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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
3.5
I love the Hex Hall series, and was stoked when I heard there was going to be a spin off.
School Spirits is more of a good ol' "who done it." It was great to have the mystery and paranormal aspects blend together. The story line moved at an easy pace. I didn't feel rushed, or like I was going to be bored to tears. Izzy also learns, or tries to, how to live with normal people. Well, not exactly normal, but kids who don't have to hunt down monsters. I think this book is as much about Izzy learning how to fit in as it is about finding the cause of the haunting.
I am so happy we get to learn more about Izzy. I don't remember her being mentioned much in Spell Bound. She's a sweet girl with great intentions. She feels like she has to prove herself to her mother. She wants to show her she's just as capable as Finn. Izzy also feels she's somehow responsible for Finn's disappearance. I don't see how Izzy manages all of the stress. She hunts monsters, tries to blend in at school, and tries not to care about the friends she's made. I'd be exhausted. Izzy is determined, and pretty strong for dealing with everything on her plate. She shouldn't have to prove that to anyone else. She reminded me of Sophie, so I love her even more!
There is a definite crush, and I want to know what comes of it. You're left with a feeling of "say whaaa." So hopefully the next books clear some of that up. Also, Torin is up to something. I'm not sure what yet, but I want to know what the man in the mirror is up to. He seems so different than how he's portrayed in Spell Bound. There are twists and turns. I thought I had things figured out, but, uh, nope. Not so much.
School Spirits is a fun read, and if you liked the Hex Hall series, you'll like School Spirits.
I love the Hex Hall series, and was stoked when I heard there was going to be a spin off.
School Spirits is more of a good ol' "who done it." It was great to have the mystery and paranormal aspects blend together. The story line moved at an easy pace. I didn't feel rushed, or like I was going to be bored to tears. Izzy also learns, or tries to, how to live with normal people. Well, not exactly normal, but kids who don't have to hunt down monsters. I think this book is as much about Izzy learning how to fit in as it is about finding the cause of the haunting.
I am so happy we get to learn more about Izzy. I don't remember her being mentioned much in Spell Bound. She's a sweet girl with great intentions. She feels like she has to prove herself to her mother. She wants to show her she's just as capable as Finn. Izzy also feels she's somehow responsible for Finn's disappearance. I don't see how Izzy manages all of the stress. She hunts monsters, tries to blend in at school, and tries not to care about the friends she's made. I'd be exhausted. Izzy is determined, and pretty strong for dealing with everything on her plate. She shouldn't have to prove that to anyone else. She reminded me of Sophie, so I love her even more!
There is a definite crush, and I want to know what comes of it. You're left with a feeling of "say whaaa." So hopefully the next books clear some of that up. Also, Torin is up to something. I'm not sure what yet, but I want to know what the man in the mirror is up to. He seems so different than how he's portrayed in Spell Bound. There are twists and turns. I thought I had things figured out, but, uh, nope. Not so much.
School Spirits is a fun read, and if you liked the Hex Hall series, you'll like School Spirits.
I would definitely say that Izzy was the right character to use for a spin-off series from the [b:Hex Hall|5287473|Hex Hall (Hex Hall, #1)|Rachel Hawkins|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1368393885s/5287473.jpg|5354884] books. It reminds me a lot of Sydney from the [b:Bloodlines|8709527|Bloodlines (Bloodlines, #1)|Richelle Mead|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1297199431s/8709527.jpg|13582374] 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 [b:Spell Bound|11454587|Spell Bound (Hex Hall, #3)|Rachel Hawkins|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1313010167s/11454587.jpg|15249128] 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!
**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!
SOOOOO MANY FEELINGS!!!!!!!!!! This book was just as good as the Hex Hall series. Although, I expected no less from this author I loved this book and highly recommend it especially if you loved the Hex Hall series.
I want to thank Disney Hyperion for sending me a copy of this book to read and review. I was very excited to receive it as I really loved the Hex Hall series and wanted to see where Hawkins would take this. Receiving this book for free has in no way influenced my opinion or review.
Blurb from Goodreads:
Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.
Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.
Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt?
Rachel Hawkins' delightful spin-off brings the same wit and charm as the New York Times best-selling Hex Hall series. Get ready for more magic, mystery and romance!
So, first thing I have to say is how much I love this cover. Like the Hex hall series, I love how you see two sides of the main character; a reflection of how the character is torn between her life! And the colors are so pretty. I actually prefer this cover to any of the others so far from Hawkins. It's really quite beautiful.
If you enjoyed Hawkin's Hex Hall series, then you will definitely love this book. It's a totally different story, but if you know the other story you can see the connections. But you by no means have to read that series to be able to read this one. There's enough of a difference for it to e a totally different and engaging story.
Isolde, well, if you read the Hex hall series, you remember her a bit from the final book. She is Sophie's cousin, and she is a Brannick. I love Izzy's character. She is smart and witty. She keeps herself closed off to the world in order to preserve herself and her family. I love that she's so unique. She's not a paranormal being, but she does fight them! She's also different than any other teen: she's never been to a school, she doesn't own electronics such as a TV or cell phone, and she doesn't have any friends. So, when she's thrown into situations where all these things are now thrust at her, you can imagine she has a bit of a hard time adjusting. But she does a good job of it. She maintains her secret life while trying to blend in. But it's hard and she's is challenged by it daily.
The supporting characters are really great. There's Dex, kind of a geeky good looking nerd who quickly becomes a love interest for Izzy. And Romy, Izzy's new truly colorful best friend. Then there's Anderson, who is kind of a funny geek guy. They all adopt Izzy almost immediately when she enters Mary Evans High, and quickly become her clique. Finally, we are reintroduced to Torin, a character we met from in the Hex hall series. He's a warlock who lives in a mirror in Izzy's house. He kind of strikes me as the third leg of what could be a love triangle between her and Dex and him, but I'm not sure it's going in that direction. We shall see.
Hawkins does not go deep into this book. It's an easy read that doesn't require much thinking, which I really liked since I needed something light to read for review! She has an easy way with words and they flow evenly off the page. You see the witty dialogue you may have grown to love in Hex Hall, although I don't think these characters use it as well. The snark was just lacking. And, of course, there is a paranormal element that keeps you intrigued and wondering where the story will lead. And Hawkins throws in a slight twist at the end that involves Dex, which I have to say I saw coming but wasn't sure how she would present it.
All in all I enjoyed this book a great deal. It wasn't fantastic but it wasn't boring at all. There is a bit of a hurry at the end to wrap things up but still leave you with the chance that a second book is in the works. It's not a cliff hanger, but you are wondering why things happened and where it will go. I will definitely be moving on to read the next book in this series to see where it leads.
3/5 stars.
Blurb from Goodreads:
Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.
Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.
Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt?
Rachel Hawkins' delightful spin-off brings the same wit and charm as the New York Times best-selling Hex Hall series. Get ready for more magic, mystery and romance!
So, first thing I have to say is how much I love this cover. Like the Hex hall series, I love how you see two sides of the main character; a reflection of how the character is torn between her life! And the colors are so pretty. I actually prefer this cover to any of the others so far from Hawkins. It's really quite beautiful.
If you enjoyed Hawkin's Hex Hall series, then you will definitely love this book. It's a totally different story, but if you know the other story you can see the connections. But you by no means have to read that series to be able to read this one. There's enough of a difference for it to e a totally different and engaging story.
Isolde, well, if you read the Hex hall series, you remember her a bit from the final book. She is Sophie's cousin, and she is a Brannick. I love Izzy's character. She is smart and witty. She keeps herself closed off to the world in order to preserve herself and her family. I love that she's so unique. She's not a paranormal being, but she does fight them! She's also different than any other teen: she's never been to a school, she doesn't own electronics such as a TV or cell phone, and she doesn't have any friends. So, when she's thrown into situations where all these things are now thrust at her, you can imagine she has a bit of a hard time adjusting. But she does a good job of it. She maintains her secret life while trying to blend in. But it's hard and she's is challenged by it daily.
The supporting characters are really great. There's Dex, kind of a geeky good looking nerd who quickly becomes a love interest for Izzy. And Romy, Izzy's new truly colorful best friend. Then there's Anderson, who is kind of a funny geek guy. They all adopt Izzy almost immediately when she enters Mary Evans High, and quickly become her clique. Finally, we are reintroduced to Torin, a character we met from in the Hex hall series. He's a warlock who lives in a mirror in Izzy's house. He kind of strikes me as the third leg of what could be a love triangle between her and Dex and him, but I'm not sure it's going in that direction. We shall see.
Hawkins does not go deep into this book. It's an easy read that doesn't require much thinking, which I really liked since I needed something light to read for review! She has an easy way with words and they flow evenly off the page. You see the witty dialogue you may have grown to love in Hex Hall, although I don't think these characters use it as well. The snark was just lacking. And, of course, there is a paranormal element that keeps you intrigued and wondering where the story will lead. And Hawkins throws in a slight twist at the end that involves Dex, which I have to say I saw coming but wasn't sure how she would present it.
