Morrigan's Cross (Circle Trilogy, #1)

<p><P>As a storm rages, the tale of a powerful vampire's lust for destruction-and of the circle of six charged by the goddess Morrigan to stop her-begins. One of the chosen is a medieval sorcerer whose quest will take him through time-and into the arms of a woman courageous enough to link her destiny to his own.</p><h3>Publishers Weekly</h3><p>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.</p>