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Coven #1
The Promise
Armed with kick-ass shoes, can CJ stop a maniacal coven leader, save the town, and still get Mr. Melt In Your Mouth Gorgeous while surviving the darkness coming for her?
The smoke from the fire burned her eyes, its heat caressed her skin and the taste of fear choked her. She was going to burn just as her ancestor did all those centuries ago in New Salem Village. How could she have been so wrong about everything?
Cassie Jayne Bishop grew up the only non-believer in town of Coven. When a stranger comes to the sleepy town of New Salem, everything she thought was true unraveled around her. Ethan made her question everything, even her sister’s death. Clues start to pile up and Cassie is determined to find out if the Coven was the real reason her sister died.
What she uncovers terrifies her to the very depths of her soul....
The smoke from the fire burned her eyes, its heat caressed her skin and the taste of fear choked her. She was going to burn just as her ancestor did all those centuries ago in New Salem Village. How could she have been so wrong about everything?
Cassie Jayne Bishop grew up the only non-believer in town of Coven. When a stranger comes to the sleepy town of New Salem, everything she thought was true unraveled around her. Ethan made her question everything, even her sister’s death. Clues start to pile up and Cassie is determined to find out if the Coven was the real reason her sister died.
What she uncovers terrifies her to the very depths of her soul....
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
42 people are currently reading
1172 people want to read
About the author
Apryl Baker
79 books1,824 followersSo who am I? Well, I'm the crazy girl with an imagination that never shuts up. I LOVE scary movies. My friends laugh at me when I scare myself watching them and tell me to stop watching them, but who doesn't love to get scared? I grew up in a small town nestled in the southern mountains of West Virginia where I spent days roaming around in the woods, climbing trees, and causing general mayhem. Nights I would stay up reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the covers until my parents yelled at me to go to sleep.
Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.
Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.
I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.
You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...
PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!
Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot of values and morals, I also learned parents have spies everywhere and there's always someone to tell your mama on you. So when you get grounded, what is there left to do? Read! My Aunt Jo gave me my first real romance novel. It was a romance titled "Lord Margrave's Deception." I remember it fondly. But I also learned I had a deep and abiding love of mysteries and anything paranormal. As I grew up, I started to write just that and would entertain my friends with stories featuring them as main characters.
Now, I live Huntersville, NC where I entertain my family and watch the cats get teased by the birds and laugh myself silly when they swoop down and then dive back up just out of reach. The cats start yelling something fierce...lol.
I love books, I love writing books, and I love entertaining people with my silly stories.
You can reach me at any of these places:
Blog: http://apryl-baker.blogspot.com/
Twitter:@AprylBaker
The Promise Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO2zTi...
PS: DO NOT GET IN MY WAY IF THERE IS A SALE ON AT TARGET - my home away from home!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
January 16, 2014
Rating: 4/5
The Promise was the story of CJ, the most powerful witch in a town filled with them, yet a non-believer. CJ made a promise to her dying sister never to join the coven of New Salem and so far she kept it. But with her 18th birthday coming up, everyone being so sure that she has to join and a gorgeous stranger pushing her towards the coven, what's a girl to do?
I loved CJ, she was a great main character. Full of life and so much fun. I loved how even though she lives in a town where pretty much everyone is part of the coven she still doesn't believe and has made up her mind to keep her promise, as hard as that may be.
Another thing I loved was the mystery behind Emily's death, CJ's sister. It unraveled so beautifully, with the diary entries and all the history intertwined with it. This was such a great paranormal mystery. I also loved the town, even though the people living in it not so much. And of course I loved the dark magic. I love books about witches and this one is great.
What I didn't like so much was Ethan, the love interest and his relationship with CJ. It is insta-love and I usually don't like that, but he is also kind of a bad character throughout the book. I didn't like how CJ changed so much when he was around.
All in all, the Promise is a great witchy mystery. It has it all, a town, a curse and a kick-ass heroine.
The Promise was the story of CJ, the most powerful witch in a town filled with them, yet a non-believer. CJ made a promise to her dying sister never to join the coven of New Salem and so far she kept it. But with her 18th birthday coming up, everyone being so sure that she has to join and a gorgeous stranger pushing her towards the coven, what's a girl to do?
I loved CJ, she was a great main character. Full of life and so much fun. I loved how even though she lives in a town where pretty much everyone is part of the coven she still doesn't believe and has made up her mind to keep her promise, as hard as that may be.
Another thing I loved was the mystery behind Emily's death, CJ's sister. It unraveled so beautifully, with the diary entries and all the history intertwined with it. This was such a great paranormal mystery. I also loved the town, even though the people living in it not so much. And of course I loved the dark magic. I love books about witches and this one is great.
What I didn't like so much was Ethan, the love interest and his relationship with CJ. It is insta-love and I usually don't like that, but he is also kind of a bad character throughout the book. I didn't like how CJ changed so much when he was around.
All in all, the Promise is a great witchy mystery. It has it all, a town, a curse and a kick-ass heroine.
October 7, 2016
Smart and Fun!
Yes! I chose to read The Promise by Apryl Baker because I wanted to read a book with witches. Ha! Joke is on me, because CJ's story is so much more! Writing is excellent. Editing is excellent. Plot, characters...everything is just awesome! Love it and highly recommend it!
Yes! I chose to read The Promise by Apryl Baker because I wanted to read a book with witches. Ha! Joke is on me, because CJ's story is so much more! Writing is excellent. Editing is excellent. Plot, characters...everything is just awesome! Love it and highly recommend it!
July 13, 2013
I came across this book very randomly and started reading without any idea of what it would entail. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. The mystery surrounding the death of Cassie's sister and her efforts to unravel it were engrossing, and I was really pleased with the dynamics of the female characters (particularly between Cassie and Emily). This is the sort of book that sucks you in the more you read, and the writer did a good job in slowly revealing information regarding the place magic held in the life of Cassie, her family, and the community. The book read well, the writer is obviously talented (though I felt it was slightly repetitious at certain points relating to Cassie's descriptions of Ethan), the scenes flow nicely, although at times felt slightly jumpy between flashbacks and present time. The dialogue is interesting to read, and most of the characters were really interesting and developed well over the story.
(Spoilers)
My main (and possibly only) problem with this book was the character Ethan, who was interesting in terms of plot at the crisis of the story, but, as a character in itself, I despised. A great deal of this was to do with the effect he had on our heroine, who despite being a fairly savvy and likeable character, turned into a complete idiot in his presence, leading me to want to slap her senseless a number of times. As a reader, I've grown to dislike the mysterious, dangerous bad boy as a romantic hero, and despite being heartbreakingly gorgeous, Ethan's actions throughout the book came across as controlling, sneaky, completely asshole-ish, and, at times, slightly rapey (the scene where he pins Cassie to the ground in front of her sister's grave in order to force her to hear his apology before kissing her springs to mind), therefore, to me, completely unattractive, and, therefore, impossible to emphatise with Cassie as her feelings for him grew. I really hated how Cassie knew she couldn't trust this guy, yet still fell for him. Yes, you can fancy someone. Yes, you can be completely and utterly turned on to extremes by someone, but, seriously, how can you be in love with someone you don't really know, you don't trust and are rightly convinced of their dishonesty about very important information. I was actually delighted by the end when he was revealed (surprise surprise) to be the bad guy, thinking "oooh yeah, now this is getting good", and so was again really annoyed when he again turned sides and saved Cassie's life and confessed his undying love for her saying he was only playing along to keep her safe. And!!! She went back to him!!! And he choose her over the woman whose death he had been seeking to avenge for centuries, saying he realised that while he loved her (Sara Bishop), he was never in love with her. Personally, this otherwise awesome story was ruined by the ending. But seeing as there are other books, I will likely read them in the hope that Cassie chucks him to the curb and gives good guy Jeff a chance, or just decides to be awesome all on her own.
(Spoilers)
My main (and possibly only) problem with this book was the character Ethan, who was interesting in terms of plot at the crisis of the story, but, as a character in itself, I despised. A great deal of this was to do with the effect he had on our heroine, who despite being a fairly savvy and likeable character, turned into a complete idiot in his presence, leading me to want to slap her senseless a number of times. As a reader, I've grown to dislike the mysterious, dangerous bad boy as a romantic hero, and despite being heartbreakingly gorgeous, Ethan's actions throughout the book came across as controlling, sneaky, completely asshole-ish, and, at times, slightly rapey (the scene where he pins Cassie to the ground in front of her sister's grave in order to force her to hear his apology before kissing her springs to mind), therefore, to me, completely unattractive, and, therefore, impossible to emphatise with Cassie as her feelings for him grew. I really hated how Cassie knew she couldn't trust this guy, yet still fell for him. Yes, you can fancy someone. Yes, you can be completely and utterly turned on to extremes by someone, but, seriously, how can you be in love with someone you don't really know, you don't trust and are rightly convinced of their dishonesty about very important information. I was actually delighted by the end when he was revealed (surprise surprise) to be the bad guy, thinking "oooh yeah, now this is getting good", and so was again really annoyed when he again turned sides and saved Cassie's life and confessed his undying love for her saying he was only playing along to keep her safe. And!!! She went back to him!!! And he choose her over the woman whose death he had been seeking to avenge for centuries, saying he realised that while he loved her (Sara Bishop), he was never in love with her. Personally, this otherwise awesome story was ruined by the ending. But seeing as there are other books, I will likely read them in the hope that Cassie chucks him to the curb and gives good guy Jeff a chance, or just decides to be awesome all on her own.
March 1, 2017
The story was good...the plot was good, but the conversations were too immature for me.
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January 14, 2014 I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
While The Promise is book one of a series, I'm happy to report that it has an ending. No major cliffhanger here; yes the reader is aware that the story continues but author Apryl Baker treats us to a satisfying ending for book one. This is the second book I've read by Ms. Baker. I really enjoy the characters she creates, they are not only interesting but have depth.
CJ is a non-believer in a town full of the descendants of witches from Salem. CJ herself is a direct descendant of Sarah Bishop who was burned at the stake during the Salem witch trials. CJ wasn't always a non-believer, but after her sister Emily warns her about the Coven on her deathbed, CJ shuns everything to do with the Coven. I loved CJ's intelligence and determination. Though, her complete abandonment of her mental faculties when she fell in love so easily did leave something to be desired.
Ethan is a newcomer to town. When CJ meets him, she falls immediately for his amazing looks. He's a bit of an enigma at times, which CJ recognizes but chooses to ignore. The heart wants what the heart wants and all that. Ethan can be very domineering and is obviously keeping a huge secret from CJ. I found him to be annoying, though best friend Jeff was not much better. In fact I think everyone in town knows the secret regarding CJ's destiny and is keeping it from her because she refuses to join the Coven.
This story was part mystery, part romance, and part suspense. CJ followed various clues left behind by her dead sister, Emily, to try to figure out the town mystery before it was too late. Poor girl had no idea who to trust, so she kept everything she found to herself. The plot flowed well, suspense building to the big reveal at the end. Ms. Baker placed foreshadowing throughout the story that helped build the suspense. The characters, good and bad, were fun to read about.
I highly recommend The Promise to everyone high school and up that enjoys a good paranormal romance. There is one scene where sex is alluded to but not graphically described. I can't wait to read about CJ's next adventure.
While The Promise is book one of a series, I'm happy to report that it has an ending. No major cliffhanger here; yes the reader is aware that the story continues but author Apryl Baker treats us to a satisfying ending for book one. This is the second book I've read by Ms. Baker. I really enjoy the characters she creates, they are not only interesting but have depth.
CJ is a non-believer in a town full of the descendants of witches from Salem. CJ herself is a direct descendant of Sarah Bishop who was burned at the stake during the Salem witch trials. CJ wasn't always a non-believer, but after her sister Emily warns her about the Coven on her deathbed, CJ shuns everything to do with the Coven. I loved CJ's intelligence and determination. Though, her complete abandonment of her mental faculties when she fell in love so easily did leave something to be desired.
Ethan is a newcomer to town. When CJ meets him, she falls immediately for his amazing looks. He's a bit of an enigma at times, which CJ recognizes but chooses to ignore. The heart wants what the heart wants and all that. Ethan can be very domineering and is obviously keeping a huge secret from CJ. I found him to be annoying, though best friend Jeff was not much better. In fact I think everyone in town knows the secret regarding CJ's destiny and is keeping it from her because she refuses to join the Coven.
This story was part mystery, part romance, and part suspense. CJ followed various clues left behind by her dead sister, Emily, to try to figure out the town mystery before it was too late. Poor girl had no idea who to trust, so she kept everything she found to herself. The plot flowed well, suspense building to the big reveal at the end. Ms. Baker placed foreshadowing throughout the story that helped build the suspense. The characters, good and bad, were fun to read about.
I highly recommend The Promise to everyone high school and up that enjoys a good paranormal romance. There is one scene where sex is alluded to but not graphically described. I can't wait to read about CJ's next adventure.
November 28, 2011
Witches. Magic. Curses. Three things I love to read in a book. Not only did the plot line ring me in right away, but he kept me thoroughly entertained.
I like that immediately the reader is hit by lost. The reader feels the deep emotions of a lost loved one followed by trailing of journal entries, mysterious dreams, etc. I like how all of these elements lead the reader to dark past full of secrets and a curse. The way the plot line unfolded, kept me happy. Reading every twist and turn of the book left me delving farther into the realm of the unknown curse.
The love interest isn't really as presentable as I wanted it to be. I would have love to read more into these characters and see their love flourish. On the upside, I did like how the book concentrated more on the real story on the book. The impending curse and how to stop it. Their was lots of actions and lots of brought up past hurt. The main character Cassie really grows as she searches the past of the coven to find out what when wrong.
This is a strong, fast paced book that you will want to read. Full of excitement and adventure, The Promise is a great teen witch novel. Dark and very enticing, this is a promise of a great series.
I like that immediately the reader is hit by lost. The reader feels the deep emotions of a lost loved one followed by trailing of journal entries, mysterious dreams, etc. I like how all of these elements lead the reader to dark past full of secrets and a curse. The way the plot line unfolded, kept me happy. Reading every twist and turn of the book left me delving farther into the realm of the unknown curse.
The love interest isn't really as presentable as I wanted it to be. I would have love to read more into these characters and see their love flourish. On the upside, I did like how the book concentrated more on the real story on the book. The impending curse and how to stop it. Their was lots of actions and lots of brought up past hurt. The main character Cassie really grows as she searches the past of the coven to find out what when wrong.
This is a strong, fast paced book that you will want to read. Full of excitement and adventure, The Promise is a great teen witch novel. Dark and very enticing, this is a promise of a great series.
August 13, 2016
I loved this book. Let me say that again I loved this book. I loved the idea that Cassie who doesn't believe in witchcraft is the most powerful one of all. I love how her dad through all his faults shows his love and tries to protect Cassie. The book sucks you in from the moment you begin until the last page and leaves you wanting more.
Cassie is a non believer who has the best friend who is perfect. Or so everyone thinks. Cassie with her fiery hair that goes with her personality is smart and kind but a firecracker as well. She is talented in spells for a non believer. Her sister's death has effected her more than anyone could imagine and when she uncovers that her sister's death isn't all that it seems, the mystery and unraveling of truths begin.
Ethan is enigmatic and kind but is not really trusted by everyone. He has secrets but it seems Cassie has taught him to forgive and love. Ethan does some boneheaded things and should be trusted more but Cassie's reason for not being so trusting is understandable. In the end though you will love him but not being wanting to spit on him and curse him.
Kay, Cassie's best friend is a wannabe. A follower of sorts who tries to escape her homelife through alcohol. She is the Jr Coven leader and is a fanatic. Her love of the Coven overrules her love and loyalty to Cassie and that is sad because Cassie will do anything for Kay.
Jeff a hero in his own right. He seems like he isn't and is against Cassie but in the end we see a strong man who loved Cassie and would go to the ends of the earth to protect her.
Cassie's mom though is a piece of work. She is fanatical and selfish. I feel for Cassie and her dad at the end. She betrayed her love for Cassie and her dad. I don't know what will happen to her but she deserves whatever punishment she can get.
The story is fascinating. A tale of a town that is a coven. A sister who dies but the death isn't all it seems to be and leads down to a path of evil and betrayal. A father who is layered in guilt and resolve in keeping his daughter safe. A curse that causes fanaticism and terrible use of gifts. An evil that is bound to bring about some tough times. A attraction that changes and transforms someone. This love allows someone to get peace and be freed. Sacrifices that show love and devotion. A mystery that will keep you reading on and the heroine who you can't not love.
November 29, 2011
This book is so awesome. I downloaded it from amazon cuz I liked the cover and then got sucked in. Who doesn't like a guy that could make your knees go all jelloey? Plus Cassie is not some girl that needs the guy to solve her problems. She is strong and awesome and kicks ass. Anyone who is tired of simpering whining heroines, you have to read this book.
Its an awesome mystery with gorgeous guys and you just cant stop reading!!
Its an awesome mystery with gorgeous guys and you just cant stop reading!!
December 14, 2011
This book was amazing in every sense of the word. The story was original, the pace was perfect and there were enough twist and turns to give me whiplash. At 2.99 it is a bargain. I can't wait for the next in the Coven series I truly LOVED this book!!!
May 23, 2020
it's got, witches. what else is there to say? i love the plotline with cj and her doubts evolving into so much more within the coven with the curse and the history and her sister emily. my only dislike with this whole book is the fact that she's so blindly in love with ethan, even after some important events take place she still skips over my boi jeff. there are 2 more books to read and a girl can dream, but we shall see. overall i highly enjoyed the series, i really enjoyed the flow of the story and how everything went, as well as all the foreshadowing in so many places that you could imagine all the possible betrayals and never be quite sure of the extent. the mystery aspect of the story was one of the most satisfying, both the hunt for emily's book of shadows and the search for the truth about the curse and the thirteenth daughter. also, gotta love cj's love for heeled shoes and refusal to take them off.
May 19, 2018
I really enjoyed this YA paranormal read. Normally I'm not into reading about witches, but I couldn't put this book down. The whole town being involved in witchcraft and being apart of a coven is interesting. Cassie wasn't a believer of magic, but the coven had plans for her. Great background story, amazing character development, fantastic read.
February 2, 2019
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
March 2, 2012
Nonsense. That has always been CJ’s response to her town’s history of witchcraft. Backing up her personal opinion that magic and spells and are something to ignore is her promise to her sister, made just before her death, to stay away from the town coven. CJ is happy to keep her opinions and her promises pretty much forever until Mr. Melt in Your Mouth Gorgeous steps in to rescue her from puked on shoes and a drunk best friend. At first Ethan Warren is a mystery, a delicious one she can’t stay away from. What harm could one cute boy cause? Plenty. Ethan’s arrival doesn’t only turn CJ’s world upside down, it also changes something in the town. Secrets are whispered, plans made, but nobody wants to share with CJ. Normally Coven business wouldn’t interest her. When she starts to doubt her town’s history, the Coven’s purpose, even her sister’s death, finding out their secrets may be the only thing that will keep her alive.
