Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Hex Hall

By: Rachel Hawkins

Reading Level: Young Adult Paranormal Fiction

Publisher: Hyperion Books

BookWhisperer Rating:

Book Description:

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.

 

Hex Hall is an tremendous beginning for this Hex Hall Series. Sophie Mercer is an awesome character that seems to not really fit in anywhere. Although, I found the ending to tie up all the loose ends, and enlighten readers with a logical conclusion. This is a novel that is best not to take anything for granted. Without a stone unturned this story will weave a mystery that will proves no character can be taken at face value. Hawkins managed to build a story that ties all supernatural into one thrilling story. With it’s completely original storyline it promises to the be an excellent read, and will leave the readers guessing as to what will happen in the books to come.  Although, one logical conclusion can be made that the ending to Hex Hall is not be the removal of Sophie’s powers, and there is much more to tell about her adventures to come.

In light of all the fears that were portrayed in this first book toward a Vampire; I am anxious to see how the other students handle a demon in there midst. I am also confident that we have not seen the last of the delicious Archer, and I firmly believe there is more to his story. I look for Demon Glass to continue changing Sophie’s world, and that what we believe now about enemies and friends may very soon change again. Many books can carry through a story that includes a twist that will change the stories direction, but Hex Hall seemed to stop in middle and rewrite the story with what Sophie has learned about her family. This is very rare, and it was carefully mastered to created a incredible story that is sure to become another favorite to Young Adult Paranormal lovers.

Covers being one of my favorite attributes to stories; this one is by far mesmerizing. With a cover such as Hex Hall every reader is sure they have it all figured out. With the addition of the cat and the flipped view it is not only attractive, but adds to the idea that Sophie is a Witch. After completing the novel I am continuing to stare at it, and wonder if it was intended to mislead the character or if this was just meant to portray her as most of the story does. This is definitely a cover mystery that I enjoyed.

This is the BookWhisperers first Hawkins read, and she will be added to my list of authors to watch. Future will unravel, and my prediction is that there is much more to come from this talented author. I love a author will a good sense of humor, and Hawkins takes the cake. For example: “I heard the man and woman cry out a warning as I frantically racked my brain for some sort of throat-repairing spell, which I was clearly about to need. Of course the only words I actually managed to yell at the werewolf as he ran at me were, “Bad Dog!”” (page 19). I was laughing so hard I had to stop reading at this point. I mean seriously that is an author that will not leave you wanting, and she is just getting started.  Be on the look out for Demon Glass (Hex Hall Book 2) to be released March 1st, 2011 by Hyperion Books.