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Circle Trilogy #1-3
The Circle Trilogy
#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts presents a collection that includes all three novels in her epic Circle Trilogy.As a storm rages, a tale begins of a powerful vampire’s lust for destruction—and of the circle of six charged by a goddess to stop her...MORRIGAN'S CROSSAt the goddess Morrigan’s charge, Hoyt Mac Cionaoith must gather five others to form a ring of power strong enough to overcome Lilith. And it is in this circle, hundreds of years in the future, where Hoyt will learn how strong his spirit—and his heart—have become...DANCE OF THE GODSWhile demon hunter Blair Murphy has always worked alone, she finds herself drawn to Larkin, a man of many shapes. To prepare for their fight against Lilith, the circle of six travels through time to Larkin’s world, where Blair must decide if she can risk everything for a love that can never be...VALLEY OF SILENCEAs queen of Geall, scholarly Moira must prepare her subjects to battle against the vampire who killed her own mother. Still, there is one vampire to whom she would trust her soul. But how can Cian truly love a woman whose life is sure to end—if not by Lilith’s hand, then by the curse of time?
1106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2006
992 people are currently reading
2230 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.7k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
December 14, 2011
This is my favourite Nora Roberts trilogy, it has everything for lovers of Paranormal romance - Sorcerer, witch, scholar, warrior, shapeshifter and vampire, with a sprinkling of time travel. I couldn't put it down and couldn't wait to finish it to see what happened to all the characters. By the same token - I was really sorry when I did finish it. One for the re-read pile I think!
August 9, 2011
While not a huge fan of Nora Roberts I have to be impressed by the sheer volume of work she puts out, but most of it does not interest me. This trilogy is what I would call a HUGE exception, it was entertaining, the story-line that some have thought predictable was captivating and I find it an epic example of what I hope to find when I read any book in this genre. This is the gold standard I use to measure other works against. The thing here is why? The main thing for me in any book is to be entertained, I do not want adjustments to my moral compass nor do I wish to involve myself in thinly veiled political barbs. I want to be entertained and happy when I finish or at least impressed (as opposed to depressed). This trio of novels has it all, epic nature, soaring romance, heroic efforts, armies on a battlefield. Yep, she threw in the kitchen sink here and I love it. If I could only recommend one series to anyone, this is it (and I read hundreds). If you cannot enjoy this work I am sorry for your soul since you can't be a very happy person .
June 9, 2013
This is one of my all time favorite series. Nora Roberts at her finest. And the audio reading is in one word. Perfect.
A wizard, and vampire who are twin brothers from the 11th century are charged with a witch from 20th century New York City, and three others in a quest to save worlds(plural) from an ancient vampire queen who wants to turn human kind into one gigantic food source.
The quest outlined by the Morrigan, an ancient goddess is vague, and seemingly impossible, but the circle needed to fight is reluctantly formed to save mankind.
The storytelling of this three part series is rich and layered and completely draws you in to the story. It has romance..but it's not gratuitous and is appropriate and moves the story forward.
I skipped this series when it first came out, because I thought the storyline was preposterous..and I was all vampired out after the Twilight craze. This is solid storytelling which happens to be about vampires..
I have listened to this series at least 4 maybe 5 times..and it hasn't lost any of it's charm or appeal.
Nora Roberts had a run of series including The Hollows, Sign of Seven series, Three Sisters, which are some of my favorite all time books because they stand up over time. During this same time period some of my favorite stand alone novels were written. Tribute is one from time that I also listen to again and again for solid storytelling.
I look back and see many of these books and see an author focused and in their prime. The best of the best.
I have had mixed opinions of her later work. I really liked Blue Dahlia series and some stand alone novels.
Sadly, recent books have moved in a direction that I can't seem to get interested in. Her recent books have been a lot like her early work, without the depth of storytelling her later work has. Authors change and evolve along with their writing style. Books are highly subjective, this could simply be a matter of a change of style I don't care for.
