by Nora Roberts
Series: Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy #3
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
County Mayo is rich in the traditions of Ireland, legends that Branna O’Dwyer fully embraces in her life and in her work as the proprietor of The Dark Witch shop, which carries soaps, lotions, and candles for tourists, made with Branna’s special touch. Branna’s strength and selflessness hold together a close circle of friends and family—along with their horses and hawks and her beloved hound. But there’s a single missing link in the chain of her life: love… She had it once—for a moment—with Finbar Burke, but a shared future is forbidden by history and blood. Which is why Fin has spent his life traveling the world to fill the abyss left in him by Branna, focusing on work rather than passion. Branna and Fin’s relationship offers them both comfort and torment. And though they succumb to the heat between them, there can be no promises for tomorrow. A storm of shadows threatens everything that their circle holds dear. It will be Fin’s power, loyalty, and heart that will make all the difference in an age-old battle between the bonds that hold their friends together and the evil that has haunted their families for centuries.
Blood Magick is the final book in the Cousins of O’Dwyer trilogy and I was anxious for Branna and Finn’s story almost as much as seeing if the witches would finally end the evil that haunts them. While each book deals with one couple, the overall ARC makes it necessary to read this trilogy from the beginning to appreciate the quest. Blood Magick was beautifully written and had moments that made me swoon.
Espresso Review of Blood Magick
“As we will, so mote it be”
I love the Ireland setting and the good verse evil theme throughout the Cousins O’Dwyer trilogy. There is witchy magic and spells to cast. We time travel a wee-bit as the cousins visit their bloodline from the past as they prepare for their final battle with Cabhan. The plot offers nothing new regarding witches but Roberts’ knows how to tell a story, and I quickly became caught up. The group as a whole has a great dynamic. Their friendships, and the way in which they support each other made me envious. Roberts’ uses language to give the spells power and it also enhances the Ireland countryside setting. Finn has been a favorite for me and his storyline tugged at my heart. Branna and Finn’s relationship overpowered the overall arc in Blood Magick. Both are strong and burdened by who they are and the hand fate dealt each. Despite their story overshadowing the outcome, Blood Magick was a wonderful conclusion to the series. This is a light, easy read and while I adore Roberts, I craved more depth.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Diana Leigh
I read the first of the series and thought it was just okay. I still haven’t decided if I will move on to the second or not.
kimbacaffeinate
Not my favorite paranormal trilogy by her, but I did love the characters. A solid read to be sure.
aurian
I haven’t started this trilogy yet, but I will soon. I love her magickal ones. And this cover is so very lovely.
kimbacaffeinate
The covers are amazing and yes I have a fondness for her magic ones too
Dani Chapman
I have this trilogy sitting on my Kindle and for some reason I just haven’t started them yet. I really want to and your review has made me even more interested.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh enjoy…you will be able to binge read them:)
Candace
I got the first book not long ago. I’m looking forward to reading it. One day!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Candace, I love the setting and the bond between all of the characters
Quinn's Book Nook
I’ve been real curious about this series by Nora Roberts. I used to read her books ALL THE TIME years ago, but have fallen behind. And since she writes so quickly, I have a lot of catch up on. I’m glad to hear that you were very pleased with the conclusion of this series. I just love the covers, don’t you?
kimbacaffeinate
Yes Quinn the covers are wonderful on this series..I could live in that cottage!
Kay
I agree, this was a good series and I loved the setting, but it could have had more depth.
kimbacaffeinate
Compared to her older paranormal trilogies I agree Kay
Linnae
I have never read Nora for depth – just for fun and those “swoon” moments. Nora has a formula that works for her books and depth is not an important part of her formula. My favorite Nora PNR trilogy is the Three Sisters Island trilogy. I have the first two books in this trilogy and the 3rd is on my Christmas wish list. I like to have all of the books in a series and then I binge read the series. I love the covers so I’m getting them in print. Looking forward to the swoon!
kimbacaffeinate
I have read all of her books and enjoy them, I just felt the overall arc wasn’t as developed as her earlier works in paranormal.
Katherine
This series definitely hasn’t been one of my favorites. I loved the setting and the characters but the plots just didn’t do much for me. I’m hoping her next series has a little more substance.
kimbacaffeinate
This was my feeling as well, her earlier paranormal trilogies were stronger.
laura thomas
Thanks for sharing this one. I love her books and though you mentioned it didn’t have her usual depth, I’d still like to read it:) And I see her cover art is as good as ever with this one. Could be a painting!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh the characters make it more than worthy Laura 🙂 ..i mean it is Nora.
Berls
I didn’t realize Nora Roberts wrote PNR. I think of her as a contemporary romance author and I haven’t actually picked her up yet. May have to, just for a fun read – its nice to pick something up without a lot of depth sometimes.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes she does, and crime novels as well.
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
ooh I think I’ve seen this author a few times now! I’m glad that you found this book to be enjoyable, Kimba 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Melanie it was fun 🙂
R_Hunt
I love the Irish setting, the cover of that book, and the idea but sometimes Nora Roberts writes a bit too much “fluff” for me. Not putting her down– I like her– but some titles are better than others for me.
kimbacaffeinate
I get it. I can consume most of her books in a few hours. .little escapes.
Jess
I haven’t read one of her books in a long time. I can how the Ireland setting would be very appealing. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I loved the setting Jess 🙂
Lily
I still haven’t read anything by Nora Robert but I think i’ll just have to start with her other books. This one doesn’t seem like the read for me 🙁 Hopefully your next read has more depth.
kimbacaffeinate
You might love her contemporary romance series Bride Quartet. It was delightful.
Laurel-Rain Snow
I am way behind! I have only read the first one, Dark Witch, but I am eager to journey through all the books in the trilogy. I guess Shadow Spell is next.
Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, enjoy Laurel. I loved the characters
Bea
Hmm, that’s unfortunate about the lack of depth but I do want to try this series. Yay for libraries!
kimbacaffeinate
It was enjoyable Bea..I just loved the whole conflict and wanted it drawn out more..but had fun regardless.
Sheila (Book Journey)
I have not read Nora in years but love the sound of this!
kimbacaffeinate
I love her paranormal trilogies and this was enjoyable
Tanja
You and my mom should meet, for real. She is like a huge fan of Nora Roberts and I have no doubts that she will read this series as soon as it gets translated here. Anyhow I’m really glad that this one was a great conclusion to the whole series. Great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Awe, I am sure your Mom and I could chat it up for hours on end then. Hope she enjoys them!
Trish
I feel like the only person in the world who has never read a book by this author. I’d like to try this series sometime even with your comment about the lack of depth, it would suit me if I was looking for a para-light book 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Perfect para-light and her characters are always delightful. I can read these books in a single afternoon.
Stormi
I heard this series wasn’t as good as everyone hoped, but it sounds really interesting. So I am not sure if I should try it or not.
kimbacaffeinate
It could have been better, but I honesty enjoyed them. Great light escapes with paranormal elements
Angela Adams
That’s a lovely book cover…thanks for the post!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Angela the cover is lovely
Melliane
Oh Ireland setting? That’s fun! It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by the author but I have many of them, I need to get back to them…
kimbacaffeinate
Loved the setting and paranormal woo-woo
Red Iza
I want that house on the cover ! Great review 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Oh me too..I could be very happy there.
blodeuedd
I should try one of her newer books
kimbacaffeinate
Her reads and nice, fast and entertaining.
kindlemom1
I’m sorry this didn’t have more depth to it, that is really too bad. I had high hopes for this series and now I am not so sure I want to start it yet.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I still recommend it and enjoyed it..nice escape reads but I wanted the action scenes drawn out more.