Saturday, November 28, 2009

Hush, Hush Review

Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick
*October 13th 2009 - Simon & Schuster

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

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and 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 Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.


Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush is like a caressive whisper laced with dark allure, painting a deliciously paranormal picture. With an enchanting cover and a captivating synopsis, Hush, Hush ensnares the prospective reader and creates an atmosphere of temptation - which fits in with its contents of fallen angels.

The setting of Hush, Hush is definitely one of its fortes. Modern and immediate, there's a sort of credibility to it, like this could very well be scene-next-door. And then - shhh, shhh - the paranormal aspect kind of sneaks into it subtly, melding in believably. The places this book goes, the locations described - they all add an air of daring danger of the delicious variety. The atmosphere at times is dark, murky, but simultaneously seductive. Tossed in with the prickling sense that something is wrong is the desire to find out what happens next.

For the most part, characterization was interestingly done. The main protagonist Nora Grey is certainly different, but at times some of her reactions were a little odd and unreasonable. (Personally, I wonder if it would have been better to situate her as a junior, rather than a sophomore.) Her sudden turn of affections for Patch was a little sudden - found myself flipping back to see if I had somehow missed a chapter (nope), which seemed to steer more in the direction of lust than love. Patch has been receiving much attention as a bad boy of YA - and in that aspect, it is definitely conceivable why.

The interactions between Patch and Nora are one of Fitzpatrick's more impressive successes in Hush, Hush. The emotions, the tensions, the restraints - Fitzpatrick creates a lovely atmosphere by playing with these. It really comes alive off the page. Once these started occurring, the draw of the book becomes that much stronger. As the plot progresses, it becomes harder and harder to put down. The last paragraph of the synopsis, "ancient battle, etc. etc." sounds like a bit of a melodramatic overstatement in retrospect, but nevertheless, the way it plays out does not disappoint. It'll definitely be interesting to see how the sequel, Crescendo, plays out.

Like its stormy cover, Hush, Hush has "Grey" (Nora) and dark allure (Patch). (Hush, Hush, Crescendo - what brilliant titles!) With lush writing and an intriguing premise, Hush, Hush is a tempting read.

9 comments:

in which a girl reads said...

Great Review :)

I loved the setting of Hush, Hush too-- Maine! (lovely).

Steph Su said...

Has Becca seen this review yet? I'm pasting a link to your review onto her LJ... :)

Kate said...

Superb review! I love the way you write. I have "Hush, Hush" at home but haven't got around to reading it.

Becca Fitzpatrick said...

Hey, Lucid!

Glad you enjoyed the book! Thanks for taking the time to write up an (awesome) review!

Sadako said...

Great review! It looks so awesome.

deltay said...

Choco - Thanks! It was definitely a fun setting :)

Steph - Thanks!

Kate - Aw, you should definitely read it soon, it's pretty fun. Thank you :)

Becca - Hi! (It's always super exciting when authors pop by :D) I'm glad you liked my review, thanks :)

Sadako - Thanks; it is a pretty awesome read.

farpastmidnight said...

Your writing style is very engaging! I've already read Hush Hush (loved it too) but hearing you put it like this makes me want to reread it! :)

Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye.

Anonymous said...

Hey, you used to write magnificent, but tthe last few posts have been kinda boring� I miss your great writings.
Past several posts are just a little out of track! come on!

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