Hush, Hush, Becca Fitzpatrick

I have mixed feelings about this one, guys. I'd heard a lot about it, and there were some good reviews and some bad ones, so I thought "what the hell?". I want to get this straight before I begin. It wasn't a terrible book, it was just sorely lacking in some aspects. Lets just say it isn't very high up on my recommendations list and leave it at that. What I also heard a lot was that it was a rip-off of the Twilight saga. I get where you're coming from, but I don't really think that they were all that similar.

Before I do my review, I thought you might like to know what the book is actually about, so here goes the synopsis:

A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora 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 seems 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 she 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 Nora her life.


How about we start with the good? Yeah, I think that's a good idea.

The writing was pretty good, I have to say. It isn't overly descriptive, it's pretty fluid and it kept the unimportant details to the minimum. All traits that I look for in a book, so I'm happy with that, no complaints. The main pro to me is the front cover and the concept. I mean, fallen angels fighting a war as old as time itself? Sounds like an epic story is about to unfold. I loved the fact that the front cover didn't show Patch's face, because I hate when books do that. I mean, LET ME IMAGINE MY CHARACTERS, FOR GOD'S SAKE. So yeah, cool cover.

I liked Vee, for some strange reason.  I know a lot of people hate her because she's superficial or whatever, but that's the whole point of her character. She was actually my favourite character in the book because, aside from Patch's occasional Jace-y sarcastic remarks, she was the only person who brought any comic relief to the book.

And now: the bad.

The characters seemed extremely stereotypical to me. I'm sorry, but Patch is basically a cross between Edward Cullen and Jace (Wayland? Herondale? Lightwood? Whatever.), only more irritating and less awesome at fighting (I'm talking about Jace here, my knowledge of Edward doesn't extend further than what I hear people fangirl about). Honestly, who hasn't used a character that's basically a tortured, extremely good-looking bad boy with a supernatural flair? It's getting old, people.

Nora. I have nothing to say. I just don't like her. She's missing substance and personality, I mean, she hates Patch one moment and then, all of a sudden, falls straight into his arms? Ah, is it were only that easy... She can't make a decision without second-guessing herself about twenty times, which is extremely irritating. Also, for a person who claims she hates lying and is terrible at it, she sure does it a lot.

And finally: the ugly.

Nora and Patch's relationship. I'm sorry, but I don't buy it. They go from Patch teasing her to being desperately in love in what seems like days. And when I say desperately in love, I don't mean it in a giving each other stupid nickname kind of way, I mean it in a "I'd die for you" kind of way. It seems like Fitzpatrick needed a strong relationship but couldn't be bothered to put in the work to actually put in the necessary emotional investment.

The twist at the end was pretty bad too. I'm sorry, but everyone saw that coming. If you have a character that is constantly quiet, brooding and disappears at key moments when all the bad stuff goes down, you know something's up. Let's try and make it a little more unexpected next time.

I started reading the second book in the series, but I'm afraid it actually gets worse, and so I've decided to give up on the series. If you're into mindless romance and cheesy violence, go ahead and read it. But remember: I warned you.

Happy reading,

-JRD