Morrigan's Cross (Circle Trilogy Series #1) » (Abridged, 5 CDs, 6 hours)

One of the most prolific and popular writers in the world, Nora Roberts (who also writes as her edgier alter-ego J. D. Robb) publishes multiple books a year. Not that it s enough for her fans, who tear through her unconventional romances. With her trademark mix of fantasy, mystery, and romance, Roberts has created her own genre -- and romance fans are grateful for it!

Standing on the cliffs of 12th century Ireland following the disappearance of his twin, Hoyt Mac Cionaoith is visited by the goddess Morrigan and is charged with the ultimate of tasks: saving his and all future worlds. His enemy, the beautiful but deadly vampire queen Lilith, has had over two thousand years experience in cruelly killing and changing humans into one of her own - including Hoyt’s brother, Cian.

Now, Hoyt, a sorcerer, must travel across the world and through time to find and train the five others Morrigan has prophesized will join him as a circle and do battle against Lilith’s army of vampires on Samhain in the land of Geall. But just who is the witch, the shape-changer, the scholar, the warrior and the vampire? How will this unlikely band of six prepare and become one with less than three months until the possible end of the world?

Following the arrival of Glenna Ward - a modern day witch with a knack for making her own kind of magic, the kind that makes his heart melt - Hoyt must find the strength to save the world, and a love that knows no bounds.

First in a trilogy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author

Publishers Weekly

This first installment in Roberts's paranormal Circle Trilogy (which continues with Dance of the Gods and Valley of Silence) starts off like a storybook, with an old Irishman gearing up to weave a fantastical tale of vampires, witches, sorcerers, shape-shifters and time travel. Hill lends the Irishman a gruff, lilting tone befitting his role, but as the story adopts a life of its own-with more characters joining the mix and the dialogue taking on a snappier edge-his narration falls short. For the handsome and commanding sorcerer Hoyt Mac Cionaith, who's charged with gathering a band of six to battle a power-hungry vampiress, Hill employs a deep, growly voice that evokes images of ogres rather than sexy men. In stark contrast, his female characterizations are muted and ultra-feminine, which suits the soft-spoken scholar who eventually joins Hoyt's troupe but not Hoyt's no-nonsense counterpart, the beautiful witch Glenna. Although these flaws-and an occasional slowness in pace-won't stop listeners mid-track, they sap a touch of magic from what is otherwise an enchanting tale. Simultaneous release with the Jove paperback (Reviews, July 17). (Sept.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.