The Ultimate Guide to Reading the Iron Druid Book Series in Order

The Ultimate Guide to Reading the Iron Druid Book Series in Order

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Discover the epic Iron Druid book series in order, featuring the witty and powerful druid Atticus O'Sullivan. Get ready for a wild ride!


The Iron Druid Chronicles is a series of urban fantasy novels written by Kevin Hearne that follows the life and adventures of Atticus O'Sullivan, a 2,100-year-old druid living in modern-day Arizona. With a total of nine books in the series, fans of the Iron Druid Chronicles can't get enough of Hearne's witty humor, thrilling action, and lovable characters.

If you're new to the series, you might be wondering what order to read the books in. While each book can be enjoyed as a standalone story, there is a recommended reading order that will help you fully appreciate the overarching plot and character development.

First up is Hounded, the first book in the series, which introduces readers to Atticus, his Irish wolfhound Oberon, and his many supernatural enemies. From there, the series continues with Hexed, Hammered, Tricked, Trapped, Hunted, Shattered, Staked, and finally, Scourged.

One of the things that sets the Iron Druid Chronicles apart from other urban fantasy series is its unique blend of ancient mythology, modern-day pop culture references, and fast-paced action. Whether Atticus is battling Norse gods, negotiating with Celtic deities, or bonding with his faithful hound, there's never a dull moment in the Iron Druid world.

Another highlight of the series is its diverse cast of characters, including witches, demons, vampires, werewolves, and even a talking sword. Atticus himself is a compelling protagonist, with his quick wit, formidable magical abilities, and deep sense of loyalty to his friends and family.

As the series progresses, readers will also meet new characters such as Granuaile, a young woman who becomes Atticus's apprentice and love interest, and Owen Kennedy, a fellow druid who becomes both ally and rival to Atticus. These new additions to the cast add depth and complexity to the already rich world of the Iron Druid Chronicles.

In addition to its engaging characters and action-packed plot, the series also touches on deeper themes such as the nature of power, the importance of community, and the consequences of immortality. Hearne's writing is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making the Iron Druid Chronicles a must-read for fans of urban fantasy and speculative fiction.

While the recommended reading order is the most effective way to experience the full story arc of the series, readers can also choose to read the books in chronological order based on the events that occur within the story. Chronologically, the series starts with the novella The Grimoire of the Lamb, followed by Hounded, Hexed, Hammered, Tricked, Two Ravens and One Crow, Trapped, Hunted, Grimoire of the Lamb, Blood Pudding, Kaibab Unbound, A Prelude to War, The Purloined Poodle, Besieged, Scourged, and finally, The Buzz Kill.

No matter how you choose to read the series, one thing is certain: the Iron Druid Chronicles will keep you entertained and engaged from start to finish. So grab your copy of Hounded and join Atticus and his friends on their thrilling adventures through the supernatural world.


The Iron Druid Chronicles: An Introduction

The Iron Druid Chronicles is a series of urban fantasy novels written by Kevin Hearne. The series follows the adventures of Atticus O’Sullivan, an Irish druid living in Arizona who has managed to survive for over two thousand years thanks to his magical abilities. The series has been praised for its humor, action, and unique take on mythology.

The Reading Order

The Main Series

The main series consists of nine books, each of which is numbered in chronological order:

  1. Hounded (2011)
  2. Hexed (2011)
  3. Hammered (2011)
  4. Tricked (2012)
  5. Trapped (2012)
  6. Hunted (2013)
  7. Shattered (2014)
  8. Staked (2016)
  9. Scourged (2018)

While it is possible to read the books out of order, it is recommended that readers stick to the numbered sequence to avoid confusion.

Novelettes and Short Stories

In addition to the main series, there are also several novelettes and short stories that expand on the world and characters of the Iron Druid Chronicles. These include:

  • The Grimoire of the Lamb (2010)
  • Clan Rathskeller (2011)
  • Kaibab Unbound (2011)
  • Two Ravens and One Crow (2012)
  • Goddess at the Crossroads (2012)
  • The Demon Barker of Wheat Street (2013)
  • Carniepunk: The Demon Barker of Wheat Street (2013)
  • Carniepunk: A Test of Mettle (2013)
  • Carniepunk: Clan Rathskeller (2013)
  • Carniepunk: Three Lives of Lydia (2013)
  • Carniepunk: The Devil's Left Boot (2013)
  • Carniepunk: The Chapel Perilous (2013)
  • Carniepunk: The Wicked and the Damned (2013)
  • Carniepunk: The End of Idylls (2013)
  • Carniepunk: A Prelude to War (2013)
  • Carniepunk: The Purloined Poodle (2015)
  • Besieged (2017)
  • A Prelude to War (2018)

These stories can be read in any order, but some of them contain spoilers for later books in the series.

Recommended Reading Order

While it is possible to read the main series and the novelettes/short stories separately, many fans recommend reading them in a specific order to get the most out of the series. The following is a suggested reading order:

  1. Hounded
  2. Hexed
  3. The Grimoire of the Lamb
  4. Hammered
  5. Clan Rathskeller
  6. Kaibab Unbound
  7. Tricked
  8. Two Ravens and One Crow
  9. Trapped
  10. Goddess at the Crossroads
  11. The Demon Barker of Wheat Street
  12. Hunted
  13. Carniepunk: The Demon Barker of Wheat Street
  14. Carniepunk: A Test of Mettle
  15. Carniepunk: Clan Rathskeller
  16. Carniepunk: Three Lives of Lydia
  17. Carniepunk: The Devil's Left Boot
  18. Carniepunk: The Chapel Perilous
  19. Carniepunk: The Wicked and the Damned
  20. Carniepunk: The End of Idylls
  21. Shattered
  22. Carniepunk: A Prelude to War
  23. Staked
  24. Besieged
  25. Scourged
  26. Carniepunk: The Purloined Poodle
  27. A Prelude to War

This order allows readers to get a more complete understanding of the characters and their relationships, as well as providing a more cohesive overall story.

Conclusion

The Iron Druid Chronicles is a beloved series with a large and dedicated fanbase. While it is possible to read the books out of order, sticking to the recommended reading order provides the best experience for readers. With its unique blend of humor, action, and mythology, the Iron Druid Chronicles is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy.


Introduction to the Iron Druid Series

The Iron Druid series is a collection of urban fantasy novels written by Kevin Hearne. The series follows the adventures of Atticus O’Sullivan, a two-thousand-year-old druid who lives in Arizona and possesses a magical sword. The series is set in a world where gods, goddesses, and supernatural beings exist and interact with humans.The series has gained immense popularity since its first publication in 2011. It has become a favorite among fans of urban fantasy and mythology. The series comprises eight books, including short stories and novellas. Each book builds upon the previous one, creating an intricate and captivating storyline that keeps readers hooked.In this article, we will review and summarize each book in the Iron Druid series, from the first book to the last. This article will help readers decide which book to read first and also give insight into the recommended reading order.

The First Book in the Series: A Review and Summary

The first book in the Iron Druid series is titled Hounded. It was published in 2011 and introduces us to the protagonist, Atticus O’Sullivan. Atticus is a two-thousand-year-old druid who resides in Arizona and owns a magic sword. He is a loner who prefers to keep a low profile and stay out of trouble.In Hounded, Atticus is pursued by a god who wants to possess his magical sword. The god, Aenghus Og, is a Celtic deity who has a grudge against Atticus. Atticus must use all his powers and cunning to protect himself and his sword from Aenghus Og and his henchmen.The book is full of action, adventure, and humor. It explores the world of gods and supernatural beings and how they interact with humans. It is a perfect introduction to the Iron Druid series and sets the tone for the rest of the books.

The Second Book in the Series: A Review and Summary

The second book in the Iron Druid series is titled Hexed. It was published in 2011 and continues the story of Atticus O’Sullivan. In this book, Atticus must help a coven of witches who are being hunted by a supernatural predator. The predator is a god who wants to gain power by consuming the magic of the witches.Atticus teams up with a group of werewolves to protect the witches and stop the predator. The book is full of action, suspense, and humor. It explores the relationship between Atticus and the werewolves and how they work together to defeat the predator.The book also introduces us to new characters who play a significant role in the rest of the series. It is a fantastic sequel to Hounded and keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The Third Book in the Series: A Review and Summary

The third book in the Iron Druid series is titled Hammered. It was published in 2011 and takes Atticus on a journey to Asgard, the realm of the Norse gods. Atticus must face off against Thor, the god of thunder, who wants revenge for the death of his son.Atticus teams up with his Irish wolfhound, Oberon, and a vampire named Leif to stop Thor from destroying the world. The book is full of action, adventure, and humor. It explores the world of Norse mythology and how it interacts with the world of the Iron Druid.The book also delves deeper into the character of Atticus and his relationships with other supernatural beings. It is a fantastic addition to the series and keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

The Fourth Book in the Series: A Review and Summary

The fourth book in the Iron Druid series is titled Tricked. It was published in 2012 and takes Atticus on a journey to the realm of the fae. Atticus must help a group of Irish faeries who are being hunted by a vengeful Norse god.Atticus teams up with a group of witches, including his apprentice, Granuaile, to protect the faeries and stop the Norse god. The book is full of action, adventure, and humor. It explores the world of faerie and how it interacts with the world of the Iron Druid.The book also introduces us to Granuaile, who becomes a significant character in the rest of the series. It is a fantastic addition to the series and keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

The Fifth Book in the Series: A Review and Summary

The fifth book in the Iron Druid series is titled Trapped. It was published in 2012 and takes Atticus on a journey to the realm of the Norse gods once again. This time, Atticus must face off against Loki, the trickster god, who wants revenge for the death of his son.Atticus teams up with his apprentice, Granuaile, and a group of supernatural beings to stop Loki from destroying the world. The book is full of action, adventure, and humor. It explores the world of Norse mythology and how it interacts with the world of the Iron Druid.The book also delves deeper into the character of Granuaile and her relationship with Atticus. It is a fantastic addition to the series and keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

The Sixth Book in the Series: A Review and Summary

The sixth book in the Iron Druid series is titled Hunted. It was published in 2013 and takes Atticus on a journey to Europe, where he must stop a group of witches who are hunting him down.Atticus teams up with his apprentice, Granuaile, and Coyote, the trickster god, to stop the witches and prevent them from gaining ultimate power. The book is full of action, adventure, and humor. It explores the world of European mythology and how it interacts with the world of the Iron Druid.The book also delves deeper into the character of Coyote and his relationship with Atticus. It is a fantastic addition to the series and keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

The Seventh Book in the Series: A Review and Summary

The seventh book in the Iron Druid series is titled Shattered. It was published in 2014 and takes Atticus on a journey to the realm of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Irish gods.Atticus must face off against an ancient enemy who wants revenge for past wrongs. Atticus teams up with his apprentice, Granuaile, and his old friend, the vampire Leif, to stop the enemy and prevent him from destroying the world.The book is full of action, adventure, and humor. It explores the world of Irish mythology and how it interacts with the world of the Iron Druid.The book also delves deeper into the character of Leif and his relationship with Atticus. It is a fantastic addition to the series and keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

The Eighth Book in the Series: A Review and Summary

The eighth book in the Iron Druid series is titled Staked. It was published in 2016 and concludes the story of Atticus O’Sullivan.In this book, Atticus must face off against an old enemy who wants to destroy everything he holds dear. Atticus teams up with his apprentice, Granuaile, and a group of supernatural beings to stop the enemy and save the world.The book is full of action, adventure, and humor. It ties up all the loose ends from the previous books and provides a satisfying conclusion to the series.

Conclusion and Recommended Reading Order for the Iron Druid Series

The Iron Druid series is a fantastic collection of urban fantasy novels that explore the world of mythology and supernatural beings. Each book builds upon the previous one, creating an intricate and captivating story that keeps readers hooked.The recommended reading order for the Iron Druid series is as follows:1. Hounded2. Hexed3. Hammered4. Tricked5. Trapped6. Hunted7. Shattered8. StakedThis reading order ensures that readers get the full experience of the Iron Druid series and understand the character development and plot progression.In conclusion, the Iron Druid series is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy and mythology. The series is full of action, adventure, and humor and explores the world of gods and supernatural beings in a unique and captivating way.

My Point of View on Iron Druid Book Order

Pros of Reading the Iron Druid Series in Chronological Order

One of the advantages of reading the Iron Druid series in order is that it allows readers to follow the character development and plot progression of the story. As the series progresses, readers witness the growth of the protagonist, Atticus O'Sullivan, and his relationships with other characters.

  • Chronological order offers a better understanding of the story's timeline.
  • It allows readers to keep track of the various characters and their roles in the story.
  • The revelations and twists in the story make more sense in chronological order.

