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Hex #1
2367, Experiment Hex
A Supercomputer Brain In A 15-Year-Old's Body...Meet Raven, The Most Dangerous Teenager In The World....London. The 24th century. The CPS, a secret government agency, is on a mission to seek and destroy the Hex, human mutants with supercomputer minds. They are young. They look like you or me. They must never be allowed to grow up....But the CPS hasn't discovered Raven. Soon they will feel her power, know her rage as she and her brother, Wraith, set out to discover what happened to their long-lost sister, Rachel. Is she dead or alive? Or has she met a fate worse than extinction? There is only one way to find out. Raven must use her Hex powers to crack the top-secret security of the CPS. Then she must enter the place that promises certain death....
Hardcover
First published August 7, 1998
9 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
About the author
Rhiannon Lassiter
32 books75 followersRhiannon Lassiter began writing when she was still at school. The first agent to see her work encouraged her to finish Hex, which was accepted when she was nineteen by the first publisher to read it (Macmillan).
Rhiannon graduated from Oxford University and has written eight best selling novels, several short stories and one non-fiction title for children and teenagers. She has edited an anthology of poetry and prose. Alongside her writing she works with her mother, the well known author Mary Hoffman, editing the children's review magazine, Armadillo.
Rhiannon graduated from Oxford University and has written eight best selling novels, several short stories and one non-fiction title for children and teenagers. She has edited an anthology of poetry and prose. Alongside her writing she works with her mother, the well known author Mary Hoffman, editing the children's review magazine, Armadillo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 2, 2023
4,25 stars - English Ebook
Raven is a Hex, that is a person part human, part super computer.
In the late 21st century, Hexes were created by genetically enhancing human children. Hexes can reach into the Net and access information systems from around the world. They can move around the World Wide Web the way other teenagers stroll around a mall.
Raven has awesome powers, she can control computers with her thoughts.
Raven is in hiding do and she would like to keep it that way. If the secret government finds out that she is alive, she will be killed.
Children with the Hex gene must either fight for their lives, hide away, or be killed by the goverment.
The CPS, a secret government agency, is on a mission to seek and destroy all Hexes. Most die no matter what they do. Raven's sister, Rachel, is already presumed dead, even though she had never shown any sign of being a Hex. So do they kill only on if a child is maybe a hex and is Rachel realy dead?
While searching the Internet for some sign of Rachel's existence, Raven runs across another fate that Hexes face. A fate worse than death. It is this discovery that will eventually lead Raven, along with her foxy non-Hex brother Wraith, to the place where Hexes die.
The people in this book are as real as possible. Even the minor characters have this great personalities. That made it also a book an 55 year old would read.
There is a reference to a New York disaster and some talk about terrorism, which takes some of the fun out of this book. This is minor, though, and doesn't take away from the fact that this is a good young adult book to read. Recommended!
Raven is a Hex, that is a person part human, part super computer.
In the late 21st century, Hexes were created by genetically enhancing human children. Hexes can reach into the Net and access information systems from around the world. They can move around the World Wide Web the way other teenagers stroll around a mall.
Raven has awesome powers, she can control computers with her thoughts.
Raven is in hiding do and she would like to keep it that way. If the secret government finds out that she is alive, she will be killed.
Children with the Hex gene must either fight for their lives, hide away, or be killed by the goverment.
The CPS, a secret government agency, is on a mission to seek and destroy all Hexes. Most die no matter what they do. Raven's sister, Rachel, is already presumed dead, even though she had never shown any sign of being a Hex. So do they kill only on if a child is maybe a hex and is Rachel realy dead?
While searching the Internet for some sign of Rachel's existence, Raven runs across another fate that Hexes face. A fate worse than death. It is this discovery that will eventually lead Raven, along with her foxy non-Hex brother Wraith, to the place where Hexes die.
The people in this book are as real as possible. Even the minor characters have this great personalities. That made it also a book an 55 year old would read.
There is a reference to a New York disaster and some talk about terrorism, which takes some of the fun out of this book. This is minor, though, and doesn't take away from the fact that this is a good young adult book to read. Recommended!
August 21, 2013
I read this about 10 years ago when I was a teen so I'm sure my tastes have changed since then. However - I remember thinking this was a fantastic book which really brought the world to life vividly, and I can still clearly remember the places, the concepts and the language of the book even now, which I think counts for something.
February 7, 2012
The only reason I picked up this book was because the author's last name was Lassiter, like the most amazing police officer on TV (from the show Psych, which is an amazing show, go watch it).
I was definitely impressed. The plot and setting were AMAZING. If the 23rd and 24th centuries are going to be like this, technology wise, I want to go live there now. I would love to have my own flitter, and live in the heights of one of those tall sky-scrapers. And of course, I would want to be a Hex. I want to be Raven, so bad.
She is so badass, and inhuman. I love it. I love how she is so concise, calm and collected. It seems she can do everything, but if you look hard enough you can find her weakness.
The only thing I didn't really like was that Raven and Kez seemed to come across almost twice their age. If they were going to act like this, I don't see why Lassiter didn't just bump their ages up, but ah well.
Overall, 5 out of 5 stars!
I was definitely impressed. The plot and setting were AMAZING. If the 23rd and 24th centuries are going to be like this, technology wise, I want to go live there now. I would love to have my own flitter, and live in the heights of one of those tall sky-scrapers. And of course, I would want to be a Hex. I want to be Raven, so bad.
She is so badass, and inhuman. I love it. I love how she is so concise, calm and collected. It seems she can do everything, but if you look hard enough you can find her weakness.
The only thing I didn't really like was that Raven and Kez seemed to come across almost twice their age. If they were going to act like this, I don't see why Lassiter didn't just bump their ages up, but ah well.
Overall, 5 out of 5 stars!
February 16, 2025
Eine ziemlich gut geschriebene Science-Fiction- Geschichte, die allerdings von der Zeit überholt wurde. Nichts ist älter als die Zukunft von gestern, heißt es nicht umsonst. Und einen Roman zu lesen, der Disketten als Speicher nutzt, hat einen gewissen Charme, zumal die Diskette zum Speicher Icon geworden ist. Was wiederum bedeutet, dass jeder das Symbol kennt, aber viel weniger wissen, warum dies das Symbol ist.
Ansonsten ist die ganze hex-geschichte nicht unglaublich gut, aber macht Spaß zu lesen, auch wenn es seine Längen hat. Man kann es ganz klar als Jugend SciFi einordnen, inklusive der Tiefe der Charaktere, leider. Wenn ich es richtig verstanden habe, soll es davon mehrere Teile geben. Vielleicht gar nicht so uninteressant...
Ansonsten ist die ganze hex-geschichte nicht unglaublich gut, aber macht Spaß zu lesen, auch wenn es seine Längen hat. Man kann es ganz klar als Jugend SciFi einordnen, inklusive der Tiefe der Charaktere, leider. Wenn ich es richtig verstanden habe, soll es davon mehrere Teile geben. Vielleicht gar nicht so uninteressant...
July 24, 2023
Honestly 5 starts. I mean I flew through it and it kept my attention the whole time!
June 4, 2011
The Story...
In Hex, we meet two siblings called Wraith and Raven, not their real names. They are the product of living in the 23rd century somewhere in the States. However, the States is not where the story takes place, the stage of the story is London. Perhaps now is the time to tell you a little about the title... what is the Hex? Imagine having a Hex gene... a mutant gene that allows you incredible control of computers, and I don't just mean giving you quick fingers on the Keyboard, no, with this gene you can actually enter the Net and control anything related to computers. Raven, a young girl, possesses the Hex gene. In fact, she was one of the lucky ones, one of those who escaped the clutches of the CPS (Centre for Paranormal Studies), who works for the government, to rid the world of the Hexes. The Hex is obviously something to be feared, although it was government scientists that created the Hex genes.
Wraith and Raven has another, younger sister called Rachel. She was adobted and carried off to England before either of the two siblings could do anything about it. They want to find their sister, and have therefore travelled all the way across the ocean. London has changed, it has become a vertical metropolis with skyscrapers of up to 3 miles, very impressive and a little bit scary, really.
They acquire the help of a young ganger named Kez, but also a powerful person called the Countess. Their search reveals that Rachel also posses the Hex gene and has been taken by the CPS, taken to some place hidden, some place with no computers, at least not any computers that Raven has the power to control.
The question now becomes... is Rachel alive? How to bring her back, if she is alive, and where is it, exactly, that the CPS takes the Hexes?
My Judgement...
Hex is obviously Cyberpunk, and not Sci-fi in the classical sense. It focuses on the Computer aspect, but also on themes such as the manipulation of genes, how far can and should we go... However, it doesn't really dwell on this last point, in fact, Hex is mostly an action-packed story about two siblings looking for their sister. They have the world against them and find friends in the strangest places, friends that will help them find their sister.
It's easy to read, perhaps a little too easy. I would have liked some deeper themes, but the book is only 216 pages long and its not a large book. It's obviously meant to be pure entertainment, with gun fights, cool Web cruising and lots of partying.
Furthermore, Hex is the first book in a large series, so if you like it more than I did, you can pick up the others and find out what happens next. I'm sure I wont be picking up the rest, but thats ok. It's not a bad book, but you definitely have to like the Cyberpunk genre and you have to like action and lots of it.
In Hex, we meet two siblings called Wraith and Raven, not their real names. They are the product of living in the 23rd century somewhere in the States. However, the States is not where the story takes place, the stage of the story is London. Perhaps now is the time to tell you a little about the title... what is the Hex? Imagine having a Hex gene... a mutant gene that allows you incredible control of computers, and I don't just mean giving you quick fingers on the Keyboard, no, with this gene you can actually enter the Net and control anything related to computers. Raven, a young girl, possesses the Hex gene. In fact, she was one of the lucky ones, one of those who escaped the clutches of the CPS (Centre for Paranormal Studies), who works for the government, to rid the world of the Hexes. The Hex is obviously something to be feared, although it was government scientists that created the Hex genes.
Wraith and Raven has another, younger sister called Rachel. She was adobted and carried off to England before either of the two siblings could do anything about it. They want to find their sister, and have therefore travelled all the way across the ocean. London has changed, it has become a vertical metropolis with skyscrapers of up to 3 miles, very impressive and a little bit scary, really.
They acquire the help of a young ganger named Kez, but also a powerful person called the Countess. Their search reveals that Rachel also posses the Hex gene and has been taken by the CPS, taken to some place hidden, some place with no computers, at least not any computers that Raven has the power to control.
The question now becomes... is Rachel alive? How to bring her back, if she is alive, and where is it, exactly, that the CPS takes the Hexes?
My Judgement...
Hex is obviously Cyberpunk, and not Sci-fi in the classical sense. It focuses on the Computer aspect, but also on themes such as the manipulation of genes, how far can and should we go... However, it doesn't really dwell on this last point, in fact, Hex is mostly an action-packed story about two siblings looking for their sister. They have the world against them and find friends in the strangest places, friends that will help them find their sister.
It's easy to read, perhaps a little too easy. I would have liked some deeper themes, but the book is only 216 pages long and its not a large book. It's obviously meant to be pure entertainment, with gun fights, cool Web cruising and lots of partying.
Furthermore, Hex is the first book in a large series, so if you like it more than I did, you can pick up the others and find out what happens next. I'm sure I wont be picking up the rest, but thats ok. It's not a bad book, but you definitely have to like the Cyberpunk genre and you have to like action and lots of it.
May 21, 2021
The first book in the Hex Trilogy by Rhiannon Lassiter brings us to a futuristic world where technology advancements have shaped the world.
The cities with roads that weave over each other high amongst the high-risers to deep down where flitters hesitate to go. The world building is great, though not as in depth as a high-fantasy and the characters can come off as a little flat, it has its own sociolects which give it flavour along with the various technologies.
Amongst this futuristic society, prejudice remains. What happens when you add those with the Hex Gene into the mix? Those who can interact with technology on a level that others can't.
Hex reveals itself to be a partial dystopia, especially for those with the Hex Gene— what happens to them is only known by the CPS a secret government agency that deals with Hexes.
