Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Promise (Coven #1)

by Apryl Baker (Goodreads Author)

4.54 of 5 stars 4.54 · rating details · 65 ratings · 27 reviews

Cassie Jayne Bishop grew up in the sleepy town of New Salem, NC, the only non-believer in the tradition and power of the town Coven. When a stranger comes to New Salem, everything she thought was normal about her life unravels around her. Ethan makes her question everything, even her sister's death in a car crash years ago. As Cassie discovers the full truth about her heri...more

Paperback, 170 pages

Published September 16th 2011 by Black Matrix Publishing LLC (first published September 1st 2011)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Best Cover Fall/Winter 2011

16th out of 402 books — 1,491 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 666)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Mar 11, 2012 Angela Fristoe rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-books

I'm always a little hesitant with witch stories. They're kind of like faeries for me, just not quite intriguing enough. The Promise, however, definitely managed to grip me. Baker has an interesting writing style that feels very natural and her characters really pop. She gives each of them very distinct voices.

Cassie, of CJ as she's also called, is spunky and not the sit back and wait kind of heroine. She is determined to figure out what is going on in the town and how her sister's death is relat...more

like · see review

Nov 29, 2011 Tracy Macreynolds rated it 5 of 5 stars

A friend gave me this book and told me to read it. When I heard paranormal romance, I thought, oh great, another twilight wannabe with vampires and werewolves. I was shocked to see not a single mention of either. Instead, the author went with witches and witchcraft and did it in such a way that it was normal everyday life to them and so it became to the reader. It was surprisingly well done. She crafted a believable world that I got lost in.

Now, lets not forget that Mr. Melt In Your Mouth Gorgeo...more

like · see review

Nov 30, 2011 Sara Jones rated it 5 of 5 stars

The cover drew me to the book and then when I started to read it, I looked up and found hours had gone by. It's one of those books that even if you can manage to put down, you find yourself thinking about it when you should be doing something else. That is what I call a good book.

Cassie Jayne is a fiesty teenager who doesn't believe in hocus pocus even though its the center of her entire life. She is the only non-believer in a town of witches. With the appearance of a new yummy guy in town, Cass...more

like · see review

Dec 18, 2011 Crys (The Hodgenator) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: witchcraft, witches, ya, young-adult, salem, my-interests, mystery

First, let me say that I consider myself a connoisseur of witchy reads. I love a good witchy tale, and I love mysteries. Baker delivers both in her debut novel. The Promise is a nice mixture of Witches of Eastwick meets Nancy Drew meets The Craft.

The plot of the novel is nicely developed. At first I was afraid that it would lag in places, but once Baker thrusts the reader into Cassie’s spell, the pages will not stop turning. The reader will take the ride with Cassie as she falls in love, and as...more First, let me say that I consider myself a connoisseur of witchy reads. I love a good witchy tale, and I love mysteries. Baker delivers both in her debut novel. The Promise is a nice mixture of Witches of Eastwick meets Nancy Drew meets The Craft.

The plot of the novel is nicely developed. At first I was afraid that it would lag in places, but once Baker thrusts the reader into Cassie’s spell, the pages will not stop turning. The reader will take the ride with Cassie as she falls in love, and as she learns the truth behind her sister’s death. Baker balances the romantic element of the plot nicely with the mystery surrounding Cassie, the founding of New Salem, and the curse that threatens to wreck it all.

Character development in the novel is spot on. It is evident that this will be a series heavy on solving witchy mysteries, but at the same time this series will be about family, friendship, self-discovery, and love. While Baker does not fully develop her characters in this novel, it is not a necessity for its purpose. Cassie’s character is the most defined because she is the center of the novel; however, readers are introduced to other characters such as Kay, Jeff, and Ethan. They serve minor, yet important, roles that are not fully defined just yet. This development is going to be a slow build, but readers will not feel cheated. They will be satisfied with just enough development to move the story along.

The marriage of everything witchy in this novel was quite interesting. Instead of sticking with the stereotypical ideals of witches, Baker takes it a step further. These witches are not practitioners of Wicca – they are witches. She defines the difference for readers in the novel, and I found this refreshing. As a matter of fact, this novel reminded me a bit of Shirley Damsgaard’s Ophelia and Abby Mysteries.

I am looking forward to see where Baker takes her characters and their involvement with the Coven. I am especially interested in seeing how the citizens of New Salem rebuild their lives and their Coven – especially with something dark on the horizon.
(less)

like · see review

Apr 22, 2012 DanetteCJ rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Hmmm.... not to sure how I felt about this one. On the one hand, nothing happened like I thought it would which makes the last 4o pages all the more exciting. On the other hand, the reality did not live up to the hype in my mind. I decided to read this book it popped up on one of my recommendations lists and had no rating below a high 3 stars when I looked at some of the reviews. I don't know, I feel as if it were always on the cusp of becoming an awesome book but held back from really going the...more

like · see review

Mar 02, 2012 DelSheree rated it 5 of 5 stars

Nonsense. That has always been CJ’s response to her town’s history of witchcraft. Backing up her personal opinion that magic and spells and are something to ignore is her promise to her sister, made just before her death, to stay away from the town coven. CJ is happy to keep her opinions and her promises pretty much forever until Mr. Melt in Your Mouth Gorgeous steps in to rescue her from puked on shoes and a drunk best friend. At first Ethan Warren is a mystery, a delicious one she can’t stay a...more Nonsense. That has always been CJ’s response to her town’s history of witchcraft. Backing up her personal opinion that magic and spells and are something to ignore is her promise to her sister, made just before her death, to stay away from the town coven. CJ is happy to keep her opinions and her promises pretty much forever until Mr. Melt in Your Mouth Gorgeous steps in to rescue her from puked on shoes and a drunk best friend. At first Ethan Warren is a mystery, a delicious one she can’t stay away from. What harm could one cute boy cause? Plenty. Ethan’s arrival doesn’t only turn CJ’s world upside down, it also changes something in the town. Secrets are whispered, plans made, but nobody wants to share with CJ. Normally Coven business wouldn’t interest her. When she starts to doubt her town’s history, the Coven’s purpose, even her sister’s death, finding out their secrets may be the only thing that will keep her alive.

Apryl Baker’s, The Promise, was a great read. It has a little bit of everything from unrequited love, magic, betrayal, secrets , revenge, gorgeous boys, and characters you’ll love. The opening chapter drops you right into CJ’s life, and into the odd little town of New Salem. Apryl did a good job of melding the typical small town day to day life with a secretive Coven of witches. To them having witches as parents and teaching kindergarteners about those burnt at the stake during the Salem witch trials was pretty average. But the second CJ starts to doubt her belief that none of it was real, you get thrown into what the town is really about. Magic.

Another aspect of The Promise I really enjoyed was the characters. Even the ones that were not in the book for very long still had depth. Apryl gave each character something to remember them by. Of the side characters, I thought she did a particularly good job with Old Man Warren. He was only in part of one small chapter, but every word he said, every expression gave him so much character it was hard to forget him. It was hard not to get sucked into the world of New Salem.

The mystery behind CJ and the town itself was handled very well. Up until the end you won’t be sure who is trying to help CJ and who is trying to kill her. It drove me crazy the first time I read it, and even this time when I was reading it for a second time, but it’s a good kind of crazy. I loved being kept guessing all the way through. Apryl definitely keeps the tension going, right along with the passion – which was also a big part of the book.

The romance between CJ and Ethan is a big focus on the book, because it’s part mystery as well as part love, but Apryl tempers their relationship with doubt the whole way through. And teases you with Neighbor Boy just for fun. Love is just as much a theme in this book as revenge is. Which are two of the best themes to right about.

My only real complaint about the book is that at times I thought CJ’s willingness to forgive Ethan and accept him into her life could have been reigned in a little more at certain places. She has so much danger around her that I felt at times it was a little unrealistic for her to trust people. But that may just be me. Everyone forgives and trusts in their own way.

Overall, I loved The Promise. It’s a fun book to read when you need to step out of reality and lose yourself in a world of magic and revenge. You’ll fly through it because you’ll just have to know who’s lying and who’s going to end up dead. So go get your copy today and spend the weekend in New Salem.(less)

like · see review

Oct 11, 2011 Becky rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cassie Jayne or CJ as she is known doesn’t believe in Magic, which is tough when you live in New Salem and practically everyone you know is part of the Coven. Then she meets the mysterious Ethan and falls head over heals for him, but can she trust him, what does he really want. Still hurting from losing her sister and finding it hard to know who to trust, CJ must dig deep through the many secrets and lies surrounding the town.
I fou...more

like · see review

Nov 28, 2011 Savannah (Books With Bite) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Witches. Magic. Curses. Three things I love to read in a book. Not only did the plot line ring me in right away, but he kept me thoroughly entertained.

I like that immediately the reader is hit by lost. The reader feels the deep emotions of a lost loved one followed by trailing of journal entries, mysterious dreams, etc. I like how all of these elements lead the reader to dark past full of secrets and a curse. The way the plot line unfolded, kept me happy. Reading every twist and turn of the book...more

like · see review

Oct 10, 2011 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, favorites, review-on-blog

The Promise grabbed me right from the start! I was so engrossed in the book that I stayed up super late so I could find out it's secrets. I love a good mystery story, and a magical mystery is even better! I went into this book expecting to like it, but I finished it LOVING it! I love it when books surprise you in the best ways.

CJ was such an awesome main character. She is so fiery and full of life. And persistent- that girl would just not give up! I loved her spunk and I also really liked Kay....more The Promise grabbed me right from the start! I was so engrossed in the book that I stayed up super late so I could find out it's secrets. I love a good mystery story, and a magical mystery is even better! I went into this book expecting to like it, but I finished it LOVING it! I love it when books surprise you in the best ways.

CJ was such an awesome main character. She is so fiery and full of life. And persistent- that girl would just not give up! I loved her spunk and I also really liked Kay. Even though the whole book I thought I should be wary of her, I just couldn't help it. That girl has a charming way about her, and she really was loyal. Also my love for Jeff might have rivaled my love for CJ's spunkiness. Jeff is just so good and loyal and dependable. He is the guy I would want to end up with. I liked him soo much more than Ethan. No contest!

Speaking of Ethan. I didn't like him, not ever. Even when he was being nice, something about him just screamed stay away to me. Nope, I was just not an Ethan fan. I didn't like how crazy CJ went whenever he would show up, but I at least respected that she would admit that she knew she was behaving irrationally. I'm just not a fan when girls go gaga over a guy and they lose their heads. But at least Cj realized that was happening and she tried to think logically.

The plot of The Promise is so riveting that you will not want to put the book down. I would have to force myself to turn my kindle off an go to bed because I had class in the morning. And even then, knowing I would be a walking zombie the next day- I still did not want to stop reading. There are no slow parts at all, or parts that bugged me. I loved the mixture of journal entries, flashbacks to the past. I really like how everything balanced itself out. I think it would be so cool to visit a small town like that. It makes me wondering if similar small towns are hiding such major secrets like this one was with the Coven.

I can't wait to see where this series is going to go next. The Promise is an excellent start to what I am sure is going to be an awesome series!(less)

like · see review

Oct 12, 2011 Sally rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-reads, arc-or-for-review, witches-wizards

3.5 of 5 stars
Cassie-Jayne (CJ) lives in a small town called New Salem, a close-knit community of witches that has always kept the secret of their magic hidden from the rest of the world. But since the sudden death of her sister in a car accident 3 years ago CJ has completely withdrawn from the Coven and refuses to attend the meetings. But with whispers about a curse, pressure from all sides to attend the coven meetings, and then finding a desperate last diary entry from her sister, it is clear...more 3.5 of 5 stars
Cassie-Jayne (CJ) lives in a small town called New Salem, a close-knit community of witches that has always kept the secret of their magic hidden from the rest of the world. But since the sudden death of her sister in a car accident 3 years ago CJ has completely withdrawn from the Coven and refuses to attend the meetings. But with whispers about a curse, pressure from all sides to attend the coven meetings, and then finding a desperate last diary entry from her sister, it is clear that SOMETHING unusual is going on. CJ has to gradually unravel the mystery surrounding the town and what it has to do with her and her upcoming eighteenth birthday. As clues start falling into place CJ also has to face the possibility that her sister was murdered by the coven that she had loved.
The idea of a magical coven masquerading as a normal town was cleverly woven seamlessly into the book, and all the magical elements of the story, the summoning of the 5 elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit) felt very believable. There is a back history in the book which links back to the Salem Witch Trials, and the legends that have persisted in New Salem tie back into the events of that time. CJ originally doesn't believe in all the tales of the magic, and although accepts it in others, refuses to believe it herself. CJ is a great heroine with a modern teen voice, who is obsessed with shoes and boys, a great mix of teen confidence, and a kind of naive vulnerability. I always found myself rooting for her and hoping that she would be okay. I also loved CJ's lifetime best friend Kay- someone you definitely wouldn't want to mess with, a toughnut who wouldn't hesitate to come after anyone who upset her BFF. (Like Jeff, who in kindergarten stole CJ's toy and Kay pushed him down and kicked him as hard as she could). I really liked Jeff, CJ's neighbour, who has a major crush on CJ, but who the girls avoid, and felt a little bit sorry for him! I always fall for the loyal and dependable guy! But then there is Ethan, the new boy in town, who CJ is drawn to, but she is just not sure if she can trust him.
Gripping, but dark in places, full of twists, turns and surprises, unexpected betrayals, and allies in unexpected places, The Promise is a great teen witchy novel. It's a gripping mystery story, with a slow unravelling of secrets, creeping tension, magic, and an endearing love story. (less)

like · see review

Nov 29, 2011 Sydney Moore rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is so awesome. I downloaded it from amazon cuz I liked the cover and then got sucked in. Who doesn't like a guy that could make your knees go all jelloey? Plus Cassie is not some girl that needs the guy to solve her problems. She is strong and awesome and kicks ass. Anyone who is tired of simpering whining heroines, you have to read this book.

Its an awesome mystery with gorgeous guys and you just cant stop reading!!

1 like · like · see review

Jan 08, 2012 Kris Leftwich rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really like this book but it was missing something in the romance department. I loved the story and how it was delivered. I also loved all the references to NC. I live in Winston Salem and I knew every reference in the book:). I am excited to read the next book. Hopefully I can see more of Ethan and Cassie together and watch the love grow in the next one:)

like · see review

Nov 29, 2011 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amazing, great read. The love story here is subtle, simple, and heartwarming. It wasn't the main focus of the book and that made it that much more precious. The characters here are ones that you will remember for a long time and the author makes you feel things you didn't think you could.

It's a great little read and I'd highly recommend it to anyone.

like · see review

Oct 01, 2012 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, witches-and-warlocks, nook

Great book that was enjoyable and hard to put down. It was full of mystery and a little suspense as I tried to guess who was good or bad. This definitely brought a few surprises. Cassie lives in a community where pretty much everyone is part of a coven. She is nearing her 18th birthday, and everyone in town has been trying to get her to come to a meeting at the hall to join the coven. She had promised her sister, who was killed 3 years earlier, that she would stay away. But lots of things are ha...more

like · see review

Feb 12, 2013 Lori rated it 5 of 5 stars

Received this book (Wattpad) in return for a honest review.

I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read book 2, when it comes out. The character of Cassie Jayne was very well written and I loved the story and world that Apryl created. This is the first book that I have read from this author, but I will definitely be reading more. :)

like · see review

Dec 22, 2011 Susan Stec rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A YA for all ages

Cassie is someone you immediately become close friends with. Ethan is sexy, witty, mature, and Cassie's first love. The fact that he remains a mystery until the end keeps you turning the pages. Witchcraft, a covetous Coven, jealousy, competition, and 'holy shit' surprises are what make this such a great read. Baker's well drawn out characters become real, her plight yours, as this author walks you through the truth about Cassie's heritage, how her sister died, and why the whole...more

like · see review

Dec 14, 2011 Octavia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: awesomeness, fan-girl-rant, i-m-addicted-series, kick-ass-heroines, pleasantly-surprised

This book was amazing in every sense of the word. The story was original, the pace was perfect and there were enough twist and turns to give me whiplash. At 2.99 it is a bargain. I can't wait for the next in the Coven series I truly LOVED this book!!!

1 like · like · see review

Nov 29, 2011 Larry Vendor rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great book, would recommend anyone who likes The Salem Witch trials to read it. She goes into a lot of detail and the part where she goes back and relives being burnt at the stake goes beyond anything I've ever read before.

I give it 5 stars.

like · see review

Jan 07, 2013 Maddy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is am amazing book even if you don't like the paranormal stuff. I would HIGHLY recommend this book. I promise that you won't regret reading it. In fact, you will be begging for more just like I am.

like · see review

Nov 22, 2011 Anita rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I received The Promise from a Goodreads Giveaway. The Promise is an awesome book. It is short but well worth the read. It will definitely be a series I will follow.

like · see review

Nov 01, 2011 Irwin marked it as to-read

I just won this book free as a goodreads giveaway! I am waiting to read it. Thanks.

like · see review

Jun 12, 2012 Lisa marked it as to-read

Shelves: first-reads

"I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads."

like · see review

Dec 27, 2011 Genie marked it as to-read

Where can I find this book??

like · see review

Jun 21, 2012 Tracy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Interesting plot

like · see review

Nov 29, 2011 Charity Winslow rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great book!

like · see review

Sep 09, 2012 Joy F rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. Paranormal is one of my favorite genres.
It kept my attention from the beginning and kept getting better throughout. I love stories about witches and this did not disappoint. Can't wait for book 2.

like · see review

Aug 02, 2012 Shelley marked it as to-read

Shelves: guest

Author's guest post at my blog:
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2011/12/...

like · see review

Sep 12, 2012 Bari Coslow rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, paranormal, mystery, e-book-kindle

This was a really good YA book. I was hooked from page 1 all the way until the last page.

like · see review

May 25, 2013 Desiree marked it as to-read

May 25, 2013 Erica marked it as to-read

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 22 23 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Book Promotions: Goodreads Giveaway!	1	4	May 29, 2012 05:15am
♥!The Young Adult...: Apryl Baker	2	11	May 27, 2012 11:34am
Young Adult Ficti...: Witchy New Book	1	15	Jan 15, 2012 11:07am
♥!The Young Adult...: The Promise, book one of The Coven Series	1	5	Jan 12, 2012 12:37am

combine
Other Editions (2)

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Genres

Young Adult

5 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

4 users

Fantasy > Magic

4 users

Fantasy

4 users

Mystery

4 users

Paranormal > Witches

3 users

Romance

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Apryl Baker

So who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friend Chazz laughs at me when I scare myself watching them and tells me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayh...more

More about Apryl Baker...

Books by Apryl Baker

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Promise

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: The Promise
avg rating	preview: The Promise Goodreads rating: 4.54 (65 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12686372-the-promise?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348366773l/12686372.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12686372-the-promise?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Promise by Apryl Baker[/url]

The Promise (Coven #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website