Tag Archives: The Cousins O’Dwyer

Blood Magick by Nora Roberts – a Review

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Blood Magick by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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

Blood MagickAmazon / 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 3rd 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

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Shadow Spell by Nora Roberts – a Review

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Shadow Spell by Nora Roberts – a Review

Shadow Spell
The Cousins O’Dwyer – Book #2
by Nora Roberts
Release Date: March 25, 2014
The Shadow SpellLinks to order Shadow Spell:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository


Description:
With the legends and lore of Ireland running through his blood, falconer Connor O’Dwyer is proud to call County Mayo home. It’s where his sister, Branna, lives and works, where his cousin, Iona, has found true love, and where his childhood friends form a circle that can’t be broken…

A circle that is about to be stretched out of shape—by a long-awaited kiss.

Meara Quinn is Branna’s best friend, a sister in all but blood. Her and Connor’s paths cross almost daily, as Connor takes tourists on hawk walks and Meara guides them on horseback across the lush countryside. She has the eyes of a gypsy and the body of a goddess…things Connor has always taken for granted—until his brush with death propels them into a quick, hot tangle.

Plenty of women have found their way to Connor’s bed, but none to his heart until now. Frustratingly, Meara is okay with just the heat, afraid to lose herself—and their friendship—to something more. But soon, Connor will see the full force and fury of what runs in his blood. And he will need his family and friends around him when his past rolls in like the fog, threatening an end to all he loves…

 Review:

Shadow Spell by Nora Roberts is the 2nd book in her The Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy. In the first book in this series, Dark Witch, Branna, Connor, Iona, and their friends managed to hurt the evil sorcerer, Cabhan, very badly;  but they did not kill him.  The first book belonged to Iona, who moved to Ireland to learn about her Cousins, and her ancestry.  Iona fell in love with Boyle, a longtime friend of the Cousins O’Dwyer, and Iona also learned that she was a witch, and one of the three that was destined to fight Cabhan, after centuries of her ancestor’s unsuccessful attempts. 

Shadow Spell belongs to Connor and Meara, whom we just knew in the first book, were meant for each other.  They just had to move past their longtime friendship, and discover their love for each other.  Throughout this continuation of the cousins working together with the help of the other three (Fin, Boyle & Meara) to defeat Cabhan, this story was also a beautiful romance between Connor and Meara.  It was special to watch Connor first discover he truly did love Meara.  Then to see Meara try fight off admitting she was in love with Connor, because of her fears…the memory of her father leaving her mother. 

The beginning of the book spends time in the past, when the three children of Sorcha escaped Cabhan and mourned the death of their mother, who as she lay dying, passed over her powers to each of her children.  I thought since we knew the story from the first book, it was a bit slow to start for me.  Once they went to the present, it picked up and was good the rest of the way.

A few months have passed since the battle with Cabhan, and Connor is the first to come upon him; the others are warned, but it is Meara, who is very much in danger. Cabhan is using a shadow spell, which allows him to sneak up on them, and it is Meara, who is the main target.  Hurt Meara, you hurt Conner. Hurt Connor and you hurt the Circle of Three. So Cabhan lurks, sneaks, and attacks.Together they use protection spells to protect themselves until they come up with a plan to trick Cabhan, and destroy him once and for all.

What I loved about this book is the closeness and camaraderie of the 6 family and friends. I love all of Nora’s books set in Ireland.  I loved seeing them use their powers, and learn more about their descendants from as far back as the 1200’s.  I loved Connor and Meara together.  I adore Branna, and cannot wait for the third book, when she will be the main part of finally destroying Cabhan with Fin’s help.  Those two still love each other, despite Branna’s refusal to accept Fin, due to his blood relationship to Cabhan, even if Fin is one of the good guys.    I also enjoyed the animal familiars that protect them, the hawk, the horse and the hound.  They are a big part of this story.

