Birth of the Witch

A Coven of Three Trilogy #1

by Nora Roberts

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 aunts: sneakers, an iPhone, and a stunning antique pendant. Then she receives something else: 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…

Genres: Fantasy, Witches, Romance, Paranormal, Mystery, Fiction, Thriller

Audio CD

Expected publication November 17, 2026

About the author

Nora 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.

Reviews

[Leigha]

I 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.

[vlm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Birth of the Witch is an enchanting and captivating start to a new fantasy trilogy from Nora Roberts. Blending history, magic, family bonds, and destiny, this novel pulled me in from the very first page and never let go.

The story begins with the tragic tale of Niamh McShane, a young witch whose life is cut short during the fear and hysteria surrounding the Salem witch trials. More than three centuries later, thirteen-year-old Neve McShane discovers that the stories her aunts have told her about witches, magic, and past lives are not stories at all—they are her reality. As Neve learns about her powers and the role she is destined to play in a centuries-old battle between light and darkness, she embarks on a journey that will change her life forever.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is the way Roberts seamlessly connects the past and present. The historical elements add depth and emotional weight to the story, while the magical aspects create a sense of wonder and possibility. The world-building is rich and immersive, making it easy to become completely invested in both the characters and their mission.

Neve is a compelling protagonist whose growth throughout the story is both believable and inspiring. I especially loved the relationships she shares with her aunts, whose guidance, love, and wisdom form the emotional heart of the novel. The themes of family, courage, loyalty, and self-discovery are beautifully woven throughout the narrative.

Piety Island itself feels magical, creating the perfect backdrop for this story of witches, destiny, and ancient power. The hints of romance and the connection between Neve and the mysterious young man from Ireland add another layer of intrigue that leaves readers eager to see how their story unfolds.

While Birth of the Witch lays the groundwork for a larger trilogy, it never feels like mere setup. Roberts skillfully introduces the characters, mythology, and stakes while delivering a satisfying and emotionally engaging story in its own right.

This is a magical, heartfelt, and thoroughly engrossing read that will appeal to fans of fantasy, witchcraft, family sagas, and coming-of-age stories. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Birth of the Witch by Nora Roberts

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Netgalley offers a Nora Roberts book, I pounce on it! I have a weakness for Nora Roberts' fantasy trilogies, and this was such a strong first book.

Starting in 1600s Massachusetts, on Piety Island, 13 year old Niamh McShane is accused of witchcraft. She takes her final hours of comfort from two weavers--witches who see power and light in her and gave her some of their own. 300 years later, Neve McShane learns that she and her aunts are witches, and that Neve has been tasked with finding three artifacts and stopping the growing darkness. Neve uses clues from her past lives to help aid her in her quest, and dreams at night of the young man whose eyes met hers for a fateful moment, centuries ago.

This book was such a ride, from start to finish. It took its time introducing us to our Chosen One, Neve; her loving aunts, Elspeth and Dorcas; and the man who is sworn to protect her, Caden.

While some parts dragged a little bit for me, I liked that the characters and their dynamic lives were well-established. It really brought home just what is at stake, should Neve fail in her task. I loved the blending of past lives and how they played a role in the present. The ending was so climactic, and she ends on one hell of a cliffhanger!

This was a solid start to a new fantasy trilogy and I'll spend the next YEAR pining helplessly for book 2.

Birth of the Witch by Nora Roberts drops on November 17, 2026. Don't walk, RUN to preorder yours!

[Naomi Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora Roberts' Birth of the Witch is a captivating blend of fantasy, magic, destiny, and enduring love that pulls readers deep into a world where the past and present are forever intertwined. The story follows Neve, a young woman whose soul carries the echoes of previous lives, including a tragic childhood in which she was falsely accused of witchcraft and hanged. In her current incarnation, she must embrace her true destiny and prepare for the battle that has been centuries in the making.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is the powerful bond between Neve and her aunts, Dorcas and Elspeth. Together they form a trinity of strength, wisdom, and love, connected across lifetimes through their devotion to the Craft. Roberts masterfully weaves themes of friendship, sacrifice, courage, and rebirth into a classic struggle between light and darkness.
The quest for the talismans, the rich magical lore, and the looming confrontation with evil create a story that is both thrilling and deeply emotional. As the first installment in the Coven of Three trilogy, Birth of the Witch lays a strong foundation for the adventures to come while introducing readers to unforgettable characters and a magical world filled with danger, hope, and possibility. It is an enchanting beginning that leaves readers eager to continue the journey.

[Mg Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Nora Roberts magic at its absolute best.Nora Roberts does it again! Birth of the Witch hooked me from the very first page with its rich lore, powerful sisterhood, and deep family ties. The atmospheric world-building masterfully transitions from the dark, centuries-old history of Piety Island to the present day, making the creeping danger feel completely real. Neve McShane is an incredible protagonist. Watching her discover her aunts' secrets, step into her power, and connect with her ancestry is absolutely thrilling. The magic feels vibrant, the stakes are high, and the emotional character journeys are flawlessly executed.What truly elevates this story is the brilliant dynamic between the characters, particularly Neve and Caden. Caden plays such a massive, vital part in this book, and his presence adds the perfect layer of tension, loyalty, and heart to the narrative. Their connection grounds the high-stakes fantasy in genuine emotion, making you root for them every step of the way. My only warning? Be prepared for that jaw-dropping cliffhanger ending! It leaves you utterly desperate for the next installment. I devoured this book and cannot wait to see where the Coven of Three trilogy goes next! A well-deserved 5 stars.

I received a advance readers copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly give this 3.5 stars as I did like it for the most part, but that ending...

Anyhow, this new series remind me of the cousins o'dwyer trilogy, in that vein, other readers will also enjoy it. It had the usual pretty language, pretty landscapes and paranormal feel to it. It would definitely be a good read for Halloween.

The length of this book is considerable, with most of it laying the groundwork for future books. At times, I felt as if some of it could have been left out but this is how Roberts writes, as I've come to expect. It is very detailed and paints a vivid picture in the minds of the readers.

Then I thought that even with the potential of bad or evil coming one still has to live their life and experience moments of joy and normalcy. You cannot exactly just live your life on edge waiting for the for the bad thing to happen and miss out on living. That path I could recognize and understand.

I appreciated the characters and as such this is why the buildup to the ending left me... disappointed.

Overall, I look forward to the next book in the trilogy. Roberts has a flowery but intense writing style and. Can weave a story like the veteran that she is.

An advance reading copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book features Neve, a young woman in her mid-twenties who is in business with her aunts and can remember bits and pieces or several previous lives dating back to the mid-1600s.

The other lead character is Caden. He also is able to recall pieces of lives previously lived starting in the mid-1600s.

As with all Nora Roberts’ trilogies I tell myself that I need to wait for all three books to be able to read them one right after another. But I’ve never been able to wait. This book is no different. The hook is set from the first page and it never lets go. The characters are wonderfully developed and engaging. You dislike the ones you’re meant to, and you love the ones you are supposed to love. And family shines brightly at the core of the story. The scenes are described perfectly and enable the reader to see what the character sees and feel what the character feels. I read this entire book in less than a day. I truly couldn’t put it down and was absolutely crushed when I came to the end. Please don’t skip this trilogy. I believe it will be one of Ms. Roberts’ best.

I was given an advance reader copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Britney Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second read from Nora Roberts and this one blew me away. I loved the characters, I loved the storyline and I love that there will be more to this! I cant wait for the next book to come out.

Taking place in Ireland with Cadens story and the stories of witches and faries. I was just captivated by this book from start to finish and probably set a new record for myself on how fast I read a 418 page book.

Caden is a fascinating protagonist; the duality of his daily / nightly professional life as a pub owner contrasted with his obsession of finding a certain girl made it impossible to look away from. The development of his arc is handled with such care that every discovery feels earned and every danger feels real.

As for the ending—it was an absolute emotional rollercoaster. The final chapters left me breathless and reeling, desperate for more. I need the sequel as soon as humanly possible!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

[Azuree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very similar to the Year One trilogy only without the plague. Brings in the Salem Witch Trials instead and uses past lives to tell the story of Neve, her aunts, and Caden, who are all connected to a fateful night over 350 years earlier. As with Year One, the two main characters have a bond through magic and see each other in dreams. As in Year One, each one has a quest to find certain magical objects that will help them defeat the evil that infects people. As in Year One, there are both magical and non-magical people connected to both that play a role in their lives. Birth of a Witch, though, focuses on witches only - no shape shifters, elves or fairies so far. It took a really long time to have Neve and Caden meet and of course, shortly thereafter, the book ends on a cliffhanger. It dragged a little here and there, but overall it was a solid, quick read typical of a Nora Roberts book. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Michelle Treas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc of this book. Birth of the Witch is the first book in A Coven of Three Trilogy by Nora Roberts. I have enjoyed Nora Roberts books since I was a teenager. This book started at slow pace but then moved at a moderate pace throughout the rest of the book but I was fully engaged the entire time. As I think with most series/trilogy this book set the background and the main story arc. This book is the dual points of view of Neve McShane and Caden Quinn. This book has reincarnated witch families. I want this be completely spoiler free but I will say it does go back to the time frame of the Salem witch trials. This book does end in one huge cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I absolutely loved this book.I am never disappointed by a Nora Roberts book. I highly recommend this book if you like a good witch book.

[Cortney Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved Nora Roberts’ books since I was 16 years old and I still read every single one she comes out with and I never regret it. This one is absolutely no different, I loved every second of it. Neve is one of the best fmcs I’ve read in a while, she is smart and resilient and I loved this set up for her. Caden is great too, and his relationship with his family is beautiful.
This is definitely a slow burn series, this first book actually kind of reminds me of book 1 in The Chronicles of The One series in that it is mostly setting up the story and getting to know the main characters separately, not focusing on any romance yet. I’ll be thinking about that ending until I can get my hands on book 2.

[Lori Sang · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first of a new trilogy, Birth of the Witch, got my attention from the first line- “She wasn’t a witch until they hanged her.”
The story follows Niamh McShane thru her many lifetimes until the present where she is tasked to find 3 magical items. These items will assist in her inevitable confrontation with the evil witch. She is also destined to meet the boy who helped her all those lifetimes ago. If I had a complaint this would be it, Niamh/Neve don’t actually meet Caden until the story is 90% over and then there’s a major cliffhanger. Gahhh!
Nora Roberts’s trilogy is worth the wait though.

This title is scheduled for release on November 17th, 2026.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for this ARC.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot: Reincarnated witch families battle against evil. This is the latest trilogy in Nora Roberts' paranormal catalog, a formula she's used many times before. Some series have worked better than others and I'm interested enough to see where this one goes. There's still pacing issues with house renovations and small business management filler between action scenes. Hopefully, she won't bloat the second novel with mundane, everyday filler activities to drag the action out for 3 books, as she's done in the past. I still maintain the belief that duologies are enough in most of Roberts' 3-book series but this is the modus operandi she's stuck in so I'll play wait and see.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early opportunity to read and review.

[AmandaJR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. No one is better at writing of magic, and witchcraft, and powers, than Nora Roberts. This was a wonderful start to an awesome trilogy (I am assuming it’s a trilogy based off the past). A very thorough introduction to all the players and their lives and the settings. Now I have to wait a year for the next one, which makes me kind of want to cry because. 👏WHAT👏
Is the next book done? I can help edit…proofread…beta read…anything that needs to be done so I can ultimately start reading the next book. 😂

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this book. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora Robert’s starts a new trilogy with BIRTH OF THE WITCH, a multi-century tale with good witches, evil doers, sacred elements and plenty of magical moments. Our main character is killed as a witch in the 1600’s and moves through the centuries, to the present, with the same basic constellation of characters in her life. The repeating nature of the relationships is one key component to the story development. The book is mostly light and entertaining with some showy evil tossed in once and awhile. There’s a bubbling romance through the book that must have meaning to the entire trilogy as it is not well explored in book 1. This will be well-received by the many Nora Robert’s fans and will likely garner her new ones. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Mandy Beyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars This is an exciting beginning to a new trilogy - a sad inciting event leading to an interesting modern witchy story as two souls born over and over finally find the lives where they have always been needed. An ancient evil to fight, fated love, and echoes from the past all combined to make a fascinating beginning. Even though the two main characters finally meet late in this first book, the way their journeys parallel each other and the fact that each has an interesting life as they train towards what they see coming keeps the entire book moving forward. As usual, Ms. Roberts writes a story I cannot wait to continue.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a start of a new trilogy and let me also be the first to say I can’t wait for the rest! As with most trilogies, I think this first book sets the story and overall arc. To me, the history of the witches in 1695 seems spot on from what we’ve been told (from history), and it was a scary time, especially for Niamh McShane. The story follows her and her “aunts” to present day Massachusetts. We also meet the one person who will be important to her, thru many years – Caden Quinn. Book one ends with quite the cliffhanger but it only made me crave the rest of the story. I loved both Niamh’s and Quinn’s families, them too (!), and their…pets. C’mon, book two!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC courtesy of the publisher via Edelweiss

This book sets up the series so there was a lot of getting to know the characters and the back story. I am trying to keep this spoiler free and not give too much away. For a Nora Roberts book, it was extremely light on romance as the two main characters were kept apart for most of the book. It ends on a cliffhanger which I didn't appreciate.

I am giving it a conditional 3 1/2 stars (rounded up to four). Rating could change based on the next book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get a copy of the first book in Nora Roberts' new trilogy and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed this one and thought it felt more like "old Nora" -- her last two trilogies haven't really appealed to me. It's definitely slow burn -- the two primary characters don't even meet until the last quarter of the book and while I do wish we had gotten to see them more on page together, I really enjoyed how well she did in establishing the background and the story. Can't wait to read book 2!

[Meryl Markowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts off at a slow pace as Neve, her aunts and Caden remember there past lives as well as Search for magical objects to fight evil.
As they grow into themselves and their power, the pace picks up and the story becomes more exciting
The story is beautifully descriptive and makes to see how beautiful friends and family can be.
The story ends with a cliffhanger, so I'll need to wait another year to see how it progresses.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I past the feeling I read this somewhere, I realized I didn’t, Nora Robert’s didn’t disappoint me with this story
You want to continue reading and you don’t want it to end,
Neve, Caden finally got together, I will find out what happens to them in book 2 when Neve’s aunt Dorcas Allen, Aunt Elspeth Peace, show up to help them fight the Agatha and the undead and see if Caden lives. Awesome story.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read Birth of the Witch. This book is AWESOME! I devoured it. Nora Roberts is one of my absolute favorite authors and this book is one reason why. The characters are just so well written. I love the family dynamics and how Ma. Roberts always writes about family that isn't necessarily blood related. Birth of the Witch is a wicked cliffhanger!! You've been warned. You won't want to put this book down.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!!! Can't remember a time I was more disappointed that it is an ARC and now I've a long wait for part 2 of the trilogy. The two lead character story lines are perfectly "rewled" out. I love witch stories & this one is among the best. It moves forward w- bits of the past lives. The inclusion of their family connections makes this even more compelling. What do I read while I wait?? Thank you #netgalley @netgalley for allowing me to read this!!!

[MAB LongBeach · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not generally fond of Roberts's fantasies, but this one is pretty good. It's well-written, as one would expect from Roberts, and the characters are appealing. As the first book in a trilogy, it's mostly setup and ends on a cliffhanger. I will probably pick up the next one when it becomes available.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa Markovitz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the premise of the book and after about the 200 page mark. At times, it was hard to follow. The dialogue was choppy and didn’t always make sense. It dragged on through most of the book then very quickly at the end brought the characters together.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. The unique writing style draws you in. The story jumps timelines and multi-POV in an easy to follow, engaging way. A building plot, well rounded characters, and an ending that leaves you impatient for book 2.

[Cheri Lynn Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has done it again! Page turning and on the edge of your seat story! Witch craft, Salem trials, and the now, could not put down! Neve and her aunts living life after life and finally finding what they have been waiting for. Can't wait to read book 2.

[C.G. Frances]

Ordered B&N
November 2026

[Cassandra]

I have an ARC-

TO READ

[Amanda Taylor Nagel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good start to another thrilling trilogy by Nora Roberts. I cannot wait to read book two when it is released.