Didn’t you know Angels are the new Vampires?
I’ve just finished the sequel to Hush, Hush so I thought I’d do a quick review in preparation for the second novel.
Everything is going to get compared to Twilight – especially if it’s a paranormal romance. Becca Fitzpatrick by no means breaks the stereotype of the teen paranormal romance but I think this book is the best in the genre (at least the ones I’ve read).
Synopsis:
Falling in love was never so easy . . .or so deadly.
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.
So why am I such a fan? To start, it’s well written. Fitzpatrick took five years creating this novel and it shows.
For young adult fiction the book is dark. It’s dangerous. The atmosphere is intense and the plot is actually pretty twisted. The love interest Patch isn’t just a dangerous being. He’s dangerous full stop. He spends the book playing with Nora like a cat plays with a mouse. Unfortunately, he’s a very charming cat. The appeal of Patch is that you are actually scared of him. But you still secretly want him. You shouldn’t. But you do anyway.
This kind of plot is always going to strike some controversy. It’s wrong to promote your heroine to fall in love with someone who’s no good for her. And considering Patch wants to kill her… He really is NO good for her! However, if this book was an adult novel, fantasy or not, we wouldn’t be questioning this. Some of the greatest novels are centered round the heroine falling for the wrong guy. The guy that is trying to seduce her. The guy with the shocking past. The guy who she can never truly be with… The truth is falling for that guy; the wrong guy; is great suspense and great reading. The sexual tension in Hush, Hush is unbelievable.
Suspense is the key to this novel. It has a crime thriller feel. Nora knows something is going on; she just needs to figure out what. And she does try. Branching out from the sensible girl next door, she takes on a Nancy Drew style sleuth role. I think people who have criticized Nora as a strong lead are overlooking this. She does go out her way to figure out the truth. Furthermore, she doesn’t trust Patch. Yes, she does want to and she puts herself in dangerous situations because of this. But she would get in these situations regardless. Patch can do whatever he wants. He’s immortal and she can’t escape. She doesn’t ignore his behavior; she recognizes Patch turning up constantly is stalking. So does the book. It’s never overlooked as romantic - it’s sinister and Nora strives to discover the truth behind it.
Fitzpatrick leaves you successfully guessing up to the last moment (apart from the angel part, which is hardly surprising considering the front cover). The Nephilim plot is interesting. It’s a new idea that hasn’t been done before which made the book refreshing. This plus the angel angle. It’s not exactly as astounding a concept as Philip Pullmans Dark Materials but at least it’s not another Zombie or Vampire book which is getting old.
The settings are well described and make a successfully eerie yet urban landscape. You can imagine every in horror movie overtones from the amusement park and to Nora’s home in the middle of nowhere. The plot also makes for a realistic plot for a teenager. Meet ups are arranged by text and sharing car rides presents problems getting home.
The other characters create some amusement in the novels which reminds me of PC Cast’s House of Night series. Vee is a vivacious character who brings fun into the book and also Nora’s’ life.
I really enjoyed this book. Young Adult fiction should be addictive. A story you have to read in one night. This definitely left me tired in the morning.
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