The Initiation / The Captive Part I

The Secret Circle #1-2

by L.J. Smith

THE CIRCLE'S POWER HAS LURED HER HOME...

Forced to move from sunny California to gloomy New England, Cassie longs for her old life. Even so, she feels a strange kinship to a terrifying group of teens who seem to rule her school. Initiated into the coven of witched that's controlled New Salem for hundreds of years, she's drawn into the Secret Circle, a thrill that's both intoxicating and deadly. But when she falls for the mysterious and intriguing Adam, Cassie must choose whether to resist temptation or risk dark forces to get what she wants - even if it means that one wrong move could ultimately destroy her.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Witches, Romance, Supernatural, Magic

396 pages, Paperback

First published July 22, 2008

About the author

Smith was born in Villa Park, Orange County, California. In interviews, she has said she realized she wanted to be a writer sometime between kindergarten and first grade, “when a teacher praised a horrible poem I’d written”, and began writing in earnest in elementary school. Smith received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1987, followed by teaching credentials in Elementary education and Special education from San Francisco State University.

She taught kindergarten and special education for several years before becoming a full-time writer. Her first book, The Night of the Solstice, was published by MacMillan in 1987, followed by, Heart of Valor in 1990, and the 4-volume Vampire Diaries series in 1991-2. Three trilogies followed: The Secret Circle (1992), The Forbidden Game (1994), and Dark Visions (1995). The first installment of her popular Night World series was published in 1996, followed by eight more over the next two years. In 1998, Smith began a decade-long hiatus from writing, returning in 2008 with a new Web site and a series of new short stories. The Vampire Diaries series was reissued in 2007, followed by re-printings of The Secret Circle trilogy and Night World series in 2008/2009. The Night of the Solstice and Heart of Valor was also reissued in 2008. Three new Vampire Diaries installments were published in 2009 and 2010.

Smith lives in the San Francisco Bay area “with one dog, three cats, and about ten thousand books.”

Reviews

[Shaikha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, what can I say? I’m a bias, diehard fan.
Although I have to admit that the TV show was much better, the book isn’t so bad either. It started off lame, but kept getting better & better.
It’s making me miss the TV show even more, I’m still devastated that they cancelled it SIX years ago (I know, I can’t seem to get over it).

The story opens with sixteen-year old Cassie vacationing on Cape Cod. It’s a long way from her home in California. She saves a boy and his dog from four college age students with a gun, and she thinks she sees a silver cord connecting her to the boy she saves. He gives her good luck charm crystal, kisses her hand, and leaves. She never asks his name.
Cassie expects to go home to California, but instead her mother tells her they’re moving in with her grandmother in New Salem, Massachusetts. It’s a small town on an island, and Cassie is dismayed by the move for several reasons: she’s shy, and starting a new high school is daunting. Her grandmother’s house on Crowhaven road is old and rundown, and on the first night she hears her mother and grandmother talking about a “sacrifice”.
On her first day of school, Cassie runs afoul of the queen mean girl in school, Faye, resulting in mean-spirited pranks like her locker being filled with raw meat. The principal doesn’t help her, and tells her the kids from Crowhaven road need to solve their problems amongst themselves.
The bullying comes to a head when Faye lures Cassie into the abandoned science building but Diana comes to her rescue, saving Cassie from Faye and becoming her friend in the process.

I’m not completely disappointed and the books are the closest thing I have to closure, so I’ll definitely keep going with the series.💙

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow. That was…kind of incredibly stupid.

I won't go into it. It was just stupid.

I only read it because I absolutely adore the TV series its based on.

The show is so much better than the book, in my opinion, which is saying something because the show isn't exactly a paragon of excellence.

Okay, I'm going into it. Cassie was dumb. There were plenty of times when she could have stood up for herself and didn't. For example, when that guy on the beach grabbed her wrist, she could have said, "Get the hell away from me, creep." Very basic. She is also incredibly boring. Like, gag me with a spoon boring. She us quite possibly the dullest creature ever to walk the face of the earth. Also, she is a child. Literally she follows Diana around like she's seven years old. It's tragic. She cannot make any decisions for herself.

Oh God, and Cassie tells Adam she loves him after they have a grand total of…TWO conversations. I think we picked a winner. But it's okay, because he loves her too! They know this because they have shared two meaningful conversations. (Note: the second conversation was all about how they loved each other, so technically they only had ONE conversation.)

Also? Cassie's little schoolgirl lust after the mysterious guy she met on the beach was pathetic. She kept talking about how she thought about him all the time, etc., etc. and it was just so annoying.

All other characters are also dumb, though Diana is alright. Faye is the only interesting character in this book because she's the only one who has the combination of intelligence and naughtiness to create interest. Even she is a stereotypical bad girl, though perhaps crueler than most. But I think Lindsay Edgecomb could take her.

Also, general comment about L.J. Smith books: the writing is just…meh. It's just bland. It's just there, like she sat down and said, "Guess I have to tell this story with *words* now." She skims over important details to focus more on the insipid thoughts of the main character a lot. It's just kinda like she doesn't even care about the writing, she just strings words together into phrases that make logical sense in order to keep the plot moving in a direction other than a downward spiral. I know a lot of people really like her. No offense. Just something I've noticed.

Yep, it was dumb.

This review was also dumb, but that's okay.

Note: I did not hate the book because it differed from the TV show! I nearly always take the side of the book in these situations. Books are usually better than TV shows. But not in this case.

Will I read the next installment of "Cassie's saga"? Of course I will, dammit. Of course I will.

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

why is everyone rating it 3-4 stars? i mean SERIOUSLY?!?!?!
I think this may be the worst book ever. Wana know why?
- it dragged on forever!
- extremely poorly written
- shitty romance
- no real evidence of any kind of effort,just wrote for the sake of it.
- no real story line,could of done better myself and im 15 for crist sakes!!
- i could actually laugh at the cover, did a five year old make this??
- i'm sure i'm not the only one who had to force myself to read it,it took me 2 weeks to read this.. i could read a book double the size in 2 days!
- lack of detail on pretty much every charecter
- just had a overal gloomy, shitty mood throughout the book

shall i carry on?

i mean honestly, i love L.J Smith.Her books are creative,have a really good sence of romance and are orginal. but this?! EVEN YOU KNOW THAT YOU COULD HAVE DONE BETTER!!!
to be honest, this book has no purpose whatsoever. Just wrote for sake of it, a few more books to add to your collection?...sad

Normally im not the type to slag off a book, but this was pethetic.


I DO NOT RECOMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE!!!
if you like a book that has the worlds most shittiest cover,no story line, bores you to death and makes you want to pull your eyes out your sockets then go for it!

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite characters in this book would have to be Cassie, Diana. Cassie: is a shy and caring person who put others before herself. Diana: is the popular girl that is really sweet and cares about others and just like Cassie she likes helping others. She is the mean girl that everyone is scared of, who likes to try and have all the power over everyone, she’s a control freak. If this book was made into a movie I would have Jessica Alba as Adam, Kirsten Stewart as Cassie, Charlotte Arnold as Diana, and Katie Holmes as Faye. The book captured my attention when Cassie and Adam fall in love but he is in love with Diana so they try to keep their distance, but end up always having to be together. And Faye is going to definitely rat on Cassie and Adam, unless Cassie deceives Diana by obeying her. Then when Cassie steals from Diana it all backfires and evil is released into New Salem and people are getting killed one by one. The suspense kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. The author wrote this book to entertain young readers; also it informs you some about witch trials in Salem and what happened if you were accused. This book made me feel anxious, upset, giddy, and just a bunch of mixed emotions. My favorite line from the story would have to be from the beginning kind of when she first moves and thinks she dreaming and her mom walk in and says “I can see that you can’t escape destiny. I shouldn’t have tried”. I would recommend this book to anybody who is interested in mysteries, and witches.

[Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Interesting and captivating series. The characters occasionally were a little juvenile for me, and it drove me crazy how WEAK Cassie was, but she finally came into her own and stood up for herself.

[Nidhi Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the plot, I loved every bit of this book! I have read it so many times and love it more each time! but I agree with something..... but I am not gonna ruin it because its in the last book.
Anyway, the story great, characters great. Cassie shy, pretty, confident and just down to earth. Adam strong, bold, confident, funny, loving and etc. Each of the characters are different from the others, Diana being the nice, kind one. Cassie being the confident yet fragile one. Adam being the strong bold sweet one. Faye being the dark beautiful, cold, horrible one. Nick being the ice cool, emotionless one. The Henderson brothers wild ones! Suzan the beautiful one. Deborah the confident, straight minded one. Laurel environmentalist, sweet one. Melanine independent one Sean the scared, nervous and vulnerable one. The characters are so different from each other but they still click to make an awesome coven! I love it! I really do! L.j smith balanced it quite well it wasn't all about love and stuff she had a mixture of things, she had supernatural problems and normal problems that teenagers have. Again I say I love it!! I love the trilogy! waiting for the sequel to come ;)

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

Some good ideas here but they don't go anywhere. Sixteen year old Cassie is suddenly forced to move with her single mom to mom's home town -- somewhere Cassie has never been because mom and grandma have been estranged for 16 years.

You think a family issue this major would be addressed in the story but it isn't. Cassie moves into an ancient house filled with antiques but she might as well be living alone with the lack of communication in the house.

There's some business with the neighbors, all of whom are descended from witches who relocated there in 1693. Cassie gets recruited to join the Secret Circle of local practitioners after the most likely candidate gets her neck broken. Then the principal dies in a landslide and the football hero gets hung in a boiler room and what's really weird is no one ever talks about this.

The writing isn't terrible but the characterizations are thin and trying to keep track of 12 individuals in a coven is next to impossible.

I won't be bothering with the rest of the books in this series.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did I think this book was the best book ever and that i am totally in love with it? no
but did I think it was horrible and should of never been published? no to that too.
It wasn't a horrible book, but it wasn't completley amazing either. First of all lets go into characters:
Cassie: Now, usually I don't mind the main characters being shy and stuff, but this was absoloutley rediculous! The girl is absoloutley spineless and lets anyone trample over her without even trying to defened herself. That was one of the reasons i had a tough time reading it, because her shy'ness was just way overdone but what does she do instead of fixing her problems? she cries...wow.
also, why is she crying about adam leaving her in the beggining of the story? he doesn't even know her, not to mention each others names!
Dian: This character wasn't as bad, but i found her kind of too nice, its like she doesn't have any flaws. she was just too perfect.
Adam: This character really pissed me off. I mean come on. you're basically flirting with cassie in the beginning of the book, and when she pretends she never met you before all you are like is, "Now, I wonder why she's avoiding me?"
Dong! Hello?
Nick: I actually hope Cassie ends up with this guy, he seems to be the only character who is actually down the earth but i'll bet anything Cassie will end up with Adam. Thats what its like with all of this authors books, the girl always ends up with charming gentlemen.
Faye: Okay, this was probably the only character i actually liked. She actually felt real to me. She was funny but dark; selfish but not too cruel; stubborn and manipulative but she was also just like a normal teen. her character actually felt round unlike most of the characters.

Plot:
The story starts off with Cassie on the beach on some vacation (But the vacation is so horrible and she wants to go home! THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WHO WOULD KILL TO BE ON VACATION LIKE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW! whiney much!) where she meets Adam and its love at first sight (even though she has never met him before, doesnt know anything about his personality or characteristics or the fact he might not be a gentleman as he appears to be and might be a serial killer. But hey! its love) where he gives her some...stone?
Okay whatver, anyways, So, Cassie moves to a new town so she and her mother can live with her grandmother because her mother tells Cassie that her grandmother is sick. Cassie hates the idea of leaving her friends back in california and tries to convince her mother to live back there. Appearently, this girl's never heard of email. Like, seriously? this book had 100 pages of them explaining that she puts people ahead of her all the time but she hates the idea of moving in and helping with her sick grandmother all because she'll miss her friends back home...Really?
Okay, anyways, when she arrives at this new school everyone seems to be treating her not as welcomely as she hoped and axidently makes public enemy #1 with Faye. How did that came to be? i don't know! All she does is stand there shaking like a vibrater when somebody goes all bitchy around her. But then she see's Diane and wants to become friends with her. why? because that is the most beautiful long blond hair she's ever seen! No human can resist! Yeah, you hear that rosalie? move over bitch! The Diane is comming through! lol no, just kidding. She wants to become friends with her because she has a feeling something will happen, which when they do meet, they become best frieds, almost like sisters. Anyways, my review is getting pretty long, and i have stuff to do, so i'll just sum it all up. Cassie Joins the secret circle of witches because it belonged through generations of hers and the other kids families. Did anyone warn her that she was about to join a group of witches she must commit too the rest of her life and cannot betray the groups secret otherwise they will kill her but she's in danger already because the outsiders hate witches and some even try to kill them? Nope. Does she have any strange reaction that they are all witches? Nope. Its like she new already. Really? i would have been freaking out. They drag her out of bed, in the middle of the night, to the freaking beach with no one around, point a knife at her throat, tell her that if she has no fear then she will step foraward into the knife and what does she do...step forward....wow. But its okay! they move knife just at the right time before she plunges herself into it to prove that she has no fear! yay!
and it goes on from there. Adam comes back and appearently he is with Dian. Adam and Cassie kiss each other but then promise each other not to betray Dian again, unfortunatley Faye see's everything and blackmails Cassie into giving her this evil skull that if used could bring a dark dangerous spirit into the world in which people would die, or she will tell Diane that Cassie kissed her boyfriend.
...?
hmmm. A dark dangerous skull that if used could bring a dark and dangerous spirit into the world where people will die or telling some girl that her best friend kissed her boyfriend?
...MUST SAVE FRIENDSHIP!
so, anyways Cassie finds the skull, gives it to Faye, who unleashes some dark spirit and the next day a kid dies. wooow!

