The Awakening
Ratings23
Average rating3.7
15
Ratings23
Average rating3.7
Breen Kelly's mother had always told her she was "average" in every way. So Breen dyed her fiery red hair mousy brown, wore shapeless beige clothing, and unwillingly became a middle school teacher. Looking after her mother's plants while she's away, Breen stumbles upon a financial file indicating that she's a millionaire. After confirming the information, she quits her job and goes to Ireland to find her father, who'd left when she was 12. What Breen discovers there is lifechanging. Although her father has died, Breen finds an extended family, who live in a world called Talamh, accessible through a magical portal. She begins to understand the strange dreams she's always had, and discovers she is part of a line of powerful magical beings.
Featured Series
3 primary booksThe Dragon Heart Legacy is a 3-book series with 3 primary works first released in 2020 with contributions by Nora Roberts.
Reviews with the most likes.
I don't normally read fantasy but I really enjoyed this story and liked all the characters! I want to know what happens so will definitely read the other two! I liked how it was in the real world and in the fantasy world as well.
ok Nora! On one hand I was happy for the cute friendship between Breen and her gay bestie Marco. I did feel like Marco consisted mostly of like cliches and Drag Race catchphrases held together with glitter glue, but, ok, we had a good time. And I did think her relationship with the drag queens at Sally's was really sweet. Hag representation matters.
I liked the portal fantasy aspect a lot and I am stoked that at the end, Breen told Marco about all of the magic stuff and also that he jumped in the portal too! I am excited to see Marco take on magical Tulum or whatever the fantasy land is called.
Overall based on what I've read I think I prefer Nora's contemporary romance but ehhh I'll prob keep on reading. Gotta chase that cliffhanger!
I'm used to Nora Roberts' romance trilogies, where we see a set of three siblings/friends each settle down. This is not that–though it was still good.
This series has much more magic in it; the important part of the narrative takes place in a fey realm with dragons. I say “important,” but I actually enjoyed the first half of the book, the “finding myself” part, even more. And I love fantasy! It's just that I turn to Nora Roberts specifically to see the “finding myself” part, and I wasn't totally in the mood for a high-stakes realm-changing battle. I feel bad saying that–after all, an author should be able to tell whatever story they like–but, nonetheless, it was the case for me.
Bottom line, this is looking like a series that will follow one character as she embraces her destiny, leads a war, and continues falling in love with a warrior. It's deeply felt and I love the world building, but to be honest, that's not the storyline I'm into these days. Maybe someday I'll come back to it. ;)
