Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Review: Hushed by Kelley York

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Hushed
Kelley York
Release date: December 6th, 2011
by Entangled Publishing

Goodreads / Purchase

He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

*A copy was provided by Entangled Publishing for review purposes* 

Hushed is definitely not a bedtime story! It’s dark, sinister and completely unorthodox. Frankly, I thought it was brilliant! We all know Dexter, right? (Michael C. Hall <3 ) Hushed is basically a YA version of Dexter. A little less gory, a little more angst.

Everything about this book screams unconventional. The plot, the relationships, even the twists are completely unexpected because it’s so different from what we’re used to seeing. I found it refreshing, really. Especially in the YA genre, it’s rare – and impressive – when I read a book that has an original idea and truly sticks out from the rest. A serial killer protagonist in a love triangle like you’ve never seen before – Kelley York has done it!

When your main character is a killer, you shouldn’t expect a light read. And I can assure you that nothing in this book is light or fluffy. It initiates strong emotions that can even become uncomfortable at times – though I don’t say this negatively. Archer does not have an easy life, and it’s only getting worse. His mental health is going downhill fast. The harsh turns his life takes are definitely not easy to swallow. But they’re appropriate, if not ideal, to give us a deeply realistic contemporary story about a guy who has made bad (really bad!) decisions. Although I may not agree with how far he went, I believe some people deserve a second chance. Ultimately, this book takes you a little out of your comfort zone, but you soon realize how innocent it really is.

Deeply intense and strangely beautiful, Hushed is an outstanding novel that will stay on your mind for a long time! With that said – Entangled Publishing seems to be continuously dishing out fantastic YA novels. Be on the lookout!

5 Hot Espresssos

Interested in more Hushed?
Drop by on December 29th for the Hushed blog tour stop!

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Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

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29 Responses to “Review: Hushed by Kelley York”

  3. Rebecca

    Awesome review! I’ve seen it around a whole lot, but for some reason I haven’t actually stop to REALLY read about it. But wow. It sounds super good. o.o I need to get my hands on it ASAP, that’s for sure! Wanttttt.

  7. Jessi

    Great review! I’m totally with you on this one–I loved every minute of it. It’s one of those books that I seriously couldn’t put down.

  12. thebookishblog

    This sounds really interesting! It seems completely different from anything else I’ve come across in YA, and that is a very exciting thought indeed.

    I am definitely going to be looking out for this, I could use a trip outside of my comfort zone.

  13. Uomo di Speranza

    Uncoventional? You’re right-that is very unexpected for the YA genre. And I love the gay/straight love triangle….we’ve yet to see a trend of strong, bisexual characters in YA, and it’s about time!

  14. Mimi Valentine

    *reads the description* Oh my gosh!

    *reads your review* OH MY GOSH!!!!!

    *adds to TBR pile* This book sounds absolutely AMAZING, Giselle! I can’t believe I haven’t heard much about it before because the whole idea of it makes my breath catch, and the way you described Archer makes me really want to pick this book up!

    Amazing review, Giselle! I seriously can’t wait for this one to come out!! 🙂

  16. Missie

    Ha! I scrolled to the bottom of the comments and kept refreshing because I couldn’t see the comment box. I’m so dumb!

    Just by describing this one as the YA version of Dexter, you immediately painted a gruesome picture for me that matches the cover.

  17. Giselle

    @Missie: Bahaha Missie your comment made me laugh out loud!! I know it’s less common up top but I hate having to scroll through messages on other blogs to comment (especially when there are like 30+) =) So you’re not dumb – I just have to be different 😛

    I find the cover matched the story to a T and if you like Dexter you should def. give this a try!!

  20. Andrea @The Bookish Babes

    I loved Hushed so much. It’s one of my new favorites, for sure. I found myself so much more focused on Archer and the changes Evan inspired in him, than his actions (horrendous for sure!). What a great, great book.
    Great review!

  26. KTJ

    Lovely Review! I agree with everything you said, it was such a refreshing read, although I will mention I hate Dexter with a passion ahaha but I would probably like it if I actually watch it because I’m into thrillers.

    Great Review,
    -Kate
    Nomalicious Reads

  27. Giselle

    Thanks ladies! I’ve been noticing a lot of other really positive reviews on this one as well so it’s definitely worth a try!

    @kara-karina: The angst isn’t too bad it’s mostly this one side character and it goes well with the story.

    @KTJ: You hate Dexter!? *faints*
    Do you mean the books though? I haven’t ever read the books but the show is awesome. I’ve heard from people who’ve read and seen it that the show was much better with more character development. I def. say you try it because Michael C. Hall is fabulous!

  28. Jessi E. (The Elliott Review)

    I didn’t want to read a lot of this review since I haven’t read the book yet, but I did happen to see the words YA Dexter. I was already planning on reading, but now I’m even more excited about it because that sounds right up my alley!