What do you think?
Rate this book
Dying Covenant #1
Haunted Covenant
Being a parent isn’t easy.
Zoe Lake-Winters knew that before she took on the job, but twelve years after giving birth – a legendary event that she’s still talking about (with only minimal complaint … most of the time) – she’s still getting used to not being the most immature person in the room.
Sami Winters is every mother’s dream – if every mother’s dream includes an eye-rolling snark factory who is desperate to fit into a snotty tween world, that is. Still, Zoe and her husband Aric do their best in a difficult world.
Of course, being the most powerful mage in the Midwest only adds to the problems, and when someone starts hijacking Sami’s dreams on the eve of her birthday, Zoe finds herself in the middle of a paranormal mess.
Shades haunt the woods surrounding the Winters house, and they share a goal: Getting Sami past her parents’ impressive defenses and luring a defenseless child into the wilderness so they can harness her burgeoning powers.
Zoe will do anything to protect her only child, but when the face of evil finally reveals itself, she finds the dangers of the past threatening her happy future.
Can Zoe and Aric keep their only child safe? And, more importantly, as Sami comes of age, will she prove to be stronger than either of her parents ever envisioned? Only time will tell, and the day of reckoning is finally here.
Zoe Lake-Winters knew that before she took on the job, but twelve years after giving birth – a legendary event that she’s still talking about (with only minimal complaint … most of the time) – she’s still getting used to not being the most immature person in the room.
Sami Winters is every mother’s dream – if every mother’s dream includes an eye-rolling snark factory who is desperate to fit into a snotty tween world, that is. Still, Zoe and her husband Aric do their best in a difficult world.
Of course, being the most powerful mage in the Midwest only adds to the problems, and when someone starts hijacking Sami’s dreams on the eve of her birthday, Zoe finds herself in the middle of a paranormal mess.
Shades haunt the woods surrounding the Winters house, and they share a goal: Getting Sami past her parents’ impressive defenses and luring a defenseless child into the wilderness so they can harness her burgeoning powers.
Zoe will do anything to protect her only child, but when the face of evil finally reveals itself, she finds the dangers of the past threatening her happy future.
Can Zoe and Aric keep their only child safe? And, more importantly, as Sami comes of age, will she prove to be stronger than either of her parents ever envisioned? Only time will tell, and the day of reckoning is finally here.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2017
467 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
312 books2,914 followersWhen I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 13, 2017
Zoe and Aric just keep getting better, I am beyond excited for this final trilogy.
Zoe and Aric as parents is so much cooler lol they are just awesome, I applaud their fun parenting style and their daughter Sammi gives as good as she get's talk about a solid combination of both parents lol she is just amazing.
A great story to introduce Sammi, the popularity crap at school is a normal tween thing but I think Sammi got the message in the end that being popular doesn't matter, even though her lesson may have been a bit over the top with the supernatural angle but hey she had to learn about the magical side of her life at some time.
Zoe and Aric as parents is so much cooler lol they are just awesome, I applaud their fun parenting style and their daughter Sammi gives as good as she get's talk about a solid combination of both parents lol she is just amazing.
A great story to introduce Sammi, the popularity crap at school is a normal tween thing but I think Sammi got the message in the end that being popular doesn't matter, even though her lesson may have been a bit over the top with the supernatural angle but hey she had to learn about the magical side of her life at some time.
March 30, 2019
3 to3.5 stars, I was presently surprised by this book as the first book I read by this author was not as good. This one was pretty good even with some of the same characters. I will continue the series.
June 17, 2017
Still a good read
Normally I'd give 5 stars, but this time the constant I love you's and bickering seemed to go oberboard. I still enjoyed the story and laughed out loud at certain parts, and those were my only complaints. I'm glad Zoe and Aric are back because I've always enjoyed their story. Getting to know what happened after Zoe turned up pregnant is nice. Sami is a little overly dramatic, but then she is a 12 year old little girl. Trouble I think will play a bigger part in future books. I'd recommend this if you want a light read with a lot of snark. The mouth reference reminded me of Aunt Tilly from another series and probably one of my favorite knicknames. All in all an enjoyable afternoon read.
Normally I'd give 5 stars, but this time the constant I love you's and bickering seemed to go oberboard. I still enjoyed the story and laughed out loud at certain parts, and those were my only complaints. I'm glad Zoe and Aric are back because I've always enjoyed their story. Getting to know what happened after Zoe turned up pregnant is nice. Sami is a little overly dramatic, but then she is a 12 year old little girl. Trouble I think will play a bigger part in future books. I'd recommend this if you want a light read with a lot of snark. The mouth reference reminded me of Aunt Tilly from another series and probably one of my favorite knicknames. All in all an enjoyable afternoon read.
December 24, 2019
Now they are 3..
.. and Sami has reached her 12 birthday (yes it is a huge jump forward) which is a milestone year for born wolves.. question is what traits has Sami inherited? Will she take after her father and shift, her mother and fight evil, neither of them or both?
Starting the night of her birthday sleepover Sami is discovered sleepwalking from the house.. fortunately Aunt Paris is there and recognises that Sami is being entranced to walk in her sleep by someone else.. now Zoe and Aric have to protect their hot-headed tweenager from an unknown entity that can bypass all Aric and Zoe's security measures. All they have to go on is a local ghost legend and gut feelings.. what will happen when Sami is pushed? Will her powers finally kick in or will she prove to be just a normal kid?
who is calling to her and can Zoe and Aric protect her from the prophecy?
.. and Sami has reached her 12 birthday (yes it is a huge jump forward) which is a milestone year for born wolves.. question is what traits has Sami inherited? Will she take after her father and shift, her mother and fight evil, neither of them or both?
Starting the night of her birthday sleepover Sami is discovered sleepwalking from the house.. fortunately Aunt Paris is there and recognises that Sami is being entranced to walk in her sleep by someone else.. now Zoe and Aric have to protect their hot-headed tweenager from an unknown entity that can bypass all Aric and Zoe's security measures. All they have to go on is a local ghost legend and gut feelings.. what will happen when Sami is pushed? Will her powers finally kick in or will she prove to be just a normal kid?
who is calling to her and can Zoe and Aric protect her from the prophecy?
February 26, 2024
A slightly slower story
A haunted abandon house, a family legacy and the birth of a child keep Aric, Zoe and their teenage daughter Sami busy during this story.
Sami has a birthday party but during the party which is a sleepover, Sami starts sleep walking. Paris and her husband Heath visit. Paris is pregnant with her first child. She informs Zoe that Sami looks like she is in a trance instead of sleep walking so they start to investigate. Aric's parents James and Helen Winters come for Sami's birthday. Sami's present is controversial.
Things are slowly worked out and uncovered as the story progressed.
An enjoyable read but a little slow compared to the other covenant stories.
A haunted abandon house, a family legacy and the birth of a child keep Aric, Zoe and their teenage daughter Sami busy during this story.
Sami has a birthday party but during the party which is a sleepover, Sami starts sleep walking. Paris and her husband Heath visit. Paris is pregnant with her first child. She informs Zoe that Sami looks like she is in a trance instead of sleep walking so they start to investigate. Aric's parents James and Helen Winters come for Sami's birthday. Sami's present is controversial.
Things are slowly worked out and uncovered as the story progressed.
An enjoyable read but a little slow compared to the other covenant stories.
June 9, 2017
Another Hit For Amanda M Lee and the Covenant Gang!!
Zoe and Aric are back, with an addition to their household.. Half Mage, half Wolf, and all mouth and attitude - well mostly...
Well, what do you expect from this kids rather dramatic parents..
A new threat comes into play, Paris comes for a visit with her adorable husband and is about to pop out a kid of her own, ghostly wraith type critters are attacking, ... You know, pretty much the same chaos we all expect and love in these books...
And did I mention the puppy? hehe
Get your copy of the book to find out what's going on.. I highly recommend it!
Zoe and Aric are back, with an addition to their household.. Half Mage, half Wolf, and all mouth and attitude - well mostly...
Well, what do you expect from this kids rather dramatic parents..
A new threat comes into play, Paris comes for a visit with her adorable husband and is about to pop out a kid of her own, ghostly wraith type critters are attacking, ... You know, pretty much the same chaos we all expect and love in these books...
And did I mention the puppy? hehe
Get your copy of the book to find out what's going on.. I highly recommend it!
August 24, 2018
Zoe and Aric now have a daughter
Sami is here and she came in full of magic and attitude. Sami is turning twelve and she is having a slumber party to celebrate, and she wants her parents to not embarrass her. Zoe and Aric get the girls settled and are relaxing outside when they see Sami wandering outside as if she's sleepwalking, which she's never done. It becomes apparent quickly that someone is after Sami and they are determined to have her. Zoe will have to use all her power to make sure that doesn't happen. The enemies are close and they are strong.
Sami is here and she came in full of magic and attitude. Sami is turning twelve and she is having a slumber party to celebrate, and she wants her parents to not embarrass her. Zoe and Aric get the girls settled and are relaxing outside when they see Sami wandering outside as if she's sleepwalking, which she's never done. It becomes apparent quickly that someone is after Sami and they are determined to have her. Zoe will have to use all her power to make sure that doesn't happen. The enemies are close and they are strong.
June 21, 2017
I'll admit that I wasn't totally sold on the idea of Aric and Zoe being parents in the beginning, but I actually really enjoyed the family dynamic in this book. It is certainly not easy to follow characters from college to parenthood, but Ms. Lee has managed a great balance. I like Aric and Zoe even more now, and I was thrilled to visit Paris again too! The plot was engaging and interesting--can't wait to see what happens next!
July 3, 2017
Smiles, giggles, laughter, family, good guys, old moldies...
KIndle Unlimited -Yay!
Can be read as a stand alone, but more fun after the other Covenant books. Hope this series follows Sami through a first shift, high school, and a first boyfriend. College? An internship with her grandfather? Have to think there might be an alpha wolf or mage bedazzled by an older Sami. Hopefully in nice ways.
I haven't read the Witchy series, but truly love the Aisling Grimlock series.
KIndle Unlimited -Yay!
Can be read as a stand alone, but more fun after the other Covenant books. Hope this series follows Sami through a first shift, high school, and a first boyfriend. College? An internship with her grandfather? Have to think there might be an alpha wolf or mage bedazzled by an older Sami. Hopefully in nice ways.
I haven't read the Witchy series, but truly love the Aisling Grimlock series.
July 7, 2017
Must Summer Read!!!
Five stars, because Ms. Lee has begun her summer series featuring Zoe, Aric, Sami, family and friends. It would be a boring summer without reading about Zoe's antics and now, a new generation is added. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series will bring but I do know it will be pure magic as only Ms. Lee can create. No spoilers, only a nudge to pick up this summer's hottest series and the pure bliss of immersing into the action. Enjoy!!!
Five stars, because Ms. Lee has begun her summer series featuring Zoe, Aric, Sami, family and friends. It would be a boring summer without reading about Zoe's antics and now, a new generation is added. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series will bring but I do know it will be pure magic as only Ms. Lee can create. No spoilers, only a nudge to pick up this summer's hottest series and the pure bliss of immersing into the action. Enjoy!!!
July 11, 2017
Wolf/Mage Hybrid Child and Family Take On Enemies Wanting Their Piwer
Promising new series. Absolutely love this author. She has yet to disappoint me. This book is imaginative, funny, serious, paranormal and ful of great family and friends. The characters are witty, strong, and fully formed. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Please read this book as well as others by this author. I guarantee you will be laughing out loud as well as routing for this family.
Promising new series. Absolutely love this author. She has yet to disappoint me. This book is imaginative, funny, serious, paranormal and ful of great family and friends. The characters are witty, strong, and fully formed. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Please read this book as well as others by this author. I guarantee you will be laughing out loud as well as routing for this family.
December 2, 2018
Pre-teens :o
Sammi adds a whole new brand of humor! I've always been glad hat I had boys and no girls and this right here explains why! Lol
I think I fell in love with the Covenent books all over again. A kid, more like a powerful kid, in the mix with Zoe and Arick makes things a lot more interesting and I can't wait to see just how powerful Sammi will become.
Another Awesome Covenent book!
Sammi adds a whole new brand of humor! I've always been glad hat I had boys and no girls and this right here explains why! Lol
I think I fell in love with the Covenent books all over again. A kid, more like a powerful kid, in the mix with Zoe and Arick makes things a lot more interesting and I can't wait to see just how powerful Sammi will become.
Another Awesome Covenent book!
June 21, 2021
Dying Covenant Trilogy Book 1
I just loved this book. Sami is 12 and is now in the horrors of teenage (What a brat). Starting out on her Birthday things start changing.
She's desperate to fit in with the "social" girl group which is beyond comprehension to her parents. One of the "mean girls" (doesn't deserve capitalization) whose Mother is a gossip and adult mean girl has said things to her daughter about Sami.
Oh yeah, all hell breaks loose too!
I just loved this book. Sami is 12 and is now in the horrors of teenage (What a brat). Starting out on her Birthday things start changing.
She's desperate to fit in with the "social" girl group which is beyond comprehension to her parents. One of the "mean girls" (doesn't deserve capitalization) whose Mother is a gossip and adult mean girl has said things to her daughter about Sami.
Oh yeah, all hell breaks loose too!
October 18, 2024
But, I Had Pllllaaaannnnsss
DyingCovenant1;ZoeLake9
Ok. The action starts on Sami’s twelveth birthday. She is an…interesting … mix of both parents, which means double the melodrama and six times the sarcasm.
Zoe and Aric just have the one (so far), and Sami is a handful. In born-wolf lore, the age of twelve is the age of first shift. Since Sami is half mage/half wolf no one really knows what will happen. But, as always, someone has plans. 🙄
DyingCovenant1;ZoeLake9
Ok. The action starts on Sami’s twelveth birthday. She is an…interesting … mix of both parents, which means double the melodrama and six times the sarcasm.
Zoe and Aric just have the one (so far), and Sami is a handful. In born-wolf lore, the age of twelve is the age of first shift. Since Sami is half mage/half wolf no one really knows what will happen. But, as always, someone has plans. 🙄
June 7, 2017
Good
I actually liked this one better than some of the earlier ones. I suppose that a more mature Zoe and Aric are appealing since I always found them a little immature. As parents, they still lack some maturity but are actually toned down enough to be fun. Good job; I love the kid!
I actually liked this one better than some of the earlier ones. I suppose that a more mature Zoe and Aric are appealing since I always found them a little immature. As parents, they still lack some maturity but are actually toned down enough to be fun. Good job; I love the kid!
October 8, 2017
Pure awesome
I didn't realize I was starting at the "end" of an already in play series... I figured it was tied to the other Covenant series, but didn't think it was a "spin off" . I never felt lost as the back story was there.
Love the story and going to finish this trilogy then start from the very beginning of Zoe's story.
I didn't realize I was starting at the "end" of an already in play series... I figured it was tied to the other Covenant series, but didn't think it was a "spin off" . I never felt lost as the back story was there.
Love the story and going to finish this trilogy then start from the very beginning of Zoe's story.
September 10, 2020
Next Logical Step
Of course Sami would have powers. It's great see Paris getting a happy ever after. I hope we see that Owens woman again. And did they ever explain why James and Helen didn't have a lot of kids, or at least an heir and a spare? I do enjoy exploring Lee's magical Michigan.
Of course Sami would have powers. It's great see Paris getting a happy ever after. I hope we see that Owens woman again. And did they ever explain why James and Helen didn't have a lot of kids, or at least an heir and a spare? I do enjoy exploring Lee's magical Michigan.
December 6, 2021
Love them as parents!
Zoe and Aric as parents of a 12 year old. Who knew? And as all kids are, she is completely grossed out by her parents' obvious love for each other. It adds another comedic touch to the story. And what a great story it is! Sami is more like her mother than anyone thought, even to her manifestation of magic.
Zoe and Aric as parents of a 12 year old. Who knew? And as all kids are, she is completely grossed out by her parents' obvious love for each other. It adds another comedic touch to the story. And what a great story it is! Sami is more like her mother than anyone thought, even to her manifestation of magic.
August 21, 2023
Good read
I literally love this couple and all of their "quirky cohorts in crime". There is humor, loads of danger, mysteries to solve, a snarky preteen, the witchie pregnant best friend, the in-laws, and evil abounds. And it all centers around the snarky preteen, Sami. Highly entertaining.
I literally love this couple and all of their "quirky cohorts in crime". There is humor, loads of danger, mysteries to solve, a snarky preteen, the witchie pregnant best friend, the in-laws, and evil abounds. And it all centers around the snarky preteen, Sami. Highly entertaining.
February 20, 2024
rereading for the 3rd time
What can I say? Love this author and this series, though you should check out the other series as well, as they are wonderful, especially when they intertwine. When two very strong, mouthy, and magical people have a kid, that kid is just hilarious. This book is all about the kid, and it’s really, really funny. Read it.
What can I say? Love this author and this series, though you should check out the other series as well, as they are wonderful, especially when they intertwine. When two very strong, mouthy, and magical people have a kid, that kid is just hilarious. This book is all about the kid, and it’s really, really funny. Read it.
June 11, 2017
Take no prisoners
Loved this book. Come to love Sami as much as Zoe and Aric, but it took most of he book. Exciting new installment full of laughs and mishaps. Can't wait to see what is in store next.
Loved this book. Come to love Sami as much as Zoe and Aric, but it took most of he book. Exciting new installment full of laughs and mishaps. Can't wait to see what is in store next.
August 5, 2017
Every book has the same sayings.ugh.
Schmaltzy ... What does that even mean? Way too much flirting/arguing when they should have been paying attention to other,more important things going on around them.
Schmaltzy ... What does that even mean? Way too much flirting/arguing when they should have been paying attention to other,more important things going on around them.
August 19, 2017
LOVE this author's work! I am enamored with these characters, and their relationships. A very good book filled with many twists and turns and humor as well. Eager to devour the book and torn to try to make it last makes this a favorite book series.
August 20, 2017
Awesome series
Read Covenant College first. Great series and I will be reading the next book in this series. I will be sad once I catch up to the end of these books, hopefully there will be more.
Read Covenant College first. Great series and I will be reading the next book in this series. I will be sad once I catch up to the end of these books, hopefully there will be more.
January 20, 2019
Mini me! Well, Zoe ended up with a diabetes just like her, so you can guarantee this story is entertaining! Double the snark and sarcasm, with a huge side dish of teen attitude. This is a great continuation of Zoe’s story, and a really good introduction to Sami.
February 8, 2019
We finally get to meet the one and only Lake-Winters child! Sami is totally tweenish and as full of life as her parents. The family faces a threat that's closer than they'd like while dealing with Sami's emerging powers.
January 3, 2020
Greatness at its best!
I truly loved this book!!! I didn't think the snarkiness could get worse but it does! Zoe is great and Sammi is just like any preteen but with a mouth like her mother! It's not all bad mouthing there's monsters too!
I truly loved this book!!! I didn't think the snarkiness could get worse but it does! Zoe is great and Sammi is just like any preteen but with a mouth like her mother! It's not all bad mouthing there's monsters too!
December 5, 2020
To many repeats
I enjoyed this book but not as much as some of her other ones. She has too many scenes the same with the same wording almost about I love you more or love started whenever. But the story line is fun and worth reading to catch up on the players.
I enjoyed this book but not as much as some of her other ones. She has too many scenes the same with the same wording almost about I love you more or love started whenever. But the story line is fun and worth reading to catch up on the players.
March 22, 2021
Amanda M. Lee did it again. She made me laugh and cry through this books. I love Zoe & Aric's life and the life they shared between themselves and their family and friends. Glad they had a beautiful little girl.I highly recommend this series. Although I wish she would not have changed narrators.
December 18, 2022
very Good
Now that I see more of the backstory of Zoe Lake-Winters by reading the first books in order, this series is almost as good as the Wicked Witches of the Midwest series. Almost.
Now that I see more of the backstory of Zoe Lake-Winters by reading the first books in order, this series is almost as good as the Wicked Witches of the Midwest series. Almost.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews