My Urban Fantasies: Reveiw: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush, Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Series: Hush, Hush, #1

•Source: Purchased
•Publisher: Simon & Schuster BFYR
•Publication Date: October 13, 2009

Opening Line: Chauncey was with a farmer's daughter on the grassy banks of the Loire River when the storm rolled in, and having let his gelding wander in the meadow, was left to his own two feet to carry him back to the château.

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.

I do not even know where to begin with this review. There are many aspects of this book that I did and did not like. I think I'll take the Clint Eastwood approach, start with the good, the bad then the ugly.

Nora Grey is a somewhat typical academic teenage girl. Her mother is constantly out of town because of her job and Nora's father was murdered, other than that completely average. Nora's life significantly changes one day in Biology class. Nora usually sits with her best friend Vee Sky, but the teacher forces everyone to change lab partners. Nora's new partner is Patch Cipriano, the epitome of bad boy, danger wrapped in sexy. Nora is attracted to Patch but there's something dangerous about him that she does not trust. Strange things start happening soon after Nora meets Patch. Nora feels like she's being stalked and thinks Patch might be involved. Nora's suspicions widen as new characters are introduced.

The Good

I absolutely loved the paranormal part of Hush, Hush. It was an amazing concept that revolved around angels, fallen angels and nephilim. Unfortunately, other than the prologue it did not really come up till the end of the book. Frankly it was the saving grace of Hush, Hush. During the novel you're never sure exactly which character is involved in this whole stalker thing, so the end was intriguing and exciting as what part everyone played in the story is revealed.

The Bad

While some parts of this book were slow my biggest complaint is with the characters. Not only did they lack depth but there was no consistency. There was only one exception and that was Patch.

Patch starts out as the bad boy you love to hate. He's cocky and has this bizarre stalker quality. Eventually you learn why Patch behaves the way he does and then he slowly morphs into the bad boy that you cannot help fall in love with.

Nora is the smart academic type who embraces her independence. Nora may be book smart but in no way is she street smart. Nora is the perfect embodiment of all the girls who die first in slasher movies. You know the ones I'm talking about. They run up the stairs even though they're standing by the front door or they just stand there screaming as the killer slowly walks up to them and stabs them to death. Nora basically has target tattooed across her forehead. Nora constantly allows people to manipulate her into dangerous situations, or at the very least ones she's uncomfortable with.

Now to the most annoying character in the entire book, Vee. Vee is the worst best friend ever! Vee appears to be the perfect BFF until there is a guy involved. It's like her brain short circuits and she becomes egotistical and possibly insane. Who calls in a bomb threat so they can look at a guy's student file? I think Vee's defining moment is when she wants Nora to go camping with very guy that physically threatens Nora. Her excuse "But he was drunk, right?" Like that matters!

The Ugly

There were parts of Hush, Hush that were just disturbing, mainly the Biology classes. Nora and her class are studying sex ed. I understand what the author was trying to go for, showing that different species share similar traits, at least on some level, when looking for a mate. I'm sure Fitzpatrick was trying to keep everything scientific sounding but it came across a little creepy. The disturbing part was the teacher, Coach McConaughy. The way it was written Coach just sounded perverted, way too into what teenagers are looking for in a mate. Those scenes left you felling uncomfortable and were more unpleasant than useful.

The Verdict

While Hush, Hush did have its flaws all in all it was a good book. There were redeemable qualities that I enjoyed reading. Will I read the next book in the series? Probably, I enjoyed the concept and have hope that the next book will be better. Simply you're either going to like Hush, Hush or you're going to hate it. It's an easy read so "you've got to ask yourself one question 'Do I feel lucky?' well, do ya punk?"

Favorite Quotes

"I'm trying to read the title he's holding . . . hang on . . . How to Be a Stalker."
"He is not checking out a book with that title."
"It's either that or How to Radiate Sexy Without Trying."