What do you think?
Rate this book
The Beauchamp Family
Witches 101: A Witches of East End Primer
Almost three million copies of The Blue Bloods series in print, Melissa de la Cruz has now written her first paranormal romance for adults, on sale June 21 st . The first in the Beauchamp Series, the book features a brand-new cast of characters, a fascinating and fresh world to discover, and a few surprise appearances from some of the Blue Blood fan favorites. It’s a page-turning, heart-stopping, magical summer read, fraught with love affairs, witchcraft, and an unforgettable battle between good and evil. But before you read the book, meet the Witches! In this primer, you’ll meet the three Beauchamp women – Joanna, Ingrid, and Freya – learn a little bit about their special powers, and even get some tips so you can cast a few spells of your own.
37 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2011
73 people are currently reading
3510 people want to read
About the author
Melissa de la Cruz
187 books15.9k followersMelissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.
Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.
She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.
Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.
She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Read
January 24, 2015If you already have the Witches of East End novel, you don't really need to read this. It's really just the novel's the prologue and first three chapters.
The last few pages do have little paragraphs about each character and a little 'spell' or two from them, but the bulk of this 'prequel' is taken directly from the novel itself. (It's fee, though, so...)
The last few pages do have little paragraphs about each character and a little 'spell' or two from them, but the bulk of this 'prequel' is taken directly from the novel itself. (It's fee, though, so...)
July 12, 2012
Background: Witches 101 is a primer to the Witches of East End series, a way to familiarize yourself with the characters and their intentions before reading the series. We meet the Beauchamp women, each with very different personalities and styles.
Review: I got this from Amazon because I got the first book, but wanted to know more about the women before reading, and I normally find these little novellas after the fact, so I am glad that I found out about this one before I started the series. I found it interesting, I think that I will understand a little bit more about the women when I read the series, there seemed to be a good amount fo information left out, which I assume will fill in as you read the books. Each person has their own style and de la Cruz writes about them in that fashion, showing us their qualities, both good and bad. Every entertaining and I will let you know if it makes a difference reading the first book...we shall see...
Review: I got this from Amazon because I got the first book, but wanted to know more about the women before reading, and I normally find these little novellas after the fact, so I am glad that I found out about this one before I started the series. I found it interesting, I think that I will understand a little bit more about the women when I read the series, there seemed to be a good amount fo information left out, which I assume will fill in as you read the books. Each person has their own style and de la Cruz writes about them in that fashion, showing us their qualities, both good and bad. Every entertaining and I will let you know if it makes a difference reading the first book...we shall see...
June 20, 2011
I was sent an advance copy of his book and was just getting ready to read it when I saw this come up. I thought it would be a little more of a character sheet or something, so it's probably my mistake, but this was simply the first few chapters of the actual book.
Having said that, it's really a great way to get an introduction to this new series and an even better way to get hooked.
I realize that you can get a sample, so it seems redundant, but not everyone uses a Kindle, so for them to be able to download this to their phone or computer and read to be sure they want to read it... it's a great idea.
Having said that, it's really a great way to get an introduction to this new series and an even better way to get hooked.
I realize that you can get a sample, so it seems redundant, but not everyone uses a Kindle, so for them to be able to download this to their phone or computer and read to be sure they want to read it... it's a great idea.
December 12, 2014
I normally prefer to read books before they are made into movies or TV shows, or at least before I've seen them, but I saw the TV show "Witches of East End" before I managed to get to reading the books. I noticed some differences right away even in this little Primer between the two, but also some very strong similarities. This book sets the stage and gives a little background on some of the characters that will be involved in the series. I think it did a very good job of that, and for that reason I recommend reading this to anyone who has an interest in reading the series, or for anyone who likes to read about witches.
June 30, 2011
I really liked this and thought it was a fabulous introduction to the series....until I read the first book and realized this was just the first few chapters of the first book. If I had known that I wouldn't have bothered reading this. I am just thankful it was free, otherwise I would have been angry.
January 5, 2012
This story might have been better had I not read the first book first. Instead it was a re-cap of the book, sort of like the summary on the back only a little more in depth. I would suggest that if you have read the book, skip this one, if you are on the fence about this series read this one and you will have a good idea if you will like it or not.
