"Hex Hall" by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Hex Hall

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Synopsis: 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 to 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 shapeshifters. By the end of her first day, Sophie has angered three powerful witches who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tag a long ghost and a roommate who is a vampire and the most hated person on campus. As a series for 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.

Overall Review: GOOD BAD UGLY

This book was really good. I didn't have high expectations of it since I am always skeptical about stories about witches, but I was happy to be pleasantly surprised. Hawkins has created a creepy setting for Hex Hall. Although there isn't much that can be done with boarding school, the characters compliment the setting enough to keep the interest of the reader. Sophie, our protagonist, is hilarious, sarcastic, and someone to whom readers can relate. I love her. Probably because I feel like I can relate to her, in that I am always saying the wrong thing and getting into trouble. Her kindness towards her outcast roommate gives us full 360 view of her. Sophie is not just sarcastic and funny she is sensitive and caring. Ah, and the romance.....who loves the whole unrequited love thing??? ME! ME! ME! Archer, resident hottie and object of Sophie's (and every other girl's)affection. Of course, starts out being cruel to her, making her want him all the more. But then circumstances throw them into a setting where they get to know each other and the sparks fly. The budding romance is nipped by a terrible secret held by one them. Several mysteries unfold, like who is killing of the witches of the school? Sophie, being a witch herself is determined to find out the answer before she suffers the same fate. With one captivating twist after another, readers will be addicted to Sophie and her adventures. I recommend this book for more mature teens due to some content, and assure any adult lovers of YA fiction/fantasy that his should be on your reading list.