Monday, October 18, 2010

Cresendo by Becca Fitzpatrick (Hush, Hush #2)

Crescendo (Hush, Hush)From Goodreads:
The sequel to the New York Times Best selling phenomenon, Hush, Hush!
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 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 decided to look at this review as a book where the issues with Patch were resolved. I figured that it was obvious that none of the problems I had would be rehashed in a way that would please me, so I decided to move on with the characters. In this one, Patch is a jerk, but not a scary jerk like we met in the last book. In fact he was so much a jerk, I found myself yelling that at the book from time to time. *don't look at me that way... yes, I talk to my books. It's okay as long as I don't expect them to talk back. ;)* Nora, also really got on my nerves in this book. Granted with Patch being such a jerk some of it made sense. The fact that she became extremely needy grated on my nerves, but did make sense. Especially when Patch wanted her to be honest and he still kept secrets. However, that is where I have to say my sympathies ended with Nora. She kept making one bad decision after another. She would proclaim herself more mature but I'd be wondering where she put the decision she just made a few pages prior in that claim. A few bad decisions I can accept, but almost every one of them? Just too much for me.

I do admit, I liked Vee more in this one than in the last book. I have known people like her and it is fun to be around them. Also, the action in this book was so much more compelling and interesting. I liked Scott as a bad guy as well as all the confusing things that went around her. However, the ending didn't just flow with me. Certain things made too quick of a turnaround. Too many things weren't given enough clues to make it fit. Also, there were a couple of instances where Nora had something (like someone's car) or proclaimed something and then in the next chapter it was forgotten.

Okay, how do I rate this book? I did like the action. However, the main characters didn't elicit the interest I would have liked. Plus, it ends in a cliff-hanger (if you know me I hate those!). I guess I'll give it 3 stars. It was an okay book and better if you didn't read the first one in the series.

I was given this ARC by Teen Simon and Schuster and no compensation for my review was received.

12 comments:

  1. Nice review. I look forward to reading this one. I have heard how it did make people upset. I really want my copy now.

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  2. Oh no! the characters don't get any better? I didn't love the first book, liked is the right word..but to hear that Patch is even more a jerk than in the first book, I might skip this one. Should I? I don't know! I really want to read it...mmmmm.... HELP.

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  3. You mean Nora gets even MORE needy? Ugh. I will be skipping this one--I could hardly put up with Hush, Hush.

    Wait for the library on this one people!

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  4. This is one series where I see so many different reviews, either I loved it or I hated it.

    I needs to read Hush Hush!

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  5. @Nina and KC... just go to the library rather than buying it. That way if you like it, you can get it later. If not, you haven't spent anything. :)

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  6. I just finished reading this las t night and I have to agree with everything that you said!

    I was so looking forward to the book, but in all honesty I am so confused by everything. I don't know if it is because I was so excited and I read it fast that things didn't make sense, or if the writing in general didn't make sense. All I know is that I am def. going to have to reread it before I can make any sort of review about it.

    But the ending? Was not expecting that at all!

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  7. Oh sigh, so from scary jerk to just jerk, dunno about that. But then I am so curious

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  8. Perhaps the third one will redeem the first two???

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  9. Sorry you have a rough time with the character. But, I have to say you are not alone in talking to your books. :) When no one is around I do the same. I try not to slip up with others around. Although, my son has caught me a few times. :) We just don't tell my husband I do it.

    Thanks for the review!

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  10. I've answered people who called me when I was deep into reading. Like the character who asked a question, some one called me and I answered the question of the character instead of what I was asked. :D

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  11. LOL! You know when I read this it reminded me I answered the phone one time, by finishing my sentence instead of saying hello. :D I stopped and was confused for a minute as I couldn't believe I read the sentence. Thank goodness it wasn't some steamy line or scene. ;D

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  12. My oh My!! I want this book!! Borders just emailed a 40% off coupon plus I have the plus card so an extra 10% I have to get there tomorrow! LOL! I am a wee bit nuts! mwahahahaha!!

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