The Pagan Stone: The Sign Of Seven Trilogy

As my subject line says, I did not like this book. It took me FOREVER to read it...and even then I only read it because I felt that I had to finish the trilogy. I'm sorry...Nora Roberts could have finished the story in the second book and not dragged it into the third. I understand that she wanted to give each couple their own book...and focus on their connection and relationship...but still...a waste of paper, ink, etc. etc.
So...if you are infatuated with Nora Roberts books...read it. But for those of you who don't read her...but want to get into her books...I wouldn't choose this book/trilogy to start with. And everyone else...don't waste your time.

The third and final installment of this trilogy by Roberts was my favourite of the series by far. Both for the plot, and for the romance.

The "blood brothers" of the first book: Cal, Fox and Gage have been fighting an ancient evil that has infected their small town for 21 years on their own. With the addition of three women: Quinn, Layla and Sybill, to the equation they now have the skills and potential strength to destroy the plague on their town once and for all.

The climax of the series, and the ultimate battle for the town is exciting, scary and, at times a bit disturbing as the demon pulls out all the stops to distract and demoralize our little band of heroes. Some of the plot points are what you'd expect if you read much of this genre, but a few of the things that happened did surprise me, and although you know that the good guys have to win EVENTUALLY, some of the skirmishes along the way do make you wince and worry!

I also liked this book best of the three because of the couple we are focusing on - Gage and Sybill. Both of them are unorthodox, cynical and damaged, so neither of them are particularly interested in falling in love, and in fact they fight it more strenuously than either of the other two couples have. Of course we know they are going to give in, but it's fun and entertaining to watch them battle it out to stay in control and maintain the upper hand while they get there. The dialogue between the two of them is great because both of them are whip-smart, sarcastic and funny. The humour is dry and understated, so it takes you a moment after one of them delivers a zinger before you smile. And, as always, Roberts delivers sizzling love scenes - you will need to fan yourself after the ones between Gage and Sybill!

The one-liners between the two of them often made me laugh out loud. Roberts has a very deft hand with characters that allows you to laugh at their comments while she builds a sympathy and connection for you with the characters so you feel what they feel through the writing. I really got that with Gage and Sybill's love story particularly.

The final batte between the three couples and the demon at the Pagan Stone is preceded by smaller skirmishes that - while I won't spoil by detailing them - are meant to weaken the good guys and to an extent they do. But, our six are determined to purge the evil, even if it means Gage has to sacrifice himself.

The others naturally want to find another way, but it doesn't look like that will be possible - sometimes you have to make the ultimate sacrifice for the ultimate reward! I don't put spoilers in my reviews, so you'll have to read the book to find out if all six of our heroes make it back from the Pagan Stone. This is a good series if you like stories about demons, ancient evil and fate bringing people together.

I enjoyed the series and recommend it as a good read. The characters are likeable, the story moves along quickly with lots of excitement and interesting plot twists, and the the romances between the three couples are each unique and well-written to highlight the particular characterstics and history of the people involved.

Although I really enjoyed Nora's first two books in this trilogy, I found this last book to be a little too much to swallow. However, it is well written, and gives the reader a bang for their buck

The final chapter in this trilogy, surpassed all my previous expectations.

It kept me on edge, surprised me page after page, answered all the questions that were left from the other two books. Basically, the perfect end to an amazing trilogy!!