A wizard, and vampire who are twin brothers from the 11th century are charged with a witch from 20th century New York City, and three others in a quest to save worlds(plural) from an ancient vampire queen who wants to turn human kind into one gigantic food source.
The quest outlined by the Morrigan, an ancient goddess is vague, and seemingly impossible, but the circle needed to fight is reluctantly formed to save mankind.
The storytelling of this three part series is rich and layered and completely draws you in to the story. It has romance..but it's not gratuitous and is appropriate and moves the story forward.
I skipped this series when it first came out, because I thought the storyline was preposterous..and I was all vampired out after the Twilight craze. This is solid storytelling which happens to be about vampires..
I have listened to this series at least 4 maybe 5 times..and it hasn't lost any of it's charm or appeal.
Nora Roberts had a run of series including The Hollows, Sign of Seven series, Three Sisters, which are some of my favorite all time books because they stand up over time. During this same time period some of my favorite stand alone novels were written. Tribute is one from time that I also listen to again and again for solid storytelling.
I look back and see many of these books and see an author focused and in their prime. The best of the best.
I have had mixed opinions of her later work. I really liked Blue Dahlia series and some stand alone novels.
Sadly, recent books have moved in a direction that I can't seem to get interested in. Her recent books have been a lot like her early work, without the depth of storytelling her later work has. Authors change and evolve along with their writing style. Books are highly subjective, this could simply be a matter of a change of style I don't care for.
September 11, 2020
Bittersweet
SPOILERS! I loved this trilogy and I really thought it would be a 5 star read. However, in the last book, when the author talked about Lilith’s vampire son and he was everything to her, including a lover, that was a little too sicko for me.
But the premise of the story was good, and I know that there is sacrifice and death when good must go up against evil. So I do recommend the trilogy, but maybe afterwards, read a comedy!
SPOILERS! I loved this trilogy and I really thought it would be a 5 star read. However, in the last book, when the author talked about Lilith’s vampire son and he was everything to her, including a lover, that was a little too sicko for me.
But the premise of the story was good, and I know that there is sacrifice and death when good must go up against evil. So I do recommend the trilogy, but maybe afterwards, read a comedy!
February 13, 2014
I'm not really a very big fan of fantasy literature, but if there are vampires, witch and dragons in the scene, i would surely love it.. that's why i was so amazed and i can say that this Circle trilogy is really worth reading!
Morrigan's Cross (Book 1), Dance of the Gods (Book 2) & Valley of Silence (Book 3) is a great trilogy book, way better than the Twilight saga, i might say! It's a fantastic mix of time travel, vampire chronicles, and romance.
All of the following characters had some kind of deepness in them and there was a great plot with a touch of humor every now and then.
Cian & Moira as the Vampire & the Queen = the perfect cat + dog (love'em or hate'em)tandem, t
Larkin & Blair as the shape-shifter & the demon hunter = the sexy pair (i love their chemistry!)
Hoyt & Glenna as the sorcerer and witch = the married magical creatures
Lilith = the alluring yet cunning vampire creator
Lora = the menacing French ladylove
Great action! Lilith versus Cian's minions = the vampire creator versus its creation is surreal yet fantastic! I thought I was just reading another novel but instead fell into a fabulous world that would end too soon after only three books!
really a must read!
Morrigan's Cross (Book 1), Dance of the Gods (Book 2) & Valley of Silence (Book 3) is a great trilogy book, way better than the Twilight saga, i might say! It's a fantastic mix of time travel, vampire chronicles, and romance.
All of the following characters had some kind of deepness in them and there was a great plot with a touch of humor every now and then.
Cian & Moira as the Vampire & the Queen = the perfect cat + dog (love'em or hate'em)tandem, t
Larkin & Blair as the shape-shifter & the demon hunter = the sexy pair (i love their chemistry!)
Hoyt & Glenna as the sorcerer and witch = the married magical creatures
Lilith = the alluring yet cunning vampire creator
Lora = the menacing French ladylove
Great action! Lilith versus Cian's minions = the vampire creator versus its creation is surreal yet fantastic! I thought I was just reading another novel but instead fell into a fabulous world that would end too soon after only three books!
really a must read!
