“If you rock no boat, you never end up in the water to see where the waves might take you.” I love so many of the quotes from this book, but this one really speaks to me and feels like it summarizes the story line for Breen, the main character, very well. Breen is from two worlds, but was only aware of her home in Philadelphia, until a trip to Ireland became more than she could ever have thought would be part of her reality.

The Awakening is the first book in The Dragon Heart Trilogy by Nora Roberts. If you have ever read a book by Nora Roberts, you know you’re going to get characters that will work their way into your heart and a world that you daydream about visiting. In this first book in the series, we are drawn into a magickal world of Faeries, Trolls, Mer people, dragons, Elves, the Wise (witches), Sidhe, and a few humans, as we visit Talamh.

I love Breen’s character. We get to watch her grow as we learn about who and what she really is as she goes to Ireland in search of her father. We meet her as a young woman, living with her best friend and roommate, Marco, who is always trying to help her come out of her shell. She was always trying to live an “unseen” life. I loved watching her find the strength and courage to reach beyond her limited sight to become independent and adventurous, embracing her true self.

This story will pull you in and hold you until the very end, leaving you wanting more. The writing is as magical as the story; the characters, relationships, and world create the perfect blend of story, heart, and magical adventure. It’s the kind of story you think about when you’re not reading. You’ll cheer for Breen and soar along with her on her wins. The Awakening is a story about waking up and allowing yourself to be who you really are, despite the odds.

I recommend this book to everyone who has read anything by Nora Roberts, for lovers of fantasy with a sprinkling of romance, and to those looking for a story that will weave its way into your thoughts with relatable characters, and a world you’ll dream of visiting.

This is one of my top reads for 2020 and I want to thank St. Martin’s Press for sending me a copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest review.

I had thought for many years that Nora Roberts was the Queen of Romance but for the last few years she has shown that she is the Queen of about anything she chooses to write. The Awakening, The Dragon Heart Legacy, Book 1 is magical, combining the contemporary world with that of another realm.

Breen Kelly does not seem at all the type of character who will rise to the occasion needed to save herself let alone anything else. Oh, the progress this character makes from finding a unknown bank account to the cliffhanger at the conclusion. I began to believe in her. There is a battle coming between good and evil. The build-up is just beginning and yet I am completely invested in reading the outcome. This is what Ms. Roberts does so well; hook the reader in. The next book in this trilogy can’t come fast enough. 

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’ve been a fan of this author, both under this name and her pseudonym, for a lot of years. I like it when she delves into the paranormal as that’s my favorite genre. I was excited to pick up this latest, and I dived right in. I am going to say upfront that it took waaaaaay too long to get to the actual meat of the story. I think about half of the first part could have been pared down to make a tighter first part. It wasn’t boring by any stretch of the imagination, but I knew as a reader that this was just a set-up part of the story. Once we actually got to the heart of the story, it just flew by really quickly, and at the end even though I gasped, I actually cheered about what happened. Just stick with the first part of the story; it’s worth it in the end. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Breen Kelly lives her humdrum life working multiple jobs and trying to maintain a low profile. The winds of change however are blowing in her favor when a drawer in her mother's office blows open and a file showing Breen as the owner of a multi-million dollar account lies at her feet. Now tattooed with the word courage on her wrist, she's on her way to Ireland to rekindle the memories of her Irish father with her best friend in tow.  What a great beginning to a new trilogy that introduces readers to a wonderful cast of characters, parallel universes, magic and the looming epic battle between good and evil.
With her arrival in Ireland, its as if Breen is awakening from a long forgotten dream. As she writes her daily blog about her adventures in Ireland and starts to gather a following, her night time dreams inspire her to start writing her first novel it's like she's freed the walls that have caged her. There are some mysteries like the lady falconer who she clicked off with but can find no sign off at the falconry school attached to the hotel or the flowers that respond to her in the hotel garden. Added to that are the nightly dreams of dragons and magic that haunt her. On a personal note I had to cancel a planned trip to Ireland this year and Breen's adventures have just strengthened the desire to visit and as soon as possible.
 When Breen's childhood friend departs Ireland she finds a lost puppy in the woods who attaches himself to her. Soon she's writing about the goofy puppy's adventures in addition to her daily blog and her novel. One day she follows the puppy through the woods and ends up at an ancient tree that is a portal to a parallel magical universe and she falls through like Alice and ends up on the other side.  Disoriented she finds herself at a farm that she could swear she remembers, and then surprises pile up as the current occupant takes her to visit a grandmother she knows nothing about. Now she's plunged into a new set of adventures as she discovers that magic, and fey and weres are not a figment of her imagination and she actually has quite a bit of latent magic in her due to her blood. Sadly her beloved father is dead and that she now might be a target of an evil god who once successfully kidnapped her in childhood and will do all he can to reacquire her. 
I've been struggling lately to find a book that I enjoy and can read to the end but this one I had no trouble with. In fact I was totally disappointed to reach the end and can hardly bear to wait a year before the next one in this series will be published. What a wonderful colorful cast of characters in both words. The silver haired man whom she has been seeing is not only real but he's her grandmother's lover and a silver cat in his other form. Her world is expanding and she has more friends and love than she's ever had before. To balance the fey world the characters in the human world are just as colorful and inspiring. 
Another winner from the legendary Ms. Roberts with a theme of courage, empowerment, free choice and love.

This is the debut of a new fantasy series by Nora Roberts and what a fascinating read it is ! I loved the atmospheric setting of Ireland, the strong charcters and the "other" world descriptions by the author. 
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own for early ARC. 

Rights away I liked the protagnist who is smart , strong and likable.  Breen Kelly is living a very unhappy life,  working at a job she doesn’t like and worrying about her student loans . She is shopping in thrift stores (good for her! Note to author most of us do )  and struggling day to day to keep her life afloat. Her life is not what she imagined when she was in college and she fears it will never get better.  She is speechless when she finds out she has a account that has millions from her estranged Father.   She promptly pays off her debts, grabs her best friend  and takes off on a trip to  Ireland to inquire about  her estranged father who left her the money.  While she is visiting Ireland she finds a secret portal that takes her to Talamh, the place of her birth and a magical land of fairies and all things magical. She finds out she has a reason for arriving in Talamh and is the one they are depending on to be strong enough to take up battle against a terrible being who wants to take over Talamh.  The being just happens to be her Grandfather.   The challenge she faces is deciding to return to her real life or stay and fight for those in the magical land . 

This is the perfect escape reading. it has magic, a strong protagnist and great setting of Ireland. This is everything we readers need in escapism reading.

Nora Roberts has written a modern fairytale.  It is glorious.  And The Awakening is only the beginning.  Breen comes to find out that her estranged father has secretly been sending her money every month for years that has been deposited into an account and amassed into millions.  She decides to quit her job and spend the summer in her father's home country of Ireland to learn more about where her family comes from.  She brings her best friend, Marco, with her for the initial few weeks.  Once Marco returns home to Philadelphia, Breen is on her own for the first time in her life and ends up discovering, quite literally, a whole new part of her that she never knew existed as she finds her grandmother in an all-together other world.

This story is so beautifully told.  The setting of Ireland is always fantastic but in Roberts's hands becomes magical and wonderful in all new ways.  In re-discovering her past, Breen finds friendship and love and a strength in herself she didn't know she had.  There are hints of a battle to come, sword play, witches and faeries and all the magical things that let you escape to another time and place.  There is a gorgeous Irish warrior, Keegan, who is all strength and goodness and has a freaking dragon.  

I'm normally not one for a cliffhanger but there isn't so much a cliffhanger as a stepping off point for a larger story to come.  I cannot wait to read more.  I found this book to be a quick, easy read and slightly less heavy than her most recent trilogy.  It has both the feel of the original Nora Roberts writing style mixed in with some of the newer elements found her more recent books and the blend is perfection.  I highly recommend!

The Awakening
Book 1 in "The Dragon Heart Legacy"
Rating: 3 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review.  All opinions are my own.

I'll be honest and say that I almost DNF this book.  I was almost at half way through with it that it finally caught my attention.  For the first part of the book it seemed that nothing much happened.  The description of the areas of where Breen goes are beautiful, but to me that was it.  Once the story took off for me I really was not that interested to see what would happen to her.  
I guess I made the mistake of going into to it thinking that it would me more of a romance fantasy.  This first book is mostly about Breen finding out about her past and learning that she is someone very special to this fantasy world.
We learn with her about the lore and her key role in what will be told in the upcoming books.

I somehow read this WHOLE book in one day. I could not put it down. Roberts' ability to tell a story is without equal. If you want to fall into a book and be transported to another world, pick up a copy of The Awakening.

Once again Nora Roberts transported us to Ireland,  the land of magic and enchantment. Roberts weaves the tale of Breen and Keegan and the destiny they share. In this first book of the newest trilogy, Breen discovers her past has been purposely hidden from her and her future is already written.

What I appreciate about Nora Roberts is that her star power means she doesn't have to adhere to the rules most romances, play, in a way I find exciting. This book does not have the pacing of a typical romance, and I found it relaxing to read, which was a nice change from how most books seemed to be pushed into tension and conflict so quickly. I liked that Nora had a gay male side character, even if it did seem a little "hello fellow kids" in the execution. Overall, as someone who dips in and out of Nora, I've found her consistent and reliable, and this book was no different.

Breen has spent most of her life under her mother’s thumb. She got a degree and works a job that she hates. When she discovers her mother has been lying to her she gets the courage to slip away and discovers a whole new world, literally. ARC from NetGalley.

Nora Roberts is at it again with a brilliant fantasy series, this one with a fantasy and romance bend. That was really all I needed to hear to know that I wanted to give this one a read! The Awakening is the first in her new The Dragon Heart Legacy.

The realm of Talamh is in danger – has been in grave danger for years, truth be told. Keegan, and those that came before him, did their best to hold the evil at bay, but all of their hopes now rest on one woman.

Enter Breen Kelly. She was raised having a normal life, if by normal one means she got used to being constantly told how average and normal she was. That is, until she finally learned the truth about herself. Now she has to make a decision. Her old life, or her new one. Unless a balance can be struck.

“If the fates deem who rises, why can't we see? Why can't you,' Keegan insisted, 'who sees the before and the yet to come?”

The Awakening is a fascinating read, one that formed a blooming world that is impossible to look away from. It's rich in detail, and portrays a variety of characters and motivations. In short, while it is very much a magical series, it still feels so human at the same time.

Needless to say, it captivated me. Though I really do mean it when I say that this is a detailed novel – it's four hundred and forty-eight pages of descriptions, character development, and world-building.

That did result in the occasional dip in pacing, if I'm being brutally honest. Though I did enjoy learning as much as possible about Breen and the dozens of characters that came into her life. It was wonderful, especially when her two worlds were put in direct comparison.

I was shocked by the BFF vibes that came with this book, it was a nice addition. I feel like it was important to show such a healthy relationship, especially considering that there were a few very unhealthy ones in the mix as well. Gotta adore the balance!

Honestly, it's almost impossible not to feel a little envious of Breen. Yes, her life isn't perfect. But she did suddenly come across a world of magic and people who loved her – not to mention a budding career in writing, and so much more.

Long story short: the world and magical systems have left me hoping for more, in a good way, that is. It's enough to guarantee that I'll be coming back for the next novel!

The Awakening starts The Dragon Heart Legacy series by Nora Roberts. I thought it was great. Five stars.

THE AWAKENING is the first part of Nora Roberts' newest fantasy trilogy, Dragon Heart Legacy. And what a beginning it is! As an introduction, it is magickal. 

THE AWAKENING is filled with diverse and intriguing characters that only the imagination of Nora Roberts can conjure up. 

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

Complete review may be found at: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=72208

I read a few of Nora Roberts’s more traditional romances back in the day (way, way back in the day, now that I think about it). But I know that she’s written a lot of books in other genres, too, most notably, perhaps, mysteries. I’ve also seen that she’s released more fantasy novels recently, and having missed the “Year One” trilogy when it was coming out, I thought I’d jump on the first book in a new fantasy series she started up this fall. And so, I nabbed an e-ARC of ‘The Awakening.” Sadly, it wasn’t all that I was hoping it would be.

Breen has lived a simple life full of doing what is expected of her and not expecting much in return. But when she discovers that her mother has been keeping a massive secret from her, a massive 4 million dollars worth secret, Breen decides that enough is enough and it’s time to take control of her life. And the first thing she decides to do is to travel to Ireland, the homeland of the father who left home never to return when she was a child. But she discovers much more than a new country, instead finding herself in a completely new land and one that comes with a destiny for her even greater than she had ever imagined.

To start with the pros for this book, there’s simply no denying that Roberts has a very appealing and approachable style of writing. She’s able to deftly paint a picture of all kinds of locations and peoples and immediately create connections between the reader and her story. These strengths were particularly on display in the opening chapter of this book that is set in the fantasy world. I was quickly drawn in and curious to know more about Keegan and the history of his people and land.

Unfortunately, the strengths of this opening chapter made the switch to Breen’s story land with quite a thud. For one thing, Breen simply isn’t the most exciting character. Yes, that is part of her story, her learning to come more into her own. But it’s still a long slog through the thoughts and actions of a character who is bland to the extreme. It got to the point where I was even beginning to be frustrated by the friends around her who were all described as being great people. It’s almost a constant stream of support and encouragement from everyone around her to the point that A.) the friends are almost unbelievable in their goodness and B.) Breen’s complete inability to expect better for herself and have confidence without all of this validation becomes strange.

I also felt that some of these friendships fell into pretty stereotypical patterns. Her friend, Marco, read as the “gay best friend” straight out of the early 2000s. He’s right there telling her to update her wardrobe and reclaim her natural hair color, etc etc. It felt a little shallow and dated, to be honest. And then she starts a blog, which of course immediately takes off and she has a bunch of followers and has found a natural ability in writing. Which…don’t even get me started on that. Obviously, being a writer and blogger myself, this raised some serious eyebrows on my part. I mean, I have an easier time believing in a magical land of dragons and fairies than that someone started a random travel blog and somehow immediately has thousands of followers reading and commenting.

The story got better when she finally makes her way to the new land, but it was a bit too late for me. It took a long, long time for her to even get there, and by the time she does, I was already struggling too much with Breen herself to really redeem the book for me. I did like the romance and fantasy elements when we go there, though. This is the first book in a trilogy, but I’m still unsure whether I’ll keep on with it. Fans of Nora Roberts will probably like this, but it could have been better, in my opinion.

Rating 6: A decent fantasy story, but the main character dragged it down.

(Link will go live Nov. 4)

I have my list of tried and true authors whose books I always look for because they never disappoint - Nora Roberts is one such author, and I absolutely enjoyed The Awakening.

Readers familiar with her fantasy trilogies  know she has a certain formula, generally speaking. It usually starts with  a strong female protagonist with two equally strong female sidekicks (or a trio of strong female protagonists). One is usually tough, one is creative, and one is likely an amazing cook. There's some powerful magick, and a bad guy they have to defeat. In each book of the trilogy, each woman ends up with her soulmate, but the bad guy isn't defeated until the final book. 

The Awakening doesn't quite follow her usual format. Breen is not your hero material. She's unhappy, lacks confidence, and does what she can to blend in.  Her clothes are drab, and she tones down her red hair to a mousey brown, and she's anxious - mostly because her mother has gaslit her her into believing she is barely adequate, less than average. 

THe bulk of the story plays out in Talamh, the mystical, magickal world where her father was from. This world has all the elements needed for a fantasy - elves, pixies, witches, weres, trolls, flying dragons, and more. 

What I love about THIS story is that Breen did not grow up in this world so her response feels relatable. We get to see her work through the full range of disbelief, acceptance, and learning to use her magic. Through all of it, her character feels real.  She's not perfect; in fact, she's terrible at fighting. She still struggles with self-confidence, and she's not sure if she's the one for the task. 

Roberts' voice in whatever she writes is very strong and very much her own. Her writing is very visual and immersive, and she just tells a good story. You want to settle into the worlds she creates, real or imagined, in part because of the goodness of her characters who always believe in good over evil.

This really feels like a really big prologue, as it sets the stage for the real battles to happen. And that's ok by me, becasue I enjoyed the ride to the very last page, and she left me impatient for the next book.

I am a longtime fan of Nora Roberts and she never ceases to amaze me with her imagination and creativity. The Awakening is a perfect example of why she’s such a popular storyteller. The plot and world building are in one word...magical. And the characters, from Breen and Keegan to the numerous secondaries, come to life in glorious and memorable form. There’s not a lot of action, but  honestly, the book is utterly captivating without it. My one disappointment is that it will be an entire year before the next book in The Dragon Heart Legacy.

I cannot rave about this first book in a new series enough. Nora Roberts has created a story that is full of wonder, magicks, relationships, and duty. The world building is phenomenal. The descriptions so vivid I became completely immersed in the story. 
The characters are complex and intriguing. Breen grows so much over this book. Keegan is compelling and I can't wait to see how he develops. Marco, Sally, and the rest of the normal world crew are fabulous and quickly feel like friends. Those in Talamh are every bit as charming. Even the characters I loved to hate were intriguing. I'm positive we haven't seen the last of Shana and I'm anxious to see what havoc she wields. 
This series promises to be epic in so many ways. That ending was a jaw dropper and I can't wait for the next book!

"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…"
However, we are just getting started so hop aboard on this magical new realm with love from Ireland.
A land of enchantment, mystery, indulgences, and TRUTHS.
The past may be the past but not once it's discovered, realized, and rebuilt-Bigger and Better!
Holy smokes Nora has given us a full plate of luxurious gems to enjoy and these characters combined with the setting was perfect for this starter intro into the Dragon Heart Legacy series.
What a way to start one's day with Breen and her new revelations that have been accidentally uncovered thanks to the cat.
Financial statements left behind showing a treasure trove of information from her father has led her in a new direction.
A direction that involves healing, faith, and rebirths.
Her mother may have been harsh, cold, and non enticing but it's Breen's turn to uncover all her talents -on her own terms.
Time to enter this new world and I'm enjoying this new found freedom along with Marco.
Who knows what the future holds...Reach for the stars...Carry on!
Thank you to Nora Roberts, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

I don't remember ever reading anything by Nora Roberts before this book  even though she is very popular. I am grateful to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to discover a new-to-me author who is  amazing. 

This book is longer than most;  when you pick it, you are getting an amazing 400 + pages full of substance. The story starts in the United States, moves to Ireland and then almost like the Twilight Zone enters a carefully crafted world created in Nora's imagination. The world building, right down to the powers and intriguing characters that make up the land of Talamh are so well done that I felt as if I had actually wandered there too.

The main character, Breen, is a strong female. Told she was only average, or less, by her mother all her life, she finds within herself the ability to transcend the negativity.  There is a mix of good and evil within the book which adds to an element of suspense. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The Awakening by Nora Roberts is the 1st book in her new Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy.  I am a huge fan of Nora Roberts books, especially her faboulous trilogies; I absolutely love each and everyone of them.  I was thrilled to find out about the first book in this new trilogy and am happy to say I loved it…another winner for Nora Roberts.

Breen Kelly, our heroine, is 26 years old and lives in Philadelphia; she hates her job, and is deep in debt.  Breen has strange dreams that keep her up many nights, with one message “Come Home, Breen Siobhan”.  With her mother away, she is cleaning up and discovers some papers that has an account with her name and a balance of close to 4 million dollars. Breen decides she wants to learn more about her father, and travels to Ireland with her friend Marco.  For two weeks they travel and enjoy Ireland, and when Marco goes home, Breen is determined to stay for a few months. She comes across a cute puppy (Bollocks), who leads her through a portal where she meets her grandmother, and learns her father is dead. 

Breen will learn everything about the realm of Talamh, filled with magic, fairies, witches, dragons, elves, weres, falcons, as well as the beautiful incredible land and family/friends she knew when she was a young child, only to be taken away by her mother.  Roberts not only created a wonderful heroine, but I loved those family and friends in Talameh; Keegan (the young leader and love interest), Marg, Morena, Aisling, Mahon, Harken, Sedric, and her friend Marco, etc. In the midst of all these wonderful people, there is of course an evil villain, Odran, her grandfather, who is determined to kidnap her and take away her powers, which needs to be awakened.  
I do not want to give spoilers, as you need to read this from start to finish. 

What follows is a wonderful story that kept my attention throughout, unable to put the book down.  I loved watching Breen learn how to use her powers from her grandmother, as well as Keegan training her on how to fight with a sword or her own abilities such as fire.  I also loved how Breen wrote a children’s book about her puppy, and also starts to write a novel.  

The slow build romance between Breen and Keegan was nicely done, as they belong together, which I expect to see more in the next book.  I loved loved Bollocks, who was such an adorable puppy.  Breen needs to make a choice; does she go back home, or does she stay and help Talameh fight the oncoming evil. What will Breen do?  I loved everything about this book, as I devoured it from start to finish, and look forward to the next book.