First in the all-new Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy
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 next two books in the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy
Shadow Spell
and
Blood Magick
Well, fall is here, the leaves are changing and right on time, Nora Roberts gives us another engaging trilogy to curl up with. Dark Witch is about the O’Dwyer cousins Iona, Conner and Branna, all witches determined to vanquish the evil that has lived and threatened their family for 750 years. The setting for the tale is of course the beautiful Ireland that Roberts knows so well. I first discovered her love for the country in her Irish Born Trilogy… Born in Fire, Born in Ice and Born in Shame, also worth your time if you haven’t yet read them.The story begins in the winter of 1263 where we are introduced to the original Dark Witch Sorcha who tries desperately to vanquish the evil Sorcerer Cabhan who is determined to take her power, but it is left to her three children to keep the source of their family’s power safe and pass it down from generation to generation until the power of three comes together again with the strength to rid the world of Cabhan once and for all. Our heroine, Iona Sheehan, has never really fit in anywhere she goes, unless she is with her grandmother. So she decides to move to Ireland in search of her cousins who can help her understand her family’s history and the strange powers she seems to possess. When she arrives in beautiful Mayo County Ireland it’s all she has dreamed about and more. Her cousins, Branna and Conner know as soon as they meet her, that she is the one they have been waiting for… the one who completes the power of three. As her cousins welcome her into their lives, Iona experiences the warmth and love only a family can bring which is something she has longed for all her life. Working in the stable nearby is a dream for Iona as she has a particular gift when it comes to horses and it doesn’t hurt that the owner, Boyle McGrath attracts her like no one ever has before. But as happy as Iona is, she knows she must diligently prepare for what lies ahead because the darkness of Cabhan is never far away and each encounter, whether face to face or in her dreams, is more frightening than the last and she knows that things will get a lot worse before they can get better.
Dark Witch is a good start to this new series. The six main characters are appealing, especially Iona. She is so new to this world of witchcraft that everything amazes and delights her. She’s eager, friendly, works hard and wears her heart on her sleeve so it’s easy to be happy for her with each new skill she acquires and in the battle ahead she’s going to need them!
Horse lovers will like this one as they are featured prominently and add so much to the story. It’s a pleasant combination of magic, romance, sex, humor and the idea that the real power lies in the strength found in family and friends, and a trip to Ireland with Nora Roberts is always a good thing. Four stars for Dark Witch, number one in the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy followed by Shadow Spell and Blood Magick.
