12
Oct102010
All Hallows Eve – BOOK REVIEW: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
by Carolyn • Posted in 3.5 Star Reviews, All Hallows Eve 2010, Authors E-H, Book Reviews, Paranormal
Title: Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1)
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: March 2010
Paperback: 336 pages
Genre: Paranormal
Young Adult
REVIEWED BY LAURA
RATING: 7/10
BOOK COVER SUMMARY:
In the wake of a love spell gone horribly wrong, Sophie Mercer, a sixteen-year-old witch, is shipped off to Hecate Hall, a boarding school for witches, shapeshifters and faeries. The traumas of mortal high school are nothing compared to the goings on at “Freak High.” It’s bad enough that she has to deal with a trio of mean girls led by the glamorous Elodie, but it’s even worse when she begins to fall for Elodie’s gorgeous boyfriend, Archer Cross, and frankly terrifying that the trio are an extremely powerful coven of dark witches. But when Sophie begins to learn the disturbing truth about her father, she is forced to face demons both metaphorical and real, and come to terms with her own growing power as a witch.
REVIEW:
The cover of this book is oddly deceiving. When I first looked at it, I wasn’t sure if the book would be for me. As it looked a little bit too YA for my taste. How could I be so wrong?
This book is hilarious! Full on, laugh out loud funny. It’s like a cross between Harry Potter and Mean Girls meets Sabrina.
Sophie is a witch. Having never met her father, she has been raised by her human mother and has had no magical education. But when one spell too many goes wrong, she is sent to Hecate (Hex) Hall. A reform, boarding school for magical children. She’s never even met another witch before, let alone shape-shifters and faeries.
Hex Hall is like a baptism of fire. Firstly she’s nearly attacked by a werwolf and then she’s roomed with the only vampire and outcast of the school. If that isn’t bad enough, there’s the beautiful, coven led by Elodie who seem to have it in for her.
Archer Cross is Elodie’s boyfriend and let me briefly say *swoon*. Archer is an interestingly complex character and Sophie can’t help her feelings for him although she knows nothing can come of it.
Interwoven amidst the magic fun is a great sinister mystery with pupils falling victim to a malevolent and dark force. Suddenly, Sophie needs to face up to family’s past as she begins to realise who she really is.
Sophie is a great character and it’s easy to engage and go on her journey with her. You find yourself willing her to succeed. I totally loved Jenna, the vampire obsessed with pink! The alone was enough to endear me to her.
This isn’t a complex novel, it’s an easy read and maybe at times a little predictable. But all the characters are well rounded and engaging. The mystery was tantalising and kept the pages turning and it had a great twist at the end.
VERDICT:
A light, fun read that I read in the space of a day. It is undoubtedly aimed at a young adult audience, but this didn’t affect my enjoyment at all. I would say it is a book for all ages. The book had a brilliant ending that left me wanting for more. The second book in the series is already on my wish list.
SOURCE: Thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending BCC this book for review.
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Books in Series Order
1. Hex Hall
12 Comments
I think I'll enjoy reading this when I need something to lighten up. Thanks for the review. =)
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This sounds like a fun read – maybe I will get around to reading it some time as it's sounds like it's better than I thought it would be! Thanks for the review Laura
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Nice review Laura. I loved this one as well – I laughed all the way through. Can't wait for the next one!
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I agree with your thoughts on the cover, I almost decided not to read the review because that cover just can't possibly hold anything of interest but I'm glad I did.
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I signed-up for an ARC tour of Demonglass
can't wait to read it <3
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I agree with what you said about the cover. Actually, I am from the US, so I had that version, but the cover is weird on that one too. I put off reading it for a long time, because I didn't think I'd like it. But, I thought it was hilarious, too!
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I really enjoyed this more than I had anticipated. It also had a bit more darkness than I had expected. Great review!
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OMG I love this cover!
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This one sounds like fun – I think I'll give it a try.
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Glad you enjoyed it. I loved this book!
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@Dazzling Mage yes it's a great, light hearted read. Perfect if you want something to lighten up.
@Book Chick City you're welcome, it was better than I thought it would be too. Great if you want something reasonably light.
@Prophecy Girl thank you! Glad you enjoyed it too. I'm looking forward to the next one too.
@Ines yes I can see why they chose that cover, but it looked more of a young teen book than YA. Just goes to show you shouldn't judge a book by its cover
@Anne Royce lucky you! I'm looking forward to it too
@Sarah it was genuinely funny. I've seen the US cover on goodreads, it's not great either is it?
@Lily Child same for me, it was mich better than I expected. Thank you
@Leilani I wasn't sure on the cover, but glad you like it
@One More Page do, it's a fun read
@Kat yes it was a fun book
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Oops typo there @Kat I meant
not 
!!!
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