Science Fiction Fantasy and Horror Books

This series is outstanding!!!! True King fans love it, and I think it's an interesting change for those who may not care for King's normal "horror" genre. Bits and pieces of this masterpiece are hinted at in many of King's other books,a nice "inside joke" for King's Constant Reader. This series grabbed me and would not let go! I've read them all at least twice and like the header says, I'm foaming at the mouth for the "Wolves of Calla" to come out. This is a beautiful set and a series that could be as much of a fantasy classic as the likes of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. HIGHLY ADDICTIVE! Once you read the first page of just one in this series you'll be compelled to read every one of them!

Wow. I really enjoyed this series of books. Stephen King at his best.

I was hook on the Gunslinger back in 1984, but was only able to find 2 of the series and only in paperback. I have been a fan of Stephen King since I was in the U.S. Army bootcamp. I have been checking every now and then to find the rest. Thanks to Amazon I've order the entire series and in hard bound.

This series is the quite possibly Stephen King's greatest work! I've read the first four books in the last week; drugs are not nearly as addictive as the Dark Tower Series. I've definitely have becom a "TOWER JUNKIE". Do yourself a favor and buy this now; your only disappointment will be having to wait for the release of the next book.

This book ,in my opinion, is the greatest series I have ever read. If you ever wanted to read anything by Stephen King you should read this. The fact that I bothered to write a review (i usualy don't) speaks volumes about how truly amazing this story is.

Obviously written to provide background for previously written books, this book is stilted and predictable.

While the story had some potential, the writing and characterizations were wooden and unfortunately Mr. Salvatore cannot write a fight scene to save his life.

From reading Homeland since I was a high school teenager, it had inspired me to publish my own fantasy/adventure novel entitled The Final Crusade at age 21. Drizzt was my favorite character of all time, a maverick hero who defies the evil ways of his race and follows his own moral conscience and honor. His background delivers a strong message to everyone living in the real world that nobody should be subjugated by laws and regulations that denies their rights. Reading it made me imagine how it was to be trapped alone in a dictatorship society that rejects integrity, become a prisoner of my own home, and that I (as Drizzt) had no freedom to voice out my own beliefs.

Drizzt had taught me to become a leader instead of a follower and that being different from the rest was never a crime, especially if I knew that what I did was good. Zaknafein, the supporting character, was a mentor figure because he was the one who shaped Drizzt's personality. However, he lacked the courage to escape Menzoberranzan, something he failed but Drizzt succeeded. Again, I want to emphasize that this novel will have an impact in changing someone because they will always have a role model to emulate. Salvatore, in my opinion, was the most interesting novelist out of all fantasy authors because his stories really paint a picture on how it will feel like to be inside his dreamscape. His combat scenes and detailed characters surely hook the audience.

Once I finished reading Homeland, I was compelled to order Exile. I was never aware on how a normal Sunday visit to the local library that sold used books for less than a dollar could have made me a fortune in knowing one of the best writers in the fantasy genre.

I've never been too big into fantasy, so when I was told to read this book I didn't expect to enjoy it. Though, to my suprise, I fell in love. I simply couldn't put the book down. Drizzt is one of the most interesting characters I've ever read about, and his clash with drow society is amazingly interesting. I've been suggesting this book to everyone I know.

Epic. Masterful. Stunning. Immersive. Spell-binding.

From the very beginning of this novel and this trilogy I found myself captivated and intrigued by the magic of the story. R.A. Salvatore is simply an amazing writer. The characters seem very real; they are well-developed and possess a degree of tragedy, but not to the point that they become distant or vague concepts. The descriptive writing will paint beautiful and unforgettable mental landscapes, from the regal comfort of the Do'Urden home to the caverns and tunnels of the Underdark. There's also quite a bit of action, interesting creatures, and even subtle hints of humor and levity.

With that said, the most remarkable thing about this novel is the creation of a timeless, heroic figure: Drizzt Do'Urden. Drizzt is truly intriguing through and through. His personal struggle in an immoral, loveless world is fascinating. Many times I found myself feeling his pain and anger but also sympathizing with his joy. Somehow, this make-believe dark elf is all too real and substantial.

When I first picked Homeland up, I didn't realize the power within. I found myself addicted and read through the entire trilogy almost non-stop. I have now bought most of the collection and certainly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a fine read!

