Hex Hall Mini Review

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Published Date: March 2010
Price: Amazon ($11.55)
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 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.


Mini Review: 

Hex Hall was a magically crafted debut, a little of flirting and romance (and of course, the bad pretty boy, Archer), mystery and tension (making me turn the pages and losing sleep), and magic (the interactions of the different fantasy creatures was hilarious). The protagonist, Sophie Mercer, is a spunky protagonist, with sarcasm, loyalty, and kindness. I loved how she was independent from the beginning, not feeling the need to conform and staying by Jenna’s side even when everyone turned against her. The friendship and love twisted nicely with the main plot, where Sophie learns to define herself as the witch.

I also loved how Hawkins fired surprise ending after ending, not leaving time for the reader to get bored. There were so many twists that just left you hanging your jaw open and meticulously looking through the pages for a sequel (which is coming out in one month!).

I loved Hex Hall and it was a nice salve for my gaping wound of the lack of Harry Potter. Hawkins created a unique tale of a boarding school of the magical creatures we all know about, a tale of a witch finding her identity through her past, and of (MILD SPOILER) forbidden love.

Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Cover: 5/5

The cover is absolutely gorgeous and the mirror (dual personality) really depicts the book well and Sophie's journey for identity.

Overall: 4.5/5

Note: Sorry for the very short review. I'm currently engulfed with homework, tests, and reports so I won't be able to write full blown reviews until the winter holidays.