Book Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall (Book #1) by Rachel Hawkins
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Pages: 336
Received From: Publicist

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 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 Review: Hex Hall was an amazing debut by Rachel Hawkins! It definitely had the wow factor I've been waiting for! This whole book is full of supernatural creatures. Any fan of this type of genre will be thrilled to witness all there favorites such as witches, vampires, faeries, werewolves, etc. I didn't know what to expect at first because the cover perceived the book to be a light read. But, that's misleading! It has cutesy moments but it's also dark and edgy. Sophie, the main character, was such a cute and funny character. She was a witch, but an inexperienced one. After a love spell goes wrong, Sophie is sent to Hecate Hall a.k.a. Hex Hall. A school where prodigium's learn to control their powers without exposing themselves in the real world.

She has a bit of a hard time since some people want to make her life difficult. However, there is a reason behind that issue, too bad I'm not going to share. :) I loved a few characters besides Sophie, such as her roommate Jenna which was the only vampire student in school. My heart went out to her since she was presented as the outcast. Also, her crush Archer was a total heartthrob and as I got to know him I really liked him. I absolutely loved the twists in Hex Hall, Rachel seriously knows how to build suspense and mystery. The ending ah! I need the sequel asap! Overall, this book is truly amazing and I'll be yearning for the second book until it comes out. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoy YA books, period.

**Read Hex Hall's prologue here**

My Rating:

Author's Info:
Rachel Hawkins was born in Virginia and raised in Alabama, which means she uses funny words like “fixin’” and “y’all.” After graduating from Auburn University, she succumbed to the lure of Summers Off and became a high school English teacher. Four years of forcing students to memorize the first twelve lines of The Canterbury Tales finally broke her, and in 2007, she quit teaching to pursue writing full time. When not writing, Rachel enjoys dyeing her hair various shades of red and spending time with her husband and son.

For more info on Rachel, visit her site(s):
Website: http://www.rachel-hawkins.com
Blog: http://readingwritingrachel.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rmhawkins

Up & Coming Books:
Hex Hall 2: Mad Hex (March 2011)