Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins Review

Name: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Hyperion Books  
Release Date: March 2nd, 2010
Format: Hardcover
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336 pages

Summary:
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.

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My Review:

Hex Hall is one of the best books that I have read in a while. I cannot explain exactly why, but this is one of those novels that you love from the first page and that leaves you with a desperate need to know how the story continues. In some ways it reminded me of what I felt when I read Anna and The French Kiss. Although the two books could not be more different, the authors share the  ability to create. Both books include different YA cliches and unique stories that stand out, if not for their originality then for the ease with which certain subjects, many of which are a little too heavy and dramatic for a teenage audience, are discussed.

Don't misunderstand me: I love heavy and dramatic stories, but after reading dozens and dozens of identical books, I'm a little tired of reading about tormented protagonists in full adolescent crises. After Fury, a book that perfectly reflects the description given above, I desperately wanted a light and pleasant read, and I started Hex Hall for that exact reason (besides the fact that it was sitting on my shelves for too long). I had pretty high expectations about this YA, and I must say that they were fully satisfied! The story, the protagonist, the characters, and the settings all fit perfectly together, forming a unique and special book! Sophie is a witch, and like all witches, she loves to make spells! Most of the time, however, her spells result in many problems, which is why she's forced to move to a new city across the United States for three years.

When a spell goes wrong and Sophie destroys half the school, her divorced parents decide to punish her, forcing her to attend Hecate Hall, a school for "prodigies", meaning all those with very special abilities. In addition to the other witches, fairies, shifters, and one vampire, who just happens to be the roommate of the protagonist and also the main suspect of a murder, also attend the school.

At Hex Hall, Sophie learns more about her powers and also discovers her family's dark past. She spends her school year surrounded by mysterious assaults and the ghosts of her ancestors who wonder around the school carrying shocking revelations. Sophie is a fantastic character. She is funny, sarcastic, and intelligent; she's also the type of character whom you immediately sympathize with, and you love from the first page. She made me laugh like an idiot at almost everything she said! I also loved her relationship with Jenna, the vampire and suspected killer. While they don't immediately become best friends, which usually happens in most of the YA series set in private schools or campuses, their friendship evolves more slowly, making it seem much more genuine and real.

Another thing I really liked about Sophie is the fact that she isn't madly in love with a guy. I mean, she is in love with someone, but she doesn't scream from the rooftops that he's the love of her life or anything, but merely says more than once that it's just a simple crush. Sophie also refuses to be intimidated by the three classic popular girl of the school, but instead faces them more than once and decides to ignore them! I really liked the ending and now I desperately want to read the sequel, Demonglass, which I will buy as soon as possible!

Hex Hall is a fresh, light, and fun book that is perfect to read on the beach! I would recommend it to those who are looking for an enjoyable read that's not too heavy!

My Rating: