October 19, 2010 from Simon & Schuster Audio
Synopsis:
Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but atleast 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 Path 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 desperatly searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.
Review:
Crescendo picks up a few months after Hush Hush leaves off. Nora and fallen angel Patch are hot and heavy and all seems to be a-okay. Of course, danger looms and as new characters enter the picture we know all is not well. One of Nora's childhood friends, Scott, comes back to town and he has a rap sheet that would make a nun blush. Nora and Scott's mother tries to push a friendship on the two, but Scott's attitude is something to be desired. He's rude and cocky and Nora is so wrapped up in Patch that she wants no part of him. Props to her. The mystery behind Scott and his sudden return to Maine is a good addition to the book. I like the tension he carries and I'm sure he will be pivotal to the ending of the series. Not exactly a love triangle here girls, but in the end....Scott is important to Nora.
I also enjoyed delving into the mystery behind Nora's fathers death. In my opinion, the best part of the book. It seems that Nora has always been closer to the "other side" than she ever imagined. Her father's death is just another casualty in something that Nora had no idea existed. Her distant mother is barely any help and when the pieces fall together, we learn of her father's fate and a lot more than meets the eye. A lot of questions get answered with more lurking around the corner.
The overall story stalled a bit in places and I felt like things/events were talked about just to talk about something. There were some passages that felt unnecessary and I found myself a wincy bit bored. I wanted to get back to the mystery of Scott or Nora's father and not really talk about day to day activities. I was frustrated with Patch and Nora during several chapters as well. I dislike when a character is clearly struggling to relay information that is vital to someone, yet that someone can't be bothered to listen. Yes, this does happen with young people. Yes, it adds tension to the story but I was frustrated none the less. Highlight text for SPOILER* When Patch and Nora started communicating through Nora's dreams because the angels can't see or hear them and Nora won't give Patch the time of day, my frustration was at an all-time high.
I had a few issues that are specific to the audio book. The most major being the actress, Caitlin Greer, who plays Nora. Although she has a young voice, she didn't work for me. I found that her voice wasn't consistent - she had a bit of an accident towards the end. She also supplies the voice for the other books in this series. Overall, I wasn't sold on the voice. I will stay tuned to the series. Main reason? The GIANT cliffhanger ending! I think I'll choose to read, and not listen.
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