Reviewed by Cassie Beale for TeensReadToo.com

L. J. Smith exceeds herself with the reissue of THE SECRET CIRCLE.

Though some of her older books, especially THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, are a delight to read, THE SECRET CIRCLE is leagues ahead in not only writing skill but in plot and characterization, as well.

The main character, Cassie (who coincidentally shares a first name with this reviewer), is likeable and easy to relate to as a plain, shy, sixteen-year-old girl.

After moving to New Salem to live with her mother and estranged grandmother, Cassie finds herself included in her new school's intimidating secret club. Once she is initiated as a witch, Cassie soon finds out that the beautiful boy she fell in love with over the summer is part of the coven, too.

Cassie must sacrifice true love in order to protect her adopted "sister," Diana, but what else will she have to sacrifice? And what does the club's rebel member, Faye, have to do with the cursed crystal skull and the mysterious deaths in New Salem?

Ending with a breathtaking cliffhanger, L. J. Smith's THE SECRET CIRCLE will leave you begging for more. ( )

it would be better with a little less romance, but good none the less. ( )

One of my middle school favorites...I'm delighted it's back in print! I have to admit, part of the 4 stars is nostalgia value, but I do enjoy this series a lot.

http://coffeeandink.livejournal.com/8... ( )

Though her previous novels have revolved mainly around vampires, werewolves and all the other paranormal creatures of the night, The Secret Circle focuses just on the witches. But don't let that get you down-- it's still just as amazing as all of her other books, and I promise that any teen fantasy fan, especially L.J. Smith fans, will love this captivating tale of romance, betrayal, magic and danger. NOTE: This is the first two books in the series, originally released seperately in the mid-to-late '80s, reprinted together for the first time. The next two in the series, also out of print and being re-released two-books-in-one will be released soon.

Who wouldn't want to read a book filled with love and mystery, adventure and magic, friendship and betrayal? It has everything you could possibly want! *Well, okay, so maybe adding in werewolves and/or vampires and hot Highlanders would make it slightly better, if possible, but that's probably just my preferences... :) *

Just like with her other books, the thing I loved about The Secret Cirlce was the way that L.J. Smith writes-- with beautiful descriptions that make you feel like you really are there in the story, in this amazing fantasy world that she's weaved together. And the story line! Very interesting... By the end of the book, you're still not sure if Faye is as evil as she acts and sounds or if there really is some good in here. Is it the Darkness that was accidently released from the crystal skull that is causing all the mayhem and death in New Salem, is it another witch *Faye, possibly?* or is it something else.....or someone else? She leaves you wondering, haning on till the very end, and then letting you drop of, making you wait for the next book. And while you are upset that you won't know what happens next for a few months, it's a good upset-- it's not the 'Wow, I hated that book/ending/characters and if I read the next one it will only be so I can see if it gets better' kind of hate, it's more like the 'Wait, but what happens next?! What do you mean I have to wait!?' kind of hate.

5/5 STARS! For the perfect fantasy/romance read, especially if you've finished Breaking Dawn and you are wondering 'What do I read now?!', I highly suggestion that you go out to the bookstore and pick up The Secret Circle, along with all of L.J. Smith's other books. I promise, you will not regret it! ( )