See my review of "Blood Brothers", the first part of this trilogy. I am a fan of Nora Roberts and have enjoyed all the books I've read or listened to, especially her more recent works over the past 5-8 years. This is another good one.
That said, this is read by a different narrator than Blood Brothers. I found this woman so annoying I wanted to rip the CD out of the car, throw it out the window, and go get the written book. Thankfully I see the third book of the trilogy is read by someone else.

This is a series that I would highly recommend to new and old readers of Nora Roberts. It has romance and the supernatural tied together in an intriguing tale. I can't wait for the finale!!!

I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading book 3 in the series. I am not a Nora Roberts fan but this trilogy is very good. I recommend it.

This is a very good book. It keeps you interested from the first page to the last. I couldn't put it down!!

Nora Roberts "The Hollow" was EXCELLENT! I thought I might not be comfortable with the "evil" in it; but her writing is SO good, I couldn't put it down

Here's a brief background of THE BLOOD BROTHERS, first book in the Sign of Seven Trilogy: Evil has befallen Hawkins Hollow where all hell breaks loose on every seven years, on the seventh day of the seventh month. All because innocently - Caleb, Fox, and Gage - on their tenth birthday, cut their wrist, mixed their blood and made an oath at the Pagan Stone. With that, they have unleashed something evil as well as good. Circumstances also bring three women together: Quinn, Layla, and Cybil. Together they form an important team, with absolute determination to end the recurring problem once and for all. The first book romantically hooks Caleb and Quinn together, and in this instalment, we see Fox and Layla together.

In book two, the nightmare is about to begin. Here Nora Roberts builds on the suspense from the first book. Fox O'Dell practices small-town law with an ability to read minds. Coincidentally, Layla shares the same ability. That explains why she is able to relate and anticipate what her customers fancy at the boutique in New York (before arriving at Hawkins Hollow), but she didn't think much of it at that time. Together, Fox and Layla will be able to use their ability to connect and fight evil. It is not that easy though. Fox is not trusting and Layla is not accepting her gift. Will they overcome the barrier they set for themselves? To win the battle, they know they have to.

Along the way, the group found the journal of Ann Hawkins, an important discovery to unlock the mystery of what is happening to the town. Ann was the lover of Giles Dent and they were the three men's ancestors. Dent was the person responsible for locking evil in its place before it was accidentally released by the boys many years back. The closer they are to solving the problem, the more vicious evil become. This time, it's going at them all at the same time.

I am happy with the book but not crazy about it. This is one of the weaker trilogies in Nora's work but nonetheless, still enjoyable. As usual, humour, romance and thrill maketh a good read, and it's definitely visible in this instalment. Nora succeeds in developing a good plot that encourages me to continue reading to see how the men and women in the story overcome their dilemmas, problems and together, achieve their goal in battling evil. This series does not affect me emotionally like the previous ones, for example the Key Trilogy or the Three Sisters Island Trilogy, but still satisfying. I am waiting in anticipation for the final episode in The Pagan Stone, coming in December 2008.

THE HOLLOW is the second in The Sign of Seven trilogy, BLOOD BROTHERS being the first. PEGAN STONE, the third, is scheduled to be out in December 2008.

By the second book, the reader pretty much knows what's going to happen. Surprise isn't the author's strong point as her novels, at least not in the ones I've read. Her books are character driven. The reader becomes emotionally invested, very much like soap opera fans do. I found myself wanting to talk to my husband about the characters as though each were real.

In my opinion, it's best to start at the beginning of her trilogies with the first book and not jump around. In the first book, three young boys unknowingly set a demon free, but left each with a special ability. From then on, every seven years, this demon plaques the small Maryland town for seven days. The plot isn't anything new or special, and still, I found myself loving this book just as much as the first.

The first book sets up the story up nicely. The second plants the six main characters - Caleb, Fox, Gage, Quinn, Layla and Cybil - deeper into the story as they realize they'll be the key to defeating this demon - or die trying. Both the first and second books have left me wanting to know more. And I am looking forward to December for the final installment of this trilogy!

I must end this on a negative note. My complaint has nothing to do with the author or the book, but with the narrator, Marie Caliendo. Her high-pitched screeches when speaking as Quinn and Layla actually caused me to dislike the characters. Please keep in mind, these are the same characters as in the first book. If Marie Caliendo had been the narrator for the first book, I wouldn't have continued on with the trilogy. Having listened to so many audios, this was the first problem I'd had with a reader. When her voice elevated, it sounded more like a screech. Horrible - seriously horrible.

