Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Pub. Date: March 02, 2010
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Format: Hardcover, 336pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father-an elusive European warlock-only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Sophie Mercer, bless her heart, just can’t seem to catch a break! Since coming into her powers, Sophie’s only tried to help people with them. But unfortunately, and no matter how good the intentions are, things never seem to work out quite the way Sophie has in mind. After a major snafu at prom, Sophie is sent to Hecate Hall, a school for risky Prodigium- that is witches, faeries, and shape shifters who can't seem to keep their abilities in control. I have to say, having all of my favorite supernatural beings thrown together in one place, often against their will, was definitely one of the reasons why I enjoyed this book so much. It was entertaining to learn about their different types of supernatural powers and how they interacted and quite often clashed with one another. Sophie was very likable and she had me cracking up time and time again with her quick witted one liners.

When some of my favorite authors raved about Hex Hall, I just knew I had to get my hands on a copy! I’m glad I did. What a wonderfully exciting debut for Hawkins! Hex Hall was a quick and entertaining read, chocked full of surprises and just the right amount of mystery, magic and humor. The plot kept me eagerly turning pages as Sophie tried to uncover the mysteries surrounding the school and her new life.

Hex Hall ended with a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. It will be interesting to see how Sophie handles herself in the next installment. Sophie- I'm rooting for you all the way!

Overall, readers will be pleased with Hex Hall. It's a hilarious and entertaining read.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars