Reviews - Hexed | The StoryGraph

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2.79k reviews for:

Hexed

Emily McIntire

4.13 AVERAGE

_bookwormjules_'s review against another edition

4.5

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

swolds's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Hexed isn't just the final book in Emily McIntire's Never After series - it is the finale of a journey that feels as personal as it does fictional.

Knowing that Emily begun this story just before being diagnosed with stage IV cancer and fought her way through that battle whilst also writing adds a huge weight to every page. She didn't just survive; she gave us an ending to a series brimming with heart, resilience and her signature darkness that we all love so much.

This fractured fairytale, inspired by The Little Mermaid, is everything I hoped for and more. Venesa and Enzo's story was gripping from the beginning - not because of any promise of spice or the instant attraction, but because of the slow, deliberate pull between two people with complex, complicated lives and fractured pasts. There is tension - it wouldn't be Emily without it - but also tenderness. It is quiet conversations, honest exchanges and moments that feel so real that they pull you back into your own memories. One beach scene in particular (not spicy, but deeply emotional) stayed with me because it reminded me of a moment I once shared with my partner. This is what Emily does - she doesn't just write romance, she writes connections.

The thing I love about this series, and Hexed especially, is the moral complexity. The heroes and villains of the inspired fairytale are never as simple as they seem. Emily twists familiar tales into something darker and more human. Loyalty and betrayal dance hand in hand. In Hexed those layers run deep because of the family politics, secrets and a web of lies that tightens and expands at the story unfolds.

What I adore about this series, and Hexed especially, is the moral complexity. The so-called “heroes” aren’t perfect, and the “villains” are never as simple as they seem. Emily twists familiar tales into something darker and more human, where loyalty and betrayal dance hand in hand. In Hexed, those layers run deep: family politics, secrets, and a web of lies that tighten as the story unfolds. By the time the epilogue hits, it’s everything I wanted—sharp, satisfying, and bold.

I’ve seen some say the relationship feels superficial, but I couldn’t disagree more. Yes, the attraction is there—but beneath it lies vulnerability, trust, and a shared brokenness that makes every interaction feel earned. For me, this was a character-driven story first and foremost. The romance builds like a slow-burning fire, and the payoff is worth every page.

And beyond the book itself, I can’t ignore what Emily gave us as a person. She faced the unthinkable and still poured herself into this world—her world—and shared it with us. That takes strength. That takes heart. And it makes Hexed feel like more than a book; it feels like a triumph.

To Emily: Thank you. For the story. For the series. For letting us walk beside you through the fight, the words, and the victory. Hexed isn’t just an ending. It’s a celebration.

Content Warnings

linde26's review against another edition

3.5

dark emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

vaddisonreads's review against another edition

5.0

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

courtneezyreads's review against another edition

3.0

An unhinged dark twist on The Little Mermaid.

This was an okay read, and was great for what it was. Twists, turns, murder, betrayal, etc. It was predictable, but a fun ride!