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.

A lovely trip to Ireland

I've read or listened to all of Nora Roberts's books and this doesn't disappoint. If you're in the mood for a little trip to Ireland, this is the story for you. Nothing earth shattering... you'll not need tissues or therapy after this one. Just a nice escape from the doldrums of long commutes or nasty chores.
Katherine Kellgren does a splendid job with male and female voices: lilting Irish brogues, a flat American accent and a few German tourists thrown in the story. I've listened to her narrate about 8 books now, and she never disappoints. If I see her name as narrator, I always stop to see what she's reading next.
So, 5 stars for Ms. Kellgren and 4 for Ms. Roberts.

Narration: F Story: B

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

I love Nora Roberts, I love the old books and I love the new books, but this one? I can't decide if it's just the narration that has me thinking I missed something or if there just wasn't much to miss. The final showdown I was expecting some crazy stuff to happen and it's like they get started then it's done. I honestly said out loud, "I think I might have skipped a part." But no, it was just short. I enjoyed the story and I love the characters but it just didn't have a lot of substance. I felt like the story was getting good and then it's over. And as far as Katherine Kellgren, NO, I did not like any part of her narration.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

NR seems to have a good grasp on the aspects of magic and where it comes from, but it would have been a better story if the characters were a little fuller, if that makes sense.

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

ANYONE! I don't think I've heard a book narrated by KK but I didn't like it at all. All the women except for Iona sounded ancient! Until I realized how young the women were I thought they were old ladies. Way over dramatic! I like a little drama when action scenes happen but it was just way WAY too dramatic for my taste. Now I can't see Brana or Maura as the beauties she describes, I keep seeing them older. I might buy the book just to clear my head!

What would have made this romance irresistible?

A little more detail. I liked the story between Iona and Boyle, but again, it just happened way too fast and very few details made it a hard listen for me.

Any additional comments?

I want to hear the other books in this series but I really hope someone chooses and different narrator. Other wise I'll probably buy the book.

Worth a listen

may have been another great with a different narrator. still worth a listen. I love Nora Roberts trilogies.

Book

good book, Nora Roberts is a wonderful writer. I've been reading her books for several years.

loved it

I so enjoyed this book , it was so inviting and easy to read an listen to. On to the next one ..

Unpopular Opinion

I Loved the story line and the narrator. Yes, a bit predictable but great nonetheless.

Ch. 12 & DNF

This never got better. Dumbest book I've ever listened to. Confusing story, lame, insta-love romantic coupling, and a big bad I hope gets them.
A focus on who the bad guy is and a backnstory would congeal the story better.
Again, the love story was awful. I would've punched him. Things he said sprouted from a belief, not a denial of emotions. The fact he didn't appropriately apologize is a huge red flag. But, she's a doormat, desperate for love so I suppose she'll just take the psychological abuse.
I will not subject my sanity to book 2.

excellent

I really enjoyed this first book of the trilogy. Had a really good time listening.

Engaging

This story grabs you from the beginning and doesn’t let go. The characters are well developed and are real. Excellent performance. Looking forward to the next

Great again!

Love Nora Roberts and this was another great read or listen 😃 ready for book #2 of this series