Review: Hush, Hush

Title:  Hush, Hush
Series:  Hush, Hush #1
Author:  Becca Fitzpatrick
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages:  391
Format:  Hardcover

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 that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

My Review:  Surprisingly, this was the first book that I read that was really big on fallen angels.  I was interested in this type of fiction and was excited to read about that in this book, though still a bit wary.  That being said, I actually really enjoyed this read. 

The initial idea was what hooked me.  Though it wasn't exactly an original idea, it was the first of its kind that I've read and I was immediately infatuated with the concept of fallen angels.  The idea that someone is basically wired to be "bad" and their struggle to be good fascinated me.  And though this may be Nora's story, I was more interested in what was going on with Patch throughout the story.  He was a mystery that I just couldn't wait to unravel.  And, while mysterious, it never progressed to the point of frustration. 

Nora was a good character for the most part.  I didn't find her particularly annoying and actually really enjoyed her the majority of the time.  There were a couple parts in the book though where I just wanted to jump into the story and shake some sense into her.  Yes, there was some creepy stuff going on in her life but I don't understand why she became so insanely paranoid or why she immediately suspected Patch.  Sure, he liked pushing her buttons and was a major bad boy but I have kids like that at my school, too.  If I think I'm being creeped upon, I'm not going to decide that it's them doing the creeping.  I think a lot of Nora's more radical characteristics came from her friend, Vee.  While I actually really liked Vee at first, as the story progressed her character quickly lost my respect.  Her suspicion of Patch really got on my nerves and her crazy ideas were just that - crazy.  Some of the stunts she pulled were in no way realistic. 

The plot moved quickly and was laced with an interesting mystery that I enjoyed trying to figure out.  I was fun collecting facts with Nora and learning more and more about the world going on around her.  While I had my suspicions about who the creeper was, I still liked reading about Nora figuring out what was going on around her. 

I would definitely recommend this book to someone who was looking for a read with an interesting plot, an intense romance, and a drool worthy boy!  I found this a really enjoyable read and am excited to get to the second! 

Four Cards