How do I know that Branna and Fin will be the key to ending it all????     The Cousins O’ Dwyer trilogy is very similar to my favorite trilogy of Nora’s..Three Sisters Island.  Whereas it is different, and to me, not quite as good, there is so much that is similar. Of course, not to mention, that Branna and Fin are the only two left to pair up for the last, and as in Three Sisters Island, the strongest one (Branna) is saved for last.  🙂

Shadow Spell is another very good story for Nora Roberts, who always makes us want to travel to Ireland, as she describes it so well.  Her trilogies to me are her best stories, and Shadow Spell will continue the trend.  I am looking forward to the final book, Blood Magick.

Reviewed by Barb

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Dark Witch by Nora Roberts – a Review

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Dark Witch by Nora Roberts – a Review

dark witchLinks to order Dark Witch:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository


Description:
With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends.

Ireland.

County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits.

Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives.

When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package.

Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive…

Review:
Dark Witch by Nora Roberts is the 1st book in her new The Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy.

The story starts back in the year 1263, in Ireland, as we meet the first Dark Witch, Sorcha and her three children.  Sorcha knows that the evil sorcerer Cabhan wants her and her powers, and will stop at nothing to get it.  After a tragedy, Sorcha takes matters in her own hands, giving each of her children her powers.  Each child, along with their powers, gains an animal, who will protect them.  Kathel the dog; Alastar; the horse, and Roibeard, the hawk.  Scorch dies after killing Cabhan, but he is not totally dead.

Hundreds of years and generations later, we meet Iona Sheehan. Iona has arrived in County Mayo to meet the cousins she has never met. Her grandmother wanted her to learn about her ancestors, and it is Iona who will complete the three that will once again face Cabhan, who has quietly stayed in the background, until the three witches would come together.  Iona meets her cousins, Branna and Connor, who upon meeting her, know she is the one who will complete the three who will fight Cabhan.  Iona falls in love with Ireland, and happily becomes part of this family and their friends.  She opens her heart to her destiny to be a witch, and Branna works hard to teach her how to use her untouched powers.  Iona will need to learn fast, and understand the danger ahead.

What I love about Nora’s trilogies is the friendship and family atmosphere we get to feel, and the closeness that we become part of.  The Cousins O’Dwyer is mostly concentrated on 6 people, the three witches (Iona, Branna and Connor) and their three friends, who will also play a major part in this fight against evil.  Nora creates such fabulous and interesting characters, as well as each couple in the three books who will have their story.  The other three are Boyle, whom Iona meets and immediately finds herself attracted to him.  He runs the horse ranch, and Iona, who knows horses, gets a job working for Boyle.  I must say they made a great couple, though Boyle tried hard to fight it off, as he didn’t want to be involved with an employee.  But their chemistry was hot, and it is this relationship that will play a big part in Iona being able to survive the constant attempts by Cabhan to entice her to his side.

We also meet Meara and Fin, two characters I loved.  Meara is friends with them all, and she also works for Boyle.  She is best friends with Connor, but I am sure they are destined for each other, even if they don’t see that now.   Fin is destined for Branna; but this will be difficult for them, as they both love each other, but broke up years before, due to Fin’s discovering he too is a witch, but distantly related to Cabhan. Branna could not handle or trust Fin, when she found out, even though Fin constantly expresses his love.   I adored all 6 of the main characters.

This was an exciting and fun story.  It was fun to watch Iona learn her powers, and learn about the spells.  It was fun to see her with Boyle, though there was a bad period.  It was fun to watch how the friends and family came together to face a common enemy.   But there was a lot of tense action, and danger, especially in this book for Iona.  The ending was intense, as the 6 came to face Cabhan.  Were they able to beat Cabhan?  Did they all survive?  Did Iona and Boyle resolve their issues and become a couple? This is a trilogy, so some things get resolved, but there is more to come, and I cannot wait.  I must add that this has a slight similar theme from an older series of Nora’s, Three Sisters Island, which is my all time favorite of Nora’s trilogies.  It is not the same just some similarities. If you love Nora, Ireland, Romance, Suspense, and her wonderful trilogies, you will not want to miss this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

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