Dylan Farrow

If you didn't read the blurb, in 'Hush" we follow seventeen-year-old Shae who wholeheartedly believes she's cursed after the death of her younger brother five years prior. Tragedy strikes again when her mother is found murdered with a golden dagger—a weapon used only by the Bards. She ventures out to seek the truth and after locating the Bards whereabouts, she later discovers the truth behind the murder was a lot closer to home then what she initially thought.

Overall, this was an impressive debut from a celebrity that I have seen in a long time. Their track record ahem hasn't been great *side-eyeing Evelyn Lozada and KUWTK trash crew 'works of art'* and this was surprisingly well written and more so up my alley. It almost had me shook.

The plot was satisfactory. It was predictable at times but it still kept me mildly entertained. The romance portion. Meh. It could've been better but then again my heart was set on Mads because I mean… Mads was the book boyfriend of all book boyfriends and I will fight anyone that says otherwise! He was so sweet, endearing and swoonworthy! Why oh why didn't Shea fall for him?! Why did she have to go fuck up a good thing?! I understand he doesn't have the typical leading hero looks but c'mon, Ravod was alright but he didn't stand a chance against Mads. Ugh. So disappointing. Anyway I digress…

Moving along to the MC—Shae, the lead heroine, wasn't very likable. Side characters were great but something about her just rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it was her rash behavior that led to the disruption of her friendships with Mads and Fiona. It's understandable that her mother's death was absolutely gut-wrenching especially after losing her father and brother years prior but her approach, behavior and actions were abrupt and too rash for my liking. Her problem was that she never thought things through (not the brightest as you can see) and nearly put her loved ones and their families lives at risk. And in all honestly I would have probably reacted the same way her childhood friends did and distance myself from her and her mother's murder.

So to sum it all up, Dylan Farrow's 'Hush' has promise and I can't wait to follow this story with the upcoming installment. And if you still unsure if this is right for you, keep in mind that this is ideal for readers who enjoy young adult fantasy, adventure, magic, and a bit of mystery all bundled into one. So if you're a fan of all of that, jump aboard, you won't regret it.

… (lisätietoja)

Veil the second and final book in the Hush series by Dylan Farrow begins where the first ended. Shea, along with friends Fiona and Mags and Shea’s once Bard trainer, Kennan are heading to Gondal in pursuit of Ravod after he stole the Book of Days.What they find there will completely upend everything they have been taught to believe about magic, the Blot and the origins of the Book of Days.

Veil is an enjoyable and fast-paced YA fantasy. The world-building is interesting and the story kept my interest throughout. My one quibble with the story - I did get annoyed with Shea’s constant infatuation with Ravod despite every betrayal. Still, I’m not a fan of romance novels in general so you can take this criticism with a grain of salt. it should also be noted that this is definitely not a standalone as much of the action is dependent on the events of the first book. Overall, a fun read and I give it a high recommendation for fans of YA fantasy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review… (lisätietoja)