January 23, 2011
I have loved all of the books that I've read written by Nora Roberts, but this by far is my favourite series! I love Cian! I don't read too many books over again, but this is a series that I've kept close at hand!
October 19, 2011
Excellent series...you would want to try to audio version, the narrator has a powerful voice. Also get all three books, you won't want to miss what happens to:
1. Sorcerer
2. Witch
3. Vampire
4. Scholar
5. Shape Shifter
6. Warrior
I was sorry when it ended.
1. Sorcerer
2. Witch
3. Vampire
4. Scholar
5. Shape Shifter
6. Warrior
I was sorry when it ended.
January 27, 2011
read it twice. couldn't help it. romance novels are my vice. add vampires, shape shifters, and witches and my geek side comes out. geek side + romance novel = reread!
November 28, 2022
🔮 Morrigan's Cross (Circle Trilogy, #1) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
👉🏻 Glenna Ward & Hoyt Mac Cionaoith
⚔️ Dance of the Gods (Circle Trilogy, #2) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
👉🏻 Blair Murphy & Larkin Riddock
⚰️ Valley Of Silence (Circle Trilogy, #3) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
👉🏻 Moira Riddock & Cian Mac Cionaoith
January 6, 2013
Cian was the very first vampire I fell in love with and I still love him even now. The series was so good I read right through the night and finished it and started all over again.
The first book is about Hoyt and Jenna and basically sets up the rest of the story. The second is about Blair and Larkin and the last book is about Cian and Moira. The 6 are enlisted by the goddess Morrigan to fight the vampire queen Lilith and army of vampires. In the midst of all this they find love.
By far one of the most romantic series ever written and one of my favorite re reads. Love it!
The first book is about Hoyt and Jenna and basically sets up the rest of the story. The second is about Blair and Larkin and the last book is about Cian and Moira. The 6 are enlisted by the goddess Morrigan to fight the vampire queen Lilith and army of vampires. In the midst of all this they find love.
By far one of the most romantic series ever written and one of my favorite re reads. Love it!
January 12, 2015
Loved this series. I've read and re-read it so often. Wish it would be made into a movie, the characters and storyline are very exciting.
September 26, 2020
And...she does it again. While you always know the final outcome because come on...she's Nora Roberts...getting there an be SO much fun!
February 28, 2013
I believe this series is Nora Roberts' writing at her very best. I love the whole fairytale aspect of it. I actually wanted to give the series a five star rating, but I am giving it 4.5, only because of what I felt were the silly conversations between Lilith, the Vampire Queen, and her subjects. To wit:
"Bring me someone to eat."
OR:
After practically draining a human being between them, Laura uses her napkin, delicately dabbing at her lips, and says, "I needed a civilized meal." Absolutely silly.
The rest of the series was magic. I read the books and listened to the audio version several times, since I fell in love with the voice of Dick Hill. Now, this is a narrator worth listening to. He got the Irish brogue down pat, and, although I felt the Chicago accent he gave Blair didn't quite do her justice (made her less feminine to me), he made the story come alive and didn't do the female voices in the breathy, old-lady voices most male narrators have. He is the best narrator since Frank Muller!
My advice? Don't miss this one. This is Nora Roberts at her best.
"Bring me someone to eat."
OR:
After practically draining a human being between them, Laura uses her napkin, delicately dabbing at her lips, and says, "I needed a civilized meal." Absolutely silly.
The rest of the series was magic. I read the books and listened to the audio version several times, since I fell in love with the voice of Dick Hill. Now, this is a narrator worth listening to. He got the Irish brogue down pat, and, although I felt the Chicago accent he gave Blair didn't quite do her justice (made her less feminine to me), he made the story come alive and didn't do the female voices in the breathy, old-lady voices most male narrators have. He is the best narrator since Frank Muller!
