Limecello’s reviews of The Secret Circle Trilogy by L.J. Smith
Contemporary Young Adult romance released by Harper Teen Sep – Nov 92, re-released Jul and Dec 08

I own the original trilogy, and decided to review them for a number of reasons. First, I recently re-read them. Next (and more importantly?) Sybil has been pushing the Young Adult angle. Lastly, these books are being republished – the first volume is already out, and the second is coming out in December. Perfect timing, no? Getting to the point – I loved this series. I believe I originally read them shortly after they were published, and I was hooked. Written before the whole paranormal wave, these books toe the line between a contemporary and paranormal YA book. I’m almost surprised I like these books so much, because I generally can’t stand series that don’t have definite ending with each novel. These books, however, are just that good.

The Initiation (The Secret Circle Volume I)
Originally released 15 Sep 92, re-released 22 Jul 08 (with Part I, Vol. II)
[Ed.: Float your cursor over the book cover image to see the original 1992 cover.]

Cassie Blake is an unlikely heroine. She’s quiet, shy, and dreamy. She’s also in well over her head. Her mother picked them up and moved from California, to New Salem, Massachusetts. As if that’s not enough, Cassie has to start at a new school halfway through high school, where things are different, and seem a little wrong. She finds out the kids who live on Crowhaven road (where she also lives) – are witches. (Cassie actually accepts this very easily, having been on the receiving end of certain coven member’s powers.)

After the initial hazing Cassie experiences, the coven leader Diana steps in and becomes Cassie’s surrogate big sister, and best friend. Little does Cassie know, her summer crush is Adam, Diana’s boyfriend. (He’s absent for the majority of the first book.) The first books ends with Cassie just finding her footing, and finally being accepted albeit tentatively into the group.

Grade: B+

The Circle’s Power Has Lured Her Home…

Alone, Cassie must confront a shattering challenge: an ordeal that could cost her live or gain her more than she’s ever imagined…

Seduced by the Secret Circle, she’s initiated into the mysterious “in crowd,” a coven of young witches whose power has controlled New Salem for three hundred years.

Hopelessly in love with the coven leader’s boyfriend, Cassie risks falling prey to dark powers in order to have him. But if she does, her endless love could destroy the coven, New Salem, and her!

… And she will emerge the leader or perish!

The Captive (The Secret Circle, Volume II), Parts I and II
Originally released 15 Oct 92, Part I re-released 22 Jul 08 (with Vol. I) and Part II re-released 23 Dec 08 (with Vol. III)
[Ed.: Float your cursor over the book cover image to see the original 1992 cover.]

It’s now fall, and Cassie is truly embroiled in the politics of the coven, and school. Faye, Diana and Cassie’s nemesis spied Cassie and Adam saying goodbye, and is blackmailing Cassie. Even though Cassie is becoming more comfortable in her skin and with the group (have I mentioned that all the coven members are ridiculously attractive?), she still can’t quite believe her friendship with the popular kids.

However, Cassie has more important things to worry about – she has to find dates to the school dances, hide her attraction to Adam from everyone else, as well as the fact that Faye is blackmailing her, and discover the source of the black magic that is killing people in town. (First the girl who was supposed to be initiated rather than Cassie, the school principal, and a basketball star.) Everyone is getting nervous, and the “normal” humans are beginning to blame the coven members. Add to that all the coven business and ceremonies/celebrations, making Cassie one busy girl.

The final pages of The Captive culminate in both an end, and a beginning. The leadership vote is taken, and power shifts from good to evil, with Diana losing the coven leader status to Faye. Cassie is convinced she’s evil, and it seems her secret love of Adam is about to be revealed. It’s quite dramatic, and ensures you’ll read the last book.

Grade: A-

Can The Secret Circle Survive…

Lured into the most popular in-crowd imaginable, Cassie is intoxicated by her newfound strength, a power as addictive as it is perilous.

Caught between Faye and Diana’s consuming desires to use the coven’s mysterious force, Cassie turns to Diana’s boyfriend, Adam – and falls prisoner to her own dangerous love.

Bewitched by the promise of love through magic, Cassie captures Adam’s heart and upsets the delicate balance of power, unleashing a storm of fury no one anticipates.

… Or will the dark struggle of good, evil, and a tormented love consume them all?

The Power (The Secret Circle Volume III)
Originally released 15 Nov 92, re-released 23 Dec 08 (with Part II, Vol. II)
[Ed.: Float your cursor over the book cover image to see the original 1992 cover.]

I can’t decide if The Power or The Captive is my favorite in the series. In The Power, Cassie has become strong enough to stand on her own, and up to Faye. She also has a boyfriend – Nick – who might be my favorite character in the trilogy. (He may also be the least visible character in the series, sadly.) The coven finally has a tangible target – Black John has come back to life, and is determined to take over.

Cassie also has control of her supernatural powers. She can handle the elements, cast spells, and is able to communicate with Adam, and other powerful witches mentally. It’s nice to see most of the coven come together, and fascinating to see how Ms. Smith revives a witch hunt of sorts at the high school.

The ending is extremely well written and satisfying. I only wish there was some sort of epilogue describing what happened with the characters – who paired off, and how they’re doing. Parts of it were a bit cheesy, but there really are no lulls in the plot, which is impressive.

Grade: A-

In So Deadly A Battle…

United at last with Diana, mistress of her coven, Cassie must sacrifice her love for Adam to save the Secret Circle and the town of New Salem from the evil powers of the witch Faye.

Threatened by the possibility of her destruction in a final battle between good and evil, Cassie must hope that her supernatural gifts are strong enough to obliterate the powers of evil.

If victorious Cassie will win more than she ever dreamed. But if she and Diana fail, the Power will go to those who seek only to destroy…

… Can anyone triumph?

I think this series would really appeal to young adult readers – likely girls, but boys might enjoy it as well. There’s the heroine who is unsure, but comes into her own. It is Cassie’s journey from outsider to leader of the group, as it were. The Secret Circle is a typical coming of age story with a twist. The unpopular shy girl becomes the envy of her school. All the guys want her, and all the girls like her – and most importantly, falls in love. Throw in an evil father, power struggles, spells and crystals, and you’ve got yourself a winner. I’m glad these books are being republished, and I hope a lot of people enjoy them.

Overall Grade: A-

The books are being republished in two volumes – with The Captive split up between the two.

Aren’t the new covers quite clever?