Review: Hex Hall

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Hyperion
Category: young adult
Page Count: 323
Release Date: March 2, 2010
Series: Hex Hall #1
Source: Library
Challenge: 2011 A-Z Challenge 
Quick Rating: 5/5
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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 student 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.

I should be kicking myself right now for not picking up Hex Hall sooner. But, I’m kind of glad I did, because now I don’t have to wait to read the sequel.

Hex Hall is one of those magical books where every page has me giggling, and it’s so irresistible, I can’t put it down. I literally read this in one day, it was just that good.

Rachel Hawkins has created an amazing world, full of witches, shapeshifters, and beautiful faeries. And not only is the world very well developed (though there is still obviously a lot for the readers to learn), the characters are just flat out amazing. Sophie Mercer is such a likable heroine! Her dry humor had me laughing on every page, and she felt so relatable. When she was happy, I felt happy. When she was feeling stressed and overwhelmed, all I wanted to do was comfort her. It’s rare for me to feel so heavily connected to a character, but with Sophie, it was instantaneous.

The rich cast of other characters weren’t so shabby either. Jenna, the vampire best friend, is adorable with her pink-striped hair, and I definitely liked the inclusion of a gay female best friend, instead of the typical gay male best friend. Archer Cross was also incredibly swoon-worthy. The cellar scene? Um, yes please! *fans self* I cannot wait to see what’s left to discover about him, especially after the ending. And I’m definitely liking the groundsman, Cal - he sounds like a veritable Prince Charming, and I’m hoping we see more of him as well.

I was reminded a little bit of The Craft, that wonderful witchy movie from the 90’s, and that is definitely a good thing. Elodie, queen of the school, and her two henchwomen, Chaston, and Anna were just the right amount of snob and sinister rolled into one. I was absolutely shocked when the truth came out about them in the end.

And speaking of the end - wow! The first part of the book was entertaining and humorous, but the end kicked it up a couple notches with some steamy scenes, some extremely creepy scenes, and some amazing butt-kicking action. I was absolutely racing through the pages to find out what happened, only to be left with more questions at the end. Guess I better run to the bookstore soon and pick up the sequel.

The Final Word: If you love boarding schools and anything paranormal or supernatural, pick up Hex Hall immediately. It’s so good, I can hardly find the words to describe it. It’ll have you laughing one second, and then have your heart racing the next. Definitely a must-read.

Overall:
Characters:
Concept:
Cover:

Cover Thoughts: Eh. It’s nothing special, really. It’s almost a little juvenile in my opinion. And what is up with that black cat?!

Tea: This week, I’m taking a cue from Mrs. Casnoff and suggesting you drink whatever kind of drink most comforts you, or is your favorite. Any drink that makes you happy can only add to the warm, fuzzy feeling you get when reading Hex Hall!