Review: Demonglass

by Rachel Hawkins
publisher: Hyperion
date published: March 1, 2011
format: hardcover
pages: 359
source: library
Amazon / Goodreads / B&N
challenges: Goodreads 2011 Reading Challenge; 2011 YA Reading Challenge

From Goodreads:

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?

What I Thought

I was absolutely thrilled with Demonglass. I really liked Hex Hall, but I loved this book from beginning to end. I was so curious to find out what Sophie's father was like by the end of Hex Hall. Luckily, he made his official appearance in this instalment. I wasn't disappointed by him or the other new characters. They all delivered, though some delivered in ways I would never have imagined. All I have to say is, "Holy plot twists, Batman!"

Sophie began coming more into her own in this book, which was very good to see. She was her usual snarky self, although with the addition of a smattering of heartbreak and trauma to add a certain haunted quality. She was able to begin thinking things through and making important decisions, though some, while important, didn't have a good outcome. Life isn't easy for Sophie, but she keeps trucking on throughout the entire book. There is a touch of love triangle in Demonglass, but in this case, Sophie seems to have her mind made up as to who she wants to be with, which is a bit different from your typical YA PR and, honestly, a bit of a relief for me. All of those raging hormones get exhausting to read about, sometimes!

I really loved how the plot worked out in this book. There was comedy, tragedy, mystery, intrigue, danger, and the aforementioned romance. There were enough plot twists to keep continually surprised. When I thought I had an idea as to where one thing was going, BAM! Something completely different would happen. As a result, I was happily kept on my toes. In addition to the plot twists, I really enjoyed learning more about Sophie's family background. This book revealed the who, how, and (possible) why behind the transformation of Sophie's great-grandmother, as well as more information on Sophie's grandmother and father. I loved learning more about every single one of them and look forward to more revelation in the forthcoming book.

I had a great time reading Demonglass. It took what was begun in Hex Hall and built upon it to make an even stronger book. I will be eagerly awaiting the title and cover reveal for book three while I even more eagerly await the release of said book. I will definitely be adding the rest of this series to my collection and I am happy to award Demonglass with 5 hoots.