Steadfast by Claudia Gray Blog Tour and Giveaway: Steadfast Soundtrack

STEADFAST

Author: Claudia Gray

Release Date: March 4, 2014

Pages: 352

Publisher: HarperTeen

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble

The second book in the dazzling Spellcaster series from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray is perfect for fans of the Beautiful Creatures and Hex Hall series.

Nadia, Mateo, and Verlaine saved Captive's Sound from the dark sorceress Elizabeth . . . or so they thought. But despite their best efforts, a crack opened and a new, greater evil seeped through. With Mateo as her Steadfast, Nadia's magic is magnified but her training is still incomplete. And a darker magic has begun to call Nadia. . . .

With her Steadfast, Mateo, and her best friend, Verlaine, Nadia must fight the black magic that tempts her and stop the One Beneath before he comes to claim what is his.

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STEADFAST Soundtrack

I love putting together soundtracks for my movies. Usually, when I write a series, I carry over a few songs throughout the soundtracks for each book – the big themes, you’d say. (Also, some instrumental music from movie scores always plays a part; it really helps set a mood. That said, the movie scores I’ve written the SPELLCASTER series to were for Danny Elfman’s score for “Alice in Wonderland” and … Daft Punk’s score for “Tron: Legacy.” No, I can’t explain that last one.)

Even with continuing music through all the series soundtracks, I always find some unique songs for each book. Here’s what I listened to while writing STEADFAST:

“White Diamonds,” by Friendly Fires

This is one that makes me think of Verlaine and spoiler spoiler I can’t tell you! during their last scene together in STEADFAST, which takes place during the first snow of wintertime in Captive’s Sound.

Stuck in a world that would pull them apart, and it cost in time

If only they knew that ahead loomed a cloud that was black as night

She'd do anything for him

She'd do anything for him

Oh they were strong, they could take on the world and put up a fight

And even the clouds couldn't stand in the way when they held on tight

He'd do anything for her

He'd do anything for her

“Velvet,” by The Big Pink

Mateo, the main male character in the story, is cursed with visions of the future. While they allow him to foresee some of the dangers they face – and are the reason he found Nadia in the first place – they also exact a painful price.  He and Nadia have some conflict in this book, which makes these lyrics ring very true for him.

She's the only one, lost the best I had


I found her in a dream, looking for me


This heart's on fire, I'll bring myself


Up to fall, and down again

“Red Right Hand,” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Of course this is a classic! But when your villain has actually been seduced by the Lord of Hell, only a song as great as this will do.

He'll wrap you in his arms,

tell you that you've been a good boy

He'll rekindle all the dreams

it took you a lifetime to destroy

He'll reach deep into the hole,

heal your shrinking soul

Hey buddy, you know you're

never ever coming back

He's a god, he's a man,

he's a ghost, he's a guru

They're whispering his name

through this disappearing land

But hidden in his coat

is a red right hand

“Fire From Heaven,” by Sleepthief and Roberta Carter Harrison

A friend of mine, after hearing this song, said it sounded more like Katniss Everdeen than Nadia Caldani … and since then I can’t unhear it. Still, I think this song works for any heroine who’s realized the deck is stacked against her, and plans to strike back.

Somebody's stolen fire from heaven

Maybe the skies have been broken

Somebody's taken fire from heaven

How could we be so forsaken?

“Through Glass,” by Stone Sour

The lyrics of this song refer to romantic disillusionment, I think. For me, though, they come from the demon Asa, who spends a lot of STEADFAST watching our heroes, and learning all their weaknesses, one by one. 

'Cause I'm looking at you through the glass

Don't know how much time has passed

All I know is that it feels like forever

But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home

Sitting all alone inside your head

“Many Shades of Black,” the Raconteurs

Yet again I repurpose a breakup song. As you might remember from SPELLCASTER, Mateo believed he’d had a long friendship with Elizabeth Pike – which turned out to be an illusion she’d planted inside his head. Mateo’s figured out the truth now, but that doesn’t mean he’s forgiven Elizabeth.

