Helpful Score: 9
Despite the amazing cover and contrary to so many other reviewers, I did not like this story. Now I must admit that the writing was good and I did finish it very quickly, but the story itself was deeply disturbing and creepy. The only reason I kept reading was in vain hope it would all work out and something good would come along through a cool plot twist or stellar character growth. Seriously, if the heroine is afraid of the "so-called" hero for most of the book, and the hero even WANTS to hurt the heroine for most of said book, romance isn't the word that comes to mind. Psycho works better.
Helpful Score: 4
Reviewed by Bibliophile's Bestiary Blog at bibliophile-bestiary.blogspot.com
This book got a lot of hype when it was first released. I purchased it soon after, because the cover art is AMAZING, but it has been sitting on my book shelf since then. I finally picked it up when I received an Advance Reading Copy of Crescendo (Hush, Hush), the sequel to hush, hush, which will be released October 19, 2010.
The book started off good, I liked how the characters were described, the story line and mystery of it was interesting and the writing was good. Then, it started to get lame. The main character is annoying, and stupid. At points she is pretty much verbally and physically attacked. She is freaked out and scared, then all of a sudden she thinks it is a good idea to get on the back of the motorcycle with someone she was terrified of. It had a repetitiveness to it of Nora liking Patch, being afraid of Patch. Liking Elliot, being afraid of Elliot. It was a tad annoying. The characters personalities changed drastically in the middle and then again at the end of the book, which is hard to follow when you liked them at the beginning. Vee, Nora's best friend, is just plain annoying. She is stupid and does stupid things. When the book finally started getting good again, right near the end, the author really rushed into explaining everything. The "truth" came out in a huge whoosh of words that was a tad overwhelming.
Overall, the book really wasn't that good. I am reading the second one now, so we will see how it goes. 2 out of 5 stars.
This book got a lot of hype when it was first released. I purchased it soon after, because the cover art is AMAZING, but it has been sitting on my book shelf since then. I finally picked it up when I received an Advance Reading Copy of Crescendo (Hush, Hush), the sequel to hush, hush, which will be released October 19, 2010.
The book started off good, I liked how the characters were described, the story line and mystery of it was interesting and the writing was good. Then, it started to get lame. The main character is annoying, and stupid. At points she is pretty much verbally and physically attacked. She is freaked out and scared, then all of a sudden she thinks it is a good idea to get on the back of the motorcycle with someone she was terrified of. It had a repetitiveness to it of Nora liking Patch, being afraid of Patch. Liking Elliot, being afraid of Elliot. It was a tad annoying. The characters personalities changed drastically in the middle and then again at the end of the book, which is hard to follow when you liked them at the beginning. Vee, Nora's best friend, is just plain annoying. She is stupid and does stupid things. When the book finally started getting good again, right near the end, the author really rushed into explaining everything. The "truth" came out in a huge whoosh of words that was a tad overwhelming.
Overall, the book really wasn't that good. I am reading the second one now, so we will see how it goes. 2 out of 5 stars.
Helpful Score: 3
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I just finished Hush, Hush and I loved it. It reminded me quite a bit of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, with Patch being more like Bella in pursuing the relationship and Nora being more like Edward in resisting it. Instead of their being vampires and werewolves though there were angels, fallen angels, and Nephil. I never even considered the topic of fallen angels for a novel, so many supernatural novels are about vampires and werewolves that this was a nice novelty and it also seemed appropriate for young adult readers. Even though biology class was discussing sex and reproduction and the characters did feel desire for each other, it didnt go too far, it was tasteful but managed to keep its believability. The tension between Nora and Patch is very believable and palpable. Some characters were a bit too much of a stereotype like Marcie the cheerleader but all in all a book I can see becoming a best seller if it has the right marketing to get it seen and read.
I just finished Hush, Hush and I loved it. It reminded me quite a bit of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, with Patch being more like Bella in pursuing the relationship and Nora being more like Edward in resisting it. Instead of their being vampires and werewolves though there were angels, fallen angels, and Nephil. I never even considered the topic of fallen angels for a novel, so many supernatural novels are about vampires and werewolves that this was a nice novelty and it also seemed appropriate for young adult readers. Even though biology class was discussing sex and reproduction and the characters did feel desire for each other, it didnt go too far, it was tasteful but managed to keep its believability. The tension between Nora and Patch is very believable and palpable. Some characters were a bit too much of a stereotype like Marcie the cheerleader but all in all a book I can see becoming a best seller if it has the right marketing to get it seen and read.
Helpful Score: 2
The last thing high school sophomore Nora Grey wanted was to be partnered with a total stranger in biology, especially when the segment is on human anatomy and sexuality. But Patch, her biology partner, is fascinatingly intriguing, very attractive...and has a way of unnerving Nora in all the ways she never wanted to be unnerved. Nora knows that Patch is dangerous, and that she should probably stay away from him--especially after she suspects him of being the masked stalker who seems to be trying to kill her--but their paths keep on crossing, and she can't deny the connection that she feels with him.
However, Nora doesn't know that she's about to become a pawn in a dangerous game that may end her life. For Patch is a fallen angel, one whose wings were ripped off for disobedience. He wants to become human, and that requires a particular female sacrifice. But that's not all. Others are also out for Nora's blood, and against her will Nora feels that Patch might be the only one who can save her, as dangerous as he himself is for her...
Look out, Edward--dark, dangerous, and sexy has a new name. Becca Fitzpatrick writes a forbidden romance that's so delicious, so intoxicating, it should be illegal.
HUSH, HUSH focuses mostly on developing Nora, Patch, and their dance of a relationship. Thus, what it sometimes lacks in vigorous pace, it more than makes up for in Patch and Nora's fantastic dynamics. Every time they meet, you can practically see the sparks flying out of the page.
Readers will either fall over themselves to get more of Patch, or be creeped out by him. He certainly exhibits a lot of the stalkerish tendencies that some readers dislike about Edward from Twilight. In addition, he is rude, condescending, cocky, sexually aggressive, and pretty darn selfish. However, I am firmly in the first camp: I adore Patch. He is the incarnation of every girl's secret bad boy daydream: your very own otherworldly, dangerous, drop-dead sexy, very masculine fantasy come true.
The story doesn't really pick up the pace until the last third or so of the novel, where we learn about Patch's past as well as the story of the fallen angels, Nora and Patch's building attraction finally comes to a head, and mortal danger awaits. Indeed, the final part of the book was so delicious and action-packed that I had to reread it again and again, never getting enough each time.
All in all, HUSH, HUSH is an edgier read that will appeal to more mature fans of Twilight and the Mortal Instruments series. Becca Fitzpatrick is an absolute star at creating fantastic main characters. This one's a keeper on my shelf for sure, so that I can reread it whenever I need a rush of danger and impossible desire. Can't wait to see what Becca has to show us next!
However, Nora doesn't know that she's about to become a pawn in a dangerous game that may end her life. For Patch is a fallen angel, one whose wings were ripped off for disobedience. He wants to become human, and that requires a particular female sacrifice. But that's not all. Others are also out for Nora's blood, and against her will Nora feels that Patch might be the only one who can save her, as dangerous as he himself is for her...
Look out, Edward--dark, dangerous, and sexy has a new name. Becca Fitzpatrick writes a forbidden romance that's so delicious, so intoxicating, it should be illegal.
HUSH, HUSH focuses mostly on developing Nora, Patch, and their dance of a relationship. Thus, what it sometimes lacks in vigorous pace, it more than makes up for in Patch and Nora's fantastic dynamics. Every time they meet, you can practically see the sparks flying out of the page.
Readers will either fall over themselves to get more of Patch, or be creeped out by him. He certainly exhibits a lot of the stalkerish tendencies that some readers dislike about Edward from Twilight. In addition, he is rude, condescending, cocky, sexually aggressive, and pretty darn selfish. However, I am firmly in the first camp: I adore Patch. He is the incarnation of every girl's secret bad boy daydream: your very own otherworldly, dangerous, drop-dead sexy, very masculine fantasy come true.
The story doesn't really pick up the pace until the last third or so of the novel, where we learn about Patch's past as well as the story of the fallen angels, Nora and Patch's building attraction finally comes to a head, and mortal danger awaits. Indeed, the final part of the book was so delicious and action-packed that I had to reread it again and again, never getting enough each time.
All in all, HUSH, HUSH is an edgier read that will appeal to more mature fans of Twilight and the Mortal Instruments series. Becca Fitzpatrick is an absolute star at creating fantastic main characters. This one's a keeper on my shelf for sure, so that I can reread it whenever I need a rush of danger and impossible desire. Can't wait to see what Becca has to show us next!
Helpful Score: 2
There may be a tad bit of spoilery below.
Meet Nora. She is currently sitting in 10th grade biology with her best friend, Vee. They are starting the section on Human Reproduction! (Boy, do I remember those lectures!) when the teacher decides to break up the lab partners and seat them with someone entirely new. He wants to break up the familiarity so they can do some sleuthing and learn investigative skills.
Enter Patch, a mysterious boy who no one really knows anything about since he hasn't uttered a word all year. The teacher instructs the new lab partners to interview one another. Nora introduces herself, and asks for his name. The minute he opened his mouth, I will admit it - I was in love!
"Call me Patch. I mean it. Call me."
Unfortunately, Nora finds this dude completely annoying and he rubs her the wrong way. He knows so much about her too, which makes her hyper-aware of his creepy status. By the end of class, she barely has 2 sentences written down about him, and he just walks out, ignoring her requests for more info. Later that night, she goes to find him for answers to their biology assignment, and he is just as elusive and frustratingly annoying! Nora continues on with life to find Patch right in front of her at every turn. Stalk much?
Nora starts having the weirdest, scariest incidents happen to her, and after they are over, she can find no one who believes her because the evidence is completely erased! She starts to think she's losing her marbles, and wonders what Patch's role is in all of this. She really doesn't want to trust him, but he ends up being her savior every time. More characters are introduced, and people start getting hurt. However, the twists and turns are so good that it really keeps you guessing as to who is out to get Nora!
Is Patch a trustworthy individual?
What is his story, anyway?
Who is Elliott, really?
Why is Jules so quiet?
Why the heck does Nora all of a sudden have a new school psychologist,
with no communication from her old one?
(Now that I think of it, what happened to him? eep!)
Characters
Nora is a well-behaved young lady who does her homework and her own laundry. She is a terrible liar, intelligent and a tad awkward. I found her pretty normal and not all that exciting. Patch is a snarky, sarcastic, uses major sexual innuendos in his conversations, has olive skin and dark curls. Be still my heart! However, he is also patronizing, aggressive, arrogant, and one hell of a manipulator, but he redeems himself, in a way only a fallen angel can. Kudos to Fitzpatrick's characterization! (Patch and Nora's relationship quickly reminded me of Jace and Clary from Mortal Instruments!)
Irks:
When is it ok for a 16 year old to stay at home alone most of the time? Nora's mom has a job that keeps her away a lot, and her dad is dead. I know that Dorothea, the housekeeper, comes by daily to cook, clean, etc, but she never stays over night, and this is absurd to me! Who lets their 16 year old have free reign like that? Can you imagine what kind of trouble and mayhem a teenager could get into? When I think back to my adolescence, this part of the story becomes a bit laughable and unrealistic.
In relation to the above, Nora may be a good young lady who behaves, but in my opinion, she has way to much freedom. Maybe I'm overreacting, but she pretty much tells her mom the things she wants to do. Granted, her mom gets angry with her on a few occasions and acts like a mom would, but it seems unrealistic. And yes - I know this book isn't based on reality, but Nora is supposed to be an average teenager growing up in America.
One more thing: Why didn't she ask for Patch's real name after that flashback with Rixon? Maybe I missed something, and Rixon was just kidding about that, but seriously? I would want to know!
Vee = LAME!
Conclusion: 4 out of 5 stars! You never know when you're going to fall in love, and it is likely to happen when you least expect it. This happens to both of our main characters, and it certainly derails the hell out of Patch's plans. While I devoured the entire book in 24 hours, I must take into account the few irksome bits mentioned above. Look forward to Crescendo!
Meet Nora. She is currently sitting in 10th grade biology with her best friend, Vee. They are starting the section on Human Reproduction! (Boy, do I remember those lectures!) when the teacher decides to break up the lab partners and seat them with someone entirely new. He wants to break up the familiarity so they can do some sleuthing and learn investigative skills.
Enter Patch, a mysterious boy who no one really knows anything about since he hasn't uttered a word all year. The teacher instructs the new lab partners to interview one another. Nora introduces herself, and asks for his name. The minute he opened his mouth, I will admit it - I was in love!
"Call me Patch. I mean it. Call me."
Unfortunately, Nora finds this dude completely annoying and he rubs her the wrong way. He knows so much about her too, which makes her hyper-aware of his creepy status. By the end of class, she barely has 2 sentences written down about him, and he just walks out, ignoring her requests for more info. Later that night, she goes to find him for answers to their biology assignment, and he is just as elusive and frustratingly annoying! Nora continues on with life to find Patch right in front of her at every turn. Stalk much?
Nora starts having the weirdest, scariest incidents happen to her, and after they are over, she can find no one who believes her because the evidence is completely erased! She starts to think she's losing her marbles, and wonders what Patch's role is in all of this. She really doesn't want to trust him, but he ends up being her savior every time. More characters are introduced, and people start getting hurt. However, the twists and turns are so good that it really keeps you guessing as to who is out to get Nora!
Is Patch a trustworthy individual?
What is his story, anyway?
Who is Elliott, really?
Why is Jules so quiet?
Why the heck does Nora all of a sudden have a new school psychologist,
with no communication from her old one?
(Now that I think of it, what happened to him? eep!)
Characters
Nora is a well-behaved young lady who does her homework and her own laundry. She is a terrible liar, intelligent and a tad awkward. I found her pretty normal and not all that exciting. Patch is a snarky, sarcastic, uses major sexual innuendos in his conversations, has olive skin and dark curls. Be still my heart! However, he is also patronizing, aggressive, arrogant, and one hell of a manipulator, but he redeems himself, in a way only a fallen angel can. Kudos to Fitzpatrick's characterization! (Patch and Nora's relationship quickly reminded me of Jace and Clary from Mortal Instruments!)
Irks:
When is it ok for a 16 year old to stay at home alone most of the time? Nora's mom has a job that keeps her away a lot, and her dad is dead. I know that Dorothea, the housekeeper, comes by daily to cook, clean, etc, but she never stays over night, and this is absurd to me! Who lets their 16 year old have free reign like that? Can you imagine what kind of trouble and mayhem a teenager could get into? When I think back to my adolescence, this part of the story becomes a bit laughable and unrealistic.
In relation to the above, Nora may be a good young lady who behaves, but in my opinion, she has way to much freedom. Maybe I'm overreacting, but she pretty much tells her mom the things she wants to do. Granted, her mom gets angry with her on a few occasions and acts like a mom would, but it seems unrealistic. And yes - I know this book isn't based on reality, but Nora is supposed to be an average teenager growing up in America.
One more thing: Why didn't she ask for Patch's real name after that flashback with Rixon? Maybe I missed something, and Rixon was just kidding about that, but seriously? I would want to know!
Vee = LAME!
Conclusion: 4 out of 5 stars! You never know when you're going to fall in love, and it is likely to happen when you least expect it. This happens to both of our main characters, and it certainly derails the hell out of Patch's plans. While I devoured the entire book in 24 hours, I must take into account the few irksome bits mentioned above. Look forward to Crescendo!
