Circle of Nine: Novella Collection

As a book reviewer, I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher or author to facilitate this review. I received no other compensation, and all opinions are always 100% my own.

The first book in the Circle of Nine series (read my review here) introduced us to Brigit Quinn’s matrilineal ancestral line, descendants of a legendary magical Celtic tribe that guard their old craft and keep their own secrets. In Beltany, Brigit learns some of their stories. This collection of novellas tells us more of three of the women.

Bressa lived in 14th century Ireland, a time when the Catholic Church was dominant, and she faces trials and banishment from a greedy priest who wants her land and her followers. The story of how she manages to escape (not a spoiler, since we know that from Beltany) shows great ingenuity and cleverness.

Dervla is the ancestor to whom Brigit relates most, as both have the ability to hear what others are thinking about them. In Beltany, this ability saved Dervla from certain death. But her story wasn’t over. Now, she’s once again trapped by a nobleman with a grudge to settle, and he plans to do so over her body. Can her powers bring aid to her in time?

The final story is of Brigit’s grandmother, Phoebe, and is set in the 1960s. Phoebe is just coming into her powers, but someone or something is threatening the Circle of Nine, attempting black magic in a bid to snatch power for themselves. Phoebe is sent on a desperate rescue mission, one that will change her life forever.

Valerie Biel is a good storyteller, and The Novella Collection is a fun read. Each young women uses not only her magical powers, but her wit, resourcefulness, and the power of friendship to conquer life’s challenges.

CIRCLE OF NINE: NOVELLA COLLECTION
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Author Bio:

Valerie Biel writes award-winning books for middle grade to adult audiences–stories inspired by her travels and her insatiable curiosity. Her young adult fantasy series, Circle of Nine, was inspired by the myth and magic of Ireland’s ancient stone circles. She’s also the author of HAVEN, a contemporary middle grade novel, and BEYOND THE CEMETERY GATE, a mystery suspense story. She’s a founding member of the Blackbird Writers & a member of Sisters in Crime & the Wisconsin Writers Association. When she’s away from the computer, she’s likely wrangling her overgrown garden, reading multiple books per week, or traveling the world–often on trips for the The World Orphan Fund charity she and her husband run. She calls a (tiny) portion of her family’s century-old Wisconsin farm home, but regularly dreams of finding a cozy cottage on the Irish coast where she can write and write.