March 16, 2011

Book Review of "Demonglass" by Rachel Hawkins

NOTE: There are several spoilers to the novel Hex Hall (the first in this series) even in the description for Demonglass. Just sayin'.
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Title: Demonglass
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Classification: YA Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Source: Bought!

Overall Grade: 
Would I read it again? 
Yes!
Would I recommend it to others? 
Certainly! 
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Summary (from Goodreads): 

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?
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My Thoughts:

Love Love Love!
 
I had a hard time putting this book down to go to work, go to bed, pick up the phone... It was addicting from the get go and I loved being back in Sophie's head. She is funny, brave, and real.

The development of characters like Cal, Archer and Sophie's father in the novel were paramount to the book's success. However, while I loved these developments (especially Cal!) I feel like Sophie's friendship with Jenna was neglected a bit. But that's okay, because Jenna's also growing in her own way in the story, so it worked out alright in the end.

The paranormal elements in Demonglass did not disappoint. However, these too, were put on the back burner a bit in favor of Sophie's relationships with others. I'm not saying it was a terrible move on Hawkins' part, because I think it worked really well and helped Sophie become a strong protagonist, but I think that some readers will be saddened by the lack of the more magical elements in the novel.

All in all, the Hex Hall series is quickly becoming one of my favorites! I can't wait to finish up the series next year with the publication of the unnamed Hex Hall #3... especially since Ms. Hawkins left us on a terrible cliffhanger!
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Overall Grade: 
Would I read it again? 
Yes!
Would I recommend it to others? 
Certainly! 


3 comments:

  1. I"ve got to add this series to my list!!! Awesome review!

    http://curledupwithbooks.blogspot.com

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  2. Thanks so much Jessica! It's definitely a fun series :)

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  3. Couldn't agree more! I liked Hex Hall but I loved Demonglass. Maybe because the relationships were developed more. Awesome review! I'm loving your site!

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