Friday, September 18, 2009

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.

30 comments:

  1. Sounds great, i do want to read this book. I like the premise of the story

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  2. What a great review! I'm so proud of you, you did another review! Now what's next? I want Garden Spells.

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  3. Alaine is keeping you on your toes with these reviews I see. I can't wait to read this book.

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  4. I haven't read this book yet but I admit that the cover alone is enough to make you want to buy it, very simple yet beautiful.
    I am not a YA fan though and a book would have to be really exceptional for me to read it but maybe I'll borrow it from the library when it gets there.

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  5. Awesome review Teddyree! I don't usually read YA but I am so intrigued by this book and you are quite correct - that video is STUNNING...

    Thanks for sharing
    L

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  6. Maybe the sequel will have more of the mythology? I've heard such a good things that I want to give it a try, but I get what you're saying.

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  7. Great review! I've been reading such positive things about this one.

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  8. I slightly different ending? That intrigues me. And how is it you've read both lol? I agree with your thoughts as well. I love mythology and didn't get enough of it in this story!

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  9. Great review. I've heard so much about this book and it's nice to see a candid review.

    I have to agree that cover is amazing. I may just have to pick this one up.

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  10. Juju, this one was hard to review, huh? I enjoyed it as well, but felt similar about the mythology.

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  11. Great review! I agree, the cover art is So Good. Can't wait to read this one and see what I think.

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  12. I stopped reading after the third sentence....I don't wanna know...lol! I have this one coming and don't want to know anything about the book. :)

    What is your Twitter ID or name?

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  13. B ~ the premise is awesome but I wanted more mythology, most reviews I've read didn't have the same thoughts & that's ok.

    Alaine ~ thanks, The Help is up next :-)

    Viv ~ hope you enjoy it, let me know!

    Lilly ~ I do love YA but it was nice to read something that wasn't vampire or shapeshifter.

    Lea ~ thanks :-) the cover and the clip would make me race out and buy this one lol

    Andrea ~ I'm so glad you got what I was trying to say, hard without giving away spoilers and yeah I'm hoping that Crescendo will give more mythology because the secrets are already out in Hush, Hush!

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  14. I really liked your intelligent, thoughtful and balanced review. This book sounds interesting, and it is definitely getting a lot of praise out there. But it reminds me too much of Twilight, a novel I disliked. Still on the fence about whether to read this one. :-)

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  15. stacybuckeye ~ thanks for commenting

    pagese ~ LOL didn't you read the alternative on the Barnes & Noble first look forum? Glad someone else agrees on the mythology! Will stop by your blog to see your review.

    Bella ~ Thanks very much! Let me know if you do pick up a copy, or throw your hat in the ring here. Hush, Hush is one of the books up for grabs in this months competition'

    Sarbear ~ juju huh??

    Angiegirl ~ I'll be sure to check out your review, let me know :-)

    J.kaye ~ lol cant wait to see what you think of it. I'm not even signed up for twitter yet, better get my act together hey

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  16. Laughing Stars ~ Thank you so much. I guess there are vague comparisons but there is in many a book if you look. I didnt think it was anything worth mentioning. Maybe you'd enjoy this one, not a vampire in sight LOL

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  17. Teddyree, then that makes sense why I couldn't find you! :)

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  18. This hype has got me in great anticipation for this one. Hope I'm not disappointed! Thanks for you honest and insightful review!

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  19. Hi Teddyree!

    Great review!! I love a good anti-hero!

    Oh, this one is soooo on my wish list, you're so lucky to receive an ARC!!

    I need to pick this up before Crescendo comes out, but I have a while, next Oct. eh? It's all good!

    Dottie :)

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  20. Thanks for the pimpage Teddyree! I greatly appreciate it.

    (psst....keep checking back....I'm going to have an international giveaway for Dark Time in the near future. it's a secret, I haven't told anyone else yet....lol)

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  21. Hi there!

    This sounds fantastic. I love your review, and have heard great things about this, so I was pleased to hear your opinion on it.

    By the way, I mentioned you on my Friday Finds. Another good book found its way onto my reading list because of you! :)

    The Book mentioned by you on my Friday Find is...

    Take care,

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  22. I love the cover of this book. And now the book sounds pretty interesting too..So all i have to do now is wait till Oct? Sigh!!!

    :O)

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  23. When I first heard of this book I was not interested. I will say though, the cover kept attracting me back to the book. Love the cover!

    Over the last week or so, I have become curious.
    After reading your review (which gave wonderful insight), I want to read the book and am going to put it on my to-read list. Yet, I am not in a rush to read the story.

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  24. You had exactly the same response that I did when I read it. The mythology was fascinating and what kept me turning the pages, not any motivation or interest in the characters themselves. I'm curious about the possible different ending to the published version.

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  25. Alyssa ~ hope you enjoy it, I'm looking forward to Crescendo but that's a whole 12 months away

    Dottie ~ yeah plenty of time to get your hands on Hush, Hush and lots of contests out there! Thanks for the heads-up, I'll get my lucky shoes ready to enter your Dark Time contest :-)

    Sassy ~ thanks, will be by your blog soon!

    K & ibeeeg ~ hope you've thrown your hat in the ring in my September contest, you never know, you might just get your hands on Hush, Hush.

    Michelle ~ I'm so glad you had similar feelings. Hope we get more mythology in Crescendo?

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  26. Great review, the book sounds good. I love good books about angels and I agree with the cover. It really looks pretty.

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  27. I just won this book =) I'll definitely keep your thoughts in mind. I'm glad you liked it though. Thanks for the great review!

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  28. Nina ~ I think this is my favourite cover this year.

    Mishel ~ can't wait to see what you think :-)

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  29. Great review! There has been lots of hype surrounding this book, but I was on the fence about whether or not I should read it. Now I definitely want to! The cover was enough to make me interested, but your review has pushed me to the other side :)
    I appreciate your honesty about the first part of the book, and I'm looking forward to finding out the secrets that are revealed in the second half!

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  30. How could you not love a fallen angel? Although if he is smack, then maybe not.
    Still sounds like a good story, and yes everybody has raved about it. I trust you though, so your word is gold.
    Great review Teddy!

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