It was just dull. The characters are boring (except Faye), The story line was okay but it could of been better, The love triangle was really poorly done. But all together its an okay book. JL is not my favorite author, her plots are always really cool but its the actual writing that bothers me. The only reason i don't want to read the second book is because of the main character, she is so spineless and whiney that its really hard for me to read! all in all, I rate it 3*

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Initiation is the first novel of L. J. Smith’s Secret Circle trilogy that is currently being produced by Kevin Williams for the CW network. The Initiation follows a teenager named Cassie whose mother moves them back to the town, where her grandmother lives. Cassie is not happy with starting a new school and the forbidding house of her grandmother. Within days of starting school she gets on the bad side of Faith and her underlings, Suzan and Deborah. They begin a campaign of intimidation and harassment that ends with fire play in an abandoned building on the school campus. Cassie is rescued by the beautiful Diana and cousin of Faiths. Diana puts Cassie under her protection and they develop a close sisterly bond. Diana brings Cassie into the popular group, which includes a mixed bag of characters including Faith and her minions. One of the things we discover is that the group is preparing to initiate another girl into the group and Cassie is jealous because she knows she will always be on the fringe of the group. When the girl is killed, Cassie is initiated in her place and the truth comes out that the group are actually witches. Diana’s boyfriend returns from a search for the “Master Tools” which are a set of witch tools that the original coven used to work powerful magic. The boyfriend, Adam, returns with one of the tools, a crystal skull, that some of the coven want to use to discover who has murdered their friend. When they use it, some type of black power surges from the skull and escapes out into the world. Cassie also discovers that Adam is the boy she met once during the summer with and had an amazing connection with which might be love. Cassie is horrified by what she sees as a betrayal of Diana’s friendship and vows to never let her know of how she feels. At the end of the book, Cassie and Adam share a kiss and promise that it is the end of it. Unfortunately, Faith has witnessed the interaction and uses it to blackmail Cassie into doing her bidding.
My views of the book:
This book is a decent addition to any library and especially so for those that enjoy young adult fiction. However the first book is clearly a first book in a series as it is long on exposition and short on character development. Many of the characters are very stereotypical with the bad girl, bad boy, aloof boy, biker chick, creepy dude, and perfect couple. The first time I read this book was when I was a teenager and I enjoyed it both then and now. I feel that Cassie is a relatable character because of her shyness and need to belong. She feel s out of place and sees the Circle as somewhere that she can belong. One of her biggest faults however, is that she is so desperate to now “rock the boat” that she allows herself to fall under the power of Faith. Of course, if honesty was a viable option we wouldn’t have drama which is what makes books and television enjoyable. I cannot wait to see how the Secret Circle adapts to television and with the minds behind the Vampire Diaries on board, I am eager to see it.

[Val · Rating 1 out of 5]

LAMEST.STORY.EVER.

I honestly cannot believe how many good reviews this book has. It was downright pathetic and made me want to hit someone on multiple occations. Really, I don't even wish this on my worst enemy.

SO much was wrong with this one, its boring even to write it. I'll just enumerate stuff:
1) Cassie "I have no personality whatsoever" Blake. She was bullied the entire novel and yet everyone kept going on about how she stood up for herself. Really? I must've missed that. But see, standing up for yourself takes a whole new meaning in this novel. Now it means just answering back. Yes or No answers will do perfectly.
2) Cassie "I get obsessed and worship everyone around me" Blake. Dude, she had a small glimpse at a pretty girl and was already obsessing over her being her friend, even her sister. Leighton Meester in The Roommate much?
3) Cassie "I have delusions of epic love stories with guys I just meet" Blake. Are you fucking kidding me? I hate those unnatural and certainly unreal love stories but can understand them to a certain extent. But she tells him SHE LOVES HIM the second time she sees him in her entire life? Bitch, please. Haven't you seen How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days or something?
4) Cassie "I'm weird and see stuff and not ONCE doubt my sanity" Blake. You know what they say: Crazy people don't know they're crazy.
5) Cassie "I'm a goody-goody but stab my BF the first chance I get" Blake. What can I say? It's all for the sake of real EPIC love.
6) Cassie "I'm the mature one here with loads of self-control" fucking Blake. Adam praises her for her self-control when actually her solution was to, and I quote, "We can't be alone, we can't seat near each other, touch or even think about it". What are you people, animals? Like she was in heat or something and can't get a grip on herself? Please, you say self-control, I say you might as well chain yourself to a tree.