My advice? Don't miss this one. This is Nora Roberts at her best.
May 4, 2020
Lilith as mother of vampires is a different spin on Lilith as mother of demons. It is also a very well-written twist on her role in building evil. The Irish element of Morrigan and a mythical land named Geall add a nice fantasy twist to this tale of "good v. evil" with humans fighting vampires for the fate of all humanity. The characters are solidly and realistically built as are the relationships between them. Too often characters are thrown together and the romance or friendships feel forced, but these characters build over the course of the books in a more realistic fashion. The romances are steamy without being awkward or secondhand embarrassing and the action is nicely written. Overall this was a solid fantasy with a nicely curated group of good guys to lead the battle against vampire queen Lilith.
August 14, 2012
I highly suggest getting ahold of an audio book of this trilogy. The narrator is wonderful. He has this authentic Irish accent. Wow. The characters are as diverse as the plot. Twists and turns. Gothic, time travel, vampires, queens, sorcerers--Nora included them all. I still cry in book three and know the ending. I've read them and listened to them. Hmm...I think I'll go read again!
September 22, 2009
By far my favorite Nora Trilogys!!
July 24, 2011
Loved this trilogy! I really don't read Nora Roberts, but if she writes more of this genre, I'd definitely read more.
March 22, 2010
One word INCREDIBLE!
January 11, 2013
These characters were terrific!! I loved the story, chemistry, fantasy, love. Just great.
November 16, 2023
A Fabulous Trilogy
Nora Roberts is known for her trilogies, for good reason. Her best stories almost always come in 3s, and are best read in order, again for good reason. They’re meant to be read, and enjoyed, in order, so as not to miss anything. This trilogy is no different.
As always, she writes wonderful characters, fully formed on the page, interesting and diverse. Her worldbuilding, again, is always fascinating, so colorful and detailed, that you wish you could go there and immerse yourself in it. Her storytelling is stellar, as always, and includes plenty of magic, as most of her trilogies do. However, this one goes in a different direction than her others, making it more original, and interesting as well. You’ll get the joys, the sorrows, the laughs, the tears, and the love, especially the love! These are the earmarks of her best stories, but they happen somehow differently in this trilogy.
I won’t put in any spoilers, just say you should ABSOLUTELY read this trilogy. It’s enjoyment and entertainment, love and war, and should not be missed. I LOVE this trilogy, and hope you will, as well! It’ll be worth your time to read it. It made me laugh, and it made me cry. Most of all, it made me FEEL! That’s Nora Roberts’ gift, that she writes stories so well crafted, especially her characters, that she makes you CARE, about her characters, and what’s to come. That’s a powerful gift, and she wields it better than most.
Take the time, and immerse yourself in this story. You won’t regret it! Enjoy!
Nora Roberts is known for her trilogies, for good reason. Her best stories almost always come in 3s, and are best read in order, again for good reason. They’re meant to be read, and enjoyed, in order, so as not to miss anything. This trilogy is no different.
As always, she writes wonderful characters, fully formed on the page, interesting and diverse. Her worldbuilding, again, is always fascinating, so colorful and detailed, that you wish you could go there and immerse yourself in it. Her storytelling is stellar, as always, and includes plenty of magic, as most of her trilogies do. However, this one goes in a different direction than her others, making it more original, and interesting as well. You’ll get the joys, the sorrows, the laughs, the tears, and the love, especially the love! These are the earmarks of her best stories, but they happen somehow differently in this trilogy.
I won’t put in any spoilers, just say you should ABSOLUTELY read this trilogy. It’s enjoyment and entertainment, love and war, and should not be missed. I LOVE this trilogy, and hope you will, as well! It’ll be worth your time to read it. It made me laugh, and it made me cry. Most of all, it made me FEEL! That’s Nora Roberts’ gift, that she writes stories so well crafted, especially her characters, that she makes you CARE, about her characters, and what’s to come. That’s a powerful gift, and she wields it better than most.
