Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Crescendo
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pub. Date: 10.19.2010
Genre: Paranormal YA
Keywords: Fallen Angels, Love, Mystery, Secrets, Lies
Pages: 427
Description (from GoodReads):
Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away, and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.


The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch, or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?


I've been anticipating CRESCENDO's release since the moment I finished HUSH, HUSH... which is why I was both nervous and excited when the release date approached. HUSH, HUSH was one of the first novels I reviewed at The Hiding Spot and I clearly remember looking up from the first chapter and announcing to the room that Fitzpatrick's debut was going to be big news - and it was. Whether or not you loved Patch and Nora's romance, it's undeniable that HUSH, HUSH, and Fitzpatrick, have done well. But I still worried... what if book two leaves something to be desired? This is an eternal problem with sequels and I was sincerely hoping CRESCENDO wouldn't fall into the trap.


I had mixed feelings as I read CRESCENDO. There was a lot of unexplained behavior from Patch and a lot of sighing from me. Of course, there was a reason for his behavior, but I'm not a patient person... and sometimes I felt like there should have been a little less mystery. In HUSH, HUSH, Patch is pretty villainous at points, but the reader knows that he's a good guy. In CRESCENDO, I really wasn't sure. On one hand, Fitzpatrick's ability to completely change my opinion regarding Patch is admirable and shows skill. On the other hand, I absolutely hated Patch during entire chapters of the book. I was experiencing book induced mood swings.


I confess, I absolutely abhor Nora's best friend, Vee. In HUSH, HUSH I found her annoying, but, by the end of CRESCENDO, I was ready to write her off. I can't fathom a reason as to why Nora would put up with her... I've got my fingers crossed and am hoping that Nora will branch out and find some new friends.


I'm looking forward to the next book... perhaps even more so than I was with CRESCENDO because I'm hoping for a very different Patch in the next installment. 

Contest: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick!

Now that the Twenty Boy Summer contest has concluded (winners posted soon!), I have another contest for a book that I LOVED! Hush, Hush lived up to all of my very high expectations... I was lucky enough to get a copy before it came out - and now I'm passing my luck on to one lucky reader out there! :)



For those of you who live in a cave and don't know what Hush, Hush is about, here is a summary:
"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."

This contest is only open to followers of The Hiding Spot. So if you want a shot at winning, head over to my sidebar and click the follow button! If you are already a follower, you're set!

For your entry to count, you MUST answer this question:

Patch, one of the main characters of Hush, Hush, is definitely swoonworthy. Who is your current character crush? (Don't forget to mention what book he/she is from and why you like that particular character!)

For extra entries:

+1 for already being a follower previous to this contest
+2 for commenting on my review (Just tell me if you were one of the commenters previous to the contest!)
+3 for following me on Twitter (@thehidingspot)
+2 for linking/blogging/tweeting this contest (up to three times for a total of 6 entries)

This contest is open to everyone! Even people outside of the US this time! :)

CONTEST IS CLOSED! THANK YOU ALL WHO ENTERED!

Good luck!

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!)