Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

On her 12th birthday, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Three bumpy years later, after a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, she's exiled to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day, 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 on campus. Then when a mysterious predator begins attacking students, and Sophie's only friend is the number-one suspect, a horrifying plot begins to surface. Soon, Sophie is preparing for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

I loved Hex Hall. Period. The end. 

Sophie Mercer is very likely my favorite female main character I've read all year. She's funny and sassy and confident and independent. Not in an obnoxious way, but in a way that girls always wish they really were. Not only does Sophie hold her own though, but she's kind. She roots for the underdog. Really, she is the underdog in this book. One of them, anyway.

I have two words for you--Archer Cross. Not familiar with them? If you look up the word "yummy" in the Dictionary, the definition would be Archer Cross. He has to be in my top ten favorite male characters ever. (Honestly, I told you this book was amazing.) At first he's such a jerk, which, sadly, is still hot. But then he does little things to work his way into your heart. You really can't help but love him.

Hex Hall is such a well-written book that you'll feel right at home in it's pages, and it'll tug on every emotion you have before it ends. There were times when I wanted to do a happy dance, times when I wanted to throw something, times when I wanted to cry, and times when I wanted to climb into story and witness the happy and the sad alike. Trust me, there is plenty of both in this book.

This is a must read. If you haven't picked it up already, do so ASAP. Especially since the sequel, Demonglass, was released today!  (And don't go searching for book descriptions for Demonglass-- there are spoilers in the description and it'll ruin this book for you!!)

Experience Hex Hall. Right now! There has to be a 24-hour bookstore somewhere, right?? :D

Happy Reading!