First Impressions

[AmandaJillian]

I thought the opening scene was alright, it seemed a little out of place. I thought Chauncey was very arrogrant and liked the mysterious boy that could manipulate him.

I liked the finding myself in the comtemporary setting, I wonder if there will be more of those 'flashbacks' to come.

[KateBrianIsAwe…]

I just read the prologue and the first chapter. The prologue for me doesn't really make sense but I think I understood just enough. The first chapter was so good I was like this sex class better have been put in this novel for a reason and I'm glad it does. Usually if a book has to deal with sex in the beginning of the book I just shut it and stop reading because you can already tell how the characters are and how the book is going to be. First impressions are important. This book has me hooked already I'm glad to be apart of this first look book club.

[JakeBradley]

The prologue, in my opinion, might have given too much away.  I haven't read far enough to know exactly what information is given away, but if it's a sort of red herring in a way, it's served its purpose. 

[KT09]

I have to say the beginning of this book really pulled me in and left me curious as to what was going on. I like the contrast between 1500s and modern times. I also liked that the beginning made me think and want to delve deeper into what was going on...after reading the first chapter I did a little research on an "oath of fealty," trying to get a handle on what the possible theme of the book might be.

From the beginning, I was slightly worried that the book would have anti-religious undertones, and I will say that I was happily proven wrong.

Also, I can't really say that I had any first impression of Chauncey, other than mere curiousity as to what was going on and what these events would lead to.

[flbeachbum]

I found the prologue difficult to follow and understand.  I'm not a fan of historical fiction, so this part turned me off a little.  I was thrilled when I flipped the page and found out the book took place in modern times.  I will admit that as soon as the part came where the event was mentioned again, I went back and reread the prologue.

As for those who have mentioned the cover, I thought it was a great design.  I think the dark colors helped bring out the mystery behind Patch.

[jabrkeKB]

I liked the opening scene, I felt it set a mysterious tone for the novel. I fdid not find Chauncey arrogant, I felt he was confidant and sure of himself, but not in a negative way. I'm curious to see how this scene plays into the novel.

My question is - who is the girl and why does he give her a silver buckle?

It was not jarring to turn the page and be in a contemporary setting. I suspect Patch has a connection to the people in the opening scene.

[GReba]

To be honest...I liked the historical inclusion at the beginning.  It was kept short, sweet (figuratively), and to the point thus making it of noteable interest without distracting you from the story at hand.  Turning the page to find myself in modern times, I was relieved!  I don't mind history oriented books, but I don't really care for ones that guise themselves as works of fiction.

 Without that small tidbit, you are lost towards the end!  (I promise, no spoilers....I am moving to the other thread!)  =0)

[TriciaLynn77]

I'm only a few chapters in, but so far am really liking Hush, Hush. My 13 year old sister is also reading the book with me and is also getting into it. It's a little different than other books she reads but I think she is going to like it. I read all kinds of books and like pretty much anything, so I think I will enjoy this book.

[RS18]

I liked the prologue. It set up some background information, and sparked my interest. I wanted to see what Chauncey had to do with the story set in present day. Also, it shed light on some of the abilities that fallen angels possess. I like this author's style of writing. I began reading the book yesterday and was hooked!

[mckenziet]

I liked the prologue, being a fan of historical fiction. It was nice to get some background and a general idea about the story.

My first impression of Chauncey is that he's arrogant and rude. I found him to be slightly annoying.

Also, I liked that it switched to modern day in the first chapter. I'm a fan of books that skip from time to time.

[Rosei]

I get thrilled by the fact that Patch was "spying" on Nora through her bedroom's window. I don't know if her suspicions are true, since I saw here that he acts more like a guardian angel than a dark figure. I think that I need to go further to find out.

[ClaudiaLuce]

No Spoilers, but I loved this book from first word to last!!  The character of Chauncey was a portent of things to come!!  He was interesting and controlling.  Very interesting.  Becca Fitzpatrick wrote an amazing novel!!

Claudia

[amt19]

 I have to agree with most everyone else that Chauncey is very full of himself and his gloating and high self worth are what seems to make it easy to be maniuplated.

I also agree that the boy seems strong and on the border of being cruel.

The contemporary setting shows that this story started many years back and somhow has continued to affect what is to come.

[JosieKramer]

Hi all.

I just re-read chapters 1 - 9 and since the schedule says this is the time post on those chapters here are my thoughts:

I have read a couple of posts where people say Patch is too confident and annoying.  While I do think this is true, I also think that is part of what being a teenager is all about.  Especially one who's physical appearance automatically draws people in.

The Coach in this story is relatable.  We have all had at least one teacher that either didn't treat us as individuals or had his priorities elsewhere. (in this case it's with his coaching job and he treats his bio students and athletes on the field)

The section where Vee keeps rambling about the whether "the deer" that Nora hit was still stuck on the headlights was utterly amusing to me.  Having recently hit a deer, this made me look at the lighter side of the situation.

The fact that the car was back intact when returned to Vee, propelled this book from an every day read about life in H.S., to one full of mystery and suspense. (For those of you who want to tell me the Prologue did this, please remember, I don't read prologues).

The reading in this book is very easy and free flowing.  Those of us out of high school get taken back to out days of mischief and the feeling that you MUST know everything about that guy or girl that no one seems to know anything about.

On Page 76 Patch calls Nora "Angel" while they were sitting in the restaurant.  At first look you would think nothing if little of it.  Having actually read this book's Prologue or even just looking at the cover, you know it has a deeper meaning.  I like that it was subtly put in. He continues to call Nora by this name several times in this chapter, and the act on having her ride the "Archangel" was nicely thought out.

During the roller coaster ride I liked how Patch manipulated the ride to make her think she had actually fallen out.  (remember, he said the Archangel meant the higher the Angel, the harder the fall)  I didn't realize it wasn't reality until once the ride stopped.  There is certainly no sense of "I expected that" in these first nine chapters.

[bibanon1]

I liked the prologue as well. I only wish there was a little more to it.  I am about 80 pages in and I think the characters are well done so far.  Nora is very well-drawn and Patch is becoming the perfect alluring arrogant bad boy.  I think the Coach is humorous and true to life.  He borders on caricature without going over the edge.  I have mixed feelings about Vee. I want to like her but she is annoying so far.

[JosieKramer]

Funny.  A lot of people are saying that Vee is annoying already in the first nine chapters.  I haven't come across this. 

Anyone have any examples?

[JosieKramer]

Hi.

When I was talking about colour on the cover I was only refering in maybe the title being a different colour.  However, the more I look at the book and the more comments are written, I take back my original thought.  The black and white cover suits it nicely.

I stand corrected.

[AnitaBlakeFan]

I was not a huge fan of the prologue.  It confused me until later in the book.   I really liked the book and I actually thought this was the worst part of the book.  I liked the book over the overall, I just thought this was not the best way to start the book.

[Vermontcozy]

---

JosieKramer wrote:

Hi.

When I was talking about colour on the cover I was only refering in maybe the title being a different colour.  However, the more I look at the book and the more comments are written, I take back my original thought.  The black and white cover suits it nicely.

I stand corrected.

---

I can't find an examples either of Vee being annoyong,it could just be her aggresive nature,Nora being a bit more intreverted,and she thinks things through..these days all is happening at a faster speed then she is used to,so her emotions are taking over her Vee is her friend..and good friends can be annoying ,in a good way.....Going on to Chapter 10 and on just a bit....Have you finished? So much to discuss..Becca is Very Talented..She is not a cookie cutter writter.....see you on the boards..V

[JosieKramer]

Hi.

Yup I have read the book already, but decided to concentrate on the characters as they are portrayed in the first 9 chapters.  Once we move on, my thoughts on them will change. 

And I agree with you, this book is nicely and well written.