What do you think?
Rate this book
Hushed
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.
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.
229 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2011
About the author
Kelley York
18 books600 followersKelley resides off the coast of Northern California with her wife, dogs, cats, and birds. In addition to writing, she has her A.S. in Anthropology, and is a graphic designer with a successful book cover design business called Sleepy Fox Studio. She spends her spare time playing video games and tabletop games like the nerd she is. Her specialty is LGBT+ fiction, usually with a dark twist.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 420 reviews
July 19, 2012
Attention: This is a review for a queer book full of boy cuddles. If this makes you think
then press back and
if, however, your original thought was
then gather round and have a listen.
Okay so firstly, I loved this book. But it's not all about boy cuddles either, it's a very, very dark book. Archer is an 18-year old college student with a hit list:
Jay Lee
Ronny Brown
Brody Hilton
Richter Samuels
Hector Barnes
Bobby
Like Dexter, Archer is killing because these people have done terrible things. Unlike Dexter though, he doesn't enjoy this. There's a strange force compelling him to kill them and her name is Vivian. Not that she knows about the murders, but he feels like things won't be 'normal' until all her rapists are gone. Now if only she would notice him, even though they've been best friends their whole life.
But then along comes Evan with his over-sized puppy demeanor and his belief that Archer is a good person. And he's cute and irresistible and makes Archer believe he can leave this behind...
But let's just say...I wouldn't really call this a spoiler, more of a teaser, but quite a few more people than that hit list are gonna turn up dead...
Kelley is a great YA writer. I loved all things she made me feel! This was the most important part of the book to me, all the emotional connections I felt for the boys and for what was going on. I was so drawn in. And I suppose I had quite a connection (not that I have a hit list, haha but) because I've had a Vivian in my life. Maybe two, actually. Someone who continually causes you pain but you keep coming back hoping things will be better, things will go back to how they were if you keep trying and trying. I know the kind of hold it can have over you and my heart went out to Archer as he struggled with his inability to let go.
I loved Kelley's writing style and how introspective it is in Archer's mind. He is an empathetic character, yes, despite his secret activities. I also enjoyed the way she wrote physical actions, little things that people do between dialogue, that proved how well she saw this in her mind like a movie and how she captured it in words. I can't tell you how often her dialogue made me puppy-whimper and curl my toes with my inability to handle the cuteness, and/or the upsettingness of the situation.
And of course you're wondering about the gay content, I know you are. So while this is a YA and no, it's not a raunch-fest, what we do get is lots of boy cuddles, quite a few adorable kisses, and one hot scene that was delightsome.
Oh yes, ahem.
But as I said, this is not just about cuteness and boy-cuddles. This is a tale of love and its consequences so be prepared for the darkness and the blood and the death. Be prepared to be frustrated with Archer and his choices, and Vivian, that damn Vivian! LEAVE ARCHER ALONE.
I give this book 5 stars because of the emotional connections you make with the characters, the shocks and surprises, the male/male adorableness, the intense climax, and all the feels that I felt through all the craziness.
You rock, Kelley. Excellent writing debut and I so look forward to your second book :)
then press back and
if, however, your original thought was
then gather round and have a listen.
Okay so firstly, I loved this book. But it's not all about boy cuddles either, it's a very, very dark book. Archer is an 18-year old college student with a hit list:
Ronny Brown
Brody Hilton
Richter Samuels
Hector Barnes
Bobby
Like Dexter, Archer is killing because these people have done terrible things. Unlike Dexter though, he doesn't enjoy this. There's a strange force compelling him to kill them and her name is Vivian. Not that she knows about the murders, but he feels like things won't be 'normal' until all her rapists are gone. Now if only she would notice him, even though they've been best friends their whole life.
But then along comes Evan with his over-sized puppy demeanor and his belief that Archer is a good person. And he's cute and irresistible and makes Archer believe he can leave this behind...
But let's just say...I wouldn't really call this a spoiler, more of a teaser, but quite a few more people than that hit list are gonna turn up dead...
Kelley is a great YA writer. I loved all things she made me feel! This was the most important part of the book to me, all the emotional connections I felt for the boys and for what was going on. I was so drawn in. And I suppose I had quite a connection (not that I have a hit list, haha but) because I've had a Vivian in my life. Maybe two, actually. Someone who continually causes you pain but you keep coming back hoping things will be better, things will go back to how they were if you keep trying and trying. I know the kind of hold it can have over you and my heart went out to Archer as he struggled with his inability to let go.
I loved Kelley's writing style and how introspective it is in Archer's mind. He is an empathetic character, yes, despite his secret activities. I also enjoyed the way she wrote physical actions, little things that people do between dialogue, that proved how well she saw this in her mind like a movie and how she captured it in words. I can't tell you how often her dialogue made me puppy-whimper and curl my toes with my inability to handle the cuteness, and/or the upsettingness of the situation.
And of course you're wondering about the gay content, I know you are. So while this is a YA and no, it's not a raunch-fest, what we do get is lots of boy cuddles, quite a few adorable kisses, and one hot scene that was delightsome.
Oh yes, ahem.
But as I said, this is not just about cuteness and boy-cuddles. This is a tale of love and its consequences so be prepared for the darkness and the blood and the death. Be prepared to be frustrated with Archer and his choices, and Vivian, that damn Vivian! LEAVE ARCHER ALONE.
I give this book 5 stars because of the emotional connections you make with the characters, the shocks and surprises, the male/male adorableness, the intense climax, and all the feels that I felt through all the craziness.
You rock, Kelley. Excellent writing debut and I so look forward to your second book :)
August 6, 2020
3.5 Stars
Told in single POV, 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. This was my first read by this author. Even though I enjoyed this, still there were things that I didn’t like. First, there was so much of Viv here! It was like the main focus was more on Viv & Archer instead of Archer & Evan. I’d like to see Archer & Evan spend more time with each other. Second, the ending wasn’t promising. I needed something more solid. And third (this wasn’t really an issue for me but maybe it will for some of you), there wasn’t any sex scene. There were some brief kisses here and there but nothing really more! All in all, I liked reading this, hope you enjoy it as well!
Told in single POV, 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. This was my first read by this author. Even though I enjoyed this, still there were things that I didn’t like. First, there was so much of Viv here! It was like the main focus was more on Viv & Archer instead of Archer & Evan. I’d like to see Archer & Evan spend more time with each other. Second, the ending wasn’t promising. I needed something more solid. And third (this wasn’t really an issue for me but maybe it will for some of you), there wasn’t any sex scene. There were some brief kisses here and there but nothing really more! All in all, I liked reading this, hope you enjoy it as well!
December 8, 2011
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 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!
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 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!
January 22, 2024
Instagram || Threads || Facebook || Amazon || TikTok
HUSHED has been on my Kindle for a while but I wasn't in the right mental state to read it. Now that I've finished, I'm glad I waited, because this is one of those risk-taking books that kind of challenges the constraints of the genre its written in, and it does it for the best.
Archer is a stoic and damaged young man who is just starting college. He's incredibly withdrawn and depressed, and reads a little like an incel but without the sexism that goes hand in hand with that. He's desperately in love with his childhood friend, Vivian, an emotionally manipulative young woman who keeps getting into bad relationships where Archer ends up sidelined until she drops the guy and decides she needs him again. This is the forever cycle the two of them are locked into until Archer meets another guy named Evan.
This love triangle from hell would be toxic enough if Archer weren't also a murderer. Because he and Vivian basically grew up as brother and sister, and when they were still both kids, Archer saw Vivian's brother and all his friends sexually assault Viv. Now he's been slowly killing them off, one by one. And if Vivian-- or Evan-- ever finds out what he's been doing, there might be hell to pay.
HUSHED is a great book. It's one of the darker YA books I've ever read, which keeps the content from being darker than it probably would have been if it were an adult novel. The psychological elements are really well done and I was really impressed at how all of the characters were drawn. The whole thing is plotted like a movie, and I'm honestly shocked it doesn't have more ratings than it does. Any of the dark romance girlies who are also into M/M are going to LOVE this book. It has all the same beats.
4 to 4.5 stars
August 13, 2016
Goddamn, this is good.
I don't know how Kelley York does it, but it's like everything that comes out of her brain and fingers is magic.
Don't get me wrong, it does have a few flaws... I think. I mean, there must have been something. It's just that I couldn't see it.
From the writing to the characters to the plot – everything was masterfully narrated and fully developed.
Beware of the gushing.
Let's start with the writing, shall we?
It's quite original, to be honest. It has something different, something very individual, that I couldn't pinpoint at the beginning.
Sometimes I felt like I was being told every feeling Archer was experiencing, like there were no secrets left for me to discover on my own, but then I realised that what this novel is is not unsophisticated in matters of layering and secrecy – it's candid.
The protagonist is fucked up, intense, hurt, emotional, good and bad and everything in between – and it's all out in the open, for me to take with both hands and savour. And it feels wonderful, refreshing and startlingly intimate.
This kind of narration allows the reader to be completely swept along by the flow of events, aware of everything that's happening and without having to worry that they're missing some piece of information or being left out of the protagonist's head.
Kelley York, I've noticed, has this two-boys-and-a-girl pattern in all of her GLBT books – this one, Suicide Watch and the upcoming Made of Stars, which has me dying in anticipation – but it's never repetitive or stereotypical, and I can tell you why. This author gets human relationships and dynamics and how different and original they can be, and she gets them because she knows how to build a complex, well-rounded, intense, humane character, who relates to different people in different ways and reacts to what happens around them in a way that is their own.
Archer, Evan and Vivian (I chose to list them in alphabetical order because I can't figure out which one to put first, which should tell you something) stole my heart and trampled it. End.
I can't even talk about Archer, because he's so broken, hopeless yet strong and full of light that you should discover him for yourself, and figure out if you can blame him for what he did. I know I do. But then, I can also understand and forgive him. This is one of the reasons why I like this book (and its author) so much. This is not a character that makes you say “well, at the end of the day you can't really blame him” or “he was right all along” or “he's actually perfect, other people made him do this”, like most others do; this is a person who has made terrible mistakes. And yet I (and most other readers, from what I saw) still love him.
Evan... Evan is wonderful. Simply wonderful. Good, caring, sweet, strong – yet not perfect. He can push too hard while trying to help, he can blame people and be mad at them, he can give up and be defeated, although never completely – but what really matters is the way his essential goodness and ability to love shine through, and how he chooses to give all that love to Archer and get him through it all, helping as much as he can.
And help is what he does, because he's exactly what Archer needed – someone who would get him and love him no matter what he'd done in the past, no matter his irrational feelings for someone who doesn't even exist anymore.
In their relationship, the idea of “no strings attached” that Archer mentions is turned upside down, because here it doesn't mean physical comfort without emotional ties – it means love and affection without any expectation or debt towards each other.
His relationship with Evan aside, the other two major events or changes that Archer faces are coming to terms with the new face of the girl he thought he knew, accepting that she's not the girl he used to love anymore; and coming to terms with himself and with what he did.
And each of these is a long, slow, painful process, for him and for Evan; no easy cop-outs or fairytale happy endings.
And here comes the third element in this trio.
Vivian is a difficult one, and I think I'll end up pondering her actions for a while.
What I can say with absolute certainty is that she's fucked up. She's damaged. She has issues, and needs help. Is she evil, though?
(I seriously need to shut up. Just bear with me a little longer. Here's about the plot. Or, wait, I'm not telling you anything about that; here's about how the plot made me feel.)
The story happens over the course of three months – from August 31st to December 6th, and it feels weird to see how quickly things can change so much. Three months is a flash, a moment, considering the amount of traumatic events packed in here, but at times I could feel time trickle by, agonisingly slow, just like Archer perceived it, and that's only proof of Kelley York's talent in keeping readers on the edge of their seat, slowly dying inside and being sparked back to life with every chapter.
The second time around reading this novel – which happened because I want to review all of Kelley York's books (weird obsessions, anyone?) and because I wanted to see how much my opinion has changed after reading hundreds of other books with GLBT characters – I realised that I liked it so much the first time I read not because of the thrill of new-to-me gay deliciousness, but because it's fucking great, and that has nothing to do with the genre it could fit in.
Suspense, love, craziness – you've got it all.
---
Originally reviewed for The Blog of Sid Love, which is now dead.
I don't know how Kelley York does it, but it's like everything that comes out of her brain and fingers is magic.
Don't get me wrong, it does have a few flaws... I think. I mean, there must have been something. It's just that I couldn't see it.
From the writing to the characters to the plot – everything was masterfully narrated and fully developed.
Beware of the gushing.
Let's start with the writing, shall we?
It's quite original, to be honest. It has something different, something very individual, that I couldn't pinpoint at the beginning.
Sometimes I felt like I was being told every feeling Archer was experiencing, like there were no secrets left for me to discover on my own, but then I realised that what this novel is is not unsophisticated in matters of layering and secrecy – it's candid.
The protagonist is fucked up, intense, hurt, emotional, good and bad and everything in between – and it's all out in the open, for me to take with both hands and savour. And it feels wonderful, refreshing and startlingly intimate.
This kind of narration allows the reader to be completely swept along by the flow of events, aware of everything that's happening and without having to worry that they're missing some piece of information or being left out of the protagonist's head.
Kelley York, I've noticed, has this two-boys-and-a-girl pattern in all of her GLBT books – this one, Suicide Watch and the upcoming Made of Stars, which has me dying in anticipation – but it's never repetitive or stereotypical, and I can tell you why. This author gets human relationships and dynamics and how different and original they can be, and she gets them because she knows how to build a complex, well-rounded, intense, humane character, who relates to different people in different ways and reacts to what happens around them in a way that is their own.
Archer, Evan and Vivian (I chose to list them in alphabetical order because I can't figure out which one to put first, which should tell you something) stole my heart and trampled it. End.
I can't even talk about Archer, because he's so broken, hopeless yet strong and full of light that you should discover him for yourself, and figure out if you can blame him for what he did. I know I do. But then, I can also understand and forgive him. This is one of the reasons why I like this book (and its author) so much. This is not a character that makes you say “well, at the end of the day you can't really blame him” or “he was right all along” or “he's actually perfect, other people made him do this”, like most others do; this is a person who has made terrible mistakes. And yet I (and most other readers, from what I saw) still love him.
Evan... Evan is wonderful. Simply wonderful. Good, caring, sweet, strong – yet not perfect. He can push too hard while trying to help, he can blame people and be mad at them, he can give up and be defeated, although never completely – but what really matters is the way his essential goodness and ability to love shine through, and how he chooses to give all that love to Archer and get him through it all, helping as much as he can.
And help is what he does, because he's exactly what Archer needed – someone who would get him and love him no matter what he'd done in the past, no matter his irrational feelings for someone who doesn't even exist anymore.
In their relationship, the idea of “no strings attached” that Archer mentions is turned upside down, because here it doesn't mean physical comfort without emotional ties – it means love and affection without any expectation or debt towards each other.
His relationship with Evan aside, the other two major events or changes that Archer faces are coming to terms with the new face of the girl he thought he knew, accepting that she's not the girl he used to love anymore; and coming to terms with himself and with what he did.
And each of these is a long, slow, painful process, for him and for Evan; no easy cop-outs or fairytale happy endings.
And here comes the third element in this trio.
Vivian is a difficult one, and I think I'll end up pondering her actions for a while.
What I can say with absolute certainty is that she's fucked up. She's damaged. She has issues, and needs help. Is she evil, though?
(I seriously need to shut up. Just bear with me a little longer. Here's about the plot. Or, wait, I'm not telling you anything about that; here's about how the plot made me feel.)
The story happens over the course of three months – from August 31st to December 6th, and it feels weird to see how quickly things can change so much. Three months is a flash, a moment, considering the amount of traumatic events packed in here, but at times I could feel time trickle by, agonisingly slow, just like Archer perceived it, and that's only proof of Kelley York's talent in keeping readers on the edge of their seat, slowly dying inside and being sparked back to life with every chapter.
The second time around reading this novel – which happened because I want to review all of Kelley York's books (weird obsessions, anyone?) and because I wanted to see how much my opinion has changed after reading hundreds of other books with GLBT characters – I realised that I liked it so much the first time I read not because of the thrill of new-to-me gay deliciousness, but because it's fucking great, and that has nothing to do with the genre it could fit in.
Suspense, love, craziness – you've got it all.
---
Originally reviewed for The Blog of Sid Love, which is now dead.
May 19, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“To stay or let go. To keep going and see where his past decisions took him, or try grasping that second chance.
Do monsters get seconds chances?”
Kelley York's gorgeous writing has held a special place in my heart this past year, so it pains me to admit that Hushed was not one of the best examples of it. It still shined with her beautiful range of emotions and capturing the intensity of mental and emotional trauma inflicted upon the protagonist, Archer, but there was just something off about the writing that made it harder for me to enjoy it to it's full potential. 😔
I felt so awful for Archer - he really had such a terrible hand dealt to him - and the way that he was coping with his pain - as royally messed up as it was - I just wanted to wrap him in a warm blanket, give him a tight hug and keep him away from the claws and clutches of Vivian, someone so manipulative and self-indulgent, someone he was trying so hard to ease the pain for her - when she didn't hesitate to hurt him so much worse in the end.
“One could say that she didn’t protect you, too. But instead you’ve molded every facet of your life around her. You’ve been her personal punching bag all these years.”
Vivian and Archer had a very close relationship - growing up together with their mothers as close friends, Archer would do anything in his power to protect her - the lengths he went to show how much her cared for her, loved her - and for her to abuse that love as something that she could twist so wickedly - to be the one to toss him aside at any given moment, but return with false promises and jealous fits at his dislike to her incessant clinginess - my rage knew no boundaries. Because as much as it hurt to see Archer helpless to her wants - he never had the chance to be wanted by someone else - till he met Evan.
“He didn’t want Evan to stop petting him. It reminded him of how tired he was, and how such a soft touch could chase away even the worst of situations. “Why…? Why bother?” The hand petting him stilled, cupping the back of his neck.
“Because you’re my friend, Archer.” Evan lowered his lashes. “You’re important to me. And I don’t think enough people in your life pay enough attention to how you feel.”
I loved how Evan slowly got Archer to realize his own self-worth. Evan had such a calming presence to Archer's chaotic mindset - a sensible rational feeling to him that gave Archer a chance to breathe - to allow himself to just think about himself for a change - look after his own well-being. For so long, he's kept quiet about his own pains - his own mental struggles - so fixated on fixing Vivian's issues and problems, he never gave himself a chance. 💔 💔
Meeting Evan changed all that - I loved how their relationship naturally progressed into such a healthy and happy one - one Archer genuinely appreciated having in his life. The moments shared with Evan - trips to the ocean, the restful peaceful nights - they were a balm to his tormented lonely soul - something Vivian never could give him. 🩷🩷 And she resented Evan for that - so very much, that she would stop at nothing to get in their way - fueled by jealousy or rage - or simply madness in her attempt to hurt Archer, completely disregarding how much he has sacrificed for her all this time - and that made me so furious - that he was so helpless to her whims and pleas! 😭😭
“Evan raised his voice. “Everything you do, everything you think and say somehow ties back to Vivian. Her wants, her needs. You go where she tells you to go, do the things she wants to do. God, even your apartment isn’t yours. It’s hers. What you two have isn’t a relationship. You’re leeches. You feed off of her praise and attention, and she”—he spread his arms wide —“she sucks all the humanity and life right out of you. Take Vivian away, and what’s left?”
If Archer had not met Evan when he did - his life may have turned in a direction he was not expecting - it was heart-breaking to watch - to see how hard Evan tried his best to heal him - even when he felt it as futile - to get Archer out of Vivian's clutches - to not let him be prey to her troubles again. 😢
Either it was through his soft tender signs of affection, their brief bouts of intimacy, or even the gentleness of a kind touch or word, Archer craved for it - it was just too difficult for him to understand that he was worthy of it. And the chain of events that unfolded as he wondered if he would ever be needed for someone to care - abandoned by all those who he thought loved him for the broken tormented soul that he was.
“No, but maybe I like it when you need me.” His smile was a shy one, and Archer wondered if he’d ever get over that. Part of him hoped not. That same shyness he’d found so insufferable before, he now thought endearing.
He shook his head, smiling. “I think I need to do less of needing people, honestly.” As he turned to unlock the door, Evan grabbed his arm and pulled him back around. Barely a breath separated their mouths.
“Want me, then,” Evan murmured against his lips. “If you don’t need me, at least want me.”
🥺 🥺
But, despite all the emotional butterflies that fluttered within my heart, I was still left a little unsatisfied with the writing style. The pacing felt a bit off-kilter at times, and some of the transitions between the scenes were not as smooth as I would have liked or expected from Kelley York's works - but, maybe that's all me. 😟
I'm still glad I finally.read it, because Evan and Archer as a pair were very sweet together and the ending left such a bittersweet yet hopeful ache in my heart that they could survive from the ordeal they had pulled together as one. And that's really all that matters in the end. 🫂
“To stay or let go. To keep going and see where his past decisions took him, or try grasping that second chance.
Do monsters get seconds chances?”
Kelley York's gorgeous writing has held a special place in my heart this past year, so it pains me to admit that Hushed was not one of the best examples of it. It still shined with her beautiful range of emotions and capturing the intensity of mental and emotional trauma inflicted upon the protagonist, Archer, but there was just something off about the writing that made it harder for me to enjoy it to it's full potential. 😔
I felt so awful for Archer - he really had such a terrible hand dealt to him - and the way that he was coping with his pain - as royally messed up as it was - I just wanted to wrap him in a warm blanket, give him a tight hug and keep him away from the claws and clutches of Vivian, someone so manipulative and self-indulgent, someone he was trying so hard to ease the pain for her - when she didn't hesitate to hurt him so much worse in the end.
“One could say that she didn’t protect you, too. But instead you’ve molded every facet of your life around her. You’ve been her personal punching bag all these years.”
Vivian and Archer had a very close relationship - growing up together with their mothers as close friends, Archer would do anything in his power to protect her - the lengths he went to show how much her cared for her, loved her - and for her to abuse that love as something that she could twist so wickedly - to be the one to toss him aside at any given moment, but return with false promises and jealous fits at his dislike to her incessant clinginess - my rage knew no boundaries. Because as much as it hurt to see Archer helpless to her wants - he never had the chance to be wanted by someone else - till he met Evan.
“He didn’t want Evan to stop petting him. It reminded him of how tired he was, and how such a soft touch could chase away even the worst of situations. “Why…? Why bother?” The hand petting him stilled, cupping the back of his neck.
“Because you’re my friend, Archer.” Evan lowered his lashes. “You’re important to me. And I don’t think enough people in your life pay enough attention to how you feel.”
I loved how Evan slowly got Archer to realize his own self-worth. Evan had such a calming presence to Archer's chaotic mindset - a sensible rational feeling to him that gave Archer a chance to breathe - to allow himself to just think about himself for a change - look after his own well-being. For so long, he's kept quiet about his own pains - his own mental struggles - so fixated on fixing Vivian's issues and problems, he never gave himself a chance. 💔 💔
Meeting Evan changed all that - I loved how their relationship naturally progressed into such a healthy and happy one - one Archer genuinely appreciated having in his life. The moments shared with Evan - trips to the ocean, the restful peaceful nights - they were a balm to his tormented lonely soul - something Vivian never could give him. 🩷🩷 And she resented Evan for that - so very much, that she would stop at nothing to get in their way - fueled by jealousy or rage - or simply madness in her attempt to hurt Archer, completely disregarding how much he has sacrificed for her all this time - and that made me so furious - that he was so helpless to her whims and pleas! 😭😭
“Evan raised his voice. “Everything you do, everything you think and say somehow ties back to Vivian. Her wants, her needs. You go where she tells you to go, do the things she wants to do. God, even your apartment isn’t yours. It’s hers. What you two have isn’t a relationship. You’re leeches. You feed off of her praise and attention, and she”—he spread his arms wide —“she sucks all the humanity and life right out of you. Take Vivian away, and what’s left?”
If Archer had not met Evan when he did - his life may have turned in a direction he was not expecting - it was heart-breaking to watch - to see how hard Evan tried his best to heal him - even when he felt it as futile - to get Archer out of Vivian's clutches - to not let him be prey to her troubles again. 😢
Either it was through his soft tender signs of affection, their brief bouts of intimacy, or even the gentleness of a kind touch or word, Archer craved for it - it was just too difficult for him to understand that he was worthy of it. And the chain of events that unfolded as he wondered if he would ever be needed for someone to care - abandoned by all those who he thought loved him for the broken tormented soul that he was.
“No, but maybe I like it when you need me.” His smile was a shy one, and Archer wondered if he’d ever get over that. Part of him hoped not. That same shyness he’d found so insufferable before, he now thought endearing.
He shook his head, smiling. “I think I need to do less of needing people, honestly.” As he turned to unlock the door, Evan grabbed his arm and pulled him back around. Barely a breath separated their mouths.
“Want me, then,” Evan murmured against his lips. “If you don’t need me, at least want me.”
🥺 🥺
But, despite all the emotional butterflies that fluttered within my heart, I was still left a little unsatisfied with the writing style. The pacing felt a bit off-kilter at times, and some of the transitions between the scenes were not as smooth as I would have liked or expected from Kelley York's works - but, maybe that's all me. 😟
I'm still glad I finally.read it, because Evan and Archer as a pair were very sweet together and the ending left such a bittersweet yet hopeful ache in my heart that they could survive from the ordeal they had pulled together as one. And that's really all that matters in the end. 🫂
March 3, 2012
4.5 Stars
So many wonderful reviews about Hushed and deservedly so!
Yep I have to say it started with a bang! A great, great story emotional and absorbing with so many twists and turns and what a fantastic ending, a welcome surprise and one I never expected. The sign of a brilliant book for me is when the author manages to make me feel compassion and love, emotions I don't want or expect to feel for a "murderer" you want to hate him but you can't because he's so damn messed up. The confusion guilt and revenge it all rang true he wasn't a monster all he wanted was to be free of Vivian unfortunately he chose the destructive method to free himself.
Archer and Vivian are so embroiled and entangled in each others lives there is no end in sight but a bad one. They have a disturbing relationship which is unhealthy for everyone involved, too bad the tentacles weren't cut a long time ago. The best thing for Archer was Evan he was a godsend and the voice of reason, I loved him especially how he patiently stuck with Archer through it all and made him realize he could be happy and there was more to life than Vivian.
So did Archer deserve a second chance yes IMO because you know he will never fully recover or forget his terrible past. Highly recommended and pretty awesome in fact.
So many wonderful reviews about Hushed and deservedly so!
Yep I have to say it started with a bang! A great, great story emotional and absorbing with so many twists and turns and what a fantastic ending, a welcome surprise and one I never expected. The sign of a brilliant book for me is when the author manages to make me feel compassion and love, emotions I don't want or expect to feel for a "murderer" you want to hate him but you can't because he's so damn messed up. The confusion guilt and revenge it all rang true he wasn't a monster all he wanted was to be free of Vivian unfortunately he chose the destructive method to free himself.
Archer and Vivian are so embroiled and entangled in each others lives there is no end in sight but a bad one. They have a disturbing relationship which is unhealthy for everyone involved, too bad the tentacles weren't cut a long time ago. The best thing for Archer was Evan he was a godsend and the voice of reason, I loved him especially how he patiently stuck with Archer through it all and made him realize he could be happy and there was more to life than Vivian.
So did Archer deserve a second chance yes IMO because you know he will never fully recover or forget his terrible past. Highly recommended and pretty awesome in fact.
March 22, 2014
Read in October 2012.
Wow...what a thrilling, brillant story.
There are a lot of things going on in this book that make it a real page turner. Kelley York creates a bad guy - there are no illusions about how messed up Archer is - and portrays him in a way that we find ourselves loving him and only wanting good things for him. Archer has reasons for doing what he's doing. In love with his best friend Vivian and put through so much in his life, he kills for her. Vivian is evil and cruel, a master manipulator and controlling freak. I literally wanted to reach into my Kindle and hurt her.
But then Evan shows up, the calm to Archer’s chaos, the yin to Archers yang and absolutely adorable. He has a special presence, a shyness and a goodness that balances out Archer’s dark side. It's interesting to watch them becoming friends and finally lovers. Evan is the best thing that could have happened to Archer, together they are achingly sweet.
Hushed is a gripping, suspenseful story that made my heart race and kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s dark, twisted, chilling and heart-melting, a brilliant, outstanding story. Highly recommended!
Wow...what a thrilling, brillant story.
There are a lot of things going on in this book that make it a real page turner. Kelley York creates a bad guy - there are no illusions about how messed up Archer is - and portrays him in a way that we find ourselves loving him and only wanting good things for him. Archer has reasons for doing what he's doing. In love with his best friend Vivian and put through so much in his life, he kills for her. Vivian is evil and cruel, a master manipulator and controlling freak. I literally wanted to reach into my Kindle and hurt her.
But then Evan shows up, the calm to Archer’s chaos, the yin to Archers yang and absolutely adorable. He has a special presence, a shyness and a goodness that balances out Archer’s dark side. It's interesting to watch them becoming friends and finally lovers. Evan is the best thing that could have happened to Archer, together they are achingly sweet.
Hushed is a gripping, suspenseful story that made my heart race and kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s dark, twisted, chilling and heart-melting, a brilliant, outstanding story. Highly recommended!
December 16, 2016
Bueno, para empezar, la historia tiene muchos puntos que la pueden definir como un "cliché", ya saben, el amigo enamorado de la amiga, el clásico sujeto que trata de arreglar a la gente rota, y bla, bla, bla. Pero, ¿saben? La trama es buena en esencia, y aún cuando se pueda pensar que el libro no es más que una recopilación de "cariñitos" entre dos chicos, la verdad es que, este es un libro bastante oscuro. Y eso me agradó de sobremanera.
Hay cosas que yo definitivamente habría cambiado, pero el argumento, en mi muy humilde opinión, es bastante bueno.
Hay cosas que yo definitivamente habría cambiado, pero el argumento, en mi muy humilde opinión, es bastante bueno.
December 6, 2014
Wow!! This book has been on my kindle since February, and kept trying to raise it's head above water several times...but always ended up sinking back down into the depths, not on THIS occasion however !!
and let's have a quick peek at the dancing girls
What a fabulous book. I'm not going to waffle on here...life's too short and I'm too busy. This is a perfect example of what happens when a person, in this case Archer, is totally in thrall to another (Vivian..and what a horrible bitch she was!) and will do literally anything for them....including murder, and I have to say Kelley York must be a damn good author cos I totally empathised with Archer and just wanted to give him a huge hug, he'd had an awful life!!
Evan was, well, amazing!! A little creepy at first..I thought stalker material, but it just turned out that he wanted Archer, wanted to protect him and keep him safe. Most of the quotes from the book that I've highlighted are made by Evan 'Viv had people who loved her too. People who would've done anything to help her get through things. Instead, she chose to use you (Archer) as her trampoline. There to give her a high when she needed it, and there to catch her when it got to be too much' and there were some heartbreaking ones from Archer himself 'Did hope have a scent? If it did, it would've smelled like Evan' and 'He missed the old Vivian, and he was trying to come to terms with the fact the girl he loved had been dead for a long time' and the 'piece de resistance' for me 'I've broken myself to pieces trying to help her. I can't do it any more.'
This book was awesome, nail biting, edge of your seat tension...I couldn't put it down, and I was totally gobsmacked at the ending....and so, so happy for Archer and Evan!!
Thanks to my lovely Tina for making me push it up the queue!! x
June 26, 2014
An intense, unconventional book about eighteen-year-old Archer and his best friend Vivian. Ever since their youths they stuck together and told each other everything, but after something horrible happens to Vivian, Archer makes it his goal to kill everyone complicit in the crime. His vendetta shifts when he meets Evan, the first person to take an interest in Archer for Archer's sake. Vivian, however, does not approve of Evan, and she does her best to dismantle Archer and all he has accomplished: even if it leaves both of them with blood on their hands.
Kelley York kept me asking questions when I read Hushed. The entire time, I wanted to know more: why is Archer so dedicated to Vivian in the first place? What pushed him to murder? What will happen next? The suspense and mystery moved the plot at a fast pace, and York does a great job balancing all the unique aspects of Hushed: the bisexual, reclusive narrator, the psychotic best friend, and the college setting that encompasses the story.
My favorite part of Hushed was the character interactions. Archer and Vivian both have so much baggage, and they possess complex, convoluted personalities - the two of them together acted as one of the most uncouth YA friendships I've read. Evan and Archer's relationship felt honest, too, and Archer's development as a person with Evan's help gave Hushed an honest and well-executed resolution.
Recommended to those searching for a different kind of YA, featuring a Dexter-like protagonist who has twisted relationships with both a boy and a girl. York's prose flies by and Hushed will keep you on your toes.
Kelley York kept me asking questions when I read Hushed. The entire time, I wanted to know more: why is Archer so dedicated to Vivian in the first place? What pushed him to murder? What will happen next? The suspense and mystery moved the plot at a fast pace, and York does a great job balancing all the unique aspects of Hushed: the bisexual, reclusive narrator, the psychotic best friend, and the college setting that encompasses the story.
My favorite part of Hushed was the character interactions. Archer and Vivian both have so much baggage, and they possess complex, convoluted personalities - the two of them together acted as one of the most uncouth YA friendships I've read. Evan and Archer's relationship felt honest, too, and Archer's development as a person with Evan's help gave Hushed an honest and well-executed resolution.
Recommended to those searching for a different kind of YA, featuring a Dexter-like protagonist who has twisted relationships with both a boy and a girl. York's prose flies by and Hushed will keep you on your toes.
November 27, 2011
My thoughts
Cover: A simply dark cover in my opinion. Because of it simplicity it catches your attention. Not girl –ified. No bare chest model. Like those but their overdone. It catches your attention becuase of the the blood smears on his cheek. I ask myself what happened when I see that.
Book: When I saw it on Goodreads in August and read the synopsis I immediately added it to my wishlist and it is still there. I received a e- ARC. When I got a chance to review it after being declined a multiple number of times on Net Galley, I did not let this opportunity pass me by.
The book begins where Archer, our leading male, forces a victim to commit suicide. I started this and I thought it was like a teenage Dexter. I love that show but can’t feel compassion for Dex. In archer’s case I could. He is a soul but throughout the book I felt compassion and began to care for this character. Ok he is a serial killer, which is not good. In his mind killing the teenagers that hurt Vivian, his best friend, will undo the hurt that they put her through.
I felt compassion for Viv. I felt sorry for the crappy relationships and the poor picking of boyfriends. She is always choosing jerks and lowlifes that hurt her in the end emotionally and as a result she cries and finds support in Archer, her best friend.
But everything changes when Evan comes in to their lives. Archer first meets Evan on the college campus when he asks for directions to the administration building. He does not know what’s so alluring about him, but he makes him feel calm. They spend more and more time together and Archer starts to feel for Evan and Evan for Archer. Archer does not want to kill anymore.
But little Miss Vivian (she is not little lol, a college kid)starts to notice things and sees her Viv/Archer time dwindling. The person both Archer and myself [to me characters are real in alternative universe] thought she was, turns out to be an illusion. My compassion plummeted to ground zero.
In my opinion the baddest, most manipulative protagonist of the year belongs to her. She is the driving force of the novel.
This is one of darkest, emotional YA releases of the year. This book is a huge thriller especially near the end. Any one not comfortable with older dark YA or new adult, male-male love and some graphic scenes it may not be for you. Can’t wait what Kelly thinks up next.
Cover: A simply dark cover in my opinion. Because of it simplicity it catches your attention. Not girl –ified. No bare chest model. Like those but their overdone. It catches your attention becuase of the the blood smears on his cheek. I ask myself what happened when I see that.
Book: When I saw it on Goodreads in August and read the synopsis I immediately added it to my wishlist and it is still there. I received a e- ARC. When I got a chance to review it after being declined a multiple number of times on Net Galley, I did not let this opportunity pass me by.
The book begins where Archer, our leading male, forces a victim to commit suicide. I started this and I thought it was like a teenage Dexter. I love that show but can’t feel compassion for Dex. In archer’s case I could. He is a soul but throughout the book I felt compassion and began to care for this character. Ok he is a serial killer, which is not good. In his mind killing the teenagers that hurt Vivian, his best friend, will undo the hurt that they put her through.
I felt compassion for Viv. I felt sorry for the crappy relationships and the poor picking of boyfriends. She is always choosing jerks and lowlifes that hurt her in the end emotionally and as a result she cries and finds support in Archer, her best friend.
But everything changes when Evan comes in to their lives. Archer first meets Evan on the college campus when he asks for directions to the administration building. He does not know what’s so alluring about him, but he makes him feel calm. They spend more and more time together and Archer starts to feel for Evan and Evan for Archer. Archer does not want to kill anymore.
But little Miss Vivian (she is not little lol, a college kid)starts to notice things and sees her Viv/Archer time dwindling. The person both Archer and myself [to me characters are real in alternative universe] thought she was, turns out to be an illusion. My compassion plummeted to ground zero.
In my opinion the baddest, most manipulative protagonist of the year belongs to her. She is the driving force of the novel.
This is one of darkest, emotional YA releases of the year. This book is a huge thriller especially near the end. Any one not comfortable with older dark YA or new adult, male-male love and some graphic scenes it may not be for you. Can’t wait what Kelly thinks up next.
August 2, 2016
This review is going to be the most subjective one I've ever written. I warned you.
This book (probably) deals with very serious topics, but due to the fact that I couldn't connect to the charactersand that I'm a heartless ass and compassionate af, I couldn't really get into it. So bear with me and my sarcasm. And there will be a lot of it. Again, I warned you.
Something happened when Archer and Vivian were kids. You don't have to be a genius to figure out what exactly happened even after reading first 20 pages. And now Vivian chooses her boyfriends carefully — only drug addicts/abusive guys shalt pass.*
But.
What the fuck was that aforementioned girl thinking when she started one unhealthy relationship after another letting her boyfriends treat her like trash? What was that aforementioned girl thinking when she told them to get the hell out of her life and then she forgave them? What was the point of all that? Couldn't she be alone? Well, excuse me, ma'am, but you were digging your own grave all that time.
And here is Archer. That sweet best-friend-forever boy who was always by her side. Who was the only one who really cared about her all that time. And, ironically, the only one she didn't really pay attention to, except when she needed a shoulder to cry on. So now, I guess, we all should feel sorry for the guy, cause he was there for her when she needed him. He never did anything wrong, never beat her, was always the most supportive and protective friend she could ever imagine, but was the one left aside when she found another boyfriend.
But.
Archer decided he could play God and murder all the guys that ever hurt Viv.** Unlike Dexter he didn't feel good about it, but he still did it, because he knew that Viv needed it in order to be free of all the haunting memories, in order to be happy. With her superhero Archer.
And Archer did his job indeed well. He never left any track, always made it look as if these were suicides or accidents, cause who would care about some drug-addicts? And the police did their job well too. They could never connect the dots, cause who would see that all the dead guys were connected to the very same girl? What nonsense!
And here's where Evan appears and Archer starts acting in this "I didn't want to say it, but still said it"/"I didn't mean to do it, but there was something about this guy.. so I did" way.
And even though Evan is sweet and compassionate af, unlike me, he's probably the most sensible character in Hushed. He didn't fall under Vivian's spells and can clearly see that Archer's world is spinning around her, while she's being a manipulative bitch. Alas, notwithstanding that Archer starts to see it himself, all Viv has to do is to call him and he'll come running to her, again and again.
When Vivan starts to show her not-so-sweet side, Archer finally starts to doubt his decisions and fall for Evan. But how dared this sensible guy steal her best friend? As one more death follows, Vivian manages to connect the dots and then she has her own plans for Archer's list of victims. There are still two names in it, but she has one more to add.
The first problem I faced was absolutely no reasons to like the characters. And maybe it's okay, since they don't give you any. Vivian Hilton makes one bad decision after another, Archer Pond is her toy with no other friends than Viv. I find it very difficult to sympathize with them, since they're the ones to blame for what's happening in their lives now. What happened to them when they were kids is horrible, but trying to justify everything based on the past? No. No, no, no. It's not a good reason for killing people. It's not a good reason for having 1000 toxic relationships in a row. You're the only one who's responsible for your life.
The second problem was romance. I still can't see the objective reason for it. We meet Evan on the 10th page and Archer immediately starts doing things he didn't think he'd ever do, i.e, talking to some stranger, inviting him to his house, etc. Obviously, Evan plays the role of the voice of reason, but wasn't it way too fast? For 18 years Archer's life was spinning around one girl, he was obsessed with her, he wanted her, and whoa, here's this guy telling him she's not so good for him and all of a sudden it all starts to make sense. Not right away, of course, Mr. Pond had some moments of denying, but still. His obsession with Viv transforms into need in Evan's support, Evan's heat, Evan's presence. Because Evan doesn't need anything from Archer. Basically, what I see, is the transformation of one obsession into another. Does it sound healthy to you? What if we removed everyone from this equation except for Archer? How miserable his life would be? And the romance is so undeveloped. Evan kept trying to save Archer both from himself and Vivian, so Archer became Evan's Vivian, dragging him down to the bottom. I'm such a horrible person, but as they say, you can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped. For me a boy letting a girl play with him for so many years doesn't look like the one who wants to be helped. And what was wrong with Evan? I guess it's a common thing to talk to the murderer who decided to play God and kill people who did something to his best friend, cause I don't see any fucking reason to stay calm and be kinda okay with it.
The third problem I faced was the writing style. It was simply so.. obvious? Plain? I get that the character got shy with all the descriptions of blush/lowered eyes, no need to point that out. The dialogues, even murder scenes were too dull.
Side story lines were poorly developed too: Archer's mother hating her son, Viv's mother dying. And I still can't see the reason for including Evan's parents to the story. Was it an example of great accepting parents who found out his son loved boys? What was the point, really? The ending was supposed to be shocking, I think, but it wasn't. Archer and Vivian are so worth each other.
This book (probably) deals with very serious topics, but due to the fact that I couldn't connect to the characters
Something happened when Archer and Vivian were kids. You don't have to be a genius to figure out what exactly happened even after reading first 20 pages. And now Vivian chooses her boyfriends carefully — only drug addicts/abusive guys shalt pass.*
“And…he’s agreed to get in to see a therapist. Start some anger management classes.” She worried at the inside of her lower lip. “He really wants me back, apologized over and over… and I’d like to give it a try.”*I don't support unhealthy/abusive relationships and I'm not claiming all those guys had any rights to beat a girl. They did not. And I'm not justifying them. They're still jerks.
But.
What the fuck was that aforementioned girl thinking when she started one unhealthy relationship after another letting her boyfriends treat her like trash? What was that aforementioned girl thinking when she told them to get the hell out of her life and then she forgave them? What was the point of all that? Couldn't she be alone? Well, excuse me, ma'am, but you were digging your own grave all that time.
And here is Archer. That sweet best-friend-forever boy who was always by her side. Who was the only one who really cared about her all that time. And, ironically, the only one she didn't really pay attention to, except when she needed a shoulder to cry on. So now, I guess, we all should feel sorry for the guy, cause he was there for her when she needed him. He never did anything wrong, never beat her, was always the most supportive and protective friend she could ever imagine, but was the one left aside when she found another boyfriend.
But.
Archer decided he could play God and murder all the guys that ever hurt Viv.** Unlike Dexter he didn't feel good about it, but he still did it, because he knew that Viv needed it in order to be free of all the haunting memories, in order to be happy. With her superhero Archer.
She could have done better. Much better. Why not him? The one guy who would never ditch her, never hurt her. God knew he’d waited around long enough for her to notice him. He’d been tempted to add Mickey to his list months ago, but there was a line Mick hadn’t crossed to push Archer that far. He was an ass, but he hadn’t physically hurt her. Yet.**Personally I support neither capital punishment nor the Lynch law, not that they're showed in the book. But I still feel the need to mention it, cause I find other ways of punishment to be much more effective.
And Archer did his job indeed well. He never left any track, always made it look as if these were suicides or accidents, cause who would care about some drug-addicts? And the police did their job well too. They could never connect the dots, cause who would see that all the dead guys were connected to the very same girl? What nonsense!
And here's where Evan appears and Archer starts acting in this "I didn't want to say it, but still said it"/"I didn't mean to do it, but there was something about this guy.. so I did" way.
“Anyway, thanks. See you around.”
“Hey, uh—What’s your name?”
What? No. That should have been it. Archer didn’t do small talk, especially with strangers. But he was raised with manners so he stopped, turned, looked at him. Patience. Another thing he wasn’t great at.
“Archer. I’m guessing you’re new.”
And even though Evan is sweet and compassionate af, unlike me, he's probably the most sensible character in Hushed. He didn't fall under Vivian's spells and can clearly see that Archer's world is spinning around her, while she's being a manipulative bitch. Alas, notwithstanding that Archer starts to see it himself, all Viv has to do is to call him and he'll come running to her, again and again.
When Vivan starts to show her not-so-sweet side, Archer finally starts to doubt his decisions and fall for Evan. But how dared this sensible guy steal her best friend? As one more death follows, Vivian manages to connect the dots and then she has her own plans for Archer's list of victims. There are still two names in it, but she has one more to add.
The first problem I faced was absolutely no reasons to like the characters. And maybe it's okay, since they don't give you any. Vivian Hilton makes one bad decision after another, Archer Pond is her toy with no other friends than Viv. I find it very difficult to sympathize with them, since they're the ones to blame for what's happening in their lives now. What happened to them when they were kids is horrible, but trying to justify everything based on the past? No. No, no, no. It's not a good reason for killing people. It's not a good reason for having 1000 toxic relationships in a row. You're the only one who's responsible for your life.
The second problem was romance. I still can't see the objective reason for it. We meet Evan on the 10th page and Archer immediately starts doing things he didn't think he'd ever do, i.e, talking to some stranger, inviting him to his house, etc. Obviously, Evan plays the role of the voice of reason, but wasn't it way too fast? For 18 years Archer's life was spinning around one girl, he was obsessed with her, he wanted her, and whoa, here's this guy telling him she's not so good for him and all of a sudden it all starts to make sense. Not right away, of course, Mr. Pond had some moments of denying, but still. His obsession with Viv transforms into need in Evan's support, Evan's heat, Evan's presence. Because Evan doesn't need anything from Archer. Basically, what I see, is the transformation of one obsession into another. Does it sound healthy to you? What if we removed everyone from this equation except for Archer? How miserable his life would be? And the romance is so undeveloped. Evan kept trying to save Archer both from himself and Vivian, so Archer became Evan's Vivian, dragging him down to the bottom. I'm such a horrible person, but as they say, you can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped. For me a boy letting a girl play with him for so many years doesn't look like the one who wants to be helped. And what was wrong with Evan? I guess it's a common thing to talk to the murderer who decided to play God and kill people who did something to his best friend, cause I don't see any fucking reason to stay calm and be kinda okay with it.
The third problem I faced was the writing style. It was simply so.. obvious? Plain? I get that the character got shy with all the descriptions of blush/lowered eyes, no need to point that out. The dialogues, even murder scenes were too dull.
Side story lines were poorly developed too: Archer's mother hating her son, Viv's mother dying. And I still can't see the reason for including Evan's parents to the story. Was it an example of great accepting parents who found out his son loved boys? What was the point, really? The ending was supposed to be shocking, I think, but it wasn't. Archer and Vivian are so worth each other.
He could stay with Vivian and do this one last thing for her, or could he be alone. Alone was the more terrifying of his options.What is the moral of the story? The problem of people is a fear to stay alone, even though it means allowing others to treat you awfully or doing wrong, cruel things. But sorry, I knew it from the very beginning.
July 29, 2016
I really don't know how to feel about this book. Overall I enjoyed it.
Apart from Evan, I didn't like any of the other characters. I was meh about Archer and I totally detested Vivian. There are so many characters with a twisted mind in this book.
Initially you begin to hate Archer and kinda like and support Vivian. But at some point, you begin to feel the opposite.
There aren't many things I can say without spoiling the story, though it was predictable. The book is fast paced and of course I am a sucker for mm romance(Archer & Evan are sooo good together [insert puppy eyes here], so 4 stars :))
I'll be checking more works by this author.
Apart from Evan, I didn't like any of the other characters. I was meh about Archer and I totally detested Vivian. There are so many characters with a twisted mind in this book.
Initially you begin to hate Archer and kinda like and support Vivian. But at some point, you begin to feel the opposite.
There aren't many things I can say without spoiling the story, though it was predictable. The book is fast paced and of course I am a sucker for mm romance(Archer & Evan are sooo good together [insert puppy eyes here], so 4 stars :))
I'll be checking more works by this author.
March 6, 2013
Ooooh, I really liked this one. Review coming next week BECAUSE IT'S SPRING BREAK, BITCHES~
No joke, I actually flailed.
No joke, I actually flailed.
July 5, 2014
Do monsters deserve a second chance?
Wow, this book is book is a tough one. I was gripped from the beginning and although this isn't the typical romance, I loved it. This book would not be for some readers. It's dark and disturbing, it has it's brilliant points. But at the end of the day it's not in everyone's comfort zone. Mine just happens to be in my own comfort zone.
To star off, Archer, to me, wasn't the evil bad guy some may see him as. In love with his best friend and put through so much in his life, he killed for her. A lot of people would so similar in those same circumstances. I found it hard to find him good for a long time. There was a turning point for me that made my eyes open, then a second one that cemented my feelings for him.
His and Evan's relationship was rocky to say the least. I wondered if anything would come from it. It was a friendship in the beginning. But to anyone with eyes and a brain it was obvious there was something. Archer was different around Even. Even the day they met was different. He was different and I could sense the attraction there. He was bad though and didn't chase after Evan.
As the story progressed I felt less like Archer was evil and more like he was sick. It was no shock to me he was messed up. His actions, though not justified, were not entirely his fault. His whole being was full of pain and torture. And I will admit, I had zero sympathy for Vivian. I hated her with a very strong passion. She was not a redeemable character for me. I consider her just as bad if not worse than the characters who were killed.
The ending was not a typical HEA. It was happy and hopeful though. It left us with something that fitted the story. I was glad it ended on Archer and Evan instead of Vivian or another character. As a reader I found myself thrilled reading this. Not for everyone, but definitely right up my street.
Highly recommend this book!
Wow, this book is book is a tough one. I was gripped from the beginning and although this isn't the typical romance, I loved it. This book would not be for some readers. It's dark and disturbing, it has it's brilliant points. But at the end of the day it's not in everyone's comfort zone. Mine just happens to be in my own comfort zone.
To star off, Archer, to me, wasn't the evil bad guy some may see him as. In love with his best friend and put through so much in his life, he killed for her. A lot of people would so similar in those same circumstances. I found it hard to find him good for a long time. There was a turning point for me that made my eyes open, then a second one that cemented my feelings for him.
His and Evan's relationship was rocky to say the least. I wondered if anything would come from it. It was a friendship in the beginning. But to anyone with eyes and a brain it was obvious there was something. Archer was different around Even. Even the day they met was different. He was different and I could sense the attraction there. He was bad though and didn't chase after Evan.
As the story progressed I felt less like Archer was evil and more like he was sick. It was no shock to me he was messed up. His actions, though not justified, were not entirely his fault. His whole being was full of pain and torture. And I will admit, I had zero sympathy for Vivian. I hated her with a very strong passion. She was not a redeemable character for me. I consider her just as bad if not worse than the characters who were killed.
The ending was not a typical HEA. It was happy and hopeful though. It left us with something that fitted the story. I was glad it ended on Archer and Evan instead of Vivian or another character. As a reader I found myself thrilled reading this. Not for everyone, but definitely right up my street.
Highly recommend this book!
August 25, 2017
Have you ever read an -or is it a?- lgbt book just for the cuteness, cuddles and the vanilla? Admit it, you have.
Well, it's ten times better when you read all that with a touch of darkness, serial killings and a straight love triangle included!
Hushed is about a teen boy who is after the rapist of his best friend, but instead of avenging her eye for an eye, he is out to kill them and making it look like an accident, he created a hit list and is doing his plan until he met Evan who made him feel guilty, innocent and loved again, so when he is trying to quit everything disagrees and Karma has other plans for him.
I loved this book for many reasons, be it Evan, the writing style, and that it got me out of my reading slump! I stayed in bed two nights reading this nonstop! The thrill was too much and the way this author told a story is quite easy and intriguing at the same time.
I recommend this book for a cocktail of all things amazing that we might look for in a light read!
Well, it's ten times better when you read all that with a touch of darkness, serial killings and a straight love triangle included!
Hushed is about a teen boy who is after the rapist of his best friend, but instead of avenging her eye for an eye, he is out to kill them and making it look like an accident, he created a hit list and is doing his plan until he met Evan who made him feel guilty, innocent and loved again, so when he is trying to quit everything disagrees and Karma has other plans for him.
I loved this book for many reasons, be it Evan, the writing style, and that it got me out of my reading slump! I stayed in bed two nights reading this nonstop! The thrill was too much and the way this author told a story is quite easy and intriguing at the same time.
I recommend this book for a cocktail of all things amazing that we might look for in a light read!
November 7, 2011
Right off the bat, I want to say thanks to the publisher and the Fantasy & YA Addicted group for the opportunity to read this book.
Wow, this is probably one the top five books I’ve read this year.
Amazing can’t describe. I was captivated by the first words and it never stopped until my stunned silence at the end.
Archer is probably the most flawed characters I’ve ever read about, almost to the point of being non-redeemable. However, the book was still that good. I can’t think of words to describe the story without giving too much away, but there is m/m romance (no sex scenes). I of course was hoping that things would work out with Vivian, but I’m a girl and wanted to love Archer. But Evan was great, fabulous even and a better choice for him.
I probably will have more to say later, but I’m still reeling over the ending of the book. I wonder if this is a standalone book or if the story will continue????
I highly recommend this book!
Wow, this is probably one the top five books I’ve read this year.
Amazing can’t describe. I was captivated by the first words and it never stopped until my stunned silence at the end.
Archer is probably the most flawed characters I’ve ever read about, almost to the point of being non-redeemable. However, the book was still that good. I can’t think of words to describe the story without giving too much away, but there is m/m romance (no sex scenes). I of course was hoping that things would work out with Vivian, but I’m a girl and wanted to love Archer. But Evan was great, fabulous even and a better choice for him.
I probably will have more to say later, but I’m still reeling over the ending of the book. I wonder if this is a standalone book or if the story will continue????
I highly recommend this book!
April 9, 2013
deleting reviews if you want to take a look at them you can do so on my blog, link on my profile
January 12, 2012
It took me a while after finishing to figure out how to rate this book. I couldn't decide if this book was absolutely brilliant and I loved it, or if it was too messed up and I hated it.
After several day's worth of reflection, I'm going to say that I liked it. The book sits around a 3.5 for me and I had to ponder whether to round up or down with the stars. I read the story in almost in one sitting, and consider it a high 4 for uniqueness and entertainment value. What dragged it down a bit for me was the way I felt unsettled with the conclusion. If it's any help, most people I know who've read the book gave it 5 stars, so that speaks highly of the author's ability to draw a person into the story.
What I liked :
The book was twisted. Lies, deceit and murder - oh my!
The killer was not necessarily repentant. Over time, he started to gain some insight as to "why" he shouldn't be killing, but even with some guilt, I don't think he fully ever grasped the difference between right and wrong.
The love interest was the same sex, but it wasn't made out to be a big earth-shattering deal. First, Archer loved a girl, then he loved a boy. I liked that the story was simply about him finding someone to love and trust, not about the sex of the person he wanted. Him falling for Evan felt like a natural progression.
What I didn't like :
Vivian. I get that she was supposed to be hated. If Archer had not grown to hate her, he never would have moved on past her. However, her character was painfully annoying to read. I disliked just about every scene she was in. She was necessary to drive the plot, but reading about her was like listening to nails on a chalkboard. I'm not sure what I would have done different as an author with this character, so I can't really find too much fault. Things had to go down the way they did. I get it.
What Vivian became at the end. I won't drop any spoilers, but I felt like there had to be a better way to wrap up the story without it going that direction. This part of the plot was too much of a repeat of another person.
The lack of accountability. Again, without dropping major spoilers (it's really hard NOT to!), I'm not completely happy with how everything turned out. I'm not saying that there wasn't some accountability (because there was), but it didn't come about to the extent that I think it should have. This is not to say that I disliked the ending completely. Surprisingly, the hopeful person in me enjoyed the ending. The realist in me did not. This is what would be called a draw, I think.
For those who have read the book, this is my dilemma :
That's sort of repetitive of what I put on my notes for this review, but if you want to know more about my feelings on that, check out my notes.
After several day's worth of reflection, I'm going to say that I liked it. The book sits around a 3.5 for me and I had to ponder whether to round up or down with the stars. I read the story in almost in one sitting, and consider it a high 4 for uniqueness and entertainment value. What dragged it down a bit for me was the way I felt unsettled with the conclusion. If it's any help, most people I know who've read the book gave it 5 stars, so that speaks highly of the author's ability to draw a person into the story.
What I liked :
The book was twisted. Lies, deceit and murder - oh my!
The killer was not necessarily repentant. Over time, he started to gain some insight as to "why" he shouldn't be killing, but even with some guilt, I don't think he fully ever grasped the difference between right and wrong.
The love interest was the same sex, but it wasn't made out to be a big earth-shattering deal. First, Archer loved a girl, then he loved a boy. I liked that the story was simply about him finding someone to love and trust, not about the sex of the person he wanted. Him falling for Evan felt like a natural progression.
What I didn't like :
Vivian. I get that she was supposed to be hated. If Archer had not grown to hate her, he never would have moved on past her. However, her character was painfully annoying to read. I disliked just about every scene she was in. She was necessary to drive the plot, but reading about her was like listening to nails on a chalkboard. I'm not sure what I would have done different as an author with this character, so I can't really find too much fault. Things had to go down the way they did. I get it.
What Vivian became at the end. I won't drop any spoilers, but I felt like there had to be a better way to wrap up the story without it going that direction. This part of the plot was too much of a repeat of another person.
The lack of accountability. Again, without dropping major spoilers (it's really hard NOT to!), I'm not completely happy with how everything turned out. I'm not saying that there wasn't some accountability (because there was), but it didn't come about to the extent that I think it should have. This is not to say that I disliked the ending completely. Surprisingly, the hopeful person in me enjoyed the ending. The realist in me did not. This is what would be called a draw, I think.
For those who have read the book, this is my dilemma :
That's sort of repetitive of what I put on my notes for this review, but if you want to know more about my feelings on that, check out my notes.
November 11, 2011
Hushed by Kelley York
This is one of the best novels I have read this month maybe even this year. When I first received Hushed I thought it was going to be about a young man who is seeking revenge on behalf of his best friend Vivian. He would do anything for her, even kill.