Take the time, and immerse yourself in this story. You won’t regret it! Enjoy!
April 24, 2025
I had so much fun with Nora Roberts’ Circle Trilogy. It’s got everything—time travel, magic, vampires, warrior women, slow-burn romance, and the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Each book focuses on a different couple, but all six characters form this tight, unlikely circle that feels like a fantasy family by the end. I loved how Roberts blends sweeping fantasy and real emotional depth—you get epic battles, yes, but also heartbreak, trust issues, and some very human (and sometimes hilarious) moments between all the drama.
And I have to say—Moira and Cian were my favorite couple. Their dynamic is so layered: duty versus desire, light versus dark, all that tension and quiet ache. I lived for their scenes. Roberts made their love story feel earned and epic without losing the personal, grounded moments that made them real to me.
This trilogy is definitely for anyone who likes romance with magic, found family, and high-stakes adventure. It’s dramatic in the best way—and so much heart underneath all the action.
And I have to say—Moira and Cian were my favorite couple. Their dynamic is so layered: duty versus desire, light versus dark, all that tension and quiet ache. I lived for their scenes. Roberts made their love story feel earned and epic without losing the personal, grounded moments that made them real to me.
This trilogy is definitely for anyone who likes romance with magic, found family, and high-stakes adventure. It’s dramatic in the best way—and so much heart underneath all the action.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2019
(SPOILERS)
I enjoyed it well enough.
The only story I have read by Nora Roberts prior to these was Year One and I found that disappointing, however I was pleasantly surprised by this trilogy.
The only thing that kind of bugged me was how it was so convenient that all six characters coupled up romantically in these perfect relationships. It was a bit too convenient. But some readers need that HEA I guess. Overall I enjoyed it though.
This was my first time reading audio book(s), as I generally feel that isn't really reading, but I did it as part of a reading challenge at my library where read at least 15 of 20 different categories and one of the categories was an audio book. I found I enjoyed it and I played it each morning while fixing my hair and makeup. It was enjoyable and I will probably do it again.
I enjoyed it well enough.
The only story I have read by Nora Roberts prior to these was Year One and I found that disappointing, however I was pleasantly surprised by this trilogy.
The only thing that kind of bugged me was how it was so convenient that all six characters coupled up romantically in these perfect relationships. It was a bit too convenient. But some readers need that HEA I guess. Overall I enjoyed it though.
This was my first time reading audio book(s), as I generally feel that isn't really reading, but I did it as part of a reading challenge at my library where read at least 15 of 20 different categories and one of the categories was an audio book. I found I enjoyed it and I played it each morning while fixing my hair and makeup. It was enjoyable and I will probably do it again.
April 27, 2019
First of all, paranormal romance is NOT my favourite genre at all, but I found this audiobook series quite good - I got this series on MP3 (one book per disc) for free and listened to it on my work commute, and it engaged me enough to stick with it for all three books.
It was a little disturbing that this story is supposedly being told to children, and yet it contains bordering-on-graphic (depending on your definition of "graphic", it may be "quite graphic" for you) sex scenes; if you forgot that story-within-a-story plot line, though, it was fine.
If you like paranormal romance, with wizards, witches, vampires, and time-travel, give this a go.
It was a little disturbing that this story is supposedly being told to children, and yet it contains bordering-on-graphic (depending on your definition of "graphic", it may be "quite graphic" for you) sex scenes; if you forgot that story-within-a-story plot line, though, it was fine.
If you like paranormal romance, with wizards, witches, vampires, and time-travel, give this a go.
August 14, 2022
If you have read Nora Roberts before you know that she is an author who has great character development in her stories. Her characters come alive and make you root for them throughout the story. I love the little details she adds to her stories to help you create the scene in your mind as your reading the book. This one has vampires, regular people, witches, and sorcerers coming together for an adventure. There is action, suspense, a little bit of a romance, and a lot of adventure in this trilogy.
