Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Wednesday Reviews




A few months back I signed up for that debut author challenge thingy (the official title) and I've been slacking. So last week I bought the first three books on my list and got to work. I'm usually not a "blurb" reader. In other words, I usually buy a book based on a recommendation or the pretty cover (ooh, shiny. Yes, I'm that persuadable...and lazy). But for the debut author thing-a-ma-bob, I couldn't rely on recommendations. So, I decided to read blurbs to pick the books I wanted to read for this challenge. And guess what? Blurbs actually tell you what a book is going to be about and help you pick the ones you might like!! Who knew? So far I've been very happy with my picks. The first one I'll review is Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins. Adorable.

Its fun, funny, and creative. Sophie (the MC) is instantly likeable and relatable and quirky.

Since I'm a reformed non-blurb reader, I'm going to share with you the blurb that won me over:

"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 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, Sopie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium especailly her."

The humor is a little over the top at times, I usually like a more subtle humor, but Rachel Hawkins made it work. Also, some minor bad language.

So for those of you who, like me, read books based on recommendations. I recommend this one. :)

12 comments:

  1. sounds like Harry Potter? Did you think it was like Harry Potter. I like the cover.

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  2. Though the concept is Harry Potter-esque (and maybe that's why the blurb drew me in--love HP) the book was nothing like it. There were a few times I was reminded of HP, and even the author threw in an HP joke, but overall, no, it was a lot different.

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  3. I've been wanting to read this book for a while, but I've been busy trying to finish my first draft. (Yep, I haven't read a published book in over a month). I must remedy that soon.

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  4. I'll add Hex Hall to my list. Thanks for the recommendation. And I'm glad you are back at work and on your blog schedule. :) No more trips to fairyland for you, missy (the one with the really good clam chowder, not the fictional kind of course).

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  5. Nice blurb. I admit I've been lazy with blurbs lately, too. I usually see books that others have recommended when I'm in the store and buy them without opening them! Thanks for the review... I'll add this to my list!

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  6. Thanks for the review. I just finished another witchy book, and I'm interested in this one. It's a welcome break from vampires.

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  7. I really enjoyed Hex Hall too. It was such fun!

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  8. Sounds intriguing. I'll have to check it out. Would you say the humor is too cheesy? Will I need some serious chocolate after reading?

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  9. Laura, no, not cheesy per se. I just like "situational humor" versus "zing" humor. I know that probably makes no sense, let's see, hmm....you know how when someone tells the punch line to a joke and someone else says, "zing?" That's the word I was tempted to say throughout the book. But, like I said, sometimes it really bothers me, but it worked in Hex Hall.

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  10. Thanks for the review - sounds like a fun book and I like the cover. Yes I read the blurb before I buy any book.

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  11. Can't wait to read it!!! Thanks for the review.

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