I haven’t read these books but I took a look into the publisher’s descriptions and reader reviews.

I think it is a given that anyone properly trained in Wicca isn’t going to be writing accurately or openly about his/her religion in any work of fiction. Moreover as Wicca is conceived and practiced as an adult-only religion, writing fiction targeted at teenagers would also make ill suited the themes involved within the Religion.

On the other hand, the broader range of available, emotive, inspirational and sensationalist Wiccanesque misinformation would and does play across all the themes that appeal to teenagers as well as many adults. At best, I think one should consider this series to be another example of modern occult fiction that leverages off most of those popularized themes. The author appears to employ classic thematic patterns that say what teenagers want to hear, a good recipe for a successful publication and work of fiction.

In the latter books in the series, there is apparently less and less reference to Wicca, which perhaps indicates that having defined what that means within the series, it is no longer necessary to ‘instruct’ the reader(s). Discouraging for teenagers looking to learn about Wicca from such sources but perhaps they will turn to better sources in such cases. As accurate depictions of modern Paganism, Pagan Witchcraft or the Religion of Wicca,  if the claims within these books prove to be the reason behind interest in such, the reality of being Wiccan or a Pagan Witch or even a Pagan probably won’t appeal much.

Amongst the classic thematic patterns that I observed just from the descriptions/reviews is first off acceptance. Huge teenage theme as you know. These books promise that one can be both a teenager and Wiccan despite the Religion of Wicca being conceived and practiced as adult-only. The narrator starts out like all classic heroines feeling inadequate and socially disadvantaged. She has a drop-dead-gorgeous side-kick and she meets a handsome and older boy/hero who is not only the epitome of ‘being Wiccan’ but turns out to be some kind of Wiccan royalty, a ‘blood-witch’ who is a descendant of one of the seven great witch clans. The heroine of course in due time will discover that she is also royalty and descended from another of the clans making her into his peer, another blood witch who just happens to be supernaturally powerful …this progression is classic storytelling.

The author seems to employ all the markers associated with occult/generic witchcraft such as versions of magick and spellcraft and ritual, finding of soul-mates, organized into covens etc. The premise for this series however clearly rests firmly on a foundation of occult-mythological history as in ‘ancient witchcraft’ + ‘witch clans’ + being a witch is passed down through the family/blood etc, all of which = Wicca. This plays right into the teenage themes of ‘who am I?’ and desperately wanting to discover that one isn’t going to turn out to be ordinary. That one is really special, powerful etc. For example, not only is Morgan apparently a blood-witch and part of an ancient lineage like the boy she has a crush on but she is marked out in the classic heroine fashion as even more special being someone who ‘inhabits a world of magical powers that the average Wiccan does not.’ She discovers for example that she can do telekinesis, speak in ancient tongues and has incredible healing powers. As teenage themes go, this is a full concerto being played in the key of the Wiccanesque. As storytelling goes, this is pretty classic and appealing to a teenage audience.

C.H.

Thanks CH. I suspected it wouldn't be very accurate. As long as it has a positive spin, though, I can live with it. If the girls have questions, I can send them to good sources.

SG, Cate Tiernan is the author. I've not heard of her.