Common Sense Media Review
By Karen Wirsing
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Enchanting book about witty teen witch at reform school.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a captivating blend of fantasy, humor, and romance, with an intriguing and mysterious plot that keeps readers engaged. However, many reviews caution about the frequent usage of swear words and graphic content, suggesting it may not be suitable for younger readers, while overall recommending it for ages 12 and up due to its adventure and diverse representation of characters.
- fantasy and humor
- graphic content
- teen audience
- engaging plot
- diverse representation
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Sophie Mercer has an unbelievable first day at Hecate -- or Hex -- Hall, \ a special kind of reform school for kids trying to tame their magical \ powers. When she arrives, school heartthrob Archer Cross immediately \ saves her from a werewolf -- and she makes enemies out of the three most \ popular girls. From there, life only gets more intense for Sophie, who discovers that her powers are \ stronger than any other Prodigium (the collective name for shapeshifters, witches, and faeries). She's even stronger than her father, the head of the Prodigium and Hex Hall's benefactor. But Sophie has a lot to learn about who she can and cannot trust at Hex Hall. Luckily, she has her roommate and best friend, Jenna -- the school's only vampire -- on her side.
Is It Any Good?
Rachel Hawkins' first novel is both enchanting and engaging. Readers will be swept up in the fantasy details immediately: At Hecate Hall, furniture changes form, werewolves prowl the courtyard, and fairies float by elegantly (and a little arrogantly) on iridescent wings. And the creativity continues throughout Sophie's story. For example, Lord Byron is the head English teacher (the romantic writer accepted the position at Hex Hall after adopting Vampirism on his death bed). The quick-witted main character herself is an American girl version of Harry Potter. Her clever first-person narration, as well as the authentic dialogue between teen characters, makes the book fun and accessible. Readers will quickly be simply spellbound by this first novel -- and be excited to continue this magical story in the sequel, Demonglass.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what this story has in common with Harry Potter. Why are tales about witches, warlocks, and other fantasy creatures so popular with tween and teen readers?
This book has a sequel, Demonglass. Will you read that book? Are sequels usually as good as the original installment? Do they typically get more violent or mature in other ways?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Hyperion Books for Children
- Publication date : February 1, 2011
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 11 - 11
- Number of pages : 336
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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