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A Coven of Three Trilogy #1
Birth of the Witch
Not yet published
Expected 17 Nov 26Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 23:39:54
10 copies available
U.S. only
12 hours, 51 minutes
First in the enchanting new epic by the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lost Bride Trilogy
Niamh McShane was born a witch and died a witch in the same moment, at the tender age of thirteen. A victim of the madness that spread from Salem Town to her home on Piety Island, her only comfort in her last hours came from the weavers imprisoned with her, who saw within her light and power and gave her some of their own.
Over three hundred years later, on the same island, Neve McShane wakes with excitement on her thirteenth birthday and unwraps gifts from her sneakers, an iPhone, and a stunning antique pendant. Then she receives something a revelation that will change her life.
Astonished, Neve learns that her aunts’ abilities go beyond simple kitchen magic and the potions they sell in their shop. Their tales of past lives aren’t just whimsical fantasies. They are witches, and so is she. Their lives–past and present–are bound together by that pivotal day centuries ago. Now Neve has been tasked with stopping a growing darkness. To prepare for the dangerous enemy that awaits, Neve hones her skills and searches for clues to aid in her quest. And at night, she dreams of a young man from Ireland whose eyes met with hers for a fateful moment, centuries ago…
First in the enchanting new epic by the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lost Bride Trilogy
Niamh McShane was born a witch and died a witch in the same moment, at the tender age of thirteen. A victim of the madness that spread from Salem Town to her home on Piety Island, her only comfort in her last hours came from the weavers imprisoned with her, who saw within her light and power and gave her some of their own.
Over three hundred years later, on the same island, Neve McShane wakes with excitement on her thirteenth birthday and unwraps gifts from her sneakers, an iPhone, and a stunning antique pendant. Then she receives something a revelation that will change her life.
Astonished, Neve learns that her aunts’ abilities go beyond simple kitchen magic and the potions they sell in their shop. Their tales of past lives aren’t just whimsical fantasies. They are witches, and so is she. Their lives–past and present–are bound together by that pivotal day centuries ago. Now Neve has been tasked with stopping a growing darkness. To prepare for the dangerous enemy that awaits, Neve hones her skills and searches for clues to aid in her quest. And at night, she dreams of a young man from Ireland whose eyes met with hers for a fateful moment, centuries ago…
Audible Audio
Expected publication November 17, 2026
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,319 books62.5k 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 407 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The gorgeous cover and Roberts's flair for the supernatural had me thrilled to receive an ALC of this brand-new witchy series!
🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺
As spooky season approaches, I make extra room for stories about things that go bump in the night and this one fit that vibe to a tee. Witch hunting fever has spread from Salem to Piety Island. Neve McShane was an innocent thirteen-year-old tried and hung as a witch alongside two women who were in fact witches. In that moment the pair of witches and another a teenage boy making three pushed power into Neve making her into the witch she was accused of being at the moment of her death in turn giving her a chance at reincarnation.
🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛
Fast forward three hundred years and it's Neve's thirteenth birthday; she gets a new iPhone and a revelation. The tales of past lives aren't fantasy her dear aunts are witches and so is she. That long ago moment built a bond and intwined their lives. She begins to prepare for a coming darkness that haunts her dreams past and present. She studies, trains, and dreams of another witch whose power helped her all those years ago. He is unforgettable in any life.
🏔️🏔️🏔️🏔️
The atmosphere pulled me right in. The feeling of fear and hatred toward these women long ago was palpable making it easy to feel immersed and invested in their future lives. The fated mates vibe was teased quite a bit, but it felt grounded and their reactions seemed true to life not the typical aspects in most romances that incorporate the trope. The author went the extra mile in ensuring these characters had independent lives. The aunts are amazing! I enjoyed their banter and attitude towards life in general. The creative thread that ran through each character made the story shine!
Be sure and check for triggers if that applies.
🧼🧼🧼🧼
The narration added dimension and made me feel like I was right there be it in Ireland or Massachusetts.
🧪🧪🧪🧪
Looking forward to part 2!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing an ALC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺
As spooky season approaches, I make extra room for stories about things that go bump in the night and this one fit that vibe to a tee. Witch hunting fever has spread from Salem to Piety Island. Neve McShane was an innocent thirteen-year-old tried and hung as a witch alongside two women who were in fact witches. In that moment the pair of witches and another a teenage boy making three pushed power into Neve making her into the witch she was accused of being at the moment of her death in turn giving her a chance at reincarnation.
🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛
Fast forward three hundred years and it's Neve's thirteenth birthday; she gets a new iPhone and a revelation. The tales of past lives aren't fantasy her dear aunts are witches and so is she. That long ago moment built a bond and intwined their lives. She begins to prepare for a coming darkness that haunts her dreams past and present. She studies, trains, and dreams of another witch whose power helped her all those years ago. He is unforgettable in any life.
🏔️🏔️🏔️🏔️
The atmosphere pulled me right in. The feeling of fear and hatred toward these women long ago was palpable making it easy to feel immersed and invested in their future lives. The fated mates vibe was teased quite a bit, but it felt grounded and their reactions seemed true to life not the typical aspects in most romances that incorporate the trope. The author went the extra mile in ensuring these characters had independent lives. The aunts are amazing! I enjoyed their banter and attitude towards life in general. The creative thread that ran through each character made the story shine!
Be sure and check for triggers if that applies.
🧼🧼🧼🧼
The narration added dimension and made me feel like I was right there be it in Ireland or Massachusetts.
🧪🧪🧪🧪
Looking forward to part 2!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing an ALC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
February 4, 2026I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Well, friends… I kind of hated it. I know I can be very critical of NR’s newer work, so I try really hard to separate the love I once had for her books from what she’s writing now. Either I’ve changed or she has, but we just don’t mesh the way we used to. Usually, if I stop comparing, I can still enjoy the story. That was not the case here. This book initially hooked me with an interesting premise and some genuinely lovely characters, but by around the 60% mark it was clearly spinning its wheels. I stopped reading and skimmed to the end - and wow, am I glad I did. The main leads don’t even meet until the 90% mark, and the book ends on a deeply anticlimactic cliffhanger.
I don’t mind stories where the main characters spend time developing separately before meeting, whether in romance or in a group/party setting. But it has to go somewhere. There needs to be a reason for the journey. Here, it felt like most of the characters remained static unless an “action” sequence forced movement. Aside from the male lead, none of them felt particularly fleshed out or realistic. Honestly, the food they ate and the places they visited received as much, if not more, attention than the romance, friendships, or even the magic system. I was still willing to overlook a lot and give the second book a chance… right up until that ridiculous cliffhanger. That was the final nail in the coffin for me.
Well, friends… I kind of hated it. I know I can be very critical of NR’s newer work, so I try really hard to separate the love I once had for her books from what she’s writing now. Either I’ve changed or she has, but we just don’t mesh the way we used to. Usually, if I stop comparing, I can still enjoy the story. That was not the case here. This book initially hooked me with an interesting premise and some genuinely lovely characters, but by around the 60% mark it was clearly spinning its wheels. I stopped reading and skimmed to the end - and wow, am I glad I did. The main leads don’t even meet until the 90% mark, and the book ends on a deeply anticlimactic cliffhanger.
I don’t mind stories where the main characters spend time developing separately before meeting, whether in romance or in a group/party setting. But it has to go somewhere. There needs to be a reason for the journey. Here, it felt like most of the characters remained static unless an “action” sequence forced movement. Aside from the male lead, none of them felt particularly fleshed out or realistic. Honestly, the food they ate and the places they visited received as much, if not more, attention than the romance, friendships, or even the magic system. I was still willing to overlook a lot and give the second book a chance… right up until that ridiculous cliffhanger. That was the final nail in the coffin for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Nora Roberts truly has the secret sauce when it comes to telling a story that grips your attention the entire way through.
Balancing time between the Salem witch trials and today, she weaves her web, tying us to this amazing story. Birth of a Witch is not something I would normally read, to be honest. But because of the author, I 100% had to read this book.
It’s a story of found family. A deep connection with another person across parallel lives meant to cross, connect, link together, and love. Including a fight for good and against evil.
Roberts developed characters who are imaginative, strong, passionate, and powerful. They weave together across eons of time, building and gaining power and strength, racing to the next book in the series.
But that cliffhanger. Oh my!
This book has so many amazing parts, from the Salem craze to developing your powers, including the ability to teleport. Throw in a long, slow-burn romance that develops along the way, and you'll find this book has something for everybody.
Birth of the Witch is an engrossing story that you do not want to end yet and cannot wait to read book two!
~~~
* I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/birth-of-the...
Balancing time between the Salem witch trials and today, she weaves her web, tying us to this amazing story. Birth of a Witch is not something I would normally read, to be honest. But because of the author, I 100% had to read this book.
It’s a story of found family. A deep connection with another person across parallel lives meant to cross, connect, link together, and love. Including a fight for good and against evil.
Roberts developed characters who are imaginative, strong, passionate, and powerful. They weave together across eons of time, building and gaining power and strength, racing to the next book in the series.
But that cliffhanger. Oh my!
This book has so many amazing parts, from the Salem craze to developing your powers, including the ability to teleport. Throw in a long, slow-burn romance that develops along the way, and you'll find this book has something for everybody.
Birth of the Witch is an engrossing story that you do not want to end yet and cannot wait to read book two!
~~~
* I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/birth-of-the...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love everything witchy and Nora Roberts, so this book was an absolute must-read for me. It’s the third Roberts trilogy I've read, and I've enjoyed each one. It shares similarities with The Lost Bride Trilogy. If you're new to Roberts and love all things witchy, found family, strong friendships, and satisfying bonds that deepen as characters face peril together, I highly recommend grabbing a copy. There’s plenty of character development and world-building here, which I suspect will pay off as the series unfolds. However, as the first installment, it felt more like a prolonged setup. I understand it’s meant to lay the groundwork for the next book, but at times it felt somewhat disjointed; it often read more like a travel journal than a complete story arc. By the time the main conflicts and relationships start to gain momentum, the book is nearly over. I enjoyed the characters—they’re well-developed and relatable, making them easy to connect with. As part of a trilogy, I expected a cliffhanger ending. While this first book in The Coven of Three trilogy left me eager for more in the best way, Stephanie Németh-Parker's narration was a definite highlight. She draws you in, vividly bringing the characters to life and giving each a unique voice. The accents and Irish inflections are beautifully handled.
The one part that didn't quite land for me was the portrayal of the aunts—their voices sounded relatively young for centuries-old witches, sometimes even younger than Neve herself, even though they’re supposed to be her elders. I also struggled with the name "Dorcas" for a character. Every time I heard Dorcas, I thought of “dork,” which was heavily used in the 80s, but I knew Roberts must have had a logical reason for choosing that name. So I researched the origin; it was a popular name during the 17th and 18th centuries among Puritans in England and colonial America.
That said, I occasionally found the narrative a bit slow, and I craved more from certain characters and the overall plot. The historical and magical elements were enjoyable; however, I couldn't form a strong connection with the narrative.
Overall, this was a promising start to a new series with an intriguing world and a lot of potential. I am eager to see where Neve's story goes in the next book.
📙🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For an immersive reading experience, I listened to the audiobook while I followed along with the print copy. I highly recommend the audiobook. Expected publication date: November 17.
A special shout-out to Kejana in Marketing. Thank you, St. Martin’s Press/Macmillan and NetGalley, for providing an ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The one part that didn't quite land for me was the portrayal of the aunts—their voices sounded relatively young for centuries-old witches, sometimes even younger than Neve herself, even though they’re supposed to be her elders. I also struggled with the name "Dorcas" for a character. Every time I heard Dorcas, I thought of “dork,” which was heavily used in the 80s, but I knew Roberts must have had a logical reason for choosing that name. So I researched the origin; it was a popular name during the 17th and 18th centuries among Puritans in England and colonial America.
That said, I occasionally found the narrative a bit slow, and I craved more from certain characters and the overall plot. The historical and magical elements were enjoyable; however, I couldn't form a strong connection with the narrative.
Overall, this was a promising start to a new series with an intriguing world and a lot of potential. I am eager to see where Neve's story goes in the next book.
📙🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For an immersive reading experience, I listened to the audiobook while I followed along with the print copy. I highly recommend the audiobook. Expected publication date: November 17.
A special shout-out to Kejana in Marketing. Thank you, St. Martin’s Press/Macmillan and NetGalley, for providing an ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ohhhhh, what the heck?! That ending was WAY too big of a cliffhanger for me, and now I have to wait MONTHS to find out what happens next! 😭
I’ve always loved Nora Roberts’s books with witchy and paranormal elements, and this one definitely delivers. I did get a little annoyed with the narration at times, but honestly, I don’t think it detracted from the book too much. Audiobooks are still pretty new to me, so I’m still getting used to them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book to be released!! Now excuse me while I impatiently stare at the calendar. 😂
Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I’ve always loved Nora Roberts’s books with witchy and paranormal elements, and this one definitely delivers. I did get a little annoyed with the narration at times, but honestly, I don’t think it detracted from the book too much. Audiobooks are still pretty new to me, so I’m still getting used to them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book to be released!! Now excuse me while I impatiently stare at the calendar. 😂
Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ALC REVIEW ✨️
Thank you, MacMillan Audio and Netgalley, for this gifted widget it was a great listen.
Narrator: Stephanie N'emeth-Parker
Length:13 Hrs 58 Min
Perfect timing for October it's been a witchy reading month for me. This is the first book in A Coven of Three Trilogy. The narrator did a good job she kept me interested. Nora Roberts always has that way to draw you in.This was a historical dual timeline between the Salem Witch trials and present-day. I loved the characters. Neves bound with her aunt's and her learning her magic. The world build was good between Salem and Piety Island full of magic, mystery, dreams, and recarnation. A little romance at the end and one whopper of a cliffhanger. I recommend reading it is a little slow paced, but it's building up to the next book, I believe.
All opinions are my own.
Thank you, MacMillan Audio and Netgalley, for this gifted widget it was a great listen.
Narrator: Stephanie N'emeth-Parker
Length:13 Hrs 58 Min
Perfect timing for October it's been a witchy reading month for me. This is the first book in A Coven of Three Trilogy. The narrator did a good job she kept me interested. Nora Roberts always has that way to draw you in.This was a historical dual timeline between the Salem Witch trials and present-day. I loved the characters. Neves bound with her aunt's and her learning her magic. The world build was good between Salem and Piety Island full of magic, mystery, dreams, and recarnation. A little romance at the end and one whopper of a cliffhanger. I recommend reading it is a little slow paced, but it's building up to the next book, I believe.
All opinions are my own.
September 8, 2026
Birth of the Witch had a really interesting premise, and I loved the idea of a young girl discovering her past life. The mix of modern-day life with the historical story of Niamh and the Salem witch trials was intriguing, and the magical elements added a fun atmosphere.
That being said, the story felt a little slow for me at times, and I found myself wanting more from some of the characters and the overall plot. I enjoyed the historical and magical aspects, but I didn’t connect with the story as much as I had hoped.
Overall, this was a solid start to a new series with an interesting world and plenty of potential. I’m curious to see where Neve’s story goes in the next book.
That being said, the story felt a little slow for me at times, and I found myself wanting more from some of the characters and the overall plot. I enjoyed the historical and magical aspects, but I didn’t connect with the story as much as I had hoped.
Overall, this was a solid start to a new series with an interesting world and plenty of potential. I’m curious to see where Neve’s story goes in the next book.
October 11, 2026
This was my first Nora Robert’s book, but it certainly won’t be the last!
The story itself grabbed me from the start and the pacing was excellent. It’s cozier than my usual witch book and is packed full of feel-good, small town vibes. You’ll be wanting to move to Piety Island and make friends with all the lovely (modern) people ASAP.
I also really enjoyed this book’s approach to dual timeline. We got the historical story up front, then the rest of the book focused on the modern story. This worked exceptionally well and avoided the bouncing around that can sometimes distract in dual timeline stories.
There were only two things I didn’t love. The first is that, because this is part of a series, the book ends on a cliffhanger. It’s personal preference, but I like every book in a series to be able to stand alone. Second, a lot of the story focuses on the main character’s teenage years, which gave the book a younger feel than I typically would gravitate towards. As a teen, I would have LOVED this book.
I also had the chance to listen to the audiobook and found Stephanie Németh-Parker to be highly skilled. She created tension at just the right moments and was a big part of why I finished this book in a single day.
Glad this is a series! I can’t wait to read the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story itself grabbed me from the start and the pacing was excellent. It’s cozier than my usual witch book and is packed full of feel-good, small town vibes. You’ll be wanting to move to Piety Island and make friends with all the lovely (modern) people ASAP.
I also really enjoyed this book’s approach to dual timeline. We got the historical story up front, then the rest of the book focused on the modern story. This worked exceptionally well and avoided the bouncing around that can sometimes distract in dual timeline stories.
There were only two things I didn’t love. The first is that, because this is part of a series, the book ends on a cliffhanger. It’s personal preference, but I like every book in a series to be able to stand alone. Second, a lot of the story focuses on the main character’s teenage years, which gave the book a younger feel than I typically would gravitate towards. As a teen, I would have LOVED this book.
I also had the chance to listen to the audiobook and found Stephanie Németh-Parker to be highly skilled. She created tension at just the right moments and was a big part of why I finished this book in a single day.
Glad this is a series! I can’t wait to read the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2026
This put me in the mood for Halloween, fall weather and pumpkin spice!
All I can say is, Nora Robert’s writing is magical. She had me wanting to teleport into this world as she brought to life the many cool places the characters traveled. Even the homes they lived in sounded so magical and dreamy. I may not want an evil witch hunting me but Neve and Caleb almost changed my mind as I followed along their journey.
This book felt like an adventure. There were times I wanted it to speed up while at the same time still enjoying every minute of it. And then that ending! The cliffhanger is huge and I want the next book so bad!!
Well done!
All I can say is, Nora Robert’s writing is magical. She had me wanting to teleport into this world as she brought to life the many cool places the characters traveled. Even the homes they lived in sounded so magical and dreamy. I may not want an evil witch hunting me but Neve and Caleb almost changed my mind as I followed along their journey.
This book felt like an adventure. There were times I wanted it to speed up while at the same time still enjoying every minute of it. And then that ending! The cliffhanger is huge and I want the next book so bad!!
Well done!
July 25, 2026
Victim of a fear spread from Salem to her home Piety Island, Neve, at the age of thirteen was born and witch and died a witch in the same moment. This story follows her journey from her first life, where she is accused of witchcraft and finds comfort from pair of witch sisters who are imprisoned with her. They saw her innocence and light and decided to share their power with her in their final moments together.
From that moment on they live hundreds of lives together. Coming to the present where on her 13th birthday, Neve wakes up to once again learn of her powers. Due to the circumstance in which she gained power but lost her life, Neve is chosen with stopping a growing darkness. The same darkness responsible for her death 300 years ago. Her path leads her to grow her strength and skills to win this war. Thankfully, she knows she is not alone. Not only do her aunts stand beside her, but she dreams of a young man whose life is intertwined with hers and has been for centuries.
I had such high hopes for this book and was sadly disappointed. I don't know how to explain it other than this was the slowest book that also felt rushed. So many parts of this book dragged on until suddenly, out of nowhere, something wild would happen. It came across really patchy for this reason. It is told through third person, multiple POVs which also wasn't explained you just needed to figure out whose point of view it was based on how they thought/talked.
From that moment on they live hundreds of lives together. Coming to the present where on her 13th birthday, Neve wakes up to once again learn of her powers. Due to the circumstance in which she gained power but lost her life, Neve is chosen with stopping a growing darkness. The same darkness responsible for her death 300 years ago. Her path leads her to grow her strength and skills to win this war. Thankfully, she knows she is not alone. Not only do her aunts stand beside her, but she dreams of a young man whose life is intertwined with hers and has been for centuries.
I had such high hopes for this book and was sadly disappointed. I don't know how to explain it other than this was the slowest book that also felt rushed. So many parts of this book dragged on until suddenly, out of nowhere, something wild would happen. It came across really patchy for this reason. It is told through third person, multiple POVs which also wasn't explained you just needed to figure out whose point of view it was based on how they thought/talked.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A book hangover is defined as: a lingering emotional state of sadness, emptiness, or disorientation after finishing a captivating book, and that is exactly what I have after finishing Birth of a Witch.
Slower paced than most of her other supernatural trilogies, I knew if I hung in there and soaked it all in, it would be worth it by the end, and oh boy was it!
This was...everything I hoped it would be. My only regret is not making it last longer because that ending? That ending was absolutely brutal and I can't stop thinking about it. Can't stop wishing for the next book because I truly want, no, need, more! I am so thankful this author writes so quickly, because the wait, truly, is going to be torture. It's going to take a while to get over this one.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Slower paced than most of her other supernatural trilogies, I knew if I hung in there and soaked it all in, it would be worth it by the end, and oh boy was it!
This was...everything I hoped it would be. My only regret is not making it last longer because that ending? That ending was absolutely brutal and I can't stop thinking about it. Can't stop wishing for the next book because I truly want, no, need, more! I am so thankful this author writes so quickly, because the wait, truly, is going to be torture. It's going to take a while to get over this one.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: Birth of the Witch
Author: Nora Roberts
Format: 🎧
Pub date: Nov 17, 2026
Rating: 3.5
On Piety Island, in 1695, 13 year old Niamh McShane dies a witch during the height of the Salem witch trials. In her final hours, she is imprisoned with two local weavers.
On Piety Island, in 2013, 13-year-old Neve McShane learns that her aunts' potion shop and kitchen magic are real, and that she belongs to a bloodline of witches bound across centuries.
Neve is tasked with stopping a growing darkness and retrieving magical objects to aid in her quest. She also keeps having dreams of the same man that tried to help rescue her from the noose in 1695.
Can she push back the darkness, or will it consume her and everyone she loves?
This story is full of cozy, witchy vibes. The aunts and the familiars are my favorites in the story.
There are a lot of unanswered questions, but this is book 1 in a trilogy. I am sure questions will be answered, as the trilogy continues.
One thing that I wasn’t crazy about was the amount of cursing in this book. It distracted from the story, felt overdone, and made the characters seem immature.
🎧 Stephanie Németh-Parker narrated this story. She did a great job bringing the characters to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Author: Nora Roberts
Format: 🎧
Pub date: Nov 17, 2026
Rating: 3.5
On Piety Island, in 1695, 13 year old Niamh McShane dies a witch during the height of the Salem witch trials. In her final hours, she is imprisoned with two local weavers.
On Piety Island, in 2013, 13-year-old Neve McShane learns that her aunts' potion shop and kitchen magic are real, and that she belongs to a bloodline of witches bound across centuries.
Neve is tasked with stopping a growing darkness and retrieving magical objects to aid in her quest. She also keeps having dreams of the same man that tried to help rescue her from the noose in 1695.
Can she push back the darkness, or will it consume her and everyone she loves?
This story is full of cozy, witchy vibes. The aunts and the familiars are my favorites in the story.
There are a lot of unanswered questions, but this is book 1 in a trilogy. I am sure questions will be answered, as the trilogy continues.
One thing that I wasn’t crazy about was the amount of cursing in this book. It distracted from the story, felt overdone, and made the characters seem immature.
🎧 Stephanie Németh-Parker narrated this story. She did a great job bringing the characters to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
October 9, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC and Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC!
This was my first Nora Roberts book, and it ended up being a bit of a mixed bag for me. I really liked the premise of witches, past lives, and a coven connected across centuries, and I was excited to see where the story would go!
