The Best Reader:
Rachel Hawkins

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Hyperion Children's Books (March 22nd, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 359 pages
Source: Publisher
Series: Hex Hall #2
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?
Review: Just when you think it might be impossible for a sequel to surpass the first book… poof, I give you Demonglass! Yes, to me Demonglass was even more spectacular than Hex Hall which is really saying something because Hex Hall was amazing!

I'll try to stay mainly spoiler-free but this book takes readers on an adventure with Sophie to London. Due to some happenings during Hex Hall, she has decided to have her powers removed. Her father takes her, her vampire friend Janeny, and Mr. Hotness.Cal. Oh Cal, how I love you! But we will discuss him in a bit. First, Sophie is thrown for a loop when she gets a glimpse at the Council and the secrets they could be hiding. It's really a learning experience and it allows Sophie to see the life that may be waiting for her.

I was happy to see Janeny could be there to support Sophie and I was thrilled to see Cal. Needless to say, there is a little.revelation… that I was kinda shocked about. He is so mysterious and quiet, which is probably why I loved him so much!! I need more of him, NOW! But if you have read Hex Hall and are on Team Archer, no fear.he is in this book as well. I'm one of those rare people that still really enjoy the love triangle and Rachel Hawkins sure knows how to draw that triangle!

Demonglass allows us explore more of the mystery surrounding the demons, the Eye, and Prodigium life. Sophie really grows in this story and she turns into a character with such an amazing, fighting spirit. I really like when I can see a character grow and change over a series and there is no denying that with Sophie.

But why oh why did you torture me with that ending Rachel Hawkins?!? WHY?! I think it's pretty much impossible to put this book down and not demand book 3. I must have it!
This series is a must-read!

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Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Hyperion Children's Books (March 2nd, 2010)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 323 pages
Series: Hex Hall #1
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
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 student 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.

Review: I don't know why I waited this long to read Hex Hall! This book was just calling to me recently and I am so glad I picked it up. Rachel's writing is hilarious! She absolutely cracks me up and I mean that as the highest compliment. Hex Hall had everything a good YA book needs.

Sophie is a witch and she is sent to a school for paranormals who have created some form of havoc with their abilities. This book starts out with a bang and it continued to amaze me in so many ways. Sophie is far from popular when she arrives at Hex Hall and it was so much fun to get to know her through her encounters with other students. Poor Sophie! But she was so easy to relate to and care about. She was strong and caring but far from the perfect witch. I couldn't help but crack up at many of her hysterical phrases because I could see myself thinking/doing some of the same things.

Hex Hall has a fascinating plot that carries a lot of mystery. I was shocked by some of the events! And, of course, Sophie isn't the only character in this book. We have the lovely-swoonworthy Archer, and her vampire best friend Janeny. Hex Hall was really a great foundation for this series because I'm sure it is going to go in some wild directions. It was honestly exactly the type of book I was looking for.

If you are looking for a YA book with intense action, fun magic, and hilarious moments that will have you laughing out loud, you gotta get Hex Hall! Rachel Hawkins is my new hero!

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Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Hyperion (March 13th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 336 pages
Series: Hex Hall, #3
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?

Review:

Sophie meets some new people, the Brannicks, and realizes she shares more of a connection with them than she could have imagined. I thought it was awesome that this family was made up of amazingly strong women who could really kick major butt!

It's hard to review this book without it spoiling the previous titles but I'll try. I really liked the continuation of Sophie and Janena's friendship. They really had a strong connection. Then, of course, we have Archer and Cal. I gotta admit, I love Cal! I had a soft spot for him early on and that just continued the more I read. He was quiet but his strength and compassion for Sophie was so wonderful to see.

There is a lot going on in this book! Sometimes I felt maybe it was a bit too much. Like a lot was being thrown in because this was the last book. But regardless of that fact, I enjoyed seeing everything come full circle and getting some questions answered.

If you haven't started this series yet, do it! There are so many funny moments but it's well tied into an amazing plot. I am excited to read the next series by Rachel Hawkins!

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