Dark Witch

The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy, Book 1

By: Nora Roberts

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 5 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

From number-one New York Times best-selling 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.…

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….

©2013 Nora Roberts (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Great book poor narration

The book over all was very good. However, I didn’t realize this was the abridged version. I was upset at first, but it turned into a blessing since the performance was terrible.

The storyline was entertaining and characters were well written.

Too hard to listen to

The dramatics of the reader made me think of someone reading a children’s story. Very hard to listen to. Not at all what I was expecting from Nora Roberts.

Love Nora Roberts but

I like the story but find the narrator too loud and abrasive with no sense of what the character would actually sound like.

A bit repetitive

If you have read as many NORA Roberts as I have you might be disappointed in this one as it seemed néw characters for an old story

I couldn't stand the yelling!

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

"I couldn't stand the yelling!"
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I could not recommend this audio - it was next to impossible for me to hear the narrator's mus-use in over acting! The accent/Irish was somewhat bearable but the emotional portrayal to what the character was supposed to be going through took so much away from the story that I couldn't get into what was actually happening. the first chapter!
I really like Nora Roberts writing so I suppose this might have been a good book to read, but for me anyway, it was not a book that I would recommend listening to. Too emotional, at every other paragraph! It all got mixed up in the screaming, whining and carrying on... Trying to talk, or read like she is out of breath and done in appropriately, during times the the story just needed to be read, not Over acted out! I can understand the emotional parts being now and then but this was constant. It ruined the book for me.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dark Witch?

The most memorable thing I got from the book was the yelling. It was like, What is she screaming about now?

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator detracted from the story by over emphasizing every little thing. It was not narrated or read, the parts where it just needed the story to be read blurred right into either the previous emotion or the proceeding sequence that was coming up next.

What would have made this romance irresistible?

Unable to answer this.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dark Witch?

The most memorable thing I got from the book was the yelling. It was like, What is she screaming about mow?

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator detracted from the story by over emphasizing every little thing. It was not narrated or read, the parts where it just needed the story to be read blurred right into either the previous emotion or the proceeding sequence that was coming up nexr.

What would have made this romance irresistible?

Unable to answer this.

Dark Witch

Love the story in every way. Can't wait to start the next one. Riveting and so intense.

Over the top narrator

The narrator was too intense; it made the story hard to listen to. I honestly struggle to rate the story because the narration was distracting

This is a great book

Another great book. She has a way to bring you into a story. Nora Roberts is an astounding author. Loved the Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy and can't wait to read the 2nd book.

worst narator

I had to skip through because I couldn't stand all the yelling and way over the top dramatization.
I usually love Nora Robertsbut good lord this was hard to listen to.

Narration was Horrible!!!

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

I love the story line. I hated all the yelling..

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator made me feel like Iona was Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. She made her sound like an idiot, constantly repeating lines loudly. All her voices for the other characters made them sound like old people. I don't think I have ever heard anything worse. I didn't even know they were supposed to be young for the first 4 chapters of the book.

Any additional comments?

I pray that the second book has a better narrator. I love Nora Roberts and I'm surprised she didn't make sure it had the right narration. Even though the narration was awful, I love the story and will read the 2nd book. I will review on the next narrator.