Hush (Hush, #1)

by Dylan Farrow

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Hush in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Hush is Dylan Farrow's debut novel, and it is a little bit of everything, fantasy, romance, mystery, and so much more.

Shae has grown up in a world that some would describe as quiet. Though that quietness belies the danger and pain that is so common in her world. Shae watched her brother grow ill – and saw how it cost him his life.

That was the first of several tragedies for Shae, and she is no longer willing to stay silent anymore. Not about her fears. And certainly not about the truth she is determined to uncover.

“What I cannot say to her – what I cannot even understand myself – is that sometimes, I fear the dark will swallow me whole.”

Hush was a wholly unique and chilling reading experience. It was unlike anything else I had ever read, and left me feeling oddly unsettled by the time I came to the final page. This debut novel has been enough to draw my attention towards Dylan Farrow's writing.

All of that being said, I will confess that I did struggle to get into Hush. Though I couldn't quite put my finger on the why. Once I did though, I found it to be a dark yet enjoyable read. One that wasn't afraid to portray all of the dangers that can come with silence – as I said, it's a chilling read.

Truthfully, I am left with so many questions about this series, and the world it is set in. I would give anything to see more of the magical system, of the history, and even the larger world itself. Likewise, I wouldn't mind getting to know a few of the characters that appeared over the course of Hush.

One thing I did truly love about this read is how it seems to defy the definitions of genres. It's undoubtedly YA, but it is also fantasy, with a bit of feminist/women's fiction thrown into the mix as well. I wish this was a blend I saw more often if I'm being honest (seriously, if you can recommend more books like this, I will love you forever).

Also, apparently, I'm just oblivious? I missed all of the hype about Hush, so my review is really not biased based on any of that. I simply enjoyed the premise and the world – and would love to see another visit in it someday.

Check out more of my reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks