Dark Witch

The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy, Book 1

By: Nora Roberts

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts comes a trilogy about the land we’re drawn to, the family we learn to cherish, and the people we long to love...

Book One of The Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy

Dark Witch

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...

Don’t miss the other books in the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy:

Shadow Spell

Blood Magick

©2013 Nora Roberts (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Another bad narrator!

What did you like best about Dark Witch? What did you like least?

I don't mind the repetitive magic stories so much, but I wish it wasn't quite SO formulaic. Right off - there's 3 women, 3 men.... gee I wonder how this will end!

The narrator is another miss. (Just like Whiskey Beach). Only this time I'm having a hard time hearing the different characters. The female and male Irish accents (which sound more like Newfie accents to a Canadian ear) all sound alike.

She's overly dramatic, and gets very excited and way over the top way too fast. Very distracting from the plot. I bet she'd be great on stage... maybe, but not so hot in audio form. Re-do!

Was Dark Witch worth the listening time?

No, I don't think I'll finish it. Maybe if you re-record it.

Over narrated

Would you listen to Dark Witch again? Why?

I probably would when the rest of the series comes out just to refresh it in my mind.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoy the concept of the whole good vs. evil story line and a group of friends working together.

What didn’t you like about Katherine Kellgren’s performance?

To me, the characters sounded much older than what I imagine they are. Also , she over dramatizes nearly everything. I had a difficult time trying to get past that to enjoy the story.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Read the book!

Any additional comments?

I've waited months for this book to come out since I listened to so many of Nora Roberts books. I've liked most of them enough to listen to repeatedly. I think the narration spoiled much of the story, so I may just get the book and read it to see if that helps.

Narrator for Dark Witch

This is a good book, but this narrator is not real good at the Irish accent. It sounds like she is in pain when she tries to use the Irish accent.

Breathless.......

funny, romantic, high energy. quality magic.

The narrator helped this story, though the story was good.

Horrible Narrator: tons of screaming

The storyline was pretty good I would have enjoyed it more if the narrator wasn’t screaming so much. When she talked within the proper punctuation the book was tolerable so I kept listening. This book would’ve been way more enjoyable had the narration been better.

Katherine Kellgren was one of the greats

I disagree with many who didn't like the narrator. She's one of my favorites. She'll be missed. RIP Katherine. As for the book, there are many criticisms about it being "formulaic" and to similar to other books, but this is my first Nora Roberts, so I didn't have that baggage. I really enjoyed it.

Wonderful

Loved this story and the characters. Just downloaded book 2 and 3 of the series. I can't wait to listen.

Narrator shouts 3/4 of the story :-(

What did you love best about Dark Witch?

I like the story, the flashbacks, the interconnected characters.

If you’ve listened to books by Nora Roberts before, how does this one compare?

I've listened to almost off of the Nora Roberts books on Audio CD/Audible. This narrator was, for me, one of the worst.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

First the Irish Brogue sounded more like old witches cackling. Then for intensity the narrator would crescendo into a shout for a lot of the scenes. Seriously loud. Romance - shout, danger lurking around the corner - shouting. I literally would have to turn the volume down in the car. I like an intense and moving love scene - when it's hollered at me, not so much.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

NO1

Any additional comments?

This is the first audio performance I wish I had just read the book. If you need a little Nora, I'd recommend the Audio version of Born in Fire, Born in Ice, Born in Shame.

Can't get past the narrator

Would you try another book from Nora Roberts and/or Katherine Kellgren?

Yes to Nora Roberts, no to Katherine Kellgren. It just happened that this is the second audio in a row I have listened to that she has narrated and her voice is so sharp and sounds so angry it takes me out of the story itself. The main character in this book sounded as if she was about to have a nervous breakdown most of the time. However, the other characters voices were wonderful so I am not sure what to say why the narration is so off putting, yet the dialog for all but the main character were fine.

If you’ve listened to books by Nora Roberts before, how does this one compare?

Poorly. See above.

Did Dark Witch inspire you to do anything?

Yes. Check to see who the narrator was for the second book, which I had already purchased.

Any additional comments?

I was disappointed in the story somewhat. Once the awesome opening of the story was complete, setting up the story itself, It seemed to drag but that could be because I felt the narrator was reprimanding me for some reason and who wants that.

Great story

Loved the story. Hard to stop listening. I was transported to another time and place.