Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadn't been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude, Nora finds herself drawn to him--despite her lingering feelings that he is hiding something.
If that weren't enough, Nora is haunted by images of her murdered father, and comes to question whether her Nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death. Desperate to figure out what happened, she puts herself in increasingly dangerous situations to get the answer. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything--and everyone--she trusts.
Title: Crescendo (Hush, Hush #2)
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Genre: Young Adult, Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Angels
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BFYR
Publication Date: October 19, 2010
Source: Received from publicist. Many thanks goes to Loretta from Simon & Schuster Canada for sending me this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 4/5
Nora is back in this second installment, and though she's sure of her feelings for Patch, things are decidedly taking a turn for the worse. Their relationship at best, is conflicted. She is taking a summer school course for chemistry and is partnered with her archenemy, Marcie Millar; and, to top it off, Patch is hanging out with Marcie--a lot. Nora is absolutely horrified, and depressed that he would do this to her. When an old friend from grade school moves back into the area, Nora starts spending time with him, to fill the gap left by Patch's absence. As if her relationship woes weren't enough, she is haunted by visions of her father. His murder remains unsolved, and she'll do anything to solve it, regardless of the consequences.
There is palpable friction between Nora and Patch. Everything she is learning is leading her to question him, and their relationship. As mistrust grows, he steps farther back out of her reach. The tension sizzles between the two, and when Nora lashes out by hanging out with her old school friend, it intensifies. Though their relationship is a large part of the story, it doesn't consume the book. Nora still is trying to find out what happened to her dad, and who murdered him. She needs to be careful though, as the more she learns, the more danger she is in.
Vee returns as her trusty side-kick, and though she is spending a lot of time with her new boyfriend, Patch's best friend, Rixon, she still helps Nora out when Nora needs a favour. The hi-jinks that ensue when the girls are together adds a much needed edge of humour to the book.
Patch is in a word, conflicted. Though he is her guardian angel, he appears more feral and dangerous in this installment. He is maintaining his distance from Nora, and though his feelings are tamped down, they are still there. The information Nora digs up will leave you wondering if he really is the angel she fell in love with.
The plot is layered in intricate detail. Everything mentioned is used to further the plot. People aren't who they seem, which leaves Nora with more questions, and growing apprehension that her life is in jeopardy--again. This sequel to Hush, Hush will leave you questioning, wanting more. Crescendo is a fantastic follow up and it just amps up the action. Taut with suspense, and more riddles, you'll want to read along to find out what happens next. I absolutely devoured this book, and cannot wait for Tempest.
All in all, a remarkable sequel that solidifies Fitzpatrick's writing style, making her presence known as an author to watch for. If you haven't read the series yet, I urge you to give it a try. Take the plunge.
As with Hush, Hush I couldn't help but notice that Adam Lambert could be an incarnation of Patch. As I was reading the book, a song started playing on my ipod that I thought encapsulated the characters almost perfectly. It, incidentally, is sung by Adam Lambert as well. Whataya Want From Me? - Adam Lambert. What do you think? Click the song title to be transferred to youtube.
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