Hex Hall

Book review by Karen Wirsing, Common Sense Media
Hex Hall Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 11+

Enchanting book about witty teen witch at reform school.

Rachel Hawkins Fantasy 2011
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 17 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this fantasy novel is about a reform school where werewolves, fairies, witches, and warlocks roam -- and some not-so-friendly ghosts and demons. Whenever the ghosts and demons appear, this quixotic tale quickly becomes dark and eerie. Sensitive tweens might be frightened by the white and black magic talk, along with the mysterious demon that may or may not be killing off students. Parents should also know that certain characters are segregated and bullied, and a graphic discussion about hate crimes against magical beings takes place. This book is the first in a series featuring a witty, powerful main character who makes the right decisions, even when they're difficult.

Community Reviews

DanielP 5
DanielP 5 Adult
January 9, 2016
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
MeandMyOpinion
MeandMyOpinion Adult
May 20, 2015
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
See all 2 parent reviews

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

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love magic and monsters

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