The question regarding Michelle Krys’s debut novel is not whether it is derivative (it most certainly is), but whether the book brings anything original to the crowded field of paranormal romances aimed at teen girls.

In Hexed, cheerleader Indigo Blackwood learns that she may be a witch and finds herself at the centre of a centuries-old conflict between witches and sorcerers. As she struggles to control her powers, Indigo must rely on a geeky not-quite-friend and a hot, possibly dangerous stranger for backup.

Krys certainly takes her inspiration from the best. The similarities with Joss Whedon’s brilliant TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer – cheerleading, superhuman powers, and a gorgeous, mysterious guy thrown into the mix – are too numerous to count. The author also borrows from Stephen King’s Carrie, the ultimate paranormal alienated-teen story, in that things come to a head at prom. Even the Twilight novels are brought to mind by Jezebel, a red-headed witch with her own motives who bears a resemblance to Stephenie Meyer’s vamp Victoria.

Krys adds very little of her own magic to this mashup of borrowed material. There is nothing original about Indigo, who lacks the rich vein of rage that made Buffy and Carrie interesting. Time spent noting every hair flip, outfit, and kiss would have been better utilized sorting out exactly why the witches and sorcerers are so intent on destroying each other in the first place.

Is Hexed, then, a successful derivative? No, but it has its place. The plot speeds along quickly and is easy to follow, making the book a good fit for readers who enjoyed the Twilight, Hunger Games, and Divergent series but aren’t yet confident enough for Neil Gaiman or Terry Pratchett – authors who offer more original and interesting ideas about growing up in an increasingly strange and dangerous world. Adults should note, however, that the book includes some hot and heavy scenes, making it inappropriate for younger readers.