Yeah, see if I care


And see if I stand firm or if I fall


'Cause in the back of my mind


And on the tip of my tongue


Is the answer to it all

And everybody sees


And everyone agrees


That you and I are wrong


And it's been that way too long

“Break My Soul,” by Hybrid

Verlaine is probably the single most outcast person in Captive’s Sound. All her life, she’s tried to tell herself that it’s the people around her that have the problem – that someday she’ll find friendship and love. Then, in SPELLCASTER, Verlaine learned that dark magic was responsible for setting her apart from people, maybe forever. This song captures both the loneliness she feels and her determination to keep going.

I'm not drowning in your sea

Believing in you will not be the death of me

Not waiting for the curtain drop

Or waiting for the hurt to stop

Not drowning in a teardrop for your love

“Help I’m Alive,” by Metric

Sure, there’s romance in STEADFAST – but the characters deal with a lot of deeply scary stuff. This song captures the constant tension of living in Captive’s Sound when you actually know what’s going on.

I tremble, they're gonna eat me alive

If I stumble they're gonna eat me alive

Can you hear my heart beating like a hammer?

Beating like a hammer

“Harbor,” by Vienna Teng

Despite everything they go through, Nadia and Mateo’s love remains powerful. So they deserve a beautiful love song.

Fear is the brightest of signs

The shape of boundary you leave behind

So sing all your questions to sleep

The answers are out there in the drowning deep

Sail your sea, meet your storm

All I want is to be your harbor

The light in me will guide you home

All I want is to be your harbor

You’ve got a journey to make

There’s your horizon to chase

So go far beyond where we stand

No matter the distance, I’m holding your hand

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Tour Schedule

Week One:

2/24/2014- Fiktshun- Guest Post   

 2/25/2014- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post          

2/26/2014- Fantasy Book Addict- Interview

2/27/2014- Magical Urban Fantasy Reads- Character interview with Verlaine

2/28/2014- Jenna Does Books- Author interview

Week Two:

3/3/2014- Mundie Moms- Review and an excerpt

3/4/2014- Parajunkee- Interview

3/5/2014- Bookalicious- Guest Post         

3/6/2014- Tales of a Ravenous Reader- Guest Post

3/7/2014- YA Sisterhood- Guest Post     

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Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spellcaster by Claudia Gray

Spellcaster by Claudia Gray

ARC received from Harper Teen

Release Date:  3-5-2012

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Enchanting, Enigmatic, and Ethereal

When Nadia’s family moves to Captive’s Sound, she instantly realizes there’s more to it than meets the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia senses a dark and powerful magic at work in her new town. Mateo has lived in Captive’s Sound his entire life, trying to dodge the local legend that his family is cursed - and that curse will cause him to believe he’s seeing the future … until it drives him mad. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl—Nadia—from a car accident come true, he knows he’s doomed.

Despite the forces pulling them apart, Nadia and Mateo must work together to break the chains of his family’s terrible curse, and to prevent a disaster that threatens the lives of everyone around them. Shimmering with magic and mystery, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s new novel is sure to draw fans of the Hex Hall and Caster Chronicles series, and fans of the hit CW TV show The Secret Circle.

For Nadia, magic is real.  All she has to do is come up with 3 memories that serve as ingredients to call on her gift.  If you are a fan of Claudia Gray, don’t miss out on this new series.  It has all the ingredients for a magical book:

Magic breaking free

Evil encompassing all

Love ever enduring

Claudia Gray has created a world that will spellbound you!

I really think there should be more books focusing on witches.  There are tons of paranormal books where witches are mentioned or are minor characters, but there are very few books where the entire focus is on witchcraft.  Have you ever been looking and looking for something and then you find it right in front of you?  That’s what witches are in the YA world—overlooked when they should be obvious!!

I enjoyed Claudia’s new book—it was different than what I expected.  I went into it thinking that it was going to be more “old ways” like Salem type witches, or that all the spells/wording was going to be archaic, but it wasn’t.  It was new and inventive, and I was pleasantly surprised with Claudia’s take on the Craft. 

There were times when the plot was slow, and I did find myself bogged down by some of the details.  The descriptions of the town were great—crumbling, dingy, with a sheen of evil.  I really enjoyed those details of the story, but there were other times when Nadia seemed to be very repetitive in her thoughts and actions, and I just wanted it to hurry along.  But, that didn’t keep me from enjoying the plot and how it developed.  I actually felt like the end was rushed a bit, and I wanted more details here about the climactic event!

I like Nadia, but I wasn’t overly impressed by her.  She is a budding witch with no teacher, and with the powers she has, she is able to accomplish much more than she should.  Her struggle and her revelations kept me wanting to see inside her mind more, but she still just seemed like a normal heroine to me—nothing that will really stay molded in my memory.

The character that will stay molded in my memory?  The bad guy.  I won’t tell you who it is because (even though it is revealed early) it is a spoiler.  Let me just say that the bad guy was ruthless—voice dripping with poison, wolf in sheep’s clothing, I’ll cut you to ribbons with a butter knife kind of ruthless!  I was more into this person than any of the other characters because he/she had so many layers and dimensions to discover.  The story was written where we see so many characters POVs.  While this got annoying because there were just too many viewpoints, I did enjoy the ones where we saw inside the mind of evil.

And the guy.

Mateo.  He was interesting enough, but unfortunately, he wasn’t one that swept me away.  He was endearing and loyal, but, I don’t know, there wasn’t that spark to him that lights me on fire.  I guess he was just too sweet?  I can’t help it, I like the troubled, bad boys.  Mateo is troubled, just not rebellious.  He is more victim than anything.  I do think many readers will like him, though, because he isn’t the cocky, in your face, rebel without a cause type of guy we see so often in YA.

Overall, I enjoyed reading something new and different, and I will definitely be checking out the sequel!!!

Teaser Tuesday: Spellcaster by Claudia Gray

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading!

To participate all you have to do is:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

(make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

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Spellcaster by Claudia Gray
Release Date:  3-5-2013
Published by:  HarperTeen

 

"What if I'm the reason Nadia's going to die?"

 

"The future was rushing toward him--his future and his curse."

Both from an ARC, pg 35

 

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I was so excited to get the chance to read an early copy of Spellcaster.  I love Claudia Gray, and this was something different from her past books.  While it didn't end up being one of my favorite Claudia Gray books, it was still interesting--especially because it centered around witches.  I think witches are neglected in the YA paranormal world!

Waiting on Wednesday: Spellcaster by Claudia Gray

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights books that have not yet been released, but ones that you should pre-order today! This week's book that we are anxiously awaiting is SPELLCASTER by Claudia Gray.  SPELLCASTER releases on March 5, 2013 from Harper Teen.

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When Nadia’s family moves to Captive’s Sound, she instantly realizes there’s more to it than meets the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia senses a dark and powerful magic at work in her new town. Mateo has lived in Captive’s Sound his entire life, trying to dodge the local legend that his family is cursed - and that curse will cause him to believe he’s seeing the future … until it drives him mad. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl—Nadia—from a car accident come true, he knows he’s doomed.

Despite the forces pulling them apart, Nadia and Mateo must work together to break the chains of his family’s terrible curse, and to prevent a disaster that threatens the lives of everyone around them. Shimmering with magic and mystery, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s new novel is sure to draw fans of the Hex Hall and Caster Chronicles series, and fans of the hit CW TV show The Secret Circle.

 

 

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Witches.

Curses.

Accidents.

Disasters.

Claudia Gray.

What more you could want?  I'm really looking forward to this one!  Claudia definitely knows how to write swooon-worthy guys, and I'm sure that Mateo will have his moments!  Plus, there are not enough books that focus on the paranormal aspect of witches.  Most books that have witches also have vampires or werewolves or some other mythical creature that the story centers around, so it will be nice to read one where witches are the focus. 

 

If you haven't read Claudia's other books, the Evernight Series and Balthazar, you should check them out!

 

What are you waiting on?

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
Published by Putnam
On Shelves NOW!!!!
The Sisters Say:  Bewitching, Beguiling, Beautiful

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. Bu...moreEverybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren’t safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.

 

It’s 1896 in a world reminiscent of Salem, a world where witches are hunted, imprisoned, enslaved—or they just disappear.  And right in the middle of it all—the Cahill sisters, Cate, Maura, and Tess. 

The fate of the world rests on these three Witches and one clandestine prophecy. 

This is the first paranormal romance I’ve read that is set in the past, and at first, I didn’t know if I would enjoy it or not.  The first few chapters were very slow, and while it was interesting to see how life was during this time (the petticoats, tea time, misogynistic attitudes toward women), I didn’t know if it was going to keep me interested enough to finish; however, once I passed the first four chapters, I was hooked.  The mystery reeled me in, and I rushed through because I absolutely had to see how it was going to end.

I loved the idea that there is a trio of sister witches.  I mean, I grew up with 2 sisters, who, like me, wished they had magical powers.  I won’t give anything away, either, but I found that the sister’s personalities echoed our own.  Cate, like Amy, is the bossy one—sorry Amy.  Maura, like me, is the troublesome one.  And Tess, like Britt, is the know-it-all.  This made their relationships seems very real to me.

I really enjoyed getting to know Cate, the oldest of the three sisters and the pov from which the book is written.  As her mother was dying, she pleaded to Cate to watch over her sisters, to protect them.  As a result, Cate had to push back her desire to just be a teenager and become the woman of the house.  All is well until Cate turns 17, when she has to announce who she will marry or join the Sisterhood convent.  With this date looming very near in the future, Cate starts to panic not only about which to choose, but how to keep her sisters safe.  This is the part of Cate I loved—seeing her struggle made me connect with her, and I found myself wishing I was a witch in her world so I could help!

But, of course, my favorite part was the boys.  There are two again, and I adore me a good love triangle!  If there are two hot guys in a book, I break out into my happy dance.

First, there’s Paul—the childhood friend turned gentlemen who comes home from New London to court Cate.  He’s charming, rugged, and rich.  Cate has adored Paul since she was a child, and she knows that he would be the perfect man for her to marry.  Only, she struggles to choose because there is another man who has also caught her attention.

 Finn.  Oh, Finn, I absolutely love him.  He’s the gardener (who knows nothing about gardening) and he and his mother own the bookshop in town (which is the subject of scrutiny from the Brotherhood—the religious sect hunting witches).  Cate feels connected to Finn on a deep level, and you will love to see how the romance unfolds!

I loved the romance and the mystery in Born Wicked.  There are many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, and the prophecy is a doozy!  I keep going over and over again in my mind how I think the prophecy will play out—especially after the cliffhanger ending!  In fact, I’m troubled (more than troubled, let’s say outright in turmoil) that I have to wait a full year for book 2 to come out! 

With the history of The Crucible, the magic of Harry Potter, and the love story of The Mortal Instruments, this is a must read for fans of paranormal romance!!!!  And it’s so original because there aren’t that many books out there that focus completely on witches! 

So—go buy this book, and let me know what you think!!!!! (I think you’ll daydream about Finn, too!)

Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz

Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

ARC received from Harlequin Teen via Net Galley

Release Date:  3-27-2012

The Sisters Say:  A breathtaking blow by blow of bewitchment and beguiling romance!

Finding your eternal soulmate - easy.
Stopping a true-love-hungry evil - not so much…

After breaking a centuries-old romantic curse, Emma Connor is (almost) glad to get back to normal problems. Although...it's not easy dealing with the jealous cliques and gossip that rule her exclusive Upper East Side prep, even for a sixteen-year-old newbie witch. Having the most-wanted boy in school as her eternal soul mate sure helps ease the pain-especially since wealthy, rocker-hot Brendan Salinger is very good at staying irresistibly close....

