Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Series: Hex Hall Book #1

Format: Paperback

Pages: 323

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Gift

I feel like I’ve been handing out five star ratings a lot lately. But I really think they all deserve it. This wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read, but it was fun and gripping. Plus, I don’t have any issues or complaints.

Sophie is definitely spunky and sassy. Thankfully, she doesn’t go into annoying or stupid territory. She’s also a good friend and person even when people don’t deserve her loyalty or affection. I would like more Jenna/Sophie friendship because healthy lady friendships are always good.

The romance was fun, but not over-powering. I do like Archer and am curious to see how this develops.

And the larger plot is definitely interesting. Some of it was predictable, but I didn’t guess everything. And I want to see how Ms. Hawkins continues to flush out the world and political structure.

This actually reminds me a lot of the Gallagher Girl books by Ally Carter. They have a similar feel and characters. Plus, they don’t take themselves too seriously. It’s a crazy witch book with humor and some corniness which I love.

I’m definitely going to buy the next two books the next time I buy books and I can’t wait to read them.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly

Sisters’ Fate by Jessica Spotswood

Series: Cahill Witch Chronicles (Book #3)

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 368

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

I’m so sad this series is over. But I also don’t have much to say. I waited to write this because I wanted to organize my thoughts. That hasn’t gone well.

This was a great conclusion. It lived up to the previous books. Generally, the resolution worked. I thought a couple things happened a little too fast. And there were a few relationships I would have liked to see more flushed out.

I still think Cate is amazing narrator and protagonist. Especially, in this book she could have made some annoying or foolish decisions, but she kept it together. And I was very pleased with the Cate/Finn relationship. I was concerned after the second book, but they are great partners.

Sister’s Fate is a lot like The Ruby Circle: if you’ve been a fan of the series I think you’ll enjoy the last book. Although, I do wish there was an epilogue set ten or twenty years later. But I always love an epilogue.

I’ll definitely read more books by Jessica Spotswood in the future.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Series: Cahill Witch Chronicles (Book #2)

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 384

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

That ending has kind of wrecked me, so I’m not sure how this review will go. But I’m going to pick up the third book and don’t want to accidentally confuse the two.

I just love Jessica Spotswood’s writing. This reads a lot like a contemporary, but has the amazing world building of a historical or fantasy book. She does a great job of creating the world-especially the political and social aspects. And Cate is a spectacular narrator. I never get tired of her. And there was such tension in this book. Almost every page had me on the edge of my seat and that doesn’t happen often.

Cate is an amazing protagonist. Yes, she’s dealing with being a witch, but she’s very real. Her problems are relatable and I love reading about her struggle to find herself. Plus, she’s a good person, sister, and friend.

I wasn’t expecting this, but the series addresses a lot of issues women have to deal with even in our world today. There’s female sexuality, female friendships, sisters, and the cattiness that unfortunately seems to always follow women. It could just be stereotypes, but I feel like it’s so much more.

Now, I’m going to address a pretty big spoiler.

You’ve been warned.

In the last year I’ve done some soul searching and have tried to not call women (fictional or real) names-especially names that are often attached to woman. But Maura is a bitch. I actually wrote that it my notes twice. For so long I’ve been cheering for her, because I really wanted her to be redeemed and a truly good person. But, for me, using mind magic on Finn like that is unforgiveable. I completely believe she did it because it would hurt Cate and it helping Inez’s cause was secondary. As a sister I can say there is NOTHING that would make me do something that cruel to mine. And they (Cate and Finn) better end up together-happily. I pray it doesn’t take the whole book, because how will I survive that?

Now, I need to emotionally prepare myself to read the last book. Wish me look.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly