Wicked Ways (Witches of Hollow Cove, #6) Review
When I first dove into Kim’s Wicked Ways, I was immediately drawn back into the richly woven tapestry of the Witches of Hollow Cove. As someone who delights in magic, intrigue, and the intricate dynamics of supernatural communities, this series has kept me spellbound from the start. With this latest installment, I found myself both enchanted and frustrated, a dichotomy of emotions that made the reading experience all the more engaging.
Setting the stage: the world Kim has conjured is a captivating blend of witchcraft, shifters, and demons. I adore how she intricately details their magic and hierarchies, particularly the wereapes—who could resist Marcus and Alison? The lushness of Hollow Cove feels tangible, inviting readers to lose themselves in its depths. Yet, despite this enchanting backdrop, my excitement was slightly tempered by some critical observations.
One of the biggest challenges in Wicked Ways was the pacing. It struck me that the action has unfolded within just a few months, creating a sense of perpetual chaos that felt a bit overwhelming. While each confrontation and twist is thrilling, I found myself yearning for moments of reflection for the characters—an interlude to process the whirlwind they’ve faced. Tessa’s journey from being accused of murder to working with a soul collector has been a rollercoaster of events that, while exciting, left me a bit breathless. With all that’s happened, I was surprised to realize just how little downtime these characters have had to gather their thoughts or heal.
Now, let’s talk about character dynamics—specifically Tessa and her relationship with Marcus. Their bond often felt tested under the weight of misunderstandings and expectations. Tessa, a strong and independent character, has to navigate not only the chaos of her magical life but also some rather frustrating interpersonal conflicts. For instance, the dinner that Marcus organizes without giving her prior notice felt unnecessarily stressful, especially when it culminated in their fallout. A modern relationship requires communication and understanding, and I couldn’t help but sympathize with Tessa as I found Marcus’s reactions unhelpful at best. It left me feeling exasperated—why should she have to drop everything for a dinner she didn’t even know about?
Unfortunately, this pattern of frustration extended to the larger conflict involving the MIAD. I was unsettled by how authority figures exploited their positions, blatantly ignoring accountability. Silas’s abusive actions towards Marcus were not only unjust but seemingly overlooked by the system—this aspect of the narrative left a sour taste in my mouth, raising questions about the integrity of those meant to uphold justice in this magical community.
Despite these criticisms, I rounded my rating up to 3.5 stars because the foundations of Kim’s world continue to enchant me, and I’m invested in Tessa’s journey. There’s a larger story brewing around her father that I can’t wait to unravel, and the series’ engaging blend of magic and moral dilemmas keeps me turning the pages.
Wicked Ways might resonate particularly well with readers who appreciate character-driven fantasy and intricate world-building. If you’re someone who thrives on drama and magic with a side of romance—and aren’t afraid to wrestle with a few complex themes—this series is for you. While my frustrations were significant, I found they only added another layer to my reading experience, propelling me to continue this journey with Tessa. Here’s to hoping the next book takes us deeper into her story, possibly providing the moments of rest and reflection we all crave.
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