Friday, December 3, 2010

21 Day Blogoversary & Birthday Bash: Day 3
Review and Giveaway of Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Friday, December 3, 2010
Welcome to Day 3 of my 21 Day Blogoversary & Birthday Bash

Today, I have a review of Demonglass; Rachel Hawkins' second book in her Hex Hall series. The release date for this book is Feb. 15, 2011, but I have an ARC copy to giveaway, and trust me if you liked Hex Hall you will love Demonglass.

 

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning  is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Acher to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?
(Publisher's summary from Powell's Books)

So, I have to say this up front, that while I really thoroughly enjoyed Hex Hall, I absolutely, unequivocally loved Demonglass.

In my review of Hex Hall last March, I predicted that in book two we would learn more about Sophie’s dad and my prediction was correct. Demonglass moves the action of the story across the ocean to a mansion in England, where Sophie, and her vampire friend, Jenna, and Cal, the hot caretaker of Hex Hall are spending the summer with Sophie’s dad. Once there she gets to know here father and finds out that one: she is betrothed to Cal, two: that there are two more demons teens, whose existence is a major problem for the Prodigium and three: that The Eye is still very much a threat to Prodigium and Sophie. The story is chuck full of new conflicts and Sophie is smack dab in the middle of it all.

Once again Sophie’s is a major reason why I love this series. Quick-witted as ever Sophie has a better understanding about herself than she did in Hex Hall. I was glad to see that her experiences over the course of a year at school helped her glean a better understanding of her magical capabilities. I was also happy to have Jenna, her vampire roommate, and best bud back. I will admit I was surprised to find that Cal, who was primarily in the background in Hex Hall, elevated to play a much larger role, and while Sophie’ heart still yearns for Archer, Cal makes for a great love triangle.

I was also glad that Hawkins brought back Archer. Because in Hex Hall Archer left us all wondering whether he was a good guy or a bad guy.  Archer’s role in Demonglass adds much to the action and suspense, and it will be interesting to see how things will play out between Sophie and him in book three.

While many questions that were left unanswered at the end of Hex Hall are brought to light, Demonglass opens up a mansion load more, which means that book three will be anxiously anticipated. Demonglass is a very fast read and quite satisfying. Between the new conflicts facing Sophie, the love triangle, and the surprising ending, I can honestly say that Demonglass is a fantastic addition to the series. 


An now here's your chance to win an ARC copy of Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins. Just fill out this form and leave a comment. Tell me what you liked about Hex Hall.

You can also enter the other day's giveaway posts here.

 

 

122 comments:

Maidenveil said...

Hapy Blogoversary again! I have yet to finish Hex Hall but it's pretty good! Thanks for the review and giveaway. :)

Misha said...

Happy Blogoversary!
What I liked about Hex Hall was that it did not seem like every other YA fantasy , like its with some books.

mary ann(RunOnce828) said...

Happy Blogoversary!

thanks for this great giveaway!!!;)

Anonymous said...

Hi! :D
The thing that i loved about Hex Hall was the interesting storyline and fun characters.
Demonglass is definitely on my to-read list for 2011!

Thanks for the giveaway! (:

Unknown said...

I really liked The writing style,it was fresh and easy and i loved the story and the characters!It was among the best books i've read this year!

Aleksandra said...

It was fun & with lots of little twists :) Can't wait to read this one! Great review :)

Lola said...

I am so jealous that you got to read this one! I loved Hex Hall! The world building was my favorite part. The author portrayed a very vivid picture for the reader! :)

Book Kritik said...

I just ordered Hex Hall yesterday and can't wait to read. The second one looks just as pretty and interesting as the first one!

Cherry said...

I haven't read Hex Hall yet, but it is at the top of my wishlist :)

Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2010/12/win-demonglass-at-eating-ya-books.html

sidebar: http://www.cherrymischievous.com/

Cherry Mischievous
cherrymischif-warrior [at] yahoo [dot] com

Badass Bookie said...

I read Hex Hall a while back and loved it! After the cliff hanger ending on what happens ever happened to Archer I can't wait to read demonglass!

Lisa ( Badass Bookie)

Jasmine1485 said...

I haven't read Hex Hall yet, but I can't wait too, I've seen some awesome reviews :)

Kate1485 at hotmail.com

Booklover-Book Chicks said...

Thank you so much for this giveaway! =D I loved Hex Hall soo much and I can't wait for Demonglass!

