Review of "Crescendo"

"Crescendo"
Becca Fitzpatrick

3

Pub. Date: October 19, 2010
Pages: 427

Synopsis: 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 further Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim bloodline 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 was disappointed in "Crescendo", to say the least. I loved "Hush, Hush" and really though Becca Fitzpatrick was setting up for a fantastic sequel, but "Crescendo" didn't live up to these expectations. My biggest problem was Nora. Everything she did and said pretty much annoyed the crap out of me. It kind of bothers me how in the synopsis it says that "Patch is starting to pull away from Nora" because it seems to me that her crazy, erratic actions are what really caused the problems. I want to say more about this because there is an argument at the beginning of the book that got way out of control, I am still shocked with how it ended, but I don't want to give anything away.

I do understand Nora being upset seeing Marcie and Patch spending so much time together and that it was hard to see Marcie wearing Patch's hat, but that is what happens (err I know that doesn't make much sense and isn't really a sentence, but I am trying not to give anything away). I am not saying that I think Patch's actions were the correct ones, but Nora went a bit postal over a situation she created.

I actually really enjoyed the rest of the book, even though a part of the end didn't really make a whole lot of sense. Why would you give someone you hardly got along with a car? The plot moved pretty quickly and the mystery of Nora's father's death kept me hooked on the book. I wish there had been more Patch in "Crescendo" and less Nora whining. I think the thing that annoys me the most is I probably wouldn't bother to read the next book in the series, but the ending was so good I HAVE to! Cliffhanger endings get me every time! It is funny because the more I think about the ending, the more I realize how awesome it was, but it still can't make up for Nora annoying me through the rest of the book.

I hope I didn't really offend anyone who loved the book with this review. I know a lot of people absolutely loved it. This really is just my opinion and I don't have a lot of tolerance for behavior such as Nora, so I am admitting I am bias here. The book did move very fast, I read it in one day. It ended up being only a like for me. The good thing is that I have until the fall of next year to get over my disappointment in "Crescendo" and I might even be pleasantly surprised by "Tempest", the third book.

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Hooked on "Hush, Hush"

"Hush, Hush"
Becca Fitzpatrick

6

Synopsis: 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.

"Hush, Hush" had me hooked from start to finish. I listened to the audio of the book in the car and soon found myself blaring my computer speakers in order to hear it over my washing of dishes. I never listen to audio in my apartments because my TV and movies are there, but I ignored my TV to listen to "Hush, Hush". There was a lot of mystery in this book and I'm not just talking about Patch's history. Fitzpatrick kept me at the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was harassing Nora and whether or not Patch could be trusted. Beyond the mystery I found the fallen angel plot to be very interesting. I have to say I've never really been one of those people who found angels to be interesting in the least, well besides Angel as in the character David Boreanaz played, but Fitzpatrick has me wanting more! Luckily I hear there is a sequel coming out next fall called "Crescendo", that is definitely going on my list. If a plot full of twists and turns isn't enough for you, then there is always the crush worthy Patch who is the perfect mysterious bad boy.

If you like romance, paranormal, mystery, and dark handsome men then this is DEFINITELY the book for you. If you are a fan of at least two of the previously described themes then you will should check out the book. Simon & Schuster have an audio clip of an excerpt of the book as well as a couple of the first few chapters. Preview those by clicking here. If you are still unsure about reading the book, then maybe this amazing trailer will convince you.