Unfortunately, I had a hard time staying invested as the story went on. The pacing felt pretty slow at times, and I found myself wishing things would move along a little quicker. Then there were other moments where so much happened all at once that it felt a little rushed. I also struggled to connect with the characters enough to feel fully invested in their stories.
I did enjoy the magical elements, and I think the overall concept had so much potential. I just wish I’d connected with the story more because I really wanted to love this one!
I listened to parts of this on audio, and I had no issues with the narration. The audiobook was easy to follow, so the pacing and connection to the story were really just personal issues for me.
I’m still glad I gave Nora Roberts a try, but this one just wasn’t quite what I was hoping for.
This was my first Nora Roberts book, and it ended up being a bit of a mixed bag for me. I really liked the premise of witches, past lives, and a coven connected across centuries, and I was excited to see where the story would go!
Unfortunately, I had a hard time staying invested as the story went on. The pacing felt pretty slow at times, and I found myself wishing things would move along a little quicker. Then there were other moments where so much happened all at once that it felt a little rushed. I also struggled to connect with the characters enough to feel fully invested in their stories.
I did enjoy the magical elements, and I think the overall concept had so much potential. I just wish I’d connected with the story more because I really wanted to love this one!
I listened to parts of this on audio, and I had no issues with the narration. The audiobook was easy to follow, so the pacing and connection to the story were really just personal issues for me.
I’m still glad I gave Nora Roberts a try, but this one just wasn’t quite what I was hoping for.
September 20, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for a review. All opinions stated are my own.
Believe it or not I have never read a Nora Roberts book. So in the name of research (I mean, as a librarian I do actually need to read outside my comfort zones all of the time), I decided this was the time. Witches seem to be a very hot topic and I had to set down another advance reader copy because they started nearly the same.
So. I loved the premise and actually really liked the characters. I enjoyed the first quarter of the book and thought “great! Here we go”.
But then I thought the book wandered around too much. There were a lot of times I thought “oh get on with it”. Around 40 percent it screeched to a halt for me but I persisted. I know this book is part of a series but I was disappointed at the end thinking that while the end was exciting, I didn’t want to read the next book.
I think it could have been a single-book story and wish it was.
NR fans will no doubt be delighted but for me, it was alright.
3*
Believe it or not I have never read a Nora Roberts book. So in the name of research (I mean, as a librarian I do actually need to read outside my comfort zones all of the time), I decided this was the time. Witches seem to be a very hot topic and I had to set down another advance reader copy because they started nearly the same.
So. I loved the premise and actually really liked the characters. I enjoyed the first quarter of the book and thought “great! Here we go”.
But then I thought the book wandered around too much. There were a lot of times I thought “oh get on with it”. Around 40 percent it screeched to a halt for me but I persisted. I know this book is part of a series but I was disappointed at the end thinking that while the end was exciting, I didn’t want to read the next book.
I think it could have been a single-book story and wish it was.
NR fans will no doubt be delighted but for me, it was alright.
3*
August 16, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of Birth of the Witch by Nora Roberts.
I really enjoyed this one! It’s a fun mix of magic, history, family, and a little romance, and I liked how the story connected the past with the present. The whole idea of witches, past lives, and this centuries-old battle gave the story a really interesting feel.
Neve was a great main character, especially watching her slowly discover her powers and figure out what her family has been keeping from her. I also really liked the relationship between Neve and her aunts. Their bond brought a lot of heart to the story and ended up being one of my favorite parts.
Piety Island was another highlight for me. The setting felt atmospheric and magical, and it was easy to picture everything while listening. There’s definitely a lot of groundwork being laid for the rest of the trilogy, but it didn’t feel like the entire book was just setup.
The audiobook was an enjoyable way to experience the story and kept me interested throughout. Overall, this was a really solid start to the trilogy, and I’m definitely curious to see where Neve’s story goes next!
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of Birth of the Witch by Nora Roberts.
I really enjoyed this one! It’s a fun mix of magic, history, family, and a little romance, and I liked how the story connected the past with the present. The whole idea of witches, past lives, and this centuries-old battle gave the story a really interesting feel.
Neve was a great main character, especially watching her slowly discover her powers and figure out what her family has been keeping from her. I also really liked the relationship between Neve and her aunts. Their bond brought a lot of heart to the story and ended up being one of my favorite parts.
Piety Island was another highlight for me. The setting felt atmospheric and magical, and it was easy to picture everything while listening. There’s definitely a lot of groundwork being laid for the rest of the trilogy, but it didn’t feel like the entire book was just setup.
The audiobook was an enjoyable way to experience the story and kept me interested throughout. Overall, this was a really solid start to the trilogy, and I’m definitely curious to see where Neve’s story goes next!
October 18, 2026
Nora Roberts’s Birth of the Witch kept me company on my commute, and a little witchcraft certainly improves the drive to work. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the gifted advance listening copy. What is it about a favorite author that makes you start a new trilogy knowing you have absolutely no patience for the wait between books?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I’ve loved Nora’s books for years, and the family connections are a big reason I keep coming back. Give me witches, a little Irish magic, and people who keep finding one another across lifetimes, and I’m settling in.
But goodness, that opening is heartbreaking. Thirteen-year-old Niamh faces the cruelty of a witch hunt on Piety Island, and the kindness she receives in her final hours matters centuries later. When we meet Neve on her thirteenth birthday, her presents come with quite a revelation: her aunts are witches, those stories about past lives are true, and she has powers of her own. Apparently, adolescence needed another complication.
Her relationship with her aunts was my favorite part. There’s comfort in having people who know what you’re capable of, especially when you’re still figuring it out yourself. Their shop, their everyday routines, and the love between them gave me somewhere to catch my breath between the darker moments.
Then there’s Caden, living his own life while dreams and memories pull him toward Neve. I enjoyed getting to know them separately, although I did want to give destiny a calendar and ask it to pick a date already. The romance is still taking shape here, so come prepared to settle into their individual journeys.
Stephanie Németh-Parker gives the audiobook so much personality. Her distinct voices and accents help keep the characters clear, and the warmth in the family scenes makes the harder moments hit that much more.
And that cliffhanger? Nora. We have history. You know I’m coming back; you could have let me leave calmly.
Which author gets you to start an unfinished series despite knowing the wait will test you?
#BirthOfTheWitch #NoraRoberts #MacmillanAudio #AudiobookReview #WitchyReads #FantasyRomance #Bookstagram
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I’ve loved Nora’s books for years, and the family connections are a big reason I keep coming back. Give me witches, a little Irish magic, and people who keep finding one another across lifetimes, and I’m settling in.
But goodness, that opening is heartbreaking. Thirteen-year-old Niamh faces the cruelty of a witch hunt on Piety Island, and the kindness she receives in her final hours matters centuries later. When we meet Neve on her thirteenth birthday, her presents come with quite a revelation: her aunts are witches, those stories about past lives are true, and she has powers of her own. Apparently, adolescence needed another complication.
Her relationship with her aunts was my favorite part. There’s comfort in having people who know what you’re capable of, especially when you’re still figuring it out yourself. Their shop, their everyday routines, and the love between them gave me somewhere to catch my breath between the darker moments.
Then there’s Caden, living his own life while dreams and memories pull him toward Neve. I enjoyed getting to know them separately, although I did want to give destiny a calendar and ask it to pick a date already. The romance is still taking shape here, so come prepared to settle into their individual journeys.
Stephanie Németh-Parker gives the audiobook so much personality. Her distinct voices and accents help keep the characters clear, and the warmth in the family scenes makes the harder moments hit that much more.
And that cliffhanger? Nora. We have history. You know I’m coming back; you could have let me leave calmly.
Which author gets you to start an unfinished series despite knowing the wait will test you?
#BirthOfTheWitch #NoraRoberts #MacmillanAudio #AudiobookReview #WitchyReads #FantasyRomance #Bookstagram
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!
This book reminds me of why I fell in love with Nora Roberts' writing. The buildup of the story and the careful foundation for the entire series was built masterfully within Birth of the Witch.
I was immediately pulled in by the premise and the narrator was able to put so much dimension and feeling into each character, and truly hooked me. I spent my entire Sunday listening because I was so entranced by the story and narrator. AND THAT CLIFFHANGER!! I will now be impatiently waiting for book 2 because I need to see what happens next.
This book reminds me of why I fell in love with Nora Roberts' writing. The buildup of the story and the careful foundation for the entire series was built masterfully within Birth of the Witch.
I was immediately pulled in by the premise and the narrator was able to put so much dimension and feeling into each character, and truly hooked me. I spent my entire Sunday listening because I was so entranced by the story and narrator. AND THAT CLIFFHANGER!! I will now be impatiently waiting for book 2 because I need to see what happens next.
October 20, 2026
3.5⭐ ~ Neve became a witch on her 13th birthday—a victim to the Salam witch trials, she was lucky to get another chance at life due to the weavers who became her “aunts”. Again, on her 13th birthday 300 years later, her aunts reveal more of their powers to her and tell her she also has them. She has to prep for a war of sorts, strengthening her skill, and learning about her past. She keeps dreaming of a boy who connects to her past and future.
The time jumping in this book was hard for me to keep track of. The POV shifts also confused me, I think because I listened on audio and there was only 1 narrator. Parts of this book were so slow and other parts seemed abrupt or rushed. The pacing was odd to me. I did enjoy the witches, magic, the past storytelling, the way both POVs collided, and the atmospheric vibes especially toward the end. The interesting parts of this story really had me locked in, and it ended on a major cliffhanger setting us up for book 2.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
The time jumping in this book was hard for me to keep track of. The POV shifts also confused me, I think because I listened on audio and there was only 1 narrator. Parts of this book were so slow and other parts seemed abrupt or rushed. The pacing was odd to me. I did enjoy the witches, magic, the past storytelling, the way both POVs collided, and the atmospheric vibes especially toward the end. The interesting parts of this story really had me locked in, and it ended on a major cliffhanger setting us up for book 2.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In 1695, Niamh McShane is falsely accused of being a witch and is hanged on her thirteenth birthday. Two witches that she was jailed with and a young boy transform her into a witch before she is killed.
Neve McShane has come back multiple times, but in 2013 discovered that she is a witch on her 13th birthday and that her aunts are the two witches that changed her.
Neve is tasked with stopping a growing darkness and polishes her skills while she waits. Meanwhile she has dreams of the young boy that helped change her.
I was so excited when I heard about this book! I am a big Nora Roberts' fan and love her fantasy series. I'm sad to say that this one was very slow going for me. It was basically a cozy witch story most of the way through. The FMC didn't meet the MMC until near the end of the book. Most of the action happened there and the book ended on a cliffhanger. It is set up perfectly for the second book in the series.
I listened to the audiobook on this one and Stephanie Németh-Parker did a wonderful job on all of the characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced digital copy of the audiobook.
Neve McShane has come back multiple times, but in 2013 discovered that she is a witch on her 13th birthday and that her aunts are the two witches that changed her.
Neve is tasked with stopping a growing darkness and polishes her skills while she waits. Meanwhile she has dreams of the young boy that helped change her.
I was so excited when I heard about this book! I am a big Nora Roberts' fan and love her fantasy series. I'm sad to say that this one was very slow going for me. It was basically a cozy witch story most of the way through. The FMC didn't meet the MMC until near the end of the book. Most of the action happened there and the book ended on a cliffhanger. It is set up perfectly for the second book in the series.
I listened to the audiobook on this one and Stephanie Németh-Parker did a wonderful job on all of the characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced digital copy of the audiobook.
September 28, 2026
I received this audiobook from NetGalley in return for a review of my thoughts about the book.
This is a wonderful story and is the first of the trilogy: A Coven of Three by Nora Roberts. It is set in two different times in the same place: 1695 and 2013 in Piety Island and is told around the McShane family.
Niamh McShane is born in 1682 on Piety Island in Massachusetts. She has no family left and is working for and living with a rich family as a lowly servant. When a daughter becomes very ill and is dying, Niamh is unjustly accused of witchcraft. She is arrested, branded with a W above her heart, and jailed. Two people with whom she is imprisoned are weaver-witches. As the 3 are getting ready to be executed, the witches pass on some of their powers to Niamh. Niamh is said to be “Born a witch and die a witch in the same moment.”
On the island 300+ years later, 2013, Niamh is reincarnated as Neve McShane. Neve is 13 years old when the "present" story begins. She is now discovering that she has a magical inheritance.
Neve’s aunts, Dorcas and Elsbeth, are two weaver-witches who have lived multiple lifetimes, usually alongside Neve/Niamh. It is their destiny for the three to be together. This time, Dorcas and Elsbeth have a shop, Magicks, that sells potions, candles, and soaps they make. Neve often works in the shop. She enjoys it.
On her 13th birthday, Neve gets gifts from her aunts: sneakers, iPhone, and a beautiful antique pendant. She is shocked to get the iPhone since her aunts had previously said she was too young. The pendant is stunning and Neve puts it on and wears it!
Then Neve is astonished! Neve finds out that her aunts’ stories about past lives actually happened. They’re not just made up. She learns that her aunts are real, actual witches and that she is, too! She is the first witch in the McShane family, back in 1695! Dorcas and Elsbeth tell her the secrets of her own powers and her past. And she starts to remember some of her past lives.
Neve’s occupation now is to learn about and how to handle her new and increasing magical skills. She has a job to do: stop/take out a dangerous enemy. She will need to be 100% confident, skillful, and dedicated to do it.
Also, she will need to work with someone she doesn’t know yet, a reincarnation of a boy who helped Niamh in 1695. Caden Quinn is Irish and has family in Massachusetts and Ireland. He knows that he needs to work with a girl but doesn’t know her name or location. Caden keeps dreaming of her. He, also, is a witch.
One day at 15 years old when she is out with her friend at the beach, Neve meets Imogen—the evil witch with massive darkness skills. Neve’s present disappears when Imogen tries to recruit her to work together. When Neve’s “no” is emphatically impressed on Imogen, Imogen disappears and Neve’s reality reappears.
This is an incredibly interesting book. I’m thrilled I got to read it! And I’m looking forward to the rest of the trilogy!
Audiobook: 13h 31m The narrator did a wonderful job. I enjoyed listening to the story.
This is a wonderful story and is the first of the trilogy: A Coven of Three by Nora Roberts. It is set in two different times in the same place: 1695 and 2013 in Piety Island and is told around the McShane family.
Niamh McShane is born in 1682 on Piety Island in Massachusetts. She has no family left and is working for and living with a rich family as a lowly servant. When a daughter becomes very ill and is dying, Niamh is unjustly accused of witchcraft. She is arrested, branded with a W above her heart, and jailed. Two people with whom she is imprisoned are weaver-witches. As the 3 are getting ready to be executed, the witches pass on some of their powers to Niamh. Niamh is said to be “Born a witch and die a witch in the same moment.”
On the island 300+ years later, 2013, Niamh is reincarnated as Neve McShane. Neve is 13 years old when the "present" story begins. She is now discovering that she has a magical inheritance.
Neve’s aunts, Dorcas and Elsbeth, are two weaver-witches who have lived multiple lifetimes, usually alongside Neve/Niamh. It is their destiny for the three to be together. This time, Dorcas and Elsbeth have a shop, Magicks, that sells potions, candles, and soaps they make. Neve often works in the shop. She enjoys it.
On her 13th birthday, Neve gets gifts from her aunts: sneakers, iPhone, and a beautiful antique pendant. She is shocked to get the iPhone since her aunts had previously said she was too young. The pendant is stunning and Neve puts it on and wears it!
Then Neve is astonished! Neve finds out that her aunts’ stories about past lives actually happened. They’re not just made up. She learns that her aunts are real, actual witches and that she is, too! She is the first witch in the McShane family, back in 1695! Dorcas and Elsbeth tell her the secrets of her own powers and her past. And she starts to remember some of her past lives.
Neve’s occupation now is to learn about and how to handle her new and increasing magical skills. She has a job to do: stop/take out a dangerous enemy. She will need to be 100% confident, skillful, and dedicated to do it.
Also, she will need to work with someone she doesn’t know yet, a reincarnation of a boy who helped Niamh in 1695. Caden Quinn is Irish and has family in Massachusetts and Ireland. He knows that he needs to work with a girl but doesn’t know her name or location. Caden keeps dreaming of her. He, also, is a witch.
One day at 15 years old when she is out with her friend at the beach, Neve meets Imogen—the evil witch with massive darkness skills. Neve’s present disappears when Imogen tries to recruit her to work together. When Neve’s “no” is emphatically impressed on Imogen, Imogen disappears and Neve’s reality reappears.
This is an incredibly interesting book. I’m thrilled I got to read it! And I’m looking forward to the rest of the trilogy!
Audiobook: 13h 31m The narrator did a wonderful job. I enjoyed listening to the story.
September 24, 2026
Title: Birth of the Witch
Author: Nora Roberts
Series: A Coven of Three Trilogy, 1
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Fantasy, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️
POV’s: Neve (FMC) & Caden (MMC)
What to expect:
*Found family of witches
*Extreme slow burn
*Major cliffhanger
Safety:
No relationship drama. Some on page fight scenes. Witch trials and hanging.
Review:
I don’t want to spoil the book, but this was not good. At all. The main couple doesn’t even meet until almost 90% into the story. Then it ends with a shocking cliffhanger. Not sure that I will continue the series if it continues like this.
Thank you to the author, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Author: Nora Roberts
Series: A Coven of Three Trilogy, 1
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Fantasy, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️
POV’s: Neve (FMC) & Caden (MMC)
What to expect:
*Found family of witches
*Extreme slow burn
*Major cliffhanger
Safety:
No relationship drama. Some on page fight scenes. Witch trials and hanging.
Review:
I don’t want to spoil the book, but this was not good. At all. The main couple doesn’t even meet until almost 90% into the story. Then it ends with a shocking cliffhanger. Not sure that I will continue the series if it continues like this.
Thank you to the author, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nooooo!!! I read this through an ARC, and now I have to wait even longer for the second installment than everyone else. I absolutely loved this storyline and devoured it in one day! A must-read for everyone who loves this genre.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #MacmillanAudio for this ARC.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #MacmillanAudio for this ARC.
November 1, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the chance to read and listen to an advance copy of Birth Of The Witch, the first book in a new trilogy by the prolific Nora Roberts.
The book opens in 1695 on an island near Boston. A young indentured servant, Niamh, is accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death along with two older women. This part of the story served to provide background for the rest of the saga and it pulled me in immediately. A boy uses his power to help the two older women give powers to Niamh, in the hope of saving her. Three is a powerful number in this story, as in many stories of witches (think MacBeth!).
We then jump to 2013, where Neve (same name, new spelling), who lives with her two “aunts”, is turning 13. She and her aunts have lived many lives over the centuries since 1695. This time they are back on Piety Island in Massachusetts Bay. Neve hadn’t realized she was a witch until now - her powers come in on her 13th birthday, just as they did in 1695. Fast forward again and Neve is in her 20s. Caden is also in his 20s now, but he’s always known he was a witch. He comes from a family full of magic and similar to Neve and her aunts, Dorcas and Elspeth, he has also lived many lives. He and Neve are destined to battle the evil that has grown over the centuries, but they keep missing each other, except in dreams. This is the epitome of the slow burn.
I really loved how the story unfolded, although not a lot happened for a good portion of the book. Lots of missed meetings, for example. And lots about real estate, business plans, pubs and renovations. I’m hoping that the following books will shed light on why all that was necessary. But finally Caden and Neve do meet. And then the book is pretty much nonstop action until a huge cliffhanger at the end.
I loved the two animals who became familiars - Maggie, a black cat for Neve, and Mactire, a wolf, for Caden.
In addition to the audiobook, I read a fair amount of this one. I loved the narration by Stephanie Németh-Parker, and appreciated hearing the pronunciation of all the Irish names and place names. A lot of the book takes place in Ireland, but a sizable chunk, in addition to Massachusetts, takes place in Montana, which was a surprise.
Even with a couple of reservations, I will look forward to and wait impatiently for the next book in this projected trilogy.
The book opens in 1695 on an island near Boston. A young indentured servant, Niamh, is accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death along with two older women. This part of the story served to provide background for the rest of the saga and it pulled me in immediately. A boy uses his power to help the two older women give powers to Niamh, in the hope of saving her. Three is a powerful number in this story, as in many stories of witches (think MacBeth!).
We then jump to 2013, where Neve (same name, new spelling), who lives with her two “aunts”, is turning 13. She and her aunts have lived many lives over the centuries since 1695. This time they are back on Piety Island in Massachusetts Bay. Neve hadn’t realized she was a witch until now - her powers come in on her 13th birthday, just as they did in 1695. Fast forward again and Neve is in her 20s. Caden is also in his 20s now, but he’s always known he was a witch. He comes from a family full of magic and similar to Neve and her aunts, Dorcas and Elspeth, he has also lived many lives. He and Neve are destined to battle the evil that has grown over the centuries, but they keep missing each other, except in dreams. This is the epitome of the slow burn.
I really loved how the story unfolded, although not a lot happened for a good portion of the book. Lots of missed meetings, for example. And lots about real estate, business plans, pubs and renovations. I’m hoping that the following books will shed light on why all that was necessary. But finally Caden and Neve do meet. And then the book is pretty much nonstop action until a huge cliffhanger at the end.
I loved the two animals who became familiars - Maggie, a black cat for Neve, and Mactire, a wolf, for Caden.
In addition to the audiobook, I read a fair amount of this one. I loved the narration by Stephanie Németh-Parker, and appreciated hearing the pronunciation of all the Irish names and place names. A lot of the book takes place in Ireland, but a sizable chunk, in addition to Massachusetts, takes place in Montana, which was a surprise.
Even with a couple of reservations, I will look forward to and wait impatiently for the next book in this projected trilogy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 4/5 ⭐️
Birth of the Witch by Nora Roberts
A Coven of Three Trilogy #1
Man, this starts off really heavy. Sets up the scene and the promise of what’s to come.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book via NetGalley!
I have always been a huge fan of Nora and this just continues to confirm my love of her writing. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. The perfect October read. Witches, past lives, and a quest. Cannot wait to see where Neve goes in the next book. She has a lot coming for her but she has so many people surrounding her.
I did enjoy the narration for the most part. There were some parts where the narration felt a little not emotional enough? Maybe. I don’t know hard to describe. A lot of the beginning felt very very emotional and I had a hard time feeling that come through in the narration.
I cannot wait for the next book.
Birth of the Witch by Nora Roberts
A Coven of Three Trilogy #1
Man, this starts off really heavy. Sets up the scene and the promise of what’s to come.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book via NetGalley!
I have always been a huge fan of Nora and this just continues to confirm my love of her writing. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. The perfect October read. Witches, past lives, and a quest. Cannot wait to see where Neve goes in the next book. She has a lot coming for her but she has so many people surrounding her.
I did enjoy the narration for the most part. There were some parts where the narration felt a little not emotional enough? Maybe. I don’t know hard to describe. A lot of the beginning felt very very emotional and I had a hard time feeling that come through in the narration.
I cannot wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had such high hopes for this book. I mean, it had all the spooky season vibes and potential. I mean, how can you go wrong with reincarnation and fated mates?!
Unfortunately, for me, the book's downfall was the pacing. It took me soooooo long to get into the story, and the pacing never improved. And that was just too hard for me to ignore.
As much as I wanted to love this book, it ended up being a miss for me.
* Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. *
Unfortunately, for me, the book's downfall was the pacing. It took me soooooo long to get into the story, and the pacing never improved. And that was just too hard for me to ignore.
As much as I wanted to love this book, it ended up being a miss for me.
* Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. *
on-deck
October 3, 2026A new witchy Nora Roberts book?? GIMMIE RIGHT NOW! oh I’m so excited I have been craving something as good as her lost bride series since I finished it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Birth of the Witch
By Nora Roberts
Genre: Fantasy / Paranormal Romance / Witches / Epic Fantasy
Publication Year: 2026
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
ARC Disclosure: I received an advanced review copy of Birth of the Witch. Thank you to the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
Review originally posted here:
🔗https://prairiefoxreads.blogspot.com/...
Some Stories Feel Like Destiny
There are authors whose books I eagerly anticipate.
Then there is Nora Roberts.
For decades, Roberts has mastered the art of creating worlds where family, magic, romance, and courage intertwine in ways that feel both deeply comforting and endlessly exciting. With Birth of the Witch, she launches what promises to be another unforgettable trilogy, introducing readers to a story that spans centuries, generations, and lifetimes.
From its opening chapters, this novel feels quintessentially Nora Roberts: richly atmospheric, emotionally grounded, and centered on characters you immediately want to spend time with.
What begins during the dark hysteria surrounding Salem-era witch persecutions evolves into a sweeping tale of destiny, reincarnation, found family, and an ancient battle between light and darkness.
But beneath the magic lies something even more compelling.
A story about choosing who you become.
Three Women Bound Across Time
The novel opens with tragedy.
In the late seventeenth century, thirteen-year-old Niamh McShane is condemned during the fear and madness that swept through communities obsessed with rooting out witchcraft. In her final hours, she encounters imprisoned women who recognize extraordinary power within her and pass some of their own gifts forward.
Their act becomes the spark for everything that follows.
More than three centuries later, Neve McShane awakens on her thirteenth birthday expecting an ordinary celebration.
She receives anything but.
An antique pendant.
A family revelation.
A destiny she never imagined.
Suddenly Neve learns that the stories told by her aunts are not stories at all. Their magic is real. Their connection to the past is real. And the darkness they have prepared her to face is very real indeed.
One of Roberts's greatest strengths is her ability to make magical destinies feel personal. While the larger conflict drives the plot, Neve remains at the center of the story as a young girl trying to understand who she is and what she is capable of becoming.
The magic creates wonder.
The relationships create meaning.
A Public Health Perspective: Intergenerational Resilience
From a public health perspective, Birth of the Witch offers a fascinating exploration of intergenerational resilience.
Modern public health increasingly recognizes that families pass down far more than genetics. They pass down stories, traditions, coping strategies, values, and sources of strength that help future generations navigate adversity.
This theme runs throughout the novel.
Neve inherits power, certainly.
But she also inherits responsibility.
History.
Memory.
Community.
The women who came before her continue influencing the present, not simply through supernatural means, but through the enduring impact of their choices and sacrifices.
As someone with a public health background, I appreciated how strongly the novel emphasizes connection across generations. The story repeatedly reinforces the idea that individuals rarely face life's greatest challenges alone.
They draw strength from those who came before them.
And prepare those who come after.
Looking Through an Analytic Lens
What impressed me most about Birth of the Witch is how effectively Nora Roberts balances multiple timelines and themes without losing clarity or emotional momentum.
The novel weaves together:
Historical persecution
Contemporary coming-of-age themes
Magical training
Family dynamics
Romance
Ancient evil
Reincarnation and destiny
In lesser hands, those elements could feel overwhelming.
Roberts makes them feel seamless.
The island setting provides an especially effective backdrop. Piety Island feels alive from the very beginning, becoming more than a location. Like many of Roberts's best settings, it becomes a character in its own right.
The novel also reflects a recurring theme found throughout her fantasy work:
Power is not defined by dominance.
It is defined by how it is used.
Neve's journey is not simply about learning magic.
It is about learning judgment, responsibility, and courage.
Reading This Novel as a Woman in Midlife
Some fantasy novels are primarily about adventure.
Others are about belonging.
Birth of the Witch succeeds because it understands both.
As a woman in midlife, I found myself particularly drawn to the relationships between generations of women throughout the story.
The aunts.
The ancestors.
The mentors.
The protectors.
So many fantasy novels focus primarily on individual heroes. Roberts understands that strength often emerges from community.
No one succeeds entirely alone.
That truth gives the novel emotional depth.
I was also moved by its exploration of legacy.
What do we leave behind?
What do we teach?
What parts of ourselves continue after we are gone?
Those questions gain significance with age, and Roberts handles them beautifully.
Strengths and Limitations
The novel's greatest strength is its atmosphere.
Nora Roberts remains exceptionally skilled at creating immersive worlds filled with warmth, mystery, and magic. From the island setting to the family relationships, everything feels vivid and inviting.
The character development is equally strong. Neve is easy to root for, while the supporting cast provides both humor and heart.
The historical storyline adds emotional weight, giving the present-day narrative a deeper sense of purpose and urgency.
As the first book in a trilogy, some storylines remain unresolved by design. Readers should expect significant setup alongside major revelations.
For me, however, that was part of the excitement.
This feels like the beginning of something much larger.
Final Thoughts
Birth of the Witch is a captivating start to what promises to be another outstanding Nora Roberts trilogy.
Blending magic, family, history, romance, and adventure, Roberts creates a world that feels both timeless and fresh. Through Neve's journey, she explores courage, inheritance, destiny, and the enduring bonds that connect women across generations.
Fans of The Dragon Heart Legacy, The Chronicles of The One, and The Lost Bride Trilogy will find much to love here. Readers who enjoy witchcraft, family-centered fantasy, and richly developed magical worlds are especially likely to be enchanted.
What lingered with me after finishing was not a particular spell or battle.
It was the sense of continuity.
The idea that strength can travel across centuries.
That love can endure beyond a single lifetime.
And that even in the face of darkness, there are always people willing to pass their light forward.
Birth of the Witch reminds us that magic is not only found in power.
Sometimes it is found in the people who believe in us before we believe in ourselves.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) ⭐
By Nora Roberts
Genre: Fantasy / Paranormal Romance / Witches / Epic Fantasy
Publication Year: 2026
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
ARC Disclosure: I received an advanced review copy of Birth of the Witch. Thank you to the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
Review originally posted here:
🔗https://prairiefoxreads.blogspot.com/...
Some Stories Feel Like Destiny
There are authors whose books I eagerly anticipate.
Then there is Nora Roberts.
For decades, Roberts has mastered the art of creating worlds where family, magic, romance, and courage intertwine in ways that feel both deeply comforting and endlessly exciting. With Birth of the Witch, she launches what promises to be another unforgettable trilogy, introducing readers to a story that spans centuries, generations, and lifetimes.
From its opening chapters, this novel feels quintessentially Nora Roberts: richly atmospheric, emotionally grounded, and centered on characters you immediately want to spend time with.
What begins during the dark hysteria surrounding Salem-era witch persecutions evolves into a sweeping tale of destiny, reincarnation, found family, and an ancient battle between light and darkness.
But beneath the magic lies something even more compelling.
A story about choosing who you become.
Three Women Bound Across Time
The novel opens with tragedy.
In the late seventeenth century, thirteen-year-old Niamh McShane is condemned during the fear and madness that swept through communities obsessed with rooting out witchcraft. In her final hours, she encounters imprisoned women who recognize extraordinary power within her and pass some of their own gifts forward.
Their act becomes the spark for everything that follows.
More than three centuries later, Neve McShane awakens on her thirteenth birthday expecting an ordinary celebration.
She receives anything but.
An antique pendant.
A family revelation.
A destiny she never imagined.
Suddenly Neve learns that the stories told by her aunts are not stories at all. Their magic is real. Their connection to the past is real. And the darkness they have prepared her to face is very real indeed.
One of Roberts's greatest strengths is her ability to make magical destinies feel personal. While the larger conflict drives the plot, Neve remains at the center of the story as a young girl trying to understand who she is and what she is capable of becoming.
