The Secret Circle series by L.J. Smith was always my favorite series of hers so when I decided to read it again I was worried that it would be awful and ruin my fond memories. While I did find it to be less good than I remembered I still quite enjoyed the characters and story even if the writing style was not exactly to my liking. However, the last three books in this series which L.J. Smith did not write and I had never read were not as good as the original trilogy. ( )

Why is it that whenever I read the new volumes of L.J. Smith's series they just don't measure up to the originals? Obviously having them partially ghost-written is not helping the situation, but the problem that is claringly obvious to me is that they have traded a lot of the supernatural elements for teen romance and angst. Obiously romance was always a key factor in Smith's books, but the Secret Circle series was always about group politics (as happens in a circle of witches) and exploring witchcraft (researching spells, rituals, and the history of the movement) first and foremost. It's really too bad that teens these days don't get the quality Wiccan publications that we had in my day - after all, what's being a teenager without experimenting with non-mainstream religions?! ( )

The last three books in this series absolutely suck. I read the initial three books when I was in middle school in the '90s, and LOVED them. I re-read them as an adult and loved them still, but these last three are leaving a sour taste in my mouth. Let's just forget this ever happened. ( )

ou know, I didn't expect to like this book. I really loved the first Secret Circle books that I was a bit hesitant to read this one. I was taken away of how well the ghost writer, kept to the story line of The Secret Circle. I was expecting it to go off the grid and add all kinds of nonsense. Instead, I found myself happily in the shoes of Cassie and the circle, ready to do some magic!

What I loved most about this book is how well the story line didn't derive from what is originally was but still grew. Back in New Salem, the circle has all the original characters (ALL 12) and pick up right from where the last book left off. They're back in school facing yet again, a new darkness, Witch Hunters. I like that this aspect is added to the story just like the tv series, but doesn't sway it too much. It's like as if the story never finished.

The love interest with Cassie and Adam is what I expected it to be. Cassie is facing some serious insecurities along with major decisions she has to make for the circle. I like that Cassie spark is still there. She is strong yet selfless in her actions. I'm anxious to see how Adam and Cassie will face what is coming against them.

The Divide is a great touch added to the series. It flows extremely well with added elements of love, lust, and action. Smart and Unpredictable, The Divide is amazing! ( )

This series was taken from L. J. Smith and given to a ghostwriter in a similar way that Vampire Diaries was taken from her. Alloy has no respect for L. J. and I have no respect for them. I will not be buying any books packaged by Alloy. They have a legal right to have the books written by who they like because of the wording of the contract L. J. signed. We also have the right to spend our money and show our support for the party(ies) that we choose. I support L. J. Smith. ( )