Hushed Blog Tour: Review + Interview with kelley York

Summary:

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.

Review:

When I first heard about this book I wasn't too sure how much I was going to like it. I don't know why but I wasn't too interested in it, I don't usually read books in this genre. But I have learned from reading Hushed that is is amazing and I should seek out more from this genre.

Hushed is about a boy named Archer who has made a list of people who violated his best friend Vivian long ago, and his is killing them off one by one, so that she can be free of them and her past. I personally think that this by it's self is a great concept and makes for a very intriguing read. I found this book to be pretty creepy because they way that Archer is murdering these boys is very smart, and leaving little error in the method of his killing. Although Archer is classified as a murder I believe that the reason that he's doing what he does is truely meant for the better of his bestfriend who he only wants to protect. He is still a sweet, caring, and loving person, he just kills people... Also something very different that's not found very commonly in Young Adult liteature is a love triangle where part of it is homosexual. I found it very refreshing to read about. Archer's male counterpart is Evan. I really loved Evan and Archer together, the really complete eachother and Archer draws strenght from Evan.

Kelley York created a dark,chilling, and emotional story through her writing and I really enjoyed reading every page. I loved all the characters, though Vivian did start getting annoying near the end, you will find out why once you read this book. This story is also very emotionally driven, and contains aspects that boys and girls can enjoy. Murder/mystery for the guys, and romance/emotion for the girls. I think this book pretty much has everything a book should, and I strongly suggest that you give it a try. It has man things that aren't seen in YA books (that I have read) recently.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through and give you the chills while reading in a good way. Filled with raw emotion, heart ache, and murder, readers will find themselves drawn into this dark and shilling story that Kelley York has successfully created. The characters are over the place emotionally and physically, and there are so mayn murders that I lost track. Wow, this was one intesnse read and I am so glad that I had the chance to read this one. This is a book thar will appeal to all audiences so make sure that you get your hands on a copy.

Interview with author Kelley York:

Favourite Colour: Gray. (Don’t ask.)
Favourite Animal: Wolves.
Random Fact About You: I’m a carnivore, through and through. I can’t stand not having meat.
 

1. Most authors write books where the romantic relationship is straight, what made you want to write a bisexual/homosexual relationship?

I didn’t really set out thinking ‘I’m going to write a gay guy.’ I just...write and whatever orientation my characters have is what I work with. Originally, Archer was interested in Evan but the feelings weren’t mutual. That changed really quick, though, once I started getting into Evan’s head more.

2. Has becoming an author been a lifelong dream? If so why?

I never thought I had the talent or drive to be a writer. I was actually an artist. I sold commissioned work online and at anime conventions for some extra cash... I’m not sure what changed. I think a lot of it had to do with everyone always asking me to draw things for them, and it got to the point where I was hardly drawing for myself and I got burnt out and didn’t want to do it anymore. But I needed that creative outlet. I started writing more and more, getting away from fan fiction and into my own, original stuff. 

 

3. They characters in HUSHED are very well developed, did you find it challenging to come up with these emotional driven characters?

Character creation is what comes easiest for me. It’s plot that’s a bit harder. The early stages, where I’m making characters and fleshing them out, is the most fun part of the writing process.

 

4. What advice would you give trying to be authors?

 Keep at it, keep learning, and take your time. The publishing industry isn’t going anywhere, so don’t ruin your chances of getting an agent or publishing contract because you were impatient.

5. Hushed has a dark aura to it, did this come from personal experiences or completely made up?

I think Vivian’s character comes from a combination of girls I knew (some of whom were friends) back in high school. But it doesn’t directly relate to anything I went through, no. I think I relate to Archer in the sense that I was always the friend trying to talk sense into some of those girls, trying to make them realize they were worth more than they thought they were and needed to get away from the slew of bad relationships they kept jumping into. 

6. Lastly, how does it feel to be a published author knowing that reviewers and people outside your family will be reading your book?  

It’s both amazing and terrifying. I was physically sick to my stomach when I saw ARCs were going out. The upcoming release date isn’t as bad because I’ve already seen reviews coming in. I’m excited to get to share a story that I think (hope) is different from other YA books, and will encourage other authors who think their stories are “too dark” to get out there and make their voices heard.

Thank you Kelley for taking the time to answer a few of my questions and for writing a wonderful book.

'Kelley York delivers in this impressive debut. I was at the edge of my
seat waiting to see what would happen next! Bottom line, this was
unputdownable!!!' --- YA Fantasy Guide ---

'How exciting that we live in a time when gay teen protagonists can be
just as screwed up as straight ones -- and their stories just as creepy!'
--- Brent Hartinger, award-winning author of Geography Club and Shadow
Walkers ---

                     Author Bio:

Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she still resides with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.) She has a fascination with bells, adores all things furry – be them squeaky, barky or meow-y – is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she’s a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid.

Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy and horror. She loves stories where character development takes center stage.

Kelley's Wesite

Amazon

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