The Women of Fantasy

I finished Dance upon the Air (Three Sisters Island Trilogy) by Nora Roberts two days ago and am almost ready to pick up the next book in the trilogy, Heaven and Earth (Three Sisters Island Trilogy). Dance upon the Air doesn't really come across as paranormal fantasy really, it is more of a normal "real life" novel - where magical powers just happen to exist somehow.

That said, the low-keyness of the magic doesn't detract, it gives more focus to the characters. The characters are what the story is really about - strong, powerful women finding their way in the world. Nell, a victim of abuse, finds good role models and strong friend's on the island in Ripley and Mia, the other resident "witches" (though Ripley has renounced her powers). She also finds love with the local sheriff and the romance gives the book just what it needs to be a great story - though it would of been great also if Roberts could of focused more on Nell's empowerment and healing - before getting romantically involved again.

Although the relationship is made out to heal her it comes across as something to "fix" her sometimes - but the romance is needed in this book to make it work - maybe because the focus isn't on the fantasy aspects? Nell isn't a character I absolutely loved - but the story is great. I'm interested to read the next one.

Posted by Jen at Monday, June 02, 2008