No, it's only listed as a passive ability so you have somewhere to write it on your Hero Sheet. Think of Hexed less as an ability and more of a condition you have, that makes you use only 8 abilities each combat (you can use different ones each combat). You have to choose which abilities you use and keep even closer track of which ones you use, since you're cut off at 8. Even if they tend to be automatic (like Sear or Bleed), you still have to decide whether to include them as one of the 8. In fact, if my opponent was immune to some of my abilities, it almost seemed like a blessing, since the choice was at least made for me. You said you thought Book Two was easier than the first book. Turns out, the author had something planned for you all along.