Review HEX HALL by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall

by Rachel Hawkins

Details:
Published: March 2nd 2010 by Hyperion Book CH
Hardcover, 336 pages

Placement in Pile:
Reaching New Heights
Summary:
When Sophie Mercer turned thirteen, she 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 Hecate Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward prodigium, a.k.a. witches, fae, 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 on campus. Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her friend Jenna is the number one suspect. Meanwhile, Sophie has a more personal shock to grapple with. Not only is her father the head of the prodigium council, he's the most powerful warlock in the world, and Sophie is his heir. 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.

Review:
Sophie Mercer's personality is what sealed the deal for me. I can't say that I was particularly impressed with the plot and driving events of the first couple chapters, but what pulled me along was the protagonist's quick wit and snarky teen voice. If there's one thing that kills a YA book is an adult voice in a teen body . . . like, when I read certain YA romances and walk away feeling as though the book was the author's wish fulfillment. Not in Rachel Hawkin's Hex Hall. This book has teen all over it.


From the trials the protagonist faces to the reactions she has when faced with the truth about who she really is, Hawkins writing is clever, and in the YA world, masterful.

Hex Hall is a delightful quick read. There is moderate language and (slightly weird) sexual scene references, though very mild. For the most part, I loved it. And I can't wait for the next Hex Hall installment!