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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
When I received School Spirits for review I had just started reading Demonglass and I was really excited however upon reading Spell Bound that quickly changed to apprehension. I knew that the main character in the Hex Hall spin-off series was going to be Izzy Brannick, Sophie’s cousin and I was a bit disappointed. I wasn’t sure how great Izzy would be as a main character, I did enjoy her in Spell Bound but she was just so young and I wasn’t sure how that would make for a spin-off series to do enough justice to its original.
Obviously I had no cause for alarm because I instantly took to Izzy and not to mention this takes place when she is 15, more than a year after the events in Spell Bound. I thought Izzy was actually more sweet than Sophie was(because let’s be honest, I’m obviously going to compare her). She was completely naive to the world around her and I found it endearing. Finley being missing just radiated sadness through Izzy and that really hit an emotional cord for me. I did miss the snarkiness that was so prominent in the Hex Hall series but alas, this is a new series so it has to be a bit different I adored Romy, Dex and Anderson. I thought they were fantastic friends for Izzy and I loved their unique qualities. One thing that I adored from every Rachel Hawkins book was her great secondary characters. They really supported the main character and played a strong role, unlike some secondary characters who are just in the background.
The plot is interesting and quite suspenseful. I actually didn’t know who the culprit was until the very end, about 4 pages before it was revealed so it certainly had an element of surprise. We are also introduced to “hedge” witches as well as a more in-depth “ghost” world. I enjoyed that two “new” paranormals were introduced and focused on, it added something different to the story to set it aside from Hex Hall.
Much like Rachel Hawkins other books, School Spirits is insanely easy to read. I read it in two sittings, I could not put it down. Her writing is almost addictive and she certainly knows how to draw you in. I was a bit emotional at several parts during it but that was quickly counteracted by the random wit and banter that is thrown in.
I’m extremely interested to see what’s going to happen in the second installment of School Spirits. I think I know where the story is headed but I can’t wait to read all about it
Highly recommend this to ALL fans of the Hex Hall series, and to anyone who loves a light, fun paranormal read!
Obviously I had no cause for alarm because I instantly took to Izzy and not to mention this takes place when she is 15, more than a year after the events in Spell Bound. I thought Izzy was actually more sweet than Sophie was(because let’s be honest, I’m obviously going to compare her). She was completely naive to the world around her and I found it endearing. Finley being missing just radiated sadness through Izzy and that really hit an emotional cord for me. I did miss the snarkiness that was so prominent in the Hex Hall series but alas, this is a new series so it has to be a bit different I adored Romy, Dex and Anderson. I thought they were fantastic friends for Izzy and I loved their unique qualities. One thing that I adored from every Rachel Hawkins book was her great secondary characters. They really supported the main character and played a strong role, unlike some secondary characters who are just in the background.
The plot is interesting and quite suspenseful. I actually didn’t know who the culprit was until the very end, about 4 pages before it was revealed so it certainly had an element of surprise. We are also introduced to “hedge” witches as well as a more in-depth “ghost” world. I enjoyed that two “new” paranormals were introduced and focused on, it added something different to the story to set it aside from Hex Hall.
Much like Rachel Hawkins other books, School Spirits is insanely easy to read. I read it in two sittings, I could not put it down. Her writing is almost addictive and she certainly knows how to draw you in. I was a bit emotional at several parts during it but that was quickly counteracted by the random wit and banter that is thrown in.
I’m extremely interested to see what’s going to happen in the second installment of School Spirits. I think I know where the story is headed but I can’t wait to read all about it
Highly recommend this to ALL fans of the Hex Hall series, and to anyone who loves a light, fun paranormal read!
I enjoyed the Hex Hall series, I really did. I enjoyed Archer (just being truthful). And when I heard that there was going to be a spin-off series, I was a little intrigued. When I found out it was going to be about Izzy Brannick, I was a little hesitant. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the Brannicks, it was more like, I thought Izzy was a child and then assumed her plight would be rather childish. I am glad I was wrong. Now while you don’t need to read the Hex Hall series to read the spin-off, I would recommend it. It gives you some background on this world and an introduction the characters.
School Spirits follows the youngest of the Brannick clan, Izzy. After her sister goes missing with no clues where to find her, Izzy and her mother start trying to move on- or so they say. This means taking on more cases, including enrolling Izzy in high school to investigate a supposed haunting. Having never been to an actual school, Izzy feels immediately out of place and tries to learn all she can through a teen soap drama. What she didn’t expect was a group of misfit friends and a real haunting that threatens those she now holds dear.
Izzy grew on me. She has an extremely likeable character about her and a naïve demeanor that endears her to you. The whole book she’s trying to prove to her mother that she can handle herself out in the field, that she’s just as strong as her sister. What she’s actually hiding is guilt over her missing sister and loneliness. She doesn’t realize how lonely she’s been until she meets the gang of PMS or Paranormal Management Society: Romy, Anderson, and Dex.
I instantly like Romy, the leader of PMS. Her sarcastic wit was the perfect counter to Izzy. She’s the kind of person you would want to meet if it was your first day at a new school, at least I would. Then there’s Anderson, who I believe really only joined PMS to get close to Romy. But my favorite part of the book had to be Dex. From his first encounter with Izzy:
"You are my new hero. Seriously, I might actually be in love with you now. Would it be awkward if we made out?"
To explaining his…well, himself, I guess:
“The clothes, I mean,” he said, gesturing to his coat. “I know that I’m fashionable and well-groomed, and yes, I have been known to rock the occasional manbracelet.”
He lifted his wrist, jangling the bracelet I’d noticed earlier. I could see now that it was plain silver, just a series of links.
“But,” Dex continued, dragging another one of my fries through ketchup, “I also like ladies. And not as shopping buddies, but in the carnal sense.”
Dex just made this book entertaining. I laughed out loud at many of his one liner and based on that ending, really hope he’s a constant presence in this series because I can’t think of anything more hilarious than that.
One thing I hope we get more information about is Torin. Yes, the boy in the mirror is back here in a much bigger aspect. There’s something quite off about Torin and his connection to Izzy and her missing sister. I believe that we will come to know his secrets, and I know I can’t wait.
A very promising start to this new series.
So much thanks to Netgalley and Disney-Hyperion for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
School Spirits follows the youngest of the Brannick clan, Izzy. After her sister goes missing with no clues where to find her, Izzy and her mother start trying to move on- or so they say. This means taking on more cases, including enrolling Izzy in high school to investigate a supposed haunting. Having never been to an actual school, Izzy feels immediately out of place and tries to learn all she can through a teen soap drama. What she didn’t expect was a group of misfit friends and a real haunting that threatens those she now holds dear.
Izzy grew on me. She has an extremely likeable character about her and a naïve demeanor that endears her to you. The whole book she’s trying to prove to her mother that she can handle herself out in the field, that she’s just as strong as her sister. What she’s actually hiding is guilt over her missing sister and loneliness. She doesn’t realize how lonely she’s been until she meets the gang of PMS or Paranormal Management Society: Romy, Anderson, and Dex.
I instantly like Romy, the leader of PMS. Her sarcastic wit was the perfect counter to Izzy. She’s the kind of person you would want to meet if it was your first day at a new school, at least I would. Then there’s Anderson, who I believe really only joined PMS to get close to Romy. But my favorite part of the book had to be Dex. From his first encounter with Izzy:
"You are my new hero. Seriously, I might actually be in love with you now. Would it be awkward if we made out?"
To explaining his…well, himself, I guess:
“The clothes, I mean,” he said, gesturing to his coat. “I know that I’m fashionable and well-groomed, and yes, I have been known to rock the occasional manbracelet.”
He lifted his wrist, jangling the bracelet I’d noticed earlier. I could see now that it was plain silver, just a series of links.
“But,” Dex continued, dragging another one of my fries through ketchup, “I also like ladies. And not as shopping buddies, but in the carnal sense.”
Dex just made this book entertaining. I laughed out loud at many of his one liner and based on that ending, really hope he’s a constant presence in this series because I can’t think of anything more hilarious than that.
One thing I hope we get more information about is Torin. Yes, the boy in the mirror is back here in a much bigger aspect. There’s something quite off about Torin and his connection to Izzy and her missing sister. I believe that we will come to know his secrets, and I know I can’t wait.
A very promising start to this new series.
So much thanks to Netgalley and Disney-Hyperion for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I will just say right out that I am a huge Hex Hall fan, and while this spin-off wasn’t quite as good, the novel definitely did not disappoint. Rachel Hawkins has her humor and sarcasm at the ready and her awesome characters to save the day.
While Izzy was no Sophie and Dex was no Archer, I loved both if them lots. Izzy was fun and Dex made me laugh frequently. I also enjoyed learning more about Torin, a centuries old guy in a mirror, who also had me laughing despite the fact I had huge trust issues with him.
One part I liked was that Dex's story was unpredictable, some of his secrets came out (some even he didn't know about) and I was just, like, "woah, did not see that coming"! Also, some of the other friend's Izzy made were fun, although they didn't have any of the cool magicky stuff Dexter did.
The story was quite short, and moved very quickly. I am pretty sure I finished School Spirits in only a couple hours. Also, this book seemed a lot lighter than Hex Hall. I think the circumstances were more dire in the Hex Hall trilogy and Sophie seemed much older than Izzy. Plus, I think I got Sophie's humor so well, and with Izzy, well we just have different personalities! Still, the book is laugh-out-loud funny. I do love the Hawkin Sarcasm, as I have said before.
I enjoyed how the family aspects were handled. Izzy is part of the Brannick family where she is taught to fight and fend for herself. Her father, however, is absent and her mother is more like a trainer most of the time. Also, Izzy’s sister is missing. The point is Izzy’s family is a little strained and hanging out with her first friends at school is good for her. I also loved the character growth between Izzy and her mother.
Hauntings were very intriguing in this book, ghosts and spirits are another specialty of Hawkins. There is a lot of foreshadowing before the actual spirit events, though. This was kind of cool, as we got to spend more time with the characters and got all these clues to the mystery, but then again Rachel Hawkins always makes a good ghost and I would like to see more of each!
I am looking forward to anther book to the series, but I have heard that if there is another one coming, it won’t be very soon. Rachel Hawkins is working on a different book that I am excited for though. So, at least I can read more by her in the future even if it is not in the Hex Hall/Prodigum world! Is anyone else who read this sad there won't be a sequel next year though?
Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone, but only second to Hex Hall. I miss Archer and Sophie! School Spirits in light and fun though. And definitely still highly recommended!
4/5 bookcases
While Izzy was no Sophie and Dex was no Archer, I loved both if them lots. Izzy was fun and Dex made me laugh frequently. I also enjoyed learning more about Torin, a centuries old guy in a mirror, who also had me laughing despite the fact I had huge trust issues with him.
One part I liked was that Dex's story was unpredictable, some of his secrets came out (some even he didn't know about) and I was just, like, "woah, did not see that coming"! Also, some of the other friend's Izzy made were fun, although they didn't have any of the cool magicky stuff Dexter did.
The story was quite short, and moved very quickly. I am pretty sure I finished School Spirits in only a couple hours. Also, this book seemed a lot lighter than Hex Hall. I think the circumstances were more dire in the Hex Hall trilogy and Sophie seemed much older than Izzy. Plus, I think I got Sophie's humor so well, and with Izzy, well we just have different personalities! Still, the book is laugh-out-loud funny. I do love the Hawkin Sarcasm, as I have said before.
I enjoyed how the family aspects were handled. Izzy is part of the Brannick family where she is taught to fight and fend for herself. Her father, however, is absent and her mother is more like a trainer most of the time. Also, Izzy’s sister is missing. The point is Izzy’s family is a little strained and hanging out with her first friends at school is good for her. I also loved the character growth between Izzy and her mother.
Hauntings were very intriguing in this book, ghosts and spirits are another specialty of Hawkins. There is a lot of foreshadowing before the actual spirit events, though. This was kind of cool, as we got to spend more time with the characters and got all these clues to the mystery, but then again Rachel Hawkins always makes a good ghost and I would like to see more of each!
I am looking forward to anther book to the series, but I have heard that if there is another one coming, it won’t be very soon. Rachel Hawkins is working on a different book that I am excited for though. So, at least I can read more by her in the future even if it is not in the Hex Hall/Prodigum world! Is anyone else who read this sad there won't be a sequel next year though?
Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone, but only second to Hex Hall. I miss Archer and Sophie! School Spirits in light and fun though. And definitely still highly recommended!
4/5 bookcases
Isolade and her mom are Brannigans. Their family has hunted vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and so on for hundreds of years. Isolade's mom decides to test Isolade's skill by sending her to a high school that is being haunted by a ghost. In the meantime, her mom is also searching for her missing sister. The book wasn't bad - some ghost hunting, a little romance, a few twists at the end. There was some language though and a bit too much romance for my students.
DNF 11% ho letto la saga “principale” e scioccamente comprai anche questo libro pensando che mi avrebbe interessato invece non sono riuscita ad apprezzare la protagonista ne la storia tanto da proseguirne la lettura.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A note to Rachel Hawkins:
THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU.
That is all.
Just kidding! (But that does sum it up pretty well...) SO. Why I was excited before I read it...
Um, it's a Hex Hall spin-off by Rachel Hawkins. Need I explain?
Reasons I am excited now that I have finished it (in basically one sitting)...
- ISOLDE! (By the by, how the HEEEELLLLLLLo do you pronounce that?!)
- Dex. Is an "asthmatic guy rocking a cravat." Actually a scarf. But yeah, where can I get one (a Dex, not a scarf)?
- Ghost wrangling
- Um, it's a Hex Hall spin-off by Rachel Hawkins. Need I explain?
See a pattern? Yeah. That's all I got. I'm still FAH-REAKING OUT. Rachel Hawkins. She knows how to torture her readers with those endings, man.
K.
I'm done now.
THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU.
That is all.
Just kidding! (But that does sum it up pretty well...) SO. Why I was excited before I read it...
Um, it's a Hex Hall spin-off by Rachel Hawkins. Need I explain?
Reasons I am excited now that I have finished it (in basically one sitting)...
- ISOLDE! (By the by, how the HEEEELLLLLLLo do you pronounce that?!)
- Dex. Is an "asthmatic guy rocking a cravat." Actually a scarf. But yeah, where can I get one (a Dex, not a scarf)?
- Ghost wrangling
- Um, it's a Hex Hall spin-off by Rachel Hawkins. Need I explain?
See a pattern? Yeah. That's all I got. I'm still FAH-REAKING OUT. Rachel Hawkins. She knows how to torture her readers with those endings, man.
K.
I'm done now.
I was a bit hesitant to check out this book just because it has that same, dorky cover again and in the beginning it felt a little too juvenile for me but it picked up quickly. I just really love Rachel Hawkins's writing and her voice. True, Izzy wasn't as snarky and snappy as Sophie but I still felt she was a developed character in her own way. I absolutely love the ending (although I kind of saw it from a mile away) and I will definitely read the next book.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes