WARNING: This is not the actual book Shadow Spell by Nora Roberts. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book. Read this review to gain a better perspective of the novel's high and low points, while also considering the presentation of an alternative outcome. Shadow Spell, the second installment of The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy, continues the paranormal tale left behind by Dark Witch. This review of the middle piece walks you through the novel's high and low points, while breaking down what is occurring behind the scenes. Cabhan has much stacked against him yet again, with warriors, descendants of Sorcha, and many others with great power hot on his heels. The summer solstice battle has come and gone, without a true winner, so the group decides to destroy him by attacking the source of his power. Cabhan prepares as he always does, by focusing on the weaknesses of each member, which this expert review also details. The plot in Shadow Spell weakens a bit, however, as Cabhan, true to his history, underestimates the bonds between those he wishes to destroy. The novel's true strength is in its portrayal of the budding romance between Connor and Meara. The steam emanating from them almost makes the actual good vs. evil theme seem like an afterthought, and the novel is better for it. Picturesque rural Ireland and the dense characters are the true stars in Shadow Spell, not the urban fantasy aspect.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts comes a trilogy about the land we’re drawn to, the family we learn to cherish, and the people we long to love.…With the legends and lore of Ireland running through his blood, falconer Connor O’Dwyer is proud to call County Mayo home. It’s where his sister, Branna, lives and works, where his cousin, Iona, has found true love, and where his childhood friends form a circle that can’t be broken…A circle that is about to be stretched out of shape—by a long-awaited kiss.Meara Quinn is Branna’s best friend, a sister in all but blood. Her and Connor’s paths cross almost daily, as Connor takes tourists on hawk walks and Meara guides them on horseback across the lush countryside. She has the eyes of a gypsy and the body of a goddess…things Connor has always taken for granted—until his brush with death propels them into a quick, hot tangle.Plenty of women have found their way to Connor’s bed, but none to his heart until now. Frustratingly, Meara is okay with just the heat, afraid to lose herself—and their friendship—to something more. But soon, Connor will see the full force and fury of what runs in his blood. And he will need his family and friends around him when his past rolls in like the fog, threatening an end to all he loves.…