I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Shadow Spell
by
Nora Roberts
historical fiction, paranormal romance in a paperback edition that was published by Berkley on March 25, 2014 and has 319 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Irish Hearts, Montana Sky, Carnal Innocence, Playing the Odds, Second Nature, One Summer, Nora Robert, Serena * Caine, Daniel * Ian, Rebellion, Alan * Grant, The Witness, The Search, Time and Again, Blood Magick, The Next Always, The Last Boyfriend, The Perfect Hope, Irish Rebel, Year One, Of Blood and Bone, Legacy
Second in The Cousins O’Dwyer paranormal romance series set in Ireland. The couple focus is on Connor and Meara as they finally realize they love love each other.
My Take
Okay, it’s obvious what has to happen, but it’s still a sweet story encompassing six friends who are more like family in a beautiful setting. I love this if only for their supportiveness of each other, and the sound of the food! Oh, lordy. The food, Branna’s house, the horses, the hawks, the woods, heck even the pub meals sound fab!
Naturally, it isn’t perfect in this Irish heaven, as Meara must cope with her mother’s emotional indecisiveness and her own fear of what a relationship can bring. Branna has her own milestones to reach which will be achieved in the next installment.
The Story
It’s testing and poking by Cabhan against the six — the three and three.
They each will be tested and rescued by the others.
The Characters
Meara Quinn has been a lifelong friend of the O’Dwyers and works in the stables. Donal is her brother and is moving out of their mother’s house and in with his girlfriend, Sharon. Maureen’s been married for a while and has her children. Colleen is their timid, indecisive mother who was abandoned by her weak husband years ago. Mrs. Hannigan had been their cook when Joseph Quinn had been around. Mary Clare is another daughter but lives too far away.
The romantic Connor O’Dwyer is of Eamon’s line and has his own Roibeard, his hawk familiar. He’s in charge of the falconry at the castle.
Finbar Burke is from Cabhan’s bloodline and in love with Branna, who does not want to love him back. Fin flies Merlin and rides Baru. Branna has her own Kathel with her and an affinity for hounds. Iona is of Sorcha through Teagan and holds Teagan’s affinity for horses and rides Alastar. In Dark Witch, 1, the focus was on Iona and Boyle McGraff, who is in charge of the stables.
Brian and Kyra work at the falconry. Megan Stanley wants to buy a hawk.
The original three
Eamon is the youngest and the only son of Sorcha, the Dark Witch of Mayo. Dathi was their father before Cabhan murdered him. Eamon has Roibeard for his hawk while Brannaugh, the oldest daughter, has Kathel, her hound. Teagan, the middle child, has her horse, Alastar. Ailish is their mother’s cousin who fears her magicks; Bardan is her husband. Their children include Mabh, their oldest child, Seamus, and Brighid. Ailish is suggesting that Brannaugh wed Fial to start her own family and give her brother and sister a home. Slaine is the old plow horse Bardan gives the trio. Aine is a gypsy.
Cabhan is the evil sorcerer in this. He has somehow achieved immortality and is determined to destroy the O’Dwyers for their power and their blood.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a range of oranges. Dense woods border a wide path leading to the O’Dwyer cottage as Roibeard flies across the path. The author’s name and the fancy frame for the title are in a pale gray blue with the title in the darker orange.
The title refers to the Shadow Spell Cabhan has acquired since Dark Witch.
