Read for research.

I have a personal problem with overwhelming themes of Christianity in witch stories. This story is steeped in a heavily contemporary Christian interpretation of Satanism and witchcraft. Which makes it feel less witchy and more of a dark messiah story, that in execution isn’t nearly as interesting as it sounds.

The world building was very interesting, lots of potential. But didn’t really exist beyond info dumpy plot points that  gracelessly forced the story forward. The romance felt insta-lust to insta-love with little actually relationship development. The FMC is a passive pawn in trying very hard to act like a “strong female character.” She’s reactionary, and her primary motivation isn’t actually her own. She’s less a reluctant hero and more of a super powered dog toy being pushed and pulled between the various powers that be in the story.

The MMC is equally hollow. Yes, he does evil and thinks sexy thoughts. But much of her actions are justified by plot machinations that are later revealed in a rush. Thus he’s just a horny teacher who act like a teenage boy, and less like an ageless immortal demon with some grand evil plan. 

The sex scenes are okay, but are overshadowed by some really gross puritanical ideas about virginity and sin, which feels weirdly out of place for a witch who’s powers are grounded in nature. Making sex less about enjoyment or emotional intimacy and more about vulnerability and power. 

Overall this is books just fails to be anything more than a string of shocking twists and sex scenes with little real plot or a developed story.

The internalized misogyny is heavy in this one. Fending figures of power are either dead, antagonist, or the FMC.

Meh