Some of the (relatively few) negative reviews of this series on Amazon feel that the premise--a dark elf who just happens to have human values leaves his bad, bad world behind--is too contrived. However, I don't think an attentive reading of the first book supports that view. It's oversimplifying too much and ignores important details.

First, Drizzt was NOT the first one to question the values of the drow; he was the first to LEAVE drow society because of his refusal to compromise with it. Zaknafein felt nothing but contempt for Menzoberranzan (see his monologue after the battle with House DeVir), and he channeled his contempt for drow society into a love of killing those who reveled in it. Yet Zak ultimately still contributed to the system he hated, while Drizzt chose to leave a world he couldn't fix behind and face the unknown rather than be part of something he considered evil. Pretty heroic, I think. We all could learn something from Drizzt.

Second, while many drow are definitely evil, it isn't true that all of them are or that they are evil innately. Zak clearly cared for Drizzt's welfare--for one obvious reason, but especially because he sees in Drizzt the same disrespect for drow rules as he has. Vierna, Drizzt's older sister who first raises him, has moments of sympathy and even admiration for Drizzt. Of course, her cultural conditioning kicks in and she feels guilty for such tenderness--whipping the boy for inspiring such feelings in her. Yet clearly some drow other than Drizzt were at odds with or at least ambivalent about dark elf society, and that makes Menzoberranzan a more complex place than some readers have assumed it to be.

Yes, Drizzt's values do happen to coincide with our own. But think like an author for a second: if Drizzt didn't have "human" values, would readers be able to relate to him at all? Could we cheer for Drizzt if he showed any hint of the traitorous and sneaky nature of his kindred? For Drizzt to be a hero to us humans reading the book, we have to be able to admire his actions. Sure, there may be some people out there who admire cunning, ruthless people who cut down their enemies with intrigue; but the huge following that Drizzt has seems to suggest that most of us would prefer such conniving people to be cut down with two sharp scimitars.

Here's to 20 years of Drizzt Do'Urden. Thank you, Bob Salvatore.

I have the summer off and I plan on revisiting all the Christopher Pike books I read when I was a teenager (just bought 22 of them today for $20 at a local used bookstore!).
But this is really the one that has stuck with me the longest. The imagery, tone, and mood of this book is really awesome. And I mean by 'awesome' actually awe inducing; it's riveting and haunting. I last read it 14 years ago and I still recall moments from it. Pretty crazy.
Sadly, this isn't one of the 22 I picked up today so I'll be buying it online instead. Oh how I wish I hadn't let my mother get rid of my old Christopher Pike collection... sigh.

I remember starting this book when I was just 14. I didn't finish it, but several years later at the age of 25 I bought it. At first I thought that it would be geared more to teens considering the author is Christopher Pike. Oh how wrong I was! This book is excellent, well written, and proves that an author like Christopher Pike can rise above stereo-types and create a master piece. I have now, almost 2 years later, read this book 3 times. And it never gets old.

Pike wowed me as a pre-teen, some eightenen years ago, with Slumber Party, Weekend, and Chain letter, etc...he continues to wow me in my early thirties; now a wife and mother, who does not have the luxury to read Pike's books all day in her bedroom. Thank you for continuing your creative writing genius in the adult fiction relam. This book was simply captivating. I am looking forward to Pike wowing me through the next several decades!

I have always enjoyed reading Christopher Pike's books, not only for their intriguing storytelling, but for the way the stories are written. Specifically, Pike goes deeper into his stories, as opposed to other young adult horror writers whose books about vampires who drink blood and serial killers who lurk in high schools are meant to be taken at face value, and thus provide shallow tales of blood, gore, and - ah! someone tapped me on the shoulder and I thought it was a murderer so I jumped and screamed at the end of the chapter. But, to my relief, it was actually just my mom telling me to finish my homework. You know...THAT kind of writing.

Pike's stories are not these kinds of stories. His stories often contain a web of mysteries that all come together at the end - making you want to reread them to "catch" things you didn't notice before.

This is definitely one of those stories. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I looked forward to reading more every time I picked it up. This was, I believe, the only story I have ever read that actually creeped me out a bit when I was reading. The part where they head into the cave and find the island...yeah, don't read that at night, when you're by yourself. Or do - it makes it all the more spine-tingling. Thus, the reason I recommend this book.

