The plot is ignited by a very old piece of jewelry: a magical sword called (or "The Answerer"). Atticus stole this weapon from the Irish god of love and war, Aenghus Óg, two millennia ago. For centuries, he has lived off the grid, changing his identity every few decades to evade the Tuatha Dé Danann (the Irish pantheon).
In "Hexed" (Book 2), Atticus deals with the fallout from the events of "Hounded" while facing a coven of witches. By "Hammered" (Book 3), Atticus must confront the Norse gods—including Thor—in a quest for vengeance that spans multiple pantheons. The series gradually expands its scope, introducing apprentices, exploring new magical systems, and ultimately building toward an apocalyptic conclusion in "Scourged." The plot is ignited by a very old
Urban fantasy underwent a massive shift in the early 2010s. For years, the genre was dominated by leather-clad vampires, brooding werewolves, and dark noir aesthetics. Then came Atticus O’Sullivan. In "Hexed" (Book 2), Atticus deals with the
“You see, I'm not a pagan because I'm a Druid. I'm a Druid because I'm pagan. And I've had a very long time to research the alternatives.” — Atticus O’Sullivan, Hounded For years, the genre was dominated by leather-clad
The Iron Druid Chronicles is a series of urban fantasy novels that follows the adventures of Atticus O'Sullivan, a 2,000-year-old druid living in modern-day Arizona. The series is known for its unique blend of mythology, folklore, and fairy tales, woven together with a healthy dose of humor and action. The world of is rich and immersive, with a complex history that spans centuries and continents.
"Hounded" operates firmly within the urban fantasy genre. Magic, gods, vampires, werewolves, and witches exist, but they remain hidden from ordinary humans. This "secret history" approach allows Hearne to blend the mundane (running a bookshop, dealing with customers) with the extraordinary (battling a Celtic god at a retirement community).