January 29, 2025
I loved reading this Trilogy. One of Miss Roberts finest book sets; as it contains Romance, Love and action. It keeps you wondering what will happen next from book one all the way to book three and leaves you wanting more in the end.
The FMC is a very old creature created in the beginning of time and she is very beautiful as she is very deadly.
The MMC is rugged, handsome and cares for his family and friends.
So, if you love Adventure, Vampires, Romance, Happy Endings and Excitement then The Circle Trilogy is for you.
The FMC is a very old creature created in the beginning of time and she is very beautiful as she is very deadly.
The MMC is rugged, handsome and cares for his family and friends.
So, if you love Adventure, Vampires, Romance, Happy Endings and Excitement then The Circle Trilogy is for you.
January 8, 2018
This trilogy is not only suited for fans of brewing romance and melting hearts. Of course romance takes the largest part but there is much more weight to it for being placed in a fantasy setting with shape-shifters and vampires and in a plot that stirs towards the ultimate battle between good and evil. Yet, again Roberts shows how she can transform any world, any setting into the background of a great love story.
October 7, 2020
Nora Roberts' Circle Trilogy
Morrigan will form a circle of six to fight a war against evil. Seven will be call but one will be lost. A war will be force and love found. Book 1 - Morrigan's Cross - the form of the circle, the love story of Glenna and Hoyt. Book 2 - Dance of the God - the circle of six train for war, the love story of Blair and Larkin. Book 3 - Valley of Silence - A war against evil, the love story of Moirae and Cain. Great story.
Morrigan will form a circle of six to fight a war against evil. Seven will be call but one will be lost. A war will be force and love found. Book 1 - Morrigan's Cross - the form of the circle, the love story of Glenna and Hoyt. Book 2 - Dance of the God - the circle of six train for war, the love story of Blair and Larkin. Book 3 - Valley of Silence - A war against evil, the love story of Moirae and Cain. Great story.
Read
June 14, 2021I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
*Even though I wish for once 3 males and 3 females wouldn't become 3 couples, please be more creative. Love can also be found outside a group of friends, so they aren't so evenly dealt out.*
Okay now that I've gotten that bit out of the way.
I'll also say that I haven't read every Nora Roberts book, certainly not in order and I discover some as my library makes available as ebooks.
*Even though I wish for once 3 males and 3 females wouldn't become 3 couples, please be more creative. Love can also be found outside a group of friends, so they aren't so evenly dealt out.*
Okay now that I've gotten that bit out of the way.
I'll also say that I haven't read every Nora Roberts book, certainly not in order and I discover some as my library makes available as ebooks.
January 18, 2023
A really great set of books and everything you'd expect from a top author and the story keeps you turning the pages.
BUT these are not normal size books and are much smaller as is the print which makes hard at reading.
Will try and check out next time to ensure they are normal size.
The story was good and each book got better and keeps your interest right to the final page. But the size of the book and print spoiled it for me and made it hard work.
BUT these are not normal size books and are much smaller as is the print which makes hard at reading.
Will try and check out next time to ensure they are normal size.
The story was good and each book got better and keeps your interest right to the final page. But the size of the book and print spoiled it for me and made it hard work.
October 13, 2025
Stunningly good!
A goddess, a wizard, a princess, and many more wonderful characters in this good vs evil saga, has it all!
An American witch from NYC
Irish family with demon hunting instincts
Women with power, nary a damsel in distress
Vampires, lots of them
A shape shifter
Time travel
Alternate world
And dragons!!
Stir in magick and romance, and you have about 4 days of I couldn't put it down binge reading.
Ms. Roberts, you have outdone yourself!
A goddess, a wizard, a princess, and many more wonderful characters in this good vs evil saga, has it all!
An American witch from NYC
Irish family with demon hunting instincts
Women with power, nary a damsel in distress
Vampires, lots of them
A shape shifter
Time travel
Alternate world
And dragons!!
Stir in magick and romance, and you have about 4 days of I couldn't put it down binge reading.
Ms. Roberts, you have outdone yourself!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews