What can I say? Nora Roberts’ The Choice is a magnificent conclusion to The Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy. It’s light versus dark, good versus evil. It represents every final battle in fantasy literature. Breen Siobhan Kelly, Daughter of Dragons. “Daughter of the Fey, of Man, of Gods.” Breen is the only one who can defeat her grandfather, a dark god called Odran who has lusted for her power since she was a toddler.
In Roberts’ The Awakening, Breen discovered her parentage, her ancestral home in Ireland, and, just across a tree, the world of Talamh where magicks still existed. She reclaimed her grandmother, her friends from childhood, but discovered the truth about her background and the dark being that craves power and control, her grandfather. And Keegan, the taoiseach, the leader of the people, reluctantly taught Breen to fight and prepare for battle. Because there was a battle coming between all the people of Talamh and Odran’s evil forces.
The Becoming was the moment of calm in between books. Breen’s best friend from Philadelphia, a talented gay man named Marco, latched on to follow her to Talamh, and discovered a world that accepted him. In fact, he discovered people who loved him. The Becoming allowed Breen to grow into her powers, allowing a respite between horrendous battles.
The Choice is the final reckoning. There are moments of beauty and also deep grief. And, I cried over both when I read this book. Breen has a decision to make, but, in actuality, she’s already made her decision to defend Talamh and the people she loves, even if it’s with her life. What more do you expect in an epic fantasy?
There’s really nothing more to say. If you haven’t read the two earlier books, The Choice will mean nothing. If you have, you’ll want to discover all of the triumphs and grief for yourself. Roberts is always a master at wringing out emotions. She succeeds once again.
Nora Roberts’ website is https://noraroberts.com/
The Choice by Nora Roberts. St. Martin’s Press, 2022. ISBN 9781250272720 (hardcover), 448p.
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher gave me a .PDF with no promise of a positive review.
I loved this series SO much! Terrific reviews, Lesa. (Didn’t i tell you that you would cry?) ❤
I did, too, Kaye. And, you’re right. I cried multiple times.
I always enjoy her books! There is always a few in my TBR pile. I haven’t read this series yet.
Oh, this series is wonderful, Carol! I love Nora Roberts’ trilogies, but this is one of her best if you like fantasy.
Jackie is anxiously awaiting this one too.
Meanwhile, she has books by Jayne Castle and Chloe Neill to read while she’s waiting.
It’s just wonderful, Jeff. Kaye & I took our discussion to email so we didn’t spoil the book for anyone.
I may never read this trilogy, but I do love it when a you are so caught up in a book that you cry, or yell, or react in some visceral way. If I sob at the end of a book, I know for sure it is worth recommending.
Yes, Sandie. I love the characters. I cried several times during this last book. And, one who section just broke my heart. Nora Roberts’ books, especially her trilogies, do make me react. She has time to develop the characters and storyline, and surprise you, in the trilogies. And, her fantasies like this? Just remarkable.