
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the burden of high expectations or the fear that their true self might disappoint or even harm their family. It is an ideal choice for a teen who feels like an outsider within their own community and is grappling with the complexities of inherited identity. The story follows Sophie, a girl who discovers she is a demon and must decide whether to strip away her powers to stay safe or embrace a dangerous and misunderstood part of herself. While the setting is fantastical, the emotional core deals with the anxiety of self-discovery, the pain of betrayal by a first love, and the tension of parent-child relationships. It is most appropriate for readers aged 12 and up due to some romantic tension and supernatural violence, offering a humorous yet meaningful way to discuss personal agency and self-acceptance.
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Sign in to write a reviewSupernatural combat involving magic and weapons; some injuries described.
Creepy atmosphere involving a demon-raising experiment and high-stakes rituals.
Characters struggle with loyalty to family versus doing what is right.
The book deals with identity and the fear of one's own nature through a metaphorical lens. The idea of 'curing' or 'removing' a part of one's identity is central. It is secular in approach and the resolution is empowering, favoring self-acceptance over conformity.
A middle or high schooler who enjoys snarky humor but is privately dealing with the pressure of a 'family legacy' or feels that their natural talents make them a 'monster' in the eyes of others.
Parents should be aware of a scene involving a ritualistic procedure (the Removal) which can be an intense metaphor for bodily autonomy and identity suppression. A parent might see their child withdrawing or expressing a desire to change a fundamental part of themselves to fit in or please the family.
Younger teens will focus on the magic, the 'forbidden' romance, and the humor. Older teens will pick up on the themes of institutional corruption and the weight of choosing one's own path regardless of parental influence.
Hawkins balances a high-stakes supernatural conspiracy with a genuinely funny, self-deprecating narrative voice that makes heavy themes feel accessible and relatable.
Picking up after the events of Hex Hall, Sophie Mercer travels to London with her father to undergo the Removal, a procedure to strip her of her dangerous demon powers. While there, she discovers she is not the only demon in existence and uncovers a plot by the Council to weaponize her kind. She must also navigate her complicated feelings for Archer, who is working for a group dedicated to wiping out her species.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.