Wraith and Raven are our two main characters, and yes we do get more of other characters' perspectives in the other books. Wraith and Raven lost their sister, Rachel, to the CPS a long time ago. They want to save her— if she's even alive— and if they have to tear down the world to do so, they will and they can. Raven is one of the most powerful Hexes we learn of and the cyber world is her playground; but the CPS are powerful too.
This book is great as part of a trilogy and I'd read the series when I was younger. At the time I found no real flaws, but reading it again showed that yes, unfortunately, the actual characters don't really get much development and their personalities are expressed with a few strong traits to make up for the lack of subtle realistic nuances. But this doesn't really affect the plot, Raven is a cool character and it's those powerful, cool characters that readers tend to like so honestly, its alright that the characters aren't fully fleshed out.
This book gave an insight into how those in authority can and sometimes do abuse their power, how individuals can become oppressed easily, and how the imbalances of power in a system can affect everything. It's also got fun hex powers in it so that's cool, I guess.
The cities with roads that weave over each other high amongst the high-risers to deep down where flitters hesitate to go. The world building is great, though not as in depth as a high-fantasy and the characters can come off as a little flat, it has its own sociolects which give it flavour along with the various technologies.
Amongst this futuristic society, prejudice remains. What happens when you add those with the Hex Gene into the mix? Those who can interact with technology on a level that others can't.
Hex reveals itself to be a partial dystopia, especially for those with the Hex Gene— what happens to them is only known by the CPS a secret government agency that deals with Hexes.
Wraith and Raven are our two main characters, and yes we do get more of other characters' perspectives in the other books. Wraith and Raven lost their sister, Rachel, to the CPS a long time ago. They want to save her— if she's even alive— and if they have to tear down the world to do so, they will and they can. Raven is one of the most powerful Hexes we learn of and the cyber world is her playground; but the CPS are powerful too.
This book is great as part of a trilogy and I'd read the series when I was younger. At the time I found no real flaws, but reading it again showed that yes, unfortunately, the actual characters don't really get much development and their personalities are expressed with a few strong traits to make up for the lack of subtle realistic nuances. But this doesn't really affect the plot, Raven is a cool character and it's those powerful, cool characters that readers tend to like so honestly, its alright that the characters aren't fully fleshed out.
This book gave an insight into how those in authority can and sometimes do abuse their power, how individuals can become oppressed easily, and how the imbalances of power in a system can affect everything. It's also got fun hex powers in it so that's cool, I guess.
December 29, 2022
This novel has been sitting on my “to read” shelf for over 20 years, which in a way has worked out well, as it shows how accurately the author managed to predict the future of the worldwide web. She didn’t get the transport right, and missed out on the streaming of music and the use of mobile phones, but as far as the internet is concerned, with its reach into all corners of the world, and how it is used for research, purchases and just about everything else, she is spot on. As a result of genetic experiments, some people can access the net mentally, and are feared and persecuted instead of celebrated. The story is exciting and the characters engaging. I’m looking forward to the next two volumes, which are also on that shelf…
May 29, 2025
Recommended if you like:
Sci-fi
Found family
Genius FMC
Slight pining
My thoughts:
I loved most of it, my dad recommended this book to me and for the last few days I could not put it down for the life of me, however, i had just a few nitpicky things I didn't like, I do realise this is a book published in 1995 therefore i shouldnt be so picky about these things but the phrases that are meant to be "futuristic" are just plain cringe, for example, "i scan" is just plain unnecessary.
I have already started the second book and can't wait to see what happens in this one after the events of the last book.
Sci-fi
Found family
Genius FMC
Slight pining
My thoughts:
I loved most of it, my dad recommended this book to me and for the last few days I could not put it down for the life of me, however, i had just a few nitpicky things I didn't like, I do realise this is a book published in 1995 therefore i shouldnt be so picky about these things but the phrases that are meant to be "futuristic" are just plain cringe, for example, "i scan" is just plain unnecessary.
I have already started the second book and can't wait to see what happens in this one after the events of the last book.
May 19, 2021
2006 schrieb ich:
Ein spannendes, kurzweiliges Buch, besonders wenn man das Alter der Autorin im Hinterkopf hat. Und meiner Meinung ist es auch als "Jugendbuch" gut für "Erwachsene" geeignet. ;-) Lassiter hat einige ungewöhnliche Ideen verarbeitet, die trotzdem nah an aktuellen Themen sind, aber erfreulicherweise hat sie den mahnenden Zeigefinger (noch) nicht erhoben. Trotzdem gibt es auch schwache Stellen.
Ein spannendes, kurzweiliges Buch, besonders wenn man das Alter der Autorin im Hinterkopf hat. Und meiner Meinung ist es auch als "Jugendbuch" gut für "Erwachsene" geeignet. ;-) Lassiter hat einige ungewöhnliche Ideen verarbeitet, die trotzdem nah an aktuellen Themen sind, aber erfreulicherweise hat sie den mahnenden Zeigefinger (noch) nicht erhoben. Trotzdem gibt es auch schwache Stellen.
June 30, 2017
Excellent! Keeps the reader in suspense the whole way through!
May 28, 2018
Interesting (and disturbing!) concept for a world. An enjoyable read.
September 16, 2018
Young adult dystopian flick with a fast paced gritty atmosphere
September 18, 2018
It was a pretty good book, but it took a long time to build up to the climax. It kind of started out of nowhere.
July 28, 2019
I enjoyed it. it was obviously aimed at a younger audience than me( a middle aged male) , but despite it being a bit rough around the edges it weren't bad.
August 29, 2019
Not as good as I remember but still a good book for young readers
March 28, 2021
good first book, kinda slow, and i did not really connect with the characters, maybe second book will be better
November 23, 2022
Remember it being v good. Want to read others.
July 7, 2024
Zinātniskā fantastika pusaudžiem. Viegla lasāmviela.
June 30, 2020
It`s just too short. Can`t wait for other 2 books to read.
December 8, 2013
Void takes place in a totalitarian society in futuristic Europe were the Center for Paranormal Studies is working on eradicating all people with the Hex gene, the ability to merge with the internet, that was created by scientists in previous years. Raven is a hex, her brother Wraith, is not, the two are almost polar opposites, in fact. They had grown up in an orphanage, where their younger sister, Rachel, was adopted, and the two are now searching for her as they suspect she is a hex This book follows these siblings on a search for their sister, along with a young street-rat, Kez, and a spoiled girl, Ali, who must leave her home because she is also a hex. The four teenagers will uncover something unimaginable.
Besides the fact that Raven acts way too old for her age, the characters were incredibly well-developed. In fact, they all seemed to have an anti-protagonist sort of behavior, and I felt like I was reading the book from the villains’’ point of view. The interaction between Wraith and Raven was incredible to read as their brother-sister relationship is totally believable, even with them being polar opposites. The society that Lassiter has built here is amazing and I found there to be very little holes, so I understood what was going on for the entire story. This book is definitely a different experience, and to enjoy it, you will be have to be willing to accept a change on a typical writing style.
Besides the fact that Raven acts way too old for her age, the characters were incredibly well-developed. In fact, they all seemed to have an anti-protagonist sort of behavior, and I felt like I was reading the book from the villains’’ point of view. The interaction between Wraith and Raven was incredible to read as their brother-sister relationship is totally believable, even with them being polar opposites. The society that Lassiter has built here is amazing and I found there to be very little holes, so I understood what was going on for the entire story. This book is definitely a different experience, and to enjoy it, you will be have to be willing to accept a change on a typical writing style.
July 26, 2012
Eh... thats peretty much how I felt during the entire book. One thing that was poorly executed was the characters. The characters were typical and didn't have much going for them. Lassiter just told you how disconnected the two siblings eere and didn't really show it. They were boring not they're own person. The author liked to pretend that these two characters were completly alone and care for the other and as the story goes on they get closer. No. thete was an akward hug and done.Eh.
The world. When I read dystopians I really love to get into their world. for them to have their own rules and regulations ways etc. The world was again completly lacking in anything unique or anything that world make it stand out it was typical and from the point of view you were getting not that interesting to learn about.
The plot was one track nothing else but that one thing. Basically everything is perfect except their kind is hunted down! This is I guess so you would have a feel for how wrong everything is... for them. Boo freaking hoo please if your gonna waste my time with all this stuff about you cry me a river. Come on if this plot got any thinner It would be a baby color book. usually dystopians (good ones at least) have more than just the problem thats you can find on the back...
I am really let down.
The world. When I read dystopians I really love to get into their world. for them to have their own rules and regulations ways etc. The world was again completly lacking in anything unique or anything that world make it stand out it was typical and from the point of view you were getting not that interesting to learn about.
The plot was one track nothing else but that one thing. Basically everything is perfect except their kind is hunted down! This is I guess so you would have a feel for how wrong everything is... for them. Boo freaking hoo please if your gonna waste my time with all this stuff about you cry me a river. Come on if this plot got any thinner It would be a baby color book. usually dystopians (good ones at least) have more than just the problem thats you can find on the back...
I am really let down.
January 9, 2013
I was about 14 when I read this and it was a good, if not great, introduction to cyberpunk fiction- a genre I have since grown to love. It's not perfect, the characters are a little flat, but if you can get over that, which the target audience probably will, it's a fun romp through a bleak world, that mixes technology with elements of magic. I would recommend this for younger audiences interested in cyberpunk but who aren't quite ready for the likes of Neuromancer or Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.
It's definitely a guilty pleasure of mine as I can't quite seem to remove the nostalgia tinted glasses when thinking about this book, despite its flaws.
It's definitely a guilty pleasure of mine as I can't quite seem to remove the nostalgia tinted glasses when thinking about this book, despite its flaws.
January 30, 2011
Raven has mutant Hex-genes that enable her to be perfectly in tune with any computer. She's better, faster and more efficient than the best hacker, making her illegal, and very dangerous. She's helping her brother White to find their sister, Rachel, and that means going to the place of certain death, the CPS's lab. The CPS had the legal right to dispose of anyone suspected of having the Hex gene. That means if she get's caught, White will not lose just one but even two younger sisters. On their way the two of them make some new friends and tons of enemies.[return]Although this one is recommended for ages 8-12 I'd say it's a book every SciFi-fan will like.
October 22, 2007
This trilogy is just great. I've read all three books several times now, and am in the middle of another read-through. Compelling characters, government-conspiracy element, political themes of eugenics/disability, thrilling action with adept pacing. And written when the author was 17, no less. A fast, enjoyable read. On a virgo note, the number of typos in the paperback editions of all three books in the trilogy drives me NUTS--there are easily over ten in each book-- Get a competent proof-reader, Simon Pulse! haha.
February 10, 2010
An incredibly solid book for not only a first book, but also from such a young author.
Quite enjoyable though it took me half the book to be convinced that it really might end up enjoyable. The characters tend toward the two dimensional which makes them a bit harder to like. But they are all anti-heroes anyway so the liking doesn't really happen until much later in the book.
Decent quick sci-fi with quite a few female lead rolls. Always a bonus.
Quite enjoyable though it took me half the book to be convinced that it really might end up enjoyable. The characters tend toward the two dimensional which makes them a bit harder to like. But they are all anti-heroes anyway so the liking doesn't really happen until much later in the book.
Decent quick sci-fi with quite a few female lead rolls. Always a bonus.
March 23, 2014
i like the story's concept. land is scarce in this future and so buildings are getting higher and higher and higher... of course, the slum is at the lower levels and the wealthy is living on the top level. but this is just the backdrop of this story. raven is a hex, a human with supercomputer abilities. together with her brother, wraith, they sought to rescue their little sister, rachel who was suspected to be a hex and was captured by the government, cps.
October 7, 2007
This book is about a group of outlaws fighting against the corrupt european government of the 24th century. Raven, the main charater is a mutant human created and dubbed dangeruos by the government. now on the run for her life she is trying to find other mutants known as hexes to help her overthrough the government.
June 23, 2010
So Raven's a bit of a Mary Sue. So what? This is a totally thrilling adventure that sweeps you away. The worldbuilding is great, the characters aren't that flat, and the writing's a lot better than Christopher Paolini's (who happens to be in his twenties now, while this book was written when the author was 17).
May 23, 2009
I picked Hex up at the library when I was searching for another book entirely. The cover caught my attention, and after I read the back of the book I thought I would give it a try. I'm glad I did! I can't believe the author was only seventeen when she wrote this! I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews