Friday 31 May 2013

Book VERSUS Book: Sarah Dessen Edition

The second Book VERSUS Book, what fun we have. Tell us what you think below!

1. This Lullaby vs Just Listen

Bronte: This Lullaby
Izzy: Just Listen
Eleanor: Just Listen

2. Along for the Ride vs What Happened to Goodbye

Bronte: Along for the Ride
Izzy: Along for the Ride
Eleanor: Along for the Ride

3. The Truth about Forever vs This Lullaby

Bronte: The Truth about Forever
Izzy: This Lullaby- but they are pretty much equal. I just re-red This Lullaby so my love has been re-ignited.
Eleanor: The Truth about Forever

4. Lock and Key vs Someone Like You

Bronte: Lock and Key
Izzy: Lock and Key
Eleanor: Lock and Key

5. That Summer vs Along for the Ride

Bronte: Along for the Ride
Izzy: Along for the Ride
Eleanor: Along for the Ride

6. Someone Like You vs That Summer

Bronte: Someone Like You
Izzy: Someone Like You
Eleanor: That Summer

7. Keeping the Moon/Last Chance vs What Happened to Goodbye

Bronte: What Happened to Goodbye
Izzy: Last Chance
Eleanor: Last Chance

Now, because there are no more Sarah Dessen books (I know there is Dreamland but none of us have read it) so in light of her new book The Moon and More we are going to have a guessing game! We lead exciting lives here at T&T.

8. Will she end up with Theo or Luke?

Bronte: Theo, but I have a feeling I will like Luke.
Izzy: Luke, but I think there will be a round robin, with us ending back with Luke.
Eleanor: hmm, no idea, I'll go..Theo

9. Will she stay Colby or will she take the exciting leap to New York?

Bronte: New York
Izzy: Sarah Dessen loves Colby so much, I can't imagine a main character abandoning it!
Eleanor: New York

10. Finally, will it be a happy ending or a sad ending?

Bronte: Happy! I hope, but if she goes to New York she will leave her family which could be sad
Izzy: Sarah Dessen doesn't really do sad endings. Happy for sure.
Eleanor: Happy:)

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Goddess, Josephine Angelini

Goddess (Starcrossed, #3) by Josephine Angelini, reviewed by Bronte

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FINALLY IT'S HERE! This is me^^^when it finally downloaded onto my Kindle!

Warning, this review may contain spoilers of the first and second book.

Starcrossed
Dreamless

What is this book about?

Helen's powers are increasing—and so is the distance between her and her mortal friends. To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a dangerous traitor is lurking among them, and all fingers point to Orion. Still unsure whether she loves him or Lucas, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, or risk all-out war. The final book in this heart-stopping trilogy.

Who should read this book?

Someone who enjoyed Starcrossed and Dreamless will have to read this book. Again, it's the same as Starcrossed and Dreamless really, Greek mythology, thrilling and page turning and a fantastic romance.

How long is this book?

464 pages

Marks
Story Line: 9/10
Well written: 5/5
Enjoyablilty: 4/5
Overall: 18/20

Star Rating:

5 Stars

Question 1. What character has remained the same pot of tea?

Lots of characters, for me, changed slightly in this book in a way that is hard to explain unless you read the book. They didn't change for the good or the bad, they just changed and for that reason, I will have to say the either Noel or Kate remained the same caring, kind and generous people.

Goddess (Starcrossed, #3) Question 2. Which character has a whole new flavour?

Cassandra came out more in this book, in that she was there a lot of the time and seemed more aware of herself. Rather than being the in control person that everyone looks to for confidence, assurance and answers she became the timid little girl that she really is.

Question 3. Which characters would have the most awkward conversation whilst drinking tea?

Lucas and Orion with Cassandra watching on the side lines. Oh wouldn't that be funny in a way that it shouldn't.

Question 4. What book would you prefer to read while drinking tea?

Out of the trilogy my order of favourite would be Starcrossed, Goddess and then Dreamless, just because Dreamless became a little bit repetitive after a while and I thought the ending could have been much better in Goddess. I can't really fault anything about Starcrossed so there you have it.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

'How many horses do you see trotting around these days?' - Jason

Overall:

To be absolutely honest I though that the ending of Goddess was a little disappointing. Not totally, but a little. At the end of Starcrossed we knew that Helen and Lucas were not cousins, but they thought that they were throughout two whole books, probably the most heart pulling annoying dramatic irony in YA book history; so you could/would expect there to be some amazing ending when they finally found out that they weren't cousins! There wasn't too much and I would almost go as far as saying I though that the ending was a little bit rushed. I wanted to know how everyone was in a few years time. When I see that a book has an epilogue I instantly scream and jump around in happiness because it usually means that there is going to be a '5 years later' or something along those lines, but there wasn't, it was more like a '15 hours later'. I have this fear, yet another fear, that although everything may be all great at the end of a book, things might go disastrously wrong and Helen would have to save the world yet again in a few years time, so I like to have a 'later on' part to the book.
Now I have babbled on too much about the bad bits of this book you probably don't have the energy to carry on reading the amazing parts of this book so I will keep it short and sweet.
This is still one of the best trilogies I have ever read. I still love Greek Myology. I wish this trilogy carried on and I could read about Helen and the others forever, but that would defeat the idea of a trilogy. Thank you Josephine Angelini for writing these amazing and enjoyable books, I can't wait, WAIT, to read more from you!

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

Saturday 25 May 2013

This Is What Happy Looks Like, Jennifer E. Smith

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith reviewed by Izzy

SORRY THIS IS REVIEW HAS TAKEN ME SO LONG. I am so, so sorry. Exam stress is definitely getting the better of me.  We love you all and appreciate every single pageview we get.

What is this book about?
 When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds.

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?


Who should read this book?

Fans of Sarah Dessen and Stephanie Perkins will love this book. Also any fangirls who really want to go out with a member of One Direction, or if you're a little less mainstream like me and go for Logan Lerman, you have to read this! It does get your hopes up though, like you could actually end up with someone with a superstar. (I'm just kidding, you will all marry one of One Direction I'm sure.)

How long is this book?
 404 pages

Marks
Story Line:  8/10
Well written:  4/5
Enjoyabililty:  5/5
Overall:   17/20

Star Rating:

4 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
 I think Ellie and I would get along like a house on fire. Plus she works at an ice cream shop, which even though I'm lactose intolerant, appeals to the greedy animal that lives inside of me.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
 Ellie's dad. I know it's not his fault, what happens, but I want to actually kill him. When reading the book I was like, "NO. NO. NO. Oh gawd, you jerk." I said it just like that. In my room. Alone. I have an AMAZING social life.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
 Aw guys Jennifer knows how to make me very happy. Is there a photo? Nope. Is there a drawing? Yes. Yes there is. I like it even more than TSPOLAFS cover, and guys, I liked that cover. I think since Smith is a nerdfighter she knows how to make me happy. Drawings as covers please me.

Question 4. What do you think of the title?
 I like the title. I really, really like the title. I love the way it is integrated into the story. I just don't like it quite as much as "The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight." However, I prefer the cover of this one so swings and roundabouts.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
He waved this away. "I'd have to come to rescue you," he told her. "I might not have a white horse, but I do have a very portly pig."
"How romantic," Ellie said.”

Overall: I love how Smith writes. 3rd person is my favourite kind of writing, and she understands how to make teenage girls squeal. I like the characters even more than in The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, probably because there is more time to get to know them, and love them. For me, this is her best book so far.

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

Friday 24 May 2013

Dreamless, Josephine Angelini

Dreamless (Starcrossed, #2) by Josephine Angelini, reviewed by Bronte

Warning, this book may contain spoilers of the first book.

Starcrossed

What is this book about?

As the only Scion who can descend into the Underworld, Helen Hamilton has been given a nearly impossible task. By night she wanders through Hades, trying to stop the endless cycle of revenge that has cursed her family. By day she struggles to overcome the fatigue that is rapidly eroding her sanity. Without Lucas by her side, Helen is not sure she has the strength to go on.

Who should read this book?

A person who enjoyed Starcrossed wouldn't be able to go about normal life without finding out how the series continued. People who enjoy Greek Mythology, fantasy and romance. Its thrilling and page turning.

How long is this book?

496 pages.

Marks
Story Line: 9/10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyablilty: 4/5
Overall: 17/20

Star Rating:

4 Stars

Question 1. What character has remained the same pot of tea?

Jerry. Jerry is still kind and lovely to Helen however he does clearly notice something is wrong and he doesn't question Helen about it which means that he must really trust her, which is sweet.

Dreamless (Starcrossed, #2)Question 2. Which character has a whole new flavour?

Lucas. Jeez, wow, what a grump! I can see why though and I do kind of feel for him a bit after reading the whole book. I obviously not going to tell you because you have to read the book!

Question 3. Which characters would have the most awkward conversation whilst drinking tea?

This is tricky. I think the there could have potentially been an incredibly akward conversation between Lucas and Orion, but there wasn't. I really have no idea what characters could create a really awkward conversation, what do you think?

Question 4. What book would you prefer to read while drinking tea?

To be perfectly honest, and honesty is best, I would not mind. I love the beginning of Starcrossed, finding out about all of the characters and discovering Helen and what she was but I love the bit in the Underworld in Dreamless when Helen and Orion are searching for the rivers, and the bit where they forget and the night garden...trying not to reveal to much here so lets leave it at that!

Question 5. Favourite quote!

“...try to remember that dreams do come true, but they don't come easily.”

Overall:

Another fantastic book. The series works really well together, however I'm not going to lie, there are bits I find really annoying and fustrating, a bit like Helen really! Saying that I would really recommend this book because the idea's and story that Josephine Angelini has written is so so clever!

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Starcrossed, Josephine Angelini

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini, reviewed by Bronte

What is this book about?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Who should read this book?

Someone who likes a good love story, mythology particulary Greek and suspence. If you don't like reading into the early hours of the morning, don't read this book!

How long is this book?

501 pages.

Marks
Story Line: 9/10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyabililty: 5/5
Overall: 18/20

Star Rating:

5 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?

Lucas. We would have tea in the sky, soaring over the roof tops, maybe have a bagel in New York and visit Athens while we are at it. Is that a breach to the rules, doing more than just having tea with him. He is also lovely, kind, smart and just seems like great company to have. This seems to predictable though so I wouldn't mind having tea with Kate, we both love baking so maybe she can give me some tips!

Starcrossed (Starcrossed, #1)Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?

Daphne, just because she abandoned her daughter.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

I love this cover so much! The colours are just amazing, and its different, I think, from what you would expect the book to be about.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?

I'm not sure that there is an alternative that would be as good as this one because it works so well. However remember if you search for it, it is Starcrossed with no space, unlike many, many other books!

Question 5. Favourite quote!

“So, what can't you take? Decide which of the two options is harder, and do the other. That way, no matter how hard your choice turns out to be, at least you can find comfort in knowing you're avoiding something even worse.”

Overall:

I really really like this book. It is one of my favourite ever just because I love, LOVE Greek mythology! The story line is as close as it could get to the actual myths (because I have a kindle I can look up the names and it tells me all about them, or any other Greek item or something). I also love the story line, how it keeps you turning the pages in to the early hours because you need to know what is going to happen. It keeps you thinking and its almost impossible to come to a conclusion on what you think will happen in the end. The character are just great. Josephine Angelini did such a great job I think, not many books have over 8, what I would consider main characters, but I still felt I knew so much about each of them. However I did read the whole book thinking Helen was dark haired only to discover her hair was blond towards the end...my mistake.
I know that lots of people don't like this book because I have read other reviews however I fail to see why. It is well written, the plot twists and turns and leaves you wanting more, the characters are fantastically written and are all individual which makes it a really good book.
I have just recently re-read this series for when Goddess comes out, so expect reviews coming up for them soon! Unfortunatly, the books still left me turning the pages so I have to wait another 6 days, ontop of the 11 months I have already waited! THANK YOU for writing this book!

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

Friday 3 May 2013

Character VERSES Character #2

Hey Tea Lovers! Our second Character VERSUS Character. How exciting! Comments and tell us who you would pick!!


Who do you prefer?

1. Dumbledore (Harry Potter) vs Professor McGonagall (Harry Potter)

Izzy: Dumbledore
Bronte: Professor McGonogall
Eleanor: Dumbledore

2. Katniss (The Hunger Games) vs Wanderer (The Host)

Izzy: Katniss
Bronte: Katniss (I haven't read The Host)
Eleanor: Wanderer (They're both such good characters but I'm in a really big 'Host' obsession right now, so Wanderer wins!)

3. Lola (Lola and the Boy Next Door) vs Anna (Anna and the French Kiss)

Izzy: Lola
Bronte: Anna
Eleanor: Anna

4. Nate (Lock and Key) vs Dexter (This Lullaby)

Izzy: Dexter
Bronte: Nate
Eleanor: Nate

5. Augustus (The Fault in Our Stars) vs Adam (Before I Die)

Izzy: Augustus
Bronte: Augustus
Eleanor: Augustus

6. Will (Infernal Devices) vs Jem (Infernal Devices)

Izzy: N/A
Bronte: Will
Eleanor: Will

7. Edward (Twilight) vs Jacob (Twilight)

Izzy: Jacob
Bronte: Edward
Eleanor: EDWARD<3

8. Gale (The Hunger Games) vs Peeta (The Hunger Games)

Izzy: Peeta
Bronte: Peeta
Eleanor: Peeta

9. Clary (The Mortal Instruments) vs Tessa (The Infernal Devices)

Izzy: Clary, haven't read the Infernal Devices
Bronte: Tessa
Eleanor: Clary

10. Annabel (Just Listen) vs Ruby (Lock and Key)

Izzy: Annabel
Bronte: Ruby
Eleanor: Annabel