I hate to be negative and I've tried to like this, but the reader on this audio edition just doesn't do a great job. The intonation she's chosen for the three female main characters jarr the ear and the narration feels flat. I loved the reader of the first book in the series, and had hoped that he would read this one as well.

Roberts once again doesn't disappoint with the second in her Sign of Seven series. Lots of magic (try a demon from Salem, MA trying to wreak havoc on the world every seven years, in the seventh month, beginning on the seventh day), hunky men (can I just say "yum"), and the women who are there to try to stop the evil from overtaking the good. Nothing really thought-provoking here, just lots of good, romantic, fun reading. I am one of many just waiting to see what happens to the demon from hell in book three, The Pagan Stone, due to fly off the bookshelves in November!

I'm a huge fan of Nora Roberts but this novel seemedto be missing something. Was it the lack of a hot and steamy relationship? Was it that it took nearly half the book to finally bring Fox and Layla together? I'm not sure, but I've always been attracted to the way Nora could deliver an exciting romantic romp through a steamy world only she could imagine. Nora Roberts usually writes the best trilogies, yet book two lacks must of what we love about her. Which is a shame since book one offered some very nice promises.

Editor of the highly recommended novel: Fates by Georgiou Tino: Best of 2008

I have read a few of Nora Roberts' trilogies and they have kept my interest. However, when I picked up The Hollow I had no idea that it was even part of a trilogy. (Guess I should have known better.)I started this book three times and put it down while I read something else. I simply got tired of looking at the darn thing so forced myself to read it.

The premise of something evil returning to a small town every seven years should mean the reader is held from page one to the very end. But this reader found trouble right on page one. There was nothing to draw me in nor anything to keep me around.

Surprisingly for Ms. Roberts she spends a lot of time on useless filler with her six characters. Too much speculation on the pairing up of the couples and not enough action on the part of Evil. One can only hope that Evil is resting up for the big conclusion in book three. While the characters are interesting, they seemed shallow and incomplete. Perhaps Ms. Roberts should have spent more time on the climactic scene, which seemed rushed, rather than on the endless chatter of Fox and Layla and their push/pull attitude towards an intimate relationship. I thought this one was a great book for putting me to sleep.

Recommended by Ms. Roberts: The Three Sisters Trilogy (if you like the paranormal).

Nora is a good read no matter what subject. However, she is getting a bit boring in repeating the same themes of good versus evil; white versus black magic; three men and three women or vice versa (Threee Sisters) in the same books in different series. Still holds your attention and is a page burner; read it in one day. Looking forward to the final book.

The first book was a very entertaining read. By the time I finished this one, I was looking (in vain) for the third. If you like Nora you will like this. It's typical of her paranormal flavored books and well worth reading. Now I just have to wait for the third book.

Love this book. This is actually the second copy i bought. Loved it so much that when i thought i lost the first one, i bought another one. This is book two in the sign of seven trilogy and it picks up the first story very well and leads into the last seamlessly. Nora Roberts is a favorite author of mine and any book you buy of hers is bound to be great

As I have all of Nora Roberts novels, I enjoyed the Hollow and look forward to the third story of the trilogy. Ms Roberts provides great escape reading and this was no exeption.

The Hollow is the second book of the Sign of Seven Trilogy by Nora Roberts. The story started twenty-one years ago, when three young boys, Caleb, Fox, and Gage, spent the night camping by the Pagan Stone. They shared birthdays and an unbreakable bond on friendship. Boys being boys, they wanted to take it one step farther. They would become blood brothers. During the ritual of sharing, mixed blood hit the ground. It unleashed an evil entity that returned to Hawkins Hollow every seven years. For seven days madness reigned, lives were lost, property destroyed, and families torn apart.

Caleb, Fox, and Gage are descendants of the Guardian, Giles Dent, the one that locked the evil entity, Lazarus Twisse under the Pagan Stone. Up until now Caleb, Fox, and Gage did what they could to minimize the damage but they couldn't stop it.

The madness would be returning this summer and now, twenty-one years after releasing the demon, they have a chance at ending it once and for all. Three women, Quinn, Cybil, and Layla, all descendants of the child conceived when Twisse raped an innocent girl, have joined the battle.

