Book Review: Raising Demons by Rachel Hawkins.

Product details:
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
Release date: March 3rd 2011
Paperback, 359 pages.
Rating: 4½ out of 5
Ages: YA.
Series: Hex Hall #2
Other books in series: Hex Hall
Source: Received from publisher for review.

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?

* Please Note: There are spoilers for Hex Hall in this review!

Raising Demons is the addictive second installment in Rachel Hawkins exciting Hex Hall series. This book takes place shortly after Sophie Mercer’s eventful first term at Hecate a.k.a Hex Hall in which she found out she was one of only two demons in the world, while also dealing with mean girls, evil hauntings, murders, and one huge crush in the shape of Archer Cross. Oh yeah, Archer Cross – remember him? The totally hot guy of many secrets who stole Sophie’s heart and left us readers with a whole lot of questions at the end of the first book. He’s back, along with a great cast of characters who make this book a very fun read. In fact, while I enjoyed Hex Hall, I have to say that this book, with its exciting plot, dramatic events at every turn and hot romantic scenes is a major step up! This one is so good that it’s gone straight on the list of my favourite books of 2011!

Raising Demons sees Sophie travel to England where she will reside at Thorne Abbey, a huge old Manor, with no less than three hundred rooms, and a whole lot of dark history. The reasons for Sophie’s stay are two-fold. She’ll get to know her dad, also a demon, and the Head of the Council of Prodigium, a little better. She’ll also find out more about her demon powers, and whether she wants to keep them or undergo The Removal, a scary sounding procedure which will rid her of her magical attributes once and for all. Along for the ride are Sophie’s best friend Jenna (I loved their friendship in the first book!) and Cal – you might remember him from Hex Hall, but here is plays a much bigger part and is set to be a very important figure in Sophie’s life. Hmmmm…. Do I sense a love triangle a-forming?

Well, yes. And no. Because it’s always been all about Archer for me! Sophie and Archer are meant to be and the pages practically sizzle whenever they have a scene together. Admittedly Cal is cute, a nice guy, and has a lot of appealing physical attributes, which don’t go unnoticed by Sophie, but it’s clear that her heart belongs to Archer. What doesn’t help is that Archer, a demon hunter, is her sworn enemy, and hated by those around her. Of course the dangerous and forbidden aspect of their romance just makes it all the more appealing to us. And to Sophie. She can’t resist! But can she trust him? And what of all the other secret enemies who seem to be emerging from the woodwork and who appear to be raising demons for their own evil intent? Yikes!

There are a lot of shocking revelations in this book – it’s totally unpredictable, very fast-paced and a whole lot of fun! I remember when reading Hex Hall that I got a little overwhelmed with all the different characters I was introduced to, but that didn’t happen to me here. The cast of characters is still large, but very well developed. I felt like I got to know Sophie a whole lot better - she’s witty and sarcastic, always quick to answer back, but also thoughtful and understanding. I felt as though Sophie had matured a lot since the first book, and the overall tone of this book is in keeping with that fact. The storyline is richer and more accomplished than in Hex Hall.

Also, I love the ending of this one! OK, so cliffhanger endings drive me insane, but I still can’t get enough. The ending of this one is just WOW!! There were some things that I had figured out, but just like in Hex Hall, Hawkins surprised me over and over again with some amazing plot twists. The ending of this book is stunning! I want to read the next book right now. I have so many questions, and I just need to know if certain characters make it thorough the night! Overall, Raising Demons is a fantastic read. It’s a total page turner that I read in one sitting, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!