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!

Review: Beyond the Highland Mist & Dark Lover

Trying something just a little different. I read two of my "guilty pleasure" over my vacation - an eight hour drive down, then another eight hours back gives you plenty of time to read. But instead of doing full reviews for them, I'm going to group them into "mini-reviews".

Title: Beyond the Highland Mist
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Publisher: Dell
Category: Adult Fiction
Page Count: 375
Release Date: May 2004
Series: Highlander Series #1
Source: Library Trade Rack
Challenge: none 
Quick Rating: 3/5
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An alluring laird.

He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart - until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm’s length - but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.

A prisoner in time.

She has a perfect “no” on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne’s reservations were no match for Hawk’s determination to keep her by his side…

As a very devoted Outlander fan, I could not pass up the opportunity to delve back into the world of the Scottish Highlands. What I was not expecting was to giggle so much. Honestly, I haven’t read a romance novel in ages, so I’d forgotten just how many times “raging manhoods” and “swelling bosoms” were mentioned - I had to bury my face a couple of times in a fabulous fit of immaturity.

But, really, I can’t resist a good time travel novel. Nor can I resist books full to the brim of muscley warriors either. Adrienne’s flat out resistance to Hawk was absolutely frustrating! Just because he’s pretty doesn’t mean he’s a bad man, you silly woman! It only took you two-thirds of the book to figure that out.

I also felt it could have been a little shorter - some of the resistance scenes felt a little redundant, but overall, I actually really liked it. It was quick and entertaining, and was similar to first Outlander novel without all the…you know…epicness. I will definitely be getting the next in the series.

Overall:
Cover:

Cover Thoughts: Um, yes please? I love the shadows and the blue tones, and the lovely torso, but your title is covering him a little too much. Need more abs!

Tea: Pick your favorite brand of Earl Grey and settle in for a fast, quick read and maybe a giggle or two.

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 Title: Dark Lover
Author: J. R. Ward
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Category: Adult Fiction
Page Count: 393
Release Date: September 2005
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #1

Source: Library Trade Rack
Challenge: none
Quick Rating: 3/5
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The only purebred vampire left on the planet, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But when one of his most trusted fighters is killed - orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate - Wrath much usher the beautiful female into the world of the undead…

Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn’t there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of brotherhood and blood frighten her. But his touch ignites a dawning hunger that threatens to consume them both…

 Finally! A romance novel where the two love interests do not constantly resist one another! They may try to, but Wrath and Beth cannot stay away from each other, and it makes for one delightfully steamy book.

I also appreciate in a series of paranormal “romance” novels such an original premise. J. R. Ward took the time to put her own spin on the world of vampires, and it’s awesome! I love that vampires aren’t truly immortal, that they don’t drink from and kill humans, and that the “slayers” are creepy as all get out!

Though it was absolutely full to brimming of steamy scenes and action sequences, I still felt it dragged just a little, but I think this is just a personal problem with romance novels. I’m definitely planning on continuing with the series.

Overall:
Cover:

Cover Thoughts: Red and shiny and perfect understated. It doesn’t scream “romance” or “vampire”, and I appreciate that. I also love the leafy detail along the left hand side of the book. Beautiful!

Tea: Make yourself a nice Long Island Ice Tea - these kinds of books are always more fun with a little mental lubrication! 

Review: The Replacment

Title: The Replacement
Author: Brenna Yovanoff
Publisher: Razorbill
Category: Young Adult
Page Count: 343
Release Date: September 2010
Series: none
Source: ARC edition
Challenge: Breathless Reads Tour Mini Challenge 
Quick Rating: 3/5

Though he lives in the small town of Gentry, Mackie comes from a world of tunnels and black murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattooed princess. He is a Replacement - left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now, because of fatal allergies to iron, blood, and consecrated ground, Mackie is slowly dying in the human world.

Mackie would give anything to live among us, to practice on his bass or spend time with an oddly intriguing girl called Tate. But when Tate’s baby sister goes missing, Mackie is drawn irrevocably into the underworld of Gentry, know as Mayhem. He must face the dark creatures of the Slag Heaps and find his rightful place, in our world, or theirs.

Edward Scissorhands meets Catcher in the Rye in this wildly imaginative and frighteningly beautiful novel about an unusual boy and his search for a place to belong.

Based on the synopsis on the back of the book, I went into The Replacement expecting a cool, almost reverse Labyrinth. But alas, there was no magical David Bowie, and no dance numbers. All I found was the same problem I’ve been having with a lot of paranormal books lately. I end up liking the world, and a lot of the secondary characters, more than the main plotline and characters.

For me, the world that existed below the ground was beautiful, horrifying, and absolutely fascinating. I could picture the House of Mayhem, and the Morrigan, and the living dead girls in such vivid detail, I found myself sorry to return with Mackie to the normal human world. I wanted so much more of this mysterious world. The Morrigan especially! She was so cute and childlike, yet adult and sinister all at once. Her snuggly closeness quickly made her, without competition, my favorite character in the whole book.

As for the human world? Well, it was just a whole village full of scared people in denial. Nothing really appealing about it. The best advice you can give your kid is to not be unique, but blend in. However, for everyone so seemingly steeped in denial, it struck me as really strange when some of the characters didn’t bat an eyelash at some of the weird stuff going on. Little zombie girl? I’d freak. Doors popping out of garbage heaps? I’d run the other way. A freaky queen who likes to eat babies? I’d check myself into an institution. But no one seems to question the strangeness of it all. Maybe the teens in Gentry are immune to the denial? Or, at least a select few.

One thing I really did appreciate, however, was the realism of the way the teens spoke. I liked that there was a bunch of swearing, because it felt so much more real that way. In a lot of YA, it seems the intent is to be a “clean” read - no cussing, no physical contact beyond kissing. Well, The Replacement got it right. The kids swear when they’re mad or confused, and there’s quite a bit of inappropriate touching and staring. Most books from a boy’s perspective (especially those written by women) tend to skim over some details about where their minds are. But no, the author just flat out lets you know Mackie isn’t really paying attention to the teacher, he’s staring at some girl’s boobs. I laughed. And it made me feel like the characters were a little more real.

As for the characters themselves? The secondary cast stole the show to me, especially “Them”, the underground folk. Mackie annoyed me occasionally - he came off a bit whiny, weak, and pathetic in some scenes. I really found myself just honestly wishing he’d grow a spine and do something. Tate was likable enough, though I felt no chemistry between her and Mackie. She felt like a convenient plot point. No interest in her until her sister vanishes, then suddenly, it’s all about her. Something just didn’t click with that relationship to me. Roswell was an awesome best friend, though his lack of asking questions and demanding answers about all the weird stuff going on was a little strange. I would have actually liked a little more detail about him and his family, though.

*Spoiler* I was also totally confused by the end. The Cutter gets hit by a crowbar (and by the way, where did she pull that from? Did she really hide a crowbar in her boot?) a couple of times and backs out? What kind of villain is he? I was expecting epic fight to the death - not a quick surrender from the man who apparently loved pain! And what a bunch of lame servants the Lady has. No one defended her at all! The ending to me felt really rushed, and sort of anti-climactic. It just didn’t flow right. *Spoiler*

The Final Word: All in all, a pretty good supernatural read. The prose is elegant and haunting, and the world is beautifully creepy. I appreciate that this is a standalone novel, but I think I could have stood it to be a little longer. Some parts ended up feeling rushed. Mackie is a bit of a wimp, but a strong minor character cast make up for it.

Overall:
Cover:
Concept:
Characters:

Tea: There is a local shop in my town that makes their own teabags, and I would definitely pick their Jasmine Green Tea to go with this. It’s a very earthy, rich tea that makes me think of rainy days and dark corners. Perfect for such a creepy book about magical underground societies. 

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: Unearthly

Title: Unearthly
Author: Cynthia Hand
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Category: Young Adult
Page Count: 329 
Release Date: January 2011
Source: Bought
Challenge: 2011 DAC
Quick Rating: 5/5
In the beginning, there’s a boy standing in the trees…

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she’s part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn’t easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place - and out of place at the same time. Because there’s another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara’s less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she’d have to make - between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

UNEARTHLY is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Another angel book? Yeah. That’s exactly what I thought at first. I was initially drawn in by that oh-so-pretty cover (internet pictures really don’t do it justice), but it became so much more than a beautiful face. It’s been hard trying to collect my thoughts for a review, because all I want to do is just gush!

First, like I said, that cover just blew me away when I finally saw it in real life. Design counts a lot with me, and Unearthly hit the nail on the head. Not only is the jacket lovely, but the hard cover underneath is beautiful, and the graphic at the beginning of each chapter is so pretty! I have a total weakness for swirls.

Beyond the superficial though, a lot of things really impressed me about Unearthly. Number one being the strong presence of secondary characters, specially her mom. How many times in YA fiction is the parental figure almost totally absent? I was almost as intrigued by Clara’s mom as Clara herself. Clara’s obvious adoration of her mother is a relief from the typical resentful teen. Not that Clara doesn’t have her moments, but you can just tell what a loving family she has. I cannot wait to find out more about the mystery of her mother’s purpose, as well as her brother, Jeffrey’s.

Follow the jump for more!