What do you think?
Rate this book
Circle of Nine #1
Beltany
“Since I was a little girl I’ve been labeled a freak in my small town. There’s no blending in when your mom practices an ancient pagan religion and everyone believes she’s a witch. On my 15th birthday my secret wish is the same as always – to just be normal. But that’s not what I get. Not even close.”
– Brigit Quinn
Instead, Brigit is shocked to learn she’s descended from a legendary Celtic tribe - powerful people who serve as guardians of the stone circles of Ireland. A spellbound book of family history reveals the magical powers of her ancestors. Powers that could be hers - if only she wanted them.
And when someone sinister and evil returns to steal her family’s strength, Brigit has to make a decision. Fight to keep her unique heritage or reject it for the normal life she’s always wanted.
– Brigit Quinn
Instead, Brigit is shocked to learn she’s descended from a legendary Celtic tribe - powerful people who serve as guardians of the stone circles of Ireland. A spellbound book of family history reveals the magical powers of her ancestors. Powers that could be hers - if only she wanted them.
And when someone sinister and evil returns to steal her family’s strength, Brigit has to make a decision. Fight to keep her unique heritage or reject it for the normal life she’s always wanted.
Audiobook
First published September 24, 2014
94 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Biel
10 books156 followersValerie Biel's love for travel and insatiable curiosity inspires her storytelling. Her award-winning Circle of Nine series is set partially in Ireland where she was inspired by the ancient stone circles which dot the countryside. Beltany, an actual stone circle in County Donegal, Ireland, plays an important part in this novel. "There's something eerie and beautiful about these circles which rise up out of the greenest grass you've ever seen. Who built them? Why did they build them? If that's not enough to start a story, nothing is." Her other books include HAVEN, a middle-grade novel that sensitively handles the tough topic of domestic abuse through the eyes of an 11-year-old, and BEYOND THE CEMETERY GATE, a mystery suspense novel.
She holds a degree in Journalism (Public Relations/Broadcast News) and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin and has spent more than 25 years working in the public relations field. She edits manuscripts and develops and implements marketing & publicity plans for other authors via her agency Lost Lake Press. She often teaches about writing topics at conferences, libraries, and schools. She also creates a monthly Writers’ Forum column with the latest news from the publishing industry and writing world on Substack publication Reading, Writing, & Roaming. She sits on the board of The World Orphan Fund, a charity founded by her husband RJ Johnson in 2010 that assists children's homes in countries around the globe. She lives on a (tiny) piece of her family's century old farm in Wisconsin, but regularly dreams of finding the perfect cottage on the Irish coast where she could write and write.
To keep up with what's happening with her books or to enjoy some fun 'stuff' for readers (like a awesome playlists), go to her website at www.ValerieBiel.com. For more frequent updates, "Like" her author Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValerieBielBooks or subscribe to her blog at https://readingwritingandroaming.subs....
She holds a degree in Journalism (Public Relations/Broadcast News) and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin and has spent more than 25 years working in the public relations field. She edits manuscripts and develops and implements marketing & publicity plans for other authors via her agency Lost Lake Press. She often teaches about writing topics at conferences, libraries, and schools. She also creates a monthly Writers’ Forum column with the latest news from the publishing industry and writing world on Substack publication Reading, Writing, & Roaming. She sits on the board of The World Orphan Fund, a charity founded by her husband RJ Johnson in 2010 that assists children's homes in countries around the globe. She lives on a (tiny) piece of her family's century old farm in Wisconsin, but regularly dreams of finding the perfect cottage on the Irish coast where she could write and write.
To keep up with what's happening with her books or to enjoy some fun 'stuff' for readers (like a awesome playlists), go to her website at www.ValerieBiel.com. For more frequent updates, "Like" her author Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValerieBielBooks or subscribe to her blog at https://readingwritingandroaming.subs....
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 21, 2015
5 Words: Magic, family, love, tradition, history.
This was a gorgeous read. I really really enjoyed it.
When I started, I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew it was going to be interesting, but this book far surpassed everything I expected when I first picked it up. Who ever thought I'd identify so much with a teenage witch?
This book is a perfect blend of contemporary and historical, it takes little hints of mythology and folklore and mixes it with historical fact and a delicious hint of romance.
I would have loved to have experienced more of the book within the book. The characters were all so unique, they all had their own unique voices and really stood out from each other.
This was a gorgeous read. I really really enjoyed it.
When I started, I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew it was going to be interesting, but this book far surpassed everything I expected when I first picked it up. Who ever thought I'd identify so much with a teenage witch?
This book is a perfect blend of contemporary and historical, it takes little hints of mythology and folklore and mixes it with historical fact and a delicious hint of romance.
I would have loved to have experienced more of the book within the book. The characters were all so unique, they all had their own unique voices and really stood out from each other.
February 12, 2015
I always love to read about witch stories and folk lore. To me those are at times the best books, and this one puts a little spin on the witch stories. I LOVED meeting Brigit’s ancestors via the book and what they wrote. To me that put a whole new spin on the story plot. That was my favorite parts of the book, know I would be experiencing something so magical with Brigit as she goes on her journey to learn more about her mother’s side of the family.
The book has a nice flow to it. The parts where we read about Brigit’s family flows nicely to book life back into character life. I was surprised at how well we moved from one to another. And Brigit I liked her character. I didn’t like how her temper seemed to always flare and she would lash out at her mom and even Tyler toward the middle part. I didn’t like that about her. I understood she was a 15 year old girl and we all know how that goes, but still I felt like it took away from her character.
Now her mom I LOVED. Can I take her home with me? Ah she was awesome. I mean how cool is her mom. And for Brigit to be embarrassed of her? I wanted to laugh at her and tell her to move on along, BUT, I remembered that almost all of us are embarrassed of at least 1 family member. So I let that slide.
The other characters were nice. We met a few, Tyler (who I adored at first, but that quickly faded), Jess and Moriah (Brigit’s bestfriends, but really only Jess acts like one most of the time, Moriah is a major butt hole and could use a class on friend 101), Adele (Tyler’s crazy as hell grandmother) and Bodie (who is just yummy). They were all great characters and brought a little something to the plot. Adele though, she is just a little to crazy for me. That woman has issues.
I LOVED this book and can’t wait for the second one to come out and see where these characters go. I don’t want to ruin the book for you so I am trying to keep this one a little vague. BUT this is one you will definitely want to grab and add to your TBR list!
The book has a nice flow to it. The parts where we read about Brigit’s family flows nicely to book life back into character life. I was surprised at how well we moved from one to another. And Brigit I liked her character. I didn’t like how her temper seemed to always flare and she would lash out at her mom and even Tyler toward the middle part. I didn’t like that about her. I understood she was a 15 year old girl and we all know how that goes, but still I felt like it took away from her character.
Now her mom I LOVED. Can I take her home with me? Ah she was awesome. I mean how cool is her mom. And for Brigit to be embarrassed of her? I wanted to laugh at her and tell her to move on along, BUT, I remembered that almost all of us are embarrassed of at least 1 family member. So I let that slide.
The other characters were nice. We met a few, Tyler (who I adored at first, but that quickly faded), Jess and Moriah (Brigit’s bestfriends, but really only Jess acts like one most of the time, Moriah is a major butt hole and could use a class on friend 101), Adele (Tyler’s crazy as hell grandmother) and Bodie (who is just yummy). They were all great characters and brought a little something to the plot. Adele though, she is just a little to crazy for me. That woman has issues.
I LOVED this book and can’t wait for the second one to come out and see where these characters go. I don’t want to ruin the book for you so I am trying to keep this one a little vague. BUT this is one you will definitely want to grab and add to your TBR list!
July 14, 2015
We are proud to announce that CIRCLE OF NINE: BELTANY by Valerie Biel is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
December 30, 2020
Mystical. Magical. Ethereal. I love how good and evil square off in this captivating fable. Imagine—The Vine Witch meets The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Yes, it's that good. The author nailed it!
February 12, 2015
Finally! A book with an Ireland setting that wasn't all hot romance or pure historical. This title grabbed me just with it's name. There was just something about it that pulled me in. I read the blurb and became even more excited. When I finally got my hands on a review copy I waited a couple of days before beginning as I was afraid I had hyped it up so much in my mind that it could never live up to my expectations. Boy, was I pleasantly wrong!
As there is so much that happens in this book, I shall not mention specific details. I love how Brigit is given a piece of her family's history on her 15th birthday. Having her read about the history of her family and the magic they possess and must protect truly spoke to me. It wasn't some long conversation from a parent stating this is how it is and how it shall be. She was able to read about it from her ancestors. Experience it through their words. Brigit has many self discoveries during this first installment of the series and she handles them all well. For a 15 year old, learning she is a protector of the stone circles of Ireland can be overwhelming and well frankly, unbelievable. But deep down she knows it has to be true. She's never felt normal a day in her life. And now she knows why.
As there is so much that happens in this book, I shall not mention specific details. I love how Brigit is given a piece of her family's history on her 15th birthday. Having her read about the history of her family and the magic they possess and must protect truly spoke to me. It wasn't some long conversation from a parent stating this is how it is and how it shall be. She was able to read about it from her ancestors. Experience it through their words. Brigit has many self discoveries during this first installment of the series and she handles them all well. For a 15 year old, learning she is a protector of the stone circles of Ireland can be overwhelming and well frankly, unbelievable. But deep down she knows it has to be true. She's never felt normal a day in her life. And now she knows why.
October 31, 2025
Circle of Nine Beltany by Valerie Bell is book 1 in the Circle of Nine series by the author. I love how the author includes some pagan myths into this book. I liked that the author wrote about paganism and about our Yule holidays. The story itself is interesting as our main character is Brigit Quinn who is a 15 year old who gets a book about her ancestors and what happened in their lived that make the family who they are, powerful pagan or wiccans. Brigit reads the family tome and finds out that the book changes according to her as a reader. Every woman who wrote in the book is her family member and she finds out that she comes from a family that has to do with the stone circles in Ireland. She is also starting a relationship with a very popular boy named Tyler in her school. There is so much about family in this book and how it shapes us as human beings. Brigit's mother is very down to earth and a nice mom who really fits her character. I really liked Tyler and almost all of Brigit's friends, except some I felt could be better friends overall. I can not wait to read the next book, which should be the novella collection, review coming to the blog soon! Stay tuned y'all!
May 30, 2015
Wow. This book was so different from any other book I have read. When the story starts, Brigit is celebrating her 15th birthday and receives a special book that has been passed down through generations of female ancestors. Brigit's journey is captivating enough, but the stories about her ancestors that you experience along with her are fascinating. I learned so much about Celtic mythology and history. I also really loved Celeste, who is Brigit's mom. She's a great mother character, and often in young adult novels, we don't see that. I also enjoyed the love stories woven throughout. They made me cry, laugh, and feel for every one of the Quinn women. I highly recommend this book to those who love Irish/Celtic folklore, paranormal, magic, and light romance.
December 29, 2025
Circle of Nine Beltany by Valerie Bell is book 1 in the Circle of Nine series. This YA novel is about witches, ancient magic, and a coming-of-age story. The main character is 15-year-old Brigit Quinn. On her 15th birthday, she is given an old book where she discovers she’s descended from a legendary Celtic tribe—guardians of Ireland’s mystical stone circles. I loved the storytelling in this book. Throughout the novel, we hear the stories of Brigit's ancestors in the form of journal entries and the special abilities the women in the family could embrace or reject. These were some of my favorite parts of the book. I enjoyed learning about Celtic mythology and history. This was well researched, and I could feel the authenticity when speaking of the Celtic history.
Brigit's modern-day story is about her navigating friendships, a new boyfriend, trying to fit in, honoring her ancestors, and accepting herself and her special abilities. I also really liked it when the story shifted to something evil from the past, threatening Brigit and her mom. Someone is out to destroy her family. Now it is not simply a matter of choosing to embrace her heritage, but it's also a battle of good vs. evil.
The writer does a fine job of even pacing. Beltany will truly appeal to its target audience of teens. With its rich Irish/Celtic folklore, light romance, and suspense, this novel can be read by teens and adults, too.
Brigit's modern-day story is about her navigating friendships, a new boyfriend, trying to fit in, honoring her ancestors, and accepting herself and her special abilities. I also really liked it when the story shifted to something evil from the past, threatening Brigit and her mom. Someone is out to destroy her family. Now it is not simply a matter of choosing to embrace her heritage, but it's also a battle of good vs. evil.
The writer does a fine job of even pacing. Beltany will truly appeal to its target audience of teens. With its rich Irish/Celtic folklore, light romance, and suspense, this novel can be read by teens and adults, too.
October 29, 2025
Excellent coming-of-age story that mixes the present with the past, the mundane with the magically arcane.
Beltany is the first book in the Circle of Nine by Valerie Biel and is a wonderfully exciting (with very relatable scenes of growing up) start to this series. As the clock ticks over to her fifteenth birthday, Brigit Quinn is surprised by her mother with an ancient family heirloom, a book that has been passed down through the women in her family for almost 700 years. While it tells the life story of each successive owner, it does so by vividly transporting the reader into the tales of the women who went before her, but only if read in the right order. However, the gift is only the beginning, as Brigit learns that her family descends from a powerful and magical Irish clan, and each woman in the family develops a magical gift of her own. But as her understanding of her family’s history grows and her own special gift begins to manifest, she also discovers an old evil has come to wrench her legacy away -- a legacy she still must decide to accept or ignore.
I really enjoyed the story of the modern-day teenager and her best friends as they navigate the minefield of high school, growing up, discovering boys, and the changes that can cause in their own relationships. Brigit is so relatable as she faces exciting (and some unwanted) changes in her life. The other side of this dual-timeline treasure follows the lives of Brigit’s female ancestors and reads like the best action-adventure tale, combined with often heart-wrenching romance. Some of the early stories give an idea of the past when the Catholic Church was trying to woo or intimidate those who followed pagan religions to Christianity, and some of the means and methods used have tragic results.The author’s storytelling is mesmerizing, and I was soon completely wrapped up in Brigit’s story; the pages flew by. While Brigit displays a lot of the typical teenage brattiness toward her mother early on, she’s still an engaging character who eventually learns and grows. As this is the first book in an already established series, I look forward to diving into the rest of the story.
I recommend BELTANY to readers of young adult paranormal fiction, fantasy, and adventure.February 20, 2020
I COULDN'T STOP LISTENING!
If I had to review this book in one sentence, it would be, "I couldn't stop listening".
The book is about is about a 15 year old girl, Brigit Quinn. On her 15th birthday, she finds out that she is part of a Celtic tribe. The rest of the book is about her learning about her ancestors and her own gifts (abilities) along with some drama to add the spice. While Brigit is trying to figure out if she wants to chose the path of her ancestors, she is also navigating the real world of bullies, boyfriends, jealous friend and wanting to feel normal. The characters felt so real that I could picture them in my mind.
Valerie Biel, the author weaved ancestral stories in the book, and I felt equally drawn to the ancestral book too. It felt like I was reading/listening to two books at the same time. Biel did an extraordinary job to interweave the two storylines and how Brigit's story was built upon it. I hope that I get to read similar stories in the upcoming books. And through the intertwining of the stories, the author did a great job building up the characters.
Lastly the narrator, Paige Jensen brought the characters alive with her voice talents. I absolutely listening to her. Initially, I was weary of her slightly nasal tone and slight lisp, but oh thought evaporated just as quickly as it had come. She has a great talent. She was able to switch back and forth between female/male and US and Irish English, all in the same conversation. All characters had different voices that I could tell them apart easily.
I really can't wait to read/listen to other Circle of Nine books.
BTW, Harry Potter and Alchemyst fans- this series is for you... I promise.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
If I had to review this book in one sentence, it would be, "I couldn't stop listening".
The book is about is about a 15 year old girl, Brigit Quinn. On her 15th birthday, she finds out that she is part of a Celtic tribe. The rest of the book is about her learning about her ancestors and her own gifts (abilities) along with some drama to add the spice. While Brigit is trying to figure out if she wants to chose the path of her ancestors, she is also navigating the real world of bullies, boyfriends, jealous friend and wanting to feel normal. The characters felt so real that I could picture them in my mind.
Valerie Biel, the author weaved ancestral stories in the book, and I felt equally drawn to the ancestral book too. It felt like I was reading/listening to two books at the same time. Biel did an extraordinary job to interweave the two storylines and how Brigit's story was built upon it. I hope that I get to read similar stories in the upcoming books. And through the intertwining of the stories, the author did a great job building up the characters.
Lastly the narrator, Paige Jensen brought the characters alive with her voice talents. I absolutely listening to her. Initially, I was weary of her slightly nasal tone and slight lisp, but oh thought evaporated just as quickly as it had come. She has a great talent. She was able to switch back and forth between female/male and US and Irish English, all in the same conversation. All characters had different voices that I could tell them apart easily.
I really can't wait to read/listen to other Circle of Nine books.
BTW, Harry Potter and Alchemyst fans- this series is for you... I promise.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 6, 2019
Circle of Nine by Valerie Biel follows a young girl, Brigit, who just turned 15 and receives a six hundred year old book for her birthday present. This six hundred year old book contains a bunch of stories from all of her female ancestors. Throughout reading this book, she learns that she descends from a legendary Celtic tribe and that all of her ancestors had magical powers. She also learns that if she wanted powers, like her ancestors before he had, she could have them. However, she discovers that someone is out to steal her family’s powers, and she has to choose between keeping her powers or get rid of the powers and have to live a normal life.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes fictional books, anyone that likes romance novels, or anyone that likes paranormal-type novels. However, I would not recommend this book to anyone that prefers books that follow a realistic plot line because this book does not contain many realistic elements in it.
I liked the way the overall concept of this book, however I think that this book could have been executed in a better way. I think that if the author had hooked me better at the beginning and I think that parts such as when Brigit eats lunch or when Brigit is driving could have been omitted to quicken the pace of the story so that it didn’t keep dragging on. Also, I think that there could have been more realistic elements in it so that the reader is better able to relate and understand what is going on. Overall, I thought that this book had a great concept, but it could have been written better.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes fictional books, anyone that likes romance novels, or anyone that likes paranormal-type novels. However, I would not recommend this book to anyone that prefers books that follow a realistic plot line because this book does not contain many realistic elements in it.
I liked the way the overall concept of this book, however I think that this book could have been executed in a better way. I think that if the author had hooked me better at the beginning and I think that parts such as when Brigit eats lunch or when Brigit is driving could have been omitted to quicken the pace of the story so that it didn’t keep dragging on. Also, I think that there could have been more realistic elements in it so that the reader is better able to relate and understand what is going on. Overall, I thought that this book had a great concept, but it could have been written better.
November 19, 2025
I picked up Beltany as part of the Partners in Crime book tour, and I was immediately excited because witchy magical realism is my favorite genre. I’ve read Valerie Biel before and was curious how she would build out a full series.
I couldn’t put this book down. It’s the kind of atmospheric, rooted magical realism that pulls you in quietly and completely. I felt totally immersed in this world from the first chapter.
The structure really stood out to me. Bridget experiences the stories of her female ancestors in a way that feels alive, emotional, and meaningful. Each woman has her own section of the story, and every timeline felt like the main plot while I was in it. I grew so attached to each of them.
The characters were written with so much depth. Even the ones who caused harm had real backstory and pain behind their choices, which I always appreciate. I connected deeply with each woman’s journey and felt every part of what they carried.
The overall vibe is witchy, folkloric, and rooted in Irish countryside life, rituals, and generational magic. The seasonal celebrations, family history, and folklore gave the story such an authentic feeling.
I loved this book and wasn’t ready for it to end. I can’t wait to continue the series. Full review is now on the blog.
I couldn’t put this book down. It’s the kind of atmospheric, rooted magical realism that pulls you in quietly and completely. I felt totally immersed in this world from the first chapter.
The structure really stood out to me. Bridget experiences the stories of her female ancestors in a way that feels alive, emotional, and meaningful. Each woman has her own section of the story, and every timeline felt like the main plot while I was in it. I grew so attached to each of them.
The characters were written with so much depth. Even the ones who caused harm had real backstory and pain behind their choices, which I always appreciate. I connected deeply with each woman’s journey and felt every part of what they carried.
The overall vibe is witchy, folkloric, and rooted in Irish countryside life, rituals, and generational magic. The seasonal celebrations, family history, and folklore gave the story such an authentic feeling.
I loved this book and wasn’t ready for it to end. I can’t wait to continue the series. Full review is now on the blog.
November 12, 2025
MY THOUGHTS -
Painting, art class, art studio, paranormal… this book was so my thing from the start!
Man oh man, I loved this book! While it started off strong, it wasn’t until about halfway through that I truly found myself immersed in the story. At that point I totally fell in love with it. By the time I hit 70%, I didn’t want it to end. And then I realized… it doesn’t! There are more books in the series, so I get to keep following Bridget’s story.
This book gets so emotional. There are a lot of ups and downs, and at one point I honestly found myself talking out loud, “No! I don't want that to happen, please tell me this person isn’t bad!”. But everything that happens fits perfectly—it all happens for a reason. Sure, there are some bad people and some sad things happen, but there are also some truly wonderful moments, and that's what completely stole my heart.
I’ve always loved paranormal stories. It’s been a while since I’ve read one, and this reminded me why I love the genre so much and left me eager for more. I also love historical fiction and this book is the best of both!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours. Thank You!
Painting, art class, art studio, paranormal… this book was so my thing from the start!
Man oh man, I loved this book! While it started off strong, it wasn’t until about halfway through that I truly found myself immersed in the story. At that point I totally fell in love with it. By the time I hit 70%, I didn’t want it to end. And then I realized… it doesn’t! There are more books in the series, so I get to keep following Bridget’s story.
This book gets so emotional. There are a lot of ups and downs, and at one point I honestly found myself talking out loud, “No! I don't want that to happen, please tell me this person isn’t bad!”. But everything that happens fits perfectly—it all happens for a reason. Sure, there are some bad people and some sad things happen, but there are also some truly wonderful moments, and that's what completely stole my heart.
I’ve always loved paranormal stories. It’s been a while since I’ve read one, and this reminded me why I love the genre so much and left me eager for more. I also love historical fiction and this book is the best of both!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours. Thank You!
November 18, 2021
The author effectively weaves a coming-of-age story about Brigit Quinn, who receives a heavy book of family stories and "recipes," aka spells, on her fifteenth birthday. Her mother, Celeste, is one of the Circle of Nine, women of the Tuatha, who gather in Ireland to preform pagan rituals to welcome the solstices, equinoxes, and other yearly events. The women are to pass their responsibilities on to their daughters.
I enjoyed how the chapters alternated between the present day with Brigit navigating her relationship with high school boyfriend Tyler McGrath while fighting her new-found ability of hearing others' thoughts; then, being transported to the past with surprising tales of Brigit's ancestors as the girl sees parallels between herself and her relatives within the pages of the family book.
The questions that stay with the reader to the end are will Brigit embrace her Tuatha roots or reject them? How will she manage current and new relationships that emerge? Come read this tale and be wrapped in the mists and magic of rituals and growing up.
I enjoyed how the chapters alternated between the present day with Brigit navigating her relationship with high school boyfriend Tyler McGrath while fighting her new-found ability of hearing others' thoughts; then, being transported to the past with surprising tales of Brigit's ancestors as the girl sees parallels between herself and her relatives within the pages of the family book.
The questions that stay with the reader to the end are will Brigit embrace her Tuatha roots or reject them? How will she manage current and new relationships that emerge? Come read this tale and be wrapped in the mists and magic of rituals and growing up.
November 15, 2020
Brigit Quinn just turned fifteen and her mother gave her a book of family stories. This enchanted book holds the secrets to their family heritage, but can Brigit read it? As she discovers her hidden powers, Brigit also learns her mother's and ancestors' secrets.
I loved the personal historical stories in this book. Valerie Biel takes the reader from the 14th century forward with brilliance and grace. Find her interview on my website for more reveals from this author.
I loved the personal historical stories in this book. Valerie Biel takes the reader from the 14th century forward with brilliance and grace. Find her interview on my website for more reveals from this author.
June 22, 2021
What an adventure author Valerie Biel takes the reader on as one reads “Circle of Nine: Beltany.” I was immediately transported to County Donegal, Ireland. Flashbacks well described the actual stone circles where much of the story is set. Then, with a wave of her wand, the author brings us to the present day where we can easily see the small cottage where our teen-age heroine and her mother live an “ordinary” life. But, as Brigit Quinn passes through adolescence, her mother slowly integrates her into a richly-storied path helping her to understand the extraordinary gifts she has inherited from her heritage, that of a legendary Celtic tribe. The author, a talented story teller, weaves her web of connections to the past, the present and the future well. Spellbinding.
December 16, 2018
Circle of Nine: Beltany has a great theme--that which you do, good or bad, comes back to you threefold. I also appreciated the well-drawn characters and the compelling plot that made me think of a PG, rather than R, version of The Outlander. For this reviewer, a romantic who loves going back in time, especially if it can be to an exotic setting like Ireland, Beltany, the first of a series, was a fantasy read. I'd advise you to brew some tea, cozy up, let your world wind back, and immerse yourself in the Circle of Nine world with potions, magic, and dances in the moonlight.
June 30, 2015
I am a big fan of the paranormal genre and I really enjoyed this book. I even read it all in one day! It was so easy to drive right into the magic of this book because you are learning everything with the main character, Brigit. I can't wait for what awaits for us in the next book!
Side note: Even though, Tyler is great. Am I the only person that really can't wait to see more of Bodie in the next book?
Side note: Even though, Tyler is great. Am I the only person that really can't wait to see more of Bodie in the next book?
July 3, 2020
This was a really good book!Book 1 in a new series,I think it will be liked by YA girls and ladies.Bridget turns 15 and is given a book that chronicles the past women in her family.When she reads,she is actually thrown into the book. While she tries to go to class,date,etc,she is drawn to read more and more.It is her heritage after all. Paige Jensen was a terrific narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
December 22, 2025
On her 15th birthday, Brigit Quinn receives a special family book whose stories teach her that she descends from an ancient line of clever, magical Celtic women. Balancing homework, best friends, and a new boyfriend, she reads the stories of her ancestors, including a more recent battle with evil forces. When those forces resurface, Brigit must choose how to respond. This is a charming YA novel about learning who you are, where you’ve come from, and what choices will serve you best.
February 29, 2016
Biel took me into another world with her Celtic history. I thoroughly enjoyed Brigit's coming-of-age story and I was caught up in her discovery of her past. I'm a sucker for romance so I liked the sweet romance between Brigit and Tyler. I appreciated the relationship between Brigit and her mom as it felt realistic. This is definitely one of my favorite YA stories.
July 12, 2021
Circle of Nine: Beltany is a fun summer read. We immediately meet Brigit who is about to have her world turned upside down through a birthday gift that links her to her past and just may change the future she had imagined for herself. This is a book for curling up with on a rainy day, or packing along for a trip to the beach!
November 21, 2023
Perfectly captures Brigid's young teenage voice as she navigates school, friendships, boys, and quirky family events. But even better, an ancient Irish energy and mystery come vividly alive as Brigid explores her Celtic lineage. I thoroughly enjoyed this YA novel, and I know my 15 year old self would, too!
November 4, 2014
This was such an enchanting read! Brigit's story is one we can all relate to: one about growing up, trying to fit in, and then discovering that who you are is just right. I couldn't put the book down - read it in just two days. I cannot wait for the second installment.
January 31, 2021
Plenty of twists in this YA well-crafted page turner about 15-year old Brigit who discovers her ancient pagan religion and her hidden talents. Fascinating Celtic Mythology. I must pick up the sequels and book a trip to Ireland!
October 3, 2021
Enchanting and fascinating, color me delighted that I couldn’t put down this YA fantasy/mystery. Steeped in history and spiced by teenage angst, this delightful story is a through and through page-turner.
May 8, 2024
3.6ish for a plot that had me curious here and there
I think the teenage love story was 🙃
Some of the plot was too easy to guess
Some of the plot was unnecessary
It was rather unique tho, unlike other things i’ve read
It gave me Luna L (from harry potter) vibes
I think the teenage love story was 🙃
Some of the plot was too easy to guess
Some of the plot was unnecessary
It was rather unique tho, unlike other things i’ve read
It gave me Luna L (from harry potter) vibes
July 3, 2024
Circle of Nine : Beltany ( Book 1 )
I enjoyed reading this book
Learning about the ancient pagon religion
About love, Family, the family ancestors,
Family history, Family’s strength, Family heritage.
I enjoyed reading this book
Learning about the ancient pagon religion
About love, Family, the family ancestors,
Family history, Family’s strength, Family heritage.
January 2, 2016
I loved the family ties throughout the generations. I also enjoyed hearing Val's voice in the dialogue.
Read
January 5, 2022Great story. Keeps a reader's interest. Don't skip a page or you'll something that happens. Love the characters. A wonderful good versus evil. Magical, yet believable. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews