The Awakening: The Dragon Heart Legacy, Book 1 (The Dragon Heart Legacy, #1)

by Nora Roberts

Mists, shimmering silver fingers, rose over the pale green water of the lake. They twined and twisted toward a sky quietly gray, while in the east, over the hills, a pink blush waited, like a held breath, to waken.


Breen Kelly had always been a rule follower. So, when her father left when she was twelve years old, promising to return, she waited. Now, more than a decade later, she's working at a job she hates and is tired of the life that playing by the rules has dealt her. It's time to make a change.

Breen makes a leap into the unknown with a summer trip to Ireland - her father's homeland. Little does she know how much of a leap until a walk in the woods leads her through a portal into another world - Talamh - where Breen will find magic, family and a destiny she could never have dreamed of

From Sunday Times bestseller Nora Roberts - a tale of adventure, magic and finding your home

• ISBN10: 1250272610
• ISBN13: 9781250272614
• Publish Date: 24 November 2020 (first published 1 August 1993)
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: St. Martin's Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 448
• Language: English

Reviews

[tweetybugshouse]

Nora Roberts has done it again, and she has done it with a fantastic heroine named Breen, and a fantastical realm sat parallel to ours in Ireland. The descriptions of Ireland makes me want to jump on a plane and see if I can find this magical land of Talmah.

Breen told her whole that she is merely ordinary and their nothing special to be found in her. She believes that her dad abandoned her and that she should continue to live a sub-par life as a miserable teacher living paycheck to paycheck.

When Breen discovers that she is anything but ordinary and is sought after by a God for that which makes her unique, nothing will ever be the same.

The book is part of a 3 part trilogy that starts with Breen discovering all the information and training she needs to take on the destiny her father lost his life over. The second and third to follow will contain more than likely the upcoming battle and a tug of war for Breen's heart as she decides where in the world she belongs and wants to be. She got great friends that have been around to help support her and, in the end, will make the most significant leap of faith.

The magical world of Talamah contains all that you love in a fantasy world and the unique lineage of the Breen family. Take a step into the world of Talamah and ride a dragon, meet elves, learn a spell or two, and fall in love with an adorable dog named bollocks. Discover who you meant to be awakening to your destiny.

[kimbacaffeinate]

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. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of The Awakening in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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!

Check out more reviews over a Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[Leigha]

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Breen Kelly discovers she is more than she seems in this adult fantasy novel.

It seems Nora Roberts’ foray into the fantasy genre is here to stay. Luckily, I liked this book far more than her first outing. It plays to her strengths as a writer – complex female relationships, lyrical descriptions, and a fascinating setting. Her love for Ireland, for Irish lore, and for witchcraft shines through. Breen’s character arc as she explores her identity and her heritage is satisfying. She may not have entranced me as the main character, but she has the potential to grow on me.

I had two big issues. The first is Keegan. Guys, I was not a fan of Breen’s love interest. His overbearing demeanor and lack of compassion left a bad taste in my mouth. I’m assuming his character growth will be the focus of the next book, and, damn, he needs it badly. I also didn’t feel that much of a connection between him and Breen. As this is not a romance, I recognize their relationship is not the driving force of the story. But, considering his role in the setting, I expected to like him more.

My second issue is the plot. The majority of the book focuses on Breen’s character growth and the Fey setting, but the plot is not all that interesting. Not much happens beyond outlining the two warring factions. Even the ending fails to create any momentum for the next in the series. All that said, the good outweighed the bad for me. I’m willing to give the next book a chance, and pray the plot picks up.

tl;dr A decent start to a new fantasy (not romance) series with an interesting setting and a complex female character.