Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pub. Date: October 13, 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Angels, Love, Murder, Friendship
Pages: 355
Plot (from GoodReads):
"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 was so, so excited when I won this book from a contest over at Confessions of a Wandering Heart! I about had a heart attack when I saw that I won the contest. After all, I'd been thinking about how I would survive the wait until October - I'd been lusting after Hush, Hush since I had first seen the amazing cover art and read the plot summary. I'd decided right away that I would read this book whether it got good reviews or not - no one was going to rain on my parade. In the end, it didn't matter - this book has impressed! All I've read are rave reviews. Now I will proceed to give my rave review... :)

I read the first couple chapters of this book and didn't want to put it down It really did have me hooked that quickly. Becca Fitzpatrick has proven herself as an amazing storyteller - she is sure to be one of my all-time favorite authors. Hush, Hush is her debut novel and I don't see her skills lessening!

I loved that Becca Fitzpatrick wrote about fallen angels... It was a genius idea. Vampires are so last year (Just kidding, I still love vamps)! Honestly though, it was a really new and original idea. I was intrigued as I read about what happened to Patch and what his motives were.

My favorite aspect of Hush, Hush? Definitely Patch! I am a big fan of the bad guy who is actually a marshmallow on the inside - I think Patch is leaning pretty heavily towards being that kind of guy! Yes, he is definitely dangerous - but he is way more than he seems at first glance. Love has made him a bit fluffy on the inside. I'm really hoping the next novel will show more of that soft side, as we readers only see glimpses in Hush, Hush!

I really enjoyed the main character, Nora as well. She was smart, confident, and independent. I loathe when female leads are totally dependent on their love interests - Nora was a breath of fresh air! While she leaned on Patch at times and definitely swooned at times - she was still Nora. She and Patch did not, at any time, become a Bennifer or any other creepy one name combo.

Which brings me to Patch and Nora... as a leading duo. I love that there is a chase! Nora does not see Patch, fall madly in love, and swear her undying devotion for all of time. Neither does Patch. Their relationship is not without obstacles or issues... The reader prays to the Book Gods for Patch and Nora to find their way to one another! To me, that's exactly the way it should be!

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing Style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!)

My one complaint... I want to know what happens next! I can't wait until the next book, Crescendo, is released in 2010!

I have an extra copy of Hush, Hush! If you are simply too impatient to wait until October 13th to read Hush, Hush make sure you keep an eye on The Hiding Spot for a chance to win a signed ARC...!(Thank you Simon & Schuster for the unexpected second copy!)