Really. This is horrible. I even skimmed through some parts looking for the action, or the romance for that matter. Everything was forced into an otherwise teenager rant about cliques with awful character with no real qualities or depth.

P.S. I just have to highlight and share my favorite moment of the novel: So Cassie makes out with her bestie's -Diana- boyfriend about five minutes after leaving Diana's house. Suddenly they realize what they're doing and that it can't happen. So Cassie asks Adam: "You still love her?". SERIOUSLY? He never stopped, she's not even his ex, it hasn't been even five-freaking-minutes since he was all over her, they're not even in a fight! Cassie sure knows how to get on my nerves.

[Cameron Chaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I watched the TV show based on this book when it came on The CW a few years ago. I thought it was just okay, but I was kinda curious about the books after I read Darth J.'s review. After reading this first volume, I have to say I quite liked it. No, it's not great literature and yes, there is some bad insta-love, but it's a 90s YA novel. What do you expect? It's just good, cheesy entertainment and I had a lot of fun with it. It's one of those books that you read straight through without feeling slumpy toward the middle. Also, what's not to love about books set in Salem? The answer is nothing.

3.5 stars

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a fairly short read. After reading LJ Smith’s The Vampire Diaries series in preparation for viewing The CW TV series, I was a little hesitant to pick up this series after being left very disappointed with The Vampire Diaries. However, I do not like watching a new book-to-series TV show without being familiar with the characters, their backgrounds and situations beforehand, so I felt the need to pick up this series before watching The CW show based on this book. I’m sorry to say that this book didn’t exactly impress me either. I didn’t want to have to read the whole series before watching the TV show, so I started my viewing as soon as I was done with this book and I have to say that (as with The Vampire Diaries) I much prefer The CW ‘s take on this series.

There were noticeable differences between this book and the TV show, like the absence of a few members of the circle. The TV show only has 6 members, while the book has 10. Characters such as Sean, Melanie, Deborah, Susan and Laurel were left out in the TV show, while Nick, Adam, Diana, Faye, Cassie (of course!) were retained with anew character being added in the form of Melissa. Cassie’s mum also dies in the very first episode, while she’s alive (if a little unwell) throughout the first book. Oh! And Cassie’s grandma doesn’t look like the warty, bent old hag she’s described as in the books. She’s a beautiful, warm, gracious and supportive character in the TV show. I’m glad they portrayed her in a much better light in the TV show.
Unlike the book, Cassie doesn’t mysteriously meet Adam at a beach in another beachside town while on holiday. She doesn’t have to save him from her obnoxious friend’s brothers by lying for him and she’s certainly not handed a piece of chalcedony for good luck and for summoning him in times of need. More importantly, he doesn’t mysteriously kiss her wrist and a lightning-like silver cord doesn’t connect their two hearts as in the book *rolls eye*. I found all of that a little too dramatic!

I also found it creepy the way Cassie seemed to be obsessed with golden-haired, angelic Diana who she trailed like a lost puppy and then betrayed by kissing her boyfriend- Adam! *gasp* Okay, you can see where I’m going with this. I can’t help but compare the book with the TV series, as the TV series just poses a much more relatable and realistic image of teenagers’ lives in a small town like that. Maybe it’s because this book was written a long time ago and teenagers were different then (or maybe I’m just making excuses and the author was way off the mark in portraying teenagers then). There were quite a few differences between this book and the TV show and I preferred the TV show’s portrayal of life in this quaint little town.

Note: Even the name of the town has been changed from New Salem *rolls eyes* to Chance Harbour. Okay, so my eyes are starting to spin out of control here, so I’m just going to say that this book didn’t really appeal to me and I don’t look forward to reading the next two books in this series (even though I know I most probably will- because I’m obsessive about finishing series and these are short reads and I can’t help but give these books another chance). So, you can expect two more eye-rolling reviews ahead.

[Ravin Maurice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't figure it out.
I picked up this book with mixed emotions, and it knocked my socks off.
I can't figure out how she did it.
The Secret Circle tells the story of Cassie Blake and all that happens when she moves with her mother back to her mother's hometown of New Salem to tend to her grandmother.
I know what your thinking...sounds pretty unremarkable, right?
Wrong. This book was utterly addictive. When I finished this one I immediately went out and bought the next one (I only bought the ones actually written by LJ Smith, if you're wondering) and the original Vampire Diaries books that she wrote.
Her prose is so fluid and so natural that its completely addictive and pulls you in deep. Even though they were published in 1992 you wouldn't know, because they're not dated in any way. The characters are charming and interesting. You can't help but love them.
I was disappointed to hear about the controversy that she went through with these books, I wish she had been able to write more of them.
But wow, yeah, I wasn't a believer but now I am. I totally get it. LJ Smith is amazing.

[Sarah⭐ The Ultimate Book Hoarder · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finally finished a book! Hallelujah!

This series is so different from the t.v show that it was actually jarring for me. I spent so much time trying to absorb myself into the world but would question about why there are different and more characters, different plot-points e.t.c that I struggled to enjoy this book. I only started to get into it during the later-half of The Captive Part One. Also, I may be growing out of the angsty-paranormal/fantasy-forbidden romance trope because Cassie and Adam just don't do it for me. I wish I could've rated this higher, but life be like that sometimes.

[Stephanie Kemler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve revisited this series often over the years and I sometimes wonder what brings me back again and again. Is it the story of Cassie finding her strength and her agency? Is it the love story with Adam that pulls me along step by tempting step? Is it Faye in all her malicious glee? The throwbacks and connections to colonial American witch hunts? Is it because it was my first introduction to witchcraft as a modern practice? I’m still not sure but I’d be willing to bet it’s a combination of all of it.

The most memorable part is when the witch hunt for members of The Circle turns into a literal witch hunt and Black John bends the community to do his bidding. His motivations and desire for a consolation of power, and comfort with using any means necessary to achieve it, are really apt to this time and place in the world. Wicked men twisting power, hunting witches, all in an attempt to return them to the fold. It was an eerie reflection of our culture when it was first written in 1991 and again today. Maybe every era has its witch hunts?

My fondness of this series has led me in so many interesting directions in my life, and I clutch it close to my heart for all the deeply personal things it expresses and represents. It’s healing to remember the 8th grader who read it again and again, alone and isolated, afraid and confused, and to see how my own story unfolded along with Cassie’s.

I will say, all the hallmarks of cultural modernity we expect from a book and series aren’t all there. Little representation or diversity in race, gender, ability, orientation, body type. The “chosen one” trope so often overplayed in YA fantasy. A conflation between Wicca as a faith and witchcraft in general. Even myths surrounding the origins of Wiccan practice linger.

But the datedness is charming in other ways. No attempt has been made to update the tech. There are still pagers and Walkmans here. It does harken to simpler times in many ways. When you could be offline and roam around your neighborhood in the dead of night and have no way for people to reach you. When research was limited to hidden grimoires and the memories of grandmothers. When the dating pool was only the cute guys down the road. Those things are special.

I don’t think I’ll ever stop reading this again and again. It represents such a specific time and place for me but then each rereading has its own charms and delights. In some ways it feels like I’m checking back in with myself every time I read that first page and fall down the witchy rabbit hole. Checking in on all the times I’ve read it and that first crucial time when so much more was it stake and holding a forbidden series like this represented both danger and discovery.

[Samuel Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

The nostalgia this series gives me is 5 stars but the way this splits up the second book is 👎
Still had a good time tho

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️s

[KJ Shadows · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars


Image above is one of the best witch movies ever. Can you tell I'm a sucker for witch stories? I'm not talking about Harry Potter while good is about controlled magic in schools purely for educational purposes and riding a train out to a mysterical castles. I'm talking about bad witches and teenagers who go to a real human school, the good old fashion kind.

I admit that I finally decided to pick up The Secret Circle because the show on CW had already started and I wanted to read the book before watching the show. I'm a huge fan of LJ Smith even though I think her writing is pre-mature sorry to say but I love how she easily blends paranormal into history believably and of course Vampire Diaries! What I loved about this book was the story behind it. An island where the witches of Salem ran to find refuge, where they live ontop of a certain road. All houses on that road house the descendants of these witches and everyone else are descendants of the servants or passerbys that were let into the island.

In the beginning, Cassie makes a few enemies of these witches. It reminds me of The Craft which of course, is like one of my favorite witch movies of the century. The characters are all pretty bland, however I seem to like Nick and Faye best. Faye really helped improve everything since the writing was a little too simple for me. She knows what she wants and she goes for it, and I really wish that she wrote more about her backstory in here. Another thing that irked me was Cassie's obsession with Adam. It was embarassing. I know the whole spiel about them being made for eachother in the stars or what not, but it was like she saw him once basically said Hi. Then couldn't stop thinking about him much less the next time she sees him she tells him shes in love with him?

If that really happened, any guy would be busting out the restraining order pronto. Crap, even I would. It was just really unbelievable and I hate the "love at first sight" love stories. Really its just so not cute for me, it ruined the whole idea of any love story. Also the fact that Diana was his girlfriend its just got bad news stamped all over it.

Overall, I did like it despite its flaws. Of course there are many plotholes and things to overlook, but like I said I'm biased because of my love for witches. I hope Cassie decided to drop the Adam thing, and go for Nick. He just seems more badass in the book.

Rating:

[Sandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

1/5 STARS!

I brought the Secret Circle a long while after i finished reading the whole ( nearly) series of The Vampire Diaries. I'm like a HUGE fan of TVD, in fact those books got me into reading for my own pleasure. I thought of buying the Secret Circle book 1 after i watched the tv series. They stopped after season 1, and i was eager to know how it all ends. But, as it turns out, the books in the series are like a completely different planets. There are even some different characters!

Speaking of characters - I have to say that i DID NOT GIVE A FREAKING DAMN about any one of them. The main character is a bit annoying. And the rest, are a bit dull. They are not described well, nor developed.

The secret Circle has like 300 and something pages, it'a a short book. That takes me to read like 2 or 3 days if it's good. But, i have to say, i was reading this book 8 days. I have NEVER read a book for so long.

Cassie's and Adam's relationship was like paper and scissors. At page 100 and something, they tell each other they love one another. And i'm like " What!!? You'v only known each other for like 3 hours!". The only reason why Cassie couldn't or didn't want to be with Adam was because she didn't want to hurt her best friend, who is like a sister to her. Her name is Diana and she is Adam's girlfriend, ( she really loves him, and he loves her). So, Cassie, decided not to ruin their relationship. Like i said, Cassie and Adam loved each other, but they both also loved Diana, so after some hot kissing they swore on something (that i can't remember) that they are never going to betray Diana, or let her find out about them. So, they are/were basically trying to stay away from each other, never be alone again, don't touch and don't give each other the ' i love you' look.
THAT WAS JUST STUPID AND ANNOYING!

Plus, this book doesn't know the meaning of the word ' interesting'. The whole book was so BORING! Nothing interesting happened! And sometimes i couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes. And to be honest, i skipped some pages and paragraphs.

Overall, The secret Circle is a very big disappointment to me. Although, i gave the reasons why i hate it above, there is something that i really like as well, i just don't exactly know what.

[Nathaly Alvarez Jimenez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este es un libro perfecto para pasar un rato.

Debo decir que hace varios meses vi la adaptación a la televisión de esta saga. Me pareció sumamente interesante. Pero perdí el hilo de la serie y no la seguí viendo. Esta madrugada, en medio de una noche de insomnio descubrí el pdf este libro en mi computadora y no me pude resistir a leerlo.

Me encanta la manera en que L.J. Smith escribe. Simple, interesante y asombrosa a la vez. Toda la trama del libro es un poco confusa y te deja con mucha intriga en el principio. Pero a medida que vas leyendo vas respondiendo las dudas y puedes empezar a predecir lo que pasara en el libro. Los personajes en son muy sencillos y es muy facil conectar con ellos.

El libro comienza con Cassie estando de vacaciones, su madre le dice que tiene que irse a vivir con su abuela en New Salem, Massachusetts. Cuando ella se muda allí descubre que algunas de las personas que viven ahí, especialmente los que viven en su vecindario desde el inicio de la ciudad, son brujas. No se lleva una cálida recepción cuando comienza la secundaria. Pero ella es ayudada por Diana, una de las brujas. Hay un misterioso asesinato de una de las brujas y un triángulo amoroso inusual. Se llama "La Iniciación", porque una persona con sangre bruja tiene que ser iniciado en un ritual especial con los miembros de circulo.

El novio de Diana, Adam regresa a New Salem para el final de la historia. El mismo había estado viajando por el área de Nueva Inglaterra en busca de poderosos objetos mágicos que pertenecieron al Circulo. Él encontró un cráneo viejo de cristal. Cassie conoce Adam en el principio de la historia cuando ella estaba de vacaciones, pero nunca consiguió su nombre. Así que al verlo de nuevo fue una gran sorpresa. Una de las brujas con nombre Faye intenta chantajear a Cassie para que robe el cráneo a la líder del Circulo, Diana. Cassie se niega a hacerlo, pero Faye le dice que la posee ahora.

Fácil de leer. Bien escrito. Recomendado para leer cuando simplemente quieres pasar un rato agradable leyendo algo que no sea muy pesado.

Mi único problema con este libro es su titulo y su portada, simplemente los odio.

[Leyla · Rating 1 out of 5]

(It's three minus.)

I admit that the only reason I read this book is because I'd heard that the CW was going to make a TV series out of it and because, even though I can't exactly say that I liked Smith's Vampire Diaries series (the highest rating they ever got was a half-hearted 3, and, to my shame, I read all seven of them), what I can say is that the TV show based on those book is nothing short of fantastic. In fact, I don't think I could survive without my weekly dose of Damon. The guy is just so charming, and funny, and sarcastic, and sweet, and oh, so perfect. And did I say how hot good an auctor Ian Somerhalder is?

Anyway, I'm supposed to review The Initiation. So...it wasn't that bad. I mean, it's pretty short, so there isn't a lot of space for world-development, and I liked the characters well enough, especially that slut er, Faye. I like her boldness, her self-confidence and the not-so-underlying wickedness.

What I couldn't really accept was the Wicca-style ritual with the dagger and all. It seemed right out of a children fairy tale. And whereas in some stories that kind of thing works...in this one it just didn't. Also, where are the kids' parents? (Or adults in general, for that matter.) I refuse to believe they let them do whatever they want.

*SPOILER*
One thing I really liked? The heroine getting it on with her BFF's boyfried. (Ok, not really. There was just this very hot make-out session and some vows of eternal love were exchanged, but the point is, he's her BFF's boyfriend. I don't think I've ever read something like this.)


Also, if anyone is interested in the TV series, just know this: it is nothing like the books. Pretty much like TVD. But TVD is still way better.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Cassie Beale for TeensReadToo.com

L. J. Smith exceeds herself with the reissue of THE SECRET CIRCLE.

Though some of her older books, especially THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, are a delight to read, THE SECRET CIRCLE is leagues ahead in not only writing skill but in plot and characterization, as well.

The main character, Cassie (who coincidentally shares a first name with this reviewer), is likeable and easy to relate to as a plain, shy, sixteen-year-old girl.

After moving to New Salem to live with her mother and estranged grandmother, Cassie finds herself included in her new school's intimidating secret club. Once she is initiated as a witch, Cassie soon finds out that the beautiful boy she fell in love with over the summer is part of the coven, too.

Cassie must sacrifice true love in order to protect her adopted "sister," Diana, but what else will she have to sacrifice? And what does the club's rebel member, Faye, have to do with the cursed crystal skull and the mysterious deaths in New Salem?

Ending with a breathtaking cliffhanger, L. J. Smith's THE SECRET CIRCLE will leave you begging for more.

[Veronica Morfi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie discovers she is a witch when she moves in with her grandmother. It seems like her new school’s elite are all witches too and she struggles to fit in with them. With a few murders taking place at her high school and the boy she likes being not-avelable her life is getting pretty exciting and dangerous. The first book is about her finding out about her past and the secrets of her new town. Trying to do the right thing and ending up being black-mailed from another member of her coven.

[Tytti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this more than The Vampire Diaries and I love the story. I saw the TV show years before. I'm glad it's not that different from the show.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paranormal White Problems.

This was cute, if a bit dated. I would have loved it when I was a preteen. May end up giving it to my preteen niece who loves witches and vampires.

[Chryssi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think is one of the best books I ever read.It companes magic with love and danger, and also the forbeandent disares.!

[Kirra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie and her mother move from their home in sunny California to a gloomy little town in New England called, New Salem. Cassie longs for her old life and friends back on the the west coast, but there is something about this new town that makes her feel connected.

To make matters worse, Cassie’s first few weeks at school are off to a rough start. She witnesses a girl being pushed down a set of stairs. Which she is then blamed for. Then she is targeted by one of the schools, terrifyingly, popular girls and her crew. Little does Cassie know that this crew of popular kids is a coven of witches. A coven that she is soon initiated into.

Cassie is drawn into the Secret Circle and soon discovers that she herself is a witch and that her family is one of the twelve founding families of New Salem.

Just when she is starting to feel like she belongs with Diana and the Secret Circle. People begin to mysteriously die and Cassie falls for Adam. The mysterious good looking guy that she met and saved a few weeks ago on the beach.

Now Cassie must choose whether to risk the temptation or risk it all for what she truly wants, even if it means it could destroy her and the friendships she has made within the Circle.

This book is full of mystery, magic, and teenage angst. I watched the show before I knew there was a book. As always, the book was better.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

end of book 1: the initiation
this isn't life changing but it's fun and written pretty good. adam and cassie's relationship is soo forced though. place your bets: will she steal her best friend's man or date nick instead. or maybe faye, that gorgeous lesbian in denial

end of book 2: the captive pt. i
there is NO reason not to tell adam about the blackmail lol he could help you babes. anyway this is still fun. i want to know how it all wraps up because there is still lots of loose plot ends

[Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant surprise. It's a lot better written than the TV show at least!

I liked the characters, the buildup to Cassie joining "The Club" was well done and there's lots of intrigue and drama. A very enjoyable read.

[Jennifer Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it and can't wait to get the rest of the series