It's not for those who just want a shallow horror book with zombies and vampires and blood. It's for those who enjoy actual, well-thought-out, original stories. Maybe you'll like it, maybe you won't. Give it a try.

I found a copy of this book at my library and was able to buy it for forty cents a while ago. The only reason I picked it up was because the author's name caught my eye. I have read many of Christopher Pike's young adult books and enjoyed reading most of them, if not all of them, so I decided to get this book.

I'll admit, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this particular book, only because I was somewhat disappointed with one of his other adult books. However, once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down--- everything about it is so good; the characters, the plot. I have read it several times already, and I plan to read it over and over again.

Definitely a worthy read.

The book was delivered promptly, and the condition of the book was as described. Cover in good shape and no marks on the inside of the book--this last part is very, very important.
PS: to Amazon.com--my REAL name is J C Cox--there are no Periods.
J C Cox
10/30/08

This book was fabulous! I couldn't put it down! I finished it in 2 days (stupid work! I'd have finished it in 1 day if I didn't have to go!!). I've always seen books about immortals as vampire, gross, bloody books. This one is not that way at all. It's cleverly written, everthing has an underlying meaning. While you read, keep notes on facts...you will have "aha!" moments later!!

My Soul to Keep grabs you and moves with descriptive style as if you are one of the characters. There are several stories within the story that end up intertwined later. The Jazz musician, the slave , the Ethiopian, the professor, the perfect husband and the immortal all of these characters were David also known as Dawit.There are bumps and bruises along the way with murders to cover up his "immortality", David was loved and was "Mr. Perfect" where did it all go wrong? When he fell in love and wanted to give the gift of life to his wife and child? Or when his wife stumbled on the mysterious death of his daughter Rosalie?

There were hints from "Grandpa" who's always eating a Whopper. When looking back on it I think the author used Grandpa to soften the anticipated, almost expected, blow of Kira's death. This was definitely painful to witness. I was frustrated with the speed of the unfolding. I wanted more time with Kira and to offer advice to the characters on how they could save her. Almost yelling at the book! I lost track of time reading the final chapters and couldn't put it down until I was finished.

The story leaves you hanging with several lose ends. What is Jessica doing sharing the living blood with terminal children in Africa? Was she in mourning over Kira and wanted to help as many kids as she could? Why was she so short with David when he came to visit? Will she go after him soon? I think she will. The new child seems even more powerful and superior then his immortal parents. Knowing that there is a sequel is comforting. B/c there are several more stories to be told.....

Overall it's a very good book. I would put it in the top 10 for sure. I can't wait to start the sequel.

Due is an amazing author and I can't wait to see the film adaptation of this book.

Filled with deep spiritual questions, these Tananrive Due horror novels (The Between, My Soul to Keep, and Living Blood) make my blood run cold and give me real goose bumps. It takes alot to make that happen.

I couldn't put the book down and as soon as I got done I picked up the second one and so on... I finished all 3 in 2 days... this book had me second guessing every one all of the characters

I've read this book at least 4 times already...and I'm not sick of it at all. I first read it when I was about 14 and now I'm 19 and the book STILL interests me. The character development was good but not GREAT; there were some people who he could've expanded more on, but overall an excellent novel for not only teens, but adults as well.

I read many Christopher Pike books when i was a kid and loved them all. Remember me is one that has stayed in my head forever. I'm finally getting it for my oldest. I know she's going to love it as well!

This was one of the first Christopher Pike books I ever read and it is probably one of his best. The plotline is interesting, the characters are fun to read about, it's everything the back summary promises it to be and more.
First of all, let me say that Pike has a habit of writing about characters who are quite stereotypical. The characters in this book are no exception, though I feel like the stereotypes work better here than they would in other books of his. Shari's view of the world was always somewhat black and white, and, in some ways, it remains that way even after death. I suppose that is the way things are to many teenagers. This book won't enlighten anyone about the complexities of human nature (except in a somewhat cursory way) but it is still quite an interesting read for young teens who are looking for a simple, yet unique, murder mystery that is also quirky and intelligent (well, intelligent compared to many other books of its kind). The concept was somewhat different. I don't really know how original an idea it is but it certainly felt refreshing to a 13 year old me. And then there were the characters. Shari was just bursting with personality and I liked her. Some of the things she said were very witty. She admits that she can be a bit phony, and this makes her seem real in a world that often doesn't feel that way. Maybe this is why I didn't mind the stereotypical characters so much. Sometimes I felt like Shari was mocking the ways in which we can sometimes focus on the things that seem important at the time but really aren't. Anyway, the characters were never boring. They were certainly memorable, in my opinion.
The book also makes its own statement on the after-life and while it may or may not conflict with the reader's own religious views, I have to admit that it's an intriguing look at one of life's greatest mysteries---where we go when we die. Well, it was intriguing to me. I've read/heard of other books that dealt with the afterlife, and I have to say this one had the most interesting perspective, in my opinion. The fact remains that we'll never know exactly what it's like to die until we actually do so, in the meantime, all we can do is question.

Anyway, Remember Me does deal with some mature themes and, for that reason, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone younger than 13.

A great book to start with if you're looking to venture into the world of Christopher Pike. But you don't really have to bother with the rest of the series unless you're interested in the spiritual questions the first one raises and want to read more on that. The other two have weaker storylines. They seem far more into the more complex questions of life and death and, I must admit, much of it went over my head.

First let me say that this book, in my opinion, is a 4 1/2 stars. This is by no means Christopher Pike's best book, which would be "The Last Vampire", no doubt.
Christopher Pike has an incredible talent and precision for details. I love the way he can make the smallest of detail into a major part of the plot, an excellent technique... especially in a murder mystery.
This book had everything in a good mystery, and more, when considering the fact that the main character was a ghost trying to solve her own murder.
As the book progresses, the storyline thickens and one cant help but be enthralled with it. I dont want to give anything away, but the end revelations are shocking, and you wont believe who the killer is. You wont be dissapointed!
The diolouge and characters are more than extraordinary, and all his books hold you captive and dont let go till the end, but I think there could have been some improvements.
During the novel, I felt little danger for the lives of the characters in "Remember Me", until the last 50 pages... where the story really takes off. Since they were ghosts, it wasnt like they could be harmed again.
Also, I was hoping for some more "spooky" interaction. Shari was a spirit, yet she couldnt do any of the cool things mosts ghosts are mythed to do, like fly, travel through doors and walls, and somehow communicate with the living. It was almost as if we were reading about an ordinary girl.
Although the story bagan a little slower than I'm used to with most Pike novels, I still loved it very much, and would reccommend it to people of all ages.

Reading this book in the 6th grade left me awed. Reading it now leaves me bored. The highlights of "The Last Vampire" are when Alisa dips into her past and tells of her family and life as both a human and a vampire. However, the present day (which most of the book is) is one long ego trip. Alisa continually goes on about how great she looks, how cool she is, her unique abilities, her power to seduce, and drags on about this. It is very annoying. I would have to recommend not getting this book unless you like narcisstic vampires and can't afford sleeping pills.

Best vampire story ever. Sure, some might argue that some of our blood-sucking heroine's feats are ridiculously far-fetched, but c'mon, it's fiction. I just like that the plot is really fast-paced, engaging, and has a solid foundation. Pike's interpretation of the vampire makes more sense than some other vampire characters. Plus, she could probably kick their butts. The Last Vampire rules!

Sita, the main character of the book is a 5,000-year-old vampire, who looks 20, and believes she is the last vampire. Sita goes by many names but chooses the name of Alisa Perne as she walks among the humans on Earth. She soon realizes that she is being hunted by someone who knows what she is. She thinks it might be the client of a detective she killed in self-defense. The detective had found out her secret and was a threat.

To figure out who is hunting her, she goes to high school and makes friends with the detective's shy son Ray and then falls in love with him.

She begins to think Ray is actually her old love Rama reincarnated.

Another person from her past, her old enemy Yaksha, is actually following her, trying to kill her to atone for his sins. Yaksha is her creator and the most powerful Vampire ever. Sita was led to believe that she had killed him long ago.

Then there's Seymore. Seymore is a student who wants to become a vampire, after he figures out Sita's secret.

Can Sita and Ray be together and be happy? What will happen when Sita meets up with Yaksha after all these years? Will Seymore become a vampire? Can Sita ever be free of her past? Read The Last Vampire to find out!




I especially liked...

The way Sita was made to be just a regular person with hopes and dreams and feelings just like us. Not All moody and dark like other vamp novels.

I didn't like...

There was nothing that I did not like about this book.

When I finished reading this Book I wanted to...

To write the author and tell him to make some more about this wonderful character

This Book made me feel...

Very upbeat and pumped up with adrenaline.

The author of this Book...

Christopher Pike: is one of my favorites even thought he writes books for teens I have tried to keep up with his books as an adult.

I recommend this Book because...

It is a good read with all the makings of a movie. The romance did not outwiegh the suspense and the action.

Further Comments...

I was so glad to find out that he made 5 more books in this series and the 2nd was just as good if not better than the 1st.

I read The Last Vampire series when i was 13, which i am now 22, and the story still affects me today. I have to say that this series is still a favorite of mine, and I remember that when i finished the last book I felt an emptyness for it being over, so I read it again. Sita goes through things that no vampire in any other story has gone through (I dont want to ruin it), and it is an emotional ride. Read this series and you will never forget it!

The Last Vampire is a good horror novel, but fails to draw you in completely. The main character, Alisa Perne, or Sita, is a stunning, petite blonde who has lived as a wandering vampire for five thousand years. It gets tiring hearing her talk about how beautiful she is, and how she knows men love to look at her body. It is also tiring as she lists endless super-human traits she owns that make her invincible. Pike seems like he just couldn't stop listing abilities. His writing is flawed in places.

What makes this story interesting is that Pike has removed the setting from Transylvania to a place no one associates with vampires - India. And he works in Krishna as a character. You know - the blue dude with the flute whom Hare Krishas worship.

I will read the rest of the series, but Pike has failed in creating a heroine that readers can relate to and root for. I get tired of all the men eating out of her hand.

The most useful part of this book is the multitude of quotes supplied for every character, theme, and episode. The book is also peppered with interesting sidebars containing trivia, the show's famously funny stage directions, and Buffyverse info only noticeable through multiple watchings. Yet the character descriptions, intro to Buffy mythology, bios, and other text-heavy parts of the book are deadened by a juvenile style of writing that lacks color yet overdoses on complimentary language. If you are considering buying this book, you probably already know how great "Buffy" is and how clever Whedon is, and don't need to be convinced. The general gushiness, which is tempered and balanced by serious character and plot review in other books, is dull when supported only by lengthy, boring recaps. My suggestion: buy it used, because it's not worth the list price or Amazon's price.

Very informative, and a lot of fun.

Along with brief episode descriptions and information there is a whole lot more fun stuff to be found in this look at the first couple of seasons of the tv show.

Informations on the various quips and references made by the characters, and also some quotable quotes will come in handy for fans, no doubt about it.

Plenty of other bits and pieces following the characters and their relationships.

Good stuff.

The watcher guides are great. But The Big Book Of Buffy Bites 2008 contains things even they missed. For Buffy collectors the Watchers Guides are must have and great reads. But for the avid fanatical BtVS fan who wants it all I highly recommend The Big Book Of Buffy Bites 2008. This book is up to date (2008 and season 8 info), and contains everything you could possibly want to know about Buffy the Vampire Slayer...and more. One feature I have not seen in any other book, is a detailed time line of all the slayers...from the First Slayer...all the way to Buffy. This was a pleasant surprise.

This isnt the best book if you're looking for a behind the scenes one. But it is great when it comes to quotes. Behind the Scenes is more in the 2nd volume.

This has an excellent array of quotes from seasons 1 and 2(which is what this book covers). It also has pretty good episode reviews, with some deleted scenes usually showing up along with some unknown facts.

But it also has some information that I found boring, which included a tour of Sunnydale.

But on the whole, not to bad of a book.

I like the books by Kenneth Topping a lot more than the official guides. They are more fun, more informative, and because they aren't "official" can be fans more than authors maintaining an official relationship with the show. But having said that, this and its companion volume are both really informative. And although I knew all the quotes anyway, it was a lot of fun reading them all. The best part of the book is the interviews with people you normally don't hear as much about, like set designers and associate producers and such.

This book is one of the most amazing books i've ever read. it's got a great depth to it and explain in a discreet way about sociology and friendships. It's a page turner.

This book is defianitely the best book out of all the Night World books, even though each of them are excellent in their own way! I think its just the way that Jez and Morgead's love is so pure and brilliant! Also Jez is so powerful! But Jez and Morgead are so different and them being together could never work, if Morgead knew her secret, that makes me never want to put the book down!

I've been a fan of L.J. Smith's since I first read "Chosen" six years ago. I've read all of her books, including her little known play on the King Authur myth that involves the Fey. I've read all of her trilogies, and the NightWorld books at least twice a piece.

I've even gone back and reread the NightWorld books and have been pleased to see that they still hold up. Even though I'm not a 15 year old girl anymore. My mother even read them and enjoyed them.

The thing I like the most about the L.J Smith books are the heroines and the heroes. Both characters are somehow vastly appealing. Well, save the ones in "Spellbinder" and "Dark Angel".

In "Huntress" the heroine is no aception to L.J. Smith's rule. She's even more of an outsider than Rashel, and is a bit wiser than the Cat. However, she's got a bit of a wild streak, not to mention she's more cunning in her own fashion.

She's sypmathetic and strong at the same time.

However, her hero, Morgred isn't.

Usually, when L.J Smith writes "bad boys" they're so bad they're sinful. Morgred falls short of that. He seems to be a pale copy of Smith's previous heroes Ash and Quinn, except he falls short of their charisma, sympathy, and sheer sexiness. Not to mention he's lacking a personality.

The plot is good and the writing is excellent. However, Morgred keeps the book from getting a perfect rating. Sorry Jez, you tried your best.

"Huntress" is the seventh book in the "Night World" series, a range of books concerning the secret going-ons of vampires, witches and shapeshifters in our everyday world. Previously, the books were predominantly love stories between humans and Night World members, but "Huntress" is the book where things begin to get a bit more interesting...

Jez Redfern is confident in her abilities and her life - she spends her nights hunting down humans with her gang for fun, and alternatively flirting/fighting with her second-in-command Morgead Blackthorn. But then a vision disrupts this life forever: she is not a full-blooded vampire, but the daughter of a vampiric father and a human mother. As this knowledge endangers her very life, she abandons her gang, joins the benevolent Circle Daybreak and goes to live with her human relatives.

Several years later, Jez is leading a double-life: attending school by day with her annoying cousin Clare, and hunting her former allies at night under the instructions of the Circle. On this particular night she arrives home (in trouble with her family once more) to find another member of Circle Daybreak in her room: Hugh Davis. Hugh gives her the most important mission yet: a prophecy has risen that describes four "Wild Powers" that are destined to stop the coming apocalypse at the turn of the millennium.

And why has Jez been chosen to find the first of these Wild Powers? - (whose clue to their identity is used for my review's title) - Because someone has come forward claiming knowledge of the first Wild Power, and it's none other than Morgead. She must return to her gang and reclaim leadership, all the time knowing that if her true identity is found out then her life would be forfeit. And there are other darker powers looking for the Wild Power...

"Huntress" is one of the most rewarding books in the "Night World" series, concerning a desperate search, family ties, identity issues, Night World politics, and a growing sense of doom as the apocalypse ticks closer. However, don't get too involved in the characters and their situation - L. J. Smith has never published the last book in this series "Strange Fate" that wraps up the entire story (but as the millenium has come and gone without a hitch, I think we can assume that the good guys were successful).

L. J. gives some nice touches to the mix, with mentions of previous characters and events, plus the actual appearence of a character from "The Chosen", that has an unexplained burn mark that only readers of that previous book will understand. We also get another retelling of the Night World ancient history that fits in nicely to what we already know about Hellewise/Maya/the dragons and all the other eras of history.

At times it feels a bit rushed - Jez has found out her secret and moved in with her human family at the end of three very short chapters, and I'm getting increasingly amused at the ages of the vampires: despite the fact that they are immortal, all of her lamia characters just *happen* to be either seventeen or eighteen years old - where are all the grown-ups?!

I think that Lisa Jane Smith is an exceptional author! behind Tolkien. Like Francine Pascale (author of fearless) she's got this thing that makes you want to go on reading until you've finished the book.Huntress like the rest of the series is a very original story...it's too cool

Faye proceeds to tell Diana about Adam and Cassie, twisting the actual truth to suit her needs, making it looks as if the two have carried on an affair behind the coven's and Diana's back. After hearing her "version" of events, Adam tells her to shut up and tells the truth to the coven and Diana; explaining that as far as he knew Cassie was nothing more then an outsider girl that protected him from three witch hunters this summer, even though it got her hurt in the process. Adam thanked her and never expected to see her again after that. Diana says that she's heard enough and the group heads to their homes, Cassie stopping by a neighbor's to check on her mom before heading to Diana's for the night.

At her grandmother's funeral to group meets and recognizes the new form of Black John; it's the new high school principal John Brunswick. Mr. Brunswick makes short work of insuring that the circle can't have free rein of the school anymore and seduces Faye to his side as his assistant. Cassie soon discovers her connection to him, she's John's daughter and he wants her to help him lead the coven in the direction he wants and she also finds out the coven is of his own making, setting himself up as the leader of it.

The coven fights as best it can without Faye and elects Cassie to lead them in her place, since it has become clear where Faye's loyalties lie. As a hurricane that could wipe out the town approaches, John calls to Cassie and the final showdown between good and evil begins.

I first read this book and the two before it as a teenager about a decade ago and still enjoy re-reading them. Through the story the characters change and grow lending an air of conviction and meaning to their actions and their fight. The true "villian" is not Faye, but the same dark force fought by the young coven's parents, with devestating results, the generation before. Cassie, Diana, and Faye come together to fight in the end.

The first time around, I read this trilogy out of order. I picked this book up in a used bookstore when I was about ten, and I loved it so much that I went out and bought the two other books in the trilogy, and every other one that L.J. Smith had written at that point. Eight years later and it's still probably my favorite book by her.

The development of Cassie throughout all three books is fantastic, and so gradual that you almost don't see it until the second or third book, when you suddenly go, "Cassie, my girl! When did you grow a spine?" In the first book she's a mouse, and by the third one she's a heroine in every sense of the word, without being so larger-than-life and perfect that you can't identify her. The development of the other characters is equally fabulous.

As I mentioned in my review for the second book, I absolutely adore the fact that this author can have half a dozen seemingly disparate plots running, then tie them together in a way which is both elegant and believable. In this book, all of the loose ends are tied up: the Master Tools are found, Black John makes his appearance, the murders are solved, and the coven is faced the choice of standing together or falling apart. The final confrontation with the villain is more mystical than violent, and a fitting conclusion to this marvelous series.

The entire trilogy is excellent, but this is without a doubt the best book of the three.

I liked the twist in this book. I really wasn't expecting some of the things that happened, though they may have been right under my nose. I won't say more because I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but you're going to be surprised.

This book, more than the first two, is very complex. Smith really does an excellent job of playing on many of the central themes of most pagan philosophy. The story is woven around the ideas of balance and sort of yin-yang philosophy. Plus, she obviously did her research on stones and herbs (as with the previous novels). The only complaint I really have is that there isn't a fourth book.

In this conclusion ea. of the characters must really make a choice as to who they want to be. Despite all the characters being sworn into a coven they have never been united. There has always been Faye's gang of wild and reckless witches that like to use their powers to have fun and then Diana's gang of goody-goody brainiacs. Then there's Nick - who's remained quietly reserved about his feelings the whole time.
Now that there is a common evil outside of their group (John Black)they have made a pact to work together to destroy him, with the exception of Faye who is drawn to the power he possesses. Now the time has come. The final battle.
Together the coven must select a permanent leader and figure out a way of stopping John Black and protecting the town of New Salem.
I enjoyed every minute of this book. It was fully of mystery, romance, betrayal, strategic battles, poems, etc. But it really shows what we all experience and must battle (figuratively) while growing up and leaving HS.
I do however have one complaint and what really takes the review down from 5 to 4 stars is Cassie's choice in a mate. The 2nd book hinted at a likeness Nick had for Cassie but he really starts to open himself slowly up to Cassie and it is so sweet because you know how hard it is for Nick to lay openly exposed like that. But Cassie forever stays convicted to this love she has for Adam. I'm totally an advocate for love at first sight, but Adam is just too polite and nice w/o any layers at all. In her third "Dark Visions" book, "The Passion", she has a similar quartet of lovers. Kait and Cassie (the main characters) are very similarly attracted to the nice boy (Rob/Adam) but where "The Passions" ends w/ Kait discovering a true connection of equalness to the "bad boy" Gabriel this book ends w/ Cassie never really feeling any attraction to Nick - only using him as a security blanket while she battled her lust for Adam.
Nick and Cassie have so much in common - personality wise - and I think she could really make him happier and together they'd work so well. Whereas I just see quietness between Adam and Cassie - I think they'll end up just empty.
Despite my dissatisfaction w/ the person Cassie chooses (sorry for giving that away) I strongly reccommend you to read each of the books of this trilogy. They are just incredibly real!!

Cassie Blake is the new girl in town. She wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for the fact that her grandmother on her mother's side, was getting on in years, and could really use the help. "Here" is her mother's hometown of New Salem, Mass; a small island off the coast of Mass. The first day of school, Cassie runs afoul of Faye Chamberlain, a girl that lives down the street from her. When it is discovered that Cassie lives on the same street as Faye, it has a curious effect on the student body, instead of being curious as to who she is, they turn away from her, as if they were almost afraid of her. This confuses Cassie to no end; why should where she lives be a big deal?

In the coming weeks Cassie goes from being a social pariah due to Faye and being teased by a few friends of hers, to making friends with Faye's cousin, Diana. Diana is the opposite of Faye. Where Faye is darkness and gloom, Diana is sun and moonlight blended together. Faye terrorizes people into liking her; Diana pulls them in with kindness. As the school year goes on, Cassie slowly becomes a member of the group of kids that live in her neighborhood. After the death of the little sister of two of the boys, Chris and Doug Henderson, Cassie is officially inducted into the group and finds out what they really are.

The group of now twelve teenagers is a coven of witches and are the descendents of another coven that came from Salem, having left right after the witch trials. Cassie makes them a full circle and now their power is complete. That same night Diana's boyfriend Adam comes back and finds that not only was Cassie inducted instead of Chris and Doug's little sister, but that she's the girl that saved him from witch hunters earlier in the summer on Cape Cod. The two remain silent on this little fact and act as if they just met, but there is no denying the fact that there is a strong connection between the two, pulling them together. It is then that Cassie learns that Adam has spent his summer and part of the fall looking for the first coven's Master Tools and he has found one; the crystal skull that belonged to one of the coven's leaders, Black John. Black John was not the nicest person and wanted to use the coven's power for his own gain.

After hearing the coven origins and seeing the skull, Adam brings Cassie home and along the way the two swear a blood oath to not betray each other or Diana with their attraction to one another. Unknown to them, Faye has sent her two kittens to keep an eye on them and now knows that Cassie and Adam like each other and uses this information to black mail Cassie into getting the skull for her; Faye doesn't feel like waiting until the skull is safe to use and wants to use it now.

This is one of the first L.J. Smith books that I read as a teen, I still have my copies and love the whole series, I read it at least once a year, if not twice. It'sone of my favorites and while I know how the story goes, I still take my time in reading it; I like to stay in this universe as long as I can, the story is so wonderful.

I first read these books when I was in 6th grade and every now and then I still reread them and i am 25 now. Even though they are for young adults I have always loved these books and will continue to read them over and over.

I bought this book in a second hand book it is a briellient story and enjoyed reading it very much.

I first read these in high school and now atleast every 2 or 3 years I read them again. This time around (I'm 27 now) when I had the urge to read them I couldn't find them. I really wish they would make them into a movie trilogy! It's just a great read if you love nature and magic and remember being 16 and in highschool. I hope I read this until I am an old grandma and can get lost in time and pretend I am cassie!

I love this trilogy. I've loved it since I was about ten, and I still love it. It has pride of place on my bookshelf, and every now and again, I go back and re-read it.

In this first book, Cassie Blake, a highschool junior, finds herself suddenly uprooted when her mother moves them back to the tiny Massachusetts town of New Salem. They move in with her grandmother, and before long, a girl at Cassie's school has been murdered and Cassie has taken her place in the mysterious 'Club', a group of teenage witches who can trace their lineage all the way back to the days of the Salem witchcraft trials. Add to that is the menacing and beautiful Faye, Cassie's growing attraction to her best friend's boyfriend, and the search for the coven's lost Master Tools, and you have yourself a gripping and fast-paced start to a thrilling young adult trilogy.

That's not to say that the story doesn't have its problems, one of which is the somewhat underdeveloped secondary characters. Even this is excusable, however, given that there are eleven of them in the coven itself, not to mention various relations and townspeople. If nothing else, most of the coven members are clearly defined and given at least a few pages of close attention, such as the bike ride with Deborah in the second novel. Overall, a very satisfactory read, and well worth buying.