Nyxen's Review of "Crescendo"

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
427 Pages
Simon & Schuster 2010

Nora Grey should have known her life was far from perfect. Even though her boyfriend, Patch, also happens to be her literal guardian angel (who, despite the title, is far from angelic), things are not looking up. First there is summer school and facing the nightmare of her enemy Marcie Miller as her lab partner. Then patch starts to pull away with no explanation. And finally, she is having nightmares and visions about her father's murder.

As Nora chooses to ignore her better instincts and delves deeper into the mystery of her father's death, she also begins whether her Nephilim bloodline had something to do with it, which casts more doubt on her relationship (or lack thereof) with Patch. Does he know more than he lets on? Why does he always seem to be standing in front of the answers she is looking for? And if he really is her guardian angel, why is her life always in danger?

The sequel to Becca Fitzpatrick's debut novel starts off with a bang. You literally get sucked into the story and want to continue it, straight through. I was shocked, amazed, and astounded and the story unfolding before me.

I really think this book was an amazing novel and Patch was one of my favorite characters this time. Nora, on the hand, sort of annoyed me. At some points she reminded me too much of Bella in New Moon. If you read that then you know what I'm talking about. Nora was a bit reckless most of the time and I honestly didn't know what was going through her head. Well, technically I did, but you know what I mean. Nora didn't appeal to me as a main character in this one, and that's saying something because I usually love female characters.

And in this one, you'll love Patch even more. At first you'll think to yourself, "What the hell are you doing?" but then you really see him. I really enjoyed reading about him regardless.

The plot was really unique and I loved every second of it. I really think Becca Fitzpatrick wrote an amazing novel, but did it top Hush, Hush? I say you be the judge of that.

I rate this novel Four Stars.

Nyxen's Review of "Hush, Hush"

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
391 Pages
Simon & Schuster 2009

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 judgement.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch semms 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 anythinng 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.

Becca Fitzpatrick's debut novel Hush, Hush was an excellent read for me. Second time I read this, I loved it even more. I caught everything I missed the first time around. It is a fast-paced, jaw-dropping, amazingly descriptive novel that kept me on my toes the whole time. I could easily say that I devoured this novel in one sitting.

Hush, Hush tells the story of Nora Grey, a regular high school student, who gets caught in between what is right and what she thinks is right. Her life is turned upside down when she meets Patch, a sexy, mysterious, bad boy with a hidden past. Nora is determined to find out the truth about him but along the way she realizes that it's hard to resist him. Along the way she encountters many problems with Patch but something still seems to pull her to him, even though she knows how bad he is for her. And when she does find out his dark truth, what will she do?

There were few things that I disliked about the novel, though. At times, I could feel Twilight elements creeping through the text. Some parts of the novel were a little too EdwardBella-ish but I got past that. Now I see why they recommend it to fans of Twilight. But I don't blame them. Nora and Patch's relationship is something else. At first, you kind of see Patch as a stalker, yet Nora is still falling for him. That's one point of the story where you're like, "What on earth are you thinking, Nora." But then you get to the middle of the book and you find out a lot about everything which just goes to show that you were wrong. I was like that.

Other than those few things I mentioned, Hush, Hush was a brilliant, well written novel from and even brillianter(it's a word for now) mind. The incredible details and amazing plot kept me going throughout the night. I was enthralled by Becca Fitzpatrick's world. I don't know where I would be if it weren't for Hush, Hush. (I am now overly obsessed with fallen angels. Thanks you very much, Becca.) But seriously, as her debut novel, I think Becca did a wonderful job and I am so glad she gave us the chance to read her story.

I rate this novel Five Stars.

Crescendo is the next installment in the Hush, Hush Series do out in the fall.