Hush, Hush --- Becca Fitzpatrick

Rating: 3 Stars
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 391

Official Summary:
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.

Review:
This is another "fallen angel" story, similar to that of Fallen. But this book was much better than Fallen. It was fun to read.

BUT.... At times the author, Becca Fitzpatrick, tried to keep you guessing about Patch too much causing the story to become hard to follow. It is okay to be mysterious, but not to the point where your audience just wants to give up reading because the story doesn't make sense. I think she could have revealed bits and pieces of the "fallen angels" throughout the book, just to keep the audience interested.

This book was enjoyable, though! Maybe even 3.5 Stars.....And I do LOVE the cover of Hush, Hush :)
However, I am still waiting for a fallen angel book that I absolutely love.

Incarceron --- Catherine Fisher

Rating: 3 Stars
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Futuristic
Pages: 442

Official Summary:
Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons. A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here. In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison -- a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device -- a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn's escape is born ...

Review:
Here we go... Fascinating idea for a story, but could have been executed better. Some portions of the book were pretty good while others dragged and got a little weird. The book switches between perspectives of the two main characters, Claudia and Finn. Claudia was a strong, determined character. Finn was more of a wuss. I must say I enjoyed reading Claudia's story more than Finn's.

This book is an enjoyable read... mostly. It is worth reading and definitely unique. The sequel comes out December 2010. I will probably read it, but I won't be camping out for it or anything haha!

Beautiful Creatures --- Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Rating: 3 Stars
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
Pages: 563


Official Summary:
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Review:
Beautiful Creatures is the first book in the Caster Chronicles. Lena is a "caster." (Which is essentially a witch.) The authors gradually reveal information about Lena, her family, her past, and the powers of casters throughout the book. Although this was a good way to build suspense, the authors could have revealed more information to help the audience understand and smooth out the plot. It was hard to stay interested, especially through 563 pages. "Casters," although potentially a good idea, seemed mostly weird. This book had occasional glimpses of a good story and writing, but for the most part, it was just okay. I did enjoy the setting of Beautiful Creatures, Gatlin, South Carolina, and the small town, southern ways of the people.
Also, Ethan is immediately drawn to Lena, like love-at-first-sight. This seems to be a common trait among books nowadays and it is getting old. We need an original love story! (Sigh)

In short, do not buy this book. Perhaps check it out at your local library if you aren't reading anything else :)