Hex might be short, but it really packs a punch. Set in 16th century Scotland, it follows Geillis, a young woman accused of witchcraft and locked in a cold prison cell on the night before she’s executed. With her is Iris, a woman from the present day who somehow finds herself drawn back through time to be with her. It’s a strange but powerful connection that shows how little has changed for women across the centuries… the same fear, judgement and control still exist, just in different forms.
Fagan’s writing is raw and poetic, filled with emotion and quiet fury. Through Geillis’s story you feel the weight of injustice and the cruelty of those who twisted fear into power. Iris brings a more modern voice, one that reminds us that these stories aren’t as distant as we’d like to think. The blend of history and magic works beautifully, even if it sometimes makes you question where the line between truth and myth really sits.
The phrase “as they say, as they say” repeats throughout, and it’s one that lingers long after you finish reading. It captures how easily people accept things without question, how gossip and fear can become truth when repeated often enough. There were a few slower moments that didn’t add much, but they don’t take away from the overall impact. The story still hits with force, leaving behind a mix of sadness, rage and admiration for the women who refused to stay silent.
Hex is unsettling, powerful and unforgettable. It’s the kind of book that gets under your skin and sits with you long after you’ve closed it.
⭐️3/5 stars A small book with a big impact!