With the history laid out in the first book, the story is more evenly divided between the challenge Lazarus Twisse presented, and the budding romance between Layla and Fox. The attraction was strong, but they were circling each other, not sure if getting involved was a smart move. They had to work together on so many levels, a romance might cloud the issue---or clear it.

The Hollow by Nora Roberts is a fast paced thrilled with a healthy dose of romance thrown in. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the third book The Pagan Stone scheduled for release in December of 2008.

Roberts writes well. Predictable yes. But this genre usually is. Its well done and fun to read.
I am looking forward to the third and last in the series.

I absolutely love this trilogy. Unfortunately it is the first trilogy I have read before all of them are published and I have to wait five more months before the last one comes out!

I enjoyed the concept and delivery of this novel. The story is gripping and Roberts does have a way of making you turn that next page. As far as the reluctant humans entering the world of the supernatural to save others, I thought A Genie in the House of Saud: Zubis Rises did a better job. But I was still compelled to follow along with the arc of the six as they battle the monster -- if a bit predictably.

"The Hollow" is the second in the 7 trilogy by Nora Roberts. A continuation from "Blood Brothers", this book finds Layla, Quinn and Cybil even closer friends with Fox, Cal and Gage, and more determined than ever to destroy the evil in their small town of Hawkins Hollow. While Book 1 focused on the growing relationship between Quinn (paranormal writer) and Cal (bowling alley owner), who have a psychic ability and connection, this latest book focused on Layla (the fashion queen) and Fox (the lawyer), both of whose abilities grow stronger as their relationship does. The only two not coupled up yet, but to me seem to be attracted to each other are Cybil (paranormal expert)and Gage (card shark with an attitude). I think that will be the beginning of book 3 which will all culminate in an ending that I am sure we won't soon forget..a showdown between good and evil. As the friends struggle to save the world as we know it, we find out more about their connection to the town and the evil that makes an appearance every 7 years for 7 days. Having now figured out how to reassemble the stone, we know that the end of this war (between good and evil) is near. I will however make a few predictions, the first being obvious: good always wins. The second being that while Gage and Cybil's relationship is going to be important in the last novel, so too will Gage's relationship with his father (hint, everyone else gets along and loves their father, with the exception of Gage...because his father abused him as a kid). And is there possibly a "7th" person in this adventure, maybe even Gage's father? Just guessing. Anyway, I still believe that the problem with this trilogy is that it should have been one great novel. On the other hand, because I am determined to see how this story ends I will read the final book, Pagan Stone, when it is released.

Nora Roberts is the BEST. She never fails to hold my attention! Always a good read.

I borrowed this book from someone so I didn't read the first book prior. I think I would have liked it better if I had. It was a passably good book but the hero was sweet and nice and that's not my favorite personality trait for my heroes. It made him kind of boring. I didn't really care about their relationship and it didn't suck me in emotionally. I'm tempted to read the other books just because I hate to leave a series hanging, but I think if the next one is boring like this one, I might just pass.

This is the second book in a triology. The first book sets up the background and sets the stage for the first set of characters. Unlike other reviews I found that the background was more important because the characters continue into the next book. I think people who are giving so so reviews are loosing sight of the fact that it's a ficitional book. If you read all the same type of book all the time(especially by the same author)and you start to analyze and look for similarities you will find them. Read the book with spirit in which it was written. A ficitional story. I have this book as well as the first one and I love both of them,and I can't wait to read the last book. I will read it more than once.

This formulaic book reruns Roberts' usual 6 trilogy characters. This time around these people are supposedly educated and sophisticated, but they are ALL rendered, instead, as mentally defective suffering from ecolalia (repeating the same words over and over and over) in EVERY sentence or paragraph. In one short paragraph she used the same wording 4 times as if the character was talking to a moron, and was him/herself also a moron. Roberts essays enough banal Psychology 101 purportedly as profound "insights" within each of her one dimensional characters that she renders the story implausible and ridiculous. Only the character Cybil has the ability to encompass self awareness at any level of intellectual integration. The other 5 characters are pretenders.

The metaphysical elements border upon REALLY BAD Sci-Fi. Fox and Layla, having known each other for 3 weeks, somehow "psychically" find diaries in a stone wall of an old farm outbuilding that no one else, including the "blood brothers", had discovered in over 300 years. We are told to believe that the diaries were penned by Ann, an uneducated peasant woman, who was recounting her tribulations with Dent and the demon in 1652. This "magickal" event strained ALL credibility. To add to this silliness, there was no difference between the truncated, quasi-contemporary speech that Nora uses in her characters' slang filled dialogs, to suggest how "hip" they are, from the overall style contained in the ancient diaries when read by Quinn, et al. Say what?

Layla is the most despicable female character that Roberts has ever created out of her female character reruns. Instead of being merely the usual annoying, clingy, hyperfeminine character, Layla is asinine. The author has always focused upon sexual innuendo and lurid sex scenes with a heavy handed approach in her novels. This time she used a sledgehammer to pound the topic into the ground with her characters Fox and Layla. He hounds her until she surrenders to the unrelenting pressure of his creepy sexual demands. This repellant harassment also transpires while Layla is on the job working for Fox as his office manager. What a contemptible message to women who are subjected to this in the workplace every day.

Worst of all was the hike to the Pagan Stone where Nora falls into the name and label dropping pattern that she has used in her last dozen or more books. "They launched with Nirvana...Smells like Teen Spirit...Hello!...he tossed in Smashing Pumpkins, a little Springsteen...swung into Pearl Jam, sweetened it up with Sheryl Crow". If NOTHING else that went before could shred plausibility into confetti, this DREK did the job. The ending was rushed and senseless. On a positive note: I loved the dog Lump. He has more brains than the characters in this farce. Watch and see, book 3 will have Gage and Cybil hooking up and settling down; Gage reconciling with his loser father; the demon being "destroyed" even though spirit beings are immortal; and enough vulgar sex scenes to satisfy even the most jaded reader.

I was once a fan of her Irish trilogies, but had stopped reading her stuff after seeing the ensuing ones churned out using the same 6 characters ad nauseum and the trashy elements escalate. I had hoped that Nora had created something fresh and new in this trilogy. Alas, it was not to be. Nora Roberts has jumped the shark of credibility, plausability and decency.

This book is about 6 people who are supposedly educated and sophisticated, but they are ALL rendered, instead, as mentally defective suffering from ecolalia (repeating the same words over and over and over) in EVERY sentence or paragraph. In one short paragraph she used the same wording 4 times as if the character was talking to a moron, and was him/herself also a moron. Roberts essays enough banal Psychology 101 for deep "insights" within each of her one dimensional characters that she renders the story implausible. Only Cybil seems to have the intellect for such an attribute.

The metaphysical elements border upon really bad Sci-Fi. Fox and Layla, psychically find diaries in a stone wall of an old farm outbuilding that no one else had discovered in over 300 years strained ALL credibility. We are told to believe that they were penned by Ann,the peasant woman, who was recounting her tribulations with Dent and the demon in 1652. However, there was no difference between the truncated, quasi-contemporary speech that Nora uses in her characters' dialogs to suggest how "hip" they are, from the overall style contained in the diaries. Say what?

Layla is the most despicable female character that Roberts has ever created out of her 6 character reruns. Instead of being merely the usual annoying, clingy, hyperfeminine character, Layla is asinine. The author has always focused upon sex, innuendo of sex, and lurid sex with a heavy handed approach in her novels. This time she used a sledgehammer to pound the topic into the ground with her characters Fox and Layla. He dogs her until she surrenders to the unrelenting pressure of his sexual demands. This repellant harassment also transpires while she is on the job working for him as his office manager. What a contemptible message to women. I had hoped that Nora had created something fresh and new in this trilogy. Alas, it was not to be.

Worse was the hike to the Pagan Stone where Nora falls into the name and label dropping pattern that she has used in her last dozen or more books. "They launched with Nirvana...Smells like Teen Spirit...Hello!...he tossed in Smashing Pumpkins, a little Springsteen...swung into Pearl Jam, sweetened it up with Sheryl Crow". If NOTHING else that went before this drek could shred plausibility into confetti, this did the job. The ending was rushed and senseless. I loved the dog Lump. He has more brains than the characters in this farce. Watch and see, book 3 will have Gage and Cybil hooking up and settling down; Gage reconciling with his loser father; the demon being "destroyed" even though spirit beings are immortal; and enough vulgar sex scenes to satisfy even the most jaded.

I have long been a fan, but after this dismal book, there will be no more Nora Roberts for me. She has jumped the shark of credibility and plausability.

