ISBN-13: 9781423121398
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication date: 2/1/2011
Pages: 352
Overview
Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she is a witch. Her non-gifted mother has been supportive, consulting Sophie’s estranged father—a 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 exiles her to “Hex Hall”, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, fairies, and shape-shifters.
By the end of her first day, Sophie has three new enemies, a futile crush on a warlock, a tagalong ghost, and a vampire roommate. Worse, Sophie soon learns that an unknown predator has been attacking students. As a series of blood-curdling mysteries converges, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.
Review
I really like this book - there's a bunch of wit and sarcasm that suits my taste perfectly. Although I was never a big fan of witches (really, though, who am I to say one paranormal group is better than another?) Hawkins brings a lot of originality and surprise with her story. The romance is a bit lacking but the suspense overall awesomeness more than makes up for that - not to mention, there's no telling what will develop in the second book of this series. I will say, and this goes for all parents of supernatural beings, it's pretty crappy not to tell your children what they are/what they're capable of/the reason they will be persecuted by other supernatural beings. It's getting beyond old.
The ending is a great combo of bowtied excellence and cliffhanger. Lots of things are wrapped up for the reader, but there are also a lot of things that are left unsaid or undealt with...I can't wait to read the next installment in this series! This is worth the read, guys!
Rating: 4/5
