Shadow Spell

Library Journal 04/15/2014 Slowly regaining strength after a near-deadly defeat, the evil, power-hungry sorcerer Cabhan plots his revenge against the three descendants of his ancient nemesis, the Dark Witch Sorcha. The three cousins can feel Cabhan's shadowy power growing and know the time is coming when they must try to destroy him once again; maybe this time, with the help of their expanded circle of six, they will get it right. Although the sweet, quirky courtship that develops between loyal, caring falconer Connor O'Dwyer and his childhood friend Meara Quinn, fierce and true as a warrior maiden, is the heart of the story, familiar friends and family add depth to the mix and are crucial to keeping the trilogy plot on track. Dream visits to the past, mind-links with both people and animals, and interesting hawking points are only a few fun pluses in this time-bending, family-centered, fast-paced page-turner. VERDICT Magic—hot and bright, cold and dark—swirls through the pages of this engaging story infused with Irish lore and rife with exceptionally well-developed characters. Readers will be enthralled and eager for the final installment in this classic good-vs.-evil story.