All in all I enjoyed this book a great deal. It wasn't fantastic but it wasn't boring at all. There is a bit of a hurry at the end to wrap things up but still leave you with the chance that a second book is in the works. It's not a cliff hanger, but you are wondering why things happened and where it will go. I will definitely be moving on to read the next book in this series to see where it leads.
3/5 stars.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a quick easy read. I enjoyed the easy flow and fast-paced plot. The main character was well developed, but subsequent characters were less complete. So many questions about where this story is going, but not sure I’m interested enough to continue the series.
Oh, what a hilarious book, loved everybody in it, and yeah, I want this to be a series, because they have to find Finn, and because her and Dex are currently stuck at friends!!!
The Brannicks are descendants from generations and generations of monster hunters, but when Isolde (Izzy) Brannick is nearly drained at a routine vampire vanquishing, Momma Brannick comes to the rescue and puts Izzy in easy ghost hunting duties. Izzy must now go undercover as a normal teen to investigate the ghost activities in a local high school.
School Spirits is like all other Rachel Hawkin stories; ight, funny and certainly entertaining with strong and loveable characters. Izzy is the main character in School Spirits, she's defiant, sarcastic, witty, but she's also strong, respectful of her mother and despite the shell she portrays of strength, after all, she is one of the last standing Brannick woman, she also has feelings of vulnerability like most teens.
The whole researching method for seeing how "normal teens" lived was through watching teen reality drama on DVD, this was absolutely hilarious and I really liked the way that Hawkins interweaved it through Izzy's life, referencing it when relevant. Little things like this is what makes me like Hawkins books. Whilst many may not think this is a relevant point in the story, the originality of the method is what wins points for me.
I absolutely loved the PMS…yes you read right, the Paranormal Management Society. Consisting of Romy, Anderson and Dex, they're the official paranormal investigators at the school. Izzy originally joins their club to investigate the ghost sightings that the PMS was also investigating albeit unsuccessfully with their online-bought "ghost" machines and detectors. Oh my…I just fell in love with this foursome. The interactions and the friendships that bloomed from this group was sweet and genuine and I couldn't help but want to be part of their club, just for the friendship alone. The interaction, dialogue and chemistry between the foursome was definitely a huge highlight for School Spirits. School Spirits is more a character driven novel and whilst the plot had predictable elements, the ending still came as a surprise.
School Spirits is a light, enjoyable and entertaining read. All Rachel Hawkins fan won't be disappointed and whilst this is a spin-off the Hex Hall series, reading the latter series is not a pre-requisite.
School Spirits is like all other Rachel Hawkin stories; ight, funny and certainly entertaining with strong and loveable characters. Izzy is the main character in School Spirits, she's defiant, sarcastic, witty, but she's also strong, respectful of her mother and despite the shell she portrays of strength, after all, she is one of the last standing Brannick woman, she also has feelings of vulnerability like most teens.
The whole researching method for seeing how "normal teens" lived was through watching teen reality drama on DVD, this was absolutely hilarious and I really liked the way that Hawkins interweaved it through Izzy's life, referencing it when relevant. Little things like this is what makes me like Hawkins books. Whilst many may not think this is a relevant point in the story, the originality of the method is what wins points for me.
I absolutely loved the PMS…yes you read right, the Paranormal Management Society. Consisting of Romy, Anderson and Dex, they're the official paranormal investigators at the school. Izzy originally joins their club to investigate the ghost sightings that the PMS was also investigating albeit unsuccessfully with their online-bought "ghost" machines and detectors. Oh my…I just fell in love with this foursome. The interactions and the friendships that bloomed from this group was sweet and genuine and I couldn't help but want to be part of their club, just for the friendship alone. The interaction, dialogue and chemistry between the foursome was definitely a huge highlight for School Spirits. School Spirits is more a character driven novel and whilst the plot had predictable elements, the ending still came as a surprise.
School Spirits is a light, enjoyable and entertaining read. All Rachel Hawkins fan won't be disappointed and whilst this is a spin-off the Hex Hall series, reading the latter series is not a pre-requisite.
This was really good! And I was thrilled by the two mentions of Sophie and the one precious mention of Archer. I like Archer better than any guy in this book, but they were still OK.