Title: Hexbound
Author: Chloe Neill
Pages: 224
 

I didn’t do Firespell last year so I might pitch in some of my opinions of the book. I find my liking of the book a little weird actually. Was it entertaining? Yes. Is it unique? Nope. But that said I like it in some strange way. I keep saying it because the Dark Elite series definitely fall in the mediocre YA book category, and yet the book’s appeal certainly grabs me to the core.

So I already established that I like this book, technicality aside. So I’ll try to very lenient about it. I have the heart to lay off some books from my harsh comments… only the few lucky ones though. (but I’m still nice, aren’t I?)

If I remember it correctly this is my first book (a series rather) that focuses on magic. It was, well, nice and refreshing in a way because I don’t have any reference for comparison. Although I must add that I felt something missing with the plot. It’s pretty much simple to understand the story, there’s nothing extravagant or anything similar with it. Kinda bland actually but still nice. To put it simply, it’s like you’ve eaten a delicious food but you still feel hungry. That’s how I felt when I finished the first two books (especially the first one) however the second book is tons better than the first one. There’s still something lacking in the plot department (or the lack of excitement factor) but it satiate my interest at the very least.

I like Lily and Scout; actually most of the characters are definitely likeable. Although I still find it hard to sympathize with Jason (I don’t hate him, I like him actually but he is so plain to me). He is not like them blessed with powers, instead he is cursed. This is an effective technique where I should be fawning over the guy. Cursed? Lonely? And good looking? – all check, the basic structure of you’re normal YA male lead, but sadly it didn’t pass my radar. I just find him one of the characters of the book, nothing more, and nothing less.

I have the exact opposite opinion with Sebastian. When he was first introduced in Firespell, I was really curious of him. He practically had a few appearances and yet it left a mark on me, especially when he surprisingly help Lily harnessed her powers. He has this mystery aura on him that you want to unravel. I wanted to clear the vagueness of his character by learning more about him, that’s how I felt with his character. I’ll absolutely love to read more about this guy.

The vampires in Hexbound are kind of a little turn off for me. Maybe the author can’t stray away from the vampires, but still, I hope there’s something remotely new, um, creature to add. I’m not expecting vampires to pop up, so there goes the element of surprise (that’s positive) but if I were to decide I’ll choose to add something new in the series. There are other different things (?) to add in a magic focused setting other than vampires, right? Or there isn’t anymore. Enlighten me please.

I’ll still follow the series, because one, I like the plot (minus the vampire but I’ll take it as a very small detail to worry about). Two, I like Lily and I wanted to see how she progress as a character (heroine) and also witness how she’ll develop her powers. And finally, the most important one, Sebastian – I like the guy what can I say.