Review: Hush, Hush

Title: Hush, Hush

Series: Hush, Hush #1

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Pages: 391

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Published Date: October 13, 2009

ISBN 13: 9781416989417

Rating: 1/5

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...until Patch comes 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 whom 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 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.

Review:

First off, let me just start by saying, look at that cover. Look at it! 

Now cry, because that wondrously breathtaking, scrumptious cover is really all a ruse to hide a total crap piece of literature. 

The only redeeming quality Fitzpatrick seems to have as an author is that she is somewhat, kind of, maybe original when it comes to thinking up a unique take on the seriously hyped-up "fallen angel" cliche. But as I said, it is her only redeeming quality when it comes to this novel. 

Honestly, the book itself was less than spectacular, and while this would normally be a quick read for me, I found it hard to even get all the way through to the end. Part of the reason might be that the entire plot was so wishy-washy and confusing. The other part is mostly contributed to the horrible characters. 

Nora's character is so incredibly convoluted that I felt like I was watching a tennis match. At one moment, she's head-over-heels for the guy, and then all of a sudden, she can't possibly like him because he's just that dark and dangerous, and what the fuck? Nora is supposed to be a self-proclaimed brain, so why is she suddenly throwing out every bit of common sense and acting on impulses that she knows are going to end badly? I mean, if you know the guy is as "dangerous" as you think, then why would you let him into your house with you? 

Patch's character wasn't much better, to be honest. Yes, he sounded utterly delicious in description, but his bad boy credibility kind of deflated with me when he fell in love with a twit like Nora. Also, the whole stalking-at-every-opportunity thing? Yeah, a little creepy. Would I honestly consider dating a guy who I caught standing outside my window, watching me sleep? Uh, no thanks, I'll pass. 

And don't get me started on Vee. I've had best friends like her in the past, and I've only put up with half the crap Vee put Nora through before I called it quits. Some of the things she did just made me stare at the page and think "Really? Did she really just do that?" 

As for Elliot and Jules...well, they were so poorly developed that they aren't even worth ranting about. As far as villains go, they were pretty bland.

So needless to say, I'm only giving this book a 1 out of 5 stars. I doubt I'll go on to read Crescendo. I don't think I could bear it...