A) by Rachel Hawkins (2013-05-14) - School Spirits (Hex Hall Novel

Full review on Reader's Dialogue: http://readersdialogue.blogspot.com/2013/06/school-spirits.html

I loved the Hex Hall series, its wit and sass and action and emotion, so of course I was eager to read School Spirits. And it doesn't disappoint! It's just as full of wit and sass, action and emotion, and Izzy is just as much a great character as Sophie is. I love the seemingly effortless tone, as if Izzy is just talking to us, telling the story to a circle of friends - now that she has friends. The way she has to integrate into school life after not having contact with kids her own age all her life is really great to watch. It affirms her strength of character, as she doesn't freak out about it, just observes what she has to change and does so. I'm not sure I liked that she had to change her all-black ensemble in order to fit in. If there was a reason she dressed all in black, maybe she could have joined the kids who had the same reason to dress in black? Unless, of course, the only reason is that she was raised as a monster-hunter and she really belongs in a different crowd. She makes friends quickly enough, but they're not the popular, bright and cheery students - they are witch-hunters, after all, as amateur as they are!

I love the romance with Dex, and all his purple, and everything that happens around it. That's all I'm saying. And Torin, for all his obnoxiousness, is a pretty great character too.

Lovely little supernatural story.
It was a little slow at the start and the end was perhaps a tad rushed and convenient. Saying that
the middle was a delightful read and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to younger and older readers alike, keeping in mind that it is written for the younger age group.
It was en vogue and had characters that readers will be able to relate to. There was also a subtle wit throughout, which wasn't overly sarcastic nor was the author trying to make it funny. The humour just ran alongside the plot in a smooth comfortable way.
The beginning, well let's just say it could have done without the vampire scene and it wasn't indicative of the rest of the plot, which was a combination of high school life meets the supernatural.
The sweet blossoming of young love, the difficulty of fitting in with her peers and let's not forget the ancient warlock that just happens to live in the mirrors in the main characters house.
Izzy has never watched TV, been to school or spent time with kids her own age. Now she finds herself torn between wanting a more normal life and fulfilling the legacy of her birthright.
I liked it because I know it will tick all the buttons for the age group it is written for. It is fun, endearing and interesting without resorting to anything extreme.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley.

When I had gotten this from Netgalley I hadnt read the Hex Hall series at all. Although I did have the books. I thought this was a book 4 in that series and was happily surprised to find out that this is a new series. So I ate my way through the first series and then read this one. I must say for those of you who have read the Hex Hall series this one will give you the dosage of witches, vampires, and more that you have been missing! Now I had heard that this was a new series but I have also heard that there are no more books in the works for this series at the moment so lets hope that there are more to some as this one really does read as a series.

Although I did get this book via Netgalley. I have also purchased my own copy of this one as well.
"*I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own."

3.5 Stars

*** Possible spoilers ahead ***

I enjoyed reading the Hex Hall series, and looked forward to reading more on the Brannick women. Warrior women trained from birth to protect humans from the prodigium otherwise known as paranormal beings. For over a thousand years these women have been secretly keeping us safe, often at the expense of their own lives. Once a vast clan, now only a small group.
Our heroine is 15 year old Isolde or Lizzy to her friends. She and her family were introduced in "Spell Bound" the third and final book of the "Hex Hall" trilogy.

The story easily kept me interested, it is engaging and entertaining. The main characters are likeable and sympathetic. Enough action to keep things interesting but not ultra violent and the sex is kept to a minimum. So this book is appropriate for younger teens as well as older readers. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

This book will not make you look at the world any differently or change the way you think... but it will entertain you and let you lose yourself in its pages for a while. Which is exactly what a good book is suppose to do.

I wrote the same review for the previous three books but this one deserves something different. This book was so good! It was so simple the drama wasn't over played. It was written so well because Hawkins wasn't trying to add too much into this story. It does have a simple story line but that gives more space to develope the characters. Dex was so clear when I was reading his character there was a perfect picture if him and his personality. I really really really want her to finish this trilogy she has such a great start!

School Spirits is a good read, but it reads younger than the Hex Hall books with Sophie. Also, none of the action takes place at or around Hex Hall. This is a totally different book written in the Hex Hall universe, but with Izzy Brannick, Sophie's younger cousin. The Hex Hall books with Sophie have a darker YA feel, this book has a younger teen feel, still very good writing and reading.

Izzy has faced down demons, vampires, werewolves, a magic mirror, but now she is facing something totally terrifying- high school! Izzy has to attend HS because of a ghost haunting and try to be blend in, make friends, but not really make friends because she will be leaving when the ghost is put to rest.

Rachel Hawkins has a way of making the secondary characters just as interesting as the main character, here the characters of Romy, Dex, Izzy's mom, and even the missing Fin, create a rich added dimension to the texture of the story.

Well worth reading and enjoying and I'll definitely be looking at for the sequel.

"School Spirits" by Rachael Hawkins is the first in (what I hope will be) a series.

It is the story of "Izzy" Brannick. The Brannicks have always been "monster-hunters", and their training begins as soon as they can walk. They have no time for the ordinary things in life -- those are the things that other people get to have, the people for whom they hunt the monsters. When a case involves Izzy having to go undercover at a high-school to solve a haunting, she gets a fast introduction to things she never encountered before: television, teen magazines, dodge-ball and friendship.

How she makes her way through the pitfalls of high school, the choices she makes and the decisions she takes about what her own life will be like in the future make for some interesting reading. Underlying it all is the theme of the sudden disappearance of her older sister on just another of these "monster-hunts" and the effect it is having on her family. Add in the Brannick family "War room" (sounds neat, huh?), and a 400 year-old warlock named Torin (who lives in a mirror and "could be"\ "might be" evil) and things get mighty interesting.

It was not a "deep" book, but a thoroughly enjoyable one day read. I can heartily recommend it for anyone of "young adult" age on up who is interested in reading about the paranormal. There is no "sex" in it (although there is some romance with the hint of more to -- possibly --come). It had enough twists and new concepts in it to satisfy.

And, in case you're interested, I'm 59 years old and read books for "young adult" because my theory is that if it is well-written, it will interest not only children, but adults as well. This book strengthens that theory.

Unfortunately, since this book has a copyright of 2013 I'm going to have to wait some time for the next one. Think I'll try out the first book in her other series, "Hex Hall", and see if Ms. Hawkins has a winning streak.

Go. Read. Enjoy!

School Spirits (Hex Hall Novel, A)

Izzy has spent her life hunting and fighting monsters (vampires, ghosts, demons, etc.) with her mom and sister. But sister went missing on a mission, so Mom decided that an easy hunt, where Izzy can spend some time as a “normal” teen would be a good idea.

This story had things I liked about it: Torin, trapped in the mirror; Izzy, though a misfit, finds real friends; and Dex, who is sure of himself in his uniqueness. But there are small plot issues that stuck with me. If they moved to a different house for this mission, how is Izzy able to go into her sister’s room, to look at stuff? Did they move sister’s stuff? That doesn’t make sense to me. They aren’t planning on staying in this house. That said, I probably won’t work real hard to get the next one before my students.

School Spirits is a far cry from the funny element of Hex Hall series that made me love the latter so much. I think this book has little to offer to Sophie-Archer fans like me out there. It was boring.

The story felt juvenile for a spinoff. Izzy was hard to connect with, I dunno why. Dex... he didn't gave off that crush-worthy material vibe that I got from Archer and Cal. He was just this (sometimes) funny guy.

I felt cheated, that's what. I was expecting more, and all the time I was reading, I was thinking: did Rachel Hawkins really write this? Because it felt shallow, plain, and downright mediocre.

Thank goodness this was a short read, otherwise it will be a torture to finish School Spirits. I love ghost stories, but Izzy's case was so flat, there was little suspense that I can work with.

I would definitely say that Izzy was the right character to use for a spin-off series from the Hex Hall books. It reminds me a lot of Sydney from the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead. She's much more focused and rule-following than Sophie was, but still enjoyable. She's experiencing high school for the first time as a sixteen-year-old which can always lead to hilarity if done right, which I would say it was. Rachel Hawkins is an incredibly fresh author who has a unique writing style that actually makes me laugh out loud while I'm reading. I've spent all day reading Hawkins (this book and Spell Bound the third and final Hex Hall book) and I would say it was a day well spent. They're quick reads not because they're lacking content, but because they're so interesting and the pace is quick and doesn't drag on unnecessarily.

**spoiler starts here

I'm so glad Torin was in this one a lot! I loved all the scenes between him and Izzy. I am really curious as to how she's supposed to free him and also why she's so against it. I also wonder why exactly he's in the mirror in the first place and if that will ever be revealed. I really hope so, just for my own peace of mind. But when they were just sitting there binge watching the ridiculous show, all his witty commentary made me laugh.

I liked Dex because he was free to be himself, but I'm still Team Torin. I was so convinced that he was supernatural and the bracelet was masking his identity so he would be safe, but it was just to keep him alive. Didn't see that coming, which I liked, because I don't like when plots get way too predictable. It'll be interesting to see how he fits in with the Brannick family. I'm still kind of in shock that Aislinn let him join the two of them.

Where is Finley?? What's up with that? I mean, I'm sure they'll find her in later books, but that is so sad. She wasn't my favorite in Spell Bound, but that's only because she wasn't really that great to Sophie, but she had her reasons. She shouldn't be totally wiped off the face of the planet because of some snide comments here and there. She seemed like a good big sister to Izzy and I feel sorry for their family because they've been diminished to just two left. That has to be so lonely.

I'm really hoping in later books that Sophie will make a little cameo. She doesn't have to be in a large part of the book, but maybe a solid scene would be nice. It's always interesting to see a main character from a different series through someone else's eyes. And she's hilarious, so that doesn't hurt.

But great book, I can't wait for more from Rachel Hawkins!

This is my first time reading anything by this author. I have heard good things about her Hex Hall series, but alas the mountian TBR pile still awaits. I might have to move Hex Hall up in my TBR series because I really did enjoy School Spirits.

Being a mother of a teenager, I love the bond between Isolde and her mother. So many YA novels leave out any parental figure. Not that their relationship is a perfect, but at least she seems to have a role in her life! The premise kind of reminded me of Grimm, just in a YA novel with female protagonist. The supporting cast of characters compliment Isolde with the normal BFF, to the hot BF prospect. Hawkins delivers funny, smart, snarky one liners at appropriate times. She even takes the female leads seemingly solemnly name of Isolde and gives her a cute nickname of Izzy. The overall plot of this book, fighting this horrible ghost, pales in comparison to the plot that is just starting in the search of her Isolde's missing sister. This was a quick, fun, light read I definitely recommend, and I will pick up the next book! Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to review this early!

****** I am saddened to hear from Andye from ReadingTeen that Hawkins tweeted to her that there will not be anymore Izzy and Dex for now. I hope that at some point she can continue this series, I think it is a perfect cute quick read, and would like to read more.******

I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel. I never finished the Hex Hall series, but I think I might have to after reading this novel. Let's start with the characters.

Izzy- She is one of the famous Brannicks who have fought monsters for eons. However, there are only three, uh, make that two since Finley, Izzy's sister disappeared on a routine case. Finley told Izzy to stay in the car, she had it covered and so Izzy did. Now she blames herself since her disappearance. There is no trace of her sister anywhere. Izzy is not the kind of girl that feels sorry for herself. It seems like affection is not freely given or even talked about in the Brannick family. So she stuffs her feelings down and puts on a show of bravado just like mom. But she misses Finley, her only friend. Brannicks don't have friends. They never stay anywhere long enough. But Izzy is a girl. And when she finds she has to go to high school, something she's more afraid of than the ghost that's haunting it, she buys DVD's of cheesy teen shows and magazines to find out how to be a teenager. She is trying to blend in but is a complete failure at it. Izzy is definitely someone you'd want on your side. She puts humans first and unless you tick her off in dodgeball, you're safer with her than anyone else in high school. She may seem awkward to you at first, but show her the ropes and she'll fit right in.

Mom- Hard ass. Cold, stoic. Hidden behind that is a woman mourning the loss of her oldest daughter and at a loss as to how to comfort her youngest daughter. She thinks she's failed at being a mother, missed out on the things real mothers do for their daughters and now she only has one daughter left. Desperate to find any clues to lead her to Finley. Actually loves Izzy hugely, just afraid of showing any signs of weakness or vulnerability.

PMS Members- Yes, that is truly the name of the club. Or their initials. Nope, gotta read the book!
Romy- a girl that I would definitely be friends with. Nerdy, outcast, oblivious to those facts and doesn't let it bother her. She's into ghost hunting and has started a club for it. Quick to forgive. Fun to hang out with.
Anderson- In love with Romy. Will protect Romy with his body if he needs to. Did I say loves Romy. Another outcast and doesn't care. Former jock before he blew out his knee. In love with Romy.
Dex- Very funny, dapper guy. I couldn't tell if maybe he was a ghost, but no he wasn't. He wears cravats and pinstripes and has very bad asthma. He loves Izzy's sense of humor and is also a fellow outcast. Doesn't bother him.

Torin- I'm not going to say much about him but to say he's trapped in something and is about 400 years old. He's been with the Brannick family for a long time. Izzy talks to him for advice. He doesn't always give good advice. And he can never be released from where he is trapped. Bad News!

The World- Apparently Izzy and her mother and Finley before she disappeared lived in a small home that existed as part of a compound that used to house hundreds of Brannicks for training. Then it was just the three of them. Fathers of the girls are picked for their bravery and strength, soldiers, Navy Seals, Green Berets. Travel is done through something called an Iteneris which hurts a bit, but gets you from point A to point B quickly. Otherwise, the world is just like ours. Except for the paranormal things that exist in it.

The Story- Simple- Izzy is supposed to go into Mary Evans High (MEH) and get rid of a ghost, believed to be Mary Evans. Izzy is almost disgusted with the assignment it's so easy. But the hard part is fitting in and on the first day she has an accident in dodge ball that gets her sent outside to run laps where she meets Dex. She becomes his idol after she tells him what she did and a fast friendship begins. Izzy finds out that Romy and Dex are on her bus so they become friends and then she joins their club because they investigate ghost sightings. She's more than a bit worried about the trouble they can get into with that. The rest of the story is investigating her friends, the ghost, and Izzy trying to fit in to high school. She thinks she has things figured out but there's a little twist to that part and it seems that she might actually have to hurt someone in order to get rid of the ghost of Mary Evans as she's gotten so strong. Twist, tragedy and a weird thing happens to the Brannick family. The ending was delicious and I'm not sure it's going to work out quite like Izzy and company want it to, but we'll see.

This is a very clean read and great for fans of Rachel Hawkins Hex Hall series, YA Paranormal stories with a little bit of romance, mysteries with paranormal and romance bits, just lovers of YA.

I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review were not influenced by this and are completely my own.

Quick, light-hearted, fast read, light on the romance. I really liked Rachel Hawkins Hex Hall series, and I enjoyed School Spirits almost as much. I didn't quite connect with the characters as much as I did in Hex Hall, but I liked Izzy's strength. I liked her and Torin's relationship. I didn't care much for her mother. I liked that when she went to school, there wasn't a popular mean girl, it was nice for a change. I'm not quite on board with Dex, but hopefully his character builds in future books in the series. Romy was nice, and I liked that she's not the loud obnoxious sidekick. I look forward to reading more in this series, see what happens with Izzy's sister, and the building of the characters.

A couple of thoughts: Firstly I very much enjoyed the book and feel it was a fine addition to the Hex Hall storyline. That said, I also feel the book was over priced, especially since the story is fairly short. I have no idea how the author made out financially having made such a hugh jump in asking price between her last book and this one. Perhaps for her it was the right move. Just for me, however, I dont think I will read her next one if her price point remains at this level...at least not till the book drops over time.

Wonderful, amazing, one of my favorite YA books. I read all of the Hex Hall and now Izzy's story. I hate that I have to wait for the next book but I know it will be well worth it. I was able to get a rather reluctant junior high student to read this book and now she wants more. I think that is the best complement to a YA reader. Rachel Hawkins you have changed the life if a YA with your amazing books. Thank you from one teacher to another.

Not all spinoffs are created equal, and, thankfully, this novel holds its own against the Hex Hall books. Hawkins has a keen ear for dialogue and moves her characters beyond the genre archetypes. I look forward to reading more about Izzy, and more of anything else Hawkins wants to hand out.

This book delivers what it promises in a cute, well-wrapped package. Urban fantasy. Family of monster-fighters. High school drama. Cute guy. Yep, all there, along with a red-haired monster-hunting Mom named Aislinn.

That tells you what territory you're in real fast.

Worth a read. Expect it to be tongue-in-cheek, and to go where urban fantasy has gone before ... with a bit of a saucy attitude.

For my more detailed review, check out [...]

I loved this book. It had strong characters. I really like the relationships going on between the characters. The book flows, you don't get bogged down with heavy technical information,but you do get enough info that you aren't left wondering what they mean. I can't wait for more books in this series.School Spirits (Hex Hall Novel, A)

Actual rating 3.75 stars.

Another great addition to the Hex Hall Universe. This time our protagonist is Izzy Brannick, Sophie’s younger monster-hunter-in-training cousin.

This was cute and in the same vein as the other Hex Hall novels. Izzy is struggling to prove herself, stumbling along and trying to hone her skills... as well as keep her cover as a regular high school student when she is anything but regular. Izzy has no idea about friendships, classes, and a plethora of other typical teen girl things. It was a fun, clumsy fish out of water story that dripped clues along the way in order to solve the mission Izzy had been tasked with.

I have to say that this novel feels a bit messy – only because it’s basically a standalone, but reads as the start to a new series. Not all plot points are tied up. Rachel Hawkins has stated that she is not writing any more on this collection, but it felt like she had a different intention when penning ‘School Spirits.’

I was also hoping there was going to be more presence of Sophie as well. The cast in ‘School Spirits’ is fairly compact. Izzy, her mum, Torin (the mirror enslaved warlock), and the three school friends all of whom are members of the P.M.S. (Paranormal Management Society.)

Still with all the aspects that I love about Hawkins writing: twists and turns in the plot, an ending I did not easily predict, fun interesting characters that hint to many hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered.

It saddens me that this the end to the Hex Hall collection. I felt like I was just starting to really get into it and then it ended… abruptly. With too many things left up in the air.

Fun easy read, I devoured it in a day accompanied with a bowl of cookies and a several cups of tea. Perfect for an autumn weekend.