HEX HALL by Rachel Hawkins

From Goodreads:

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 student 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.


I found this book vibrant, humorous and just the right amount of sarcastic. It made me think Wizards of Waverly Place with an edge... with just a bit of Mean Girls thrown in. I can see why reviewers have likened it to a 'female' Harry Potter, although I think it's a lot more than that...

While there is definitely an element of romance in the book, and of course a heavy dose of teenage angst, the “boy” and the relationship isn’t the main plot issue, which is refreshing for a YA novel. I found the characters (and most especially the main character, Sophie,) to be quirky and surprisingly realistic... keeping aside, of course, the fact that Sophie is a witch, and the secondary characters include faeries, werewolves and vampires.

The plot turn at the end was unexpected and surprising... it had me immediately ready to purchase the 2nd instalment!

All in all, the book had excellent pacing, made for a quick and easy read, and kept my interest throughout. I enjoyed every page, and would recommend it! My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.