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The Dragon Heart Legacy #3
The Choice
The conclusion of the epic trilogy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Awakening and The Becoming.
Talamh is a land of green hills, high mountains, deep forests, and seas, where magicks thrive. But portals allow for passage in and out—and ultimately, each must choose their place, and choose between good and evil, war and peace, life and death…
Breen Siobhan Kelly grew up in the world of Man and was once unaware of her true nature. Now she is in Talamh, trying to heal after a terrible battle and heartbreaking losses. Her grandfather, the dark god Odran, has been defeated in his attempt to rule over Talamh, and over Breen—for now.
With the enemy cast out and the portal sealed, this is a time to rest and to prepare. Breen spreads her wings and realizes a power she’s never experienced before. It’s also a time for celebrations—of her first Christmas in both Talamh and Ireland, of solstice and weddings and births—and daring to find joy again in the wake of sorrow. She rededicates herself to writing her stories, and when his duties as taoiseach permit, she is together with Keegan, who has trained her as a warrior and whom she has grown to love.
It’s Keegan who’s at her side when the enemy’s witches, traitorous and power-mad, appear to her in her sleep, practicing black magick, sacrificing the innocent, and plotting a brutal destruction for Breen. And soon, united with him and with all of Talamh, she will seek out those in desperate need of rescue, and confront the darkness with every weapon she has: her sword, her magicks—and her courage…
Talamh is a land of green hills, high mountains, deep forests, and seas, where magicks thrive. But portals allow for passage in and out—and ultimately, each must choose their place, and choose between good and evil, war and peace, life and death…
Breen Siobhan Kelly grew up in the world of Man and was once unaware of her true nature. Now she is in Talamh, trying to heal after a terrible battle and heartbreaking losses. Her grandfather, the dark god Odran, has been defeated in his attempt to rule over Talamh, and over Breen—for now.
With the enemy cast out and the portal sealed, this is a time to rest and to prepare. Breen spreads her wings and realizes a power she’s never experienced before. It’s also a time for celebrations—of her first Christmas in both Talamh and Ireland, of solstice and weddings and births—and daring to find joy again in the wake of sorrow. She rededicates herself to writing her stories, and when his duties as taoiseach permit, she is together with Keegan, who has trained her as a warrior and whom she has grown to love.
It’s Keegan who’s at her side when the enemy’s witches, traitorous and power-mad, appear to her in her sleep, practicing black magick, sacrificing the innocent, and plotting a brutal destruction for Breen. And soon, united with him and with all of Talamh, she will seek out those in desperate need of rescue, and confront the darkness with every weapon she has: her sword, her magicks—and her courage…
464 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2022
4201 people are currently reading
33951 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,227 books60.3k 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 3,265 reviews
November 25, 2022
The anticipation may have been better than the conclusion of this trilogy. I don’t say that often with Nora Roberts novels. I love her novels. However, I found this third book to be a bit lacking.
I thought the writing was hard to read at many points. I’m not sure if she was writing in a sense that she thought they would speak in, but it resulted in difficult sentences and overuse of commas.
The romance was there…kind of. I’ve always been drawn to Nora Roberts novels because of the romance, but for some reason she chose to wait until the epilogue for the main characters to voice their feelings for each other. The reader could read between the lines and see the hidden actions that indicated the love, but there was definitely no sweeping romance.
I have this book 3 stars, and I would even give it 3.5, because it’s still Nora Roberts. I love her novels, even when they’re a bit disappointing. I enjoyed the first 2 books in the series and was very excited to read the last. I just wish it was a little bit more.
I thought the writing was hard to read at many points. I’m not sure if she was writing in a sense that she thought they would speak in, but it resulted in difficult sentences and overuse of commas.
The romance was there…kind of. I’ve always been drawn to Nora Roberts novels because of the romance, but for some reason she chose to wait until the epilogue for the main characters to voice their feelings for each other. The reader could read between the lines and see the hidden actions that indicated the love, but there was definitely no sweeping romance.
I have this book 3 stars, and I would even give it 3.5, because it’s still Nora Roberts. I love her novels, even when they’re a bit disappointing. I enjoyed the first 2 books in the series and was very excited to read the last. I just wish it was a little bit more.
November 27, 2022
Disappointed I am. I thought I’d get an explosive ending. What I got was a lot of nothing. Details and details of the mundane like cooking or mindless chatter. I’ll be honest with how slow this book moved and all the details we got, I was very surprised we were told and not shown conversation with the elf for the bridle that was made to barter for the horse. 90% of this book was filler. I found Keagon not as endearing as before. It was his way or the highway as we say. I’m glad Breene pushed back at him. I was annoyed by the death at the end. Can one character endure so much? Why? It didn’t further the plot at all. Not really. What happened because of the death could have happened at the thought or possibly of death. That character could have been saved. I mean this series is not game of thrones. We don’t need to kill off characters to fill our reading lust. Anyway, I thought the end was too easy and fast. I honestly didn’t fill like this book built to the ending. I felt this book as a whole was a means to an end. Would I recommend this series? To some yes. To all, no. I think NR has written better trilogies. The narrator was great.
November 26, 2022
Another all time favourite series for me. This book really brought it all to an end with good closures and fantastic characters. I know stories do come to an end, but wished there was one in the works to look forward to.
January 3, 2024
"How she could have two worlds mean home should've been a mystery. But she found it a gift."
This series was a gift. To live between two worlds like Breen did, it's what we all dream of. At least a little bit. And experiencing it with her over the last few years has been a gift.
I have loved so many main characters throughout my life, but I think Breen may have just beat them all out. She started as everything I am, continued as my guide on how to strengthen your heart, and blossomed into one of the most perfect representation of what you can become when you make the right choices. A true awakening, becoming and choice to become yourself. Her journey was as magical as her life became.
Her light always triumphed over the dark. I know I won't get more in this world, but the hopefulness of all that's to come for her was so evident that I don't know if I need it. Want is another story.
This book so perfectly summed up the rest. Marco, the absolute best friend anyone could ever had. Their friendship won out so many things for me. When he asked Breen, "Who knows you like I know you?" there was no other answer but, "Nobody in any world anywhere." I love that the respect on friendship was such a large part of this series.
I loved Breen finding closure in her life far away, and choosing to bring that life into her true home.
I feel like this trilogy led so much into personal growth and what belief can do when it comes from your own heart. I love that Breen had her "I would be enough" moment. I love that while Keegan and her were always going to be the conclusion, it wasn't the plot.
I loved every little bit of fun there was inside all of the serious. Brian and Marco and the life they're going to make, Keegan and Breen and the snippets of what their lives will look like in the after.
I wasn't bored for a second. I cried so much, for so many reasons. I love Nora Roberts a little bit more than I did yesterday, and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
This series was a gift. To live between two worlds like Breen did, it's what we all dream of. At least a little bit. And experiencing it with her over the last few years has been a gift.
I have loved so many main characters throughout my life, but I think Breen may have just beat them all out. She started as everything I am, continued as my guide on how to strengthen your heart, and blossomed into one of the most perfect representation of what you can become when you make the right choices. A true awakening, becoming and choice to become yourself. Her journey was as magical as her life became.
Her light always triumphed over the dark. I know I won't get more in this world, but the hopefulness of all that's to come for her was so evident that I don't know if I need it. Want is another story.
This book so perfectly summed up the rest. Marco, the absolute best friend anyone could ever had. Their friendship won out so many things for me. When he asked Breen, "Who knows you like I know you?" there was no other answer but, "Nobody in any world anywhere." I love that the respect on friendship was such a large part of this series.
I loved Breen finding closure in her life far away, and choosing to bring that life into her true home.
I feel like this trilogy led so much into personal growth and what belief can do when it comes from your own heart. I love that Breen had her "I would be enough" moment. I love that while Keegan and her were always going to be the conclusion, it wasn't the plot.
I loved every little bit of fun there was inside all of the serious. Brian and Marco and the life they're going to make, Keegan and Breen and the snippets of what their lives will look like in the after.
I wasn't bored for a second. I cried so much, for so many reasons. I love Nora Roberts a little bit more than I did yesterday, and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
November 4, 2022
This may be the end of my Nora Roberts fantasy trilogy obsession. Are all of her fantasy trilogies very formulaic and basically the same story told with different characters in different settings? Yes. Did I still enjoy them as mindless, fun reads? Yes. This series has been a complete slog, and very disappointing. The first book was promising. The second and third were horribly paced and just such a chore to get through. I'm glad it's over. Ugh!
December 4, 2022
What in the bloody blankity blank blank did I just waste my time reading. No action until page 412... out of 438 pages! 438 PAGES! THAT I READ, WITH MY EYES AND NOT MY EARS!! 😡
November 26, 2022
This needs a "year after" as a second Epilogue or a Short story.
There are enough characters we love in this trilogy that there needs to be a short story that follows up on the end for the rest of the major characters. Boy gets girl is not enough of an ending.
As for the book as a whole, very nicely done. I've read the first two books 4 times waiting for this one. Tying up the future authorship and the cookbooks took care of one part of her story. But what now of Marg, Kiara, Morena, the wedding of both. The welcome and fete at the Capital, etc. You created a world, but left the rest of the main ending hanging.
There are enough characters we love in this trilogy that there needs to be a short story that follows up on the end for the rest of the major characters. Boy gets girl is not enough of an ending.
As for the book as a whole, very nicely done. I've read the first two books 4 times waiting for this one. Tying up the future authorship and the cookbooks took care of one part of her story. But what now of Marg, Kiara, Morena, the wedding of both. The welcome and fete at the Capital, etc. You created a world, but left the rest of the main ending hanging.
December 30, 2022
Breen Siobhan Kelly continued with her warrior training, even knowing the grandfather who'd seek to possess her, was defeated for the time. Working with Keegan, Talamh's taoiseach, while they checked each of the portals for cracks, and sealed them if there were, making sure the tribes were prepared. Because it was coming, the battle with Odran, and Breen was the key.
It was coming up to a year since Breen's life had changed, and Marco's as well. The solstice was a time for celebration, and so it would be. The preparation for the parties would lull Odran, and while the people of Talamh - all the different tribes - made everything ready, the children ran here and there, excited. The dragons flew overhead, ready and waiting for their riders. But could they defeat Odran? Breen knew she was the key, but did she have it in her to set Talamh free and allow peace to settle gently on the valley, the Capital, so the future would be the best it could be?
The Choice is the 3rd and final in the epic trilogy, The Dragon Heart Legacy, by Nora Roberts and it was amazing! It's not often I read same series back to back, but this time I did. I'm sad to leave the characters; the mischievous Bollocks, Breen and her nan, Marg, Keegan and his families - all wonderful. The three, The Awakening, The Becoming and now The Choice - made for a breathtaking tale from the pen of the inimitable Nora Roberts, and is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
It was coming up to a year since Breen's life had changed, and Marco's as well. The solstice was a time for celebration, and so it would be. The preparation for the parties would lull Odran, and while the people of Talamh - all the different tribes - made everything ready, the children ran here and there, excited. The dragons flew overhead, ready and waiting for their riders. But could they defeat Odran? Breen knew she was the key, but did she have it in her to set Talamh free and allow peace to settle gently on the valley, the Capital, so the future would be the best it could be?
The Choice is the 3rd and final in the epic trilogy, The Dragon Heart Legacy, by Nora Roberts and it was amazing! It's not often I read same series back to back, but this time I did. I'm sad to leave the characters; the mischievous Bollocks, Breen and her nan, Marg, Keegan and his families - all wonderful. The three, The Awakening, The Becoming and now The Choice - made for a breathtaking tale from the pen of the inimitable Nora Roberts, and is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2022
I’m sorry… what the fuck did I just read.
