Hex Hall (Hex Hall Series #1) by Rachel Hawkins

ISBN-13: 9781423121398

Publisher: Hyperion

Publication date: 2/1/2011

Pages: 352

Series:Hex Hall Series, #1

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

Quote 32

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Иван Дорн - Стыцамен

Holy, moly....where have I been while Russia was still making music?! And I am now an official fan of Ivan Dorn...there are other songs that I like of his as well (так сильно, тем более) but this one, pronounced Stitsamen, really gets stuck in my head. Enjoy....I'm off to stalk Dorn via Google like the faithful fan I am.

Engine 2 March

Starting tomorrow will be the next resolution - Engine 2 March. I will be attempting the Engine 2 Diet 28-day Challenge. It sounds pretty intense. Here's a link to the site for you curious folk: Engine 2

Here's the run down:
Week 1 - Cut dairy and white processed foods from diet
Week 2 - Cut meat (this includes egg)
Week 3 - Cut all oils
Week 4 - Tough it out

So by the third week I won't be able to eat dairy, meat or oil....and the book also mentions to cut caffeine...sigh. One thing's for sure, though - I will definitely be healthier and most likely smaller by the end of the month. Wish me luck!

Was I really the last?

This month I switched all my bills to online banking. Was that the sound of your jaw hitting the floor? I know, I'm practically the last of my generation. I kind of like getting mail (even if it's a bill) and writing checks (even if it's money our of my pocket) and buying stamps (even if they're the most expensive piece of sticky paper on the planet). Call me old fashioned, but that whole process, although much more tedious, isn't something I mind doing. For the sake of efficiency, though, I will join the rest of the world. It's sometimes easier to move forward than backwards...God save the company that screws up my first online payment...

Get Organized! February....or not...

Ugh...so I'll just come out and say it....this month's resolution - Get Organized! February - big, big fail. I got most of my personal paperwork in order but I am a total slob when it comes to continuous cleaning. My kitchen looked pretty good most of the time but every day before work I would throw clothes around and create huge shirt piles. And the stuff! I have a lot of....well, stuff. Books, clothes, trinkets....point is, February was not a successful resolution. I haven't thought of penalties or re-do's or if I should just resign it to history, but I'll think about it. March is Engine 2 March. Be ready.