Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins - Review

Sophie Mercer is a witch. This wouldn't be so bad but apparently trying to help a sobbing fellow student with a love potion on prom night was not such a good idea. It backfires and her father (who she's never met) ships her off to Hecate (aka Hex) Hall with all the other delinquent Prodigium (faeries, witches, shapeshifters) who have all attracted more attention than they should.

On her first day she is introduced to her roommate, who is a vampire, and three dark witches who want her to join their coven. She's attacked by a werewolf (and it seems shouting "bad dog" doesn't do any good) and meets Archer Cross (and immediately develops a crush).

Did I mention that there's a predator on the loose who is attacking students? And a secret organization called The Eye bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth. Oh yes, and a family secret.

I loved this book. It's funny, with a strong but sarcastic heroine, and yet written with a light touch. It's the sort of story where Lord Byron teaches literature, where the students have to conjure up their dresses for prom (if they can) yet have to visit graveyards at midnight and face off with ghosts. It's a mystery wrapped up in a comedy with a few surprising twists and an ending you don't expect.