Audiobook Review: Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Silence (Hush, Hush #3) 
by Becca Fitzpatrick, read by Caitlin Greer

Publisher: Simon Audio
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Format: Audiobook (9 hrs 39 min)
Source: Publisher
Age Level: Young Adult
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Buy: Amazon | IndieBound

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever. (Goodreads)

So, if you’ve seen my reviews for the previous 2 books of the series, you know that I loved Hush, Hush (read my review here)… but unfortunately the rest of the series has not lived up to my expectations. Except for the covers. I do think the covers are gorgeous!

For almost the entire first half of Silence, Nora suffers from amnesia and doesn’t remember months of her life. She doesn’t remember Patch but her mind keeps giving her flashes and bits and pieces. This means that Patch is barely in the book until mid-way through… considering that he is the main attraction to the series (for me) that was disappointing. I did like getting to know Scott better in this installment, and seeing the developing friendship with Nora. Vee was great; I really enjoy her as secondary character. I also liked seeing more of Nora’s relationship with her mother.

Though I enjoyed Silence more than Crescendo, I’m frustrated with how Nora continues to doubt Patch. I may just not be a fan of angel stories. That could very well be the case, but I don’t feel invested in the story outside of Nora and Patch’s relationship. Sadly, the plot had a hard time holding my attention. While listening to the audiobook I’d realize that my mind was wondering and I’d have to go back and make myself re-listen to parts.

After finishing the third book in the series, believing that it was the end, I actually find myself disappointed that there’s going to be a 4th in the series. I’m torn on if I actually want to read it or not… Honestly, I kind of wish Hush, Hush was a standalone book.

Caitlin Greer narrates Silence (she read the other 2 books as well), and she did an overall good job… but the way she over stresses the consonants at the end of sentences tends to annoy me. It distracts me from the story because I catch myself parroting how she pronounces a word (“word-dah”).

Fans of the series, are you looking forward to Hush, Hush #4?

Audiobook Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Crescendo (Hush, Hush #2) by Becca Fitzpatrick, read by Caitlin Greer

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Release Date: October 19, 2010
Format: Audiobook (9 hrs 31 min)
Source: Library
Age Level: Young Adult
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Buy: Amazon | IndieBound

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 and even worse, he's started 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 hadnt 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.

Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperately searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts. (Goodreads)

I loved Hush, Hush (read my review here). I loved the banter and chemistry between Nora and Patch, and was so excited to read/listen to Crescendo! Well… I’ve been struggling with writing this review because I just feel… let down. I’m not typically a fan of angel stories, so I was surprised by how much I loved Hush, Hush, and maybe that’s why I wasn’t as crazy about Crescendo.

Honestly, I was annoyed through the first half of the book. I loved Nora’s character in Hush, Hush, but in this one she was whiny and insecure. Patch was distant and secretive… and I couldn’t understand why. I didn’t get the purpose of his secrets; they just seemed to drive the plot rather than be what he would have done as a character.

I will say that I loved Vee in this one! She drove me nuts in the first book, but she’s definitely grown on me as a character. She’s a great friend – she could be my BFF any day – and at times she seemed more mature than Nora. Scott is a nice addition to the cast of characters. He’s a troublemaker but you see a bit of his vulnerable side.

Caitlin Greer reads the audio version of this book and I thought she performed the voices well. However, her pronunciation grated on me. In my opinion she over pronounces her consonants, especially ones at the end of a sentence. An example would be the word hand pronounced as “hand-dah”. Overall I thought Greer did a good job, but I wouldn’t seek her out as a narrator.

Even though I was disappointed with Crescendo (in comparison to Hush, Hush), I’m looking forward to Silence and more of Patch!

Waiting on Wednesday (16)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The week's WoW feature is:

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's

Release Date: October 4, 2011

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever. (Goodreads)

I absolutely loved Hush, Hush. To be honest, I was disappointed with Crescendo... but I'm excited for Silence. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens with Patch and Nora. OK really, it is time for a Patch fix!

What book are you anxiously waiting for?

Trailer Thursday: Crescendo

I discovered the Trailer Thursday meme on The Page Turners Blog. This week's Trailer Thursday  feature is:

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Released: October 19, 2010

(Goodreads | Amazon)

I chose Crescendo (Hush, Hush) this week because ever since I finished the first in the series Hush, Hush I feel like I'm thinking of it constantly. I want to read it now! Though I'm thinking I'll wait until closer to October, right before Silence, the next book in the series, is released. I've heard there's a cliffhanger in Crescendo :). In my search for this trailer I discovered the official fan site of the series, it's pretty swanky! You can it check out here.

Did you post a trailer this week? Leave a link in the comments if you did!

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
Release Date: October 13, 2009
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
Age Level: Young Adult
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn 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 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 far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora 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 her life. (Goodreads)

I was gripped from the first couple of pages, and that is so rare for me... I did not want to put this book down! I can't believe I didn't read this sooner... I'm not sure why I was so hesitant to pick this up. I'm not usually excited about books about angels... I can't pin point why exactly, I guess they just don't do it for me. Until NOW! I enjoyed every minute of this book.

Hush, Hush is well written with great pacing and characterization. I really liked Nora, and Patch is just yummy! Their characters immediately drew me in and I was hooked. I have to say that I wanted to smack Vee (Nora's BFF) at times, she drove me nuts. I may have a little crush on Patch. Let's see... he's hot, a bad boy, mysterious, and cocky. What's not to love? The plot was great as well, but Nora and Patch made the book for me. Here's some quotes that give you an idea of what I'm talking about:

"You smell good, too,” said Patch
It’s called a shower.” I was staring straight ahead. When he didn’t answer, I turned sideways.
“Soap. Shampoo. Hot water.”
"Naked. I know the drill."

"Say 'provoking' again. Your mouth looks provocative when you do."

"I don't go out with strangers," I said.
"Good thing I do. I'll pick you up at five."

I can't wait to read the next book of the series, Crescendo, and Silence when it comes out this fall! Oh, and I LOVE all the covers, I think they're gorgeous...

I'm definitely a fan of this series!