The Pagan Stone

Written by Nora Roberts

Narrated by Dan John Miller

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts’ electrifying trilogy comes to an end, as three men and three women join forces—and hearts—to battle the ultimate evil.

Years ago, after their blood brother ritual, Gage, Fox, and Caleb each emerged from the woods with a piece of bloodstone. Now, it will become their weapon in the final fight against the demon they awakened. Winner take all…

Shared nightmares, visions of blood and fire, and random violence begin to plague the longtime friends and the women bound to them by fate. None of them can ignore the fact that, this year, the demon has grown stronger—feeding off of the terror it creates. But now, the three pieces of the bloodstone have been fused back together. If only they could figure out how to use it.

A gambling man like Gage has no trouble betting on his crew to find a way. And though he and Cybil share the gift of seeing the future, that’s all they share. But Gage knows that a woman like Cybil—with her brains and strength and devastating beauty—can only bring him luck. Good or bad has yet to be determined—and could mean the difference between absolute destruction or an end to Hawkins Hollow's nightmare...

Don't miss the other books in the Sign of Seven Trilogy
Blood Brothers
The Hollow

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Nov 25, 2008
• ISBN: 9781423337881

Nora Roberts

NORA ROBERTS is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 230 novels, including Legacy, The Awakening, Hideaway, Under Currents, The Chronicles of The One trilogy, and many more. She is also the author of the bestselling In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews for The Pagan Stone

[Natalie Johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a good series. I would not add it to my read again list. I didn't like how it ended but that is just me.

[Noryoli Gil · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it, it makes you live and feel every thing and want more

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A compelling end to the series although I did not care as much for the leads as much as in the previous installments - particularly Cybil.

[linyarai · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A great read by one of my favorite authors.

[christineellei · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a satisfying resolution to the Sign of Seven trilogy. Sometimes its nice to have everything wrapped up neatly and tied with a red bow!

[cinderh_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Wow, what can I say? I must be over Nora Roberts. Once again the love story fell completely flat. Gage, "We will end up in bed together". Cybil, "Yes, we will have sex, but not now and on my terms." Then a really stupid fight over how he doesn't want to fall in love with her just because both sets of their friends fell in love with each other and are planning to marry...then, blah, blah, blah.The story about the demon could have been interesting except for all the dumb (supposed to be) sexual tension and "romance" (using that term loosely). The sad thing was that I was actually looking forward to Gage's story since for me he was the most interesting character in the series.What Nora Roberts continues to do well is the interaction between friends. Maybe she should just write a women's fiction novel and not worry so much about making it about romance?

[murderbydeath · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Here is the drawback to making the commitment to writing something about every book you read: sometimes, there isn't really anything to say worth the effort it takes to write it. This third and final book wasn't horrible. It just wasn't great, or even very good either. Very predictable if you've read even one of NR's other paranormal trilogies. Lots of annoying behaviour from our tragic hero who fights against being trapped by a woman. Yawn. Eventual it's-all-about-the-love-and-the-light ending left me feeling slightly nauseated, as if I'd eaten just one cookie too many. I thought the level of creepiness was excellent, for someone who doesn't like horror or terror, just spooky. On the plus side, writing this killed the last 15 minutes of work and now I can go home. Taking the time to write it down pays off after all. :)

[abshepherd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved the series. This book had a great climax and satisfying ending.

[jenj5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The final volume in the Sign of Seven trilogy, this is vintage Nora Roberts. Even though I've read a ton of her stuff, it just doesn't seem to get old for me. Nothing new basically, but a satisfying finish that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[tonile4helena · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A stunning conclusion to a phenomenal series! I love how she ties up all loose ends, she's truly the greatest female writer alive

[zjakkelien · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book is a fitting end to the trilogy. It's nothing earth-shattering, simply a continuation of the previous books, but the characters are sympathetic and the plot satisfactory. Not something you should read if you want something substantial, but absolutely fine if you want something easy and romantic to curl up with on the couch.

[emscape · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Nora Roberts never fails to disappoint! In the stunning conclusion of her Sign of Seven Trilogy, Gage and Cybil struggle to keep from being coupled up, even though it's completely obvious that Fate (a.k.a. Nora Roberts) intends for them to fall in love and live happily ever after. The six friends also have to come up with a way to defeat the demon known as Twisse and save Hawkins Hollow from his evil machinations. The eventual climactic fight was suspenseful and well-plotted, and Roberts did not shy away from sacrificing important characters in order to keep things interesting. Gage and Cybil were fascinating, with crackling chemistry and an extremely mature anti-romance-novel kind of attitude towards love. I adored reading about them, and actually really respected both of them. Gage also has to come to terms with his father who drunkenly abused him for most of his childhood, and that was also written in a very realistic and non-cliched sort of way. I was really so impressed and pleased with this book; I was sad when it was over.

[bookwormteri · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Storyline is wrapped up in this third book of the trilogy. Entertaining light read, but no surprises here.

[llyramoon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This review is for the entire series. I enjoyed this series. I liked the premise, storyline and conclusion. The characters were a bit predictable (which lets face it, that's what romances are). I'd have to say that the last pair of characters (Gage and Cybil) were a little harder to get a good connection with but towards the end of the book it didn't bother me as I enjoyed this book more as the ending to this series rather than as the connection between the last pair of characters (Gage/Cybil). The first two book were better in connecting with the characters but all three were great in building up the storyline.

[shelleyraec · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

An ending to the trilogy that is classic Roberts - perfect when you just need a dose of good triumphs over evil, happy happy endings. Cybil and Gage were the most interesting characters so it's a shame that they had to share their story with the climax in a way. A little high on the corny coincidences but satisying all the same.

[robindejarnett · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The third in the 'Sign of Seven' trilogy (why it's not called the 'Blood Brothers' trilogy is beyond me), The Pagan Stone sets up the final couple in the series, Gage and Cybil. Gage is an interesting guy, the only one of the three Blood Brothers who spends nearly all his time away their hometown, Hawkins Hollow. He doesn't have any family, nor any real ties to the town, other than through the bloodstone, but still comes back to fight to save the tiny town every seven years.(yeah, a lot of plot stuff there - but you'll get it if you read the books 8-)Gage has watched his two best friends fall for two of the three women destined to help them fight the 'Big Evil Bastard' (demon), and knows he's in line to hook up with the third, Cybil. As a gambler, he doesn't trust Fate - he hasn't been dealt a fair hand yet - and Cybil is just as cynical about being thrust together with him. Of course, though they fight Fate, they eventually lose, or give in.Besides the romance, there's also the issue of defeating the evil demon before it can infect the town again and kill. Roberts wraps up the plot side fairly well, though with all the bleeding walls and gushing blood it did seem a tad over-worked. It felt like the paranormal side was a little thin - if you've been reading about Ravenor demons, this one may have fallen just a little too easily, therefore the slightly lower rating. The demon had some big moments in the books, but didn't seem to capitalize on its victories when it did find a chink in the group's armor. And there wasn't always an explanation about how they kept it from repeating the same offenses.But, fun none the less. The romantic in me would have liked to have had the 'five years later' epilogue, just to see how everyone ended up. I'll probably look into some of her other books (there's just a FEW 8-) in the future, just to see if her style varies a lot from series to series.

[c5ibarra · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the final installment of the Sign of Seven Trilogy. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first two. I couldn’t connect with the two characters this one primarily focuses on. I still enjoyed the resolution of the story, and tried not to let my lack of love for the Cybil and Gage ruin the finale for me.

[suzanne5002 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the last of the Blood Brothers trilogy. Each book has its good qualities. Each character has their own personality and you really get a sense of what they're like as a person. After a while I sorta knew what they were gonna attempt. Witchcraft, Tarot cards are useful tools in thiis book. One character introduced them to the others and they agreed even they had their doubts in the beginning.Roberts saved the best mystical fireworks for the last. What a great ending!!

[silversi_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I found it slightly hard to get into this book in the beginning, but once I got past that slump I was hooked. I highly recommend reading this entire series. It's a great set of books if you like the mystical reads from Nora Roberts.

[hoosieriu97 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I almost stopped reading this book about half-way through, but I hate to not finish a book. There were parts that were entertaining and moved the book along, but there was a lot of repetition and no real battle at the end.

[jdonnelly14_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

** spoiler alert ** I'd have to say the third book in this in thrilling trilogy is by far the best. Though it also have the signature Roberts musical tone to it, the pacing in much faster, the leading characters more intriguing and volatile. Though you know before ever reading it exactly who will hook up this story is not in anyway a disappointing read.This book delved deeper into lead character flaws and overcoming them more than in any in the rest of the trilogy. Gabe finally comes to terms with t...more I'd have to say the third book in this in thrilling trilogy is by far the best. Though it also have the signature Roberts musical tone to it, the pacing in much faster, the leading characters more intriguing and volatile. Though you know before ever reading it exactly who will hook up this story is not in anyway a disappointing read.This book delved deeper into lead character flaws and overcoming them more than in any in the rest of the trilogy. Gabe finally comes to terms with the abuse he felt at the hands of his father as a youth and though it may not make up for a childhood of terror, his father gives his life to save Gage. I think the inner turmoil and coming to terms with that piece of sub plot and background story added a lot to the overall character development which occurred during this story.Through out the rest of the series both Gage and Cybil seem to be the flamboyant or dangerous, selfish pair, this book provides both the reason behind the facade and proof that is is a facade. Gage is willing to sacrifice his own life to save a town that never did anything for him and the friends that were more family than his own. The two wanders face great danger in the story, great sacrifice, but in the end learn that they don't have to or want to wander the world alone anymore.I feel like I had more to say here, but since I didn't get to finish this right after reading the book I can't remember what it was and don't want to mix up different books I've read recently. Overall I will say the whole trilogy and especially this conclusion to it is a must read.

[jenspeaks · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I started listening to the audiobook while I nursed my second child. I fell asleep too many times about halfway through that I skipped to the end to know how the story ended without having to relisten to sections several times.

[onyx95_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Every 7 years for 7 days, ever since their 10th birthday (July 7), Caleb Hawkins, Fox O'Dell and Gage Turner have tried to take care of Hawkins Hollow when the evil came. Blaming themselves for unleashing it on the town. Since the arrival of Quinn Black (reporter of the strange and now engaged to Cal), Layla Darnell (strangely drawn to Hawkins Hollow and to Fox), and Cybil Kinski (supernatural researcher and Quinn's best friend), the group have been able to find more information on the demon and the guardians that are suppose to keep them. Finding the diaries and meeting (so to speak) some of their ancestors, then figuring out how the bloodstone could be put back together (it was left in 3 pieces after the boys at their 10th birthday made a blood brother ritual), now they just need to figure out how it all comes together, how the information they have will help them use the bloodstone as a weapon to destroy the demon they have come to know as Twisse.Book 3 ..... No real surprise in this one, or in any of them really. Over the past 3 books, getting to know these characters has been so much fun, from the (as I call her) whirlwind of Quinn, the simple girly girl of Layla to this book that shows so much more of Cybil. She is sophisticated, tough, and smart and that is the combination that is needed to break through to Gage and his abused, 'I don't need anyone' attitude. Where Cal is the hometown hero type and Fox is the hippie (their words not mine) lawyer, as a group this six aren't just friend, they are family and the emotions are there. The paranormal / supernatural stuff is a lot more intense in this book (since the time is closer) but the romance, the adventure is always the best part. I found myself caring for Cybil so much more than I ever thought I would. * Over view of the whole series: As always with Nora Roberts, the character creation is excellent with a wide variety of personalities so picking a favorite person and couple is difficult for me, there are aspects of each that I really enjoyed. That being said, I have to go with - Gage and Cybil, don't get me wrong, I absolutely adored Cal, Fox and Layla, (Quinn was a bit to hectic for me), but my favorite book pick would go to ... The Pagan Stone, for the romance of it. It hit more of an emotional cord with me than any of the other books. The faith, the hope and the vision of the past, the now and the what will be.

[lrobe190 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In the conclusion to the "Sign of Seven" trilogy, three women and three men merge their powers to battle the ultimate evil, proving that friendship, family, love, and passion is much stronger than the looming darkness.Nora Roberts is one of my favorite authors and I especially enjoy her paranormal paperback series...such as the "Sign of Seven" series. Roberts is a great storyteller...lots of suspense and romance.

[hoosgracie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Last book in the trilogy was a bet of a let down.

[crashingwaves38 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Pagan Stone is the conclusion of the Sign of Seven Trilogy and highlights the romance between Gage and Cybil.Unlike the previous book in the trilogy, I didn't feel like any of the characters were vague or contrived. I was happy that there was a woman who could match Gage's wanderlust. More, I was happy that Roberts didn't feel the need to give her any secret longings for stability or a permanent home. I also liked the fact that, for once, we saw a couple who were very, very similar to one another; too often, we see characters who don't share many (if any) traits in common (that old opposites attract thing). I enjoyed seeing the end of the demon; I wish we could have seen more of what was going on in town and seen more of the periphery characters defending their space, but I understand that it wasn't really feasible or even necessarily desirable to most readers. I also enjoyed seeing the glimpses into the future and watching Cybil and Gage hone their skills and work together. I was also pleased (though that's not quite the right word) that Gage's relationship with his father doesn't take the normal turn of "Oh, yes Dad, I'll forgive you for years of abuse" after one apology.Of the three books, I feel like this is the most tightly written. Though the first book was my favorite, this is probably the best one, and so earns a higher rating. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop, the writing was good, the characters were well-developed (though the female lead still felt a little under-developed, particularly when compared to other Roberts series), and the finale was kick-ass.

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The last pair have to work out if they want to be a couple or to resist. Gage Turner is the son of an abusive drunk who travels the world gambling and Cybil Kinski is a woman avoiding relationships having seen her father after he killed himself while young.The two of them have chemistry but they question whether or not that chemistry will last but this tribulation may bring them close, but is it close enough. Can they survive and can they defeat the evil that lurks in the woods.Yes it's pretty predictable, the ending felt a little rushed and left me with questions but it was an enjoyable ride.

[jenson_aka_dl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In this third book of Robert's Sign of Seven Trilogy we delve into the final conflict along with the pre-destined relationship between rolling stone gambler, Gage and earthy crunchy, in control Cybil.If you have read the first two books of this trilogy you probably have a pretty good idea of what is going to happen here. In a straight talking and logical manner this sextet of fated people manage to take all the thrill and suspense out of the traditional horrifying demon terrorizing a small town paranormal story. Stephen King (or even Sherrilyn Kenyon) this is most definitely not. As a whole, I liked the second book and the characters of the second book the most. Here the characters really didn't do it for me. Cybil was just too high on herself to engage me and although I kind of liked Gage and sympathized with his past it wasn't enough to really invest me in the story. I spent a great deal of time wishing we'd get to the exciting part and as such I'd have to say the ending climactic scene was certainly the very best part of the book.Overall I feel this would be a good paranormal trilogy for contemporary lovers looking to expand their horizons without taking too much of a risk.

[tipsister · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As much as I enjoy all Nora Robert's books, I'm glad this series is done. Not because I didn't like it, I loved it, but because it was scary. It made me uncomfortable and I didn't like the subject matter. Here's a quick synopsis -don't worry, no spoilers.Three boys who are not biological brothers are born on the same day. They are best friends, beyond friendship, more like true brothers. On their tenth birthday they camp out at a place in the woods called the Pagan Stone. They slice their hands and become blood brothers. What they didn't realize was that by doing a blood ritual in that spot they would unleash a demon that had been imprisoned there for a few hundred years. The demon possessed the town for a week before going dormant for seven years. Every seven years it comes back for seven days and the boys -now men - fight it as best they can.In the months leading up to their 31st birthday, three women come to town. One comes for work, another because she's led there, and the third is pulled in by the first woman. The three men, now joined by three women (convenient) know that this is the year the demon must be stopped.The first book was Cal and Quinn's story. I related to them the best. Cal was the hometown boy. He was on the town councils, ran the bowling alley, and had ties to the town from the very beginning. Quinn was the paranormal writer who came to town to investigate and research what went on every seven years.The second book was Fox and Layla's story. Fox was the boy raised by free love hippies who rebelled and became a lawyer. He stayed in the town as well and made a home and law practice in the Hollow. Layla was brought there almost in a dream. She quickly teamed up with Quinn and the men, knowing that somehow she was a part of it all.The third book was Gage and Cybil's story. Gage was abused by his alcoholic father growing up and had very little use for the town. He passed through now and then but he never set up a home anywhere, choosing to travel where his poker games took him. It was only the coming "seven" and his brothers that brought him back. Cybil was Quinn's best friend and a master at research. She was brought into help and quickly found herself a vital member of the six person team.My only problem with these books was the subject matter of the demon. I don't like it. I try not to read books or watch movies where there is an ultimate evil force like a demon. They scare me. It's that simple. I couldn't read these books at bedtime, but I couldn't put them down at the same time. The characters saved this trilogy for me. It's one of Nora's best gifts, creating wonderful, likeable characters.Do I recommend them? Yes, for those who don't mind a little bit of horror mixed in with their romance. I'm sure there are scarier books out there, I just don't choose to pick those up. I'll hang on to them, maybe read them again, and maybe share them with a few friends.

[icequeentn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This last book in the trilogy was predictable. I had hoped that Nora would do better by it, as she normally does. All in all, the entire series was good. Just not her best.