Book Review: Finale - Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Finale (Hush, Hush #4)

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Release Date: October 23rd 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Pages: 454 (hardcover)

Source: Bought

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.

Can I just say "THIS BOOK WAS FREAKING AWESOME. GO BUY IT. NOW." and be done with this review? No? Fine. But I must warn you that I'm writing this with all my feels.

Finale immediately followed the events in Silence. Nora, literally without getting a break, was thrust into the business of leading the Nephilim out of bondage with the fallen angels who possessed them during Cheshvan. At first, her only plan was to fulfill the oath she'd sworn to Hank so she and her mom wouldn't drop dead, but like the blurb said, the best-laid plans often go awry. 

And awry their plan went, alright. With old insecurities, new enemies, unforeseen betrayals, and shocking revelations, all I could imagine was a bleak ending. Let's just say it wasn't totally bleak, but not blinding bright, either.

Still, the ending's just one part of it. Finale had the best pace out of all the books in this series, methinks. Never a dull moment, just constant action all around. And when I say action, it's not just the myriad of events happening all at once, but also physical action, especially for Nora as she trained her human body to adapt to the capabilities that her new Nephilim identity offered. She ran miles, sweat rivers, and honed her mind-tricking skills - which she got so good at, she even tricked... *evil grin* Yeah, you really should just read this book.

One thing I didn't like was how Nora was still blinded by her hate for Dabria, which, as always, put her in some very sticky situations. Also, Patch became overprotective at times, but I think I'd have done the same if I were him. Or maybe I just love him too much to dislike anything he did. 

I also loved the interaction between the secondary characters, namely Marcie, Scott, Vee, and even Nora's mom. And if you've missed some characters from the previous books, don't worry because Becca wrote a roundup reunion in here.

One surprise and plot twist after another, Finale had me in its grip until the last page. (I did put it down after 300 pages, though, because I didn't want it to end yet.) Even if it's the last book, the mystery and suspense were still there. And yes, I cried tears of joy and relief. I might've hugged the book for a minute or two. Kissed it, even. So this is what it's like to finish a beloved series, huh ♥ 

MY FAVORITE PART was the one that made me cry. Would saying it's 'Detective Basso's gift to Nora' be too much of a spoiler? I hope not.

RATING:

Actually, how about a million out of five hearts?

(photo and summary from Goodreads.com)

Book Review: Silence - Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Silence (Hush, Hush #3)

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Release Date: October 4th 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Pages: 448 (hardcover)

Goodreads

Nora Grey can't remember the past five months 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.

If I had to describe Silence in a few words, it would be "the calm before a storm", because it's what it truly was! A great build-up for the final book.

The book picked up three months after the events in Crescendo. Nora woke up in a cemetery without memory of how she had gotten there, and found out that she'd been missing for three months. To make things worse, not only could she not remember everything that had happened to her during that time, but her amnesia also erased her memories of the two months before she had disappeared, totaling to five months of lost memory.

Because of the abduction and memory loss, the water was already boiling right off the bat. Nora tried to regain and relearn the life she lost, and if Becca Fitzpatrick didn't execute that well, I would've been bored. Also, I pitied Nora, but I admired her more because she faced her "amnesia" very bravely. If I were her, I would've suffered from panic attacks to top it off. I also liked how she was still wary around Jev even though she felt an instant connection to him. It spoiled the romance, but it showed her level-headedness.

The pace was a mountain range. It climbed up, reached the summit, and went down only to hike up again. Dull moments? There was none of that here, only an abundance of shock and thrill. And swoon, of course. Patch swoon.

Unlike the usual case in other series, Silence bested the first book in its saga - or equated with it, at least. Now excuse me while I prepare myself before digging into Finale.

MY FAVORITE PART was when Nora disagreed with Patch in his plan to keep her away from the action, to hide her until he's solved the problem.

RATING: 5/5

(photo and summary from Goodreads.com)

Book Review: Crescendo - Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Crescendo (Hush, Hush #2)

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Release Date: October 19th 2010

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Pages: 427 (hardcover)

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 archenemy, 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 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.

I bought Crescendo the same time I got Hush, Hush (last year), so immediately after falling in love with the first book, I devoured this one... and fell deeper in love!

Crescendo started out with a glimpse of Nora and Patch's happy months together after the events in Hush, Hush, then the problems trickled in again, but this time, it was in the form of archangels and Nora's bloodline. The plot thickened with shocking truths and new characters, and I just kept turning the page - I still did even during re-reads, and I just finished my third for this year. 

In this book, Nora learned that being with Patch wasn't going to be easy, and I loved that fact because it is not supposed to be easy. He's an angel, she's a human, and the hardest kind of love is probably the one between two different kinds of DNA. 

I understood Nora's mistrust towards Patch when he wouldn't tell her about his business with Marcie, but not how she thought he was faking his feelings for her. If he was, she wouldn't be alive! That part just irritated me, but what's worse was how, for the most part, Crescendo was Nora's rollercoaster ride of conflicting emotions. She did stupid things and made questionable decisions, but in the end, she came out a better and more mature person.

Although I don't think Crescendo suffered the "second book syndrome", it was a letdown compared to Hush, Hush. The pace was okay, and it didn't have enough action for me. But when it comes to the amount of laughable moments, this book kicked its predecessor's butt. And did I mention the killer ending? Wow! Becca Fitzpatrick sure loves to torture her characters and readers.

MY FAVORITE PART was Nora sneaking in to Marcie's bedroom, especially the way she got out of there. Swoon.

RATING: 4/5

(photo and summary from Goodreads)

Book Review: Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush #1)

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Release Date: The edition I have was published in October 13th 2010

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Pages: 391 (paperback)

Goodreads 

When Nora and Patch are forced together as lab partners, Nora would rather fall to her death than put up with his elusive answers to her questions, his teasing, and his infuriatingly handsome face and hypnotizing eyes. It seems Patch was put on earth just to drive her crazy. 

But before long, Nora's defenses start to break down as her curiosity about Patch heats up. Why does he always seem to be wherever she is and know exactly what she's thinking? How does he know what to say to both attract and repulse her? And what is up with those V-shaped scars on his chiseled back? 

As their connection grows stronger, Nora's own life becomes increasingly fragile. Nora needs to decide: Is Patch the one who wants to do her harm or the one who will keep her safe? Has she fallen for one of the fallen?

I first heard of Hush, Hush back in 2009, I think. A friend uploaded a photo of her copy and I just fell in love with the cover. I mean, look at it; it's perfect! Anyway, I only got to read it around October or November of last year, and as my first YA book, to say that it's memorable is an understatement.

Hush, Hush introduced me to my first literary crush, Patch Cipriano - my first, and still immovable from the top five. If the phrase "tall, dark, and handsome" was to be put in the dictionary, his photo would be right next to it. Also, epic won't even begin to describe his witty remarks. If he doesn't get to you, you're either a rotting cabbage or a brick wall. (I'm kidding, of course. I understand that not every girl likes a bad boy.)

Okay, now that I've gotten the thing I loved most in Hush, Hush out of the way, I'll get to what I didn't like. There's Nora, because she came across as the smart, composed girl, but when it came to Vee, her irritatingly desperate best friend, she was a plain pushover - and do I hate pushovers. My dislike for Vee is a given, of course.

You might be wondering; no, I totally understand Nora's undoing when it comes to Patch. I would've felt the same if I were her.

Because I'm writing this review after having read this book thrice in a year, the ending wasn't a surprise to me anymore, but I devoured it like I did before. Becca Fitzpatrick perfectly balanced mystery, suspense, and romance so it's no surprise how well Hush, Hush has done in the market. I'll also re-read and review Crescendo and Silence before I pick up Finale which will come out on the 23rd!

MY FAVORITE PART was the motel scene. Oh, Nora, how I envy you.

RATING: 5/5
(photo and summary from Goodreads.com)

Waiting on Wednesday {2}: Finale; Roar and Liv; Reaping Me Softly

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Title: Finale (Hush, Hush #4) - Becca Fitzpatrick

Release Date: October 23rd 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Goodreads 

Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean they are fated to be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. Now Nora and Patch must gather their strength to face one last, perilous trial. Old enemies return, new enemies are made, and a friend's ultimate betrayal threatens the peace Patch and Nora so desperately want. The battle lines are drawn—but which sides are they on? And in the end, are there some obstacles even love can't conquer?

I forgot to include this in last week's post *facepalm*

I can't believe one of my favorite series ever will end really soon, but I can only hope this farewell will be a happy one. In lieu of this, I'll be re-reading the first three books once I get a copy of Hush, Hush in hardback (I had that in paperback and the next two in hardback, and God knows how much I hate mismatched editions, so I gave it to a friend).

And I'm more than excited for another round of Patch's witty lines!

Title: Roar and Liv (Under the Never Sky #1.5) - Veronica Rossi

Release Date: October 30th 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Goodreads 

Before Perry and Aria, there was Roar and Liv.

After a childhood spent wandering the borderlands, Roar finally feels like he has a home with the Tides. His best friend Perry is like a brother to him, and Perry's sister, Liv, is the love of his life. But Perry and Liv's unpredictable older brother, Vale, is the Blood Lord of the Tides, and he has never looked kindly on Roar and Liv's union. Normally, Roar couldn't care less about Vale's opinion. But with food running low and conditions worsening every day, Vale's leadership is more vital — and more brutal — than ever. Desperate to protect his tribe, Vale makes a decision that will shatter the life Roar knew and change the fate of the Tides forever. 

Under the Never Sky is another book that I plan to re-read before getting to its sequel, Through the Ever Night, but I should be fine with this novella.

I loved Roar in UTNS; he was funny, the friend Aria needed during those trying times. I hope he'll get his happy ending.

What confuses me though is why this one's numbered 1.5. Isn't this a prequel, making it a 0.5?  

Title: Reaping Me Softly - Kate Evangelista

Release Date: October 30th 2012

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Goodreads 

Ever since a near-death-experience on the operating table, seventeen-year-old Arianne Wilson can see dead people. Just as she’s learned to accept her new-found talents, she discovers that the boy she’s had a crush on since freshman year, Niko Clark, is a Reaper.

At last they have something in common, but that doesn’t mean life is getting any easier. All while facing merciless bullying from the most powerful girl in school, Arianne’s world is turned upside down after Niko accidentally reaps the soul of someone she loves. This sends them both into a spiral that threatens to end Arianne’s life. But will Niko break his own Reaper’s code to save her? And what would the consequences be if he did? 

Whoa look at that stunning cover... And as if that's not enough reason for me to read this book, it's by a Filipina author! I haven't read her first book, Taste, yet, but that and this one are definitely near the top of my list. Just let me say farewell to my dearest Patch first.