Latest Read: Hush, Hush

Here are the basics ...

Book: Hush, Hush -- Hush, Hush (#1), Crescendo (#2), Silence (#3)
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Site: http://beccafitzpatrick.com/
Category: Young Adult - Paranomal / Fantasy

Summary: Nora Grey has never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school until Patch comes along. She's drawn 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 knows far too much about her life. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide.  When she tries to seek some answers, the truth is far 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. (Adapted from Goodreads)

My thoughts ...

I've been thinking about reading this book for a while now but the reviews were so mixed that I couldn't decide if I should give it a shot.  I decided take the plunge because of the three day weekend and because I didn't know what to read next.  I just knew that I wanted some sweeping epic fantasy story that I wouldn't be able to put down. 

This series did NOT fulfill that wish. 

It wasn't a bad series.  Hush, Hush was a cross between Twilight and The Mortal Instruments - not as bad as the former but definitely not as great as the latter.  The main character Nora didn't exactly wallow in self-pity (a la Bella) but she lacked a certain.. awareness? (I want to say she lacks intelligence but that's a little harsh.) The truth is, she had a lot of potential to be a great character.  She wants to know the truth and isn't a afraid to seek it out.  She tries to trust her own instincts, loves her mom and best friend and doesn't let anyone tell her what to do.. including Patch.  

Enter Patch, the typical bad boy, who is way too cocky but somehow can't be resisted (his dialogue was pretty eyeroll-worthy at times).  Nora senses something mysterious about him and eventually she finds out the truth.  He's a fallen angel who sorta kinda wants to kill her in order to become human.  This is where I start to have a problem.  The reveal of who he is doesn't send Nora screaming in the other direction and I feel like it should have.  She questions why she isn't afraid but she's just sure that he wouldn't hurt her.  Obviously we all know this is true because then there would be no romance but I just wish these females would have a normal reaction to these things (Bella Swan & Anastastia Steele - I'm looking at you two!). 

Characters aside, the mythology and plot is actually really interesting (and kind of scary).  Angels fall for many reasons - Patch's being lust/love - and he thought that if he fell, he'd just become human and live happily ever after.  It didn't work out that way.  Fallen angels walk the earth fighting the urge to possess  humans (think Exorcist) in order to feel because they can't (ie. Patch feels love for Nora but when they kiss, he can't feel the "passion" between them). So for two weeks each year fallen angels forcibly possess Nephilim (the offspring of fallen angels & humans) and the overarching story is this battle between them (and of course, where Nora fits in to all of this).  

Do I recommend?: The books do get progressively better and once I started one, I felt compelled to see it through.  But I can't say that I recommend it.  It sucks because there's a lot of potential in the story but the characters just fall flat.  I'm sorry Patch and Nora.. but you two are no Jace and Clary.  

Happy reading!