Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hawkins, Rachel Hex Hall, 323 p. Hyperion, 2010. $16.99. Language: PG -13 (25+ swears, 0 “f”); Violence: PG (fighting, blood). Sophie Mercer has cast one too many bad spells – now she has been exiled to the Prodigium (witchy) world’s equivalent of reform school. While Sophie has never met her father, she now knows that he is the being responsible for each of the kids (and most of the teachers) presence at the school – not a great way to start her year. Her vampire roommate seems happy to have Sophie around, but the gorgeous dark witch coven is not – especially when it looks like the lead witch’s boyfriend may have more than a passing interest in Sophie. Death awaits, however, and Sophie may be the next victim. Hawkins has created a wonderful new world that I can’t wait to revisit. Dark and creepy and ready to entertain – your vampire lovers will easily move on to this series. MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher.