the wrong Druid to hex.

My Thoughts: Atticus can't seem to catch a break. Sure, he kills a couple of the gods of the Tuatha &Dacute;e Danann but that just makes him a target for other gods who would like him to do the same to their enemies. He is also torn between the Morrigan and Brighid as they struggle to fill the gap left by Atticus.

Of course, Atticus also has witch troubles. He is all set to sign a mutual non-aggression pact with the local witches when some witches from out of town show up. Not only do they want the local witches dead, but they'd love to kill Atticus too.

It doesn't help that the werewolves are angry because of the actions in the previous book and aren't willing to get involved in this new trouble. Then there are the leftover demons from the actions in the last book. Coyote is quick to assure Atticus that it is his problem to solve.

The book is filled with action but there is still time for some of the snarky dialog between Atticus and his dog Oberon and between Atticus and his new apprentice Granuaile. Atticus is not a typical urban fantasy hero. He would be more than willing to live and let live. However, his enemies keep forcing his hand.

This urban fantasy series keeps getting better and better. I can't wait to read book 3.

Favorite Quote:

The eternal whine of self-pity—why me?—flashed through my brain as I aimed one last shot at the fallen angel. The answers came flooding in: I looked like nothing more than a puny human weakling; I'd shot him in the head and the gut; I was standing in the open, where he could get to me easily, while Coyote was shooting from underneath the shelter of the roof; and, because of the binding of Aenghus Óg had put on him, he couldn't leave the area until he killed me.

This one is from my TBR mountain. You can buy your copy here.