Top critical review
2.0 out of 5 starsMore Iron Druid than Al and Buck, but in a heavy-handed lecturing manner
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2021
Summary:
The book barely linked to the previous book. The writing appeared rushed and not well developed, as if Hearne was trying to meet a deadline or just does not like the new characters very much. Also, there is a clear political message that is new to his writing.
I was expecting more world building and some interesting new characters. I really enjoyed the Iron Druid series so it was good to see the Iron Druid and his dogs again. But, it was done clearly at the expense of the other characters. I was also expecting typical humor of the Iron Druid series, but the book was very preachy about woke topics. If I wanted to be lectured to, I could find many other ways to have that done. I enjoy reading fiction books for creativity and escapism/change of scenery, not lectures. I only finished the book due to the Iron Druid. Otherwise, I would have stopped reading about a quarter of the way into the book.
I am afraid that Hearne keeps up with this style, this will be the last one of his books I purchase.