But something dark and hungry is using Emma and Brendan's deepest fears to reveal damaging secrets and destroy their trust in each other. And Emma's crash course in über-spells may not be enough to keep them safe…or to stop an inhuman force bent on making their unsuspected power its own.

If you liked Spellbound, you are going to LOVE Spellcaster!  I couldn’t put it down!  Cara Lynn Shultz definitely upped her game with more magic, more mystery, and more mahem!  (Not to mention more make-out scenes)!!!

I really loved to see the characters develop even more in this installment—especially Angelique!  She is so much fun to read about—so much attitude that she had me laughing out loud at times.  But then we also get to see a more sensitive side of her that we didn’t see in Spellbound.  We also meet her cousin, Randi, a fellow witch who has some enjoyable moments as well. 

Emma definitely undergoes some changes through this novel, too.  That confidence that we begin to see at the end of Spellbound really takes off, which I love (because who doesn’t love a kick butt heroine), but I also like that her struggles were realistic (if you take out the fantasy part…hehe).  I mean, it’s not like she snaps her fingers and all of a sudden she’s one of the Charmed ones.  She has to work on her spells, and it’s really captivating to see her ups and downs as she struggles with this new aspect of her life.

And then…the best part—Brendan.  We see so much more of him in Spellcaster.  He’s just as overprotective in this installment, and it makes me love him so much more!  Just like Emma, it’s great (and heart breaking) to see him struggle with the idea that all the danger Emma finds herself in is his fault.  He’s the guy that every girl wants—compassionate, completely devoted, and overprotective to a fault—not to mention that he’s stunningly handsome.  I absolutely adore him and can’t wait for more!  The scenes between Emma and Brendan are a little more hot and heavy (but I still wish Cara Lynn Shultz would dive in with the details), but still PG, with one scene that hints at some PG-13 related content, but it’s still not extremely specific.

I actually really enjoyed the villain in this book, too—truly evil with a vendetta that, if you’re like me, might cause your heart to speed up (and for you to look behind your shoulder when walking anywhere alone).   I won’t tell you any more, but I will say—I didn’t see this villain coming!  Oh…and Kristin?  She’s still there with a vengeance…but trust me…you’ll want to read this to see what Emma has in store for her!

What bugs me?  I wish Cara Lynn Shultz would add an umbrella conflict to the series—a storyline that reaches from book to book, instead of just focusing on a different conflict for each book.

Overall, Spellcaster is a must read for those of you who enjoy paranormal romance novels.  The action was fun and exciting with no dull moments!  It comes out Tuesday…so go get it!

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz
Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn
Published by:  Harlequin Teen
Release Date:  6-21-2011
The Sisters Say:  Spunky, Spicy, Spectacular

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

 

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means dying a horrible death?

 

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

Spellbound is enchanting—from the first chapter I was hooked!  You’ve got the Charmed type of witchcraft, the Cinderella type fairy tale, and the Vampire Diaries type sexy guy! Add all ingredients, put in a blender, and what do you get?  A book that will truly keep you “spellbound” until the next installment!

I really enjoyed the different characters that Cara Lynn Shultz melds together.  You have Emma who, at first is the type of girl who shuns away from confrontation, but then as she is constantly picked on at the posh private school she attends, she begins to break out of her shell.  I’m not sure “break” is really the word, even, more like lashes out of her shell and charges anyone who gets in her way.  It’s great to see Emma’s confidence in herself build, and it’s even greater to see her start to stand up to Kristin (the resident, rhymes with smee-ootch) of the school. 

Then you have Angelique—the resident emo witch of the school who I absolutely adore!  She’s so spunky and from the moment I met her, I couldn’t wait to see how her character developed.  Besides Brendan (who’s my favorite because let’s face it…he’s an overprotective hottie with parent issues…yum), Angelique is definitely my favorite character.  I can’t wait to see what awaits her next!

Okay…drum roll please…..Brendan! 

Give me a moment to form my thoughts….because right now, all I’m getting is:

BRENDAN!!!!  OH LA LA!!!!!  BRENDAN!!!!!  EEEEEKKKK!!!!!    BRENDAN!!!!!

Where to begin?  He’s got dark hair and mesmerizing green eyes that literally take your breath away.  He’s tough as nails—winning every fight he gets in to, seriously, Cara Lynn Shultz should put him in a fight club—the only thing that could make this guy even hotter!  His parents are practically “The Queen” type of rich, and the parent issues are obvious from the get-go.  But who doesn’t love a guy that’s a rebel?  What else?  He’s crazy protective—which I love even more!  The scenes where Brendan sticks up for Emma are the absolute best in the book!

You know, it’s not very often that I find a book that quite literally speeds up my heartbeat.  I found myself growing increasingly nervous as things became even more dangerous in the book.  Even now, thinking back on it, I feel my heart beating a little faster—and I know how it ends!

Now, there are a few flaws.  Namely, I wish we would get more details about Emma and Brendan’s relationship (it’s pretty G rated)—there’s only so many kisses I can read about before I scream, “Come on!  More!”  But, maybe Cara Lynn Shultz is saving that for the future.  I also wish there would be a few more plot twists (there were some aspects of predictability).

As far as content goes, the only thing you might be wary about is the underage drinking (which there is quite a bit), and some violence against women.  But truthfully, I wouldn’t mind my teenage daughter reading this one.

If you haven't read this one, you definitely need to check it out.

The Secret Circle: Review, TV Show, and a Giveaway!

Many of you might know that a new TV Show premiered on The CW last week after the season premiere of The Vampire Diaries. This show is based on yet another L.J. Smith series called The Secret Circle.

I read The Secret Circle books a few years ago (though they were written back in the 90’s), and absolutely loved them. The reprinting featured four books (The Initiation, The Captive: Part I, The Captive: Part II, and The Power), which were combined and printed in two books.

In honor of the new TV show, I’ve done a review of the books, and we’ll also be hosting a GIVEAWAY!!! I’ll be giving away the entire Secret Circle book series to one lucky winner! Read the review below and more instructions at the end for how to win this book!

Here’s the summary for the first book (from goodreads):

The circle's power has lured her home

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

These books came out long before the vampires, witches and werewolf craze of today, but they’ve endured so well because they are truly great stories. When you read them now, they can occasionally feel a bit dated, but I honestly didn’t even mind. The characters were so distinct and powerfully written, that you’ll get swept away in the story even with the absence of cell phones and the internet.

Cassie is such a likeable main character that she makes a fantastic lens through which we see the story. There is a bit of a love triangle, but I for one, connected so strongly with Cassie, that I felt for both boys in exactly the same way she did. These books were dark—murders and mysteries and family secrets. The haunting and sometimes scary tone makes this book a definite page-turner! And Faye is the perfect foil to Cassie and one scary chick (complete with a motorcycle jacket to finish off the rough and tough image).

Some of the characters might feel a bit stereotypical at times, but you have to remember that this book was written in the 90’s long before the cookie cutter YA books of today that feel like remanufactured versions of the same story. In fact, it could be argued that many of those books are copying characters and situations seen in L.J. Smith’s books. So please, give this book a chance, and marvel at the staying power of a series that was published in 1992 (almost twenty years ago!) and is still popular among teenagers today.

I’ve also seen the first episode of the TV series based on the books. While many things have changed, from the location to the death of a character—the heart of the story remains the same, and I’m looking forward to seeing where CW takes this series!

Also... check out the LOL-WORTHINESS of the original book covers for this series way back in the nineties. :)

If you’d like to be entered for a chance to win The Secret Circle series, please complete the form below.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. CHECK BACK SOON FOR A WINNER.