Face the Fire, by Nora Roberts

Summary

The conclusion to the Three Sisters Island Trilogy gives us once again, another perspective of magic. One that is a whole-hearted lifestyle, influencing not only beliefs, but also holidays and hopes and who our protagonist loves.

Mia Devlin, alongside her two sister witches, Nell Channing and Ripley Todd, must finally take her turn at defeating the darkness trying to drown the island they call home. Just as Mia’s ancestor lost her love to the call of the sea, Mia lost her love to the call of life outside of the island. When Sam Logan left the island, he left Mia broken and alone. His return to island over a decade later, at this point in the cycle of the curse, is no coincidence. Mia must come to terms with the love and attraction she still feels for him, despite the lack of trust she has in him.

When Sam purchases the only hotel on the island and makes it obvious he’s back to stay and ready to pursue Mia, she is tempted to throw herself back into his arms. However, she must stay focused if she is to defeat the evil that has taken the form of a large, magical wolf. The only way she can save the island is through learning to trust again – herself and her love.

Evaluation – plot content style

The plot of this final novel is far more abstract. If you don’t believe in magic for at least the duration of this book, you’ll lose interest quickly. There are many events – visions and manifestations – that could only be construed through belief in magic. And the main romantic conflict revolves around the magic; not only the bright magic of their love, but also the dark magic that pulls Mia’s ancestor’s lover away and feeds off of Mia’s doubt. While the storyline itself is strong, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, the drive of the book comes from its references to magic and witchcraft.

Stylistically, the novel is beautifully written. There are poetic chants, which are skillfully put together by Roberts, but nearly overused at points. The figurative language she uses helps readers connect to how magic infuses the lives of both Mia and Sam. It is impossible to give concrete details for abstract, concept ideas, so the style of the book is very figurative.

The content of this book covers less controversial issues than the previous two, but there are still some relevant to today’s society. Parental pressure, Trust in relationships, and belief in oneself, just to name a few. The most impactful issue within the book is the existence and use of magic and witchcraft. These topics even tie into an intense sex scene between Mia and Sam, where they share not only their bodies, but also their magic. This makes it more powerful and connects them even more.

Similar/Related Readings

Dance Upon the Air: Book One in the Three Sisters Island Trilogy, by Nora Roberts

Heaven and Earth: Book Two in the Three Sisters Island Trilogy, by Nora Roberts