Ancient Druid's Modern Disguise

Atticus O'Sullivan, a 2,100-year-old Druid, lives in Tempe, Arizona, under the guise of a young Irishman. He runs an occult bookshop, Third Eye Books and Herbs, and enjoys the anonymity of modern life. His youthful appearance and tattoos help him blend in, but his true identity is a secret. Atticus has survived centuries by avoiding the wrath of Aenghus Óg, a Celtic god who seeks the magical sword Fragarach, which Atticus possesses. The sword, capable of cutting through any armor, is hidden under layers of magical protection. Atticus's life is a delicate balance of maintaining his cover while preparing for the inevitable confrontation with Aenghus Óg.

A Deadly Encounter with Faeries

Atticus's peaceful life is shattered when a group of faeries, sent by Aenghus Óg, ambush him outside his shop. Using his Druidic powers and combat skills, Atticus defeats the faeries, but not without injury. The attack confirms his fears that Aenghus Óg has found him. Atticus's paranoia, honed over centuries, proves to be a survival skill as he navigates the modern world filled with hidden threats. The encounter leaves him wary and on high alert, knowing that more dangers are likely to follow.

The Morrigan's Ominous Warning

The Morrigan, a Celtic goddess of war and death, visits Atticus in her crow form. She warns him that Aenghus Óg is coming for him and that he must flee to avoid a mortal doom. Despite her ominous warning, Atticus is skeptical, having heard similar threats before. The Morrigan's visit underscores the seriousness of the threat and the precariousness of Atticus's situation. Her presence is a reminder of the ancient forces at play and the dangerous game Atticus is caught in.

Brewing Trouble with Witches

Emily, a member of the local witch coven, approaches Atticus for a potion to make Aenghus Óg impotent. The request is a trap, designed to provoke Aenghus Óg's wrath against Atticus. Despite the danger, Atticus agrees to help, hoping to gain the coven's favor. However, the witches' true allegiance is uncertain, and their involvement adds another layer of complexity to Atticus's predicament. The encounter highlights the treacherous alliances and hidden agendas in the magical community.

Fir Bolgs and Legal Intrigues

Atticus faces an attack from Fir Bolgs, giant warriors sent by Aenghus Óg. With the help of his vampire lawyer, Leif, and his wolfhound, Oberon, Atticus defeats the giants. However, the battle leaves a mess that attracts police attention. Detectives Jimenez and Fagles, under Aenghus Óg's influence, search for Oberon and the sword. Atticus's legal team, including werewolf lawyer Hal, works to protect him from the police's overreach. The legal maneuvering and magical threats converge, testing Atticus's ability to maintain his cover and protect his allies.

A Violent Confrontation Unfolds

The scene is chaotic as Detective Fagles, driven by rage and injustice, attempts to draw his weapon. The situation escalates quickly, resulting in a cacophony of gunfire that leaves Fagles dead. Atticus, injured and struggling to breathe, whispers to his werewolf lawyer, Hal, about his need to draw power from the earth to heal. Despite the police's insistence on waiting for paramedics, Hal, defying protocol, carries Atticus outside to the grass, where he begins to heal himself. Atticus instructs Hal to retrieve his invisible sword, Fragarach, and to ensure all traces of his blood are cleaned from the scene, highlighting the precariousness of his situation and the need for secrecy.

A New Alliance Forms

Atticus meets with Granuaile, a young woman who has been possessed by the spirit of Laksha, an ancient witch. Laksha offers to help Atticus in exchange for his assistance in regaining her freedom. The scene highlights the complex web of alliances and betrayals that Atticus must navigate, as he weighs the risks and benefits of accepting Laksha's offer. Atticus's decision to accept Granuaile as his apprentice and ally underscores his willingness to take bold action in the face of danger, as he prepares for the final showdown with his enemies.

A Final Showdown Approaches

As Atticus and his allies prepare for the final confrontation with Aenghus Óg and his forces, they face a series of challenges and betrayals. The scene highlights the escalating stakes of the conflict, as Atticus must rely on his allies and his own resourcefulness to survive. The tension builds as Atticus confronts the reality of the divine conflict he is caught in, and the need to take decisive action to protect himself and his allies. The stage is set for a dramatic and dangerous showdown, as Atticus prepares to face his enemies and determine the fate of his world.

Characters

Atticus O'Sullivan

Atticus O'Sullivan, the last of the Druids, is a 2,100-year-old magical being living in modern-day Tempe, Arizona. He is intelligent, resourceful, and skilled in both magic and combat, using his abilities to navigate the complex web of supernatural threats that surround him. Atticus's possession of the magical sword Fragarach makes him a target, but it also provides him with a powerful means of defense. His long life has made him cautious and paranoid, but also deeply knowledgeable about the magical world. As he confronts the divine conflict that threatens his life, Atticus must rely on his allies and his own resourcefulness to survive.

Oberon

Oberon is Atticus's Irish wolfhound, bound to him through a special connection that allows them to communicate telepathically. Oberon is fiercely loyal and protective, often providing comic relief with his simple yet insightful observations. Despite his gentle nature, Oberon is a formidable ally in battle, capable of taking down enemies with his strength and speed. His bond with Atticus is one of mutual respect and affection, and he plays a crucial role in Atticus's life, providing companionship and support as they navigate the dangers of the supernatural world together.

Aenghus Óg

Aenghus Óg is a powerful Celtic deity who seeks to reclaim the sword Fragarach from Atticus. He is manipulative, ruthless, and willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goals. Aenghus's pursuit of the sword is part of a larger plan to increase his power and influence. He is a master of deception and has enlisted various allies, including witches and demons, to aid him in his quest. Aenghus's enmity with Atticus is personal and longstanding, making him a formidable adversary in the divine conflict that threatens Atticus's life.

The Morrigan

The Morrigan is a Celtic goddess who takes an interest in Atticus's survival, partly to vex Aenghus Óg. She is enigmatic, powerful, and not entirely trustworthy, but her warnings and interventions have saved Atticus on more than one occasion. The Morrigan's motivations are complex, and her allegiance is primarily to herself. Her presence in Atticus's life is both a blessing and a curse, as she can be as dangerous as she is helpful, and her involvement in the divine conflict adds an additional layer of complexity to Atticus's situation.

Flidais

Flidais is a Celtic goddess who visits Atticus with news of Aenghus Óg's pursuit. Her involvement leads to unintended consequences, including the death of a park ranger and increased police scrutiny. Flidais's true intentions are unclear, and her actions complicate Atticus's already precarious situation. Her presence highlights the unpredictable nature of dealing with deities and the potential for collateral damage, as Atticus must navigate the challenges of the divine conflict while also dealing with the fallout of Flidais's actions.

Brighid

Brighid is a powerful Celtic goddess who seeks Atticus's help in countering Aenghus Óg's plans. She offers him the power of Cold Fire to combat demons and provides crucial information about Aenghus's alliances. Brighid's visit is both a warning and an opportunity, as she seeks to maintain her position among the Tuatha Dé Danann. Her support is a significant boon for Atticus, but it also places him at the center of a divine conflict, as he must navigate the challenges of the supernatural world while also dealing with the consequences of Brighid's involvement.

Hal Hauk

Hal is a member of the local werewolf pack and serves as Atticus's daytime lawyer. He is knowledgeable, quick-witted, and adept at navigating the legal system. Hal's presence provides Atticus with a measure of protection against the police and other mundane threats. His loyalty to the pack and his friendship with Atticus make him a reliable ally in times of need, as he works to protect Atticus from the supernatural threats that endanger his life.

Granuaile

Granuaile is a young woman who becomes Atticus's apprentice, seeking to learn the ways of the Druids and gain magical power. She is intelligent, determined, and eager to learn, but she also harbors a secret: she is possessed by the spirit of Laksha, an ancient witch. Granuaile's relationship with Atticus is complex, as she must navigate the challenges of her apprenticeship while also dealing with the presence of Laksha. Her determination to become a Druid and her willingness to ally with Atticus make her a valuable asset in the conflict against Aenghus Óg.

Laksha

Laksha is a powerful witch who has survived for centuries by transferring her spirit into various bodies. She is intelligent, cunning, and resourceful, but she is also burdened by the weight of her past actions. Laksha seeks redemption and freedom from her current state, and she offers to help Atticus in exchange for his assistance in regaining her independence. Her presence in Granuaile's life complicates matters, as she must navigate the challenges of her own redemption while also dealing with the divine conflict that threatens Atticus and his allies.

Emily

Emily is a member of the local witch coven, the Sisters of the Three Auroras. She approaches Atticus for a potion to make Aenghus Óg impotent, but her request is part of a larger scheme orchestrated by Aenghus. Emily's actions are driven by her coven's allegiance to Aenghus, and her interactions with Atticus are marked by hostility and deception. Her presence in Atticus's life is a reminder of the treacherous nature of magical alliances, as Atticus must navigate the challenges of the divine conflict while also dealing with the threat posed by Emily and her coven.

Plot Devices

Fragarach

Fragarach, the Answerer, is a magical sword capable of cutting through any armor. It is a coveted artifact, and its possession is central to the conflict between Atticus and Aenghus Óg. The sword's power and history make it a symbol of authority and a key to Aenghus's larger plans. Atticus's efforts to protect Fragarach drive much of the narrative, as he navigates threats from both mortal and divine adversaries, and the sword's power becomes a crucial element in the final showdown with Aenghus Óg.

Cold Fire

Cold Fire is a gift from Brighid, allowing Atticus to combat demons with a powerful, ice-like flame. This ability is a significant advantage in the battle against Aenghus Óg's allies, but it comes with limitations and risks. The introduction of Cold Fire expands Atticus's arsenal and emphasizes the escalating stakes of the conflict, as he must navigate the challenges of the divine conflict while also dealing with the consequences of using such a powerful and dangerous ability.

Magical Alliances

The story is marked by a complex web of magical alliances, with various factions vying for power and influence. Atticus must navigate these shifting allegiances, discerning friend from foe and making strategic decisions to protect himself and his allies. The theme of trust and betrayal is central to the narrative, as Atticus grapples with the consequences of past actions and the uncertainty of future alliances. The interplay of magical forces and hidden agendas adds depth and tension to the story, as Atticus must navigate the challenges of the divine conflict while also dealing with the threat posed by his enemies.

Analysis

"Hounded" by Kevin Hearne is a captivating blend of modern fantasy and ancient mythology, exploring themes of survival, identity, and the complexities of power. Through the character of Atticus O'Sullivan, Hearne delves into the challenges of living a double life, balancing the mundane with the magical, and the constant threat of exposure. The narrative is rich with Celtic mythology, bringing ancient deities and magical artifacts into a contemporary setting, creating a dynamic and engaging world. The story's exploration of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions resonates with readers, offering a reflection on the nature of alliances and the cost of power. Hearne's ability to weave humor, action, and suspense into the narrative makes "Hounded" a compelling read, appealing to fans of urban fantasy and mythology alike.

Last updated: February 24, 2025