Crescendo
Becca Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
Release Date: October 19, 2010
Pages: 427
Source: ARC for review

Rating: 5 stars

Feisty teen Nora Grey somehow survived the crises of Hush, Hush!, but dangers just as frightening loom in this standalone sequel. Patch, her guardian angel and love interest, appears to have a dark side and a wandering eye. Worse yet, he seems intent on obstructing Nora as she hunts for the truth behind her father’s mysterious death. Even better than the first.

I loved every word of this book. It ripped my heart out and tore it into a million pieces. I clung to every word. And when it ended, I was so sad, knowing would have to wait another year to hear more of the story.

I have been a huge fan of Becca Fitzpatrick since Hush Hush, which absolutely blew me away. Book 2 in series are often the book that kind of tides you over, Crescendo was not that book in anyway.

I love all the Nora and Vee scenes. It’s so fun to see what sort of trouble those two will get theselves in to that day. They’re such polar opposites, but that’s what makes them great best friends. There were some pretty funny scenes in Crescendo as well, like a scene involing being asked to a dance with a hot dog. I was laughing so hard! Crescendo was definitely not predictable in any way – I kept guessing, and each time I was wrong. Crescendo is like a roller coaster – it has it’s up and downs and it whips around so many curves.

Nora as a character did bug me a bit in this book. I felt she was a bit whiny at times, but it was completely justified. That aside, I still really like her as a character. Patch is full of mysteries, and I would love to see in his head and know what he really is up to. Patch never lets you figure anything out, and by the time you do, he’s off doing something else. I think Vee is a really fun character – at times, she can get on your nerves a bit, but she means well.

I love the title. It is just so fitting for the book. Crescendos in music get louder, or could lead up to something big. When the book finishes, my mouth was open so wide. I was just gaping. Becca Fitzpatrick suceeded in that build up to the ultimate volume and beyond. The ending was simply brilliant.

I am now pining away for Silence, willing it to be next fall already.
If you don’t read this book, you are basically missing out. It is so good. Between the enticing plot, the well-written characters, and the gorgeous cover, this is a book that will go far and will be a sure favorite.