Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (October 13, 2009)
400 pages, Young Adult
$11.46 Hardcover (Amazon.com, 10/06/09) Available on the Kindle $9.99
My Rating
Plot: 4
Setting: 4
Writing: 4
Originality: 5
Characters: 2
Passion: 3
Overall: 22/30 = 73% C
Cover/Title Bonus: 4
I received this as an ARC for review from Simon & Schuster.
Summary (Amazon.com)
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.
First Line
I walked into biology and my jaw fell open.
Plot
Nora Grey is like any normal teenager except that her hormones are under control. Until she first lays eyes on Patch. They play a game of cat and mouse, with Nora as the mouse and Patch the cat. Patch isn’t a normal guy and Nora quickly figures that out when mysterious things begin to happen.
The plot was actually very good. It had a defined beginning, middle, and end.
Setting
The prologue is set in Lorie Valley, France, November 1565. The story is set in Coldwater, Maine, present time. Most of the story takes place in their school, Nora’s house, and a billiards bar Patch frequents.
Becca does a good job with descriptions and setting the mood of the scene. The scene in the gym at the end of the book was handled very well.
There’s a real freaky scene in an alley that I won’t soon forget along with the Arch Angel roller coaster ride. Goodness!
There’s also a scene (or two?) where Nora gets a peek inside of Patch’s past, which was pretty freaking awesome.
Writing
This is a perfect YA book. It was easy to follow, easy to read, easy to relate to, and well, just plan easy. It did make me think though, which was nice. It’s very much a dark mystery with a tinge of romance and paranormal thrown in.
It’s written in first person from Nora’s POV.
Originality
I guess you can tell from the cover what this story is about. So, yes, it’s pretty original. I haven’t read many books with this subject but I enjoyed this story a good deal.
Characters
Nora Grey is kind of a prude in the beginning. She isn’t that into guys. She’s more into her friend Vee and school work. When Patch comes along she’s very reluctant to befriend him.
Vee is VERY annoying. I disliked her immensely.
Elliot and Jules are two guys Vee picks up for her and Nora. They are kinda odd and make you wonder what’s up with them.
Patch is the ultimate ass. He’s nothing but walking ego. I guess he has a reason to be so detached because he does have a very troubled past but really there’s no excuse for some of the stunts he pulls. The last time I checked you don’t harass the girl you’re interested in unless you’re in Kindergarten.
I know a lot of bloggers think Patch is the shit. And maybe he does redeem himself in the book but I wouldn’t have pursued him. And he might be a hottie but still. We need to have standards! 🙂
Passion
At first we are presented with an ass called Patch. He does redeem himself like I mention. There’s a constant sexual tension you can sense slightly and then it does begin to build as Nora and Patch begin to know and trust each other. It’s not the cleanest of relationships and it’s not very realistic but since it’s a paranormal relationship I guess that’s to be expected.
Overall
A decent read. I probably wouldn’t spend the money on this as a hardcover but more as a paperback at $8.99 or less. I didn’t like Patch, at first. Nora was not a common (bitchy much?) teenager and Vee was annoying. The story was nicely written out, even though the characters were a little unlikable.
Cover/Title Bonus
Awesome cover! The title is kinda “eh?”. I don’t really get why it’s called that but it is very catchy so I guess that’s what matters.
Trailer
This trailer kicks major trailer ass! Perfectly done. Dark and sexy. The book is not quite as good as this trailer….unless I’m just forgetting.
Connect with Becca Fitzpatrick
Other Reviews
Becca has a nice summary on her website.
Sharon Loves Books and Cats – 2 purrs
Books by Their Covers – 4 stars out of 5
Fiction Groupie – 3 1/2 stars
Harmony Book Reviews – 10/10
Bookworming in the 21st Century – 5/5 roses
There are many, many more but I think that’s enough!
http://www.behindthepulse.com/CountdownTimers/counter/show.swf?clickURL=http://books.simonandschuster.com/Hush-Hush/Becca-Fitzpatrick/9781416989417/&clickLABEL=MySpace%20Countdowns&flashLABEL=%20&skin=http://www.behindthepulse.com/CountdownTimers/HushHushTimer.gif&text=%20&untilColor=16711680&textColor=&datesColor=16777215&year=2009&month=9&day=13&hour=0&minute=0&second=1&x=6&y=77
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