Review: Finale

Finale

Becca Fitzpatrick

Released: October 23, 2012

Published by: Simon and Schuster

*Also check out our previous reviews on books 1-3*

 

Description from Goodreads:

 

Will love conquer all?

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end this war before it can even begin.

But the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for.

 

Again, this review will be quick and to the point since I am playing catch up on my NaNoWriMo 2012 project.

 

Plot. What's not to love with the plot? It has everything to it and is as enticing as the first three. It was hard to put the book down. It was seriously addicting.

 

Characters. Patch is still amazing and drop dead gorgeous. Nora did not, surprisingly, bug me to much this time. I only yelled at her once. I'll call that an accomplishment. Vee is awesome and remains awesome throughout the whole story.

 

Why did a certain character have to die? WHY? I LOVE THAT CHARACTER SO MUCH. Thanks for breaking my heart.

 

Ending. Hmmm...I wasn't overly thrilled with the ending I guess. Yes, I did like it. I just wish it was hmmm...not *SPOILER* Vee's wedding. I thought she loved Scott but ended up just randomly marrying this British guy. So I was a little disappointed, but it still was an okay ending. *END SPOILER* 

 

So this was a fabulous ending to an amazing saga that I love. If you haven't read these yet, please do, because you will fall head-over-heels in love with them. I highly recommend them, so go out to your local bookstore and buy them. They are just sososososososo enticing and will have you hooked from the very first page.

 

Review by Caly

@bookworms4vt

 



 

Review: Silence

Silence

Becca Fitzpatrick
Published by: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Released: October 4, 2011

Magnus' Review of Hush, Hush:

http://www.yeahwelikemaplesyrupandbooks.blogspot.com/2012/06/review.html

My review of Hush, Hush:

http://www.yeahwelikemaplesyrupandbooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-hush-hush-calys-thoughts.html

My review of Crescendo:

http://www.yeahwelikemaplesyrupandbooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-crescendo.html

Description from Goodreads:



WHEN SILENCE IS ALL THAT'S LEFT, CAN THE TRUTH FINALLY BE HEARD?

Nora Grey can't remember the past five month of her life. After the initial shock of waking up in a cemetery and being told that she has been missing for weeks - with no one knowing where she was or who she was with - she tried to get her life back on track. Go to school, hang out with her best friend, Vee, and dodge mom's creepy new boyfriend.

But there is this voice in the back of her head, an idea that she can almost reach out and touch. Visions of angel wings and unearthly creatures that have nothing to do with the life she knows.

And this unshakable feeling that a part of her is missing.

Then Nora crosses paths with a sexy stranger, whom she feels a mesmerizing connection to. He seems to hold all the answers...and her heart. Every minute she spends with him grows more and more intense until she realizes she could be falling in love. Again.

I read this book in one day. Surprising really, because I was busy all day with our school's China visit. I just breezed right through it, not able to put it down. Even though it drove me absoultely crazy (Just ask my lil' sis-that-really-isn't-my-sis Jonnadore. Long story on nickname...I drove her crazy just talking about the book) it is probably one of my favorite stories that I have read so far this year. It was actually published last October and I am really kicking myself for waiting so long to actually read these. Last year, I remember picking this up and thinking: "Nope. Angels are not my thing." Now I feel really idiotic and stupid. Why didn't I read these sooner!?!?

There was one thing that annoyed the crap out of me. Nora lost her memories of everything that had occurred since the beginning of the books. Fallen Angels? Nope. Nephilim? Gone. Patch? WWWHHHYYY?? HOW CAN YOU FORGET PATCH?? I guess that's what bugged me the most...If you couldn't tell. It was a major case of dramatic irony. We know what happened. We know that those guys are bad. We know that Jev is actually Patch's real name (That's why it suddenly appears in Crescendo. The light bulb has gone off!). It just annoyed me because Nora did not know anything. I don't know how many times I mentally screamed at her and then actually screamed when I was in the safety of my private home.

Otherwise, the book was just amazing. It was one of those books where you just have to keep on reading until you reach the acknowledgements. When you are not reading it, you are thinking about it, wondering what the heck is going to happen in further pages. I was never bored with it, annoyed yes, but never bored. It flowed really nice and always kept me guessing despite the fact that Nora had amnesia.

Three books in and I still cannot connect to Nora. She does so many stupid things, it just pisses me off so much. I'm basically just reading this book because of Patch and Vee. I was surprised that even those two bugged me. Patch kept wanting to keep Nora in the dark, going by his actual name Jev for half the book. Vee lied about Patch and never bother to bring Nora fully up to speed, only telling her what she wanted to. If I went through something like Nora did, I would want my best friend to tell me the truth and all of it. I was glad when Nora got pissed off at them and yelled at them. They really deserved it. I just wish Nora wouldn't do stupid things. If Patch says to stay inside, she should really stay inside and not leave. Bad things would happen! But then again, what YA fictional character these days doesn't follow orders and does their own thing? I guess I should probably lay off her.

Now I just have to wait until October 23 for Finale (The last one. Creative name!) I really need to own my own copies of these books. I love them so much. If you like Angels, A plot that has some twists and turns, or are a fan of amnesia...Haha. Just kidding. Read these! Hush, Hush is the first. Crescendo, second. Silence, third. And lastly Finale in October. READ THESE!! They are perfect and amazing!

Review by Caly



Review: Crescendo

Crescendo

Becca Fitzpatrick
Published by: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Released: October 19, 2010

My review on Hush, Hush:

http://www.yeahwelikemaplesyrupandbooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-hush-hush-calys-thoughts.html

Magnus' review on Hush, Hush:

http://www.yeahwelikemaplesyrupandbooks.blogspot.com/2012/06/review.html

Description from Goodreads:

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it. A mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever (if that's possible) and what's worse, he seems to be spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.

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 feeling that he's 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.

I could not put this book down. I am officially in love with these books. I cannot see why Magnus is not a huge fan, or anybody else for that matter. They are so enticing to read and just keep me entertained and anxious for the next page. I was not constantly bored with the story. I literally almost read it cover to cover.

I even found myself holding my breath and yelling at it. I think my mom is seriously debating whether or not to send me to a mental institution soon. I have become way to dedicated to yet another book series. Pretty soon, Mom is going to forbid me to buy any more books. I have become personally attached to the Hush, Hush books. I am seriously kicking myself in the butt for not picking these up sooner. Why did I have to go and put it off? Why did I never discover these books earlier in my life?

Anywho...Back to the story.

The pacing was perfect. I was never bored in this story. It kept me hooked and entertained the whole way through. I couldn't turn the page fast enough. It was that amazing.

I have only one complaint. Patch was not in the story enough. I freaking love this guy and he was absent and/or fighting with Nora for half of it. It drove me crazy! I kept wanting him to show up and take Nora into his arms. But instead, he didn't. Or Nora was to busy yelling at him. I had to force myself not to skim read ahead and make sure he was showing up. It was hard, but I managed to read without skimming. I am so proud of myself. That seriously took a lot of will power from moi. Instead, Scott shows up.

It really wasn't a true love triangle. Thank the almight lord. It was more of Nora just trying to get back at Patch, which also really bugged me. I guess that makes it two complaints then. She doubted Patch's love for her, became basically a jealous witch, and became very reckless and stupid. I had a harder time connecting to her in this one than I did with Hush, Hush. In the first one, I kind of understood why she did things the way she did. In this one, I felt myself thinking: "Why on God's green earth would you do that Nora? Are you really that stupid?" I really wished she would have just gotten over that stupid jealousy/unease of the guy and took him back. It would have made me much happier (and probably her too...)

The characters. Vee is perfect, per usual. She is still the bestest friend you could ever hope for. Patch wasn't in the novel nearly as much as I wanted him too, but I still love him all the same. If possible, he became even more sweeter and protective in this book than the first. Totally swooning like a fangirl right now. Then there's Scott. I have mixed feelings for the guy that Nora used. I can't decide if I like him or hate him. I'm going to let the third book help me with that. Nora annoyed me, but I still love her all the same. I felt the need to strangle her more in this one than the first. But it all plays out in the end I guess.

Then there's Rixon. I feel like crying everytime I think his name. *SPOILERS* I really wished he wasn't the bad guy. Then again...I'm glad it was rather him who was the bad guy than Patch. But still! It killed me when I learned he was the one who killed Nora's 'father' and then went and attempted to kill her. I really liked the guy! Now he is in Hell. Oh darn. *END OF SPOILERS*

The book surprised the crap out of me. I am usually able to predict 95% of what happens in a story. Oh he is the brother? Yup. He's the one behind the whole con. That guy is going to end up with her...no exceptions. Ah ha! Told you it was your bestie the whole time. Not the one who you absolutely hated. I blame my addiction to crime shows. This book gives you a really big twist. One that even I would have never guessed because I did not see it coming. I was like "Wow. Kuddos Becca Fitzpatrick for shocking me. You are totally amazing." If you have read the book, you probably know what twist I'm talking about. I'm not even going to put it down with my "Spoilers" warning. Nobody wants this ruined. Period.

It's a flipping Cliffhanger. *Sigh* WHY!?!?!?!?!?!?! AAAWWW!!!! I am tearing my hair out. Oh. Wait. Wait a second. What is this? Oh that's right...I HAVE BOOK THREE RIGHT NEXT TO ME!! YIPPEE!! hahahaha. You really need the third one by your side as soon as you finish this one. Don't go crazy while you wait for it. GET IT WHEN YOU READ THIS ONE. The ending will probably kill you. It's bugging me right now as I write this review. I need book three like I need air and water. That desperate? Yup.

So if you are a fan of Angels, sexy dark guys, a really big twist, TRY THIS BOOK. Buy the first one. Buy this one. GO PICK UP THE THIRD ONE. Wait until October 23, 2012 for the last one -_- Seriously, these books are really tantalizing and will have you reading cover to cover. They have quickly become one of my top ten favorites and I really want to go buy my own copies instead of borrowing from friends.

I just suddenly realize I have to wait until October 23 for the last book. *SOB* Why do authors do this to us?

Review by Calypso

Review: Hush, Hush (Caly's thoughts)

Hush, Hush

Becca Fitzpatrick
Published by: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Released: October 13, 2009



A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems 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 she 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 Nora her life.

Yes. I did copy and paste from Goodreads. I'm lazy okay?

So I finally got my hands on this from Magnus. While she wasn't overly thrilled with the story, I loved it. I want to read more. They kept me entertained that much.

I was confused by the parts where Nora sees something, then thinks its an illusion. They were kind of confusing and I had to convince myself that they weren't illusions. But then they were. Then they weren't. And...well...you get the point. They were finally explained later and it all clicked into place. I liked how it messed with my mind. I think an author is brilliant if they can play mind games with their readers. Magnus wasn't okay with that and I can kind of see where she is coming from.

And Patch. I'm confused why Mags didn't really like him. I LOVE HIM! He is all bad boyish, full of secrets, dark, mysterious. I love that with fictional characters. Sure, I wasn't thrilled that he kept Nora in the dark most of the time, but it was for a good reason. *SPOILERS* I mean, the guy wanted to kill her at first in order to become human. Frankly, I would keep it a secret too. I can imagine it now: "Hey babe. You're hot and all, but I really want to be human. Don't mind me stabbing this knife in your heart." Yeah. That would go over pretty well. *END SPOILERS* And then he has his secret sweet side that I love so so so much. Patch has quickly become one of my favorite fictional guys.

The characters are great. I love Patch and Vee. Vee is just the perfect best friend a girl could ever want. She lets Nora use her car whenever, goes along with Nora's rediculous plans, and is even willing to *SPOILERS* dress up as Nora when the crazy stalker lady follows them bra shopping and gets attacked. All for her best friend. *END SPOILERS* The only character that bugged me was Elliot. I really wished he was the bad guy in the end. I just hated the guy. He pretended to be all sweet and nice at first, then bam! crazy and pyscho. I expected him to break into her house and reinact the whole "Shower Scene" from Pyscho. (And I was kind of disappointed when it never happened. Oh well...) Nora drove me crazy a couple of times. During certain points in the novel, I wanted to reach in and strangle her neck. But I still love her! I had a hard time picturing her though. I have a friend with the same name, but Nora has the pysical description of me. So I had this weird hybrid of my friend Nora and myself, which was really odd. I tried drawing it but nothing really came. I can usually see characters very clearly in my mind or sometimes picture the actor portraying them. Nora is probably the only one without a picture in my mind.

The pacing was excellent. There was never a dull moment in the story. I found myself just continuing to read and pretty much ignoring everybody around me. I NEED THE REST OF THEM.

So I HIGHLY recomend this book. It was so enticing to read. I picked it up one night and next thing I knew, I was 200 pages in and it was past midnight. If you are a huge fan of Angels, try these books. The story won't leave you bored, and even though it's slightly confusing, it's not a waste of time.

Now I just need to get my hands on the rest of them :)

Review by Calypso