Hounded summary

The Iron Druid Chronicles Begin

In Hounded by Kevin Hearne, we are introduced to Atticus O'Sullivan, the last of the Druids. He has been hiding in plain sight in Tempe, Arizona, for over a century, running an occult bookshop and living a quiet life. However, his peace is shattered when Aenghus Óg, a Celtic god of love, comes to claim a magical sword that Atticus has been safeguarding for centuries.

Atticus, who is over 2,000 years old, has managed to stay alive by keeping a low profile and avoiding confrontations with gods and other supernatural beings. But now, he is forced to confront Aenghus, who is determined to take the sword and kill Atticus for stealing it from him.

Atticus' Allies and Enemies

As Atticus prepares for the inevitable confrontation, he enlists the help of his werewolf lawyer, a vampire who is also his legal counsel, and his Irish wolfhound, Oberon, who is his loyal companion and a source of comic relief. He also forms an alliance with the Morrigan, the Celtic Chooser of the Slain, and Brighid, the Celtic goddess of poetry and healing, who are both interested in keeping the balance of power among the gods.

Meanwhile, Aenghus sends his own allies to kill Atticus, including a coven of witches and a powerful demon. Atticus must use all his Druidic powers and his wits to survive the attacks and protect himself and his friends.

The Battle Begins

When Aenghus finally confronts Atticus, a fierce battle ensues. Atticus uses his magical powers and the help of his allies to hold his own against the god. However, Aenghus is not alone; he has bound a powerful elemental to his will, and it takes all of Atticus' strength and cunning to defeat them both.

Despite his victory, Atticus knows that Aenghus will not give up easily. He decides to leave Tempe and go into hiding, hoping to avoid further confrontations with the gods. However, he also knows that his peaceful days are over, and he must always be ready for the next battle.

The Aftermath and New Beginnings

In the aftermath of the battle, Atticus reflects on the events and the choices he has made. He knows that he cannot escape his destiny as the last of the Druids, and he must continue to protect the world from the supernatural threats. He also realizes that he has made new enemies and that his life will never be the same.

As Hounded concludes, Atticus, Oberon, and his allies prepare to face the challenges ahead. They know that more battles are coming, and they must be ready to fight for their survival. The first book in the Iron Druid Chronicles sets the stage for an epic urban fantasy series, filled with action, humor, and mythology.