Cons of Reading the Iron Druid Series in Chronological Order

One of the primary drawbacks of reading the Iron Druid series in chronological order is that some of the prequel novellas may spoil elements of the main series. These novellas are designed to provide backstory and character development, but they can also reveal critical plot points for those who read them first.

  • Prequels may spoil key plot points of the main series.
  • It can be a slower start as the first book in the series is not the strongest.
  • Some readers may find it difficult to obtain all the books in chronological order.

Comparing Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

The Iron Druid series has a total of nine books, including eight novels and one novella. The following table provides a comparison between reading the series in chronological order versus publication order:

Chronological Order Publication Order
1. Hounded 1. Hounded
2. Hexed 2. Hexed
3. Hammered 3. Hammered
4. Two Ravens and One Crow (Novella) 4. Tricked
5. Trapped 5. Trapped
6. Hunted 6. Hunted
7. Shattered 7. Shattered
8. Staked 8. Staked
9. Besieged (Novella) 9. Scourged

In conclusion, whether to read the Iron Druid series in chronological order or publication order depends on personal preferences. While chronologically ordered books provide a better understanding of the story's timeline, publication order allows readers to experience the series as it was released and enjoy the surprises that come with it.


Thank You for Considering Iron Druid Book Order

Thank you for taking the time to read through our article about the Iron Druid book series. We hope that we have been able to provide you with enough information to make an informed decision about whether or not to order these books.

As we have mentioned, the Iron Druid series is an incredible work of fiction that has captivated readers all around the world. The characters are well-developed, the plot is engaging, and the storytelling is superb. Whether you are a fan of fantasy novels or just looking for something new to read, we highly recommend giving this series a try.

If you are still on the fence about ordering the books, we encourage you to check out some of the reviews online. Many readers have shared their thoughts and opinions on the series, and we think you will find that the overwhelming majority of them are positive.

One thing that sets the Iron Druid series apart from other fantasy novels is its unique blend of mythology and modern-day settings. The author, Kevin Hearne, has done an incredible job of weaving together various mythological traditions from around the world and creating a cohesive story that feels grounded in reality.

Another thing that we love about this series is the way that the characters grow and evolve over time. As you read through the books, you will see how each character develops and changes in response to the challenges they face. This makes for a very satisfying reading experience, as you become invested in the characters and want to see them succeed.

We also want to highlight the quality of the writing itself. Kevin Hearne is a talented writer who knows how to craft a compelling story. His prose is clear and concise, but also rich with detail and nuance. You can tell that he has put a lot of thought and effort into every sentence of every book.

So, if you are ready to order the Iron Druid series, we recommend starting with the first book, Hounded. This is where the story begins, and it will give you a good sense of whether or not you will enjoy the rest of the series.

If you are unsure about investing in the entire series at once, we suggest ordering the first book and giving it a try. We think that after reading Hounded, you will be hooked and want to continue on with the rest of the books.

Finally, we want to thank you again for considering the Iron Druid book series. We hope that you will enjoy reading these books as much as we have, and that they will bring you hours of entertainment and enjoyment.

Happy reading!


People Also Ask About Iron Druid Book Order

What is the correct order to read the Iron Druid Chronicles?

The Iron Druid Chronicles is a series of urban fantasy novels written by Kevin Hearne. The correct order to read the series is:

  1. Hounded (Book 1)
  2. Hexed (Book 2)
  3. Hammered (Book 3)
  4. Tricked (Book 4)
  5. Two Ravens and One Crow (Novella)
  6. Trapped (Book 5)
  7. Hunted (Book 6)
  8. Shattered (Book 7)
  9. Staked (Book 8)
  10. Besieged (Short Story Collection)
  11. Scourged (Book 9)

Do I need to read the novella and short story collection?

No, you don't need to read the novella or short story collection to follow the main storyline. However, they do provide additional insight and backstory to some of the characters and events.

Is there a recommended reading order for the novella and short story collection?

The recommended reading order for the novella and short story collection is:

  1. The Demon Barker of Wheat Street
  2. Goddess at the Crossroads
  3. The Hound of Hirot
  4. Gold Dust Druid
  5. The Bogeyman of Boora Bog
  6. Cuddle Dungeon
  7. Blood Pudding
  8. The End of Idylls

Is the Iron Druid Chronicles a complete series?

Yes, the Iron Druid Chronicles is a complete series with nine books and several novellas and short stories.