Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she is a witch. Her non-gifted mother has been supportive, consulting Sophie's estranged father-a warlock-only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who exiles her to "Hex Hall," an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, fairies, and shape-shifters.

By the end of her first day, Sophie has three new enemies, a futile crush on a warlock, a tagalong ghost, and a vampire roommate. Worse, Sophie soon learns that an unknown predator has been attacking students. As a series of blood-curdling mysteries converges, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Rachel Hawkins (www.rachel-hawkins.com) is a high school English teacher. She lives with her family in Alabama, and is currently at work on the next book in the Hex Hall series.