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
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

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!

Review: Kat, Incorrigible

Title: Kat, Incorrigible
Author: Stephanie Burgis
Publisher: Atheneum
Category: Middle Grade
Page Count: 304
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Series: The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson #1
Source: ARC from publisher
Challenge: 2011 DAC, 2011 A-Z Challenge
Quick Rating: 5/5
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Take one part magic, two parts adventure, an a dash of cross-dressing; add two unwed sisters, a bumbling father, and a stepmother with her petticoats in a twist, and you’re in for an unlikely adventure through nineteenth-century England like Jane Austen never dreamed of.

Katherine Ann Stephenson has just discovered that she’s inherited her mother’s magical talents, and despite Stepmama’s stern objections, she’s determined to learn how to use them. But with her eldest sister Elissa’s intended fiance, the sinister Sir Neville, showing a dangerous interest in Kat’s magical potential; her other sister, Angeline, wreaking romantic havoc with her own witchcraft; and a highwayman lurking in the forest, even Kat’s reckless heroism will be tested to the utmost. If she can learn to control her new powers, will Kat be able to rescue her family and win her sisters their true loves?

Described as Jane Austen meets Harry Potter, Kat, Incorrigible is one of the most enchanting middle grade fiction titles I’ve ever come across. Set in Regency Era England, it’s a whimsical story about a brave little girl, and the family she’s willing to do anything for to save.

Kat is a remarkably clever and mature twelve-year-old heroine, and I absolutely fell in love with her stubborn feistiness. There’s nothing more I love reading about than sisters (probably because I have none of my own), and Kat’s undying devotion to making sure her sisters are happy is one of her most endearing traits. Despite feeling left out by the older two, and despite being totally confused by that whole silly “love” thing, Kat works relentlessly to make sure her sisters end up with their true loves in the end.

And as for the sisters themselves? I loved them too! They each have their own distinct personality. Elissa, the eldest, is obsessed with her romantic gothic novels, and would like nothing more than to be a martyr for her family. Angeline, the middle sister, is a vivacious, sarcastic girl, who is following in their deceased mother’s footsteps and dabbling in witchcraft. The girls also have a brother, Charles, who only makes grunts of irritation from the next room, and bangs on the wall when the girls are rambunctious and noisy. I’m hoping we see more of Charles later in the series. Of course, their bumbling father is an absolute dear, lost in his own world, and Stepmama is strict and obsessed with Society, but comes through in the end for her stepdaughters.

The story itself was refreshing and fast-paced, and it almost seemed to go by too quickly. There was not a slow moment to be found: from Kat discovering her powers as a Guardian, disappearing through magic golden mirrors, Angeline’s disastrous love spell results, and the dark and sinister Sir Neville, it was a roller-coaster ride until the very end, and I was left absolutely salivating for more.

I don’t often read middle grade books, so I’d forgotten how refreshing they can be. Given that Kat is only twelve, all the romance focuses on her older sisters, leaving Kat free to do as she pleases. In young adult, where the focus is almost always some kind of romance, it was definitely nice to take a break, and just feel like a kid again, right along with Kat.

I’m so excited to see that this is a planned series as well. I can’t wait to find out more about the Order, and about Kat’s powers as a Guardian. She’s just so delightfully unladylike, I know she’s going to get into a bunch of trouble and fantastic adventures.

The Final Word: If you love the era of Jane Austen, mixed with a little magic and witchcraft, then this book is a must-read. Kat is a wonderful main character, and the story is quick and not over-complicated. A fast, perfectly enjoyable read.

Overall:
Characters:
Concept:
Cover:

Cover Thoughts: While the scene featured on the cover never takes place, the art style, the colors, and the expressions on the girls’ faces are beyond perfect.

Tea: Twining’s makes one of my favorite English Breakfast teas, and surely a tea so traditional would be perfect for a book set in nineteenth-century England. Since our heroine is only twelve, be sure to add plenty of milk and sugar!

Win a copy of "Kat, Incorrigible" !

I just so happen to have an extra ARC copy of "Kat, Incorrigible", and I've decided it has to be given away! Kat's wit and charm must be spread all around! 

• U. S. entries only please! I'd love to do international, but I can't afford the shipping right now.
• You must be 13 years of age or older to enter.
• No emails will be sold or given away to third parties. I will always respect your privacy.
• Winners will be chosen using random.org
• The giveaway will run from April 4th, 2011, to midnight (EST) April 10th, 2011.
• Following is not required for this giveaway, but it will earn you one extra entry.
• Reblogging or tweeting is not required, but it is definitely appreciated.

Click here to enter!
*Contest Over! Winner Here!* 

And even if you don't win, "Kat, Incorrigible" comes out tomorrow, so be sure to pick up a copy!

