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thehodgenator's review
5.0
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.
jadeshea's review
4.0
The Promise begins when Cassie's life gets turned around when a new guy comes to town. She has never believed in all of the things that her town has believed in.. Like the Coven, and witchcraft. She knows that her sister use to love the Coven, but then she died. And now she's finding some clues that maybe her death wasn't an accident. And she also feels she can't trust the friends she's had all her life, or her new boyfriend either. Cassie has a long journey to go through before she finds out the truth of what actually happened to her sister, and more she could be in danger as well.
This book was very good. It sort of reminds me of The Secret Circle book series with a lot of similarities. But I think I liked this one a lot more than The Secret Circle. The characters in this book were wonderful, and I really enjoyed learning all of the plot twists to the story. And wow, the ending was seriously sad a first. Now I'm excited to read more. I do hope there is a next one!
This book was very good. It sort of reminds me of The Secret Circle book series with a lot of similarities. But I think I liked this one a lot more than The Secret Circle. The characters in this book were wonderful, and I really enjoyed learning all of the plot twists to the story. And wow, the ending was seriously sad a first. Now I'm excited to read more. I do hope there is a next one!
seeingnight's review
4.0
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.
kristangrace's review
3.0
Such a fun read, kept me on the edge of my seat! I loved the main character but I felt like the story was missing something, some development character and plot wise but mainly character, I wanted to know and feel more for the characters and feel like they cared for each other, that Kay and Cassie were like sister but we didn't get much of the two of them, I wanted to get to know them more for the story to show us by more actions how close they all were or how much they disliked/ hated each other I wanted to be able to believe it more if that makes any sense and the romance was a bit too much of insta love but I still loved it, I'm a sucker for love at first sight. Overall it was a seriously kickass, fast paced, humorous, intense, unique, fun and entertaining read! It just maybe needed a bit more time and development for me it all just felt a little rushed and sometimes a bit too random. The ending got me though and I did shed a tear it was really beautiful. Other then all that I really had a blast reading this and I don't want it to come across as this book was shit and that I dislike sit because I didn't I really loved it. :D
very_vero's review
4.0
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.
octavia_rsr's review
5.0
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!!!
bookbriefs's review
5.0
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!
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