This entire book was about feeding the horses and drinking wine and having a folly good feckin time (as they would say in Ireland). It wasn’t about finally defeating the evil god Odran AT ALL. Nora hyped up the final battle battle between Breen and that evil fuck for 3 entire books and it all ended in one chapter placed ODDLY at the very end of the book. One chapter and BOOM this big, bad ass, evil character they’d been trying to kill this entire series was GONE. This book is not worth it… I thought the end of the Divergent series was the worst ending to a trilogy I’ve ever beheld but there is finally a series to top all that awful, this one.
I wish I could go back and unread the first two books because I’m left feeling more than cheated, I’m numb. I think I’m taking a T-break from Nora Roberts. Or should I say Nora Robot???? BECAUSE WHAT THE FUCK? DID AN AI WRITE THIS NOVEL???
This entire book was about feeding the horses and drinking wine and having a folly good feckin time (as they would say in Ireland). It wasn’t about finally defeating the evil god Odran AT ALL. Nora hyped up the final battle battle between Breen and that evil fuck for 3 entire books and it all ended in one chapter placed ODDLY at the very end of the book. One chapter and BOOM this big, bad ass, evil character they’d been trying to kill this entire series was GONE. This book is not worth it… I thought the end of the Divergent series was the worst ending to a trilogy I’ve ever beheld but there is finally a series to top all that awful, this one.
I wish I could go back and unread the first two books because I’m left feeling more than cheated, I’m numb. I think I’m taking a T-break from Nora Roberts. Or should I say Nora Robot???? BECAUSE WHAT THE FUCK? DID AN AI WRITE THIS NOVEL???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2022
Certainly a satisfying ending to the Dragon Heart Legacy.
Breen and Keegan - these two could have been written into a contemporary romance instead of a fantasy and they still would have been perfect for one another!
This book completes the quest for the death of Odran and the freedom of the Fey. An epic battle scene and the inner strength Breen finds to fulfill her promise to the Fey and her heritage come late in the book, but that's fine. This story is really about love. Love of family, of culture, of heritage, of people.
The themes in it - prejudice, mistrust, power-hungry people, - are woven so intricately into the plot that the negativity of it all just exemplifies the themes of family, love, and giving your life for what you believe in.
I truly don't know what we are going to do if Nora Roberts ever decides not to write any longer.
5 plus well deserved stars for a story that filled my heart with hope.
I received and ARC of this book from a Goodreads giveaway and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thank you Goodreads and St. Martin's Press
Breen and Keegan - these two could have been written into a contemporary romance instead of a fantasy and they still would have been perfect for one another!
This book completes the quest for the death of Odran and the freedom of the Fey. An epic battle scene and the inner strength Breen finds to fulfill her promise to the Fey and her heritage come late in the book, but that's fine. This story is really about love. Love of family, of culture, of heritage, of people.
The themes in it - prejudice, mistrust, power-hungry people, - are woven so intricately into the plot that the negativity of it all just exemplifies the themes of family, love, and giving your life for what you believe in.
I truly don't know what we are going to do if Nora Roberts ever decides not to write any longer.
5 plus well deserved stars for a story that filled my heart with hope.
I received and ARC of this book from a Goodreads giveaway and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thank you Goodreads and St. Martin's Press
December 8, 2022
I am very disappointed in this book. I loved the first book. The second book spent a long time building, presumably for the third one, which was expected. This one spent most of the book continuing to build but for way too long! The final climax occurs at 93%!! It’s slow and the “choices” that Breen makes are not very dramatic and not very interesting quite frankly. I could have predicted she would have to make all these choices and what her choice would be from the first book…they were all inevitable. So not sure why most of the book is spent dwelling on this so much and describing why she’s making these choices. Further, I feel the love between Breen and Keegan should have developed more. They limp along and the intimate scenes are short and boring. You don’t even feel like their relationship takes a move until the EPILOGUE?!?! The climax is so short and over so fast it was completely unsatisfying, much like Breen’s sex life, and this book in general. Ive read more intimate relationships in a YA book. Really unsatisfying!
April 5, 2023
Great conclusion to a great trilogy! I really liked this series as a whole.
November 30, 2022
What's it about (in a nutshell):
The Choice by Nora Roberts is the conclusion to The Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy that began with The Awakening in 2020 and continued with The Becoming in 2021. It’s the story of Breen Siobhan Kelly, who grew up in the human realm but discovered she is part human, part fae, and part demi-god at the beginning of the trilogy. She is also a blogger and a writer of children’s books and is working on an adult story. Going back and forth between the human and fae realms, Breen learns all about her family, blood, and mysterious past.
Initial Expectations (before beginning the book):
I’m very excited to read this book. I’ve been waiting for it anxiously since I finished book two last year.
Actual Reading Experience:
I am going to be unusually frank. I was disappointed by my reading experience with this installment. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books. I gave them each five stars or close. There’s magic and all sorts of creatures like trolls, mermaids, werewolves, elves, fairies, and witches. And best of all, there are dragons – dragons that only good can ride- beautiful, glorious dragons. And you all know how I love dragons. It’s got everything I love, and when you combine that with my history of reading and loving Nora Robert’s fantasy stories, this should have been a love fest of a review.
Unfortunately, it’s not. My reading experience was a slog-fest. The writing bordered on over-writing, spending too much time and detail on making meals and just everyday activities that had already been established in the first two books. I’ve only noticed this before in one other book I read by the author, so it was an unexpected and unwelcome surprise. Even the romance between the main character and her male lead became so far in the background that it was practically nonexistent.
I was expecting action and adventure, considering how the second book ended. The big bad had yet to be defeated, and since he is a god, the final battle should have been epic and long – full of successes and failures. But I felt that it was pretty short and easy when it finally came.
The last fantasy trilogy I read by Roberts, Chronicles of the One (2017-2019), I found to be a fantastic fantasy story full of the same plethora of creatures but with a good struggle and story. It was a definite elevation for me in her stories of this genre. So, my expectation was for that to continue.
But it didn’t, and I felt a bit let down. Now, my opinion is not the prevailing one – not at all. Ninety-one percent of the people rated their reading experience on Goodreads rated it either a 4 or 5 (mostly a 5). But for me, it just wasn’t what I had grown to expect, and I was disappointed.
Read if you like:
• Romantic Fantasy
• Diverse magical/supernatural creatures
• DRAGONS!!!
The Choice by Nora Roberts is the conclusion to The Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy that began with The Awakening in 2020 and continued with The Becoming in 2021. It’s the story of Breen Siobhan Kelly, who grew up in the human realm but discovered she is part human, part fae, and part demi-god at the beginning of the trilogy. She is also a blogger and a writer of children’s books and is working on an adult story. Going back and forth between the human and fae realms, Breen learns all about her family, blood, and mysterious past.
Initial Expectations (before beginning the book):
I’m very excited to read this book. I’ve been waiting for it anxiously since I finished book two last year.
Actual Reading Experience:
I am going to be unusually frank. I was disappointed by my reading experience with this installment. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books. I gave them each five stars or close. There’s magic and all sorts of creatures like trolls, mermaids, werewolves, elves, fairies, and witches. And best of all, there are dragons – dragons that only good can ride- beautiful, glorious dragons. And you all know how I love dragons. It’s got everything I love, and when you combine that with my history of reading and loving Nora Robert’s fantasy stories, this should have been a love fest of a review.
Unfortunately, it’s not. My reading experience was a slog-fest. The writing bordered on over-writing, spending too much time and detail on making meals and just everyday activities that had already been established in the first two books. I’ve only noticed this before in one other book I read by the author, so it was an unexpected and unwelcome surprise. Even the romance between the main character and her male lead became so far in the background that it was practically nonexistent.
I was expecting action and adventure, considering how the second book ended. The big bad had yet to be defeated, and since he is a god, the final battle should have been epic and long – full of successes and failures. But I felt that it was pretty short and easy when it finally came.
The last fantasy trilogy I read by Roberts, Chronicles of the One (2017-2019), I found to be a fantastic fantasy story full of the same plethora of creatures but with a good struggle and story. It was a definite elevation for me in her stories of this genre. So, my expectation was for that to continue.
But it didn’t, and I felt a bit let down. Now, my opinion is not the prevailing one – not at all. Ninety-one percent of the people rated their reading experience on Goodreads rated it either a 4 or 5 (mostly a 5). But for me, it just wasn’t what I had grown to expect, and I was disappointed.
Read if you like:
• Romantic Fantasy
• Diverse magical/supernatural creatures
• DRAGONS!!!
November 29, 2022
The Choice, by Nora Roberts, is the third and final installment in The Dragon Heart Legacy series. I read these books on recommendation and I was able to read them back-to-back, as this one was released last week. I think this is a very special series and it now owns a piece of my heart! Breen, the main character, is living every fantasy lover’s dream—at least she sure is living mine. She gets to escape a mediocre mortal existence that is unfulfilling when she falls into money and subsequently a secret world. Turns out she has magic too. And she is able to go back and forth between this world and the other more fantastical world where she hones her craft, rides dragons, falls in love, becomes powerful—but she simultaneously does those things in this world too, in a way. Finding herself and growing into herself in Talamh (magic world), helps her find herself, face herself and grow into herself in this world too (yeah she gets to become a successful writer as well, like please girl, you live my fantasy). Not only has Nora Roberts written out my actual dream and I got to live it vicariously through Breen, the series made me feel good and like anything is possible, even for me (hello to all the Gods, I am willing to discover magical powers any time now).
Let’s get to this book specifically (I find it hard to discuss individual books having just read the entire series). As a conclusion, this was wonderful. It had the right amounts of heartbreak, suspense, excitement and tenderness. I actually teared up at one point and I do not cry easily when reading. But it was so…. Gut-wrenching and heartbreaking. Because this book (and series) is all about relationships and connections and bonds, in all of the ways that can be presented. Family (born and chosen), romantic, friendship, honor-bound, love of country, of your people, etc. And how strong these bonds are. Which leads to choices, and this book is (obviously with the title) heavy on the importance and honor of the choices one makes. It all leads up to a final battle with Odran, who is really quite the villain and I loved learning more about him in this book. Breen will have to make some difficult choices if she wants him defeated. Breen is an incredible MC and heroine and just a good example of a human being with a heart to admire, as well as kickass with the personal growth. I loved everything about this book and series as a whole! I rated every book 5 stars and my heart feels better because of it.
Let’s get to this book specifically (I find it hard to discuss individual books having just read the entire series). As a conclusion, this was wonderful. It had the right amounts of heartbreak, suspense, excitement and tenderness. I actually teared up at one point and I do not cry easily when reading. But it was so…. Gut-wrenching and heartbreaking. Because this book (and series) is all about relationships and connections and bonds, in all of the ways that can be presented. Family (born and chosen), romantic, friendship, honor-bound, love of country, of your people, etc. And how strong these bonds are. Which leads to choices, and this book is (obviously with the title) heavy on the importance and honor of the choices one makes. It all leads up to a final battle with Odran, who is really quite the villain and I loved learning more about him in this book. Breen will have to make some difficult choices if she wants him defeated. Breen is an incredible MC and heroine and just a good example of a human being with a heart to admire, as well as kickass with the personal growth. I loved everything about this book and series as a whole! I rated every book 5 stars and my heart feels better because of it.
November 26, 2022
This was the last book in the Dragon Heart Trilogy and while I liked it, it wasn't my favorite book of the series. Of course, if you have read any of my reviews of ANYTHING by Nora Roberts, you know I am a HUGE fan. And when I say HUGE, it truly means HUGE. I honestly don't think she can write anything that isn't fantastic, so me saying it is not my favorite is by no means a negative.
We have been getting closer and closer to the "epic battle" that we knew was coming with Keegan and Breen against the Big Bad - Odran. We have met so many wonderful secondary characters by this time and this book includes all of them. We get lots of focus on Marco and Bollocks and we get to see Breen concentrating on her training to try to be ready to face Odran.
For some reason, I was a little put off by Keegan in this book. I don' really know if it was as apparent in the first two books and I missed it, or if there was a definite character change, but he felt really aloof to me. Almost distant at times, almost rude. I still liked him and liked them together, but a few times I thought, "wow".
I especially enjoyed the narration by Barrie Kreinik with all of the accents (I always preface this by saying that as an American, I honestly don't know what a "proper" English accent or Irish accent sounds like - I just know they sound good) so I enjoyed listening a bit more than reading.
I did feel like the climax - which we have been heading towards for three books - was a bit "anti climactic" and the ending felt unbelievably rushed. I would have liked to see a little bit more of the "after" that we kept hearing about. To me, it felt like the Epilogue should have been Chapter 31 and the real Epilogue could have given us a broader view of life in the "after". But that's just me.
Was the series worth reading? Absolutely. Did I enjoy the heck out of it? Yep, I did.
We have been getting closer and closer to the "epic battle" that we knew was coming with Keegan and Breen against the Big Bad - Odran. We have met so many wonderful secondary characters by this time and this book includes all of them. We get lots of focus on Marco and Bollocks and we get to see Breen concentrating on her training to try to be ready to face Odran.
For some reason, I was a little put off by Keegan in this book. I don' really know if it was as apparent in the first two books and I missed it, or if there was a definite character change, but he felt really aloof to me. Almost distant at times, almost rude. I still liked him and liked them together, but a few times I thought, "wow".
I especially enjoyed the narration by Barrie Kreinik with all of the accents (I always preface this by saying that as an American, I honestly don't know what a "proper" English accent or Irish accent sounds like - I just know they sound good) so I enjoyed listening a bit more than reading.
I did feel like the climax - which we have been heading towards for three books - was a bit "anti climactic" and the ending felt unbelievably rushed. I would have liked to see a little bit more of the "after" that we kept hearing about. To me, it felt like the Epilogue should have been Chapter 31 and the real Epilogue could have given us a broader view of life in the "after". But that's just me.
Was the series worth reading? Absolutely. Did I enjoy the heck out of it? Yep, I did.
January 10, 2023
Nooooooo the dreaded curse of the last book of a Nora Roberts trilogy remains. End ending.. The lackluster final battle. When the book ended, I literally sat there like, this is the end... It was so abrupt... Like, thanks, bye, and then someone shuts the tv off on you.
I LOVE Talamh and the people.
I HATE the constant reassurance of BREEN. It got really annoying now that we are in book 3.
People's relationships felt more surface level than the depth we have seen before. The romance was not as present, with more talk and minimal action.
Some of the deaths were brushed over too quickly.
This whole book really just felt like a race to the finish line, without any pit stops along the way.
The battle again was built up for 2.5 books, only to go down like that...
Once again, the greatest fantasy in this series is how fast Breen churns out books that everyone instantly loves with zero criticism or corrections ever needed; all publishers and her agent are blown away by everything that she does, and it never needs a professional edit.
A passage that made me laugh:
"Keegan looking at the automatic coffee maker
'You want coffee?'
'I dislike this machine a great deal, but I have a need.'"
Another disappointing ending to an otherwise fantastic world and trilogy.
3 Stars for me.
I LOVE Talamh and the people.
I HATE the constant reassurance of BREEN. It got really annoying now that we are in book 3.
People's relationships felt more surface level than the depth we have seen before. The romance was not as present, with more talk and minimal action.
Some of the deaths were brushed over too quickly.
This whole book really just felt like a race to the finish line, without any pit stops along the way.
The battle again was built up for 2.5 books, only to go down like that...
Once again, the greatest fantasy in this series is how fast Breen churns out books that everyone instantly loves with zero criticism or corrections ever needed; all publishers and her agent are blown away by everything that she does, and it never needs a professional edit.
A passage that made me laugh:
"Keegan looking at the automatic coffee maker
'You want coffee?'
'I dislike this machine a great deal, but I have a need.'"
Another disappointing ending to an otherwise fantastic world and trilogy.
3 Stars for me.
April 18, 2022
3.5 stars
Received Arc courtesy of the publisher via Edelweiss.
I liked this better than book 2.
Received Arc courtesy of the publisher via Edelweiss.
I liked this better than book 2.
December 13, 2022
I loved this series, but felt this last book, The Choice, fell flat. Yes, it offered an exciting conclusion and wrapped up nicely, leaving me satisfied, but the middle bits dragged. The first two audiobooks, The Awakening and The Becoming, held me from beginning to end.
The story takes place in Talamh (land of the fae), Ireland, and briefly in New York. We spend a lot of time in Talamh getting to know the fae and their traditions. We celebrate Christmas and witness moments with key characters and see romantic developments.
I loved the character growth and overall message of the power of belief. Fans of romantic fantasy, lore, the fae, and paranormal romance will fall for these characters and storyline.
The world building and overall story arc was wonderful. I truly felt like I had traveled to Talamh and the workings of that world came to life. The threat, prophecies and build up were well done. As Breen’s powers grew, so did the threat. Her dreams, the cracks in Talamh, and the villains will have you cheering for Breen and Keegan.
The core romance is between Breen & Keegan and I loved their chemistry and banter. The listener is also treated to other romances, including those of Breen’s LGBTQ friend and moments with other couples in Talamh. All the romances are served on the side, giving depth to the overall story arc.
Barrie Kreinik has narrated the series and did a splendid job of giving voice to Breen, Keegan and secondary characters from evil villains to Talamh.
Nora Roberts is an auto-buy for me, but in all honesty, I think this could have been an epic duology. However, I enjoyed the overall trilogy and have no regrets. I look forward to her next.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The story takes place in Talamh (land of the fae), Ireland, and briefly in New York. We spend a lot of time in Talamh getting to know the fae and their traditions. We celebrate Christmas and witness moments with key characters and see romantic developments.
I loved the character growth and overall message of the power of belief. Fans of romantic fantasy, lore, the fae, and paranormal romance will fall for these characters and storyline.
The world building and overall story arc was wonderful. I truly felt like I had traveled to Talamh and the workings of that world came to life. The threat, prophecies and build up were well done. As Breen’s powers grew, so did the threat. Her dreams, the cracks in Talamh, and the villains will have you cheering for Breen and Keegan.
The core romance is between Breen & Keegan and I loved their chemistry and banter. The listener is also treated to other romances, including those of Breen’s LGBTQ friend and moments with other couples in Talamh. All the romances are served on the side, giving depth to the overall story arc.
Barrie Kreinik has narrated the series and did a splendid job of giving voice to Breen, Keegan and secondary characters from evil villains to Talamh.
Nora Roberts is an auto-buy for me, but in all honesty, I think this could have been an epic duology. However, I enjoyed the overall trilogy and have no regrets. I look forward to her next.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
January 8, 2023
Eh … despite the impending destruction of the multi-verse, there was ZERO sense of urgency from any of the characters. Instead we had chapters of inane dialogue and daily routine.
The only interesting scenes included Shana and/or Yseult, but sadly these scenes were short and rare. Even Odran was a HUGE let down. For an almighty god full of rage and power, he was defeated far too easily without lifting a finger against the MC.
If you’re interested in a story about long walks outside, literary agents, baking clubs, and farm labor, this is the book for you.
The only interesting scenes included Shana and/or Yseult, but sadly these scenes were short and rare. Even Odran was a HUGE let down. For an almighty god full of rage and power, he was defeated far too easily without lifting a finger against the MC.
If you’re interested in a story about long walks outside, literary agents, baking clubs, and farm labor, this is the book for you.
January 11, 2023
Nope nope nope. I couldn't do it. I wanted to push through and finish this series. Couldn't do it, life is too short to finish books that make you grind your teeth the entire time. It was like reading a Hallmark Christmas movie. It also relied way too heavily on this magical "I just know things" train of thought vomit to explain the world and events. SHOW me with your writing. Create some tension and drama! This sweet-as-pie, I used to be shy and stunted but out of nowhere I suddenly got over an entire lifetime of trauma and repression without any kind of struggle BS doesn't work for me.
December 22, 2022
So sad to give this 3 stars. I was so excited for it. But it took forever to get through because it just wasn’t exciting enough. I love all the sweet moments, but I thought there was going to be an epic ending! I’m sorry but this did not feel like an epic end. And so many things were left unanswered while so many things were over answered. I would love to live in this world, but if you’re looking for an epic adventure…this just didn’t hit it for me.
September 1, 2022
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I really wanted to love this series. I tried so hard. I pushed myself through the first two books despite the second feeling like a chore. But I just... I can't. I forced myself through the first few chapters of this and had to finally admit defeat. I love the concept, and I have a great deal of respect for Nora Roberts as a human being after her recent donation to a library in Michigan, but the pace of this series is so slow it's nearly intolerable. With less meandering banter and romance between characters and a faster pace, the same story could have been accomplished in a single book and I would have absolutely loved it. Maybe someday I'll try again, but I could not put myself through another volume of this.
I really wanted to love this series. I tried so hard. I pushed myself through the first two books despite the second feeling like a chore. But I just... I can't. I forced myself through the first few chapters of this and had to finally admit defeat. I love the concept, and I have a great deal of respect for Nora Roberts as a human being after her recent donation to a library in Michigan, but the pace of this series is so slow it's nearly intolerable. With less meandering banter and romance between characters and a faster pace, the same story could have been accomplished in a single book and I would have absolutely loved it. Maybe someday I'll try again, but I could not put myself through another volume of this.
May 12, 2024
En este cierre de la trilogía hay paja, paja y más paja. Y la batalla épica que se lleva gestando tres libros, me la soluciona en ¡¡cuatro páginas!!. Estoy bastante decepcionada
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2022
This is the final book in The Dragon Heart Legacy, and it’s exciting, suspenseful, heart-warming, and a bit heartbreaking! Breen really comes into her power in this conclusion. She is fierce and powerful, and she digs so deep to bring peace to the world and the people she has come to love. The story picks up right where book two left off, and Breen and the other characters are dealing with the aftermath of the battle. They face grief, loss, mourning, and rebuilding, as well as preparing for the next battle.
Like the other books in the trilogy, I adored the friendships, romances, and family dynamics and how important they were to all of the characters. This is a tight-knit community that embraces Breen and Marcus, and the deep connection, loyalty, and love they all have for each other are really special. It’s a community that feels more like a family, and there are many wonderful relationships explored as the characters work, fight, celebrate, and mourn together. I like that the story doesn’t focus on one relationship and instead highlights many different ones. Romantic relationships, friendships, family bonds, new relationships and old ones are all explored and stress not only the importance of connection and love but also what Breen and the others are fighting for.
Of course, there’s a ton of intrigue and suspense and Breen, Keegan, and the others prepare for Odran’s eventual attack. The story also shifts perspective so you can see how Odran and his followers are preparing to defeat Breen and the rest. It’s dark and deadly, and Odran is so evil! I think this aspect of the story is a fantastic contrast to the positive, loving, and good we see in Talamh.
There are a lot of great messages and themes in this series, and the book is aptly titled because the whole story is about choice. Every character has to make choices, some easy some tough, and each choice changes the directory of their lives. Other themes that are prevalent include prejudice, fighting for what you believe in, embracing love, and the importance of family.
Nora Roberts is my most-read author, and I always gobble up her books. The Choice was no exception. It’s a captivating read and a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. It isn’t a standalone, so you have read the first two books to follow this one, but if you like amazing world-building, dynamic characters and relationships, unique fantasy elements, and entertaining storytelling that will make you laugh and cry, then I would definitely recommend the series. Oh, and did I mention dragons because… DRAGONS! lol Special thanks to St. Martin’s Press for sending me a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Like the other books in the trilogy, I adored the friendships, romances, and family dynamics and how important they were to all of the characters. This is a tight-knit community that embraces Breen and Marcus, and the deep connection, loyalty, and love they all have for each other are really special. It’s a community that feels more like a family, and there are many wonderful relationships explored as the characters work, fight, celebrate, and mourn together. I like that the story doesn’t focus on one relationship and instead highlights many different ones. Romantic relationships, friendships, family bonds, new relationships and old ones are all explored and stress not only the importance of connection and love but also what Breen and the others are fighting for.
Of course, there’s a ton of intrigue and suspense and Breen, Keegan, and the others prepare for Odran’s eventual attack. The story also shifts perspective so you can see how Odran and his followers are preparing to defeat Breen and the rest. It’s dark and deadly, and Odran is so evil! I think this aspect of the story is a fantastic contrast to the positive, loving, and good we see in Talamh.
There are a lot of great messages and themes in this series, and the book is aptly titled because the whole story is about choice. Every character has to make choices, some easy some tough, and each choice changes the directory of their lives. Other themes that are prevalent include prejudice, fighting for what you believe in, embracing love, and the importance of family.
Nora Roberts is my most-read author, and I always gobble up her books. The Choice was no exception. It’s a captivating read and a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. It isn’t a standalone, so you have read the first two books to follow this one, but if you like amazing world-building, dynamic characters and relationships, unique fantasy elements, and entertaining storytelling that will make you laugh and cry, then I would definitely recommend the series. Oh, and did I mention dragons because… DRAGONS! lol Special thanks to St. Martin’s Press for sending me a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
March 28, 2024
Ay, creo que este libro no es para mí; sin embargo, lo voy a hacer sonar tan emocionante como pueda porque honestamente no está nada mal, pero yo no soy el público más adecuado ni el mejor para él.
la Batalla del Portal Oscuro ha dejado a Breen Siobhan llena de pena, tristeza y dolor por las pérdidas que el acontecimiento provocó.
También la ha llenado de ira, rabia y ha solidificado su resolución de acabar con odran… al precio que cueste.
El sueño donde ve a una bruja tratando de causarle daño y la posterior visión en la que se muestra que el dios oscuro podría poseer sangre demoniaca—sangre que probablemente Breen comparte con él— son hechos que de verdad, de verdad, reafirman la resolución antes mencionada.
Ella destruirá al absoluto cabrón, y quienes traten de interponerse en su camino estarán en tantos, tantos problemas.
Y si a veces le teme al gran, gran poder que lleva dentro,a sus manifestaciones más notables y a la capacidad de dañar a inocentes que siente tiene entre manos… bueno. Ese es solo un hecho más que seguro podrá superar, sí.
Seguro…
Ahora, lea una muestra de lo indiscutiblemente geniales que son los dragones. Y mientras realiza tal acción, yo… definitivamente no voy a un rincón a lamentar que me quemé la mano con agua hirviendo hace un rato y a murmurar amenazas contra dicha agua al mismo tiempo que lo hago, no. Disculpe.
"—Nuestros. Odran no tiene dragones.
—No. No puede atraerlos a su bando ni esclavizarlos, como hace con algunos seres feéricos. Son puros.
—¿Y si convierte a su jinete?
—Los dragones no se doblegarán, ni siquiera por su jinete. Lo lloran y, a menudo, se mueren de pena. Si Odran esclaviza a un jinete contra su voluntad, lo esperan."
En una nota relacionada, el asesinato de los dragones fue… desgarrador, joder.
la Batalla del Portal Oscuro ha dejado a Breen Siobhan llena de pena, tristeza y dolor por las pérdidas que el acontecimiento provocó.
También la ha llenado de ira, rabia y ha solidificado su resolución de acabar con odran… al precio que cueste.
El sueño donde ve a una bruja tratando de causarle daño y la posterior visión en la que se muestra que el dios oscuro podría poseer sangre demoniaca—sangre que probablemente Breen comparte con él— son hechos que de verdad, de verdad, reafirman la resolución antes mencionada.
Ella destruirá al absoluto cabrón, y quienes traten de interponerse en su camino estarán en tantos, tantos problemas.
Y si a veces le teme al gran, gran poder que lleva dentro,a sus manifestaciones más notables y a la capacidad de dañar a inocentes que siente tiene entre manos… bueno. Ese es solo un hecho más que seguro podrá superar, sí.
Seguro…
Ahora, lea una muestra de lo indiscutiblemente geniales que son los dragones. Y mientras realiza tal acción, yo… definitivamente no voy a un rincón a lamentar que me quemé la mano con agua hirviendo hace un rato y a murmurar amenazas contra dicha agua al mismo tiempo que lo hago, no. Disculpe.
"—Nuestros. Odran no tiene dragones.
—No. No puede atraerlos a su bando ni esclavizarlos, como hace con algunos seres feéricos. Son puros.
—¿Y si convierte a su jinete?
—Los dragones no se doblegarán, ni siquiera por su jinete. Lo lloran y, a menudo, se mueren de pena. Si Odran esclaviza a un jinete contra su voluntad, lo esperan."
En una nota relacionada, el asesinato de los dragones fue… desgarrador, joder.
May 24, 2023
Actual Rating 2.5
Generally, I have to say I'm not a fan of books that are longer than 350 pages. They usually end up being unnecessarily long, although there are a few exceptions. Unfortunately, this book falls into the category of being excessively long.
It has too many unnecessary details that could have been left out. It could have easily been a shorter novella of around 200 pages. It feels like the author, Roberts, didn't have enough material and filled the pages with too many everyday life descriptions instead of focusing on the important scenes, which were over in just a couple of minutes.
Seriously, the book is over 400 pages but everything important happens in just 10 pages? but this book didn't meet my expectations.
Generally, I have to say I'm not a fan of books that are longer than 350 pages. They usually end up being unnecessarily long, although there are a few exceptions. Unfortunately, this book falls into the category of being excessively long.
It has too many unnecessary details that could have been left out. It could have easily been a shorter novella of around 200 pages. It feels like the author, Roberts, didn't have enough material and filled the pages with too many everyday life descriptions instead of focusing on the important scenes, which were over in just a couple of minutes.
Seriously, the book is over 400 pages but everything important happens in just 10 pages? but this book didn't meet my expectations.
December 17, 2022
The Choice is the epic conclusion of Nora Roberts’ Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy. Here we have portals to other worlds, mythical creatures, magic light and dark, and battles between good and evil on both large scale and small. There is a charming, diverse cast of characters, a couple of lovely romances, and a wonderful emphasis on family, whether bound by blood or chosen by heart. In this trilogy and her last, Chronicles of the One, Nora has made a radical departure from the cozy and comfortable storytelling I fell in love with as a teen. I can see where some lifelong fans of her writing might be disappointed in the shift, but I really respect it. This trilogy, and the one published before it, are stories that I would have no qualms recommending to fantasy fans who have never had much interest in Nora’s work.
Nora’s recaps are always incredibly beautiful, poetic in a way that sets the tone for the story even though the voice shifts to something more casual afterward. I wish this type of recap was a standard practice with series, especially fantasy series. It’s been Nora’s standard for years. While I love rereading her books, it’s nice that these recaps are there for when I don’t feel like taking the time to reread them before the next installment comes out.
As this is the finale of a trilogy, I’m not going to discuss any specifics of the story. Instead, I want to discuss characters. Our main character, Breen, has grown tremendously from when we were first introduced to her in The Awakening. She has found her path, her voice, herself, and she had is dedicated to staying true to that self. She is fierce, loyal, kind, and funny. I love her relationship with her best friend, Marco, who has also grown tremendously from the first book to this one. However, one thing I have to mention is what I found to be an odd lack of chemistry between Breen and her love interest. The chemistry in Nora’s romances is always palpable, but this one fell a bit flat. I think that’s in part due to her greater focus on a romance for Marco, in which there was far more believable chemistry. But Breen’s love interest, while I liked him as a character, made little sense to me in terms of romantic lead. I just never felt it, all the way through the series. Even at the very end, when things are wrapping up, I appreciated how Nora wrote it but still didn’t feel anything regarding that central romance. I found this pretty disappointing, but as I was deeply invested in the rest of the story, I gave it a pass.
I do feel like Nora is getting stronger and stronger at her battle scenes, and the build up needed to have them be impactful. The fantasy aspect of this trilogy was very strong, and I was really impressed by how well balanced a portal fantasy it truly was. We spent time in both main worlds, and I cared about what was happening in both. But the fantasy world itself was beautiful, and was the epitome of everything I consider fantasy at my core. There was magic and fey and mythical beings and dragons and so much more. Talamh has joined the ranks of the fictional places I would most love to visit, alongside Narnia and Hogwarts.
The Choice was a great ending to a very solid fantasy trilogy. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a fantasy story with a classic, poetic feel that also includes a lot of diverse representation and a romantic subplot or two. Even when Nora puts you through the wringer during a story, you can also aways trust her to provide a happy ending. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Nora’s recaps are always incredibly beautiful, poetic in a way that sets the tone for the story even though the voice shifts to something more casual afterward. I wish this type of recap was a standard practice with series, especially fantasy series. It’s been Nora’s standard for years. While I love rereading her books, it’s nice that these recaps are there for when I don’t feel like taking the time to reread them before the next installment comes out.
As this is the finale of a trilogy, I’m not going to discuss any specifics of the story. Instead, I want to discuss characters. Our main character, Breen, has grown tremendously from when we were first introduced to her in The Awakening. She has found her path, her voice, herself, and she had is dedicated to staying true to that self. She is fierce, loyal, kind, and funny. I love her relationship with her best friend, Marco, who has also grown tremendously from the first book to this one. However, one thing I have to mention is what I found to be an odd lack of chemistry between Breen and her love interest. The chemistry in Nora’s romances is always palpable, but this one fell a bit flat. I think that’s in part due to her greater focus on a romance for Marco, in which there was far more believable chemistry. But Breen’s love interest, while I liked him as a character, made little sense to me in terms of romantic lead. I just never felt it, all the way through the series. Even at the very end, when things are wrapping up, I appreciated how Nora wrote it but still didn’t feel anything regarding that central romance. I found this pretty disappointing, but as I was deeply invested in the rest of the story, I gave it a pass.
I do feel like Nora is getting stronger and stronger at her battle scenes, and the build up needed to have them be impactful. The fantasy aspect of this trilogy was very strong, and I was really impressed by how well balanced a portal fantasy it truly was. We spent time in both main worlds, and I cared about what was happening in both. But the fantasy world itself was beautiful, and was the epitome of everything I consider fantasy at my core. There was magic and fey and mythical beings and dragons and so much more. Talamh has joined the ranks of the fictional places I would most love to visit, alongside Narnia and Hogwarts.
The Choice was a great ending to a very solid fantasy trilogy. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a fantasy story with a classic, poetic feel that also includes a lot of diverse representation and a romantic subplot or two. Even when Nora puts you through the wringer during a story, you can also aways trust her to provide a happy ending. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
December 2, 2022
Nahh, nevermind. First book was great, 2nd was ok with a couple of 'what the...". A couple of chapters in on book 3 and really? Not buying it anymore.
July 19, 2023
He amado este libro ❤️
November 18, 2022
This 3rd and final installment had me in tears. This was a very emotional book with Breene closing some chapters in her life and starting new ones. The dragons. The final battle. The love between Breene and Keegan. I think this finale did their story justice.
I fell in love with many of these side characters, and the two worlds were brought to life with such color and wonder. You feel like you have fallen inside a story book fairy tale that does include some very, evil characters. After all, there had to be for Breene and Keegan to fight and concur.
Keegan has been a hard character for me but he came through in the end. He's one of those men that keep their feelings close to the vest. He's honorable, loyal and in the end, he gave Breene what she really needed.
Breene stayed true to herself all the way through even as she learned to shed her mothers moving and becoming who she really is. She was an easy character to love and wish great things for.
This was a fun series to read!
I fell in love with many of these side characters, and the two worlds were brought to life with such color and wonder. You feel like you have fallen inside a story book fairy tale that does include some very, evil characters. After all, there had to be for Breene and Keegan to fight and concur.
Keegan has been a hard character for me but he came through in the end. He's one of those men that keep their feelings close to the vest. He's honorable, loyal and in the end, he gave Breene what she really needed.
Breene stayed true to herself all the way through even as she learned to shed her mothers moving and becoming who she really is. She was an easy character to love and wish great things for.
This was a fun series to read!
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