Apryl Baker’s, The Promise, was a great read. It has a little bit of everything from unrequited love, magic, betrayal, secrets , revenge, gorgeous boys, and characters you’ll love. The opening chapter drops you right into CJ’s life, and into the odd little town of New Salem. Apryl did a good job of melding the typical small town day to day life with a secretive Coven of witches. To them having witches as parents and teaching kindergarteners about those burnt at the stake during the Salem witch trials was pretty average. But the second CJ starts to doubt her belief that none of it was real, you get thrown into what the town is really about. Magic.
Another aspect of The Promise I really enjoyed was the characters. Even the ones that were not in the book for very long still had depth. Apryl gave each character something to remember them by. Of the side characters, I thought she did a particularly good job with Old Man Warren. He was only in part of one small chapter, but every word he said, every expression gave him so much character it was hard to forget him. It was hard not to get sucked into the world of New Salem.
The mystery behind CJ and the town itself was handled very well. Up until the end you won’t be sure who is trying to help CJ and who is trying to kill her. It drove me crazy the first time I read it, and even this time when I was reading it for a second time, but it’s a good kind of crazy. I loved being kept guessing all the way through. Apryl definitely keeps the tension going, right along with the passion – which was also a big part of the book.
The romance between CJ and Ethan is a big focus on the book, because it’s part mystery as well as part love, but Apryl tempers their relationship with doubt the whole way through. And teases you with Neighbor Boy just for fun. Love is just as much a theme in this book as revenge is. Which are two of the best themes to right about.
My only real complaint about the book is that at times I thought CJ’s willingness to forgive Ethan and accept him into her life could have been reigned in a little more at certain places. She has so much danger around her that I felt at times it was a little unrealistic for her to trust people. But that may just be me. Everyone forgives and trusts in their own way.
Overall, I loved The Promise. It’s a fun book to read when you need to step out of reality and lose yourself in a world of magic and revenge. You’ll fly through it because you’ll just have to know who’s lying and who’s going to end up dead. So go get your copy today and spend the weekend in New Salem.
Apryl Baker’s, The Promise, was a great read. It has a little bit of everything from unrequited love, magic, betrayal, secrets , revenge, gorgeous boys, and characters you’ll love. The opening chapter drops you right into CJ’s life, and into the odd little town of New Salem. Apryl did a good job of melding the typical small town day to day life with a secretive Coven of witches. To them having witches as parents and teaching kindergarteners about those burnt at the stake during the Salem witch trials was pretty average. But the second CJ starts to doubt her belief that none of it was real, you get thrown into what the town is really about. Magic.
Another aspect of The Promise I really enjoyed was the characters. Even the ones that were not in the book for very long still had depth. Apryl gave each character something to remember them by. Of the side characters, I thought she did a particularly good job with Old Man Warren. He was only in part of one small chapter, but every word he said, every expression gave him so much character it was hard to forget him. It was hard not to get sucked into the world of New Salem.
The mystery behind CJ and the town itself was handled very well. Up until the end you won’t be sure who is trying to help CJ and who is trying to kill her. It drove me crazy the first time I read it, and even this time when I was reading it for a second time, but it’s a good kind of crazy. I loved being kept guessing all the way through. Apryl definitely keeps the tension going, right along with the passion – which was also a big part of the book.
The romance between CJ and Ethan is a big focus on the book, because it’s part mystery as well as part love, but Apryl tempers their relationship with doubt the whole way through. And teases you with Neighbor Boy just for fun. Love is just as much a theme in this book as revenge is. Which are two of the best themes to right about.
My only real complaint about the book is that at times I thought CJ’s willingness to forgive Ethan and accept him into her life could have been reigned in a little more at certain places. She has so much danger around her that I felt at times it was a little unrealistic for her to trust people. But that may just be me. Everyone forgives and trusts in their own way.
Overall, I loved The Promise. It’s a fun book to read when you need to step out of reality and lose yourself in a world of magic and revenge. You’ll fly through it because you’ll just have to know who’s lying and who’s going to end up dead. So go get your copy today and spend the weekend in New Salem.
December 17, 2014
The Promise is a fast paced story full of witchcraft, vengeance, and betrayal! Cassie--aka CJ--is the only skeptic in a town where every single person is a member of the local Coven. Her eighteenth birthday is fast approaching, and it seems like everyone is nagging her more than usual to join them. That is, except for her father, and her dead sister, Emily. Cassie had promised her sister that she'd stay away from the Coven when Emily was terrified of them right before she died. Then Ethan--the hot, new guy--appears in town and encourages her to come to a meeting. What's a girl to do?
I actually really liked the set up for The Promise. There's a little town called New Salem in North Carolina where the descendents of witches from Salem fled after they were betrayed and several of them were burned at the stake. Everyone joins the Coven at age fifteen, but Cassie oddly doesn't believe in any of it despite being raised in it. However, weird things start happening that she can't explain away with logic. She finally believes, but it may be too late, since she's at the center of curse. It turns out that the witches in her town aren't all that peaceful and they're out for blood. Literally. The details of the curse are revealed slowly as Cassie finds her sister's journal, a powerful grimoire, and through some horrific visions.
The only thing that I didn't like about The Promise was the romance. The romance between Cassie and Ethan is horribly underdeveloped, and yes, it is instalove. There is no love triangle, but Cassie's neighbor is in love with her, but she sees him as just a friend. Cassie and Ethan fall in love after a week, but they had only hung out twice. He walks her home in the opening chapter, while she's dragging her drunk BFF to her house. Then they go on a disastrous date, but she gives him another chance anyway, where he escorts her to a Coven meeting after he pulls the "your mine" card. While there, she discovers that he had manipulated her to get her there, but she also realizes that she's fallen in love. What?! But then there's a twist that I never saw coming and it was kind of awesome, until it was untwisted and I got annoyed again.
Aside from the romance, I really liked The Promise. I find witchcraft and magic to be really interesting and fun, and this one kind of leans to the darker side which I also like. The connections to the Salem Witch Trials were also well done, and added an extra something to the plot. Thankfully, it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but Cassie is warned about darker things to come, so I guess we'll just have to wait for the sequel!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
I actually really liked the set up for The Promise. There's a little town called New Salem in North Carolina where the descendents of witches from Salem fled after they were betrayed and several of them were burned at the stake. Everyone joins the Coven at age fifteen, but Cassie oddly doesn't believe in any of it despite being raised in it. However, weird things start happening that she can't explain away with logic. She finally believes, but it may be too late, since she's at the center of curse. It turns out that the witches in her town aren't all that peaceful and they're out for blood. Literally. The details of the curse are revealed slowly as Cassie finds her sister's journal, a powerful grimoire, and through some horrific visions.
The only thing that I didn't like about The Promise was the romance. The romance between Cassie and Ethan is horribly underdeveloped, and yes, it is instalove. There is no love triangle, but Cassie's neighbor is in love with her, but she sees him as just a friend. Cassie and Ethan fall in love after a week, but they had only hung out twice. He walks her home in the opening chapter, while she's dragging her drunk BFF to her house. Then they go on a disastrous date, but she gives him another chance anyway, where he escorts her to a Coven meeting after he pulls the "your mine" card. While there, she discovers that he had manipulated her to get her there, but she also realizes that she's fallen in love. What?! But then there's a twist that I never saw coming and it was kind of awesome, until it was untwisted and I got annoyed again.
Aside from the romance, I really liked The Promise. I find witchcraft and magic to be really interesting and fun, and this one kind of leans to the darker side which I also like. The connections to the Salem Witch Trials were also well done, and added an extra something to the plot. Thankfully, it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but Cassie is warned about darker things to come, so I guess we'll just have to wait for the sequel!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
August 28, 2016
HAVE YOU EVER GOT NEAR THE END OF A BOOK & SLOWED YOUR READING PACE? WELL THIS BOOK MADE ME DO JUST THAT BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT IT TO END
I leave ONLY reviews that are 100% honest & NO SPOILERS.
Now that I got that out of the way Apryl has done it again. THE PROMISE is perfectly slowly paced in the beginning, with an awesome character introduction that in no way leaves you feeling confused. Yet even with the slow pace of the 1st 4 chapters you will still be itching to hurry to turn (or swipe) to the next page. This sets the tone and the timing is on point throughout.
Cassie is a smartass, good looking heroine from hell, that holds no belief in, & wants nothing to do with, the "coven" her entire town & family are based on.
Things start to pick up in the end of Chapter 4 and once it really gets to the nitty gritty this book will not only have you questioning who to trust & what to believe up until the very last page , but it will also keep you up at night questioning your own sanity, and if you were Cassie what choices you would make to find out the truth.
Everyone keeps telling her "TRUST ME" this includes her Parents, her best friend & other 1/2 Kay, neighbor boy Jeff who has a major crush on her, down to the new mysterious & SEXY boy Ethan who just shows up out of nowhere, causing her not only to lose all sense of judgement & clarity when she is near him, but also has her falling head over heals in love instantly. But who can she REALLY TRUST? Who is telling her the truth, or is everyone lying & hiding something from her as they all seem to be?
Will Cassie end up making the right judgement call on who she chooses to ask for help when she needs someone to trust? Will she chose the right boy to be with? And why the hell is her 18th birthday (which happens to fall on Halloween) so damn important?
I'm sure as hell not going to tell you the answers, but I am most definitely going to you tell to READ THIS BOOK & find out for yourself, because I PROMISE you this , you will not only be guessing, 2nd & even 3rd guessing yourself ~ but also questioning your own judgement throughout the entire book. While this book does not end on a HUGE CLIFFHANGER like Apryl's The Ghost Files, I can't wait to begin the 2nd book in the series THE OATH.
I DEFINITELY GIVE THIS BOOK 5 WICKEDLY REMARKABLE ☆☆☆☆☆'s EASILY. .....
HERE IS WHY I LOVE APRYL'S BOOKS SO MUCH (AND NO I HAVEN'T HAD THE CHANCE TO READ ALL OF THEM) BUT THE ONES I HAVE READ ARE SUPER UNIQUE & WHILE I DO LOVE A GOOD STEAMY SEX SCENE EVERY NOW & THEN APRYL MANAGES TO KEEP THE ROMANCE PG-13 AND I LOVE THAT. THIS FILLS A VOID WHERE I'VE FOUND MANY OTHER PNR BOOKS LACKING & THAT IS HER BOOKS CAN BE ENJOYED BY PARANORMAL LOVERS OF ALL AGES.
I leave ONLY reviews that are 100% honest & NO SPOILERS.
Now that I got that out of the way Apryl has done it again. THE PROMISE is perfectly slowly paced in the beginning, with an awesome character introduction that in no way leaves you feeling confused. Yet even with the slow pace of the 1st 4 chapters you will still be itching to hurry to turn (or swipe) to the next page. This sets the tone and the timing is on point throughout.
Cassie is a smartass, good looking heroine from hell, that holds no belief in, & wants nothing to do with, the "coven" her entire town & family are based on.
Things start to pick up in the end of Chapter 4 and once it really gets to the nitty gritty this book will not only have you questioning who to trust & what to believe up until the very last page , but it will also keep you up at night questioning your own sanity, and if you were Cassie what choices you would make to find out the truth.
Everyone keeps telling her "TRUST ME" this includes her Parents, her best friend & other 1/2 Kay, neighbor boy Jeff who has a major crush on her, down to the new mysterious & SEXY boy Ethan who just shows up out of nowhere, causing her not only to lose all sense of judgement & clarity when she is near him, but also has her falling head over heals in love instantly. But who can she REALLY TRUST? Who is telling her the truth, or is everyone lying & hiding something from her as they all seem to be?
Will Cassie end up making the right judgement call on who she chooses to ask for help when she needs someone to trust? Will she chose the right boy to be with? And why the hell is her 18th birthday (which happens to fall on Halloween) so damn important?
I'm sure as hell not going to tell you the answers, but I am most definitely going to you tell to READ THIS BOOK & find out for yourself, because I PROMISE you this , you will not only be guessing, 2nd & even 3rd guessing yourself ~ but also questioning your own judgement throughout the entire book. While this book does not end on a HUGE CLIFFHANGER like Apryl's The Ghost Files, I can't wait to begin the 2nd book in the series THE OATH.
I DEFINITELY GIVE THIS BOOK 5 WICKEDLY REMARKABLE ☆☆☆☆☆'s EASILY. .....
HERE IS WHY I LOVE APRYL'S BOOKS SO MUCH (AND NO I HAVEN'T HAD THE CHANCE TO READ ALL OF THEM) BUT THE ONES I HAVE READ ARE SUPER UNIQUE & WHILE I DO LOVE A GOOD STEAMY SEX SCENE EVERY NOW & THEN APRYL MANAGES TO KEEP THE ROMANCE PG-13 AND I LOVE THAT. THIS FILLS A VOID WHERE I'VE FOUND MANY OTHER PNR BOOKS LACKING & THAT IS HER BOOKS CAN BE ENJOYED BY PARANORMAL LOVERS OF ALL AGES.
March 24, 2015
Okay maybe it's only me! But i double checked! I read this book last year but never got to the last few chapters to know how it actually ends, fortunately i finally got my hands on it. I noticed a spelling mistake at the beginning, it was my first time ever seeing it on any book EVER! But something literally made me wanna throw my ipad at the wall was Emily's death year, at the beginning of the book, CJ goes to the cemetery to visit her sister and the date written in her headstone was 2009, which is totally fine because she was only 18 in that year, however, when the story goes on we figure out about her special book and diary, she writes notes for CJ on the day she gets killed and it is in 2007!!!! God i wish i am wrong but i checked, i kept going back and forth!!! And i downloaded this book on iBook!
And there is another one, the night of her birthday when Ethan takes her to her birthday surprise, he says, “your birthday is in exactly four hours and twenty nine minutes” but then when they take her to Mr. Martin she keeps thinking how the other day Ethan made her feel, which was weird since it was the SAME day! Anyways, moving on to one another, the day Ethan leaves is two days before her birthday but when Ethan comes back she tells him how he hasn't interacted with her for weeks!!!!! I'm sorry Apryl Baker, i honestly referred her as one of my favorite authors judged by the first of THE GHOST FILES series, and i still think she is amazing! But those things were just TOO obvious.
All these is not the exact reason why i'm giving this book two stars. I thought the writing was sorta .... Amateur? I don't know, her writing is way better in her other books.
And i had major issues with Cassie Jayne's maturity, she was The Mistress *rolls eyes* but yet, she was immature, or at least in her head. And about the whole relationship with Ethan was just pure creepiness. She fell in love with him in what, two seconds? God, i don't even know. And dear Ethan Matthew Warren, you are centuries old and you get holding on to the hope of taking revenge for Miss Bishop, but you fell in love with a seventeen year old girl? Really?
Well i guess again maturity isn't about how old you are!
And again we know how much CJ loved her sister, Emily, and we know how much she missed her, but when she comes back at the end she just blabbers about her love for Ethan instead of just trying to be with her sister, you know, since she goes back to afterlife in a matter of minutes.
Generally, this book made me feel sad, because i expected so much from it. I don't think i'm gonna be wasting 4 dollars on the seconds book.
And there is another one, the night of her birthday when Ethan takes her to her birthday surprise, he says, “your birthday is in exactly four hours and twenty nine minutes” but then when they take her to Mr. Martin she keeps thinking how the other day Ethan made her feel, which was weird since it was the SAME day! Anyways, moving on to one another, the day Ethan leaves is two days before her birthday but when Ethan comes back she tells him how he hasn't interacted with her for weeks!!!!! I'm sorry Apryl Baker, i honestly referred her as one of my favorite authors judged by the first of THE GHOST FILES series, and i still think she is amazing! But those things were just TOO obvious.
All these is not the exact reason why i'm giving this book two stars. I thought the writing was sorta .... Amateur? I don't know, her writing is way better in her other books.
And i had major issues with Cassie Jayne's maturity, she was The Mistress *rolls eyes* but yet, she was immature, or at least in her head. And about the whole relationship with Ethan was just pure creepiness. She fell in love with him in what, two seconds? God, i don't even know. And dear Ethan Matthew Warren, you are centuries old and you get holding on to the hope of taking revenge for Miss Bishop, but you fell in love with a seventeen year old girl? Really?
Well i guess again maturity isn't about how old you are!
And again we know how much CJ loved her sister, Emily, and we know how much she missed her, but when she comes back at the end she just blabbers about her love for Ethan instead of just trying to be with her sister, you know, since she goes back to afterlife in a matter of minutes.
Generally, this book made me feel sad, because i expected so much from it. I don't think i'm gonna be wasting 4 dollars on the seconds book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2014
I am just gonna point out that there was a LOT of things i did love about the book, but really the only thing i had a problem is was, the whole love interest in the book. I felt like it rushed and you really didn’t get a chance to understand it all. I have never been a fan of books that start with the whole “Love in first Sight” thing.
The first chapter starts off with Cassie, She is already head of Heels for this mystery guy named Ethan. This guy throws red flags left and right. She knows she can’t trust him and his keeping secrets but to her she is in total love with this guy even when time after time it’s been proven not to trust him. And with that added comes the Love triangle…petty much the classic romance trick in the books. I have a love and hate relationship with love triangles, if it’s done right i love it, but if it done wrong i just don’t like it. In this case i didn’t like it much in this book. Cassie was so blindly in love with this Ethan guy she couldn’t see. Now if i had to pick a Team then i would hop on the Jeff Train.
Now besides all that i did enjoy and adored the story. You have Cassie and Kay, best friends since childhood. They have strange bond where they can feel each others emotions. They are petty much like sisters separated at birth. They both born on the same day and at the same time and that is petty much a hint to the awesome overall plot to the story. Cassie Has never believed in magic or anything like that, to her it’s something in a book or on TV, Total fictional. Her sister was part of the coven and couldn’t wait for Cassie to join but right before she dies she made Cassie promise to never join the coven.
The whole Town is pretty much part of a big coven with witches. They all want Cassie to join but for one she doesn’t believe and two she had made a promise. Of course the more the story goes the harder it is to stay away. Cassie is determined to find out the mystery’s of the coven and her sisters death and along the way she discovers more then she bargain for.
I love the overall story and the concept. I liked how the book twisted into something much bigger then what it started as. I will definitely read more books to this series. I might not have liked the whole Love interest in this book but the story grows more then just that and you get a big bundle of Suspense and Mystery that makes you want to read more.
Overall i am gonna give it a 4 out 5 star rating because besides the romance flaw there is amazing story and i can’t wait to read more.
The first chapter starts off with Cassie, She is already head of Heels for this mystery guy named Ethan. This guy throws red flags left and right. She knows she can’t trust him and his keeping secrets but to her she is in total love with this guy even when time after time it’s been proven not to trust him. And with that added comes the Love triangle…petty much the classic romance trick in the books. I have a love and hate relationship with love triangles, if it’s done right i love it, but if it done wrong i just don’t like it. In this case i didn’t like it much in this book. Cassie was so blindly in love with this Ethan guy she couldn’t see. Now if i had to pick a Team then i would hop on the Jeff Train.
Now besides all that i did enjoy and adored the story. You have Cassie and Kay, best friends since childhood. They have strange bond where they can feel each others emotions. They are petty much like sisters separated at birth. They both born on the same day and at the same time and that is petty much a hint to the awesome overall plot to the story. Cassie Has never believed in magic or anything like that, to her it’s something in a book or on TV, Total fictional. Her sister was part of the coven and couldn’t wait for Cassie to join but right before she dies she made Cassie promise to never join the coven.
The whole Town is pretty much part of a big coven with witches. They all want Cassie to join but for one she doesn’t believe and two she had made a promise. Of course the more the story goes the harder it is to stay away. Cassie is determined to find out the mystery’s of the coven and her sisters death and along the way she discovers more then she bargain for.
I love the overall story and the concept. I liked how the book twisted into something much bigger then what it started as. I will definitely read more books to this series. I might not have liked the whole Love interest in this book but the story grows more then just that and you get a big bundle of Suspense and Mystery that makes you want to read more.
Overall i am gonna give it a 4 out 5 star rating because besides the romance flaw there is amazing story and i can’t wait to read more.
January 17, 2014
GENRE: Young Adult
THEME: Romance, Paranormal, Witches, Magic
RECEIVED: Tour
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
I’ve always been intrigue by the story of Salem and the witch trials, how terrible it was that woman would be burned at the stake. This story focuses on the history of New Salem and that sometimes the past won’t ever go away. I really enjoyed stepping back into young adult books with Bakers first book in the Coven series and the magic, suspense and romance will hook you right at the start.
The Promise follows Cassie Jayne Bishop aka CJ, who lives in the small town of New Salem and strangely enough is the only non-believer of witchcraft. But when CJ meets Ethan and questions arise about her older sister death, CJ discovers her small town is hiding a big secret…and its all about her.
Cassie is a young girl whose life has shifted since the death of her best friend and sister Emily. Her parents no longer get along, the town has started looking at her differently and her best friend Kay is having dreams about burning at the stake. It was interesting to watch the secrets of this town unfold and how CJ put the pieces together with the help of her sister. CJ is easy to connect too, she is brave, smart, and always put her friends and family before herself. I was pretty shocked with some of the twist that the author threw at CJ, she is betrayed many times and I was rooting for her to get some revenge.
There are many secondary characters that I felt equaled importance to the plot line. Kay is CJ’s best friend and apart of the coven, but most importantly was shares a birthday with CJ. Jeff is CJ best guy friend and someone who wishes she would see him has more than a friend. And lastly there is the mysterious Ethan, who has a whole back-story that will surprise the readers. Each character plays a key role in CJ future; they can either help or hurt her. I found it interesting that even though there was romance, the main focus was true friendship and determination to do the right thing.
Overall this was a great start to a new series that got better and better with every turn of the page. Even though there is a slight insta-love, which I don’t care much for, I was happy the focus was more on magic, family and friendship. If your looking for a new series with romance, magic, shocking twists, and friendship than this is the book for you.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult novel with a ton of mystery and fantasy elements. Fans of Jennifer Armenrtouts Covenant series and Amy Plums Revenant series will love The Promise by Apryl Baker.
THEME: Romance, Paranormal, Witches, Magic
RECEIVED: Tour
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
I’ve always been intrigue by the story of Salem and the witch trials, how terrible it was that woman would be burned at the stake. This story focuses on the history of New Salem and that sometimes the past won’t ever go away. I really enjoyed stepping back into young adult books with Bakers first book in the Coven series and the magic, suspense and romance will hook you right at the start.
The Promise follows Cassie Jayne Bishop aka CJ, who lives in the small town of New Salem and strangely enough is the only non-believer of witchcraft. But when CJ meets Ethan and questions arise about her older sister death, CJ discovers her small town is hiding a big secret…and its all about her.
Cassie is a young girl whose life has shifted since the death of her best friend and sister Emily. Her parents no longer get along, the town has started looking at her differently and her best friend Kay is having dreams about burning at the stake. It was interesting to watch the secrets of this town unfold and how CJ put the pieces together with the help of her sister. CJ is easy to connect too, she is brave, smart, and always put her friends and family before herself. I was pretty shocked with some of the twist that the author threw at CJ, she is betrayed many times and I was rooting for her to get some revenge.
There are many secondary characters that I felt equaled importance to the plot line. Kay is CJ’s best friend and apart of the coven, but most importantly was shares a birthday with CJ. Jeff is CJ best guy friend and someone who wishes she would see him has more than a friend. And lastly there is the mysterious Ethan, who has a whole back-story that will surprise the readers. Each character plays a key role in CJ future; they can either help or hurt her. I found it interesting that even though there was romance, the main focus was true friendship and determination to do the right thing.
Overall this was a great start to a new series that got better and better with every turn of the page. Even though there is a slight insta-love, which I don’t care much for, I was happy the focus was more on magic, family and friendship. If your looking for a new series with romance, magic, shocking twists, and friendship than this is the book for you.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult novel with a ton of mystery and fantasy elements. Fans of Jennifer Armenrtouts Covenant series and Amy Plums Revenant series will love The Promise by Apryl Baker.
October 12, 2011
3.5 of 5 stars
Cassie-Jayne (CJ) lives in a small town called New Salem, a close-knit community of witches that has always kept the secret of their magic hidden from the rest of the world. But since the sudden death of her sister in a car accident 3 years ago CJ has completely withdrawn from the Coven and refuses to attend the meetings. But with whispers about a curse, pressure from all sides to attend the coven meetings, and then finding a desperate last diary entry from her sister, it is clear that SOMETHING unusual is going on. CJ has to gradually unravel the mystery surrounding the town and what it has to do with her and her upcoming eighteenth birthday. As clues start falling into place CJ also has to face the possibility that her sister was murdered by the coven that she had loved.
The idea of a magical coven masquerading as a normal town was cleverly woven seamlessly into the book, and all the magical elements of the story, the summoning of the 5 elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit) felt very believable. There is a back history in the book which links back to the Salem Witch Trials, and the legends that have persisted in New Salem tie back into the events of that time. CJ originally doesn't believe in all the tales of the magic, and although accepts it in others, refuses to believe it herself. CJ is a great heroine with a modern teen voice, who is obsessed with shoes and boys, a great mix of teen confidence, and a kind of naive vulnerability. I always found myself rooting for her and hoping that she would be okay. I also loved CJ's lifetime best friend Kay- someone you definitely wouldn't want to mess with, a toughnut who wouldn't hesitate to come after anyone who upset her BFF. (Like Jeff, who in kindergarten stole CJ's toy and Kay pushed him down and kicked him as hard as she could). I really liked Jeff, CJ's neighbour, who has a major crush on CJ, but who the girls avoid, and felt a little bit sorry for him! I always fall for the loyal and dependable guy! But then there is Ethan, the new boy in town, who CJ is drawn to, but she is just not sure if she can trust him.
Gripping, but dark in places, full of twists, turns and surprises, unexpected betrayals, and allies in unexpected places, The Promise is a great teen witchy novel. It's a gripping mystery story, with a slow unravelling of secrets, creeping tension, magic, and an endearing love story.
Cassie-Jayne (CJ) lives in a small town called New Salem, a close-knit community of witches that has always kept the secret of their magic hidden from the rest of the world. But since the sudden death of her sister in a car accident 3 years ago CJ has completely withdrawn from the Coven and refuses to attend the meetings. But with whispers about a curse, pressure from all sides to attend the coven meetings, and then finding a desperate last diary entry from her sister, it is clear that SOMETHING unusual is going on. CJ has to gradually unravel the mystery surrounding the town and what it has to do with her and her upcoming eighteenth birthday. As clues start falling into place CJ also has to face the possibility that her sister was murdered by the coven that she had loved.
The idea of a magical coven masquerading as a normal town was cleverly woven seamlessly into the book, and all the magical elements of the story, the summoning of the 5 elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit) felt very believable. There is a back history in the book which links back to the Salem Witch Trials, and the legends that have persisted in New Salem tie back into the events of that time. CJ originally doesn't believe in all the tales of the magic, and although accepts it in others, refuses to believe it herself. CJ is a great heroine with a modern teen voice, who is obsessed with shoes and boys, a great mix of teen confidence, and a kind of naive vulnerability. I always found myself rooting for her and hoping that she would be okay. I also loved CJ's lifetime best friend Kay- someone you definitely wouldn't want to mess with, a toughnut who wouldn't hesitate to come after anyone who upset her BFF. (Like Jeff, who in kindergarten stole CJ's toy and Kay pushed him down and kicked him as hard as she could). I really liked Jeff, CJ's neighbour, who has a major crush on CJ, but who the girls avoid, and felt a little bit sorry for him! I always fall for the loyal and dependable guy! But then there is Ethan, the new boy in town, who CJ is drawn to, but she is just not sure if she can trust him.
Gripping, but dark in places, full of twists, turns and surprises, unexpected betrayals, and allies in unexpected places, The Promise is a great teen witchy novel. It's a gripping mystery story, with a slow unravelling of secrets, creeping tension, magic, and an endearing love story.
October 17, 2014
"With Halloween Coming, This is a Great Story To Read"
This is a story of witchcraft which you'll find very absorbing, with many secrets to be learned. Most people know of the Witch Trials of 1692 and 1693 in Salem, Massachusetts. But did you know that many families of those who were burned at the stake moved to what is now called, New Salem, North Carolina? This story revolves around two teen-aged girls, both born on the same day, October 31st, Halloween, or as the coven refers to Samhain, the Pagan ritual marking end of harvest, beginning winter. While Cassie Bishop is struggling to get her best friend home after a drunken party, she nearly falls down on the sidewalk, but a strong arm and hand prevents the fall. Ethan is there to help by carrying Kay the rest of the way in his arms. He had also been at the party, noticing Cassie had nothing to drink. Cassie, also called CJ, normally loves the Halloween holiday, especially because of the town's variety of decorations and because this year will be her and Kay's 18th birthdays. Most of the townspeople are descended from the families who moved there from Massachusetts, and most still continue their witchcraft teachings and membership in the Coven. But CJ is not an active member since the death of her older sister, Emily Rose Bishop, three years earlier. CJ is constantly encouraged to attend the Coven meetings, especially by her mom, but she stands strong against the practices and teachings. Her father has supported her and strongly advises she stay away from the Coven, as he has also since the death of Emily. She also had made a promise to Emily to stay inactive and over the years now believes that Emily may have been murdered by it's members. She wants to know why, and why are so many trying to entice her, especially the man, Ethan, who helped get Kay home that night. He's always showing up behind her, and he appears caring and charming. But is he the man she loves, and does he truly love her? This is a really fun read, one young adults will love to read. It's well written, easy to read, and has an engaging story line. There are many twists and turns and very suspenseful right to the very end. Read it now ... while you wait for Halloween night, or if you prefer... Samhain, where Pagans honor the spirits of their ancestors.
This is a story of witchcraft which you'll find very absorbing, with many secrets to be learned. Most people know of the Witch Trials of 1692 and 1693 in Salem, Massachusetts. But did you know that many families of those who were burned at the stake moved to what is now called, New Salem, North Carolina? This story revolves around two teen-aged girls, both born on the same day, October 31st, Halloween, or as the coven refers to Samhain, the Pagan ritual marking end of harvest, beginning winter. While Cassie Bishop is struggling to get her best friend home after a drunken party, she nearly falls down on the sidewalk, but a strong arm and hand prevents the fall. Ethan is there to help by carrying Kay the rest of the way in his arms. He had also been at the party, noticing Cassie had nothing to drink. Cassie, also called CJ, normally loves the Halloween holiday, especially because of the town's variety of decorations and because this year will be her and Kay's 18th birthdays. Most of the townspeople are descended from the families who moved there from Massachusetts, and most still continue their witchcraft teachings and membership in the Coven. But CJ is not an active member since the death of her older sister, Emily Rose Bishop, three years earlier. CJ is constantly encouraged to attend the Coven meetings, especially by her mom, but she stands strong against the practices and teachings. Her father has supported her and strongly advises she stay away from the Coven, as he has also since the death of Emily. She also had made a promise to Emily to stay inactive and over the years now believes that Emily may have been murdered by it's members. She wants to know why, and why are so many trying to entice her, especially the man, Ethan, who helped get Kay home that night. He's always showing up behind her, and he appears caring and charming. But is he the man she loves, and does he truly love her? This is a really fun read, one young adults will love to read. It's well written, easy to read, and has an engaging story line. There are many twists and turns and very suspenseful right to the very end. Read it now ... while you wait for Halloween night, or if you prefer... Samhain, where Pagans honor the spirits of their ancestors.
October 10, 2011
The Promise grabbed me right from the start! I was so engrossed in the book that I stayed up super late so I could find out it's secrets. I love a good mystery story, and a magical mystery is even better! I went into this book expecting to like it, but I finished it LOVING it! I love it when books surprise you in the best ways.
CJ was such an awesome main character. She is so fiery and full of life. And persistent- that girl would just not give up! I loved her spunk and I also really liked Kay. Even though the whole book I thought I should be wary of her, I just couldn't help it. That girl has a charming way about her, and she really was loyal. Also my love for Jeff might have rivaled my love for CJ's spunkiness. Jeff is just so good and loyal and dependable. He is the guy I would want to end up with. I liked him soo much more than Ethan. No contest!
Speaking of Ethan. I didn't like him, not ever. Even when he was being nice, something about him just screamed stay away to me. Nope, I was just not an Ethan fan. I didn't like how crazy CJ went whenever he would show up, but I at least respected that she would admit that she knew she was behaving irrationally. I'm just not a fan when girls go gaga over a guy and they lose their heads. But at least Cj realized that was happening and she tried to think logically.
The plot of The Promise is so riveting that you will not want to put the book down. I would have to force myself to turn my kindle off an go to bed because I had class in the morning. And even then, knowing I would be a walking zombie the next day- I still did not want to stop reading. There are no slow parts at all, or parts that bugged me. I loved the mixture of journal entries, flashbacks to the past. I really like how everything balanced itself out. I think it would be so cool to visit a small town like that. It makes me wondering if similar small towns are hiding such major secrets like this one was with the Coven.
I can't wait to see where this series is going to go next. The Promise is an excellent start to what I am sure is going to be an awesome series!
CJ was such an awesome main character. She is so fiery and full of life. And persistent- that girl would just not give up! I loved her spunk and I also really liked Kay. Even though the whole book I thought I should be wary of her, I just couldn't help it. That girl has a charming way about her, and she really was loyal. Also my love for Jeff might have rivaled my love for CJ's spunkiness. Jeff is just so good and loyal and dependable. He is the guy I would want to end up with. I liked him soo much more than Ethan. No contest!
Speaking of Ethan. I didn't like him, not ever. Even when he was being nice, something about him just screamed stay away to me. Nope, I was just not an Ethan fan. I didn't like how crazy CJ went whenever he would show up, but I at least respected that she would admit that she knew she was behaving irrationally. I'm just not a fan when girls go gaga over a guy and they lose their heads. But at least Cj realized that was happening and she tried to think logically.
The plot of The Promise is so riveting that you will not want to put the book down. I would have to force myself to turn my kindle off an go to bed because I had class in the morning. And even then, knowing I would be a walking zombie the next day- I still did not want to stop reading. There are no slow parts at all, or parts that bugged me. I loved the mixture of journal entries, flashbacks to the past. I really like how everything balanced itself out. I think it would be so cool to visit a small town like that. It makes me wondering if similar small towns are hiding such major secrets like this one was with the Coven.
I can't wait to see where this series is going to go next. The Promise is an excellent start to what I am sure is going to be an awesome series!
December 18, 2011
First, let me say that I consider myself a connoisseur of witchy reads. I love a good witchy tale, and I love mysteries. Baker delivers both in her debut novel. The Promise is a nice mixture of Witches of Eastwick meets Nancy Drew meets The Craft.
The plot of the novel is nicely developed. At first I was afraid that it would lag in places, but once Baker thrusts the reader into Cassie’s spell, the pages will not stop turning. The reader will take the ride with Cassie as she falls in love, and as she learns the truth behind her sister’s death. Baker balances the romantic element of the plot nicely with the mystery surrounding Cassie, the founding of New Salem, and the curse that threatens to wreck it all.
Character development in the novel is spot on. It is evident that this will be a series heavy on solving witchy mysteries, but at the same time this series will be about family, friendship, self-discovery, and love. While Baker does not fully develop her characters in this novel, it is not a necessity for its purpose. Cassie’s character is the most defined because she is the center of the novel; however, readers are introduced to other characters such as Kay, Jeff, and Ethan. They serve minor, yet important, roles that are not fully defined just yet. This development is going to be a slow build, but readers will not feel cheated. They will be satisfied with just enough development to move the story along.
The marriage of everything witchy in this novel was quite interesting. Instead of sticking with the stereotypical ideals of witches, Baker takes it a step further. These witches are not practitioners of Wicca – they are witches. She defines the difference for readers in the novel, and I found this refreshing. As a matter of fact, this novel reminded me a bit of Shirley Damsgaard’s Ophelia and Abby Mysteries.
I am looking forward to see where Baker takes her characters and their involvement with the Coven. I am especially interested in seeing how the citizens of New Salem rebuild their lives and their Coven – especially with something dark on the horizon.
The plot of the novel is nicely developed. At first I was afraid that it would lag in places, but once Baker thrusts the reader into Cassie’s spell, the pages will not stop turning. The reader will take the ride with Cassie as she falls in love, and as she learns the truth behind her sister’s death. Baker balances the romantic element of the plot nicely with the mystery surrounding Cassie, the founding of New Salem, and the curse that threatens to wreck it all.
Character development in the novel is spot on. It is evident that this will be a series heavy on solving witchy mysteries, but at the same time this series will be about family, friendship, self-discovery, and love. While Baker does not fully develop her characters in this novel, it is not a necessity for its purpose. Cassie’s character is the most defined because she is the center of the novel; however, readers are introduced to other characters such as Kay, Jeff, and Ethan. They serve minor, yet important, roles that are not fully defined just yet. This development is going to be a slow build, but readers will not feel cheated. They will be satisfied with just enough development to move the story along.
The marriage of everything witchy in this novel was quite interesting. Instead of sticking with the stereotypical ideals of witches, Baker takes it a step further. These witches are not practitioners of Wicca – they are witches. She defines the difference for readers in the novel, and I found this refreshing. As a matter of fact, this novel reminded me a bit of Shirley Damsgaard’s Ophelia and Abby Mysteries.
I am looking forward to see where Baker takes her characters and their involvement with the Coven. I am especially interested in seeing how the citizens of New Salem rebuild their lives and their Coven – especially with something dark on the horizon.
April 22, 2012
Hmmm.... not to sure how I felt about this one. On the one hand, nothing happened like I thought it would which makes the last 4o pages all the more exciting. On the other hand, the reality did not live up to the hype in my mind. I decided to read this book it popped up on one of my recommendations lists and had no rating below a high 3 stars when I looked at some of the reviews. I don't know, I feel as if it were always on the cusp of becoming an awesome book but held back from really going there because it needed to save something for the rest of the series. It wasn't awesome, but it never felt monotonous or repetitive, which a lot of YA novels/series tend to do for some reason.
For me, a huge problem that irked me even more as the novel came to an end is the sudden redemptive quality that all of the 'bad' people had. This entire book they all want to burn Cassie at the stake to fulfill a vendetta, and then SUDDENLY they are all forgiven (in a sense) minus a few people who were simply crazy. You're telling me that after centuries of love for Sara Bishop and a need for vengeance, Ethan forgoes the afterlife with Sara for Cassie? After pining for Sara for so long and only knowing Cassie a few months? Nope, sorry, I'm too cynical a reader to get behind that. And poor Neighbor boy can't seem to get a brake! Having to nearly die before Cassie realizes how much he means to her. And do not get me started on the emphasis put on Kay and Cassie's deep bond (frequently drawing a comparison to Cassie's relationship to her sister Emily) only to have Kay betray her in the end. If anyone should have sacrificed them self for Cassie it should have been her.
Not sure what the author is going to do with all of this in the next book but I hope this was all done with some sort of purpose, otherwise my rating for the next book will be lower than the 3 stars I'm giving this one (which I liked, don't be fooled by the above tirade).
For me, a huge problem that irked me even more as the novel came to an end is the sudden redemptive quality that all of the 'bad' people had. This entire book they all want to burn Cassie at the stake to fulfill a vendetta, and then SUDDENLY they are all forgiven (in a sense) minus a few people who were simply crazy. You're telling me that after centuries of love for Sara Bishop and a need for vengeance, Ethan forgoes the afterlife with Sara for Cassie? After pining for Sara for so long and only knowing Cassie a few months? Nope, sorry, I'm too cynical a reader to get behind that. And poor Neighbor boy can't seem to get a brake! Having to nearly die before Cassie realizes how much he means to her. And do not get me started on the emphasis put on Kay and Cassie's deep bond (frequently drawing a comparison to Cassie's relationship to her sister Emily) only to have Kay betray her in the end. If anyone should have sacrificed them self for Cassie it should have been her.
Not sure what the author is going to do with all of this in the next book but I hope this was all done with some sort of purpose, otherwise my rating for the next book will be lower than the 3 stars I'm giving this one (which I liked, don't be fooled by the above tirade).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2014
I am, for better lack of a word, paranormal girl. I love the paranormal, I obsess over it, I breath it. In short I live it. I blame my mother. I really do. The woman raised me on Stephen King! Needless to say para books are by far my go to for a good comfy read. There are a lot of great paranormal reads out there, Apryl Baker most assuredly has her pulse on that corner market. With her Ghost Files series she brings us spooks. With The Promise she introduces us to the world of Witches. A coven straight from Salem it's self, moved down the coast to protect its self from would be witch hunters.
We start with a dead sister and a curse and some kick ass shoes. Intriguing to say the least. We are introduced to the sister via her journal and memories of her sister CJ. The main character in the story.I liked CJ well enough, she was like able but the constant reminders that she didn't believe in the coven or magic were totally unnecessary. After about the 15th time a threw my hands in there exasperated Ok! We get it! However, other than that, she's a good strong character. She's not oh-poor-woe-is-me. Although her taste in men is something to be desired.
The writing is well paced. Although you learn about the curse about half way through the book, its the last few pages that you really learn everything behind it. It's those last few pages that made this book amazing. It was hit after hit. Didn't see it coming, didn't see that coming either.
I would have loved for a different ending with who she ended up with. It was very much a "nice guy finishes last". I will admit that bit was frustrating. However, I won't go into detail as I don't like spoilers.
It's a good quick read and for that I give it 4 stars. Good characters, good plot, lovely twists and turns through out the book. The Promise wasn't the Ghost Files as I had secretly hoping, but it was still a fun ride. Good to read, but you won't be blown away.
Happy Reading!
We start with a dead sister and a curse and some kick ass shoes. Intriguing to say the least. We are introduced to the sister via her journal and memories of her sister CJ. The main character in the story.I liked CJ well enough, she was like able but the constant reminders that she didn't believe in the coven or magic were totally unnecessary. After about the 15th time a threw my hands in there exasperated Ok! We get it! However, other than that, she's a good strong character. She's not oh-poor-woe-is-me. Although her taste in men is something to be desired.
The writing is well paced. Although you learn about the curse about half way through the book, its the last few pages that you really learn everything behind it. It's those last few pages that made this book amazing. It was hit after hit. Didn't see it coming, didn't see that coming either.
I would have loved for a different ending with who she ended up with. It was very much a "nice guy finishes last". I will admit that bit was frustrating. However, I won't go into detail as I don't like spoilers.
It's a good quick read and for that I give it 4 stars. Good characters, good plot, lovely twists and turns through out the book. The Promise wasn't the Ghost Files as I had secretly hoping, but it was still a fun ride. Good to read, but you won't be blown away.
Happy Reading!
January 14, 2014
The Promise starts out with an introduction to Cassie Jayne Bishop (CJ) and her best friend, Kay. On their way home from a party one evening, while Kay is drunk and puking all over CJ’s awesome shoes, they meet a beautiful stranger — Mr. Melt In Your Mouth Gorgeous, Ethan — who helps CJ get her friend home safely. Who is this gorgeous, helpful guy and where did he come from? We’re given a glimpse at CJ’s disbelief in the ways of the town, which really sparked my curiosity. As the story continues to develop we learn about Cassie’s deceased sister, whose death perhaps wasn’t accidental. Ooh, the plot thickens!
I’m a pretty big fan of witches and witchcraft, so I was geeked when I read the blurb. A Salem witch tale with a rich history, loads of mystery and a hot guy? Oh, yeah.. bring it on! The Promise did possess some of those aspects, which is what kept me reading. I wanted to learn more about the mystery behind Cassie’s sister and what part this hot newcomer played in it all. The premise of this story really is awesome, but the execution fell a little short for me. While some of the story was enticing and kept me wanting to know what happened, the plot was lacking in depth and character development. It was as if everything was tucked neatly into place, following a precise outline. The drastic change at the end really threw me as well. I’ll be honest, I rolled my eyes a few times. I’m also not sure what happened during the editing phase, or if there was any, but it could definitely use a once-over because the typos were distracting.
The Promise walked a thin line for me; some parts of the story were really good and others completely fell flat. I didn’t love it, but it was entertaining. I do plan to give this author another chance, as I own another of her more recent books. I’m hopeful that time and experience have helped her hone her own craft.
I’m a pretty big fan of witches and witchcraft, so I was geeked when I read the blurb. A Salem witch tale with a rich history, loads of mystery and a hot guy? Oh, yeah.. bring it on! The Promise did possess some of those aspects, which is what kept me reading. I wanted to learn more about the mystery behind Cassie’s sister and what part this hot newcomer played in it all. The premise of this story really is awesome, but the execution fell a little short for me. While some of the story was enticing and kept me wanting to know what happened, the plot was lacking in depth and character development. It was as if everything was tucked neatly into place, following a precise outline. The drastic change at the end really threw me as well. I’ll be honest, I rolled my eyes a few times. I’m also not sure what happened during the editing phase, or if there was any, but it could definitely use a once-over because the typos were distracting.
The Promise walked a thin line for me; some parts of the story were really good and others completely fell flat. I didn’t love it, but it was entertaining. I do plan to give this author another chance, as I own another of her more recent books. I’m hopeful that time and experience have helped her hone her own craft.
October 11, 2011
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cassie Jayne or CJ as she is known doesn’t believe in Magic, which is tough when you live in New Salem and practically everyone you know is part of the Coven. Then she meets the mysterious Ethan and falls head over heals for him, but can she trust him, what does he really want. Still hurting from losing her sister and finding it hard to know who to trust, CJ must dig deep through the many secrets and lies surrounding the town.
I found this book strangely addictive, I sat down to read a chapter or two then before I knew it I had read 77 pages. Then when I tried to read something else the next day I couldn’t concentrate on it, my mind kept wondering back to this one and I just had to finish it.
I like the mix of characters and the air of mystery throughout. You know something is happening, and that someone is up to something, but you’re never quite sure who is behind it.
There is a bit of a love triangle in this book between Ethan – the dark mysterious stranger, and Jeff – the boy next door. I have to say here I would be ‘team Jeff’. Yes Ethan that has that hot, mysterious, strong, handsome vibe that has many girls weak at the knees, but Jeff is so caring, sweet and thoughtful, he has hidden depths and really cares for Cassie. He’s so understanding and willing to do anything for her. I would love someone like that.
The plot is great and the pacing if fantastic, the story really carries you along and sweeps you into the characters lives. I really hope there will be a book two very soon, because I definitely want more!
Cassie Jayne or CJ as she is known doesn’t believe in Magic, which is tough when you live in New Salem and practically everyone you know is part of the Coven. Then she meets the mysterious Ethan and falls head over heals for him, but can she trust him, what does he really want. Still hurting from losing her sister and finding it hard to know who to trust, CJ must dig deep through the many secrets and lies surrounding the town.
I found this book strangely addictive, I sat down to read a chapter or two then before I knew it I had read 77 pages. Then when I tried to read something else the next day I couldn’t concentrate on it, my mind kept wondering back to this one and I just had to finish it.
I like the mix of characters and the air of mystery throughout. You know something is happening, and that someone is up to something, but you’re never quite sure who is behind it.
There is a bit of a love triangle in this book between Ethan – the dark mysterious stranger, and Jeff – the boy next door. I have to say here I would be ‘team Jeff’. Yes Ethan that has that hot, mysterious, strong, handsome vibe that has many girls weak at the knees, but Jeff is so caring, sweet and thoughtful, he has hidden depths and really cares for Cassie. He’s so understanding and willing to do anything for her. I would love someone like that.
The plot is great and the pacing if fantastic, the story really carries you along and sweeps you into the characters lives. I really hope there will be a book two very soon, because I definitely want more!
April 1, 2016
We follow CJ approaching her 18th birthday in a town that is all part of a coven. The problem is, CJ doesn't believe in all that nonsense, yet everyone she knows is urging her to go to a meeting. She promised her sister on her deathbed that she wouldn't. She also meets Mr. Melt In Your Mouth Ethan Warren who manages to convince her to go to a meeting within a week of knowing her. CJ discovers her origins and gains closure over her sister's death and fixes the coven.
Here's what kept it from a higher rating: The relationship with Ethan. It's all back and forth on the I love him but I don't trust him. Plus, she hardly ever thinks of him or misses him, yet as soon as she sees him it's I can't breathe I love him so much. Maybe it's because I'm older and my rose tinted glasses have been removed, but that isn't love. Yeah, yeah, the author does her best to make it up to CJ in the end, but you can't fool me! (Anymore.) Also, there's the case of grammar. I can let it slide while we read a journal, and you can inflect speech mannerisms in dialogue (though no one missuses you're/your or then/than in while talking), but I cannot forgive it in any other way.
Here's what kept it from a lower rating: The story was good and I enjoyed the meat that was placed on the bones. I really felt the love between Emily and CJ, and honestly, the ending made me jealous. I was able to emotionally connect with the pain CJ felt,and hate her at the same time because she got to see Emily one last time and gain closure. Part of me thinks the author lost her sister and this is her yearning to see her sister again. I miss my sibling, too.
Here's what kept it from a higher rating: The relationship with Ethan. It's all back and forth on the I love him but I don't trust him. Plus, she hardly ever thinks of him or misses him, yet as soon as she sees him it's I can't breathe I love him so much. Maybe it's because I'm older and my rose tinted glasses have been removed, but that isn't love. Yeah, yeah, the author does her best to make it up to CJ in the end, but you can't fool me! (Anymore.) Also, there's the case of grammar. I can let it slide while we read a journal, and you can inflect speech mannerisms in dialogue (though no one missuses you're/your or then/than in while talking), but I cannot forgive it in any other way.
Here's what kept it from a lower rating: The story was good and I enjoyed the meat that was placed on the bones. I really felt the love between Emily and CJ, and honestly, the ending made me jealous. I was able to emotionally connect with the pain CJ felt,and hate her at the same time because she got to see Emily one last time and gain closure. Part of me thinks the author lost her sister and this is her yearning to see her sister again. I miss my sibling, too.
January 24, 2014
Cassie lives in a town steeped in witchcraft but to her its all nonsense. She doesn't believe in magic and ever since her sister made her promise to never go near the coven she hasn't. Now though with the arrival of a stranger she starts to question everything she believes. Was the accident her sister died in really an accident? Is magic real? Is Ethan who he seems to be?
I liked Cassie. She questions everything and even though everyone pushes her to join the coven, she sticks to her guns. She is smart, capable and strong. What I didn't like was how she turned, at times, into an idiot where Ethan is concerned. She really annoyed me with the way she "loved" him even though she couldn't trust him!! It felt at times that she was a totally different character.
As for Ethan, he came across as arrogant, controlling at times and odd. Even though he was described as a heartthrob, I had a hard time liking him.
I struggled with the first half of The Promise. It was slow going and I really really didn't like the insta love between Ethan and Cassie. I would of loved to see them get to know each other first instead of kissing after 2 meetings and then saying they loved each other after only knowing each other a week or so!!
Saying that though as the story progressed I did become hooked. I loved how Cassie takes so long to embrace the witchcraft, I also loved the mystery that surrounds the book. The author throws clues throughout the book but you are still left guessing. Its a good start to the series and Ill read book 2 to see what happens.
I liked Cassie. She questions everything and even though everyone pushes her to join the coven, she sticks to her guns. She is smart, capable and strong. What I didn't like was how she turned, at times, into an idiot where Ethan is concerned. She really annoyed me with the way she "loved" him even though she couldn't trust him!! It felt at times that she was a totally different character.
As for Ethan, he came across as arrogant, controlling at times and odd. Even though he was described as a heartthrob, I had a hard time liking him.
I struggled with the first half of The Promise. It was slow going and I really really didn't like the insta love between Ethan and Cassie. I would of loved to see them get to know each other first instead of kissing after 2 meetings and then saying they loved each other after only knowing each other a week or so!!
Saying that though as the story progressed I did become hooked. I loved how Cassie takes so long to embrace the witchcraft, I also loved the mystery that surrounds the book. The author throws clues throughout the book but you are still left guessing. Its a good start to the series and Ill read book 2 to see what happens.
January 14, 2014
My stars : 4.5
I was glad to learn that it was listed in an honest review for this book , start on track this year with revisions and The Promise was no exception .
Witchcraft , Witches, Salem was the word around, paranormal genre with romance , fantasy , to be a first installment of yet undefined (or if the data are pasenme ) how many books will be in this story , I loved it. What I say I need to start with bench ? Well, I ‘m starting to see more like the world that the author wants to show us his vision , in this case its drafting , and Apryl left me surprised, the current mix with a touch of witchcraft and stories of old good witches. What do I mean? Take a classic theme paranormal genre , witches and makes itself, and renew that vision , without neglecting what we are used to and it’s so cool to be grateful .
As the characters have the protagonist Cassie , Jeff ‘s best friend , neighbor and love in a dark and Ethan who comes to change everything, discovering many secrets and for us readers many questions. And of course Emily ‘s sister Cassie d that also plays a role. Are defined and each d be surprisingly discovered their actions you progress each reading. Everyone has something to become your favorite.
It is an easy book to read that grabs you , their elements make travel into it and want to discover the mysteries that turn the lives of the characters, if you’re like me a fan of paranormal books, and also has a touch of fantasy ‘ll love .
My favorite character : Cassie
I was glad to learn that it was listed in an honest review for this book , start on track this year with revisions and The Promise was no exception .
Witchcraft , Witches, Salem was the word around, paranormal genre with romance , fantasy , to be a first installment of yet undefined (or if the data are pasenme ) how many books will be in this story , I loved it. What I say I need to start with bench ? Well, I ‘m starting to see more like the world that the author wants to show us his vision , in this case its drafting , and Apryl left me surprised, the current mix with a touch of witchcraft and stories of old good witches. What do I mean? Take a classic theme paranormal genre , witches and makes itself, and renew that vision , without neglecting what we are used to and it’s so cool to be grateful .
As the characters have the protagonist Cassie , Jeff ‘s best friend , neighbor and love in a dark and Ethan who comes to change everything, discovering many secrets and for us readers many questions. And of course Emily ‘s sister Cassie d that also plays a role. Are defined and each d be surprisingly discovered their actions you progress each reading. Everyone has something to become your favorite.
It is an easy book to read that grabs you , their elements make travel into it and want to discover the mysteries that turn the lives of the characters, if you’re like me a fan of paranormal books, and also has a touch of fantasy ‘ll love .
My favorite character : Cassie
November 29, 2011
A friend gave me this book and told me to read it. When I heard paranormal romance, I thought, oh great, another twilight wannabe with vampires and werewolves. I was shocked to see not a single mention of either. Instead, the author went with witches and witchcraft and did it in such a way that it was normal everyday life to them and so it became to the reader. It was surprisingly well done. She crafted a believable world that I got lost in.
Now, lets not forget that Mr. Melt In Your Mouth Gorgeous, Ethan Warren did have a bit to do with my engrossment. I couldn't figure out whose side he was on half the time and that was one of the things that made me keep reading. I had to know if he was a good guy or the bad guy I thought he was. Then there's Jeff, the Neighbor Boy, her good friend since childhood. I found myself rooting for him more and more as I read. Even now, I still can't figure out if I want Cassie with Jeff or Ethan. That is so frustrating...lol, but I guess that is why there are sequels.
It was an amazing read and I found myself blushing for the first time in years. Apryl writes in such a fashion that you just feel everything she wants you to on every page. You get excited, frustrated, worried, angry, happy, and I hurled my kindle at one point and ran to make sure my baby was okay. That is how good she is at making you feel things.
You have to read this book. It is absolutely awesome.
Now, lets not forget that Mr. Melt In Your Mouth Gorgeous, Ethan Warren did have a bit to do with my engrossment. I couldn't figure out whose side he was on half the time and that was one of the things that made me keep reading. I had to know if he was a good guy or the bad guy I thought he was. Then there's Jeff, the Neighbor Boy, her good friend since childhood. I found myself rooting for him more and more as I read. Even now, I still can't figure out if I want Cassie with Jeff or Ethan. That is so frustrating...lol, but I guess that is why there are sequels.
It was an amazing read and I found myself blushing for the first time in years. Apryl writes in such a fashion that you just feel everything she wants you to on every page. You get excited, frustrated, worried, angry, happy, and I hurled my kindle at one point and ran to make sure my baby was okay. That is how good she is at making you feel things.
You have to read this book. It is absolutely awesome.
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