His enemy, the beautiful but deadly vampire queen Lilith, has had over 2,000 years of experience in cruelly killing and changing humans into one of her own - including Hoyt's brother, Cian.
Now, Hoyt, a sorcerer, must travel across the world and through time to find and train the five others Morrigan has prophesized will join him as a circle and do battle against Lilith's army of vampires on Samhain in the land of Geall.
But just who is the witch, the shape-changer, the scholar, the warrior and the vampire? How will this unlikely band of six prepare and become one with less than three months until the possible end of the world?
Following the arrival of Glenna Ward - a modern day witch with a knack for making her own kind of magic, the kind that makes his heart melt - Hoyt must find the strength to save the world, and a love that knows no bounds.
Complete the circle: listen to all three books in Nora Roberts' Circle Trilogy, including Book 2, Dance of the Gods, and Book 3, Valley of Silence.
©2006 Nora Roberts; (P)2006 Brilliance Audio
"This well-plotted, finely detailed paranormal adventure is driven by richly developed characters, making it a cut above others in this subgenre, and among Roberts's best." (Publishers Weekly)
"Very enjoyable"
I could not stop listening to these three books - this being book one of the trilogy. The beginning of this book was a little hard to get into because it's difficult to put everything into context. But as soon as the characters are established it becomes very enjoyable. By the time you get to the end of book one of this trilogy, you won't be able to wait to start on book two and three.
"Have worn my iPod all day!"
I have really enjoyed this story and most of the narration. I'll admit Dick Hill gets a bit carried away with Hoyt's voice being too sonorous a few times, but he separates the voices very well and only makes the women sound whiny when they actually are according to what's being said. I can't understand how anyone could think of it as boring. I have not read The 7th Sign Trilogy so cannot comment on that. I found this story to be riveting and am going to get the next one right now. Those sales for "first in a series" catch me every time.
If you like paranormal stories of witches, sorcerers, vampires, and shapeshifters, with some violence, romance and a bit of sex (they don't stop at the bedroom door but it doesn't dominate the story), I highly recommend this audiobook.
"'Magic and mayhem abound'"
This would have to be my favorite trilogy from the most marvelous Nora Roberts, told with dramatic depth and passion by Dick Hill. Brilliant, simply brilliant!
Irish legend and magic roar with uncompromising fervor from centuries past to modern day, where the heroes and villains must inevitably face-off in the final chapters.
This character driven tale took on a life of it's own right from the start and I thoroughly enjoyed, and was captivated by each and every word!
Marvelous story Nora! Your creative genius, attention to detail, wonderfully woven plot and dramatic incline to the awe-inspiring conclusion was nothing short of devastating! I was a 'wet noodle' by the end, happy to curl in contented bliss after such a wondrous ride...
"What have you people been smoking?"
This narrator makes the book even better. After listening to these via my public library I actually bought them on Audible. Each character has a different accent, a specific voice and is well performed. Far from being a bland-hum-drum-disappointingly-watered-down-version of just another paranormal romance, it stands out for me in a sea of other wanna-be's. Each book just gets better as the series progresses. I have no idea what the other reviewers are talking about and believe that either they're high or delusional. Trust me and buy-on my fellow listeners. You won't regret it.
"Disappointing"
I, too, got this as a $4.95 purchase via gift cert, and am SO glad I didn't waste a credit on it. I don't mind the narrator so much, it's the actual story. I had hopes that this wouldn't be a "bodice ripper" kind of story, as I am not a big fan of romantic fiction, but the story sounded promising, so I gave it a try. I've spent a significant amount of time rolling my eyes listening to the dialogue between the sorcerer and the witch. Really? I mean, really?? I've liked other Nora Roberts' books, but this one is a huge disappointment. The characters are interesting enough to deserve better than the treatment they are getting here. There is some funny dialogue and a few entertaining situations, but not enough IMO to save the story. Routing this one to the dustbin.
"VERY GOOD LISTEN"
Yes. The story line is good. I'm a fan of "good vs. evil" especially with a few twists, turns and romance.
Keean's character.
His voice, of course. His Irish brogue; his ability to go from deep, husky male baritone to small, quiet and soft female voices. He brings you into the scenes through his inflections and it is if you are watching a play. Wish he would narrate more recent fiction, especially those with southern drawls, Irish brogues and lovemaking.
Yes
I read this book many years ago but it was "flat" compared to listening.
"pleasurable passing of time"
this book was my first Nora Roberts book. I don't think it'll be rembered for years to come as a classic of modern writing, however, i just enjoyed it. i wound up getting all 3 books in the tril. i must admit that i have an easy time of just "rolling with" stories (not too judgemental) so i am more forgiving than some but im not like a plot slut or anything, it was a decent book. i did really get into it and cried and laughed and all that.
"Nora Roberts has lost a reader..."
I am currently listening to this book - for the third time. I haven't been able to stomach the first half and keep giving it another "chance," but I should have learned my lesson! The narrator does such a bad job half the characters cannot be distinguished from one another due to Ms Roberts' lack of imagination when creating their names! His female voices are whiny, and irritating. Of course all fault cannot be pinned on him... he had nothing of substance to work with. Every few pages the same drivel is being spewed ex: "By the power of three, so mote it be." Seriously!!! None of the characters are engaging and the romance is just predictable. Do not waste your money on this, even if you get it on clearance.
Ms Roberts has many much better novels out there. Alas, I don't think I will read (listen?!) to anymore of them the flashbacks to this will ruin anything with her moniker on the cover. Trust me this review is not too harsh, I have gone quite easy, sample and see for yourself...
Keep the anti-nausea meds close at hand!
"One of Nora Robert's best"
This is book one of the trilogy and, while Nora's talent makes it hard to choose a favorite,this series is one of her very best. I must really like the series because I've read it once and listened to it twice. (Other fav series written by Roberts: Three Sisters, Irish Jewels, Key, Chesapeake, and In The Garden). I always cry at the end as the last book is wrapping up and to me that is the sign of a great book. Takes me awhile to get over missing the characters. Well written and excellently narrated, you can immerse yourself in the story. I HIGHLY recommend spending your credits on this series.
The detail given to the story and how you can connect with each character. I like more than just a surface story. This delivers.
Too many too choose just one
Yes
"Really enjoyable listen"
I was truly disappointed when it ended. A great story that brought an interesting blend of characters together. The narration was good, although there were times when I became confused as to whom was speaking due to overlap of accents and speaking styles. I would definitely get the next book in this series!