Hush Money (Talent Chronicles, #1) by Susan Bischoff - Review

Have you guys seen Pretty Little Liars? I can't talk about the books, I have yet to read them, but the show...each week the characters are dealing with a “smaller” problem, while the bigger issue always lies just outside there reach...they are always trying to conceal there secrets, because there sure, at this point if anyone found out, it would ruin them.

Hush Money reminded me of that, NOT because the stories are similar, but...

My Synopsis:
In Hush Money, we are introduced to Joss, a girl with a secret...but wait, though alternating points of view we also enter the world of Dylan a boy that Joss has always, basically ignored, but at the same time secretly crushed on...over the years.

Though, Dylan is not atypical, Joss tends to ignore everyone – she's been told since before she could walk or even understand that standing out, is NEVER a good thing...if your to popular or your grades are to high, people notice; but if your to standoffish and make bad grades others tend to look your way...so Joss prides herself at being just standoffish enough, while making B/C grades to maintain her ambiguity.

She likes it that way...or so she's told herself, she does not need people, or friends – she tried that once and it did not end well. Joss is sure that her family is all she needs, that's who can protect her, that's what her fathers always said.

But when Kat shows up, and takes on the mission of bring Joss out of her shell...she beings to wonder, just how much she's missing out on by her families imposed isolation but at the same time always understanding the risks she takes by revealing to much about who she really is.

After all, she's seen first hand what the government is capable of, when they even suspect someone of having a Talent – they don't ask questions, they don't gather evidence; they just come in, guns blaring, ordering you to surrender yourself, and no one ever sees you again! The last time that happened Joss lost her best friend, her only friend, and she's determined not to let that happen again!

But when Marco, the class bully, begins to blackmail Joss, her quiet world starts to slip away...she needs help, she needs to somehow learn to trust, she needs to remember what it's like to not feel so alone, but how – when at every turn revealing your secret could mean, exposing yourself, and with that comes the chance that her secrets could fall into the wrong hands; the governments hands.

Can Joss learn to trust in time, can she start believing that not everyone is out to hurt her, or is she just kidding herself?

Hush Money is a fast paced story, with superheros – honestly what's not to love? But it's not just that, it's got beautifully ingrained messages on friendship, hope and learning to trust. Susan Bischoff has created with her debut novel a winner! Honestly, I had no idea what to expect when I first read the synopsis for Hush Money – I had not seen any reviews, and when I found out that it's just over 100 pages – I did not hold out much hope.

Honestly, I have never read a book where I felt connected enough to the plot as well as the characters in a book so short! It's unheard of...however, Hush Money was different – I connected, within the first few pages, I was in love with Joss – her personality, her originality, and her spirit shine though. She's a heck of a character! Then we have Dylan, though, we did not get to know him as well as Joss – he's got an amazing heart, and a solid head on his shoulders, which I enjoyed! There are others too, like Kat, whom I believe would bend over backwards for anyone – especially someone she calls a friend!

Susan Bischoff has a writing style that's different from most, she's raw, and powerful; if your looking for a novel that's full of beautiful prose, full of explicit details, Hush Money is not for you...however if your looking for a truly harrowing story, full with mystery, the beauty of friendship and the unique power of love – Hush Money will not disappoint!

Bottom Line – Hush Money is a short, quick read – but don't let that fool you because it is a well thought out novel with truly wonderful characters, the action flows seamlessly off the page, yet the characters themselves are so loveable your laughing with them, and rooting for them! Towards the end, when things start coming together, I teared up for Joss...I love that girl! Susan Bischoff is a wonderful addition to YA Literature, I am thrilled to be able to recommend this one to all my friends! I give it 5 mushrooms, and I can NOT wait for Heroes 'Til Curfew!

Buy, Borrow or Steal? Talents abound, secrets flourish, and characters leap from the pages in this funny, novel about friendship, mystery and love - if your looking for a quick read that comes together in a beautiful way Hush Money is the book for you!!!

Hush Money (Talent Chronicles, #1)
By: Susan Bischoff
Published: August 4, 2010
Publisher: Indie Author
Received via Susan Bischoff for my honest review. THANK YOU, for sharing it with me!