July 13, 2018
This book is just an intro to the book witches of east end which includes some chapters and an interesting intro to the characters
September 28, 2021
Witches 101
What this is (is) the first three chapters of the first book and a VERY brief introduction of Ingrid, Freya, and Joanna. Now, do you have to read this? NO! You can just jump right into the first book. Which in my opinion was the best one of the three. This one I rated a 7. The other two were just 5’s,
As I was thinking about this introduction, I started watching the recorded episodes of Witches of East End the series (that should have been longer) and noticing the differences between the book and the tv show. In the books, there’s a Tabitha. On the show, there’s a Barb. In the books, Matthew is Ingrid’s love interest and he’s white. On the show her love interest is Adam and he’s black. Matt in the book goes on to presumably marry Ingrid, live in Joanna’s house, and they have kids. Adam dies by Episode 4 (NO COMMENT). Freya in the books is strawberry blond and busty. Freya on the show is brunette and not so much. The engagement scene with her hooking up with Killian is still there in both versions. And I will say this Bran Dash Gardiner on the show is the BEST-LOOKING VERSION OF LOKI I HAVE EVER SEEN! I so used to the Marvel version of Loki that *this* was a definite, pleasant, surprise. Cause that is one HOT man! I was definitely team Dash for the series. Tabitha (Barb) part is also in both book and tv show by having Ingrid use a fertility spell. Hudson is also a part of both book and series. I think in the books he’s a little bit more flamboyantly gay. There’s also a “boyfriend” Scott in the books. In the books, Freya and Ingrid already know they have magic and it’s being restricted. In the tv show, Joanna doesn’t tell them until their aunt Wendy shows up. There definitely is no Wendy in the books. Joanna in the books was said to have silver hair. The tv version of her has dark hair. Joanna on the tv show is a teacher (art?). The book Joanna was just *around* teachers all the time (because of Tyler). There was no curse in the books on the girls that had them dying and being reborn over and over. Dash and Killian’s occupations stayed true to the books. So did Freya’s and Ingrid’s. Adam also had his counterpart’s occupation (detective). In the books, Bill and Maura Thatcher see Joanna out late and she seems odd but I think that’s as far as that got. The show digs deeper and embellishes this and turns it into a whole plot. Honestly, I think the show did better and kept it a lil more interesting than the books.
At the end, there were some spells. There’s a money bag spell (USEFUL). There’s a heartsick spell (also useful) and a Chucked in Charleston spell (I’d use any of these). Then there are some house tips from Joanna. It’s skippable! Go to the first book or just watch the series!
Rating: I won't rate this, cause there’s just not enough *too* rate. It doesn’t make sense to rate 3 chapters, descriptions of characters, or spells and tips.
What this is (is) the first three chapters of the first book and a VERY brief introduction of Ingrid, Freya, and Joanna. Now, do you have to read this? NO! You can just jump right into the first book. Which in my opinion was the best one of the three. This one I rated a 7. The other two were just 5’s,
As I was thinking about this introduction, I started watching the recorded episodes of Witches of East End the series (that should have been longer) and noticing the differences between the book and the tv show. In the books, there’s a Tabitha. On the show, there’s a Barb. In the books, Matthew is Ingrid’s love interest and he’s white. On the show her love interest is Adam and he’s black. Matt in the book goes on to presumably marry Ingrid, live in Joanna’s house, and they have kids. Adam dies by Episode 4 (NO COMMENT). Freya in the books is strawberry blond and busty. Freya on the show is brunette and not so much. The engagement scene with her hooking up with Killian is still there in both versions. And I will say this Bran Dash Gardiner on the show is the BEST-LOOKING VERSION OF LOKI I HAVE EVER SEEN! I so used to the Marvel version of Loki that *this* was a definite, pleasant, surprise. Cause that is one HOT man! I was definitely team Dash for the series. Tabitha (Barb) part is also in both book and tv show by having Ingrid use a fertility spell. Hudson is also a part of both book and series. I think in the books he’s a little bit more flamboyantly gay. There’s also a “boyfriend” Scott in the books. In the books, Freya and Ingrid already know they have magic and it’s being restricted. In the tv show, Joanna doesn’t tell them until their aunt Wendy shows up. There definitely is no Wendy in the books. Joanna in the books was said to have silver hair. The tv version of her has dark hair. Joanna on the tv show is a teacher (art?). The book Joanna was just *around* teachers all the time (because of Tyler). There was no curse in the books on the girls that had them dying and being reborn over and over. Dash and Killian’s occupations stayed true to the books. So did Freya’s and Ingrid’s. Adam also had his counterpart’s occupation (detective). In the books, Bill and Maura Thatcher see Joanna out late and she seems odd but I think that’s as far as that got. The show digs deeper and embellishes this and turns it into a whole plot. Honestly, I think the show did better and kept it a lil more interesting than the books.
At the end, there were some spells. There’s a money bag spell (USEFUL). There’s a heartsick spell (also useful) and a Chucked in Charleston spell (I’d use any of these). Then there are some house tips from Joanna. It’s skippable! Go to the first book or just watch the series!
Rating: I won't rate this, cause there’s just not enough *too* rate. It doesn’t make sense to rate 3 chapters, descriptions of characters, or spells and tips.
April 22, 2018
A great beginning
This is just a small preview of the first book in the series and it definitely gets you interested! You wanna know what’s up with these characters and this little town! I’m a huge fan of the show which is what made me come back to the books and they’re amazing!
This is just a small preview of the first book in the series and it definitely gets you interested! You wanna know what’s up with these characters and this little town! I’m a huge fan of the show which is what made me come back to the books and they’re amazing!
June 6, 2021
Great little primer!
Great little primer to a wonderful series!
Short and sweet but a great little glimpse into these greatly fashioned characters. The recipes and advice at the end are also vert charming and add the character build.
Great little primer to a wonderful series!
Short and sweet but a great little glimpse into these greatly fashioned characters. The recipes and advice at the end are also vert charming and add the character build.
February 22, 2019
What a tease! I’m curious to know what the sisters decide. Loved the mini grimoire at the back.
Read
August 5, 2024Witches of East End novel's prologue and first three chapters.
March 12, 2025
Perfect little read for Witches of East End fans with a sprinkle of bonus content.✨
February 22, 2017
Just an intro and background to a series. Wasn't interested enough in the story to get the next book.
November 2, 2016
This is exactly what it says in the title.. a Primer. If anyone has painted a wall in the home you know you have to put a good coat of primer on the wall or the old color will bleed through and/or the new color won’t stick. Oh yea.. and its boring!
This book introduces you to The Beauchamp’s …they are not allowed to practice magic… it is a deal they made – after the judgement -
Joanna the mother burns off her enery by renovating the home. She changes the color of the living room almost on a weekly basis. She even likes to color her own hair but when she gets up the next morning – it is always back to its original color.
Ingrid has adopted a severe personality to better suppress. She focuses her energy as the local librarian. She has control there and I am sure that is why she feels comfortable.
Freya burns off her energy by partying. Recently she had an engagement party for her and Bran. But the brother stared at her and had her a fluster. She believes he knows she’s a witch, a goddess. (Wanton – is hard to control, undisciplined, mischievous.)
Joanna tells us there was a crisis.. that caused the council to take their wands, most of their books, they burned their broomsticks, and confiscated their cauldrons – just after she finds three dead birds placed in the shape of a cross.
So I am interested enough to continue reading about them and will continue on with this series.
This book introduces you to The Beauchamp’s …they are not allowed to practice magic… it is a deal they made – after the judgement -
Joanna the mother burns off her enery by renovating the home. She changes the color of the living room almost on a weekly basis. She even likes to color her own hair but when she gets up the next morning – it is always back to its original color.
Ingrid has adopted a severe personality to better suppress. She focuses her energy as the local librarian. She has control there and I am sure that is why she feels comfortable.
Freya burns off her energy by partying. Recently she had an engagement party for her and Bran. But the brother stared at her and had her a fluster. She believes he knows she’s a witch, a goddess. (Wanton – is hard to control, undisciplined, mischievous.)
Joanna tells us there was a crisis.. that caused the council to take their wands, most of their books, they burned their broomsticks, and confiscated their cauldrons – just after she finds three dead birds placed in the shape of a cross.
So I am interested enough to continue reading about them and will continue on with this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2016
Joanna, Ingrid, Freya Beauchamp are witches. They live in a small community somewhere on the Atlantic coast.
When Freya becomes upset, things tend to go wrong around her. She's engaged to Bran, but there are problems. Bran's younger brother may have a thing for her. She finds herself attracted to him. Ingrid is considered an old maid. She works as a librarian.
The sisters have been banned from using their magical abilities.
Joanna works around their house, constantly painting and fixing things. Ingrid and Freya are her daughters. Joanna finds some dead birds on the beach and has a feeling that something is going on.
This is obviously an introduction to the start of what will probably be a series of books. It's interesting, but I do not really care for all these Councils that exist in this books that have set themselves up as supreme rulers of who can do what. It seems nothing is done in a democratic way, and that the witches or others who exist under these Councils are living under a dictatorship. For once I'd like to see someone question the Council's right to be the ultimate authority.
When Freya becomes upset, things tend to go wrong around her. She's engaged to Bran, but there are problems. Bran's younger brother may have a thing for her. She finds herself attracted to him. Ingrid is considered an old maid. She works as a librarian.
The sisters have been banned from using their magical abilities.
Joanna works around their house, constantly painting and fixing things. Ingrid and Freya are her daughters. Joanna finds some dead birds on the beach and has a feeling that something is going on.
This is obviously an introduction to the start of what will probably be a series of books. It's interesting, but I do not really care for all these Councils that exist in this books that have set themselves up as supreme rulers of who can do what. It seems nothing is done in a democratic way, and that the witches or others who exist under these Councils are living under a dictatorship. For once I'd like to see someone question the Council's right to be the ultimate authority.
October 3, 2015
Although I've wanted to read Blue Bloods for quite sme time now, I've never actually read anything written by Melissa de la Cruz before. And, I must say I was not let down. This short story was a prequel to her new series and a nice, enjoyable read that provided some useful information about the main characters. It has caught my attention and I'm planning to proceed reading the actual series quite soon!
Also, my first thoughts about the characters? I think I like Joanna, the mother, the most. Next is Ingrid, which it quite tight, but serious and kind. And, finally Freya. She has a beautiful name, but her character is not exactly my type. But, we'll see how that goes once their story begins for real.
I would like to make a comment about the way this short story was written. At first, everything was a little hazy, especially for me, since I hadn't read the blurb of the story. But, after some time everything started to become more and more clear. Melissa de la Cruz's writing had me captivated and made me interested in reading more of her works.
Also, my first thoughts about the characters? I think I like Joanna, the mother, the most. Next is Ingrid, which it quite tight, but serious and kind. And, finally Freya. She has a beautiful name, but her character is not exactly my type. But, we'll see how that goes once their story begins for real.
I would like to make a comment about the way this short story was written. At first, everything was a little hazy, especially for me, since I hadn't read the blurb of the story. But, after some time everything started to become more and more clear. Melissa de la Cruz's writing had me captivated and made me interested in reading more of her works.
November 7, 2011
This is a quick intro to the Beauchamp ladies, of which Freya was introduced in "Bloody Valentine" as a witch (who is also a bartender) who helps Oliver (a red blood from the Blue Bloods YA series) after Schuyler had left him with a craving he had no control over.
Each short chapter introduces us to Ingrid, the Librarian, Freya, who is about to be married but ends up crushing on her fiance's brother, and their mother Joanna, who is constantly changing color and arrangements in their home.
It seems some event happened in their past that made them have to deny their magic, or it was going to be the end of their lives. This was enough to just get introduced to the characters, but not yet be drawn into their lives as of yet.
This is Melissa de la Cruz' start into an adult paranormal series, and I am looking forward to seeing where she will take us in the Witches of East End
Each short chapter introduces us to Ingrid, the Librarian, Freya, who is about to be married but ends up crushing on her fiance's brother, and their mother Joanna, who is constantly changing color and arrangements in their home.
It seems some event happened in their past that made them have to deny their magic, or it was going to be the end of their lives. This was enough to just get introduced to the characters, but not yet be drawn into their lives as of yet.
This is Melissa de la Cruz' start into an adult paranormal series, and I am looking forward to seeing where she will take us in the Witches of East End
May 24, 2012
I didn't realize that "primer" meant literally the "beginning of story"--I'm annoyed that the publisher decided to promote the book this way.
That aside, there is nothing here that would make me want to purchase the first book of the series. The characters seemed kind of flat and predictable. I thought the end--with all the made-up spells--was particularly cheesy.
There is just not enough material to catch my interest and I really dislike spending time reading something incomplete (but that's just me).
Book Details:
Title Witches 101: A Witches of East End Primer
Author Melissa de la Cruz
Reviewed By Purplycookie
That aside, there is nothing here that would make me want to purchase the first book of the series. The characters seemed kind of flat and predictable. I thought the end--with all the made-up spells--was particularly cheesy.
There is just not enough material to catch my interest and I really dislike spending time reading something incomplete (but that's just me).
Book Details:
Title Witches 101: A Witches of East End Primer
Author Melissa de la Cruz
Reviewed By Purplycookie
January 25, 2012
Set in the Hamptons, Joanna Beauchamp and her daughters Freya and Ingrid are trying to be as low-key as possible, trying to pass off as normal instead of the powerful witches that they are. But that proved to be difficult when they found themselves right smack in the middle of the Hamptons high society when Freya got engaged to philanthropist and most eligble bachelor, Bran Gardiner.
This primer is a good preview of the novel itself especially if you are not quite decided on whether or not you'd like to start de la Cruz's adult series. The characters are interesting and living for centuries, their back stories promises intrigue, fantastic witchcraft and other adventures.
This primer is a good preview of the novel itself especially if you are not quite decided on whether or not you'd like to start de la Cruz's adult series. The characters are interesting and living for centuries, their back stories promises intrigue, fantastic witchcraft and other adventures.
June 14, 2011
I think this was a really nice prequel. I think it was a good idea to introduce each of the characters with their own chapter and to not just list off facts, but to make it part of the story. It does make me want to buy the novel and now i really love the characters and cant wait to read more, but it was only about the characters and didnt really give away any information about what the rest of the novel was going to be about. I liked it, but it wasnt amazing. If you are unsure if you will like this newest series of hers then read the prequel and fall in love with the characters =]
May 4, 2013
I really liked this, and I'm really looking forward to reading the Witches of East End. The characters seem really interesting, and this sneak peek told me enough about the characters to get me curious about what's going to happen in their lives, as well as like them and find them interesting and unique in their own individual ways.
I'm really pretty excited to read the novel and find out what happens.
I'm really pretty excited to read the novel and find out what happens.
July 17, 2013
Melissa never fails me on writing a "Good Book" I am glad that I found this novella to give me background on the characters but, my problem is if the book is well written enough you do not need a manuel. I will be reading the series but, because I am not reading it right after this book I may have a problem remembering. Better idea include a synopsis in the first book instead of making them seperated. Three stars because of the writing, and the author though.
October 21, 2013
It's exactly as advertised. A primer. First three chapters, a little chat about the witches and their "favorite" spells. Then a blurb about Blue Bloods. Had I picked up this first I would've picked up the books which is thankfully the point. I've seen a few previews/primers/etc that make me wanna quit the books I've liked so yay for that.
July 9, 2015
I like it. It seems interesting. I like the spells towards the end. I think I will try a few...one day. I don't drink yet. lol. I will start witches of east end right now ^_^ Especially as I am a librarian, I am interested in Ingrid's side of the plot. And Freya.....wasn't she the one who helped Oliver in Blue bloods? ^_^ Not sure if she is promiscuous or if that is part of her gift. lol. But I want to know more about them all. ^_^
November 15, 2015
I was already planning on reading this novel once it came out, and this little 'primer' didn't discourage me in any way. Melissa de la Cruz does a good job of setting the scene without delving into the story too much, opening up questions, and getting you anticipated for the real novel. I can't wait!
December 15, 2013
Pffft. Not my idea of a primer. It's the first three chapters from book one followed by brief bios of the Beauchamp women and spells or life advice that each character might give. The excerpt makes up the majority of this so-called primer. It will give you a feel for Cruz's writing style and may grab your interest so as an excerpt it works; as a primer it fails.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews