Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Review: Crescendo

Book: Crescendo (Becca Fitzpatrick)
Stand-Alone or Series:  Series, Hush, Hush #2
Pages: 432 
Release Date: October 19th, 2010
Genre: Young Adult
How Did I get this book? Arc tours at Good Golly Miss Holly
Description (From Goodreads):
The sequel to the New York Times Best selling phenomenon, Hush, Hush! Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described 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 have been dying to get my hands on a copy of Crescendo for ages. I was so ecstatic when I found an ARC tour of it - and when it came in the mail; I was basically jumping for joy. I honestly don't know how to go about this review without sounding like a complete dork. Let the gushing begin.


Crescendo was amazing. From the first page it absolutely pulls you in and you are absorbed in the story. Like Hush, Hush, the book is a complete nail-biting page turner that never lets up. There is plenty of plot twists and excitement to keep you focused on the story - this is one of those books that you don't read, you inhale. 


The story really takes off when Nora and Patch's relationship gets put on the rocks. You see, the archangels have discovered their relationship and lets just say they are less than thrilled. If Patch falls too hard for Nora, then he will be banished to hell. Which, obviously, Nora does not want. So, she tries to distance herself from him to protect them both. However, soon Marcie enters the picture and Nora begins to question Patch. 


I don't want to give away anything, because the twists are one of the wonderful things about this book. I will say that all of your favorite characters from Hush, Hush are back and in full force. Nora's best friend and partner in crime, Vee takes more of a front seat in this book, which in my opinion is awesome. I liked Vee in the first book, but I loved her in this one. She is so spunky and outspoken - which is the perfect compliment to meek Nora. 


Of course, Rixon and Patch are also back, as well as Nora's archenemy Marcie. There is a new character introduced in this book as well - Scott Parnell. He is an old family friend of the Grey's and he and his mother move back to town. He is one of side characters in this book, but his story intertwines with all of the excitement surrounding Nora and her father's mysterious death. 

One of the things I loved about this book was that the characters developed. Like I stated before, Vee really becomes more of a front runner in this book. Nora, for her part, really blossoms as well. She is still timid by nature, but she steps up to the plate and acts a little reckless at points - but not so often that it is unbelievable. She stays true to her character, but develops a little more backbone. Oh, and Patch; he is as mysterious, dangerous and addicting as ever!

Also, I would like to give a quick shout out about the pacing in this book. So many books fail miserably with pacing, that it is so refreshing to see it done right. Like I said before, this book keeps you on your toes, but you don't find yourself struggling to keep up. All of the plot points are explained in a timely manner and you aren't left wondering exactly what is going on. However, you aren't skipping paragraphs and/or pages to get to the "good" parts either. 

One last thing - I don't want to ruin anything for anyone, but let me say this - it ends with one heck of a cliffhanger. I am desperate for book 3 to come out now. It seems almost criminal to make me wait.

All in all, I loved Crescendo. If you liked Hush, Hush you will love this. The characters stay true to form, which is sometimes a problem in sequels and the pacing is perfect! Crescendo is a wild ride that everyone should enjoy!

6 comments:

Smash Attack Ash said...

GREEN WITH ENVY.

Can't wait.

Midnight Bloom said...

Ugh! Jealous right now! I want to read Crescendo so badly! Great review!! :)

FallenArchangel said...

YAY!! So glad you liked CRESCENDO! We love it sooo much and cannot wait for the whole world to read it :-)

Jenny said...

I'm so excited for this book! I adored Hush Hush so I'm so glad to see the sequel is living up to it, that doesn't always happen. Thanks for the review, gives me a a little something to tide me over until October!

Briana said...

I was already looking forward to this one & you just made me even more excited! :D
I. can't. wait.

Believe it, Landscape Architect Seattle professionals said...

This one drives me a little crazy because things could have so easily gone a different way, but all the longing and confused feelings are an important part of the story. This is my 3rd time reading Crescendo and I know I'll read it again in the future.

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