This book is about 6 people who are supposedly highly educated and sophisticated, but they are rendered, instead, as mentally defective. The author has them repeat the same words in nearly every sentence over and over and over. I am NOT kidding. In one short paragraph she used the same wording 4 times as if the character was talking to a moron, and was him/herself also a moron. Worse, she has every one of the 6 characters doing this not only in this yarn, but also in it's precursor Blood Brothers. It was impossible to read without wanting to scream in absolute frustration. The metaphysical elements are beyond laughable. Psychically finding diaries in a stone wall of an old farm outbuilding that no one else had discovered in over 300 years strained all believability and reduced the tale to the ridiculous. There was no difference between the truncated, quasi-contemporary manner of speaking that Nora uses in her characters' dialogs from what is contained in the diaries that the 300 year old peasant woman, Ann, penned, when read by one of the characters.

Layla is one of the most despicable female characters that Roberts has ever created out of her 6 character reruns in every single trilogy she has EVER written. The author has always focused upon sex, innuendo of sex, and lurid sex with a heavy handed approach in her novels. This time she used a sledgehammer to pound the topic into the ground with her character Fox who literally harassed Layla until she gave in to the unrelenting pressure of his sexual demands. Even while she is on the job working for him. It was outright repellant. About midway through this awful story I no longer gave a damn about any of these one dimensional characters.

Worse was the hike to the Pagan Stone where Nora falls into the name and label dropping pattern that she has used in her last dozen books. It was ludicrous. "They launched with Nirvana...Smells like Teen Spirit...Hello!...he tossed in Smashing Pumpkins, a little Springsteen...swung into Pearl Jam, sweetened it up with Sheryl Crow". I'm not joking. The only positive remark that I can offer about this story is Lump. I loved that dog. He has more brains than the characters in this farce. Even though I have been a long time fan, there will be no more Nora Roberts books for me. I am done with her reruns.

The book held my interest due to the way the author Nora Roberts weaves you through the story. She has a way of reeling you in that you want to reading to know how she intends to get out of this situation. I can't wait until the 3rd book comes out to see how she will save the Hollow.

In this book 2 of of the 7 trilogy she takes you further into the story and then leaves you hanging, begging for the next book. I just love her stories and this trilogy is no exception. A must have for all Nora Roberts fans!

Nora Roberts continues to keep me turning the pages as fast as I can, as well as sitting on the edge of my seat. I can't wait for The Pagen Stone. Recommend this one strongly.

Editor of Michele Cozzens' award winning women's fiction A Line Between Friends

...where to start? As a longtime Nora Robert's fan, I have been disappointed in the steady decline of the books she has been putting out. I did read Blood Brothers, and while I found it ridiculous, I am compelled to finish a series and so I read The Hollow. I wouldn't have thought it could be worse that Blood Brothers, but wow was I wrong. To begin with Layla is a simpering idiot, and that's being kind. More importantly, the diaglogue. I'm not even sure that schmaltzy is a real word, but it fits perfectly here. Who talks like that? I don't know anybody as "in tune" with themselves and each other as these people.

This is all supposing you're ok with the theme of the series, being demons and guardians and the like. I'm ok with a little "pschic" story line here and there, but we're entering science fiction here.

I'm ashamed to say that I will be reading the 3rd book when it's available, and I can only hope that it will be slightly less cheesey than the others.

This book picked up right where the other left off. I could not wait to find out what would happen on the next page. Really looking forward to the last book in this series.
Definately a page turner.

Blood Brothers was OKAY, the Hollow was BETTER, I have my fingers crossed that the Pagan Stone will be the BEST.

This book was the usual fast and interesting read that one expects from Nora Roberts. One sort of falls into the story while still sort of wishing she could get on with it in the back of one's mind. I realize that three books are needed to complete the romantic parts of the story, but there could have been more progress with getting after the evil. In the end, I didn't care. I'm just always happy to have a new Roberts to read!

4 Stars because it was published in paperback. I would have been far less generous if I'd been compelled to purchase a hardcover just because it has Nora's name on it.

Paranormal has never been my favorite genre, however Nora Roberts has always handled it well. What I enjoy most about her stories are the relationships - between guy friends, family, neighbors, community. These are the relationships we so often forget to look at when trying to concentrate on romance and I believe Roberts does a lovely job of reminding all of us.

That being said, this trilogy is definitely not my favorite. The story just lacks oomph! (for want of a better word). I will say it's worth the price of a paperback and a lazy afternoon read!