So as we start reading this story Archer has just killed one of the men on his list, you see how his love and his need to protect Vivian is what is driving him to do these murders. The more you read about Vivian and Archer the more you start to feel compassion for Archer.
So now you’re reading and your feeling sorry for the murderer. I actually disliked Vivian and the way she treated Archer the dysfunction of their relationship is pretty clear.
Then along comes Evan, who you can see has a crush on Archer, so now you’re seeing a romance blossom between these two young men and your praying somehow this is going to end in a happy ever after situation, even though you know from reading this far that Archer has killed a few people and Evan is aware of what is going on.
As the story continues you see Vivian spinning out of control and praying for Archer to get away from her and staying closer to Evan.
Archer knows deep down that he wants and needs Evan in his life, the romance in this story is as important as the murders at the beginning of the book. Evan admits he doesn’t want to be a monster and wants to stop killing. Everything get so mixed up together, the romance, the murders, the messed up relationship he has with Vivian meanwhile you’re still hoping that it all works out in the end for Evan and Archer.
The book is about love, family, murder, romance, and it is gut wrenching and heart breaking.
The author Kelley York did a fantastic job with this story and is an amazing author, I have given this book a 5 star rating. I would recommend to all of my friends.
This is one of the best novels I have read this month maybe even this year. When I first received Hushed I thought it was going to be about a young man who is seeking revenge on behalf of his best friend Vivian. He would do anything for her, even kill.
So as we start reading this story Archer has just killed one of the men on his list, you see how his love and his need to protect Vivian is what is driving him to do these murders. The more you read about Vivian and Archer the more you start to feel compassion for Archer.
So now you’re reading and your feeling sorry for the murderer. I actually disliked Vivian and the way she treated Archer the dysfunction of their relationship is pretty clear.
Then along comes Evan, who you can see has a crush on Archer, so now you’re seeing a romance blossom between these two young men and your praying somehow this is going to end in a happy ever after situation, even though you know from reading this far that Archer has killed a few people and Evan is aware of what is going on.
As the story continues you see Vivian spinning out of control and praying for Archer to get away from her and staying closer to Evan.
Archer knows deep down that he wants and needs Evan in his life, the romance in this story is as important as the murders at the beginning of the book. Evan admits he doesn’t want to be a monster and wants to stop killing. Everything get so mixed up together, the romance, the murders, the messed up relationship he has with Vivian meanwhile you’re still hoping that it all works out in the end for Evan and Archer.
The book is about love, family, murder, romance, and it is gut wrenching and heart breaking.
The author Kelley York did a fantastic job with this story and is an amazing author, I have given this book a 5 star rating. I would recommend to all of my friends.
February 13, 2013
Five stars, for sure. Loved it. Seriously couldn't stop reading this one, and it takes a LOT to keep me up at night. Completely creepy and compelling and ... just, wow.
When I started reading, I was really worried that Archer's attachment to Vivian wasn't going to have a suitable basis. You know the type of book -- where a guy is so devoted to a woman that he's willing to kill for her (that's not a spoiler, it's happening on the first page), but you never really understand why the devotion is there. No worries -- in this book, you completely understand the devotion and the emotion. The reasoning is there. And it's potent. And despite the fact that Archer is a killer, you just want to wrap him up and hug him and bake him cookies and promise that everything will be okay.
The best part of this book? The surprises. They just. kept. coming. I don't think I'm emphasizing how impressed I am at the writing. This book pulls no punches.
Definitely for older teens and more mature audiences. I'm not going to lie: there's a lot of violence and adult situations. I hate using profanity in a review, but there's no better way to say it: Archer and Vivian are seriously fucked up. But the way he finds redemption in his relationship with Evan, and the way he starts to see Vivian in a new light, are handled masterfully.
Seriously. Stop reading this review and read the book. It's great.
When I started reading, I was really worried that Archer's attachment to Vivian wasn't going to have a suitable basis. You know the type of book -- where a guy is so devoted to a woman that he's willing to kill for her (that's not a spoiler, it's happening on the first page), but you never really understand why the devotion is there. No worries -- in this book, you completely understand the devotion and the emotion. The reasoning is there. And it's potent. And despite the fact that Archer is a killer, you just want to wrap him up and hug him and bake him cookies and promise that everything will be okay.
The best part of this book? The surprises. They just. kept. coming. I don't think I'm emphasizing how impressed I am at the writing. This book pulls no punches.
Definitely for older teens and more mature audiences. I'm not going to lie: there's a lot of violence and adult situations. I hate using profanity in a review, but there's no better way to say it: Archer and Vivian are seriously fucked up. But the way he finds redemption in his relationship with Evan, and the way he starts to see Vivian in a new light, are handled masterfully.
Seriously. Stop reading this review and read the book. It's great.
October 1, 2013
2.5 stars rounding up to 3.
This was my first Kelley York book and for the most part I enjoyed it. However, it was too melodramatic for me and the events were so OTT and extreme that I had a hard time believing them. I like reading about dark and messed up characters (believe me these characters have major issues), but there was so much going on that I had a hard time even suspending disbelief. It ended up being predictable and cliché. I knew all along this would happen. It was an easy out for Archer. At least the ending wasn't all flowers and rainbows. That would have been put me right over the edge. I'm glad Archer got
York was able to get me to care for Archer and that wasn't easy considering what he's done. Hopefully my next read of York's will more believable.
This was my first Kelley York book and for the most part I enjoyed it. However, it was too melodramatic for me and the events were so OTT and extreme that I had a hard time believing them. I like reading about dark and messed up characters (believe me these characters have major issues), but there was so much going on that I had a hard time even suspending disbelief. It ended up being predictable and cliché. I knew all along this would happen. It was an easy out for Archer. At least the ending wasn't all flowers and rainbows. That would have been put me right over the edge. I'm glad Archer got
York was able to get me to care for Archer and that wasn't easy considering what he's done. Hopefully my next read of York's will more believable.
February 10, 2017
3.5 STARS
My Vivian, Archer and Evan:
Archer has always been a little bit obsessed with his friend Vivian. He is determined to do anything for her, even kill people who hurt her in the past. Than he meets Evan, nice and shy guy. Archer quickly becomes fascinated with him, espcecially when he realizes that Evan is the only one who gives not just take from Archer. But can Archer ever overcome his obsession with Vivian and see her true colors?
Hushed is unusual and extremely captivating book. It is harsh, dark and depressive story full of violence and conflicting feelings. But most importantly, this psychological thriller will leave you thinking about what happened for days!
It is very difficult to cathegorize this book, as it is difficult to describe Archer. A secluded kind of person, quite messed up with dark thoughts, intelligent but misunderstood by others, Archer makes very unusual but interesting narrator. He is not a hero in literal sense, nor he is villian. He was like a ticking bomb and I was waiting all the time for him to go off. He and his dark thoughts were what made this book a winner for me.
Those who are reluctant to read m/m story, I completely understand. I was avoiding this genre for a long time and decided to give this genre a chance only because it was supposed to be a "light" version. Since Hushed is intended for YA audience, nothing was too graphic and it all felt pretty natural to me as a m/m newbie.
Highly recommended if you are looking for something out of ordinary romance stories, yet still something intense and very emotional!
*ARC provided by publisher as an exchange for honest review*
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
"To stay or let go. To keep going and see where his past decisions took him, or try grasping that second chance. Do monsters get second chances?"
My Vivian, Archer and Evan:
Archer has always been a little bit obsessed with his friend Vivian. He is determined to do anything for her, even kill people who hurt her in the past. Than he meets Evan, nice and shy guy. Archer quickly becomes fascinated with him, espcecially when he realizes that Evan is the only one who gives not just take from Archer. But can Archer ever overcome his obsession with Vivian and see her true colors?
"Didn't his heart have enough stitched and cracks to last a lifetime? Breaking, healing, breaking. And yet he put his trust in the few people that matterd, set himself up for being struck down again and again."
Hushed is unusual and extremely captivating book. It is harsh, dark and depressive story full of violence and conflicting feelings. But most importantly, this psychological thriller will leave you thinking about what happened for days!
It is very difficult to cathegorize this book, as it is difficult to describe Archer. A secluded kind of person, quite messed up with dark thoughts, intelligent but misunderstood by others, Archer makes very unusual but interesting narrator. He is not a hero in literal sense, nor he is villian. He was like a ticking bomb and I was waiting all the time for him to go off. He and his dark thoughts were what made this book a winner for me.
Those who are reluctant to read m/m story, I completely understand. I was avoiding this genre for a long time and decided to give this genre a chance only because it was supposed to be a "light" version. Since Hushed is intended for YA audience, nothing was too graphic and it all felt pretty natural to me as a m/m newbie.
Highly recommended if you are looking for something out of ordinary romance stories, yet still something intense and very emotional!
*ARC provided by publisher as an exchange for honest review*
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
November 20, 2011
Hushed Review on K-Books
This is one of the best books I have read this month, possibly this year. This is the first thriller-type book I have ever read and I always assumed it just wasn't my thing. I am definitely more of a romance kind of girl but when I was asked to review it and I read the blurb I was really intrigued. It was phenomenal. I am so glad I read this and I am now much more open to these kinds of books. I loved it.
Archer has been in love with Vivian since they were kids. He will do anything for her happiness and anything to protect her. Even murder people. But then he meets Evan and everything starts to change for him. He learns what unconditional love really is like and what he feels may just be a little wrong. But can he back out now when he has already come so far?
I genuinely loved this book. When reading the blurb I immediately thought okay this guy is killing people, he has to be the bad guy right? Boy was I wrong. Archer is so not the bad guy and I loved him. My heart really went out to him while reading this book. Archer has never known unconditional love, from his strained hateful relationship with his mother to Vivian's manipulative behaviours towards him he has never really received love like everybody else does and that is obviously going to affect him and the way he behaves (Keep in mind I may see this completely different because of my psychological background). He is a very flawed character and everything he does, he does because he thinks he is doing the right thing and keeping those he loves from harm.
Hushed is 100% a redemption story and I love how Evan comes into it and ends up kind of being Archer's saviour. Evan sees all these flaws in Archer and sees what he does to protect Vivian but he never once judges him and is always the one who loves him no matter what and is there to help him.
I finished this book over a week ago and I still don't really know what to say. The writing is captivating and draws you in right from the start. I sat down just to read one chapter to kind of get a feel for the book and the next thing I knew I was half-way through. I genuinely couldn't put it down. I loved every moment of it and I felt everything through Archer. I understood him and I just wanted to give him a hug and tell him everything would be okay.
I would love for Kelley York to write a follow-up to find out what happens next with Archer and Evan but I loved the ending and thought it was perfect to end their story.
Kelley York is definitely an author to watch out for. Her writing has captivated me and when she releases another book I will 100% pick it up and buy it without even looking to see what it's about.
A phenomenal debut book and everyone should pick it up and read it. Even if it doesn't seem your kind of book like I originally thought just pick it up and read it anyway. You won't be disappointed.
This is one of the best books I have read this month, possibly this year. This is the first thriller-type book I have ever read and I always assumed it just wasn't my thing. I am definitely more of a romance kind of girl but when I was asked to review it and I read the blurb I was really intrigued. It was phenomenal. I am so glad I read this and I am now much more open to these kinds of books. I loved it.
Archer has been in love with Vivian since they were kids. He will do anything for her happiness and anything to protect her. Even murder people. But then he meets Evan and everything starts to change for him. He learns what unconditional love really is like and what he feels may just be a little wrong. But can he back out now when he has already come so far?
I genuinely loved this book. When reading the blurb I immediately thought okay this guy is killing people, he has to be the bad guy right? Boy was I wrong. Archer is so not the bad guy and I loved him. My heart really went out to him while reading this book. Archer has never known unconditional love, from his strained hateful relationship with his mother to Vivian's manipulative behaviours towards him he has never really received love like everybody else does and that is obviously going to affect him and the way he behaves (Keep in mind I may see this completely different because of my psychological background). He is a very flawed character and everything he does, he does because he thinks he is doing the right thing and keeping those he loves from harm.
Hushed is 100% a redemption story and I love how Evan comes into it and ends up kind of being Archer's saviour. Evan sees all these flaws in Archer and sees what he does to protect Vivian but he never once judges him and is always the one who loves him no matter what and is there to help him.
I finished this book over a week ago and I still don't really know what to say. The writing is captivating and draws you in right from the start. I sat down just to read one chapter to kind of get a feel for the book and the next thing I knew I was half-way through. I genuinely couldn't put it down. I loved every moment of it and I felt everything through Archer. I understood him and I just wanted to give him a hug and tell him everything would be okay.
I would love for Kelley York to write a follow-up to find out what happens next with Archer and Evan but I loved the ending and thought it was perfect to end their story.
Kelley York is definitely an author to watch out for. Her writing has captivated me and when she releases another book I will 100% pick it up and buy it without even looking to see what it's about.
A phenomenal debut book and everyone should pick it up and read it. Even if it doesn't seem your kind of book like I originally thought just pick it up and read it anyway. You won't be disappointed.
October 22, 2011
I beta-read this book, and you are going to love it. It's dark and beautiful and totally unforgettable.
ETA:
Now we're getting near the release date, I feel the need to update this. I will start this with a warning that this book is disturbing and does mix genres, so be prepared not to have your 'typical' experince. Some will love it (I did), and I highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you're into dark/edgy/upper YA.
The best part of this book is the characters. I thought it would be like Dexter when I first started reading: y'know, . It isn't. Unlike Dexter, Hushed has real heart. It's about fear and guilt and paranoia, and when I rooted for Archer and Vivian, I wasn't rooting for them because they were some awesome Bonnie & Clyde couple blowing away bad guys, I was rooting for them to get better and find a way through their pain. This isn't wish-fulfilment. It isn't totally justified. Yes, the scumbags deserved something nasty and horrible coming to them, but perhaps not what Archer doled out for them. What I liked is how well Kelley balanced Archer as a likeable character and Archer as a dangerous person: I thought that it was excellently done (although some may not, fair warning) because we could see Archer as an unbalanced person (e.g. his hero complex and that rather unnerving short story) but also as someone who wanted to heal, and wanted to heal Vivian.
Vivian, however, was probably my favourite character. Not my 'favourite' in the traditional sense - she's dark and chilling and seriously disturbed (more so than Archer, even) - and she's not all that likeable. Her relationship with Archer is intense and unhealthy, but it really anchors the book, giving us both a sense of Vivian as a charming, stunted woman who pulls Archer in even as he's trying to pull away, and as a dangerous, manipulative force who has got so many second chnaces that she doesn't really deserve another one. A solid 5/5 for me.
ETA:
Now we're getting near the release date, I feel the need to update this. I will start this with a warning that this book is disturbing and does mix genres, so be prepared not to have your 'typical' experince. Some will love it (I did), and I highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you're into dark/edgy/upper YA.
The best part of this book is the characters. I thought it would be like Dexter when I first started reading: y'know, . It isn't. Unlike Dexter, Hushed has real heart. It's about fear and guilt and paranoia, and when I rooted for Archer and Vivian, I wasn't rooting for them because they were some awesome Bonnie & Clyde couple blowing away bad guys, I was rooting for them to get better and find a way through their pain. This isn't wish-fulfilment. It isn't totally justified. Yes, the scumbags deserved something nasty and horrible coming to them, but perhaps not what Archer doled out for them. What I liked is how well Kelley balanced Archer as a likeable character and Archer as a dangerous person: I thought that it was excellently done (although some may not, fair warning) because we could see Archer as an unbalanced person (e.g. his hero complex and that rather unnerving short story) but also as someone who wanted to heal, and wanted to heal Vivian.
Vivian, however, was probably my favourite character. Not my 'favourite' in the traditional sense - she's dark and chilling and seriously disturbed (more so than Archer, even) - and she's not all that likeable. Her relationship with Archer is intense and unhealthy, but it really anchors the book, giving us both a sense of Vivian as a charming, stunted woman who pulls Archer in even as he's trying to pull away, and as a dangerous, manipulative force who has got so many second chnaces that she doesn't really deserve another one. A solid 5/5 for me.
February 26, 2012
Damn I feel strange for liking Archer so damn much. This isn't so much a review as more my rambling thoughts and feelings that probably only make sense to me LOL.
Is it a good thing when an author writes a killer that you can totally feel for and sympathise with? Archer stole my heart very early on and kept hold of it throughout this very emotional ride.
When I first started this book I was assuming Vivian would be the bitch I loved to hate, but this book went much deeper. Strangely while I did dislike her I couldn't hate her. I guess I thought she suffered enough, even if a lot of her problems were from her own choices. And basically that's what this book came down too, the choices we make in dealing with the bad things that happen in our lives. Sadly Archer made the wrong choices and he paid heavily for them. Archer is not a Monster, despite believing himself to be one. For me he was still a small boy trying so hard to be strong and protective of those he loved. It wasn't just Vivian that was a victim, Archer was one too.
Thank god for Evan.He took time to learn the real Archer and not the facade everyone else saw.
I was worried about how this would end, but I worried over nothing. The ending for this was so in tune with the rest of this book it was perfect.
I recommend to anyone looking for a story about what life can throw at you, the choices that could be made and the love we all hope to find.
Is it a good thing when an author writes a killer that you can totally feel for and sympathise with? Archer stole my heart very early on and kept hold of it throughout this very emotional ride.
When I first started this book I was assuming Vivian would be the bitch I loved to hate, but this book went much deeper. Strangely while I did dislike her I couldn't hate her. I guess I thought she suffered enough, even if a lot of her problems were from her own choices. And basically that's what this book came down too, the choices we make in dealing with the bad things that happen in our lives. Sadly Archer made the wrong choices and he paid heavily for them. Archer is not a Monster, despite believing himself to be one. For me he was still a small boy trying so hard to be strong and protective of those he loved. It wasn't just Vivian that was a victim, Archer was one too.
Thank god for Evan.He took time to learn the real Archer and not the facade everyone else saw.
I was worried about how this would end, but I worried over nothing. The ending for this was so in tune with the rest of this book it was perfect.
I recommend to anyone looking for a story about what life can throw at you, the choices that could be made and the love we all hope to find.
February 27, 2012
Do monsters get seconds chances?
Loved it and want to read it again immediately. Its definitely not for most people or everyone, but I like weird, dark things. Its definitely one of my favorite books I read in a long while. The author writes characters you know you shouldn't like or care for, but yet she made me care for every one of them at different points. Nothing is wasted and everything has a place and a purpose. I wanted the book to end well and I felt that it ended exactly as it should have.
Loved it and want to read it again immediately. Its definitely not for most people or everyone, but I like weird, dark things. Its definitely one of my favorite books I read in a long while. The author writes characters you know you shouldn't like or care for, but yet she made me care for every one of them at different points. Nothing is wasted and everything has a place and a purpose. I wanted the book to end well and I felt that it ended exactly as it should have.
December 5, 2011
Archer Pond is a killer.
He is seeking vengeance for the brutal crime that took his best friend Vivian from him years ago and turned her into someone he doesn’t even know. Someone he isn’t even sure he likes.
He’s made a list. He’s studied his victims. And one by one he plans on making each of them pay for what they’ve done.
Archer Pond is a monster… but he doesn’t want to be.
He wants to be free. Free from the guilt he feels over what happened to Vivian. Free from Vivian, who keeps pulling him back into the drama her life has become and whose very existence is suffocating him.
But the only way he truly believes he can be free is if no one on his list remains alive.
That is until he meets Evan.
Evan makes him want to be better. Evan makes him feel like he’s not alone. Evan makes him believe that there is more. And Evan makes him feel human.
With Evan he doesn’t need revenge to make him feel free. And when he’s with Evan he doesn’t need Vivian.
And Vivian is not happy….
***
Hushed is a raw, powerful, deliciously dark, edgy and gritty story. It is a story that combines lightness and beauty with ugliness and violence. And it is one that is filled with sadness, desperation and hope for redemption.
From the opening pages it holds absolutely nothing back. Bringing the reader into this chilling and violent story with a main character who at first glance seems nothing more than a cold-blooded and calculating killer. Someone seeking vengeance, but with little remorse for his actions.
Archer Pond is way more than a flawed character. He’s dark, he’s disturbed, but he is not without hope. He may not fully grasp the wrongness of his actions, but when he meets Evan Bishop he begins to see things differently and is able to recognize that there is more to life than just the cold, empty world he’s created for himself, and an existence that revolves entirely around Vivian Hilton.
Author Kelley York takes readers on a journey to the darkest of places with her character, Archer, as he works his way through his list of those he feels are deserving of his vengeance, tries to find salvation for his friend Vivian and hopes to find freedom for himself.
Hushed is not a light story or one that ends happily. Archer’s actions are shocking and chilling and not easily forgivable. He is not instantly likable, nor could he be called lovable, but he is a sympathetic character whose actions, while not excusable, are understandable and are not done out of evil but out of a misguided sense of righting a few wrongs.
As the story progresses, the author begins to fill in the missing pieces from Archer and Vivian’s past, allowing readers to see the complete picture only after they’ve already formed their opinions. And forcing them to adjust their perceptions with each new revelation.
This is a story that is as haunting and sorrowful as it is horrifying and brutal. And it is one that will stick with readers well beyond the final page.
Hushed is a story for an older young adult audience and one for readers who aren’t sensitive to or uncomfortable with a fair amount of violence. While the violence is prevalent, it isn’t excessive to the story and it is incredibly important for the characters’ development.
On a personal note:
Wow, what an expected an amazing surprise this book was for me. I knew this would be a dark book. I glanced at the description and took one look at the cover and it was pretty obvious that this would be dark.
What I didn’t realize is just how powerful it would be for me or how connected I would become to the story. And I never imagined just how long it would affect me after I was finished. How completely hollowed out and empty I’ve been feeling for the past few days.
I was completely knocked over by the opening pages. The author did not ease me into her story, she shoved me in. Hard. Talk about not pulling any punches at the start. What a way to open a book. It was incredibly bold. It’s one of those openings that will either draw people in or instantly repel them. And it doesn’t let up.
Of course I’m the perfect audience for this book. I like things dark. I like a no-holds-barred approach. I like shocking and disturbing openings that tell you exactly what to expect from the get-go.
I did not like Archer at the beginning. There wasn’t much that was likable about him initially. He was cold. He was calculating. He seemed very OCD. And he was so intensely focused on what he set his mind on doing – killing those who had hurt his friend.
But he was so incredibly sympathetic. And so completely messed up. He had no real sense of right and wrong. I felt for him, even if somewhere I felt that it wasn’t just the hardships in his life that made him the way he was.
And I did find myself rooting for Archer. Hoping there would be some redemption for him. Hoping things would end up okay, even when I also hoped they wouldn’t.
But I loved Evan. And I feared for him. Every moment I spent terrified that just being part of these two characters lives would dull his brightness, extinguish his light. He was goodness where they were darkness. He was the only bright spot in this dark story. Without him I’m a little afraid at what the outcome might have been.
He was warm and beautiful and affectionate and his presence added a bit of a love story to this tragic tale.
And then there was Vivian. Who was awesome and awful. And totally manipulative and immensely cruel and incredibly selfish. I hated her, but I loved to hate her. And I was afraid of what she’d do. But even with everything she did, I still pitied her.
I loved that Archer and Vivian were total opposites in many ways and so much the same in others. He was quiet and calm and detailed and organized and she was fiery and frantic and chaotic. But they were both starved for affection. And they were both incredibly broken.
I was captivated by this story from the moment I started reading it. It was the harshness and the cold realities of their situations that kept me reading page after page. But it was Evan who brought the sunshine and the hope that made this a read that wasn’t so emotionally tough.
I absolutely loved this book. I’m glad that it was brought to my attention and I will definitely be buying the finished eBook when it is released. Hushed was a story that hit me hard when I read it and even harder after I was done. It was such a perfect read for me and I can’t wait to see what other dark stories the author writes as I will definitely be checking them out.
He is seeking vengeance for the brutal crime that took his best friend Vivian from him years ago and turned her into someone he doesn’t even know. Someone he isn’t even sure he likes.
He’s made a list. He’s studied his victims. And one by one he plans on making each of them pay for what they’ve done.
Archer Pond is a monster… but he doesn’t want to be.
He wants to be free. Free from the guilt he feels over what happened to Vivian. Free from Vivian, who keeps pulling him back into the drama her life has become and whose very existence is suffocating him.
But the only way he truly believes he can be free is if no one on his list remains alive.
That is until he meets Evan.
Evan makes him want to be better. Evan makes him feel like he’s not alone. Evan makes him believe that there is more. And Evan makes him feel human.
With Evan he doesn’t need revenge to make him feel free. And when he’s with Evan he doesn’t need Vivian.
And Vivian is not happy….
***
Hushed is a raw, powerful, deliciously dark, edgy and gritty story. It is a story that combines lightness and beauty with ugliness and violence. And it is one that is filled with sadness, desperation and hope for redemption.
From the opening pages it holds absolutely nothing back. Bringing the reader into this chilling and violent story with a main character who at first glance seems nothing more than a cold-blooded and calculating killer. Someone seeking vengeance, but with little remorse for his actions.
Archer Pond is way more than a flawed character. He’s dark, he’s disturbed, but he is not without hope. He may not fully grasp the wrongness of his actions, but when he meets Evan Bishop he begins to see things differently and is able to recognize that there is more to life than just the cold, empty world he’s created for himself, and an existence that revolves entirely around Vivian Hilton.
Author Kelley York takes readers on a journey to the darkest of places with her character, Archer, as he works his way through his list of those he feels are deserving of his vengeance, tries to find salvation for his friend Vivian and hopes to find freedom for himself.
Hushed is not a light story or one that ends happily. Archer’s actions are shocking and chilling and not easily forgivable. He is not instantly likable, nor could he be called lovable, but he is a sympathetic character whose actions, while not excusable, are understandable and are not done out of evil but out of a misguided sense of righting a few wrongs.
As the story progresses, the author begins to fill in the missing pieces from Archer and Vivian’s past, allowing readers to see the complete picture only after they’ve already formed their opinions. And forcing them to adjust their perceptions with each new revelation.
This is a story that is as haunting and sorrowful as it is horrifying and brutal. And it is one that will stick with readers well beyond the final page.
Hushed is a story for an older young adult audience and one for readers who aren’t sensitive to or uncomfortable with a fair amount of violence. While the violence is prevalent, it isn’t excessive to the story and it is incredibly important for the characters’ development.
On a personal note:
Wow, what an expected an amazing surprise this book was for me. I knew this would be a dark book. I glanced at the description and took one look at the cover and it was pretty obvious that this would be dark.
What I didn’t realize is just how powerful it would be for me or how connected I would become to the story. And I never imagined just how long it would affect me after I was finished. How completely hollowed out and empty I’ve been feeling for the past few days.
I was completely knocked over by the opening pages. The author did not ease me into her story, she shoved me in. Hard. Talk about not pulling any punches at the start. What a way to open a book. It was incredibly bold. It’s one of those openings that will either draw people in or instantly repel them. And it doesn’t let up.
Of course I’m the perfect audience for this book. I like things dark. I like a no-holds-barred approach. I like shocking and disturbing openings that tell you exactly what to expect from the get-go.
I did not like Archer at the beginning. There wasn’t much that was likable about him initially. He was cold. He was calculating. He seemed very OCD. And he was so intensely focused on what he set his mind on doing – killing those who had hurt his friend.
But he was so incredibly sympathetic. And so completely messed up. He had no real sense of right and wrong. I felt for him, even if somewhere I felt that it wasn’t just the hardships in his life that made him the way he was.
And I did find myself rooting for Archer. Hoping there would be some redemption for him. Hoping things would end up okay, even when I also hoped they wouldn’t.
But I loved Evan. And I feared for him. Every moment I spent terrified that just being part of these two characters lives would dull his brightness, extinguish his light. He was goodness where they were darkness. He was the only bright spot in this dark story. Without him I’m a little afraid at what the outcome might have been.
He was warm and beautiful and affectionate and his presence added a bit of a love story to this tragic tale.
And then there was Vivian. Who was awesome and awful. And totally manipulative and immensely cruel and incredibly selfish. I hated her, but I loved to hate her. And I was afraid of what she’d do. But even with everything she did, I still pitied her.
I loved that Archer and Vivian were total opposites in many ways and so much the same in others. He was quiet and calm and detailed and organized and she was fiery and frantic and chaotic. But they were both starved for affection. And they were both incredibly broken.
I was captivated by this story from the moment I started reading it. It was the harshness and the cold realities of their situations that kept me reading page after page. But it was Evan who brought the sunshine and the hope that made this a read that wasn’t so emotionally tough.
I absolutely loved this book. I’m glad that it was brought to my attention and I will definitely be buying the finished eBook when it is released. Hushed was a story that hit me hard when I read it and even harder after I was done. It was such a perfect read for me and I can’t wait to see what other dark stories the author writes as I will definitely be checking them out.
November 21, 2011
"He squeezed his eyes shut. A hand brushed his shoulder. Why did he always do that? Touch and go. It drove him crazy. Then Evan’s arms were sliding around him and all complaints vanished.”
I don’t even know what to say. If I could rate this book a 10, I so would. But it’s not even that, it’s just how incredible this book was. It’s something completely out of what I would normally read and I didn’t think I would love it. But God, I loved it. So much. I loved it so much that I read it in one sitting, and now I only wish I had stalled and not read so fast. This is truly a wonderful read and had become on my favourite reads of 2011 so far.
Everything about Hushed is intense. The book starts of pretty grim with Archer persuading someone (I won’t mention who for fear of spoiling) to kill themselves on pain killers and vodka. Yeah, pretty gritty. And it doesn’t really ease up after that. Archer has tried to protect his best friend Vivian since they were kids, and after a horrible event that took place when they were kids, Archer swore to himself that he’d do anything to protect Vivian. And he does.
This book touches on some issues, unhealthy obsession, betrayal, homosexuality, murder, and even mental issues. It’s pretty intense throughout the book and even though Archer is supposed to be the ‘bad guy’ you can’t help but feel bad for him. His friendship (if you can call it that) with Vivian is not a healthy one. He’s always there, he’s sort of attracted to her but she won’t have him. She looks him over for the jerks that beat her up. Archer at first doesn’t really question his friendship with Vivian he just does what she wants, he goes where she wants him to. Beck. And. Call! It isn’t until Evan enters Archer’s life that Archer starts to feel that there are others out there that might care about him like he cares about Vivian. And it’s Evan that brings Archer back to life so to speak, he grounds him, he anchors him, he loves him. I loved Evan and Archer’s relationship, this is another love that was slow to build, Archer being very unsure of himself and others, thinking he couldn’t trust anyone but Vivian. But as he gets to know Evan more and more, he starts to fall for him. Now this is the first time I’ve read a book on Homosexuality, and I’m not against it AT ALL. In fact I find gay story lines some of the more romantic than the straight ones. It’s a wonderful moment when Archer frees himself and allows to be loved by Evan and it’s at that moment that you want nothing more than for the supposed bad guy, to get his happy ending. Kelly wrote their love wonderfully and I loved every moment shared between them, and I sighed and swooned anytime they were together and thought that there has never been a love more perfect than theirs. Watch out for that shower scene, it’s a beautiful moment because its unexpected and something that comes easily after so much tension. And it was this particular relationship between two people that surpasses all other relationships that I’ve read about in other YA novels.
Vivian at first I liked her...and it wasn’t until she became obsessed and jealous of Archer and Evan’s relationship that you finally see that she’s in fact the demon that has poisoned Archer all his life. She ultimately isn’t a very nice person at all, and I didn’t like her one bit. I found myself rooting for Archer all the way through and I’m glad he got his happy ending...sort of.
I commend Kelley for writing a book that not only touches on some serious issues but somehow manages to create characters that feel so real that you simply connect with them on some level (murder aside obviously). She’s created a bad guy or a supposed bad guy and made you love him.
Hushed is a fast paced read that leaves you on the edge of your seat all the way through. It’s a pretty suspenseful thriller questioning and wishing for things that may or may not happen. Anyway I urge anyone to read Hushed and I hope you enjoy it. I most definitely did. I do urge that the mature YA community read this, just for some scenes of murder, blood, and a steamy scene in the shower...I'd say around 16+ would be best with regards to age.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for allowing me to review this.
I don’t even know what to say. If I could rate this book a 10, I so would. But it’s not even that, it’s just how incredible this book was. It’s something completely out of what I would normally read and I didn’t think I would love it. But God, I loved it. So much. I loved it so much that I read it in one sitting, and now I only wish I had stalled and not read so fast. This is truly a wonderful read and had become on my favourite reads of 2011 so far.
Everything about Hushed is intense. The book starts of pretty grim with Archer persuading someone (I won’t mention who for fear of spoiling) to kill themselves on pain killers and vodka. Yeah, pretty gritty. And it doesn’t really ease up after that. Archer has tried to protect his best friend Vivian since they were kids, and after a horrible event that took place when they were kids, Archer swore to himself that he’d do anything to protect Vivian. And he does.
This book touches on some issues, unhealthy obsession, betrayal, homosexuality, murder, and even mental issues. It’s pretty intense throughout the book and even though Archer is supposed to be the ‘bad guy’ you can’t help but feel bad for him. His friendship (if you can call it that) with Vivian is not a healthy one. He’s always there, he’s sort of attracted to her but she won’t have him. She looks him over for the jerks that beat her up. Archer at first doesn’t really question his friendship with Vivian he just does what she wants, he goes where she wants him to. Beck. And. Call! It isn’t until Evan enters Archer’s life that Archer starts to feel that there are others out there that might care about him like he cares about Vivian. And it’s Evan that brings Archer back to life so to speak, he grounds him, he anchors him, he loves him. I loved Evan and Archer’s relationship, this is another love that was slow to build, Archer being very unsure of himself and others, thinking he couldn’t trust anyone but Vivian. But as he gets to know Evan more and more, he starts to fall for him. Now this is the first time I’ve read a book on Homosexuality, and I’m not against it AT ALL. In fact I find gay story lines some of the more romantic than the straight ones. It’s a wonderful moment when Archer frees himself and allows to be loved by Evan and it’s at that moment that you want nothing more than for the supposed bad guy, to get his happy ending. Kelly wrote their love wonderfully and I loved every moment shared between them, and I sighed and swooned anytime they were together and thought that there has never been a love more perfect than theirs. Watch out for that shower scene, it’s a beautiful moment because its unexpected and something that comes easily after so much tension. And it was this particular relationship between two people that surpasses all other relationships that I’ve read about in other YA novels.
Vivian at first I liked her...and it wasn’t until she became obsessed and jealous of Archer and Evan’s relationship that you finally see that she’s in fact the demon that has poisoned Archer all his life. She ultimately isn’t a very nice person at all, and I didn’t like her one bit. I found myself rooting for Archer all the way through and I’m glad he got his happy ending...sort of.
I commend Kelley for writing a book that not only touches on some serious issues but somehow manages to create characters that feel so real that you simply connect with them on some level (murder aside obviously). She’s created a bad guy or a supposed bad guy and made you love him.
Hushed is a fast paced read that leaves you on the edge of your seat all the way through. It’s a pretty suspenseful thriller questioning and wishing for things that may or may not happen. Anyway I urge anyone to read Hushed and I hope you enjoy it. I most definitely did. I do urge that the mature YA community read this, just for some scenes of murder, blood, and a steamy scene in the shower...I'd say around 16+ would be best with regards to age.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for allowing me to review this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 420 reviews