Devin O'Branagan, Paranormal Novelist
Ranked #3,886 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #147,350 overall
Author of Paranormal Thrillers and Urban Fantasy
I really enjoy reading good fiction novels about witches. Unfortunately there are very few of those around. Most witch stories use the Hollywood twist, evil witches who cast spells and must be stopped to save society. But ever hopeful for some sanity and realism about witchcraft, I keep looking.
My husband knew of my quest and suggested I read a book from an author he met on Facebook. I had just bought two books for my Kindle so decided to read them first. One was fairly tolerable but the other made me angry because the characters lacked depth or the ability to defend themselves.
So it was with some trepidation that I ordered the book by Devin O'Branagan recommended by my husband. You need to know that, until recently, he had never read any of her books, but he is very talented at reading the energy of other people. And he was insistent that I give the book WITCH HUNT a try.
I was immediately hooked and was terribly disappointed when the book ended. So I quickly ordered her next book called GLORY. Again I wanted more. I asked to become her Facebook friend and one day she asked if anyone would be willing to review her books. "Me, me" I virtually yelled, waving my virtual arms in the air. And so this lens was born.
We will explore several of her books as well as learn more about this amazing woman. We will try to discover why she has been described as a talented writer whose words speak to the spirit.
My husband knew of my quest and suggested I read a book from an author he met on Facebook. I had just bought two books for my Kindle so decided to read them first. One was fairly tolerable but the other made me angry because the characters lacked depth or the ability to defend themselves.
So it was with some trepidation that I ordered the book by Devin O'Branagan recommended by my husband. You need to know that, until recently, he had never read any of her books, but he is very talented at reading the energy of other people. And he was insistent that I give the book WITCH HUNT a try.
I was immediately hooked and was terribly disappointed when the book ended. So I quickly ordered her next book called GLORY. Again I wanted more. I asked to become her Facebook friend and one day she asked if anyone would be willing to review her books. "Me, me" I virtually yelled, waving my virtual arms in the air. And so this lens was born.
We will explore several of her books as well as learn more about this amazing woman. We will try to discover why she has been described as a talented writer whose words speak to the spirit.
Witch Hunt
WITCH HUNT is a story about the Hawthorne family who are descended from a long line of witches. The story begins in modern times when Leigh Hawthorne discovers she has married into this family of hereditary witches. Not only that, she learns her children have inherited the gifts as well.
This is not a book for the faint of heart. It deals with the horrors that can grow from fear, the fear of any group that does not fit in with the current definition of what is normal. Leigh Hawthorne finds herself in the middle of a new wave of witch hysteria that is instigated by a charismatic Christian preacher, who feels God has chosen him to bring to light the evil ways of the Hawthornes.
Snuggled in between the story line are vignettes about past generations of Hawthornes, beginning with some that suffered in the Salem witch trials. Although the characters in the book are fictional, O'Branagan draws the reader into the terror and madness that occurred during that time.
There are other glimpses into the history of this powerful family as each generation deals with who they are and how they will use their powers (most Hawthornes inherit psychic or healing abilities).I really enjoyed these flashbacks to parts of the family tree. Often flashbacks in books are distracting. O'Branagan developed these characters as fully as those living in modern times. The Hawthorne family tree is no different from most. The ancestors are both people of good heart and those who use their power to control. What is amazing about these stories is that I became just as involved with those characters as I did with the modern Hawthorne family. The mini-stories also contain mini-teachings such as animal totems, weather magic, and the danger of love spells.
The best thing about this book is that it is a page turner. The worst thing about the book is it is a page turner. Which means you won't get any sleep until you have finished it. Be forewarned that it is intense at times and will take you on an emotional journey through a reality that was and one that very well could happen again.
Image is entitled "Witchcraft at Salem Village" and is in the public domain.
Wytches Brew
It is no surprise that the book WITCH HUNT opens with these words from Macbeth.
First Witch: When shall we three meet again,
In thunder, lightning or in rain?
Second Witch: When the hurlyburly's done,
When the battle's lost and won.
Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act I, Scene I
Since the song 'Wytches Brew" is one of my favorites, sung by a great pagan group called Omnia, I thought I would include it here. The instrument the girl is playing is a hurdy gurdy.
