The third time is the charm. At least, that is what Branna O'Dwyer, the Dark Witch, is hoping. Twice now, Branna, her brother Connor, their cousin Iona, and their friends have tried to vanquish Cabhan, the dark sorcerer who centuries ago murdered Branna's ancestor Brannaugh, but both times Cabhan managed to slip away. To get rid of Cabhan once and for all, however, Branna must find a way to work closely with Finbar Burke. The problem is that Branna and Fin share a romantic history, one that ended when Branna discovered that Fin is a descendant of Cabhan. Now Branna's future, as well as that of her family and friends, depends on whether she can forge a new bond with Fin that is strong enough to overcome their past. In the concluding volume of her popular Cousins O'Dwyer trilogy (Dark Witch, 2013; Shadow Spell, 2014), Roberts deftly mixes a close-knit group of friends, a vividly evoked Irish setting, and some spooky supernatural elements into another captivating romance. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The two-million-copy first printing says it all, and with witches being the new vampires, Roberts' latest will fly off shelves.--Charles, John Copyright 2014 Booklist

Wounded but not destroyed in his last encounter with the three O'Dwyer cousins (Shadow Spell) and their partners, dark sorcerer Cabhan seethes and waits, feeding his fury and slowly gathering strength for his final assault. This time, though, with ancient secrets revealed and help from the past, the circle of six are stronger, far better prepared, and determined to put an end to the evil that has stalked their families for centuries-whatever the cost. The intense, star-crossed romantic relationship between Brenna and Fin is key, as they take the lead in the fierce battle that brings all players (human and otherwise) into the action and promises to tie up loose ends and lay the past to rest. Verdict Time wavers between the 13th century and the present as our protagonists, cursed by anger and blood, find victory through love (and a healthy dash of magic). This engaging, romantic page-turner is the perfect conclusion to this Irish lore-infused, good-vs.-evil trilogy. Roberts (The Collector) lives in Keedysville, MD.-Kristin Ramsdell, emerita, California State Univ. Lib.-East Bay (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.