by Nora Roberts
Series: The Dragon Heart Legacy #1
Narrator: Barrie Kreinik
Length: 15 hours and 27 minutes
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.3x
In the realm of Talamh, a teenage warrior named Keegan emerges from a lake holding a sword - representing both power and the terrifying responsibility to protect the Fey. In another realm known as Philadelphia, a young woman has just discovered she possesses a treasure of her own....
When Breen Kelly was a girl, her father would tell her stories of magical places. Now she’s an anxious 20-something mired in student debt and working a job she hates. But one day she stumbles upon a shocking discovery: Her mother has been hiding an investment account in her name. It has been funded by her long-lost father - and it’s worth nearly four million dollars.
This newfound fortune would be life-changing for anyone. But little does Breen know that when she uses some of the money to journey to Ireland, it will unlock mysteries she couldn’t have imagined. Here, she will begin to understand why she kept seeing that silver-haired, elusive man, why she imagined his voice in her head saying, "Come home, Breen Siobhan. It’s time you came home." Why she dreamed of dragons. And where her true destiny lies - through a portal in Galway that takes her to a land of faeries and mermaids, to a man named Keegan, and to the courage in her own heart that will guide her through a powerful, dangerous destiny.....
The Awakening by Nora Roberts is the first in the Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy. The story begins in Philadelphia, but we travel to Ireland and Talamh, the realm of the fae. Magical and captivating, Roberts pulled me in and never let go.
The prologue introduces us to Talamh, where Keegan emerges from a lake holding a sword and tasked with protecting the realm.
The story then whisks us to present day Philadelphia, where we meet Breen Kelly. She is a young teacher, buried in debt and unhappy. She unwittingly, or perhaps with some help, discovers that her mother has kept secret an account opened by her long-lost father. An account that would have paid for college and allowed her to pursue her own dreams. Those funds open the door to possibilities. The first is a trip to Ireland to find her father.
She ends up in Galway, Ireland, in the perfect cottage. It is here she will discover who she really is. This differed from Roberts’ previous trilogies. Most of which involve powerful females who know their magic. In each book, one of them finds their mate as they fight against evil. In this story Breen knows nothing of her father and the world he came from, only the magical stories he told her as a child.
It was delightful seeing this young woman discover, doubt, learn and believe all while finding herself. Away from her mother’s influence, she grew confident.
I loved Talamh and the family and friends she discovers there. Many fae dwell in the realm from mermaids to dragons. We meet powerful characters like her grandmother, who teaches and guides her and reunite with childhood friends. Keegan, now a man and burdened with protecting the realm from danger, has been waiting for Breen. Battles are coming and she is the key to their success.
The romance will be a slow burn and it looks like it will cover the three books. I liked their chemistry, the frustration, and banter.
Romance, crossroads and decisions push the narrative as Roberts’ prepares us for things to come.
Barrie Kreinik narrates, and this was my first experience with her. From her Irish lilt to the voices she created for each character, she enchanted me. Roberts’ descriptive style and flow translate beautifully to audio and make listening a pleasure.
I cannot wait for the next audiobook. If you are looking to escape reality and long for rich characters and worlds, grab The Awakening.
Travel to Ireland and the realm of the fae in The Awakening by Nora Roberts, the first in the Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy. #audiobook #mustlisten #NewRelease Share on X
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
Iza
Her books can be hit or miss with me, I’ve never read her fantasy novels, but I’d love to try this one – and bonus, it takes place in Ireland !
Katherine
I really need to try some of her more paranormal books. I’ve read some of her books that touch on paranormal but none of her books that are more full on. This sounds good and she’s such a reliable author for me that I really need to give this a try.
Debbie S Haupt
Loved this one too Kim, I reviewed it for Macmillan Audio and will post it when my holiday blog bash ends. Great review! I can’t wait for book 2
Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café
Can’t wait to listen to this one!
Tyler H Jolley
Another great series by Nora Roberts! Oddly, I know someone named that in real life!
Anne - Books of My Heart
She is so prolific! I don’t know how she does it. Plus the quality is high in her work.
Ethan
It is so cool to see her veer into this genre with such success. I only remember her books from years ago.
Sophia Rose
I’ve really been remiss in getting to Nora Roberts’ books. I like the sound of this one and even better that it starts a new trilogy so I can dive in.
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
It’s been years since I’ve read anything by Nora Roberts, and I rarely read fantasy, but something about this one has really caught my eye. I have it on hold at the library already and your review has me even more ready to dive in!
Nadene
She was one of my favourite authors back in the day. I have several of her books on my shelf, some of which I have yet to read. This latest one sounds awesome. Great review.
Ailyn Koay
slow burn romance yeh, I think Nora Roberts planning for a happy ending for Valentine’s Day 2021?
Anca
I used to love Nora Roberts books as a teenager, but not so much any more. Maybe I should try again with one of her new books, like this one. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it.
Kathryn Trask
Okay, I was hovering over whether to push the button on this one at Audible but I think I’ll be into it very soon. It sounds wonderful and what a mix.
Melliane
It’s been so long since I’ve read one of her books!