The Great Big Bear and Other Stories of the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne – That’s What I’m Talking About…
Audiobook review: The Great Big Bear and Other Stories of the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne
The Great Big Bear and Other Stories of the Iron Druid Chronicles is a treat for fans of the series. The anthology includes short stories shared from the three druids of the original series, plus several stories from Gladys Who Has Seen Some Shite, who is a supporting character in the spinoff Ink & Sigil series. Most of the stories fall chronologically after the end of the series and spinoffs, which is what makes them so wonderful. They are short little adventures that share how Atticus, Granuaile, and Owen are doing. We also get glimpses of our favorite hounds and a special tale with Slomo the Murder Sloth. I also enjoyed the stories about Gladys, including her origin story.
While the mini-adventures are mostly standalone, they are really meant for and will be enjoyed most by fans of the series. There are no lengthy backstories and it is assumed readers will understand what is going on. Another great feature is that there are is room open for future tales based on new threats, old enemies, and necessary changes.
Narration: The Iron Druid Chronicles wouldn’t be what it is without the amazing narration by Luke Daniels. A cast of dozens couldn’t do better. Mr. Daniels has honed and refined his voices over the course of the series and spinoffs, and I am still amazed at how many he has. From big to small, from old to young, from human to god, from sloth to dog… he captures the essence of Mr. Hearne’s characters and brings them to life. He fills each with emotion, therefore making the events that much more memorable and real.
I highly recommend The Great Big Bear and Other Stories of the Iron Druid Chronicles for fans of the Iron Druid Chronicles, but make sure you are up to speed (including the Ink & Sigil series and the Oberon stories) or you may be spoiled.
My Ratings
Story: A
Narration: A+
Jen
About the Book:
The return of the Morrigan isn’t such bad news for Atticus O’Sullivan, but the possibility that his old enemy, Aenghus Óg, might find a way to escape hell is the worst possible development. Fortunately, his Irish Wolfhound, Oberon, keeps him entertained with an all-encompassing Sausage Theory and a new Gravy Viscosity Scale.
Owen Kennedy finally finds a good use for his marine form after two thousand years, and he also reunites with his Murder Sloth, Slomo, for a raucous adventure in Ecuador.
Granuaile’s training with Sun Wukong reaches a turning point as she confronts an alchemical menace that threatens to engulf the world.
And Gladys—the chosen name of the avatar of Gaia—meets the Mothman and other cryptids because that’s the sort of thing she loves to see.
Perfect for bedtime stories (and all other times), this collection of tales will delight fans of the Iron Druid Chronicles.
Author: Kevin Hearne
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles World
Genre: Urban Fantasy, anthology
Audiobook Release Date: April 7, 2026
Publisher: Horned Lark Press
Length: 4 hours, 30 mins
Source: Purchased
Audio Speed: 1.3x
