Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Review #18: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Release Date: March 2, 2010
Genre: Fiction/Fantasy/YA
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Pages: 336 (Hardcover)
Source: Publisher

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.

My Thoughts:

I must say I never really had that excitement to read Hex Hall nor had any idea of how good it actually sounded for me. I mean, I wanted to read it, but it wasn’t like if I hadn’t it would make a huge difference. So, I read other books and then I realized I needed to read and review it as soon as possible and, well, I loved it in the end. Let’s say Hex Hall surprised me in a very good way. In the first 100 pages it didn’t catch my attention so much and I was all lazy to read it, but then I was hooked there on.

Hawkins’ writing is very simple and it made everything goes smooth to me. As well as how her characters were built and how she brought them to the story. There were a few great points in the ending that felt so unexpectedly to me, which made this book grow a lot on me. And one example of these super-high points is the scene in which the bad guy is finally ‘unmasked’. I was full of emotions while reading… I couldn’t help my self. There were like butterflies on my stomach and I felt my heart a little bit faster.

Like always, though, there’s the hot guy – in this case, Archer – who get to seem mysterious as long as he get to talk more often to Sophie – and so they, consequently, become friends. But, yes, she definitely has a crush on him, which she’ll soon discover there’s actually also love. Another thing that just came to my mind: the way they met for the first time – other super great and original scenes.

I laughed because of Sophie’s jokes, I almost forgot to breath because of Archer, I was shocked because of the witches’ "attempted murders"
and deaths, I was touched by Sophie’s kindness (sometimes), I got pissed off because of Elodie and her friends, I felt hopeful. And, as there were many unanswered questions left, I need to read its sequel Demonglass right now! So, come quickly, 2011!

Overall, you need to read Hex Hall. You may find yourself not so interested in the beginning, but I assure you will as soon as you reach as least the 100th page. (It’s not like you’re gonna give up. I’m just warning you that you have to keep reading it until the end, alright?). Well, it’s a super cute, mysterious, surprising, hilarious, amazing book. Already understand, right? Go read it.

Overall: ★★★★

Links: [Goodreads] [Amazon] [Barnes&Noble] [Borders]

11 comments:

  1. Great review! I agree with you. Hex Hall was a fun read that initially I wasn't so sure about, but about half way through, I was hooked. I am looking forward to the sequel, too. I remember the ending being pretty suspenseful. I wonder when the second book comes out?

    ReplyDelete
  2. hey raila! it looks good. im going to have to look at bookstores for hex hall.i hope i can find one.i recently purchased a sale! its percy jackson and the lightning thief!!! i so wanted to read this! i was just doing my usual book hunting when i came across this book underneath a pile of bargain items!! its an old copy but its ok!!! the pages are all intact and although there are some dirt and smudges on the inside, I dont really care!! haha! this is on my book wish list on my blog and now it came true to me...im so thankful to people who discard their used books so that i can have it. hehehe. i guess the books that are here in the philippines are from the states because there's still an address scribbled inside the book.hehehe. nevertheless, im fine with this copy. im nearly done reading The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber.Im reading Percy next!! im so excited! i hope this book is like Harry Potter! i love the usual school bullies, teachers and how the heroes battle it out with strange creatures! you've been away for a while raila, i hope everything is okay. i guess youre busy with your studies. anyways, goodluck on that and GOD BLESS!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for that! Hex Hall is on my list!!! =)

    ReplyDelete
  4. @Christina: Sadly, it may only come out on March, 2011!

    @Ruperto: Aw, REALLY? I love the Percy Jackson series... It's awesome. I think it's super differente from HP, but it's on a similiar way good. Another world. The Greek World. So good, though. I need to read the rest of this series... Oh. I'm SO GLAD you had the opportunity of pick it up to read. Hope you enjoy it very much! Everything is okay here... Taking a break from studies, actually. But have to come back asap. God Bless You, Too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm glad you like it because I just bought it and didn't know if I should start it sooner or later.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's amazing how a book can hook you, when you don't even know it! Great review, I loved it too, it's one of those you just cant love, I think! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cara, tô esperando o meu chegar, quero MUITO, mas MUITO ler ele!
    ainda bem que você gostou dele!! *-*

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sounds really cute, and thank you for telling us we have to keep reading till the end! I just adore that cover, don't you? :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love the story premise, it sounds like so much fun. :D I remember hearing such great things about this book, I so have to check it out. Wonderful review, it sounds like such a great read~

    ReplyDelete
  10. Read lots of great things about Hex Hall so really have to read it soon.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Raila!
    Thanks for that!
    It's sound good, I'll put it at my To Read list ;)

    ReplyDelete

The Book Depository
Related Posts with Thumbnails