Ketchup Clouds, Annabel Pitcher

Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher reviewed by Izzy

What is this book about?

Fifteen-year-old Zoe has a secret—a dark and terrible secret that she can't confess to anyone she knows. But then one day she hears of a criminal, Stuart Harris, locked up on death row in Texas. Like Zoe, Stuart is no stranger to secrets. Or lies. Or murder. Who should read this book?
A bit more adult than Pitcher's previous novel this probably would have a 12+ rating on it. There are some quite adult themes, while still being written in an easy, readable way.

How long is this book?
304 pages, an average sized book.

Marks
Story Line: 8 /10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyablilty: 4/5
Overall: 16/20

Star Rating: 4 Stars

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

Aaron. Aaron. Aaron. He is so obviously the definite best. Aaron. Aaron. Aaron. (I'm considering changing my book boyfriend list.)

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?

"Zoe" because you're hoping all the way through it turns out to be one mistake. Just a big misunderstanding. You know, "Ho ho ho, you thought I killed someone. Ho ho ho. Ha ha ha." That does not happen. I'm not giving you spoilers here, what Pitcher tells you on the blurb is correct. Which makes you want to throw tea at Zoe (or Pitcher depending on how angry you're feeling.)

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

Yeah. It's okay. I'm a fan. It's not a beautiful work of art, but the book is so good, it really doesn't matter.

Question 4. What do you think of the title?

I like the title. I think it's very effective and I've been wanting to read the book for quite awhile. However I think the title "My Sister Lives on The Mantelpiece,"was even better,

Question 5. Favourite quote!

“Let's pretend for just one moment that could actually happen. You close your eyes and I'll close mine and let's dream the same dream across the Atlantic, lighting up the darkness between us. Can you see it, Stu? Can you see us up there, shining in all the black?” 

Overall: This book is not just any children's book. Annabel Pitcher is not just any old kid's writer. I'm hoping that one day she's be a massive writer because her talent deserves to be read. She has had a best-selling novel over here but I don't know if she's big in America or what. I say read this book. It's not perfect, and it may not have the ending you want, or be as romantic as you're hoping. But what do you have to lose? I loved it, I hope you love it too.

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

Clockwork Princess, Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess (Infernal Devices, #3) by Cassandra Clare, reviewed by Bronte

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

Clockwork Angel
Clockwork Prince

What is this book about?

Tessa Gray should be happy - aren't all brides happy?
Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute.
A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her.

Who should read this book?

Anyone who liked the previous books really. Its fantasy and I think most people could enjoy it. Anyone above the age of about 11, I would say.

How long is this book?

568 pages, a very long book.

Marks
Story Line: 9/10
Well written: 5/5
Enjoyablilty: 5/5
Overall: 19/20

Star Rating: 5 Stars

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

Gideon. He is still quiet and finds everything quite embarrasing and he still loves Sophie. He hasn't really changed much and I don't really think that he has too, I like his character, innocent and quiet yet caring of the people around him.

Question 2. Which character has a whole new flavour?

I think that Henry changed quite a bit. Before in the previous books he was quiet, kept to himself in his lab and didn't really help out the institute with Charlotte. But now he does, and I don't want to give any of the story away so that is all I will say.

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

Consul Wayland, the Inquisitor and Charlotte. Three way awkwardness. I can't really explain why it would be awqward but it would be, definitely.

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

Clockwork Princess. The series conclusion. Gripping, page turning and wonderful. I could read the epilogue over and over and I'd still be crying.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

'"I don't think you can fight because you're wearing a wedding dress", said Jem. "For what it's worth, I don't think Will could fight in that dress either."
"Perhaps not," said Will, who had ears like a bat's. "But I would make a radiant bride.”' 

Overall: Spoilers in this sections, and a lot at that!!

What an epic conclusion. If you wish to read more about my 'overall' for these books just look back over my past reviews and you will be fully updated on what I think of this trilogy.
What I am going to say is my only dislike with the book. I am a team Will but I have nothing against Jem but I thought it a little disapointment that she ended up with both. One of the biggest love triangles that I have read and she ends up with both, so it's still a love triangle. However I do have a bit of a contradictory opinion as who can say that they have only ever been in love with two people and got them both, what a lovely situation. Who wouldn't want that.
I thought that the ending was beautiful. Although you have read the whole book and connected with the charcters so it's as if you know them, the epilogue, set in 2008 with a brief synopsis updating you of the last 60 odd years of Tessa's life, made you feel as if you, as well as Tessa, had also lived through her life which made you just as devastated when you saw people you love repeatedly dying because you were the one that lived forever. It was sad. I cried. Then Jem comes back into the picture. And I cry some more. But crying in a good way as she had a happy ending.
I hope that Tessa is involved more in the City of Heavenly Fire and Dark Artifacts as I feel I need to know that she is going to be okay.

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

Clockwork Prince, Cassandra Clare

The Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare reviewed by Bronte

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

Hello everyone! Hope you are alright, these are our new questions for books in a series so we will use these for any book after the first. Tell us what you think and if you like them.
-Bronte, Eleanor and Izzy (:

Clockwork Angel Review

What is this book about?

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

Who should read this book?

If you enjoyed the Clockwork Angel, read the book. If you like fantasy, a fantastic story line written by a great author then read it. I would say people above the age of 11 would be best suited to the way its written as some of the words even I didn't know what they meant. The perks of having a Kindle.

How long is this book?

438, quite a long book.

Marks
Story Line: 10/10
Well written: 5/5
Enjoyablilty: 4/5
Overall: 19/20

Star Rating: 5 Stars

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

For this I am going to have to say Jem. Personally I think that he was still the same loving and caring person as before. However I did enjoyed reading scenes with him in more than the Clockwork Angel as I felt we learned more about him and his character came out a little more, one of the things that I liked was that he has a sence of humor, which I thought was clever as it's not just Will that can be funny.

Question 2. Which character has a whole new flavour?

Well, honestly I could say a lot of characters for this but I am going to pick Will. We finally find out more about him and the reason he seems to keep himself and why he's mean to others. I feel sorry for Will, poor Will. Just when he thinks things are okay again it all back fires. But he does change a lot in his personalitly, in a good way. I don't want to give away any spoilers so this question was quite hard to answer.

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

Gabriel and Will. It would be one of those awkward moments when two people are having an argument that one person is taking seriously and the other a joke. Quite a funny situation for those not involved. Would you want to stop them arguing or would you just want to get the popcorn. I think I would go with popcorn.




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

For me I prefered the Clockwork Angel. I found that the Clockwork Prince was harder to get into at the beginning whereas with the Clockwork Angel I was gripped from the first moment, even when I read it a second time. However this is still an amazing book and is definitly worth persiverance.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

This is tricky, to tricky so I am going to break the rules. Here are two quotes for you to enjoy:

1. '“They’re not hideous,” said Tessa.
Will blinked at her. “What?”
“Gideon and Gabriel,” said Tessa. “They’re really quite good-looking, not hideous at all.”
“I spoke,” said Will, in sepulchral tones, “of the pitch-black inner depths of their souls.”
Tessa snorted. “And what color do you suppose the inner depths of your soul are, Will Herondale?”
“Mauve,” said Will.”'

2. '“Ah,” said a voice from the doorway, “having your annual ‘everyone thinks Will is a lunatic’ meeting, are you?
“It’s biannual,” said Jem. “And no, this is not that meeting.”'

Overall:

I don't think anyone can ever deny that Cassandra Clares' writing and abilitly to create such a beautiful world with amazing uniquely wonderful characters with such a great story line planned out to the very end isn't brilliant. Her stories are engaging and page turning until the very end and I just love reading her books. My only complaint is that they take forever to be written and published so I can read them, but I think I am willing to forgive that over due to the sheer enjoyment I get from reading the books(:

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

Clockwork Angel, Cassandra Clare

A treat for you guys. Because the Clockwork Princess has come out and the series is over, sad face, we are going to publish our reviews for the 3 books in the next 3 days. YAY. Enjoy(:

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, reviewed by Bronte

What is this book about?

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Who should read this book?

Anyone who enjoys fantasy, particulary set in the past in this case Victorian England (I love this period!) An age of between 11-18 years olds.

How long is this book?

476 pages, quite a long book.

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

Star Rating: 5 Stars

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

The character that I would most like to have tea with would be Will. He is just really funny and I love the things he comes up with to say, oh and his quotes, some of them are beautiful. Just beautiful, and often make me laugh... I have to say though that Henry would also be in contention of having tea with me just because I love the way he makes you feel comforted by his presents but generally just speaks rubbish or about things that most of us couldn't care less about. He is adorable.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?

Nathanial. Nate. Whatever. He just deserves a title of 'thing'. Cruel, evil, mean, stupid, I need a thesaurus.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

What could you possible dislike about this cover. I mean, seriously, £10,000 to someone who can find something bad. Joking, I don't have £10,000.

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

I think that this title is perfect in so many ways! Clockwork: the army, that's a given. Angel: obviously because Will looks like an angel, with his perfect features and angelic looks and endless eyes. But put together Clockwork Angel: It's Tessa's necklace!

Question 5. Favourite quote!

I'm not going to lie but this was difficult!!

“Will rolled up his sleeves. "We'll probably have to knock down the door--"
"Or," said Jem, reaching out and giving the knob a twist, "not."
The door swung open onto a rectangle of darkness.
"Now, that's simply laziness," said Will.” 

Overall:

Right, I'm just going to put it out there: This is my favourite book of ALL TIME! ... That's incase you didn't notice. This book has everything that I would look for in a book and it is written beautifully. Cassandra Clare really does have a talent to write so well and come up with a story line and characters that are so imaginative and engaging.
I read this book first in December 2011 and loved it and have now recenly read it again so I can benifit fully from knowing everything that goes on in the Clockwork Princess that I CANNOT WAIT FOR! This book constantly had twists and turns and left me having no idea what was on the next page. I was constantly shocked and many times was reduced to fits of giggles, tears and both, at the same time, yeah I know! For those of you who haven't read it and want to, note: it has the MOST annoying love triangles, ever. Ever.

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