Crescendo {ARC review} * * * 3/4

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpartick

Oct 19, 2010

- paranormal, YA -

reviewed by Tara SG

received for review via Around the World Tours

Book Order

1. Hush, Hush * * * 3/4
2. Crescendo * * * 3/4 (10.18.10)
3. TBA

Links

Author’s Website : www.beccafitzpatrick.com

Amazon : pre-order hardcover / eBook

Add To Your GoodReads TBR List

This book in 6 words:

prepare to have your heart broke

Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?

I read and liked Hush, Hush so I jumped at the chance to read the sequel, Crescendo. I’m really glad I read this. In fact, I think I liked it more than the first book. I did not go back and reread Hush, Hush so there were some points I had to think over. There were still somethings that bothered me or I think were better suited to a younger audience. I think I was just able to relate to Nora more in this one. It ends with a HUGE cliffhanger so be prepared.

Brief Summary

Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described 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?

- via GoodReads.com

Plot/Pacing/Writing Style

*Review contains spoilers for the previous books in the series!*

I really enjoyed where the author took the story. Ok well “enjoyed” might not be the right word because I was heartbroken reading 90% of it. I read this all in one sitting and barely noticed the time passing. I was completely wrapped up in the story. I did some guessing about what was going to happen, but couldn’t get all the pieces to fit. The end was great. Terrible cliffhanger, but great.

The pacing was well-done. It didn’t feel rushed. There were a few points where it dragged or got a little repetitive, but this is where I think a younger reader would have liked the fillers where I just wanted to move on.

Characters

Some people will think Nora is a little crazy in this one. I would agree. She said and did things I did when I was her age (as far as her relationship goes. I did not put myself in life threatening situations that often lol.). She tends to say things in a fight that she doesn’t entirely mean and then she’s too proud to take it back right away. She also has some trust issues and jumps to conclusions. Most of her actions seemed unintelligent and realistic.

We get to learn a little more about Patch in this one, but we still don’t know if we should love him or hate him. I spend most of the book hating him.

Recommendations

If you liked Hush, Hush I don’t think I need to tell you to read this. If you like YA paranormal romance, check out the first book from the library.