Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Reviewed for MonsterLibrarian.com

Hyperion, 2010
ISBN: 978-1423121305
Available: New

Sophie knows she’s a witch, but that’s about all she knows. She’s never met her warlock father. Her human mother tries, but can help her very little. When Sophie tries to help a classmate with a love spell, and it goes horribly wrong, she is sent to Hex Hall by the Council that rules the Prodigium, which consists of recognized magical species like fairies, vampires, and shifters. Part boarding school, part juvenile detention center, Hex Hall is filled with soured, entitled magical beings who resent their imprisonment, all of whom seem to hate Sophie from the moment she arrives. When Sophie learns why, and what Hex Hall means to her family, her life is sent into a tailspin.
Hex Hall has a familiar feel that paranormal readers will love. Rachel Hawkins has done an excellent job of world-building, and creates characters just a bit on the other side of dangerous. Although it may have its roots in books like the Harry Potter series, Hex Hall focuses specifically on the fragile teen sense of self-identity. It’s refreshing that Sophie isn’t a “chosen one” with special powers- rather, she’s the magical equivalent of a reckless teen in trouble Why is everyone around her purposefully keeping her in the dark? What makes someone a monster? What counts for more, blood or actions?

The strength of writing and likability of the lead characters combine for a fast-paced, quite digestible tale. Hex Hall is a great choice for library collections that seem unable to keep up with demand for paranormal YA titles, and would be a valuable (and likely popular) addition to public libraries.