I picked this book up in my local library thinking it would be an easy read. One of those kind of books you don't have to pay much attention to, don't get totally engrossed in yet you still enjoy it. My example of this kind of book would be The Secret Circle (though I've only ever read the first one). But I was very very wrong about Born Wicked!

Cate is the oldest of three sisters, and in addition to worrying about her upcoming intention ceremony where she has to announce the man she will marry or face joining the religious sisterhood, she also has to act like a mother and protector to her two younger sisters, Maura and Tess.

Cate is both weak and strong, which makes for a beautiful combination and a character that you can't help but fiercely root for as you flip each page. Her weakness comes from her inability to speak up for what she wants, to use the magic burning underneath her surface. Her strength comes in being able to refuse to do what is natural to her to protect her sisters from any harm.

In my opinion, Paul and Finn are also both sides of Cate's personality. Paul is proper and handsome, maybe even restrained, adored by many. He is the person she would be with if she were simply a 'proper' lady.

And then there's Finn, beautiful, freckled, bedraggled Finn. He brings passion and love into Cate's life when she thought it couldn't be. He is willing to sacrifice everything for her, join with those he hates to keep her, her family and his safe. There is so much more to Finn and Cate than between Paul and Cate.

The prophecy is thrillingly frustrating, first you presume it's Cate...then you know something happens with one sister. You presume it's Maura, being the way she is - wilful, fiery, argumentative, for some reason always seeing the bad in Cate and putting her down. Then Maura knows mind magic...and uses it the way she does. Could she be the powerful one? And of course Tess, sweet, clever, kind Tess...most likely the most powerful of the three and I hope it doesn't destroy her.

In the end this book is superbly written and perfectly paced. It's a tale of sisterly love, passionate love, courage and fear and doing anything you can to protect those you care about.