Parents' Guide to

Hex Hall

By Karen Wirsing, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Enchanting book about witty teen witch at reform school.

Hex Hall Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 12+

The best EVER

This is a book about a girl who has magical powers and her name is Sophia. She likes to be called Sophie though. The principal, Mrs.Casnoff, is excited Sophie could be there. And then, Sophie learns about two major threats, The Barricks, a league of Irish girls, and an even bigger threat, L'Occhio do Dio, a big group of Italian men. But they all have one thing in common, they want to kill Sophie, her father, and all prodigium. That's right! Prodigium. Read the book if you want to find out more!

This title has:

Great role models
age 11+

Amazing

This an amazing book. It is fast paced but not in a bad way. It is very Harry Potter-esque. If you don't know about sex, don't like swearing, or are homophobic this book is not for you. There is a lesbian vamp who is awesome and relatable for me at least. But if you are fine with all of that then you should give it a try.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (17 ):

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.

Book Details

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