Review: Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Book:  Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Alone: Series, Hex Hall #2
Pages: 359

Genre: Young Adult
Purchase A Copy: Amazon | Book Depository
Publication Date: March 1st, 2011

Description: 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 someone 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 Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

So, basically, Demonglass is freaking awesome. After reading Hex Hall, I was terrified that the sequel would not, could not, live up to my expectations – but thankfully, Demonglass exceeded them!

 

In Demonglass we are introduced to a new setting, but are given the same old Sophie that we all love.  Sophie, Jenna and Cal all jet off to merry England to spend the summer with Sophie’s dad. They stay at Thorne Abbey, a gigantic mansion that is serving as the current home of the council. I was skeptical at first about this change in scenery, but it really worked out for the best. By sending Sophie and the gang to a new location, Hawkins was able to keep things fresh, but still familiar. We are treated to all of our old favorite characters, but they are given new opportunities create some mischief.  

This time around we get a better feel for Cal – he becomes more of a central character. He is quickly reintroduced as a possible love interest for Sophie; which gives us more of a defined love triangle (Cal/Sophie/Archer). I usually despise love triangles, but Hawkins manages to provide two wonderful options for Sophie – I really feel like in the long run, it could go either way. Archer is an early favorite of readers, but Cal is a genuinely great guy who would be good for Sophie. That being said, I am rooting for Archer (sorry, Jenna!). I will be expecting my team Archer shirt in the mail :)

 

Once again Hawkins injects her writing with a healthy dose of humor. I honestly had about 30 quotes marked when I finished the book. The overall, light, sarcastic and exciting feel to the story keeps the story flowing beautifully. The story is jam packed with twists and turns – there are surprises around every corner.  You may think you have everything figured out, but then Hawkins throws a curve ball your way. All of these elements kept the pacing at a good pace - not one did I find myself restless, I devoured every word willingly. 

Now, obviously I am crazy in love with this book, but man, is Rachel Hawkins just plain mean. How could she end it like that? She doesn’t just leave you on a cliffhanger; she leaves you dangling off the ledge by a pinky. I might just have to start stalking her so I can find out what happens next.

 Favorite Quotes

"As I stomped across the school grounds, all I could see was Cal sitting with my dad in some manly room with leather chairs and dead animals on the wall, chomping on cigars as my dad formally signed me away to him. They probably even high-fived." (pg. 19)

"So did I. Hence my puking face." ( (pg. 57)

"I wondered if there were ever times when Dad didn't sound like he escaped from a Jane Austen novel." (pg. 65)

"We could try to go together, "I said. "I think we'd both fit, and that way, if we end up transported to another dimension or morphed into a wall, at least we'd have company." (pg. 109)

"I wasn't sure if it was an Eye or a Prodigium, or just your run-of-the-mill rapist/scumbag type, but it was definitely a guy." (pg. 130)

"I decided not to wear makeup, figuring the more innocent I looked, the harder it might be for him to ground me, or shoot hellfire from his eyes, or whatever it was that angry demon dads did." (pg. 146)

"She was my assignment (From the Eye?) No, from the Boy Scouts. That Witch Dating badge just kept eluding me." (pg.  255)

"Why had my life suddenly become a Nancy Drew mystery from hell?" (pg. 268)

"I clutched at his shoulders, raising up on my tiptoes, and kissed him with everything I had in me. As the kiss deepened, we held each other tighter, so I didn't know if the pounding heartbeat I felt was mine or his." (pg. 282)

"I wish we weren't like this. You know, demon, demon-hunter. I wish I'd met you in a normal high school, and taken you on normal dates, and like, carried your books or something." (pg. 338)