Although she’s a witch, Sophie has grown up in the normal world, with her unmagical mother. She’s never met her father, whose the head of the Council of Prodigium (witches, warlocks, shapeshifters and fairies). After another of her, “helpful” spells, goes wrong, she is sent to Hex Hall. Reform school for witches. `So the reader, gets to learn about this new world, with Sophie.
I know it sounds like you’ve read it before, but trust me you haven’t. Hex Hall has more than enough, originality and charm, to stand alone. The world, Rachel Hawkins creates, feels very real and unique. The plot zips along, and I was still reading, way past bedtime (the highest praise from a sleep deprived mum).
Sophie is a fabulous narrator, and I loved her, from page one. Her fresh, funny, sarcastic voice is a pleasure to read. Here’s a taste.
“Cross!” I called. I just couldn’t bring myself to say “Archer” out loud. I’d have felt like I was in an episode of “Masterpiece Theatre”:”Archer! Let us fetch a spot of tea, old boy!”
Which bring us nicely to Archer Cross. Now usually I’m a fan of the ordinary, nice boy. I make exceptions though. Archer, is one of them. Good looking, sarcastic, and with a definite bad boy vibe. I predict many people will join me, and Sophie, in falling for him.
I can’t wait for Hex Hall Two. Book One ends, on something of a cliff hanger. After a series of twists, that I never saw coming, despite a rather fabulous piece of foreshadowing.