ARC Review: Hexed by Michelle Krys

Title: Hexed Series: Witch Hunters #1 Author: Michelle Krys Published: June 10, 2014 by Delacorte Press (Random House) Amazon Goodreads Synopsis: If high school is all about social status, Indigo Blackwood has it made. Sure, her quirky mom owns an occult shop, and a nerd just won’t stop trying to be her friend, but Indie is a popular cheerleader with a football-star boyfriend and a social circle powerful enough to ruin everyone at school. Who wouldn't want to be her? Then a guy dies right before her eyes. And the dusty old family Bible her mom is freakishly possessive of is stolen. But it’s when a frustratingly sexy stranger named Bishop enters Indie’s world that she learns her destiny involves a lot more than pom-poms and parties. If she doesn’t get the Bible back, every witch on the planet will die. And that’s seriously bad news for Indie, because according to Bishop, she’s a witch too.  Suddenly forced into a centuries-old war between witches and sorcerers, Indie’s about to uncover the many dark truths about her life—and a future unlike any she ever imagined on top of the cheer pyramid.

*** I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review. This has not affected my opinion ***

As you may know I am a big fan of Fantasy and I am always looking for an interesting and unique book about witches with a unique magical system. When I heard about Hexed and the Witch Hunters series I was excited to check it out. It was pitched as Bring it On meets The Craft, and those being two things that I love, had me really interested in this book. And despite the fact that I had many things I didn't like about the book, I ended up being entertained and was surprised to say I enjoyed it.

 My first problem with Hexed was the MC, Indigo. At the beginning of the book she was not very likable. The Bring it On references end at the fact that she is a cheerleader, but unlike the characters in that movie she is not carefree if a little snarky. In fact she is conceited, self-centered, and not very easy to cheer for. While she definitely has a bit of an attitude, a trait I generally like in my heroines, in Indigo it just felt rude. The book had obvious Buffy vibes but Indigo was much more Cordelia. But as the book went on she had a sort of Hero's Journey and a bit of a redemptive arc, which made me not hate her so much.

But Indigo was not the only character that I disliked. My problems with her were nothing compared to my problems with the male lead. Bishop, who for me, was trying way too hard to be sexy bad boy. From the leather jacket to the bad attitude it just all felt very cliche and I wasn't feeling the swoon at all. As the romance began to develop throughout the novel despite the fact that it was insta-lust and didn't develop until later on, I couldn't get on board with the ship.

 As for Indigo's narration, at the beginning it was incredibly frustrating and took on a stream of consciousness kind of format. It was hard to follow and even harder to enjoy. But when the plot picked up and the narration calmed down the book wasn't so bad. Much like the narration the pacing was quite slow and frustrating at times. Hexed didn't really hit its stride until about 75% through when the action picked up. The beginning of the story took a long time to pick up and get interesting despite brief periods of action that gave a subtle indication of things to come. But when it did get good it was incredibly thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat. The villains in this story are particularly villainous and vindictive. As the book developed and I started rooting against them for their actions, it became easier to root for Indigo and Bishop.

But the worst part for me was the world of the book. It's a book about witches but with very little magic. As a fan of the Fantasy genre I kept waiting for there to be more magic. The sad thing is when there was magic it was an interesting system with a unique explanation of how and why the characters are able to do magic. I just wanted so much more! On the whole the book felt much more supernatural and less fantastical. And while I do enjoy Supernatural books from time to time, but it was not what I was expecting from Hexed and have to say I was a little disappointed.

That being said when it was all over I did enjoy the book. When the plot picked up it was full of action and kept me interested. There was quite a cliffhanger and despite my criticism I am probably going to read the next book in the series.

I give Hexed by Michelle Krys a 7 out of 10 

To me Hexed appeals to a very specific audience. If you like books within the Supernatural genre then I say check this out, especially if you don't mind a slow pacing. If you are looking for a thrilling Fantasy book with lots of interesting magic then maybe give Hexed a pass.

What are your thoughts? Have you read a book that you enjoyed even though you were very critical of it? Leave me a comment with your thoughts and of course HAPPY READING!