This week we are discussing The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling, Ch. 1-12.
Trigger Warning!!! This book contains situations and subjects related to: sex, hexing, and magic.
Spoiler Warning!!! This post is full of spoilers for The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling.
Discussion:
Michaela: Hello friends and welcome to our first discussion of The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling. We are entering the realm of the witchy fall vibes and I am so ready for it. So far this story hits that vibe in all the right places. This little town has that Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls feeling and the same magical energy as Practical Magic to me, just a little bit sillier.
Jacilyn: This has been such a great palate cleanser after Monstress and D-Day Girls. Both of those books involved a lot of dark themes, so switching to something more lighthearted was desperately needed. One thing I noticed, if you’re a Sarah J. Maas fan, was no less than three names from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. I’d like to think that Erin Sterling is a fan of the series, but of course, it could be a coincidence.
We always love to talk about the magic systems in books. The magic coming from the ley lines is so interesting. It has me wondering if there are ley lines all across the world for magic users, or if the radius of the lines is fairly large. I enjoy that they can physically feel magic in the air, like it has an actual presence. And even more interesting that the curse was able to be spread into the ley lines like that. It has such a Disney Halloween movie vibe to it, having to find a solution to this thing that has happened before it can wreak too much havoc on the little village in the mountains. But like… with sex caves. Adult Disney!
Michaela: This definitely reminds me of like, Twitches or even Halloweentown from the Disney Channel movies when I was younger. It has that same feel, just adultier, and I love it. I’m so excited to read more about the magic system. I wonder if the ley lines can only be charged by persons related to the ancestor who put them there or if maybe they were there before that and that family just maintains them. And the fact that they influence your entire being, mind and body. Fascinating. I am also fascinated by how and why Vivi’s magic seems to be so strong. But at the same time, is it strong? Or is it just unstable since she learned magic later on in adolescence?
Clearly even Rhys’ father doesn’t know everything about magic because he claimed that there was no way Rhys could be cursed because “Penhallow men can’t be cursed”. Well, my guy, you would be wrong on that one. That mostly sounded like any other old named family claiming they have more power than others, like we’ve heard it before old man, you don’t impress me. Also, he is a dick. No wonder Rhys’ go to shield is dickheadery, we know exactly where he gets that. And then add on the nonconsensual arranged marriage Rhys’ father was trying to convince him into, it's giving me the big ick.
Jacilyn: Rhys mentioned something about Vivi maybe being unfamiliar with arranged marriages since she didn’t grow up within the witch culture, so I’m curious about how common that actually is. It’s no wonder Rhys hates being home, and it bums me out that his family causes him to feel that way about a place he actually loves.
It’s clear that VIvi isn’t entirely comfortable around magic, yet. Which, I can understand, when you don’t grow up in it like so many other witches seem to. But, she’s clearly skilled. I hope we learn more about exactly why the hex worked the way it did - and, can I just say, I totally expected the clit hex to have taken root. Thank the gods that didn’t happen though, otherwise Vivi would have inevitably been disappointed (because obviously, there will be sexy time by the end of this book.)
Michaela: I feel like the arranged marriages probably used to be common but now only the rich, old families think they’re necessary and everyone else has moved on with the times. His dad is clearly the worst of them but I didn’t think his brother was very helpful either which was sad to see.
I actually laughed out loud at that part of the curse. So random and so funny but I am glad that part didn’t work. It’s interesting that the curse only took effect once he arrived in the area, maybe it's like a shield around Vivi or maybe magic is location based with stuff like that. I am loving the magic in this story though. The result of the curse on the ley lines making little plastic skulls come alive, amazing. And the cat who only asks for treats so far, genius. It’s just such a fun read so far. I will say that that first chapter started off a little slow for me but once Rhys and Vivi are reunited it picks right up because their chemistry is so good. I also love Gwyn and Elaine, great characters for the family dynamic they have.
Jacilyn: I can only guess that we have a lot more familial shenanigans waiting for us as we continue to read. I’m really enjoying the dynamic between Vivi and Rhys, like you said, their chemistry is great. But I’m also enjoying the dynamic between Vivi, her family, and Rhys as a whole. Elaine is baking and doing research, Gwyn is simultaneously taking the piss out of Rhys while giving Vivi shit for *clearly* melting to his charm again. It’s all just lovely and wholesome so far. That’s all for this week, friends. We’ll see you next time!
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