Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Number of Pages: 323
Date Published: March 2, 2010
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Goodreads:
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 tag-along 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.
***
My Thoughts:(Date Read: October 24, 2011)
On Sophie Mercer's twelfth birthday, she discovered she was far from normal. She's a witch. And from that day, she and her mom have been moving to different places to keep her safe. But The Council (a council of witches and warlocks) decided that it wasn't safe for Sophie to be mingling with humans, if she doesn't know how to control her abilities. And besides, she has done enough damage to the human world already. So she was shipped to Hecate Hall, a reformatory school for witches, shapeshifters and faeries. And the whole story pretty much happened there...
First of all, I really love the cover of this book (along with the other books in the series). I know we don't have to judge a book by its cover but still, a pretty cover attracts readers.
Hex Hall is a fun and interesting read. I didn't find the book hard to read, and I wasn't bored. The first few chapters gave me an impression that this book was like Harry Potter mashed with Disney's Halloweentown High. It did have some similarities, but I think what makes Hex Hall unique was that it told where the witches, faeries and shapeshifters originated from, or where they came from. I always want books to tell the story behind the existence of such paranormal beings just like The Mortal Instruments and Blue Bloods. But taking away all the magical things, this book portrays a typical high school experience: how gorgeous girls pick on the newbie; how a teen girl develops a crush on the hottest guy in school; and how strong friendships are made.
The story was told in Sophie's point of view. I really love her outspoken personality and how she immediately accepted that she had a crush on Archer Cross. Some stories would have leads that deny the fact that they already like somebody and drag on in the book. But here, the moment she felt something, she knew it was it. What's more amusing is that her crush goes on and off, depending on Archer's actions and behavior (hahahaha, happens to some of us, I guess). I also admire her for being non-judgmental to her roommate and friend Jenna, who is obsessed with pink.
All in all, Hex Hall is a wonderful book. It didn't have much of the surprise factor but it will sure keep you going. But be warned, cliffhanger on the loose.
***February 2016 Update***
This 2011 review has been somewhat updated to suit the format and the layout of the blog. No major change has been made with my review. The thought, and most of the words I used back when I wrote this review is still the same. Only some minor editing, like deleting unnecessary words, phrases, expressions and emoticons (if there were any).
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