Review: Hallowed Circle by Linda Robertson

Favorite Lines: “I clung to my shield–made of trust issues that should keep us divided and that fear in me that was unsure which part of me spawned this deep yearning–but my grip weakened more each day.” (p. 38)

Persephone Alcmedi is a solitary witch who has been nominated to compete in Eximium, a competition for the position of High Priestess. Seph doesn’t want to be High Priestess, but also doesn’t want a new another inept witch selected for the Cleveland coven. Reluctantly she agrees to participate in the competition that turns deadly.

Hallowed Circle is book two in the Circle series; it begins shortly after Vicious Circle ends. If your haven’t read book one don’t attempt Hallowed Circle.

I love the family Ms. Robertson created in book one and carried over into Hallowed Circle. The family consists of Seph, her Nana and foster child Beverley. One of the reasons I enjoy the family (which I’d love to read more of) is it’s realistic. Families are not the same as they were in the 50’s and it’s great to see it reflected in the book.

The writing is vivid. Reading the book is like watching a movie with twists and unexpected turns during the Eximium. The tension surrounding the master vampire-wizard Menessos rises as the book progresses until I wanted much more of Menessos. Ms. Robertson knows how to string her readers along with well-developed plots. Menessos will be back in the next book in the series Fatal Circle. It is slated to be released at the end of June 2010.

I really wasn’t interested in the romance aspect of the book. I’m prejudiced against her love interest Johnny. He pulled a stunt in the previous book that turned me against him. He will have to work his ass off to redeem himself in my eyes and even then I’ll be waiting for him to betray her.

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