Product Details
- Reading level: Young Adult
- Paperback: 336 pages
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK, April 2010
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1847387225
- ISBN-13: 978-1847387226
- List Price: £6.99
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.
First Impression:
I liked the opening because the writing is humourous and witty. However, it did not have the 'wow' factor that makes me deeply captivated. I knew from the prologue that Sophie is a kind-hearted person, but she's a little too helpful. Maybe that's the thing that distinguishes her from other people who are too busy to care for others.
Plot:
The story is mostly set in Hecate 'Hex' Hall, where Sophie is sent to after her love spell goes very wrong. The plot is kind of plain, but in a nice way. It goes on smoothly, just as I had expected. Sophie eventually falls in love for the boy, Archer Cross, who saved her earlier when a werewolf tried to attack her. I'm very impressed with the ending, though. It really took me by surprise and I'll gladly say that's my favourite part of the story. I never questioned Sophie's real identity.
Characters:
Sophie Mercer is a lovable character. She is the sort of friend you'd want to have. She is caring, kind and supportive towards Jenna, her roommate even though Jenna is a vampire and an outcast. She believes in Jenna's innocence when a series of mysterious attacks occur. Archer Cross is the most popular boy in Hex Hall. He is in a relationship with the ever-so-annoying Elodie, a powerful black witch who is both gorgeous and famous. He is quite intriguing, from the way he avoids mentioning his family while doing cellar duty with Sophie. He is also quite charming, even though he might be sarcastic at times. I don't like Elodie. That's because she is just nasty and unbelievably irritating. I like Jenna the vampire's character, because she is so different from what we have in mind about a vampire's liking. Almost everything in her territory is pink. Hot pink, in fact. What a cool girl!
Favourite quote:
First Impression:
I liked the opening because the writing is humourous and witty. However, it did not have the 'wow' factor that makes me deeply captivated. I knew from the prologue that Sophie is a kind-hearted person, but she's a little too helpful. Maybe that's the thing that distinguishes her from other people who are too busy to care for others.
Plot:
The story is mostly set in Hecate 'Hex' Hall, where Sophie is sent to after her love spell goes very wrong. The plot is kind of plain, but in a nice way. It goes on smoothly, just as I had expected. Sophie eventually falls in love for the boy, Archer Cross, who saved her earlier when a werewolf tried to attack her. I'm very impressed with the ending, though. It really took me by surprise and I'll gladly say that's my favourite part of the story. I never questioned Sophie's real identity.
Characters:
Sophie Mercer is a lovable character. She is the sort of friend you'd want to have. She is caring, kind and supportive towards Jenna, her roommate even though Jenna is a vampire and an outcast. She believes in Jenna's innocence when a series of mysterious attacks occur. Archer Cross is the most popular boy in Hex Hall. He is in a relationship with the ever-so-annoying Elodie, a powerful black witch who is both gorgeous and famous. He is quite intriguing, from the way he avoids mentioning his family while doing cellar duty with Sophie. He is also quite charming, even though he might be sarcastic at times. I don't like Elodie. That's because she is just nasty and unbelievably irritating. I like Jenna the vampire's character, because she is so different from what we have in mind about a vampire's liking. Almost everything in her territory is pink. Hot pink, in fact. What a cool girl!
"Sophia Mercer," Elodie intoned, "we have come to induct you into our sisterhood. Say the five words to begin the ritual."
I blinked at her. "Are you freaking kidding me?"
Anna gave an exasperated sigh. "No, the five words are 'I accept you offer, sisters."
— Rachel Hawkins (Hex Hall)
Overall:
Hex Hall is a quick read, and it sure is interesting, funny and addicting. Sophie is a great character, but as all humans (she's half-human), she also has flaws and I sometimes laugh at her mistakes. I look forward to reading the sequel and keep following Sophie on her next journey!
Rating:
Rachel Hawkins is a 28-year-old former teacher who left teaching to take a chance and get serious about finishing that book she'd always wanted to write. Her first book, HEX HALL, was the result of that leap of faith. She's a graduate of Auburn University in Alabama and lives with her husband and three-year-old son. She's currently working on the sequel to DEMONGLASS.
Buy Hex Hall (paperback) at:
