Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publish Date: 13th October 2009
Pages: 400
Book Source: ARC

A sacred oath, a fallen angel, a forbidden love.

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those who have fallen -- and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life - book description

Hush, Hush is a difficult one to review given all the pre-publication excitement. Don't get me wrong I really enjoyed this edgy debut novel but it wasn't without issue for me. The premise of fallen angels is fascinating, it smacks of danger and intrigue, just begging to be read but unfortunately my desire for detailed mythology wasn't fulfilled, I was left wanting so much more.

Patch is a complex character, intense, cocky, secretive, and sinister, almost creepy. I'm not sure that I liked him but like Nora, I was drawn to the sexy anti-hero image and the undercurrent of danger surrounding him. Nora is likeable enough, she's responsible, studious and boring nice. Patch exudes a dangerous allure, and Nora finds herself drawn to him, attracted but also filled with a sense of unease. Now, Vee, Nora's best friend is obnoxious, outspoken, selfish & hilarious and I kind of liked her even though I wouldn't want her as my best friend. The villian of the story didn't come as a surprise but the twists and turns certainly kept me wondering if my initial impression would prove wrong.

The sexual tension between Nora & Patch simmers until sparks are practically flying but for me the cat and mouse game got a little old after 200 pages or so. It's not that the pace is slow, rather the build-up in the dynamics of Patch and Nora's relationship is a little drawn out. That said, there is a sense of urgency in Fitzpatrick's writing that just keeps you reading and the 2nd half of the book is where everything unfolds and secrets are slowly revealed.

Do I want to read more? Absolutely! Not because I fell in love with the characters but because I'm still intrigued by the unique, dangerous, and magnetic storyline.

The cover of Hush, Hush is absolutely stunning, probably my favourite this year and the book trailer is excellent. There is talk that the ending of the published book may differ slightly to that in the ARC but having read both I think either work and I'm certainly looking forward to the sequel, Crescendo coming Oct 2010.

About the author:
Becca Fitzpatrick grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden with a flashlight under the covers. She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned. After a stint as a secretary at an alternative high school, she considered becoming a spy, but rejected the career due to her inability to lie with a straight face. When she's not writing, she's most likely prowling sale racks for reject shoes, running, or watching crime dramas on TV. HUSH, HUSH is her first novel. http://www.beccafitzpatrick.com/

Visit Becca's blog and the Hush, Hush fansite Fallen Archangel

Thank you to the Barnes and Noble First Look Club for my copy of Hush, Hush.

This month on The Eclectic Reader you could win Fire by Kristen Cashore OR Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick OR Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.