Thanks to Edelweiss and Del Rey for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: April 3rd, 2018
288 Pages
Synopsis: New York Times bestselling author Kevin Hearne returns with the finale to his wildly popular action-adventure series, The Iron Druid Chronicles.
Two-thousand-year-old Druid, Atticus O’Sullivan travels to Asgard and faces off against the Norse gods to try and prevent Ragnarok in the final battle for the fate of mankind.
I have to admit that Scourged wasn’t all I was hoping for, especially given that it’s the last book in the Iron Druid series.
My first disappointment concerns Granuaile. I haven’t cared for the direction her story arc has taken in the last two or three books, and her decision making in this one just continued that. Owen however is brilliant as are the dogs and they all provide some much needed levity in this otherwise dark story.
The worst letdown though concerns Atticus and Ragnarok. Almost the entire series has been leading to this epic battle with the Norse gods, but there just wasn’t enough excitement and Atticus seemed to be missing his usual spark. The ending is bittersweet, but entirely in keeping with the events leading up to it.
Overall, Scourged had its positive moments and wasn’t a terrible read, but I wish it had maintained all of the exuberance and enchantment the earlier books. Judging the series in its entirety though, the Iron Druid is still one of my favorites and I’m sad to bid it adieu.
beetleypete said:
Druids and Norse Gods are not my thing, but obviously I wish Kevin good luck with his book.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is a wonderful series for readers who love mythology and fantasy Pete. He’s already onto a new more high fantasy type series called the Seven Kennings.
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beetleypete said:
🙂 🙂
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fragglerocking said:
Well it’s a shame he kind of fizzled out a bit in the end for you, but good that you liked the series.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Fraggle. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he changes his mind at some point and revisits this world he created.
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Carrie said:
Nice review Kim! This is another series that I think I should have grabbed but now there are just so many to catch up on I’ll probably never do it.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Carrie. I think you’d love this series and if you ever have the time it’s only 9 books and a few novellas.😁
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Carrie said:
LOL! I’ll keep that in mind if I ever run out of books…. 😉
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cupcakesandmachetes said:
I haven’t read this yet, so I skipped all the way down to your opinion. Now I’m afraid lol. I have absolutely loved this series and if the last book doesn’t hold up well enough, I just might cry.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It has gotten quite a few 5 star reviews on Goodreads. It’s funny, when I first saw it was under 300 pages, I started having an uncomfortable feeling, because with the way Hearne split up the last couple of books between Atticus, Granuaile, and Owen, I just couldn’t see how everything could be wrapped up satisfactorily. But, it’s not a terrible book. It’s just in my opinion, not as strong as the beginning of the series.
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cupcakesandmachetes said:
I’ll still check it out but that’s a bummer.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’d love to know what you think after you read it.
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thebookwormdrinketh said:
Well, it’s always so disappointing to invest time in a series and be somewhat let down with the ending. 😧 hopefully the journey made it worth the time!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m still glad I read it Nicole, and while it didn’t end with the bang I was hoping for, it wasn’t with a whimper either.😊
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Oh no! I believe you’re the one who convinced me into adding the first one onto my TBR too. At least it wasn’t the worse thing in the world! Nice review. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I still think it’s a wonderful series Lashaan.😊
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Wonderful and honest review, Book Sister! Thanks for sharing.❤😀 I hope you are well!😁😘
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Book Sister!🤗
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
You’re welcome!❤🤗
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One Man Book Club said:
Yep, you nailed it. Great review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Hey! Thank you!🤜🏻🤛🏻
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Jen said:
That’s always a bummer when the final book doesn’t end on a bang. Especially when it’s a longer series. Fabulous review, Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Jen. To be honest it felt like Hearne is all wrapped up in this new fantasy series of his and he just wanted to wrap up the Iron Druid series quickly.😒
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Jen said:
Ugh, not cool at all!😢
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Hmph.😠
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Aislynn d'Merricksson said:
I love this series! I’m not this far yet, though 😦 Sorry to hear it wasn’t all you were hoping for.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m glad you’re enjoying the series. I think for me, Hearne set the bar so high with the first few books that once he started this new series his heart just didn’t seem to still be in it and it showed in the 2-3 books. I don’t regret reading the series though.
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mlbradford said:
Interesting Review, Kim – sorry this final part of the series did not meet your expectations.
Couldn’t get into Trapped when I had that out on loan, but want to get some reading binges in for this Summer!
All the best 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Brad. Stilllove the series though.😊
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mlbradford said:
Hiya Kim! Long time no see – hope u’re well 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Brad. I hope you are as well.🤗
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