Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

"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 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."-Goodreads.com

Overall: 5/5

I loved this book! I wasn't sure that I would, becuase it tends to go 50/50 for me on witch books. But this one grabbed my attention from the start and didn't let go. The characters were real and the plot twists caught me completely by surprise. Way to go, Hawkins!

It surprised me with this book that magic seemed to come so easily to the characters. I guess I've gotten in the habbit of thinking of magic in a way where it takes lots of time and practice and concentration to get anywhere with it, rather than it just showing up naturally and painlessly once the recipient comes of age. I almost think of this as a flaw, because life rarely allows anything worth having to come easily and painlessly. But then again, who am I to say that it's not plausible?

I'm trying to think of what else I can say about it without giving anything away, and I'm not coming up with much. Just know that this is an incredible book that is a must-read. I can't wait for book 2, Demonglass, to come out!

Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Ending: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Happy Factor: 5/5

This is Rachel Hawkin's first book.