In typical Nora Roberts fashion, she weaves the mysterious and the romance in a wonderful way that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the book.

This is a part of a trilogy including Blood Brothers, The Hollow and The Pagen Stone I am waiting to get The Pagen Stone

I've read every book she's written as Robb and Roberts and this is the only dissapointment. Her metaphysical trilogies have been intriguing entertainment but this was just ridiculous and predictable. The last one isn't out yet and I'll bet I can tell you what's going to happen.

The only thing bad about this book is that I have to wait so long for the next one.

No author can write a better book each time, still this is a good read. I had just read another new author; Jan Dynes book Refraction ahead of this one. It had the new, give it all you've got, of a great debut novel and is very close to Roberts style. Roberts will always be a master at romance suspense, but she has some competition coming in Jan Dynes. If you love Nora Roberts, you should try this new author too.

Here's the thing: generally Nora Roberts' books are formulaic, but the fun is getting from beginning to end in each situation. Still, lately, the formula's been just a been too predictable. So it was a delightful surprise to find this book, and in the middle of a trilogy too. The main characters are well fleshed-out, the incident in the rain with Fox is just... graphic is the word that comes to mind, and there's a sense of a real world to step into and feel. It's so much fun! Can't wait for the final book in the trilogy. Too bad December's a looong way away.

Once upon a time, three young boys performed a dark ritual to bind their friendship, but in doing so, awakened an ancient evil that has gone on a killing spree at seven year intervals in their small hometown. As the time for its return approaches, the trio unites to stop it. Now adults, the men need their other halves, the women who are their soul mates, to help them use the powers that the ceremony bequeathed them, in order to put the chaos to an end and atone for their foolish act. Fox's resultant "gift" from that night was the ability to read minds, and in Layla, he finds a soul with a similar blessed curse. For her the emphasis is on the curse side, and she is unable to deal with having such a power, or the sudden connection she finds with this man. Despite her struggle, it is something she must learn to accept, for herself, for Fox, and for everyone she cares for's sakes.

**** The drama and tension continue to cast their spells over Ms. Roberts' legions of fans. Her ability to weave relationships is fantastic, and she makes the utterly unrealistic seem totally believable. You will never go wrong with one of her books, and this is not the exception to the rule. ****

I bought this as one of the books to take on vacation, well I started book one of the trilogy and couldnt put it down and then of course I picked up book 2. ( Not even close to vacation time yet) I can hardly wait for book 3 to see the outcome. One of my favorite trilogy series.

I didn't much like the first book in this trilogy and said so in an Amazon review. So why did I bother to read the second volume? Because I hoped it would be better, because I know that Ms. Roberts is capable of better. Or perhaps I'm a glutton for dumbness.

The story is lame and unconvincing. Six supposedly educated and supposedly rational adult yuppies see blood, giant slugs, ghosts, destruction, snakes coming out of shower drains, millions of spiders, a laughing imp, fires that aren't fires, etc. etc. And they react and talk seriously and at excruciating length about these paranormal events. There are but two explanations: (1) They have lost their collective sanity and need to go to the funny farm or; (2) They have all had too much wine and are experiencing the DTs.

The setting isn't any better or clearer. The story is ludicrous, e.g., divining the location of the lost jourals in the side of a stone shed. The characters are one dimensional--a writer, a lawyer, a gambler.... The dialogue is stiff and unconvincing. The writing cried out for a good editor. "Prune, Ernest, prune," as Gertrude Stein said to Hemingway. Nora Roberts has done better.

Paranormal stories can be fun, but the premise doesn't work here, not at all. Robets has used witches and ghosts before in much better novels. I enjoyed the movie "Betelgeuse" and the cumputer game, "Myst." Harry Potter books use demons and witches, but in a light vein that works. Anne Rice vampire books are engaging. Ditto for Bram Stoker, some of Stephen King, and others. However, "The Blair Witch Project" was downright stupid and insulting, and the current Nora Roberts trilogy is but a slight cut above that.

A wise man said that the two things that separate mankind from the beasts are pointless ritual and mindless superstition. I would add to that, endless, boring talk.

I didn't much like the first book in this trilogy and said so in an Amazon review. So why did I bother to read the second book? Because I hoped it would be better, because I know that Ms. Roberts is capable of better.

The story is lame. Six educated and supposedly rational adult yuppies see blood, ghosts, a laughing imp, fires that aren't fires, etc. etc. And they react and talk seriously and at excruciating length about these paranormal events. There are but two explanations: (1) They have all lost their minds and need to go to the funny farm or; (2) They have all had too much wine and are experiencing the DTs.

The setting isn't any better or clearer. The story is ludicrous, e.g., divining the location of the lost jourals in the stone shed. The characters are one dimensional. The dialogue is stiff and unconvincing. The writing cried out for a good editor. "Prune, Ernest, prune," as Gertrude Stein said to Hemingway. Nora Roberts has done better.

Paranormal stories can work, but the premise doesn't work here. Robets has used witches and ghosts before in excellent novels. Harry Potter books use demons and witches, but in a light vein that works. Anne Rice vampire books are engaging. Ditto for Bram Stoker, some of Stephen King, and others. However, "The Blair Witch Project" was downright stupid, and the current Nora Roberts trilogy is but a slight cut above that.

I picked this one up to read on a flight, so didn't have much expectation one way or another as long as it kept me occupied for a day of flying. I didn't read the first in the series, but that didn't seem to hinder following the storyline. The plot is quite interesting and has a lot of potential, but unfortunately, the poor writing quality really detracts from the plot. It was bland, almost technical, and riddled with awkward sentences.

The book also ends without tying up anything. While I recognize it's part of a trilogy, I expect books in a trilogy to still be self-contained and sufficiently interesting to persuade one to want to read the next in the series, not end in a way that might as well have been "To be continued..."

Despite ending in a "to be continued" fashion, I'm not inspired to pick up the next in the series. The poor writing simply didn't entice me to want to read more.

I rated it "okay" because there was an interesting story line beneath the writing. It was a quick read, finished in a day, so a good length to start and finish while flying, which was why I bought it. It wasn't so bad that I set it aside and gave up reading entirely. So, it gets an "I can take it or leave it" rating from me. It's about what I would expect of a book chosen randomly at an airport book shop.

Very Good book,Followed on from Blood Brothers perfectly.I am now awaiting the Third book to see how the trilogy will finish.

Intriguing sequel to "Blood Brothers" and an enjoyable journey toward the demolition of the demon spell brought on as far back as the 1600's in the town of Hawkins Hollow, MD! Cal and Quinn are a romantic duo now and this part of the trilogy, while highlighting the supernatural talents of all six main characters, (Cal, Quinn, Fox, Layla, Gage and Cybil), focuses on the budding romance of town lawyer, Fox O'Dell and Layla, the New York shopkeeper, drawn to the doomed town by her mysterious and very real dreams/nightmares. The story is sci-fi, Nora style, and a completely enjoyable experience. I am really looking forward to the big finale set to be released in December 2008 - "The Pagan Stone." This story will be the culmination of the planning and workings of the group in their effort to end the evil destruction of the "seven-year curse" once and for all.

Another winner by one of my favorite authors! A real page turner! I was only disappointed when I came to the last page .... I wanted more and am eagerly awaiting book number three!

I was hesitant to buy this book given that the first one of the series didn't really do anything for me, but I was on vacation and needed something to read at the last minute so I broke down and got it. I will say that it was definitely more interesting than the first book of this series, which I feel dragged on a little bit and got bogged down with setting the stage for the trilogy.

I was glad that the focus was almost entirely on Fox and Layla in this book but was at the same time frustrated that we learned almost nothing new about Layla at all! It's like Ms. Roberts got so busy developing the pasts of the male characters of the series that she forgot to give us any information about the female ones. Who is this woman anyway? All I know about her is that she used to manage a clothing store in NYC and can't deal with her emotions unless she compartmentalizes them, which she herself says, by the way. How can an author go through an entire 300+ page novel without giving any background story on one of the main characters?

Other than that it was a better read than Blood Brothers but not up to her usual standard of excellence in my opinion. There were some laugh out loud moments for me, which is something I always love about Nora's dialogue and was glad to see present here. The action was a little creepier in this book too, which I think made it more interesting as well. I'll look forward to reading the Pagan Stone because now I do actually care about what happens to these people, something that I didn't really feel after the first book, but I'll probably forget all the stuff that happened between now and then because it doesn't even come out until December. WTH?

I enjoyed this book and i like the story,but its pretty normal as in any trilogy fills space and continues the second rommance.