Nora Roberts Groupies discussion

We're going to start this thread today for those who may be reading Shadow Spell already. Please feel free to join in the discussion at any time, though.

So excited to start reading this!

I finished it this morning before work and it was great! I still can't help but notice the crazy similarities with Three Sisters Island, but it doesn't bother me too much. I love the setting of Ireland and just can't get enough of the friendships and relationships Nora weaves!

That was quick!

I have a tradition where I clear my post-work schedule the day a new Nora comes out. I come home, curl up in my oversized chair, drink some wine, and read all evening :) Added to that, I am at home this morning waiting for a furniture delivery so I was able to finish it up :)

Sounds like an awesome tradition!

I can't complain! And while it doesn't always work out, I can usually keep the tradition more often than not :)

I just got it and am excited to start it! :)

I've got to go back and read "Dark Witch" again before I can start "Shadow Spell". I always do that. I like to get all the characters and events back in my head. It makes the next book in the series make more sense to me. Or maybe it's just an excuse to reread a NR book!!! LOL!! Whichever!! It works for me!!

Nicole, I like your tradition. If only the girl didn't have that band concert Tuesday night, followed by the band festival hosted by our school on Wednesday, I would have been doing something very similar.
Still, I managed to finish last night :) 71 hours since release? Not too bad. Now I go back to reread, one of my traditions with a new Norabook.

Kerri, one of the aspects that helps out my tradition is that I do not have children! But a band concert also sounds like a lovely way to spend an evening :)

I don't reread very often but when I do it is typically Nora Roberts. I have the Daring to Dream keyed up to reread at some point this summer. Hopefully while lounging on a beach!

The concert was great, if I do say so. Plus, my daughter's band (her school has three) received a Superior rating the next day at the festival. Superior is the highest rating possible, so yay!

If I'm going to do a reread, it is probably a Nora. I just wish I was into that activity back in school. I might have had better grades. I definitely catch new details the second time around.

finished it last night and ofcourse it was good. however, as others mentioned, I find the basic similar to three sisters island. now, waiting for the third book ...september!

I just got the new book in the mail from 1 of my good facebook friends a few days ago, and I'm just readin' it now! So far,it's not all that bad! I'm only on chapter 2 so far,so I've got quiet aways to go as of right now. What I don't understand at the moment is who is Fial? Y is he in the story? He wasn't part of the story in Dark Witch,was he? Also, who is Ailish? And y is she always pregnant? Who is she gettin' pregnant from...'cause it doesn't say (or to me,it don't)? A bit confused at the moment.
I mean, I get it that things have went forward from Dark Witch up until now,but there's new characters that even I'm not familiar with.These are the only concerns/questions that I have as of right now,that's all. I'm just not familiar with all of these new characters coming into the story,'cause I don't remember/recall any of these newer characters coming into play while reading Dark Witch, other than that,I'm cool with it!

April - Shadow Spell begins in Autumn 1268. It's beginning with some of the history of the original three siblings (children of the first Dark Witch). The story doesn't move to present times (Autumn 2013) until chapter three.

Sheery,thanks. I'm sorry, I totally forgot that the story doesn't move to the present time until chapter 3. I apologize for that! I just got confused about the whole pregnancy thing in chapter 1 that I was so confused about what else was supposed to happen in 1268 that I totally forgotten about the present time in 2013. I'm sorry about that,please forgive me.

No need to be sorry, April. I was just hoping to clear it up for you.

Sheery,Okay. I just wanna say thank u. U cleared it up for me. I didn't see the present time until while ago when I picked the book up and turned the pages to chapter 3 and then realized that ur right and I was wrong! But that's alright,at least we got it all cleared up! :D

It wasn't original, but I love the characters so much I didn't care. I also don't want to wait for Fin's story. He is such a wonderful character .

Did anyone notice this- Boyle last name seems to be different Boyle McGraff (page 46 in book 2) and Boyle McGrath (page 11 in book 1)

Readuser wrote: "Did anyone notice this- Boyle last name seems to be different Boyle McGraff (page 46 in book 2) and Boyle McGrath (page 11 in book 1)"

I haven't started Shadow Spell but his name is definitely McGrath in Dark Witch. Pagination varies based on format so it may not appear exactly on the pages you note.

Wow, that's kind of a big mistake with Boyle's name. I looked it up and it's on page 75 of the paper version of Shadow Spell.

I'm six chapters into the book and loving it so far. I really liked Connor in Dark Witch and I seriously love him now. I also really like Meara. Their friendship is really sweet and I'm looking forward to the rest of this book.

I have to say that while I saw similarities in Dark Witch to Three Sisters, I'm not seeing them in this book at all.

Oh, and I am seriously LOVING the elements that relate between Connor and Eamon. I won't say more than that because I don't want to spoil anything but I think their scenes are very creative and well done by NR.

Can I say something please? I'm only on chapter 5 but I think that this book is abit more different from Dark Witch. I mean, don't get me wrong, I liked Dark Witch, it was the very 1rst trilogy that I've ever read when it comes to witches and witchcraft,but still.... Altho I've never gotten to read the 3 Sisters Island trilogy, I really don't see any comparisons towards either 1 of the trilogies at all. I mean, that's just how I feel about it,but I really don't see any comparisons. I really don't know y or even understand the fact that alotta people on here compare both the 3 Sisters Island trilogy and the Cousins O'Dwyer trilogy and I can't seem to figure that out. Y? Y is that? Can someone please explain that to me?

@April - when we say this series is similar to 3 sisters, its just the base - like book 1 one of the sisters come to the island from a diff place and book 3 - falling out between the primary characters and how they come together to overcome the evil

April wrote: "Can I say something please? I'm only on chapter 5 but I think that this book is abit more different from Dark Witch. I mean, don't get me wrong, I liked Dark Witch, it was the very 1rst trilogy tha..."

I agree with Readuse, it is just the set up of the 6. One outsider and that outsider is the nice, homey, down to earth character featured in the first book; followed by the second book featuring the more confident, assertive woman; and the third featuring the powerful witch.

I think the most glaring part for me is the Mia and Branna are the powerful witches featured in the third books and they are partnered with Sam/Fin who are long time friends but ultimately are the connection to the dark side that the witches must work with to overcome evil.

There are also a lot of similarities in the evil characters descriptions.

The storylines themselves are not overly similar, just the parallels between the two sets of characters really stood out. Plus, I just reread Three Sisters Island before Dark Witch came out so it was pretty fresh in my mind.

I still am loving the Cousins O'Dwyer trilogy though. After over 200 books, it is not surprising that we are seeing some similarities among NR's characters....

I don't know, maybe I'm confused but in a way I do agree with what both of ya'll said about Shadow Spell as well as Dark Witch. I really don't see any simuliarities between the 3 Sisters Island trilogy and the brand new Cousins O'Dwyer trilogy, I really don't see the connection between both trilogies,I'm sorry. I have tried to read the 3 Sisters Island trilogy before but couldn't get into it,'cause I felt that it wasn't realistic enough to relate to it in real-life,that's just me,tho. That's y I don't read books like this that have alot to do with witchcraft and witches.....it always gets me so confused and while I know n my heart that it's not realistic and everything I still don't believe or agree with everything that they say in the trilogy book,that's just how I feel about it. I do wish that Nora would write something more towards realistic and less towards fantasy (like Harry Potter),while reading this trilogy all I can think about is Harry Potter. Is that bad? I mean, is that a bad thing to think of while readin' the trilogy? O boy! That's just life,I reckon.

Don't get me wrong, I am startin' to like this story. I really do hope that there is a love story somewhere underneath all of the witchcraft bull-crap and all that,lol! But still, I mean I normally don't read books that have this topic in it. I don't think that I can even relate to any of the female characters either. MAybe I should just call it quits and put the book down for a chance. What do ya'll think that I should do? Keep on readin' it? Or give up and find something more realistic to read on?
Don't get me wrong, I do like the story and yes it is different than what I'm used to readin' on,but still. I mean,I just want Nora to write something more realistic for a chance. Ya'll know what I'm talkin' about on here? Please,tell me that ya'll know where I'm coming from...

Well, to each their own on seeing similarities or not. You asked for someone to explain their POV, so I did.

I can certainly see where the magical aspects aren't for everyone. I have several reading friends who really don't like magic or magical realism for one reason or another. I think it just comes down to personal taste and knowing when it is time to put down a book and move on.

I like the magical elements and find very little of NR's books -- even the nonmagical ones -- to be realistic! Lol. But that is why I am such a fan...they are a nice break from the reality I deal with at work and home. After a long day at work, I like immersing myself in a world where true love always finds a way, good always defeats evil, and happily ever after reigns.

And, wouldn't it be great to be able to do a little magic here and there?!? Personally, I could use a little right now to scrub my floors :)

April, I think it's perfectly fine if the storyline and books are not your cup of tea. However, please respect the views of others answering your questions. Also give books (Three Sisters Island) a chance and actually read before making a judgement call.

Thanks

April - I think it's been fairly well stated that the similarities between 3 Sisters and the FIRST book of the Cousins O'Dwyer are surface and do not detract from the story in the least.

As for magical elements and witchcraft - that's not for everyone and it's quite all right. However, to refer to such as 'bull crap' isn't very respectful. If you don't like the book then don't read it. It's that simple.

As for a 'real love story underneath all the witchcraft' - as you stated - There is a very beautiful and touching love story occurring between Connor and Meara. These characters are dealing with the everyday along with the magical elements of the story. They work, they fight, they have sex, they have friends and 'real' lives all through the book. In fact, I think showing the friendships, the family life and that love can indeed conquer is Nora's strength as a storyteller. Sure, not all aspects of all her stories fit everyone's life but some of the enjoyment in reading is the escape. Perhaps if you look at it that way you can enjoy the books more than you do.

Well, I'll be the first to admit that Dark Witch wasn't my favorite of NR's books-actually I would have a hard time picking just one favorite!! LOL!!
But I'm looking forward to reading Shadow Spell because I've learned that NR continues to develop characters and storylines as each trilogy continues.
I do think though that each person's taste is different, and if you don't like a book, nothing and no one says you have to finish it. It's okay. Put it down. I've done it with other books many times.
However I usually like the books she writes on witchcraft/Wicca because I'm not familiar with it personally and love to learn about new things=which I always do in NR's books. I also agree with Sheery that reading NR and other fiction is an escape for me where love and good always win. That doesn't happen enough in real life, so I love to read about it!

Now that you mention it, I'd never heard of Wicca until I read about it in Ceremony in Death. And, most of the lore regarding witches I gleaned from her trilogies. Reading is also an escape for me and also an opportunity to gain insight on topics I'd never reach out on my own to learn.

Jonetta wrote: "Now that you mention it, I'd never heard of Wicca until I read about it in Ceremony in Death. And, most of the lore regarding witches I gleaned from her trilogies. Reading is also an e..."

Jonetta,
I think most of the 'trivia' and knowledge I have about various subjects came from NR's books!! LOL!! I'm always explaining different stuff to my husband and he says "where did you learn that?" I just say Nora!! He laughs, but now he just expects it!!!
Even my friends that read NR don't remember the stuff I do from the books. Of course I think I've read them all about 30 times each so I should remember a lot!!!

I really have learned a lot of things from her stories that I would have never known. And I like that!! Love to learn stuff!! I'd be a professional student if I could afford it!! But NR books are just as good or better!! Maybe I should see if I can be awarded a PH.D. in Nora Roberts??? LOL!! She should consider that!! We could have to pass a test like an SAT on all of her books and if we make a certain score we get a PH.D.!!! :)

Lol! It is remarkable how she teaches us about different professions or hobbies with each story or series. It's another thing that sets her apart from most writers.

Sign me up for the Nora Roberts Ph.D. please. Lol.

I finished Shadow Spell last night and absolutely LOVE it! There wasn't a scene or a moment in the book I didn't like. Although I did like Dark Witch, I definitely prefer Shadow Spell.

I'm really looking forward to Branna and Fin's story in November. I swear you can feel their love and pain coming off the pages. I look forward to seeing how they come together again.

Also, I really think Brannagh, Eamon and Teagan are going to have to play a bigger role in Blood Magick in order to vanquish Cabhan.

Speaking of - the cover is gorgeous! I'm seeing it for the first time today. :)

Thank you for sharing this!! I hadn't seen it. It's gorgeous.

You're welcome! I hadn't seen it either and actually giggled with excitement. Then I thought, Oh, let me post it. LOL

Sheery wrote: "Speaking of - the cover is gorgeous! I'm seeing it for the first time today. :)"

When is this one due out??

I am the first to admit that paranormal is not my cup of tea. But, Nora Roberts does not create an alternate universe where thing just cannot happen. This is fiction, for god's sake. The love story is told in the context of the ages old contest between good and evil. I see the similarity between the O'Dwyer and the Three Sisters also. Point to Nicole for seeing the tie between Sam/Fin and Mia/Branna. It is there and it does not detract from the stories at all.

Anita wrote: "Sheery wrote: "Speaking of - the cover is gorgeous! I'm seeing it for the first time today. :)"

When is this one due out??"

According to Barnes and Noble the release date is October 28th.

Sheery wrote: "Anita wrote: "Sheery wrote: "Speaking of - the cover is gorgeous! I'm seeing it for the first time today. :)"

When is this one due out??"

According to Barnes and..."

It was originally scheduled for November 2 but Nora keeps beating deadlines.

That is wonderful!

yay finally got my copy of Shadow Spell..can't wait to get started on it ;)

just finished Shadow Spell and loved it, even more so than Dark Witch. Especially loved the little snippets of (nostalgic?) scenes between Branna and Fin....oh man am sooo looking forward to Blood Magick can't wait for their story!!

Oh but Connor and Meara..loved them too. They sorta remind me of Blair and Larkin from the Dance of the Gods you know the strong independent woman with the easygoing lovable guy..

I'm almost 30 pages in and it is such a strong opening! Loving it so far.

Talya wrote: "I'm almost 30 pages in and it is such a strong opening! Loving it so far."

In my opinion it stays strong through the entire book. I think you're going to love this one, Talya. :)

I finished a couple of days ago. I thought it was really good. I liked it a little better than Dark Witch. Can't wait for Fin and Branna's story.

Just finished!

I loved it, I'm leaning to 5 stars. I thought the plot flowed and kept moving very well. Connor is definitely one of my fave Nora heroes now, and my fave male witch along with Sam Logan. Can't wait to read Branna and Fin's story.

Hi Everyone! Ive just gotten up to Chapter5! I started late because I was waiting for a library copy, I actually already finished The Collector, but Im super excited to see what happens with Connor.
And I totally understand what several of you mentioned in the earlier comments about there being a parallel when it comes to the structure of the trilogy. Thanks for pointing out how the Three Sisters Island trilogy was similarly structured, from now on when reading Nora Roberts trilogies I will try to pay more attention when it comes to her organizational schemes. Although I have to admit I had simply made the assumption that Branna's story would be told last, I'm not sure how I came to that conclusion on my own from just having read the first book in the trilogy, guess I just assumed she would save the strongest witch, and the characters with a past for the end.