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Hex Hall (Hex Hall, Bk 1)
Hex Hall - Hex Hall, Bk 1
Author: Rachel Hawkins
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 wr...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781423121398
ISBN-10: 1423121392
Publication Date: 1/25/2011
Pages: 352
Reading Level: All Ages
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 34

4.3 stars, based on 34 ratings
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

nantuckerin avatar reviewed Hex Hall (Hex Hall, Bk 1) on + 158 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Hex Hall is a quick, light read that fans of other "supernatural school" series like Vampire Academy and House of Night will likely enjoy. Author Rachel Hawkins covers some familiar territory in her series debut, but the colorful characters and lively dialogue help Hex Hall hold its own in a sea of similar YA reads.

Teenage witch Sophie is sent to Hex Hall after a love spell goes horribly awry and her powers attract too much attention. The reformatory school is a haven for other Prodigium like her -- young witches, warlocks, fairies and shapeshifters who have broken the rules that keep the supernatural races safe from human detection. Sophie is already at a loss -- she was raised by her human mother, and has never met her mysterious, absentee warlock father. She doesn't know much about witchcraft, the history of her people or what to expect at her new school. However, she quickly makes friends -- and enemies -- and unravels a mystery that has to power to destry not only Sophie, but all Prodigium everywhere.

Hawkins' pacing of the novel is good, and there is a lot of funny material presented, often by sarcastic herione Sophie in her exchanges with her vampire roommate, Jenna. However, the book is fairly formulaic. I had correctly guessed most of the big "twists" doled out in the novel simply because I've read a lot of books in the genre. In fact, I'd venture a guess that I also have quite a few of the twists set up for book two unraveled, too. If you aren't bothered by the predictability, however, the book is definitely worth a read. It was enjoyable, but not one I'd probably read again.

One final note of criticism: the ending of Hex Hall was abrupt and almost seemed to be tagged on as an afterthought to create a cliff-hanger ending tease for the next book. I actually flipped a few pages back to see if I had missed a transition. In my mind, the ending did the entire book a disservice. I hope the author is afforded a bit more attention to the ending of the second Hex Hall book, due out in 2011.
reviewed Hex Hall (Hex Hall, Bk 1) on + 168 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Very entertaining book. I read it in under 3 hours. It's definitely geared more to the teen or younger crowd. But, at age 27, I still enjoy such books immensely. The plot wasn't transparent as some YA books tend to be, and I thought the main character was very likable. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
myhotstylist avatar reviewed Hex Hall (Hex Hall, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
Harry Potter fans rejoice! In this fresh new take on a magical school, Sophia is sent away to Hecate Hall aka:Hex Hall, a reform school for prodigium children who cannot control their powers. We have witches, faires, werevolves and vampires attending the school.

Sophia is roomated with the only vamp in the school, Jenna, who loves everything pink. Shes also approached by a trio of dark witches who want her to join their coven.

Soon the coven girls start getting attacked, one by one, and all the fingers are pointing to Jenna. Sofie trys to clear her name with the help of a michievious ghost in the woods, and cant help but swoon over the cutie Archer.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!! Not only did it have a mystery with a twist, but the magic was really cool!!!! This is a MUST READ for paranormal fans out there!
daylily77 avatar reviewed Hex Hall (Hex Hall, Bk 1) on + 236 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I was pleasantly surprised by the character development and the way the author's dialogue flowed so easily. I unfortunately read the synopsis of the second book before finishing the first book, so I hosed myself, and didn't get the ooh, ahh surprises the book has inside. Not a bad read for pre-teens, I've certainly read books that I don't think are appropriate for pre-teens, yet they are categorized as YA novels. This is a highly recommended read, it had me laughing out loud and a little sad at times. I found it difficult to put down, and it kept me thoroughly entertained through the whole book. I dig this new author, and I'm looking forward to the next book. I borrowed this from the library to read, but it's one I think I might like to keep in my library.
kopsahl48 avatar reviewed Hex Hall (Hex Hall, Bk 1) on + 181 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Sophie Mercer was only trying to help a fellow student. Now because she has outed herself as a witch (for the 19th time) and her mother has no choice but to ship her only daughter off to Hecate Hall, a boarding school for wayward supernaturals. Not knowing who her father is, she is met with hostility from many of the students. But that is the least of her worries. Students are turning up dead and trying to figure out who is doing this is very important, considering Sophie could be next on the list. Also, a coven of witches want her for their fourth. And these witches you do not want to cross.

One of the suspects is Sophies own roommate, Jenna, the resident vampire. Vampires are new to Hecate and are considered beneath the elite supernaturals. Also suspected is a group called The Eye of God. Their job is to hunt down and kill supernaturals in order to protect the human world but because supposedly they shouldnt be able to breach the spell that protects Hecate.

The reader is taken on a very imaginative journey of discovery. Discovery of who Sophie actually is, what The Eye of God are about and the reader discovers that sometimes you need to accept people that may be slightly different than you. The author takes interesting characteristics out of Roman and Egyptian history and weaves them into the plot of Hex Hall.

I couldnt stop flipping the pages on this one. Even though it seems to be the same old storyline that we have been seeing a lot in the YA genre but I thought the aspects that were thrown in added the extra needed to keep the reader enthralled. Thought it was a very strong first book and I do look forward to the next installment.
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nelliebly1025 avatar reviewed Hex Hall (Hex Hall, Bk 1) on + 141 more book reviews
Reviewed by http://bibliophile-bestiary.blogspot.com/

I can NOT believe how much I was sucked into this book! It was like MAGIC! (*hehe corny, I know*) But it was incredible! The lead character, Sophie, was great. She was funny and not snotty, she had a good sense of humor. The mystery of it all was very suspenseful and honestly I didn't guess what was happening until the end. That is a very good thing for me since I read so many books and sometimes it can be annoying to have figured it out half way through.

The magical aspect was very cool too. I love that there are all types of beings in the book, but I do wish there was more magic, or more history of the magic. But I really can't complain because the book was awesome!

I am so looking forward to continuing this series. I am angry at myself that it took this long for me to start it! 5 out of 5 stars!
solarawynn avatar reviewed Hex Hall (Hex Hall, Bk 1) on + 724 more book reviews
Was a page turner,couldn't put it down.
barbsis avatar reviewed Hex Hall (Hex Hall, Bk 1) on + 1076 more book reviews
What started out as an interesting story quickly morphed into a typical teenaged angst novel. The outcast (Sophie) is thrust into a new school (for the 20th time) and quickly bonds with the most hated student (the vampire, Jenna). Of course the popular girls (Anna, Chaston and Elodie), who are also dark witches, feel slighted when Sophie declines their invite to join their coven. Then the tricks begin. Like I said, a typical teenage storyline. I've heard such good things about this series, that I was disappointed when the book shifted into this realm. It's an ok story with a few surprises but all in all a series that I won't continue.
moondance120 avatar reviewed Hex Hall (Hex Hall, Bk 1) on + 422 more book reviews
Felicia Miller was crying in the bathroom.

Sophie Mercer came into her magical powers when she was twelve. Three years later she is outed a her school's prom when she tries to help a fellow outsider with a love spell. This lands her at Hecate Hall, a sort of juvie reform school for misbehaving magical teens.

Hecate Hall is Sophie's 20th school. She befriends her
outcast vampire roommate, Jenna who is suspected of killing a former witch at the school. A trio of witches is looking for a fourth to complete a complicated spell that fell short when their fourth was murdered.


The usual YA formula is here with teen angst, mean girls and a hunky guy. Throw in a powerful head mistress, a demented "gym" teacher and a healing groundskeeper for a quick fun read.

The demon element did not appear until late in the book which surprised me a bit since it was listed so high on the demons shelf.

I enjoyed Sophie and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
GeniusJen avatar reviewed Hex Hall (Hex Hall, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com

Sophie found out she's a witch. Three years without guidance and one extremely bad love potion later, she lands herself a one-way pass to Hex Hall.

Hex Hall is a boarding school for magical creatures and beings in need of a little more training and lots of rules. Other inmates include werewolves, shapeshifters, faeries, and one vampire who happens to be Sophie's new roommate and the one girl everyone loves to hate.

Jenna loves pink and seems sweet, but there's a dangerous rumor floating around about her and the death of a girl last year.

Sophie's not sure who to trust, but despite rumors, she becomes fast friends with Jenna while crushing over the hottest boy in school - and gaining his girlfriend as an enemy.

When another girl is attacked, everyone wants the truth. Did a coven of witches raise a demon? Could a ghost from Sophie's past be more powerful than she suspects? Are the vampires really responsible for these attacks? Either way, the truth must come out...

Rachel Hawkins writes a perfect debut novel filled with paranormal creatures, a dark mystery, a deep, strange society, and one hot guy. This start of a new series left me breathless with anticipation for the next installment.

Book Wiki

Common Title
Series
Hex Hall  1 of 3
People/Characters
Sophia Mercer (Primary Character)
Archer Cross (Major Character)
Jennifer Talbot (Major Character)
Kevin Bridges (Trivial Character)
Real Places

Genres: