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.
(Summary from GoodReads)
I really enjoy it when YA paranormal doesn’t take itself too seriously. That said, I’m ashamed that I left Rachel Hawkins’ Hex Hall on my TBR pile for so long. Hawkins’ debut was a fun and engaging book with a delightful main character.
I’ve been following for a few years now, and I was hoping her book would be as funny as her Twitter feed. Thankfully, it totally was. Sophie is snarky and a little self-deprecating.
Somehow the plot of this one accidentally got spoiled for me, but I liked how there was a bit of a Mean Girls element to the story. Hawkins set this book in the normal world, but there are all kinds of other cool paranormal creatures here, and she does a great job of developing all of them. Sophie also had an interesting backstory and family, and that was cool.
One of my biggest compliments to Hawkins is that she did the first book in a series right. There was a complete satisfying story in this book, but still a legitimate plothole that needs to be filled.
Hawkins charmed me so much that I put Hex Hall on my favorites list for 2013. I genuinely cannot wait to get more of these characters, more of this story, and more of Rachel’s writing. This is a perfect story to give to someone who wants a fun, witchy story, especially younger readers.
Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book.
I found the writing in this book super charming as well. I ended disappointed in the love story as the series progressed but at least the writing continues to be adorable.
ReplyHex Hall has been on my TBR pile for ages, too. I'm so glad to hear that you really loved this. Sometimes I just crave fun books that don't take themselves too seriously. Hopefully I can get to this one soon.
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