Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall Book One

I am definitely not from the targeted age group but I loved listening to it anyways. Loving Jenna ❤️

Susan

Sarah Sammis

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins came out right around the time that I was first actively using my GoodRead's wishlist to track books I wanted to read. It was a hugely popular book when it came out so I can't point to a single book blog that inspired me to read it.

Sophie Mercer has been sentenced to complete her studies at a small private boarding school for magical beings. At thirteen she came into her powers and after three years of making a nuisance of herself, she's being sent to Hecate Hall.

Like so many series, Sophie goes into her new life, one which includes a vampire for a roommate, unprepared. She knows of magic and she's figured out a few simple spells but she doesn't know the history of witches, warlocks and other magical creatures. She doesn't understand how much danger she's in for being magical. Nor does she understand her own family history.

Whenever a clueless main character is getting initiated into a new life and a new school, there is of course something dangerous afoot. Here, there are attacks on the dark witches. Can Sophie hone her skills, prove that her roommate is innocent?

What I'm trying to say is that while the book builds on recognizable tropes, it's an entertaining read.

The book is sort of kiddish but was still interesting and was not super complex magic, and was kind of a cliffhanger, don’t know if I will read the second book but not bad. 

Briar's Reviews

Many eons ago in my high school/teens years, I used to read J-14 magazine. That magazine was my lifeline to society - celebrity gossip, posters of the Jonas Brothers, and book recommendations! During those formative years, I remember seeing endless advertisements for Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins and I never truly forgot about this book... Fast forward to my mid-twenties! I'm at a local charity book sale and I see THE BOOK! The book was right there within my reach! I picked it up, put it on my book shelf and forgot about it... until recently when I cleaned my house and donated many books so I had room on my shelves.

I am SO glad I finally picked this book up. This was another one of those books that gets me hooked instantly and falling in love with some teenie bopper characters. Throw in fantasy, typical YA "I can save the world"-esque plots and magic and you've got me hooked!

This book is funny, super sweet and sometimes sassy. It's absolutely the first book in the series and it leaves off with one of those dreaded cliffhangers that makes me want to read the next book ASAP.

We follow Sophia (she goes by Sophie) in this adventure filled novel after she performed a love spell a little too well. She gets sent off to Hecate, Hex Hall, and the rest is history! Sophie gets roomed with Jenna the vampire, she holds classes with some 'Mean Girl' clique-y girls and might be falling for the school's bad boy. She's the daughter of a powerful warlock, everyone seems to hold that against her and she's got some wild family history behind her. Yes, this sounds like the typical YA plot but it's written so wonderfully that I didn't even care! Rachel opens this world and makes me feel like I was apart of the journey. I felt for Sophie and Jenna, I ogled after Archer and I absolutely HATED Elodie. Hey, I was a teenage girl once. I remember the mean girls ruining all of the fun.

My favourite part of this book is all of the sassy one liners thrown around. Sarcasm is the way I live my life, so I loved that this book is full of it! Sophie, Jenna and Archer are absolutely hilarious. I also adored the side characters, the Groundskeeper being my favourite.

My least favourite? STUPID CLIFFHANGERS. I hate them and I truly believe that a book should be able to stand on it's own. I hate when I'm left off feeling cheated at the ending. Yes, I know Rachel wants us to read the next book in the series but I don't like when I'm left feeling like I HAVE to read the next book - I WANT to.

Overall, this book is a real gem! I'm glad I finally found it. Back in my teenage years I didn't have the funds (I mean, I'm a college student...I still don't, but I know how to bargain hunt now!), so it's awesome that I found a book I've been dreaming of! I still remember that ad page distinctly...

Five out of five stars!

Manda

In Rachel Hawkins book, Hex Hall, we meet Sophia Mercer. Sophie is a teenage witch, who lives with her human mother and is just trying to be a normal high school student. When a love spell goes awry, Sophie is sent to Hecate Hall, a school for misfit Prodigium. Surrounded by witches, faeries, shapeshifters, and her new vampire best friend, Sophie still finds herself just not fitting in. When something starts attacking students and her best friend is suspect, Sophie must solve these mysteries and rise up to meet her destiny. With an absent Warlock father, and family secrets that Sophie doesn't even know, Sophie finds herself in a heap of trouble and struggling to find her way out.

I enjoyed reading this story. I wasn't in awe, but it was a decent book. I wasn't completely drawn into the story, but it was a light and easy read. I don't feel like there was enough character development in this book and I was left wondering a lot about characters. I'm ok with a mysterious character here and there, but not when all the characters have an air of mystery about them. There was a lot of things that characters did, that were never explained. I also never felt sucked in. There wasn't a lot of aw moments that you usually find in this sort of book and I didn't really feel like any of the characters were someone a young adult audience could relate to. I feel plot wise, there was some good moments, but everything just happened so quickly and the journey to big moments wasn't there. I enjoyed this book, but I feel there could have been more to it. I hope there is some character development in the next book and that we get to understand Sophie's world a bit better.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I got this book from my local public library! I can say whatever I want. :)

Talia Dominguez 

According to the book description: Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her human 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 tag-along ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect. 

so this book was a light read! 
Sophie ,17 year old girl, is very unhappy because of her exile to boarding school. further along the school semester she gets into trouble and gets cellar duty. but the one main thing she didn't not know and had to find out from the school is that her dad is the main guy ( the Head of the Council), which completely devastates her. This leads her to follow a ghost, that keeps calling her,that turns out to be her (dead) great grandmother. Aside from this she has made a new vampire friend, Jenna. Due to Jenna's nature, she gets accused for witches' deaths that are going around the very "protected" school.
So as Sophie is getting caught up with her casting spells training, she is also falling in love with a super hot unavailable kid who happens to be get dangerous! 
 so much has happened to Sophie in one school semester and it is up to her to protect herself and her friend which ends up Sophie discovering something from her past!
I love this story plot and can't wait to read the next book!!

Laya Ellis

It's the End I'm all for it until the ending is the same as the next book. I gave up on the series never again.

Tayla 

3.5 stars. I liked these books. I eneded up reading the whole series but I really liked them. I think they've got a little bit of everything in them.

Can be predictable but the funny dialogue and clever execution made up for it.

Fast paced, light, edgy and a really epic read.
I enjoyed myself A LOT, mostly because of Sophie's wit and sarcasm. Rachel Hawkins, you are have a great sense of humor! She had me laughing out loud most of the time, and she never seems to run out of hilarious retorts. I think Sophie is one of my favorite female characters ever. When the tough gets going, Sophie's sarcasm removes the tension and its her means of defense or escape. She's outspoken and brave, and the story isnt as biased towards her as I first thought. I also loved the unpredictable events, although that was a little balanced out by the predictable ones, like the real criminal *wiiiink. The boarding school with paranormal twist is one of my many weaknesses when it comes to books (Harry Potter, ha!) and I liked that element here. The setting is very well thought-out and detailed. 

The supporting characters were great and colorful, though I actually wanted a little more info about Cal. Archer and Sophie's relationship were very fun to read about, and their annoying comebacks were my personal favorite. Jenna wasnt the stereotype vampire and I adored that. The clique of popular girls, I liked their characters, and they played their part well. 

Narration was great, the romance aspect was just right, the dialogue, the characters, setting, plot, everything. Not much violence to begin with, but that doesnt really stop the excitement. Very great read, looking forward to book 2.

Barbara Kovács

Well, this was interesting.
To be honest, I didn't fall for Archer.
And this name is confusing.
I mean, if I read the name "Archer" the only thing, that comes in my mind, is an origin (from Jennifer L. Armentrout's book: Origin), not something he is.
Anyway, I liked the plot.
AAAAAND I'm waiting for the sequel.

Janna Niemi

This has been on my TBR for a very long time so I’m happy that I’ve now read it. I always find books with magic and supernatural beings interesting and when you add a boarding school to it, it definitely raises my interest. 

The plot is interesting although there could have been more interactions between characters and just something more happening. I also did not like that the three “bad” witches got to do a lot of things without anybody telling the off.
I would have liked to know more about the characters. All the characters are introduced and you get little bit of information but you don’t really get to know any of them. Well a couple of things about a couple of characters are revealed in the end but there’s so much more that could be said. 
All in all, this is an interesting book and I can’t wait to read the next book and see how the story continues.

sophia n

this was really light but enjoyable and interesting premise-wise. i would have liked it a LOT better and maybe even rated it 4 stars if the romance and love-triangle-potential wasn't thrown in there, it was just a distraction and pulled me out of the story. still debating if i want to read the other two in the series.

Nicole Dykeman

Incredibly cliche. It was super cheesy, and unoriginal.

Allison Garrett

Alost

Recommended by: Numey

Recommended to(Throw the book at the faces of): People who still thinks Mortal instruments was great, girls who crushes boys in books than than read book, Who are ready to waste 4 hours ,fan girls who often dream paranormal creatures really existed. And whoever don't tell it was me who suggested this book. 

Review in a sentence: You should have killed me instead.

Review starts
I felt attraction towards this book because of it's cover. A pretty young girl in uniform stands by the side of a pond. But the reflection in the pond shows the girl with a luxiouris green gown. She have placed both her hands confidently on her hips. 
 There is also a cat near the girl. It does appear in the pond too. But it have the very same black fur coat!! 
 The name of the book, ie hex hall, is also reflected in the pond. But interestingly the title isn't mirrored. Just turned upward down. Interesting sort of magical pond. Isn't it? Iam not anymore boring with the cover analysis. Lets go to the content readers (if i have any).


The book starts with a prologue which feels like an epilogue. Readers are thrown into the plot along with sophia mercer who is the protogonist and story teller of this book. Which is kinda good. She is a  witch but not exactly the hermionie type. And she's sentenced to study in 'hectate' for using her skills and ruining a prom night. 
 And this so called hectate is a zoo for paranormal


werewolves, vampires and co.

 creatures. The author collected many creatures from twilight, harry potter and many other myths and stuff. And introduced a name-prodigium a common name for werewolves, fairies, witches, shapeshifters etc.


And this sophia mercer studies in this hectate and have to deal with problems both in her personal and 'professional' life.
 Iam not giving spoilers as anybody is going to read the book even after reading this 
Why this book is a major disaster: The author failed horribily both in devoloping the charectors and giving depth to this story. Imitations of books like harry potter is clearly visbile. Their principal felt like an american version of prof. Muggonal


Neither explanations nor technical details are given to the magical tricks. It just flows!!

nothing is exactly new, crush, love, lust, ball parties, giggles and other lame school girl stuff.
all charectors behave rather strangely. Rather than investigating the real reson behind the murders, principal dismisses two vampires.
 To divert the attention from these things the author have a hot guy. Archer cross. (The name archer cross make me feel that some guy is pinned to a crosss with a bunch of arrows)Thanks god i don't think guys are hot. Or i too have given a blind 5 star rating 
Although the author introduced Lord byron, the english poet as a vampire in this book it felt like a lame imitation of what rick riordan did in percy jackson and the olympians by introducing many famous persons as demigods. James rollins' introduction to rasputin as a russian Vampire sounded loads better.
major flaws:
1. Two dimensional charectors. No proper description
2. Story lack depth
3. Imitations of many YA books are clearly visible.
5. Love goes in the same way as in the era of jane austin
6. Kids behave like adults and adults behave lile toadlers.
About the author:


Rachel Hawkins is a good tailor than a writer. She stiched (or tried to) patches from many books together.

Marissa Luzio 

Elizabeth Neill

I really did like this book, it was a fun read. What I liked most about it, was that it was a fast past to me.I read it in a day. I couldn't put it down and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.

Samantha 

4.5 STARS

I really loved it! I'm a sucker for these kinds of stories. Read it in two sittings. Although it would have been one but I was too tired and my kindle fell on my face. On to the next book after I clean :)

Archita Birla

i am unable to be objective about books that i read as a child, but i really enjoyed this! it's a bit of a slow start, but the ending is pretty interesting/exciting, and it is an easy read :)

Kate

3.5 - full of cliches but still fun and surprising and kinda addictive

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.

Det første å si om denne boka er at den er utrolig morsom! Hovedpersonen, Sophie, er sarkastisk og artig, men også modig og smart. Boka er veldig lettlest og man trenger ikke tenke mye mens man leser den. Handlingen foregår på boarding school, noe jeg har blitt litt hekta på å lese om i det siste. Hex Hall inneholder typiske jenteklikker, forelskelser og sjalusi og sånt som hører til i et ungdomsmiljø, men den har også magi og mysterier -- noe som gjør den perfekt for min del! Noen ganger kan det bli litt mye “epic” innenfor YA-sjangeren, og da er Hex Hall et godt avbrekk. På slutten er det tett i tett med hendelser og ganske spennende (Alice), men det blir likevel ikke forvirrende -- good job, Rachel Hawkins!
 Og forresten -- er ikke coveret helt nydelig? Jeg elsker det!
 Gleder meg utrolig mye til å lese Demonglass -- nummer to i serien.

ashley hopkins

I just have to say this I started it last night and finished a few moments ago. That should definitely tell you something. I was completely and totally hooked on this book. From the moment Sophie made Kevin go nutso at her high school dance to her encounter with the Were on the first day at her "New" school to the ending of the book( which I can't say). This school had it all: spirits that wondered around, Weres, Shifter, Witches/Warlocks, Faeries, and 2 Vampires. It had me guessing what the heck was going to happen with Sophie, and her Best Friend Jenna, the only vampire, at Hecate (more commonly called Hex Hall by the students), and also the 3 girls wanting Sophie to join their coven, and of course the love interest Archer (what a name right). It seemed like everything would be fine for Sophie, but when things start happening to the Students she begins to wonder if the school really is safe for her. According to the headmistress and teachers, and the dad she barely knows, it's fine because they "think" they know who's doing it, and why not right? She has all the attributes of the killer. Like I said before I never expected the twists and turns the book brought. I also love how it made me laugh out loud seriously. I'm not one to actually laugh at books, but the characters and their sarcasm and witt is funny. Sophie and Archer, Sophie and Jenna, and even some of the exchanges between the others like: Taylor, the shifter and Beth the Werewolf, or Taylor and The Faeries. I loved every single character in the book even the mean ones. I hated to see them get hurt. I wasn't to thrilled with the way the book ended. I'm not gonna say how, but let's just say it's totally open for the second one, Demonglass, which by the way I love the cover to it.




MEMORABLE QUOTES:

-I tugged at my brand new Hecate Hall-issue blue plaid skirt (kilt? Some sort of bizarre skirt/kilt hybrid? A skilt?) (Sophie)From this moment on that's what sophie called it a Skilt..Ha Awesomeness

-How can your ears sweat? (Sophie)

-Or maybe they were staring at me as I tried to descreetly wipe sweat away from between my breasts with-out appearing to get to second base with myself. (Sophie)

-what with the pointing and the blue suit, she brought to mind a flight attendant. I expected her to tell me that in the even of an emergency, my brand new Hecate blazer could bused as a floatation device (Sophie)

- The "Holy-crap-that's-alot-of pink" zone would have been made a more accurate description. (Sophie on her newroomates room)

-This room looked like it had been decorated by the unholy lovechild of Barbie and Strawberry Shortcake. (Sophie)

-"Sopie Mercer," Elodie intoned, "we have come to induct you into our sisterhood. Say the five word to begin the ritual."(Elodie)

"Are you freaking kidding me?" (Sophie)

"No the five words are "I accept your offer, sisters." (Anna)

-I sounded like a cheerleader on a Koll-Aid high." (Sophie)

-You're just use to girls falling all over your ass like you're in a boy band or something. (Sophie)

-Not youre type? (Archer)

Nope, I've always had a thing for the nerdy type. Arrogant pretty boys don't really ring my bell. (Sophie)

So you think I'm pretty? (Archer)

Shutup. (Sophie)

-What had changed? Did Elodie actually have some depth to her, like he'd said? Cause I sure wasn't seeing anything deeper than a bedpan. (sophie)

-Lose control of what? Your bladder? because you might want to get that checked out. I'm so not loaning you my sheets.(Sophie to Jenna)

-So you're like my own personal Mr. Miyagi? (Sophie to Alice)

I have no idea what that means. (Alice)

Sorry Sorry I'll try to stop with the pop culture references.(Sophie)

-we don't all shop at the baby gap.(Sophie to Alice about riding a broom)

-Elodie said earlier that you two were going to match. So what shade is it? Tickled pink? Rambling Rose? maybe? Ooh Ooh, I know virgin's Blush! (Sophie making fun of Archer)

-I'd look like the really slutty bride of cookie monster. (Sophie on conjuring a hideous dress)

-I don't care for the girl. She's been quite hateful towards you. there are a few things more abhorrent to me than a weak witch. (Alice about Elodie)

Wow tell me what you really think. (sophie)

I just did. (Alice)

Forget it. (Sophie)

-You people are more prepared than girl scouts. (sophie)

Jessica Williamson

*May 2021 reread*
Gosh I just love this series. It makes me so happy!

*Original review*

3.75 Stars

Cover *** This is a pretty basic cover. It does grab your attention but I did like it more before I read the book rather than after. First off, there's a cat on the cover. There's no cat in this book. If you're going to sell me a cat, THERE NEEDS TO BE A CAT. Also, while the MC does have a "glow up" moment, it doesn't include a green dress from the 80's. So, yeah.

Characters **** I did enjoy this cast of characters. Sophie is a fun MC to follow. I like discovering things from her perspective. Her BFF Jenna is great. Probably one of my favorite characters. I like Archer and Cal is great too! I definitely hope there's more of Cal in the future. Elodie and crew are your stereotypical Mean Girls and while that's a liiiiiitle contrived at this point in YA, this book was published in 2010 so I'm going to give it a pass. 

Pace **** Loved the pacing in here. There was always something crazy going on and it was a fun ride. There was a good amount of time hopping (only moving forward, not backward, thank the Gods) but I never felt like it was uncalled for or confusing. 

Plot *** To be fair, this is YA and I'm 32 but there just weren't any big surprises for me. I had a pretty good idea of most of what was happening and I think it was just an issue with over-foreshadowing. That being said, I did enjoy the plot. I liked where it went and the idea of where it may go in the future.

Writing **** I don't take issue with any of Hawkins' writing in this one. It wasn't "blow me out of the water" amazing, but it was good. I've read Hawkins' books before so I kinda knew what to expect here. I'm hoping this trilogy has a MUCH better ending than the Rebel Belle trilogy though, because another ending like that may turn me off from the author forever.

Enjoyment ***** Full five here. Like I said it was a fun ride! I enjoyed learning about the world and the characters and I just had a great reading experience. 

Cry bonus - None. 

Overall - a decent, fun read. It's definitely one of those YA guilty reads. I won't say it sparked any kind of personal growth or enlightenment but it was a fun time.