Blood Magick by Nora Roberts – a Review

Blood Magick
The Cousins O’Dwyer trilogy – Book #3
by Nora Roberts
Release Date: October 28, 2014

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
County Mayo is rich in the traditions of Ireland, legends that Branna O’Dwyer fully embraces in her life and in her work as the proprietor of The Dark Witch shop, which carries soaps, lotions, and candles for tourists, made with Branna’s special touch.

Branna’s strength and selflessness hold together a close circle of friends and family—along with their horses and hawks and her beloved hound. But there’s a single missing link in the chain of her life: love…

She had it once—for a moment—with Finbar Burke, but a shared future is forbidden by history and blood. Which is why Fin has spent his life traveling the world to fill the abyss left in him by Branna, focusing on work rather than passion.

Branna and Fin’s relationship offers them both comfort and torment. And though they succumb to the heat between them, there can be no promises for tomorrow. A storm of shadows threatens everything that their circle holds dear. It will be Fin’s power, loyalty, and heart that will make all the difference in an age-old battle between the bonds that hold their friends together and the evil that has haunted their families for centuries.

Review:

Blood Magick by Nora Roberts is the 3^rd and final book in her The Cousins O’Dwyer trilogy. I couldn’t wait to start this book, as I knew it would be up to Branna and Fin to have their story, and once again, Nora completes this trilogy so well. I love all of Nora’s books that take place in Ireland, as well as those that deal with witchcraft. Nora is one of the best that creates such wonderful characters, especially in her trilogies. We loved Iona and Boyle in book 1; adored Connor and Meara in book 2; but we couldn’t wait for Branna and Fin.

In the last two books, during their face to face battle with the sorcerer, Cabhan, they hurt him and were close to destroying him. But he was able to escape and spend time to heal himself, before he would come back after them. The three witches, Branna, Connor and Iona are supplemented by Fin, who is also a witch. In the end, it will take a few changes to increase the attack for a chance to finally win.

Branna and Fin have loved each other since they were teenagers, but after she discovered that Fin had the mark of Cabhan, she pushed herself away. The evil curse of Cabhan has been around for 100 years. As they got older, they remained friends, as Fin was close to the other 4. But Fin has spent years searching for a way to remove his mark and the curse put on by original witch murdered by Cabhan (Scorcha) to anyone with sorcerer’s blood. Branna has always trusted Fin, and knows that Fin will play an important part in the final battle against Cabhan, who is now getting stronger, with another source of evil driving him.

Branna is the strongest one, confident, powerful, determined, loving; as she makes potions, spells and plans to be ready for the next battle against Cabhain. With all this going on; all 6 of them (their circle) work together, with the animals (a hawk, hound and horse) helping each other to support and do whatever is necessary to win this fight, even with the danger they could lose lives.

It was great to spend time with them all, as Nora allows us to feel like we are part of them. Nora always gives us details about Ireland, past and present; not to mention all the wonderful food dishes that Branna mostly makes for the meetings they all have. Everything is done so well. I loved every moment.

Most of all, this was a special romance between Branna and Fin. One that was doomed and looked hopeless, with both of them suffering all those years. Branna finally follows through on her feelings, especially with all the pressure building of the upcoming battle, she allows herself to succumb to Fin. It was done so beautifully, and I loved their love finally coming together. However, Fin still had the mark, and once the battle was over, would they still stay together?

I do not want to spoil what happens for those who will read the book. I will say it was an exciting climax, and a satisfying ending that Nora usually does. This was a wonderful trilogy filled with romance, three great couples, magic, fantasy, witches, animals, time travel, bad villain, and Ireland. I strongly suggest you read The Cousin’s O’Dwyer to have yourself a fun, romantic and exciting read.

Reviewed by Barb