Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Book Summery:
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 shape-shifters.
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 tag-along 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. -goodreads.com
My Review:
Words cannot express how much I enjoyed reading Hex Hall. It had the perfect combination of humor, romance, horror, and adventure, as well as a healthy dose of all things paranormal woven throughout. Hex Hall had components that I was expecting, such as snobby, vengeful teenage girls, a hunky boy for our heroin to crush on, the occasional teen I-don't-know-how-to-cope-with-life moments, and the ever-loyal sidekick friend. However, what I enjoyed about this book, were the components that did surprise me, such as Sophie's lineage, Cal (the Hall's caretaker), the history of Prodigium and counter-Prodigium. I also enjoyed that Hex Hall had a darker, deeper plot than I had originally envisioned. Overall, Hex Hall was a highly enjoyable, surprising, and satisfying read. I simply cannot wait for the next book in the series! Check out more on Hex Hall at the authors blog.

Favorite Quote:

"I don't know what I was expecting a vampire's room to look like. Maybe lots of black, a bunch of books by Camus...oh, and a sensitive portrait of the only human the vamp had ever loved, who had no doubt died of something beautiful and tragic, thus dooming the vamp to an eternity of moping and sighing romantically.

What can I say? I read a lot of books.

But this room looked like it had been decorated by the unholy lovechild of Barbie and Strawberry Shortcake." (p. 33)

Cover Art Commentary:
I love, LOVE this cover. I love the picture of Sophie on the front, with the southern woods in the background. I also love the reflection in the water, which as greater meaning once you read the book. :)

Overall Rating: