Gods and Demons in Conflict

Atticus O'Sullivan, the last Druid, becomes a focal point for divine interest after slaying two gods. This act draws other deities, each with their own motives, offering him rewards to eliminate their rivals. Atticus remains cautious, aware of the treacherous nature of divine promises. His goddess, Brighid, remains silent, leaving him to fend off other pantheons alone. Meanwhile, his vampire lawyer, Leif Helgarson, harbors a vendetta against Thor, seeking Atticus's help to kill the thunder god. Atticus, however, is reluctant to engage in such perilous endeavors, focusing instead on his apprentice, Granuaile, and the hope of rebuilding a Druidic grove.

A Druid's Unwanted Attention

Atticus's tranquil life is shattered by a powerful hex, leaving him burned and in agony. His cold iron amulet saves him from certain death, signaling a new threat. As he recovers, a demon, bound by a spell from the late Aenghus Óg, tracks him down. With help from Leif and his loyal hound, Oberon, Atticus narrowly escapes. The attack leaves him wary and determined to uncover the hex's source, suspecting a rival coven of witches.

The Morrigan's Unsettling Visit

The Morrigan, a goddess of war and death, visits Atticus with a mix of seduction and menace. She desires him, and their encounter is both painful and magical, leaving Atticus with a regenerated ear but also a sense of unease. The Morrigan's presence is a reminder of the precarious balance Atticus must maintain with the gods. Her visit hints at larger conflicts in the divine realm, with the Morrigan and Brighid involved in a civil war in Tír na nÓg. Atticus is left to ponder the implications of their struggle and his role in it.

A Deal with a Witch

Atticus seeks help from Laksha Kulasekaran, a powerful witch, to deal with Bacchants threatening his territory. In exchange, Laksha demands a golden apple from Idunn, requiring Atticus to venture into Asgard and risk the wrath of the Norse gods. Despite the danger, Atticus agrees, knowing the Bacchants pose an immediate threat to the East Valley's peace. The deal is fraught with peril, but Atticus sees no other way to protect his home and apprentice.

Bacchants and Bloodshed

Atticus and Laksha confront the Bacchants at a nightclub, where their magic has turned patrons into a frenzied mob. Laksha uses her powers to kill most Bacchants, but a few escape, leaving destruction in their wake. The police arrive, complicating matters, and Atticus flees to avoid arrest. The night's events leave him exhausted and wounded, with the knowledge that the Bacchants will return for revenge. The encounter underscores the dangers of his world and the constant threat of exposure to mundane authorities.

A Trickster's Deception

Coyote, a Native American trickster god, enlists Atticus's help to deal with a demon preying on his people. The demon, a fallen angel, is formidable, and Atticus is wary of Coyote's motives. The trickster's involvement is not entirely altruistic, and Atticus suspects manipulation. Despite misgivings, Atticus agrees to help, knowing the demon threatens both their territories. The encounter with Coyote is a reminder of the complex alliances and rivalries defining Atticus's world.

The Morrigan's Demands

The Morrigan returns, demanding Atticus teach her to create a protective amulet like his own. The process is complex, requiring cooperation with an iron elemental, challenging the Morrigan's nature. Atticus agrees, seeing an opportunity to forge a new relationship with the goddess. The Morrigan's request tests Atticus's skills and ability to navigate divine politics. It reminds that even gods have vulnerabilities and that Atticus's knowledge is a valuable commodity.

A Goddess's Tempting Proposal

Brighid, the goddess of poetry and fire, visits Atticus with a seductive proposal: become her consort and rule by her side in Tír na nÓg. Atticus is tempted by her beauty and power but wary of the political implications. He realizes that Brighid and the Morrigan are vying for supremacy, and he is caught in their divine rivalry. Brighid's offer is not out of affection but a strategic move to thwart the Morrigan. Atticus, valuing his independence and the safety of his apprentice Granuaile, declines, knowing that accepting would mean abandoning his life on Earth and his responsibilities.

A Deadly Game of Deception

Atticus is ambushed by a witch's deadly curse, narrowly escaping with the help of his amulet. Realizing the threat extends to his friends, he chases the witch through the streets, determined to protect those he cares about. The pursuit leads him to a confrontation with two witches, revealing a larger conspiracy against him. Atticus's quick thinking and shape-shifting abilities allow him to survive, but the encounter leaves him with a renewed sense of urgency to eliminate the threat of the German coven, die Töchter des dritten Hauses, once and for all.

The Widow's Unexpected Danger

Atticus races to protect the widow MacDonagh, a dear friend, from the witches' wrath. He arrives just in time to shield her with a protective amulet, narrowly averting disaster. The witches' relentless pursuit underscores the danger to all his friends, forcing Atticus to confront the reality that his presence endangers those around him. With the widow safe for now, Atticus vows to end the witches' threat, knowing that failure could mean the loss of more innocent lives.

A Coven's Fragile Alliance

Atticus forms a tenuous alliance with Malina's coven, the Sisters of the Three Auroras, to combat the German witches. Despite past tensions, they unite against a common foe, recognizing that their survival depends on cooperation. The coven's knowledge of the hexen's history and tactics proves invaluable, revealing the witches' long-standing vendetta and their ties to demonic forces. Together, they plan a coordinated assault, each bringing their unique strengths to the fight, but trust remains fragile, and the stakes are higher than ever.

A Vampire's Fiery Trial

In the climactic battle against the hexen, Atticus and his vampire ally Leif face overwhelming odds. Leif's vampiric resilience is tested as he braves hellfire to protect Atticus, ultimately sacrificing himself to ensure their victory. Atticus, wounded and weary, presses on, driven by the need to avenge his fallen friends and end the witches' reign of terror. The battle is brutal, but Atticus's resolve and the coven's magic turn the tide, leaving the hexen defeated and their demonic allies vanquished.

A Druid's Reckoning

With the hexen defeated, Atticus reflects on the cost of victory. The loss of friends and the toll on his own body weigh heavily on him, but he finds solace in the knowledge that his loved ones are safe. He renews his commitment to restoring the land around Tony Cabin, a task that will take years but is essential to his healing and peace of mind. As he begins the long process of renewal, Atticus vows to protect his friends and his home, knowing that the world is full of dangers yet to come.

Characters

Atticus O'Sullivan

Atticus is the last of the Druids, living quietly in Arizona until his recent exploits draw the attention of gods and monsters alike. He is wise and resourceful, with a deep connection to the earth and a protective amulet that shields him from magic. Atticus is wary of the divine politics swirling around him, preferring to focus on teaching his apprentice, Granuaile, and maintaining the peace of his territory. His encounters with gods and witches test his resolve and force him to confront the dangers of his world.

The Morrigan

The Morrigan is a powerful and enigmatic figure, both ally and threat to Atticus. She is drawn to him, both for his power and his potential as a lover. Her visit to Atticus is both seductive and unsettling, leaving him with a regenerated ear and a sense of foreboding. The Morrigan's involvement in a civil war in Tír na nÓg hints at larger conflicts in the divine realm, and her request for Atticus's help in creating a protective amulet suggests a vulnerability she rarely shows.

Leif Helgarson

Leif is Atticus's attorney and sparring partner, a vampire with a deep-seated hatred for Thor. He is a complex character, both ally and potential adversary, with his own agenda and secrets. Leif's desire to kill Thor is a constant undercurrent in his interactions with Atticus, and his motivations remain a mystery. Despite their differences, Leif is a valuable ally in the supernatural world, providing legal and physical support when needed.

Granuaile

Granuaile is Atticus's apprentice, a young woman with a sharp mind and a desire to learn the ways of the Druids. She is intelligent and resourceful, with a strong sense of morality that sometimes clashes with Atticus's pragmatic approach. Granuaile's presence is a source of hope for Atticus, representing the possibility of rebuilding the Druidic tradition. Her relationship with Atticus is both mentor-student and something more, as they navigate the challenges of their world together.

Laksha Kulasekaran

Laksha is a powerful witch who strikes a deal with Atticus to eliminate the Bacchants threatening his territory. In exchange, she demands a golden apple from Idunn, a task that would require Atticus to risk the wrath of the Norse gods. Laksha is cunning and ambitious, with her own agenda and a willingness to use her powers for both good and ill. Her presence in Atticus's life is both a boon and a challenge, forcing him to confront the complexities of his world.

Coyote

Coyote is a Native American deity who enlists Atticus's help to deal with a demon preying on his people. He is cunning and unpredictable, with a penchant for mischief and manipulation. Coyote's involvement in Atticus's life is both a blessing and a curse, as his motives are never entirely clear. Despite his trickster nature, Coyote is a valuable ally in the supernatural world, providing insight and assistance when needed.

Malina Sokolowski

Malina is the leader of a coven of Polish witches who have a tenuous alliance with Atticus. She is intelligent and resourceful, with her own agenda and a desire to protect her territory. Malina's relationship with Atticus is complex, as they navigate the challenges of their world and the threats posed by rival covens. Her presence in Atticus's life is both a source of support and a potential threat, as their alliance is tested by external forces.

Brighid

Brighid is a powerful deity, offering Atticus a place by her side in Tír na nÓg. Her proposal is a strategic move in her rivalry with the Morrigan, and her interest in Atticus is more about power than affection. Brighid's presence is both alluring and dangerous, forcing Atticus to confront the complexities of divine politics and the potential consequences of aligning with a goddess.

Rabbi Yosef Bialik

Rabbi Yosef is a member of the Hammers of God, a group dedicated to eradicating supernatural threats. His rigid beliefs and aggressive tactics put him at odds with Atticus and the coven, leading to a deadly confrontation. Despite his zeal, Rabbi Yosef's actions reveal the dangers of blind faith and the consequences of misjudging allies and enemies.

Plot Devices

Cold Iron Amulet

Atticus's amulet is made of cold iron, a material that repels magic and provides a shield against supernatural threats. The amulet is a key plot device, protecting Atticus from hexes and other magical attacks. Its creation and maintenance require a deep understanding of magic and a connection to the earth, highlighting Atticus's skills as a Druid. The amulet's significance is underscored by the Morrigan's desire to create her own version, reflecting the constant threat of magic in Atticus's world.

Divine Politics

The interactions between gods and mortals are a central plot device, driving the narrative and shaping Atticus's actions. The gods have their own agendas and rivalries, and their interest in Atticus is both a blessing and a curse. Divine politics create a backdrop of intrigue and danger, forcing Atticus to navigate a world where alliances are fragile and threats are ever-present. The gods' involvement in Atticus's life underscores the precarious balance of power in the supernatural world.

Bacchants

The Bacchants are a group of superhuman women who spread madness and chaos wherever they go. Their presence in the East Valley is a direct threat to the peace and stability of the area, forcing Atticus to take action. The Bacchants are immune to iron weapons and fire, making them a formidable foe. Their ability to turn others into creatures like themselves highlights the dangers of unchecked supernatural forces and the need for vigilance in Atticus's world.

Die Töchter des dritten Hauses

The German witches are a formidable threat, wielding a necrotic curse that targets the heart. Their vendetta against Atticus and the coven is rooted in a long history of conflict, and their ties to demonic forces make them a dangerous enemy. The hexen's presence highlights the dangers of unchecked supernatural power and the need for vigilance in Atticus's world.

Analysis

"Hexed" by Kevin Hearne explores the intricate dance between power and responsibility, as Atticus O'Sullivan navigates a world teeming with divine politics and supernatural threats. The novel delves into themes of loyalty and independence, as Atticus balances his duty to protect his friends with his desire for autonomy. The interplay between gods and mortals highlights the precarious nature of alliances and the constant threat of betrayal. Through Atticus's journey, Hearne examines the cost of power and the sacrifices required to maintain peace in a world where danger lurks at every turn. The story serves as a reminder of the resilience needed to confront adversity and the importance of forging connections in a world defined by conflict and chaos.

Last updated: February 26, 2025