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.

Nora does it again

I found this trilogy heartwarming, interesting. and fun.
Liked the narrator, kept the story going..

Good story, narration varies

This book started out well. I liked the historical scenes and the way Katherine Kellgren narrated them. After that, the narrator did very well in some scenes, but in others she sounded almost hysterical--really overdone. Some voices seemed off for the characters. Finding out the two Irish women were fairly young and up for romance themselves, I was surprised. They sounded much older than I expected.
I haven't read anything by Nora Roberts recently and enjoyed this story. I'll consider buying the next in the series, but I hope there's a different narrator.

I enjoyed it

Im only writing this to give another opinion of the narrator in this story. I enjoyed her immensely. Im African American and I can't say that I am strong in the do's and dont's of Irish accents but I enjoyed this story and Katherine's narration. I was caught up during the magical excitement and her rise in voice was timely. She has a strong voice and I could tell which character was which. Keep doing what your doing Nora. I can't wait for the next two episodes and I hope you keep the same narrator. There is nothing worse than having to switch narrators during the middle of a series.

Love N.R., Hate the narration

Would you consider the audio edition of Dark Witch to be better than the print version?

Meh - not sure. The narrator's voice just grates on my nerves. I read the print version before listening, and the narrator makes it sound like some of the characters are 60 years old.

Would you be willing to try another one of Katherine Kellgren’s performances?

No. Not at all. I've never had to change the volume so much while listening to an audiobook. She goes from whispering to shouting hysterically and back within minutes.

Any additional comments?

The narration does not really do the story justice. Its classic N.R. but its a painful listen.

WOW!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Dark Witch to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print edition yet.

What about Katherine Kellgren’s performance did you like?

Katherine has to be one of the best narrators that I have ever heard. She had great accents and change of voice for all characters. During all parts of the book she actually made me feel like I was there.

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

Absolutely!!!

Any additional comments?

I love Nora Roberts books and Katherine was the perfect narrator.

Slow start but a good story all in all

It started off really slow and a bit rambly. Once Iowna calmed down and the story took hold it was much better. I want to know what happens next so I guess I will put the next one in my wish list and wait for a sale!

I can't understand a thing you are saying!

I can appreciate that the story is set in Ireland and the characters are mostly Irish, but I can't get past the narration. It sound fake and contrived and frankly, I can't understand a thing she is saying. This is so disappointing! I love to listen to audiobooks while doing other things, so this was a total waste of a credit. I ended up buying a copy of the book and reading that instead Sorry. :(

Great book -- terrible narrator

The story was exciting and fun for a fantasy novel, but the narrator emphasized a lot of the phrasing bizarrely.

If you're someone who has a hard time getting into the story because of a bad narrator, I'd probably pass this one. Otherwise, I'd listen to it again!

great story

I enjoyed the drama and love story with the addition of magic. a great read.

needed to regulate sound

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

not necessarily as the narrator ruined my concentration and I am sure effected my involvement with the story line

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

fairly predictable

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Katherine Kellgren?

Anyone else but her. Nothing personal but she did not have the ability to modulate her vocals