The magic creates wonder.
The relationships create meaning.
A Public Health Perspective: Intergenerational Resilience
From a public health perspective, Birth of the Witch offers a fascinating exploration of intergenerational resilience.
Modern public health increasingly recognizes that families pass down far more than genetics. They pass down stories, traditions, coping strategies, values, and sources of strength that help future generations navigate adversity.
This theme runs throughout the novel.
Neve inherits power, certainly.
But she also inherits responsibility.
History.
Memory.
Community.
The women who came before her continue influencing the present, not simply through supernatural means, but through the enduring impact of their choices and sacrifices.
As someone with a public health background, I appreciated how strongly the novel emphasizes connection across generations. The story repeatedly reinforces the idea that individuals rarely face life's greatest challenges alone.
They draw strength from those who came before them.
And prepare those who come after.
Looking Through an Analytic Lens
What impressed me most about Birth of the Witch is how effectively Nora Roberts balances multiple timelines and themes without losing clarity or emotional momentum.
The novel weaves together:
Historical persecution
Contemporary coming-of-age themes
Magical training
Family dynamics
Romance
Ancient evil
Reincarnation and destiny
In lesser hands, those elements could feel overwhelming.
Roberts makes them feel seamless.
The island setting provides an especially effective backdrop. Piety Island feels alive from the very beginning, becoming more than a location. Like many of Roberts's best settings, it becomes a character in its own right.
The novel also reflects a recurring theme found throughout her fantasy work:
Power is not defined by dominance.
It is defined by how it is used.
Neve's journey is not simply about learning magic.
It is about learning judgment, responsibility, and courage.
Reading This Novel as a Woman in Midlife
Some fantasy novels are primarily about adventure.
Others are about belonging.
Birth of the Witch succeeds because it understands both.
As a woman in midlife, I found myself particularly drawn to the relationships between generations of women throughout the story.
The aunts.
The ancestors.
The mentors.
The protectors.
So many fantasy novels focus primarily on individual heroes. Roberts understands that strength often emerges from community.
No one succeeds entirely alone.
That truth gives the novel emotional depth.
I was also moved by its exploration of legacy.
What do we leave behind?
What do we teach?
What parts of ourselves continue after we are gone?
Those questions gain significance with age, and Roberts handles them beautifully.
Strengths and Limitations
The novel's greatest strength is its atmosphere.
Nora Roberts remains exceptionally skilled at creating immersive worlds filled with warmth, mystery, and magic. From the island setting to the family relationships, everything feels vivid and inviting.
The character development is equally strong. Neve is easy to root for, while the supporting cast provides both humor and heart.
The historical storyline adds emotional weight, giving the present-day narrative a deeper sense of purpose and urgency.
As the first book in a trilogy, some storylines remain unresolved by design. Readers should expect significant setup alongside major revelations.
For me, however, that was part of the excitement.
This feels like the beginning of something much larger.
Final Thoughts
Birth of the Witch is a captivating start to what promises to be another outstanding Nora Roberts trilogy.
Blending magic, family, history, romance, and adventure, Roberts creates a world that feels both timeless and fresh. Through Neve's journey, she explores courage, inheritance, destiny, and the enduring bonds that connect women across generations.
Fans of The Dragon Heart Legacy, The Chronicles of The One, and The Lost Bride Trilogy will find much to love here. Readers who enjoy witchcraft, family-centered fantasy, and richly developed magical worlds are especially likely to be enchanted.
What lingered with me after finishing was not a particular spell or battle.
It was the sense of continuity.
The idea that strength can travel across centuries.
That love can endure beyond a single lifetime.
And that even in the face of darkness, there are always people willing to pass their light forward.
Birth of the Witch reminds us that magic is not only found in power.
Sometimes it is found in the people who believe in us before we believe in ourselves.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) ⭐
September 7, 2026
Birth of a Witch was a book I had high hopes for, especially because I really enjoy origin stories. I loved the idea of the characters being able to see their past lives and how those memories could help shape and inform the decisions they make in the present. There was a lot about the premise that I found genuinely intriguing.
Unfortunately, the pacing was a struggle for me. This takes “slow burn” to a whole new level. At times, it felt like I was reading a 1,000-page book, and it seemed like the story didn’t really start moving until the final few chapters. I understand that this is the first book in a trilogy and that there is a lot of world-building and setup that needs to happen, but there were definitely stretches that felt painful to get through.
I did enjoy the main character and following her journey, and I can see the potential for where the story could go from here. However, by the time I reached the end, I found myself questioning whether I wanted to invest the time in the next two books.
Overall, there were elements of this story that I really liked, but the pacing made it a difficult read for me. I’m going to have to think long and hard before deciding whether I’ll continue with the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to preread and review this book.
Unfortunately, the pacing was a struggle for me. This takes “slow burn” to a whole new level. At times, it felt like I was reading a 1,000-page book, and it seemed like the story didn’t really start moving until the final few chapters. I understand that this is the first book in a trilogy and that there is a lot of world-building and setup that needs to happen, but there were definitely stretches that felt painful to get through.
I did enjoy the main character and following her journey, and I can see the potential for where the story could go from here. However, by the time I reached the end, I found myself questioning whether I wanted to invest the time in the next two books.
Overall, there were elements of this story that I really liked, but the pacing made it a difficult read for me. I’m going to have to think long and hard before deciding whether I’ll continue with the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to preread and review this book.
July 6, 2026
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review. I love NR. Always have I have read so many of her books and this is the lowest reviews I’ve given. The story is great I’m not going to lie. If you don’t read a lot of her books this is awesome but if you’re like me and do, this one reads very similar to other books. I almost felt like I had read this one before. The story line is pretty similar in feeling to some of her other witchy stories. Ofc it was a little different to for this scene but I felt it had a lot of similar vibes to some of her other trilogy’s. Not a whole lot happened until past the halfway mark and then it was an up and down kind of ride. The story feels like it spent a great deal of time building the plot for future books. Could have just been a bit shorter and made a novella to set the stage.
I did feel a lot of angst at the end with the cliffhanger after waiting the whole book for something to happen. Honestly at this point I feel like we should have an entire book on Imogen. That would be an interesting view. Take the villain side and tell that story. I will read the next and the next and the next because I am a NR fan but hoping the next plays a bit better.
I did feel a lot of angst at the end with the cliffhanger after waiting the whole book for something to happen. Honestly at this point I feel like we should have an entire book on Imogen. That would be an interesting view. Take the villain side and tell that story. I will read the next and the next and the next because I am a NR fan but hoping the next plays a bit better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2026
I’m sticking with this series. It’s very much my jam: witches, fated mates, and reincarnation. Yes, please. I really enjoyed the world-building and there’s enough here to make me want to see where the story goes.
My biggest issue is the structure. Like The Lost Brides Trilogy, this feels less like three separate books and more like one very long story divided into three parts. I generally prefer romance series where each book focuses on one couple and gives them a complete romantic story, while still building toward a larger series arc.
And I have to mention that the main character and her love interest don’t actually meet until about 92% into the book. Seriously. 😂 I understand that the larger story is being set up, but it made the romance feel more like a promise for future books than a major part of this one.
The storytelling and world-building were strong enough to keep me invested. I’ll definitely be continuing the trilogy.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker, who did a great job. Her voice was clear and easy to listen to throughout.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advance listening copy.
My biggest issue is the structure. Like The Lost Brides Trilogy, this feels less like three separate books and more like one very long story divided into three parts. I generally prefer romance series where each book focuses on one couple and gives them a complete romantic story, while still building toward a larger series arc.
And I have to mention that the main character and her love interest don’t actually meet until about 92% into the book. Seriously. 😂 I understand that the larger story is being set up, but it made the romance feel more like a promise for future books than a major part of this one.
The storytelling and world-building were strong enough to keep me invested. I’ll definitely be continuing the trilogy.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker, who did a great job. Her voice was clear and easy to listen to throughout.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advance listening copy.
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