Review: Nightshade

Title: Nightshade
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Penguin Group
Category: Young Adult
Page Count: 528 
Release Date: October 2010
Series: none
Source: ARC
Challenge: 2011 A-Z Challenge & Breathless Reads Tour Mini Challenge 
Quick Rating: 3/5

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she’ll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters’ laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything - including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

 I really, really wanted to fall in love with this book. I wanted a passionate, epic romance between me and this series, and all I got was…well...a pretty average one night stand. Don’t get me wrong, though, Nightshade had it’s really awesome moments, but as a whole, the book just fell a little flat for me.

I almost felt like this book was a little longer than it should have been, which is weird for me to say, since my usual policy is the longer the better. But I just felt like there was a lot of stuff that could have been removed or just skimmed over, and some details about more important stuff put in. I didn’t feel like there were necessarily any huge plot holes or anything, but I did feel like a few basic holes were left wide open - conversations that should have happened, details that should have been explained, etc. I also felt like it took way, way, way too long to actually get an explanation of anything in their world. Over 100 pages in, and nothing was explained! I don’t always just liked being tossed into a story and left to try and figure things out for myself until the characters feel up to doing some ‘splainin’.

I really liked that the author seemed to have wolf behavior down perfectly! The descriptions of their interactions while in wolf form were wonderful, and felt so real. That being said, I wish that the alpha females of the packs had been given a little more power. I’m no wolf expert, but I would assume the alpha female of one pack wouldn’t let just any other alpha male lay his paws all over her. I wanted more fight, and less subservience out of a certain character *cough*Naomi*cough*. Her character peeved me to no end.

Follow the jump for more!

Review: Matched

Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Category: Young Adult
Page Count: 369
Release Date: November 2010
Series: n/a
Source: Library
Challenge: 2011 A-Z Challenge & Breathless Reads Tour Mini Challenge  
Quick Rating: 4/5

In the Society, Officials decide.

Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s hardly any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one…until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s know and a path no one else has ever dared follow - between perfection and passion.

Matched is a story for right now and story-telling with the resonance of a classic.

Dystopian fiction is taking over the world, and really, I think I’m okay with that. However, my only problem is that a lot of dystopia books are being insanely hyped, and I go in to it expected fireworks, and all I get are sparklers (and, ok, maybe a mortar and Roman candle or two). Which are still really fun, and keep me entertained for hours, but I’m just not as initially dazzled as I expected to be.

Matched was that way for me. It was a fast read, and when I finished, I found myself dangling the book upside down and wondering where the rest of it was. Initially, I was disappointed. But now, with a little time to think and go over my notes, I’m actually impressed.

The whole concept is, hands down, amazing. The Society had an element of the Nazi party to me (you know - kill off the old, keep only the healthiest), and it was absolutely horrifying to me. My disgust with the Officials and Society grew deeper and deeper right along with Cassia, and by the end, I wanted to punch that snarky Officer right in the face for all her meddling. And only living with 100 songs, or 100 poems, or 100 paintings? My mind can’t even wrap around that. Still, though, I felt everything was a little underdeveloped. For being a decent sized book, I was kind of surprised at the lack of real detail. Like more of an explanation between an “Aberration” and an “Anomaly”. Is there any form of religion? What is this whole war thing going on that keeps getting mentioned? What’s beyond the Outer Provinces? How was Society formed? What happened to the world as it was before? I was left with a million questions by the end, and while mildly frustrating, it left me really, really eager for the next installment.

Follow the jump for more!

A-Z Reading Challenge 2011

So, yeah, I'm adding yet another challenge for this year. I've seen this one floating around a couple of different blogs, and it seemed awesome. It at least gives me a way to narrow down some books I definitely want to read this year. Hosted by the lovely Book Junky, this challenge is pretty straightforward and easy. Just read 26 books, one for each letter of the alphabet. Not only are you automatically entered to win two books just for participating, you can get a really cool swag pack just for joining! Head over to the challenge page for all the full details! Feel free to grab the button I made to the left as well!

I actually had a really, really hard time narrowing down one book for each letter. I could almost do two per!

{A} Ash by Malinda Lo
{B} The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
{C} The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby
{D} Delirium by Lauren Oliver
{E} Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon
{F} Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
{G} Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by by Stieg Larsson
{H} Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
{I} Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
{J} Jane by April Lindner
{K} Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis
{L} The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
{M} Matched by Ally Condie
{N} Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
{O} Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
{P} Pegasus by Robin McKinley
{Q} The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
{R} Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
{S} A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee
{T} The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
{U} Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
{V} Virals by Kathy Reichs
{W} Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
{X} XVI by Julia Karr
{Y} You Are Not Here by Samantha Schutz
{Z} Zombies vs. Unicorns by Holly Black