First Witch: When shall we three meet again,
In thunder, lightning or in rain?
Second Witch: When the hurlyburly's done,
When the battle's lost and won.
Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act I, Scene I
Since the song 'Wytches Brew" is one of my favorites, sung by a great pagan group called Omnia, I thought I would include it here. The instrument the girl is playing is a hurdy gurdy.
Learn More About the Salem Witch Trials
- Salem Witch Trials - Wikipedia
- The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings before county court trials to prosecute people accused of witchcraft in the counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Middlesex in colonial Massachusetts, between February 1692 and May 1693.
Witch Hunt
Available in Kindle Format for Less than $5.00
Witch Hunt
Amazon Price: $12.40 (as of 05/31/2012)
"If you haven't read this book yet, get YOUR copy now!"
(Sophia Amazon.com customer review)
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Glory
Twilight meets The DaVinci Code
GLORY is described as an urban fantasy and vampire book. I am not a big fan of vampire fiction and am probably one of the few people on the planet who has never read Twilight nor had any desire to read it. Because of the quality of WITCH HUNT, I decided to give it a try.I soon learned that GLORY not only has vampires, but also has witches, angels, and demons. The main character is named Glory, a teen who is just coming into young adulthood, and discovers she has been given the unfortunate mission to save the world. Her blood contains the only antidote to a pandemic that has killed many, including her father.
Soon a trio of supernatural protectors march into her life, having been assigned, not always willingly, to assist her in this mission. Glory is also accompanied by an Australian Shepherd named Hallelujah (yes the glory, glory hallelujah has significance), otherwise known as Hallie. Hallie has an important role to play in this venture, and immediately zeroes in on one of the trio as a person to be watched. Very astutely, she has sensed he is a vampire.
The vampire's name is Zane, Dominic is an angel and Kaia is the witch. All three are on their own quests to find themselves, as well as helping Glory find a group of scientists who will be able to create the antidote from Glory's blood. Once again, O'Branagan develops in depth personalities for all of the characters, even Hallelujah. That an animal should be a prominent character in one of O'Branagan's books is not surprising, for she has been owned by several Australian Shepherds. She is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and uses her writing projects to support animal rescue.
Since I haven't read the Twilight series, I am unable to compare the two. But while reading other reviews of the book, I picked up a common theme. "It's even better than TWILIGHT" Doesn't GLORY deserve to stand proudly next to that other book on the shelves of most bookstores? I would vote yes.
What makes the book like DA VINCI CODE, you ask? Perhaps it's being chased by members of a secret society who want to stop Glory at all costs. Perhaps it has something to do a trail of clues that leads to a mysterious monument. It will have you busy turning pages again.
I have heard through one of my "secret" sources that Devin is working on a sequel for GLORY. Well, not so secret. She announced it on Facebook and her webpage. All of her fans, including me, are very excited.
The Legend of Glory
Glory
Available in Kindle Format for Less than $5.00
Glory
Amazon Price: $12.45 (as of 05/31/2012)
"What a good book! It grabs you at the start and holds your interest until the very end." (reader review from www.devinwrites.com)
Glory's Celtic Dragon Desgin
The Celtic Dragon image on the cover of GLORY is beautiful and mysterious. Grannysage, your guide to everything related to Devin O'Branagan, wondered why. After a wee bit of research she found this quote from Sue Campbell, the cover designer for the book."The Celtic dragon symbol on the cover was chosen to represent the dragon tattoos worn by the members of Glory's "dream team" of evil-fighting chums. The young witch character, Kaia, has Celtic ancestry and her family's totem or symbol is the dragon. Beyond that, we thought it was cool-looking symbol that seemed to convey the right tone and feel to this story."
This intriguing design is available on numerous products at the author's CafePress store.
The design is copyrighted and may not be used without permission.
Devin in Her Own Words
Gathered From On-Line Interviews
"Life isn't about us, but we are about life."
"I had a bohemian gypsy upbringing and there was never a place I called home. However, my grandparents had a farm in Michigan where my mother and I occasionally spent time between various adventures. I drew from that experience."
"Characters come easily to me. They are born organically; I tend to believe they are already in existence and I just discover them."
"All the fiction I've written, from the time I wrote my first story at age five, has been a means for me to explore issues of spiritual faith, courage, honor, and integrity. The themes of my novels reflect my own lifelong journey of discovery."
"Human beings are creators and this world is our medium. We were created to create and we do so all the time, whether we are aware of it or not."
"I personally believe that there is much more in heaven and earth than is dreamt of in my philosophy. For me, life is very much a blend of possible realities."
The Red Hot Novels
Devin O'Branagan's secret identity is a real estate agent. A talented writer of fantasy fiction posing as a real estate agent! Granted, my image of real estate agents is skewed by having had so little contact with them. The times I have looked at houses I felt like I had stepped into someone else's reality and the agent knew it. There must be a sign on me somewhere shouting, "this person can't afford this, so don't waste your time."
In my mind I've viewed real estate agents as somber, serious, and not very fun people. So I was quite taken aback to learn that not only is Devin a real estate agent that writes cool books about witches and vampires, she also writes stories about real estate. Couldn't get much more boring than that, right? That's where we would both be wrong.
"We are a very misunderstood profession and a lot of people don't get what we do." (Devin O'Branagan)
Red Hot Property
RED HOT PROPERTY is the first in a series of books involving a fledgling real estate agent named Molly O'Malley. Upon advice of an eccentric psychic, she gives up a job as a cocktail waitress to enter the daunting field of real estate, with the intent of making a better life for her daughter.Molly and a team of three other rookies are plunged into the real estate world with no warm up period. They quickly find out that in order to make money, they have to spend money. A lot of it. Molly is shocked to find out that she has expenses, such as business cards, yard signs, business clothes, car expenses and a whole host of others which she knew nothing about and had not expected.
That's when Devin's gift of character development leaps in to make the story simmer. One of Molly's fellow rookies, a flaming gay man named Val, soon becomes a central figure in the story. Both he and his psychic dog, Talisman, provide emotional support for Molly, even as Val struggles with his own spiritual journey following the death of his husband. Talisman is another Australian Shepherd, a pampered show dog with attitude.
Molly's experiences are based on anecdotes collected by Devin over the years, both from her own experiences and other agents. The book is hilarious at times, and tender at others. The zany characters appear to be stereotypes at first, but then you recognize someone you know in one of them. This montage of diverse people are not always easy to like but somehow make the story complete.
Red Hot Property
Available in Kindle Format for Less than $5.00
Red Hot Property
Amazon Price: $6.88 (as of 05/31/2012)
"Devin's so-real characters walk off the page and stay beside you as you go about your day."
(Biblioholic, Amazon.com customer review)
Red Hot Liberty
The second book in the Red Hot series continues Molly's story as she navigates her way through the real estate world. She is much in demand and the phone is ringing off the hook. But she finds that her relationship with her daughter is deteriorating due to her busy schedule.Molly hires a mysterious man named Robin to be her assistant, which turns out to be a blessing because he has psychic abilities and can talk to animals. He tells Molly that his mission is to teach her that she lives in an enchanted world where all things are possible. I love hearing that all things are possible, even if it is from a fictional character in a book.
Once again we meet a colorful cast of characters, including Molly's new client, Liberty True. Liberty totally believes in being herself, and that self includes wearing a tin foil hat and a belief in conspiracies. She is fiercely patriotic and does not fear to express her fears about the state of her beloved nation. She challenges Molly to re-think her self-involved outlook on world events.
The charismatic dog. Talisman, again "steals the show" although she has to see a pet psychic to work through several emotional issues. Molly's quirky co-workers who usually can't stand one another, manage to rise above their differences when their unique talents are needed.
RED HOT LIBERTY is another page turner. I had so much fun I almost missed the tidbits of spiritual wisdom that were tucked into the dialogue. Fans will be happy to know that the third book in the series is not far away.
Talisman Has Her Own Blog
No surprise here. My cats have their own Squidoo lenses, so of course Talisman would have her own blog. Join her as she conducts celebrity animal interviews.
- A FAMOUS DOG'S BLOG
- My name is Spiritsong's Lucky Talisman's Epiphany of DeMitri, but you may call me Tali. I am a character in the witty new novel, RED HOT PROPERTY. I am also a spokesdog for Best Friends Animal Society. And I'm becoming even more famous for conducting brilliant celebrity interviews. I'm one hot dog!
Red Hot Liberty
Available in Kindle Format for Less than $5.00
Red Hot Liberty
Amazon Price: $13.35 (as of 05/31/2012)
"I love this series so many great characters. I really think it would make a great movie. It has suspense, humor and just plain fun. Devin keep it up it is total entertainment."
(T. Levy Amazon.com customer review)
Personally I think it would make a great TV series. We have cop shows, doctor shows, lawyer shows, but last time I looked, no real estate shows.
Show Dog Sings the Blues
An Australian Shepherd Freaky Friday!
There are times that animals let humans tell their stories. But sometimes they want to tell their own stories. This was the case with my cat Lady Ghost Whispurr.Talisman, the Australian Shepherd featured in two of the Red Hot books by Devin O'Branagan, must have pestered her to be allowed to tell her own story. In RED HOT LIBERTY, Talisman has an adventure while visiting her sister Maddie at a ranch. Tali is a pampered show dog who eats organic food, gets her nails painted pink, wears bows and scarves, gets baths and massages, and sees a pet psychic.
Maddie, on the other hand, is a hard working cowdog. She hates being groomed and loves taking care of the livestock on the ranch. So you can imagine the quandary that Talisman was in when she was mistaken for Maddie. Maddie gets shut up in the house to receive grooming and special food. Talisman is ordered to work with cows, bulls, and sheep, and hasn't a clue what she is doing. Still she doesn't give up, and learns a lot about strengths she didn't know she had.
I laughed when the geese chased her, held my breath when she fearfully approached the bulls, and cheered when she stood up to some coyotes to save a lamb. Talisman is happy when she is rescued by her humans, but states she now has much more respect for her hard-working cowdog sister.
Show Dog Sings the Blues
Available in Kindle Format for Less than $5.00
A portion of the proceeds from this novella will be donated to The Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline
Show Dog Sings the Blues
Amazon Price: $3.74 (as of 05/31/2012)
"This book told by the dogs point of view, is for any Dog Lover not just Australian Shepherds. If an Aussie owns you, then you will recognize all the little quirks that make them and [sic] Aussie. This book is for the Young and Young at heart." (T. Levy - Amazon.com customer review)
I am owned by cats, but even so I loved the story, especially the little kitten that kept following Talisman around.
A Collection of Interviews with Devin O'Branagan
- An Interview with Devin O’Branagan on The Real Dr. Doolittle Show
- Listen to an interview to find out what inspired Devin O'Branagan to write her series, and why it's important to her to include dogs in her stories.
- Author of the Week: AOTW- Devin O'Branagan
- Devin O'Branagan: "My fiction is written to make you laugh, make you cry, make you think, and most of all, to entertain. I love writing and hope you love reading my work."
- Kindle Author Interview: Devin O'Branagan
- Devin O'Branagan, author of Witch Hunt, discusses her book, her journey as a writer, and self-publishing on Kindle.
- Meet and Greet with Author Devin O'Branagan
- Book Reviews by Sally A Wolf
- Inspire Me Today -Devin O'Branagan
- Inspire Me Today offers the world daily inspiration through inspirational stories, inspirational interviews, inspirational videos, and more!
- Katrina L. Lantz--Author: Interview: Devin O'Branagan about GLORY
- I have the rare pleasure of introducing you all to a fabulous author and her newest book: Devin O'Branagan's GLORY is out at last! She's graciously agreed to give an interview so we can all get to know a little about her and her writing career.
- Interview with Devin O'Branagan - Ye Olde Witches Brew Magazine
- Best-Selling Author Devin O'Branagan talks about life before her career as an author, what inspires her muse and who she would have over for dinner. This candid interview gives a peek into the world of this multi-talented paranormal and urban fantasy writer.
What Is Your Opinion About These Books?
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Devin's New Novel, Threshold Is Here!
All of Devin's fans eagerly awaoted the release of her new novel, Threshold.
"A twelve-year-old boy drowns, has a near-death experience, and returns with a dangerous mission. THRESHOLD is a moving paranormal thriller about courage, faith, and the transformative power of love."
I just completed an in-depth review of THRESHOLD. Follow the link below.
"A twelve-year-old boy drowns, has a near-death experience, and returns with a dangerous mission. THRESHOLD is a moving paranormal thriller about courage, faith, and the transformative power of love."
I just completed an in-depth review of THRESHOLD. Follow the link below.
Threshold
Thank You for Your Comments
As you can see, I am a devoted fan of Devin O'Branagan books. Have you read any? Do any of them sound interesting to you?
You can learn more at Devin's Official Website, linked just above. There you can read excerpts, see pictures of some of the characters, learn more about the dog characters, and join the discussion forum. Hope to see you there.
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Kris Miracle
Nov 20, 2011 @ 10:03 am | delete
- What an awesome way to single out and honor a very talented writer...so glad you share my feelings regarding Devin's books...I also am anxious to dig into her latest creations! Just finished THRESHOLD, and am again totally blown away by her characters' individuality, depth and feelings!!! All you followers have GOT to get your hands on a copy of Devin's latest masterpiece - what an inspiring story she brings to us! We can all learn some of life's important lessons from this novel...I know it truly touched me!
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grannysage Nov 22, 2011 @ 12:24 am | delete
- Thank you for visiting. I agree, you will get totally blown away by the characters.
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Whistling Squirrel (Wayne Reed)
Sep 25, 2011 @ 7:45 pm | delete
- I need to make time to read or listen (if available on BOCD) to these books. You've done a wonderful job of enlightening the public to these fantastic books and amazing author.
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- What can I say? She is amazing. Have a great time reading.
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CDT
Sep 22, 2011 @ 12:26 pm | delete
- What an incredible tribute to this author - and it's even nicer that she got to hear about it and appreciated it so much! Blessed by a passing Squid Angel delighted to have found a really outstanding book/author review lens :)
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- Thank you for the blessing, it is greatly appreciated.
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fanfreluche Sep 22, 2011 @ 6:28 am | delete
- Outstanding review of Devin O'Branagan. I will certainly add her to my reading list! Thanks
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- I'm so happy her books are being discovered.
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charlino Sep 21, 2011 @ 9:46 pm | delete
- This is an outstanding review, and an excellent fan page about a very talented author.
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- Thank you so much. I have to thank Devin because she gave me the resources to write about. It was truly a labor of love.
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nancycarol
Sep 21, 2011 @ 9:06 pm | delete
- I Squidliked this before...so I'm back now to Google +1 it, and give another comment. I think this lens is a wonderful tribute to a writer you admire so much, and it's nice that she put your lens into her blog. Soooo, many happy returns dear GrannySage, you deserve the best!
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- Thank you, I am very pleased with this lens. It was so much fun to make, especially when I imagined what Devin's reaction would be.
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kimmanleyort
Aug 29, 2011 @ 8:48 am | delete
- Scouring Squidoo for great lenses on fiction authors is a challenging proposition. Imagine my excitement when I see a new lens by grannysage high on the charts of the fiction authors neighborhood. As usual, a lens of superb quality just waiting to be blessed. Your review of this author is outstanding and beautifully presented.
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- What a pleasant surprise. Thanks so much for the blessing. Really, the author did most of the work, all I had to do was tell people about it.
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Sally A Wolf
Aug 21, 2011 @ 1:52 pm | delete
- Love the blog! A lot of good stuff here! I love Devin that is no secret and I well continue to read everything she produces!
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All images were used with permission of the author.
by grannysage
My name is Diane Wallace, aka GrannySage. I consider myself to be a storyteller. I like to wrap inspirational messages inside little vignettes of my life... more »
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We Are All Creative
Creative Is a Verb: If You're Alive, You're Creative
Amazon Price: $7.21 (as of 05/31/2012)
Some people, like Devin O'Branagan, don't need reminders that they are creative. Others of us do. The author of this book, Patti Digh, says, "If You're Alive, You're Creative."
Omnia - A Treasure to be Found
Sinclair Australian Shepherd
Amazon Price: $15.45 (as of 05/31/2012)
I loved all my stuffed animals as a child (ssh, I still do). This adorable Australian Shepherd plush toy makes a great gift.
