(Book Three in the Sign of Seven trilogy)
Reviewed by Kati Dancy
Publisher: Penquin
4.75 stars
Damn but I love a cranky, reluctant hero. Gage Turner, the hero of THE PAGAN STONE, Nora Roberts’ thrilling conclusion to her Sign of Seven trilogy, is just such a hero. As a young boy, Gage and his two best friends, Cal and Fox went into the woods near Hawkins Hollow on their mutual birthday and forged a blood bond that tied them to each other closer than brothers, but also awoke deep, deep evil. Gage had a difficult childhood, his mother and sister died when he was young, and his father was the town drunk. He was nurtured by both Cal and Fox’s families, and beat feet as soon as possible to someplace else, earning his living as a gambler. But every seven years, the evil that the boys awoke comes back to wreak havoc on the town. The men each gifted (or cursed) with psychic gifts and a preternatural ability to heal themselves, band together to fight the evil. Gage has the gift of foresight. Gage is also perfectly happy having no true ties to anyone and believes strongly that he never will. Despite the fact that both of his friends have managed throughout the course of this “Seven” to find their true loves, there is absolutely no reason why he and Cybil Kinski have to fall in love. In fact, most of the time, she pisses him off. Sure, she’s gorgeous, and intelligent, and completely loyal, and she’s got a smart mouth and a strong backbone that occasionally amuses him, but mostly she irritates him.
For her part, after a scorching kiss from Gage in the last go ‘round with the Big Evil Bastard (the big bad in the story), Cybil is keeping her distance. She sees clearly what Fate might have in store for her and Gage, and frankly, she’d rather pass. But soon it becomes clear that she and Gage must join their mutual gift of foresight together and that the next round with the Big Evil Bastard is going to have to be the one where they take the lead. As they work together, their mutual dislike morphs into mutual attraction.
I have to say this – Nora Roberts has one twisted imagination, bless her heart. Seriously twisted. This particular trilogy features one of the scariest evils I’ve ever read. And Roberts raises the stakes by not protecting everyone in the story. Prices are paid, big ones. And while yes, this is a romance and Roberts does deliver a very happy ending, there are tolls paid. But the center of the story is the six who band together to fight the evil. Roberts is at her best when she’s writing relationships. And the men in the story have that wonderful chemistry that guys who have grown up together possess. But of the men, Gage is my favorite. He doesn’t think of himself as a hero. In fact, it’s loyalty to his friends that draws him back to Hawkins Hollow every Seven. He’s confounded by his attraction to Cybil, and is unmistakably clear with her that he does not want a relationship, seduction or any women’s wiles played on him. He’s at turns surly, and cranky, and generally ticked off. And he possesses a deep well of emotion that she touches. It’s not an instant thing between them, and Roberts draws the relationship out slowly and in a way that makes perfect sense. Their relationship culminates after a stark and painful conversation between them that had me breathless for the revelations and sexual tension that is built.
The crescendo of the story is frankly terrifying. The scene is gorgeously drawn, almost like a symphony with every player having a meaningful part. And the ending is all the sweeter for the terror that came before it. THE PAGAN STONE is a worthy and entertaining ending to one of Nora Roberts’ best trilogies yet.
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Marisa
on Dec 16th, 2008
@ 1:08 pm:
Katie, one terrific review! I loved this series from the first book and I’ve been anxiously awaiting Gage’s book. Robert’s is one of my favorite authors when it comes to writing not only trilogies but the relationships between the H&H and between the couples. She has a distinct way of writing about friendships that draws you in and either makes you feel like she has been a fly on the wall watching friendships that you’ve had or you end up wish you had a friendship like the ones she writes about.
Kati
on Dec 16th, 2008
@ 1:19 pm:
Thanks, Marisa! I started off this trilogy not sure at all. I kept thinking, “it’s too much world building” but by book two Roberts hit her stride and by book three every cylinder was firing. It’s a marvel, that’s for sure. And to say that I loved Gage would be an understatement. No one does reluctant hero like Nora.
Karin
on Dec 16th, 2008
@ 1:29 pm:
Great review, Kati. I haven’t read any of the Sign of Seven books yet because I wanted to be able to get them all at once so I could read them back to back. Now I’m really looking forward to them.
Maria Lokken
on Dec 16th, 2008
@ 1:49 pm:
Kati – Thanks for a terrific review. I’ve read the first two books and I’m about to read the third and this review just reminded me why I liked the series so much – and you didn’t give anything away, which I REALLY appreciate. I’m jazzed to find out how this whole thing turns out.
I’m curious how she handles Gage – he’s so different than the other two heroes – I’m looking forward to seeing how his relationship with Cybil grows.
orannia
on Dec 16th, 2008
@ 2:03 pm:
Thank you Kati! Apart from the Cheseapeake Bay series (which I must re-read) I haven’t read any of Nora Roberts’ books (just her JD Robb ones!) Your review has me tempted though. Would this series be the best place to start, or should I wemble my way through her contemporaries first? Thank you!
Kati
on Dec 16th, 2008
@ 2:14 pm:
Hi Orannia! Hmm, this particular trilogy has a VERY strong paranormal bent, with an almost horror bent to it. Her previous trilogy was also very paranormal. I love her older stuff, like say, the “Born in” trilogy: Born in Fire, Born in Ice, Born in Shame. Set in Ireland. Delicious heroes and interesting heroines. Plus, like I said, set in Ireland. Nora does Ireland really well.
If you prefer an American set trilogy, I’d go with the “Dream” trilogy: Daring to Dream, Holding the Dream, Finding the Dream. Set in Monterey, CA. It’s about a family that owns hotels. Great story as well. The second in it, Holding the Dream is the Nora that I most often re-read. If you want a slight paranormal bent, you should try the Gallaghers of Ardmore series (Jewels of the Sun, Tears of the Moon and Heart of the Sea (although this is probably my least favorite) or the Three Sisters trilogy (Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth and Face the Fire), that story is about three witches. And then of course, there’s another favorite, The Quinn Saga, set on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. It’s about four brothers. Cameron Quinn, the hero of the first is one of my all time favorite heroes ever.
Wow. I just looked back at what I typed. So, I guess what I’m saying is, pretty much any of her trilogies are a fun read.
cyclops8
on Dec 16th, 2008
@ 3:04 pm:
I love the first two books in the series and have been looking forward to Gage’s story. Cybil and Gage’s personalities complement each other.
orannia
on Dec 16th, 2008
@ 3:47 pm:
Thank you so much Kati! Since I’m stepping a little away from paranormal at present (apart from the fourth Colleen Gleason book, which I have waiting at home for me to start over the holiday *rubs hands with glee*) I think I might try Daring to Dream! Oh, and I loved the Quinn books! I should probably re-read them too! Good thing I was planning a quiet Christmas
I’m sure the fence can wait a little longer to be painted 
LeeAnn
on Dec 16th, 2008
@ 4:49 pm:
Great review Kati!!! I loved this book
) I just adore the way she is able to make me feel the love, joy, fear, and excitement in this book, and how they truly all work together to over come the big bad.
Gannon
on Dec 16th, 2008
@ 4:50 pm:
Great review, Kati! I loved the wrap up to this trilogy. And you’re right; the Big Bad was definitely one of the most terrifying evils yet. Gage was my favorite of the guys, too. I’m right there with you on my love of cranky, reluctant heroes. And Gage’s love and loyalty to Cal and Fox is really touching. Their interaction is so well-written and believable. Nora’s the queen when it comes to “guy-speak.”
I love Nora’s trilogies, and you mentioned my favorites.
Melinda
on Dec 30th, 2008
@ 1:35 pm:
Hello,
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