Britta said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I have Hex Hall on my desk and am starting soon!

Cass said...

Amazing review. :) I have not yet read HEX HALL, but scoring myself an ARC of DEMONGLASS would be the perfect motivator.

Holz Smolz said...

Thanks for the giveaway!
I loved the characters in Hex Hall...Sophie especially, she was just like a normal teen with the sarcasm and attitude but with a twist! Soo looking forward to Demon Glass

Romy @ Lost.in.Stories said...

Thanks for these amazing giveaways and Happy Blogoversary! Anyway getting back to your question ... I loved the whole premise of a school for delinquent magical students plus Sophie was such a hilarious character, how can you not fall in love with Hex Hall?

Cherry said...

Jan said:
"Hey Cherry, Just wanted to stop by and thank you for participating in my 21 Day B&b Bash, and especially for spreading the word. I really appreciate it. Have a great Friday!"

- the pleasure is all mine! :)

Have a nice day too!!

Kirthi said...

It's kind of relieving that I'll find out more in Demonglass. Hex Hall left me hanging ^_^

raokiki6@gmail.com

Unknown said...

First of all: Congrats Jan of celebrating the 1st blogoversary of your blog! Here's to many more! :-D

Second of all I wanted to thank you for all these amazing giveaways and especially for making them international, you are awesome! :-))

I haven't had the chance to read Hex Hall yet, but the premise sounds exciting and I loved the cover (but I agree, the cover of Demonglass is even more stunning! :-p)

Thank you again and congrats! :-))

Lori said...

I bought Hex Hall when it first came out and I still haven't read it! I need too! Glad to hear that the sequel is so good!

Thanks for the giveaway!

VickyTinky said...

Congrats on your blogoversary! First of all I loved the cover! It's awesome! I haven't finished it yet but I love it so far!

vicky.vak8(at)gmail.com

Kathy Habel said...

I enjoyed Hex Hall and really want to read the sequel!

Carol said...

I haven't read Hex Hall yet =( but already ordered it so hopefully I'll have it in my hands by Christmas^^

Happy Blogoversary!!

Anedia said...

I have not yet read hex hall! :( its sitting in the huge pile on my desk though! soon!

Flippin' Fabulous said...

I loved Hex Hall because of the diverse nature of *Hex Hall.* Most books I have read have only one type of, er, being, attending their schools and all others are enemies. The first thing I did was check for a #2 in the series after I read it. There was no way I could let Rachel Hawkins leave me hanging like she did!

Thanks for the giveaway!

Natasha A. said...

I have not read Hex Hall yet! BUT this would get me off my bum and finally reading it, cause I have wanted to :D

AmburHostyn said...

Happy Blogoversary!!! :D
I haven't actually read Hex Hall yet, it's been on my TBR list for a while now though...I'm going to have to get my butt in gear and read it now that the sequel's so close haha
Thanks for the awesome giveaway :)

Melissa (i swim for oceans) said...

Hex Hall was fun, engaging, and absolutely fun! I can't wait to read Demon Glass...great review, Jan! :)

Lesley said...

Eek! Thank you for the giveaway, you have no idea how much I enjoyed Hex Hall.
I reviewed it on my website a while back but I can recap my favorite things about it:
- The humor. Books have to have humor.
- The steamy romance between Sophie and Archer. I'm dying to know what happens!
- The frienemies with the coven. Sophie was right in saying no, and I love the cat fights they get into.
- And finally how diverse everyone was. It was a huge school full of different fantasy/paranormal creatures. Who wouldn't love that?

Okay I talked your ear off lol. Can't wait for Demonglass!

Gilliene said...

I haven't read Hex Hall yet, but I'm REALLY interested in reading it, in fact, I might go and buy a copy of it this weekend!

So excited!

Jasmine Cervik said...

Thanks so much for the great giveaway!

Hex Hall was so awesome because it combined all kinds of different characters...I got my fix off all of them in one book. :)

Jinky said...

I haven't read Hex Hell yet but your review makes me want to read the series! I'd like a shot at this.

Thanks.

Nina said...

Great review. I loved the first book, the romance was a bit off, but I liked that the girl had power! ;) Looking forward reading the sequal.

Linda Henderson said...

I haven't read Hex Hall yet, but hope to over the holidays.

Cialina at Muggle-Born.net said...

I honestly have not yet read Hex Hall, but I have been wanting to read it for some time! It's on my to read list. If I do win this ARC, then I will make it my priority to buy//borrow a copy of Hex Hall straight away!

Amber said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed Demon Glass as much as you enjoyed Hex Hall. A good sequel should always try and answer some of the questions set forth in the first one while adding more questions on top of it and Demon Glass seems to accomplish that! Thanks so much for the review and the giveaway!

Hex Hall is sitting wrapped up underneath my Christmas tree so I haven't actually read it to like anything about it yet except the cover.

Lexie@BookBug said...

I have not read Hex Hall yet but I just purchased it and I must admit the cover is what ultimately hooked me.
lexie.bookbug(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Miss Page-Turner said...

I haven't even read Hex Hall, but it's on top of my xmas wishlist and I am sure that I will like it. The story sounds so good and I love that it's part of a larger series:)

Ana Lucía said...

OMG you are so lucky! I'm dying to read demonglass I loved hex hall and by you review Im sure Im going to love this one...fingers crossed..hopefully I win this one!

Casey (The Bookish Type) said...

This is a seriously incredible event! Thank you so much! I think what I liked best about Hex Hall is the way Rachel combined dark and light - the dark themes of the world, with her hilarious sense of humor! It made for a perfect read!

Judit said...

I haven't started reading Hex Hall yet but I heard so many great things about it that no doubt after I'm finnished I will be yearning for more. I'm picking the book next week and can't wait to read it:)

Lisa_Gibson said...

I just finished Hex Hall and can't wait to read Demonglass. I loved the fact that Sophie was so much stronger and better than she thought she was. I also liked the fact that it's a school with witches, fairies, shape-shifters, and one vamp. I think it makes it more interesting and adds possibility.
Lisa ~ YA Literature Lover

donnas said...

Great review. I recently finished Hex Hall and thought it was a great book. Very fun with great characters and a interesting story. Really looking forward to reading more in this series.

Bookworm Lisa said...

I admit that I haven't read Hex Hall yet... I do own it, it is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. Maybe winning a copy of the the second would propel me to read the first.

elaing8 said...

I have Hex Hall sitting on my TBR pile.Great review of Demonglass.

Jen Bigheart said...

Need. This. Now.

I loved Hex Hall...I even took it to the Austin Roller Derby. Rachel loved that picture.

Thx and happy holidays!

jenbigheart(at)yahoo.com

Jen

Ammy Belle said...

After all the wonderful reviews and the wicked cover, I finally garbbed Hex Hall. It is on my Christmas read list - so for now, the only thing I like about it is the cover ...

Please enter me anyway?
apereiraorama @ gmail.com

danya said...

Everything seemed to work in Hex Hall to make it an enjoyable read as a whole. I liked that it was fairly light for a fantasy/paranormal, but it did have mysterious, darker elements, and I liked that Sophie turned out to be a demon rather than a typical witch. I also enjoyed Archer :D

Sara said...

amazing giveaway!I loved Hex Hall so I really want to win this :P

Hex Hall was a fun read and what I loved most was the surpises in the end of the book, it wasn't a "happy ending" but an ending who gave promises to an amazing sequel!

Marg @ Clockwork Reverie said...

I think that the heroine of Hex Hall was very likable and I thought the book overall was a light, fun, fast read.

Thanks for the giveaway!

Moridin said...

What I liked about Hex Hall was the great plot.

Unknown said...

I haven't read Hex Hall yet, but I'm hoping to get it for Christmas.

Thanks!

Pisinat said...

I haven't read Hex Hall yet but I've heard great things about it. I think I'm gonna love it :)

Christinabean said...

I have yet to read Hex Hall but it is on my TBR list! Thanks for the giveaway!

debbie said...

I haven't read it yet, but it is on my TBR list.

resugo said...

I thought Hex Hall was hilarious. It was also surprising, very different than what I was expecting. Which I enjoyed.

Happy Blogoversary!

Aleetha said...

I haven't read the book. But from the summary of Goodreads and your review, it's quite interesting.

Thanks for another giveaway
count me in

Unknown said...

Haven't read Hex Hall and I've been wanting to for forever. The book sounds really awesome.

Pokadots1121 said...

I loved Hex Hall because its fantasy yet so realistic. The author has a great writing voice.

throuthehaze said...

I loved Hex Hall! There were a lot of twists to it that I liked :)

Vivien said...

I loved the characters drawn in to their personalities. I love witty characters, which is exactly what Hex Hall had. Loved it.

Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

Staci said...

I bought Hex Hall for my library and now I need to read it!!

NatalieSap said...

Well, I'm quite partial to boarding school settings, so Hex Hall had me there. It definitely felt like a start to a series, so I'm intrigued to know what happens next. Love the blogoversary/birthday bash idea - it's so much fun! :)

Jen said...

I Loved Hexhall because you didn't know what to expect. I love the face that we were led to believe one thing and then you find out that Sophie is a demon or that Archer works for the other team. This is such a great read because it's fresh and new idea.

sablelexi said...

I haven't read Hex Hall, but I really want to. I found a copy in the used section at the bookstore a couple weeks ago, so its in my short TBR pile.

A Canadian Girl said...

Thanks for the giveaway. What I loved about Hex Hall was the character of Sophie. She's so funny and kept making me laugh while I was reading.

Pamk said...

I haven't read this one yet. But i have it in my tbr pile. Sounds like a great read.
scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com

jess said...

Thanks for the giveaway!!

I loved the romance and all the humor in Hex Hall

jessica b

buddyt said...

Happy Blogoversary.

I haven't read Hex Hall as yet. I am waiting on a freind to finish it and pass it on.

Thanks for the giveaway.

Carol T

buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

Rosa said...

I can't wait to read this book! I hope I win! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

The1stdaughter said...

So, I haven't read the first in this series, totally intend to, but now I really really want to. I've actually been hearing more and more great things about the sequel than I did the first in the series. Fantastic review! Now I really need to get my hands on Hex Hall!

Anonymous said...

Hi!
I loved Sophie and the humor, I really had a good time reading the first book!
Thanks for the giveawya (international, yay!!!)
I'm Lucia ;)

Precious said...

I love your review! :) I haaven't read Hex Hall. But I've always seen it in the bookstore. Maybe it's time for me to pick it up.

Sarah said...

I cannot wait for this book! I LOVED Hex Hall :) Thanks for the review & giveaway

Jenny said...

Fabulous review Jan! I'm so excited for this book, Hex Hall was one of my favorite reads this year and I can't wait to read more of Sophie and Archer. Her quick wit is one of my favorite things about the first one, glad to see it's back in full force with book 2. Thanks so much for the giveaway as well!

Theresa said...

Great review and thanks for the giveaway! This book sounds really good! My sister read Hex Hall and loved it. I'm planning to get it out from my school library soon so I can read it, too. :)

*Jam* said...

Thanks for making this giveaway international!

I love Hex Hall and Demon Glass covers! :)

April X said...

Err I actually haven't read Hex Hall yet *hides in shame* but I've heard great things about it! Hopefully I'll get to read it soon :)

Julie said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I loved Hex Hall. I laughed out loud reading every page. It's one of my favorite books of 2010. It has wonderful characters. I enjoyed the magic, too!

samantha35 said...

Loved Hex Hall!!

Small Review said...

I loved unraveling the secrets about Sophie's family history. I'm looking forward to learning more about the secret societies that hunt Prodigium.

whitewolfreads said...

What I loved about Hex Hall were the characters. When I first heard that it took place in a barding school it put me off a bit because it is over done. But when I started reading it I immediately fell in love with this series!

brandileigh2003 said...

It made me laugh and I like the story premise.

DAMgirls: Daisy, Autumn, and Maysie said...

I loved Hex Hall because it was a well written, witty, and kick ( excuse my french) ass book that pushed it's way from good to great. Rachel has created a masterpiece and I can't wait for the next installment!
Thanks for the giveaway!

Brodie said...

Oooh excellent review! You've made me more excited to get my hands on Demonglass when it's released. I loved Hex Hall! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for hosting this. There were many things I liked about Hex Hall but I think it was the main character I liked the best. And the fast pace of the plot.

Hannah Marie said...

I haven't read Hex Hall yet, but the cover looks wonderful. I've read several incredible reviews about it, so I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Thanks for the giveaway!
Hannah

Katie said...

Great giveaway!! I loved Hex Hall so I am sure I will love this one too!! New follower, your 900th!!!

Ashley said...

Thank you for the contest! I own Hex Hall but actually haven't read it yet; however I've read great reviews so I know I'll love it.

mariska said...

I haven't read Hex Hall, I'd love to read this !!

Gaby G said...

I still haven't read it, but I'm planning to do it soon. I like the idea of witches :)

Kelly aka yllektra(I Work For Books) said...

I have Hex Hall, but I haven't gotten around to reading it yet!
Thanks for this giveaway! :)

Asenath said...

I have not yet read Hex Hall--it's on my "to read" list. I hope to get to it soon!

arallison(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

Awesome giveaway! I have not yet read Hex Hall however, I just picked it up two days ago and I'm waiting for my finals to finish before I begin my readings!

moonlightgleam(at)gmail(dot)com

Llehn said...

Happy Anniversary. I just got Hex Hall from the library :D

Anonymous said...

I haven't read Hex Hall yet... It's on my TBR list though, I know I'll get to it during Christmas break. I'm hoping that winning the second might motivate me to start reading it soon. So, at the moment I only like the gorgeous cover.

bdecouverte@gmail.com

Lizzy said...

Happy blogoversary! Can I say that I liked everything about Hex Hall? Hmm, if I had to be specific I guess I'd have to say that it didn't feel like there were any paranormal cliches in the book. It was so refreshing :)

Darlyn said...

I gave 3 out of 5 for the 1st book, HexHall. It's not that i dislike it but myabe my expectations are so high as i read so much reviews of it. but i do hope that i can like it in the 2nd book, and i'm looking forward to read it. after all, i love witches!

Byrn's books said...

I really like Hex Hall, it was light and funny. I really didn't exspect what would happen at the end. I can't wait to find out what happens next :))

Byrn's books said...

I really like Hex Hall, it was light and funny. I really didn't exspect what would happen at the end. I can't wait to find out what happens next :))

EVA SB said...

I'm looking forward to reading Hex Hall. From all the reviews it sound fun.

Jess13angel said...

Hex Hall was really fun to read, if Sabrina the teenage witch and Harry Potter had a baby book it would be Hex Hall!! All the characters were great and I was really intrigued by Cal (I thought Archer was just ok..sorry Archer fans xD)

Book Loving Mommy said...

I haven't read Hex Hall yet but it's on my Kindle! I can't wait to read it :)

Happy Blogoversary!

Ana Lucía said...

I already leave a comment but I think I didn't post what I liked about Hex Hall (sorry). What I like was the interesting storyline and fun characters and really well written! love it.

Unknown said...

Thanks for this giveaway, Hex Hall is one of my favorite books of the year, it was just so much fun to read. I loved it!

latishajean said...

Congrats too you! Great giveaway thank you very much :)can't wait to read this one.

DforDarla said...

I've heard great things about Hex Hall and Demonglass. At the moment Hex Hall is making it's way through my family - currently my dad has it.Happy Blogoversary!!

Ingreads. said...

Happy Blogoversary!! I loved Hex Hall and the cover of the two books are beautiful! I really need Demonglass to be on my shelves haha!

Mithee (The Deranged Book Lovers) said...

I liked Hex Hall a lot! The ending left me on the edge of my seat though. And I'm so excited to see Archer again!

xlacrimax said...

I haven't read Hex Hall yet, but I am looking forward to reading it!

Syki said...

I liked Hex Hall and I want to read Demonglass so bad because I want to know more about Archer!

Thank you for this giveaway!

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

Wow, wasn't it only yesterday that you celebrated a Blogaversity. Time justs flies when you having fun or giving away awesome books!


(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

PinkStuff28 said...

I liked the storyline .

raluk.93 at gmail (dot) com

aurora M. said...

I would love to win this book because I have Hex Hall under the tree right now! I just know it! and I love the Hex Hall cover!
veltara(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Another great pick for giveaway. I would love to read Hex Hall and this one... soon.

Mad Scientist

Jolene and Family said...

I haven't read Hex Hall yet, but I ordered it a few days ago. Excited to read it, thanks for the giveaway
june111@att.net

Juliana Dias said...

I have yet to read Hex Hall, but I heard so many great things about it, it's definutely high on my TBR list!

juiceb0xx at hotmail dot com

Aydrea said...

I am so excited for this book, can't wait!

My Life With Books - Jennifer K Jovus said...

I enjoyed hex hall because it combined a couple of story elements that I really enjoy. It was like Charmed meets Harry Potter Meets Buffy.

Aik said...

I like the fact that the main character is someone who knows how to differentiate between good and evil.

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Dwayne said...

Happy blogoversary!

Hex Hall left me with a lot of "what?s" so I'm a little irked this is the same, but what the hell, it's a trilogy. They're good like that, lol

Minas said...

I loved Hex Hall! I can't wait to read this one!

Thanks for the giveaway!

 
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