Druid Atticus O’Sullivan hasn’t stayed alive for more than two millennia without a fair bit of Celtic cunning. So when vengeful thunder gods come Norse by Southwest looking for payback, Atticus, with a little help from the Navajo trickster god Coyote, lets them think that they’ve chopped up his body in the Arizona desert.
But the mischievous Coyote is not above a little sleight of paw, and Atticus soon finds that he’s been duped into battling bloodthirsty desert shapeshifters called skinwalkers. Just when the Druid thinks he’s got a handle on all the duplicity, betrayal comes from an unlikely source. If Atticus survives this time, he vows he won’t be fooled again. Famous last words.
How was it?
Sweet sweet Oberon, Oh have I missed thee.
Tricked isn’t the large-scale-level event story I expected after Hammered. It’s more of a street-level story – the Daredevil to the Avengers if you will – more grounded and toned down. It has greater implications of course but remains lower scale.
Reminiscent of Hounded we learn more about Atticus – his life, relationships, the extent of his power – and the people who surround him. The Iron Druid Chronicles world is expanded to include more information on other gods and pantheons relevant to the story. Tricked also gives a bigger purpose and meaning to A Test of Mettle, which I didn’t see coming. The character interactions are entertaining as ever. Oberon’s constant commentary is gold, the pop culture references are precious, and it’s fun and hilarious at times.
Like his apprentice Granuaile, most of the time I forget how old Atticus is – because he acts like an impulsive broey idiot sometimes – but then the enormity of millennias of life struck me at times. There is an emotional depth and a weight to all of his experiences that are showcased here. Hearne navigates Atticus’ regrets and bouts of depression quite well.
However, regarding the lack of permanent consequences for Atticus, I raised in my previous review. I think it’s funny how it’s only Leif who suffered major consequences for battling and killing a god when Atticus has a few under his belt but only temporarily lost a few ears.
Also Hearne plants the seeds for a budding romance. Well, there were hints of it before but it’s a bit more in the forefront now; and that might be my least favorite thing about the series.
After Hexed, and mostly Hammered, I was afraid that The Iron Druid Chronicles were losing steam but Tricked restored my faith it’s a fun read.
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