Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Pages: 323
Intended Audience: Teens and mature tweens
Genre: Supernatural
Notes for Parents: There are a few violent and graphic scenes.

The Inside Cover

On her 12^th birthday, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. Three bumpy years later, after a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, she’s exiled to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day, 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. Then when a mysterious predator begins attacking students, and Sophie’s only friend is the number-one suspect, a horrifying plot begins to surface. Soon, Sophie is preparing for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is the first book in a trilogy.

What’s good?
A wonderfully witty and wholly likeable main character is the star of a very entertaining story about a witch who gets sent to reform school. Sophie is a hilarious, well-meaning but undisciplined magic prodigy. Her roommate, Jenna, is a pink-obsessed vampire whose lesbian status is just a fact, not a theme – I loved that! While the other characters – the mean girls, the hottie, the handsome groundskeeper – start off as stereotypes, they develop throughout the story into distinct and strong characters. The plot is well-paced and organized with murder and attacks, the mystery of Sophie’s dad, the family secret, the ghost, the coven, the threat of witch hunters and demons, and even a little romance.
Best Part: Sophie is delightful! I especially like when she tries to stop a charging werewolf by saying, “Bad dog!”

What isn’t good?

While the simplicity of the plot makes it very easy to read, the unfortunate side effect is that it can be predictable. There were definitely some things I didn’t see coming, but overall, I wasn’t surprised to be right about the motivation of several of the characters.
Worst part: I hate the use of the word “fugly.”
 
Recommendation þþþþo
This book was fun. The author doesn’t overdue any of the elements (the mystery, the supernatural, the romance) and keeps everything on an even keel. Characterization is very well done, the plot is simple but has plenty of twists and turns, and despite some dark parts, the overall feel of the book remains light and entertaining. I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy. Definitely recommended!

Hawkins, Rachel. Hex Hall. New York: Hyperion, 2011.