The Fairytale Survery Part 1

Hi, Eleanor here!
I found this feature on The Daily Prophecy and thought it looked rather fun so here it is...The Fairy Tale Survey, Part 1. Part 2 will follow.

Classic Princesses:

Pinocchio – The boy whose nose grows when he lies.
Is there a book you lie about reading, because you feel ashamed for liking it?

I'm not really embarrassed by any of the books that I have read. I think that reading is a very personal thing and although there may be books I wouldn't brag about reading (for example some of the samey, trashy vampire romance books that I love so much) if someone asked me outright I would never lie.

Beauty and the beast – The girl who fell in love with personality.
Which book do you love that has a hideous cover?

Hideous is a very strong word, I'm going to go for a book I love that has a slightly-boring-and-not particularly-striking-in-my-opinion cover. 'Partials' by Dan Wells. I love love love this book but just feel that the cover is a little dull. I don't think that having people on the front cover of a book looks very good, maybe it's just me. Saying that, you cannot see the person's face (the ultimate cover sin) plus I do only have this book on kindle so have not seen the cover on a real life book.

Snow white – Hunted down for her beauty.
Do you ever buy a book based on the cover alone and if so, what is the last one?

This is going to have to be a really boring answer when I say that no, I have never chosen to read a book because of it's cover. I, occasionally, pick up a book at random from the library and borrow it but this has nothing to do with cover. I am not an overly artistic person and so the cover doesn't mean too much to me. However, it is always nice when a book has a nice cover i.e. Wonder by R.J Palacio.

Sleeping beauty – Cursed to sleep, awakened by true loves kiss.
What is your favorite book couple?

I am going to say Jace and Clary from the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. But only from the first trilogy, in the second I think it all gets a little silly. (I have not read 'City of Heavenly Fire' yet though, so the series could still redeem itself!)

Little Mermaid – Gave up on her old life for love.

Do you ever branch out to new genres or do you like to stick with the ones you know and love? If you try new things out, what is the latest book?

My absolute favourite genre is dystopian but I do love a paranormal romance too. Although there are plenty of those out there, I do like to branch out and find different things quite a lot because I find the story lines of the books I love to read can sometimes become a little repetitive. Recently I have read 'The Rosie Project' by Graeme Simsion, which was different to what I normally read but still amazing! I have also read and loved 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern, 'The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared' by Jonas Jonasson and 'Timeriders' by Alex Scarrow.

Cinderella – Who lost her shoe after midnight.
What is the last book that made you stay up all night?

I recently read 'Shadows' by Paula Weston and absolutely loved it. I haven't yet reviewed this book but the two installments of the trilogy that I have read so far are very good and I would definitely recommend them.

Rapunzel – locked up in a tower.
What are some of the worst books you read last month?

Last month I started a book called 'The Key to Erebus' by Emma V. Leech and Roisin O'Connor, a book which I had heard good reviews about but that I just could not get into. The story is very fantastical with vampires, fairies, witches, the usual lot, a genre which I do usually really enjoy but in this particular case I found the main character quite dull and the plot didn't grip me at all. I hate not liking a book as I feel as though I have failed to understand the author/s and so I may go back to this book one day and find I love it, we'll have to see.

What do you think of this survey? Have you read any of these books?

Top Ten Books We've Read This Summer

Top Ten Books We've Read This Summer is this week's addition of Top Ten Tuesday hosted by the The Broke and the Bookish.

Eleanor:

I have read pretty much nothing for about the last two months as I've been in extreme revision and have only left the house for exams... (I want to say 'hahaha kidding' but I'm sadly not) However, today my exams finished, which means I can start reading again. Woop woop. So as I haven't been reading this summer yet, here are three books I will be reading...

1. The Rosie Project by, Don Tillman -I've heard some good things about this book and it looks so feel-good and funny.

2. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare -because the wait is finally over!

3. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon -I'm not sure how I haven't read this book because it's been out for quite a while. But soon I will have.

  

Bronte:

4. After the End by Amy Plum. I really enjoyed this new book from Plum - it was just as amazing as the Die for Me series!

5. Bright Before Sunrise by Tiffany Schmidt. My review for this is coming on Thursday but this book was great - I liked it even better than Send Me a Sign which I also loved.

6. Thats actually all the books I've read this summer (because of exams etc) so I am going to pick my favourite book of last summer which was: Wonder by R.J Palacio. This book was something special and different but still completely enjoyable, although emotional.

  

Izzy:

7. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles- I heard so many good things about this book- and to be frank, I was a bit disappointed. We'll have a full review up for you guys soon where I'll go into more detail but it was a shame.

8. A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore- I liked this book, and was a good start for me to try and read more adult books, though to warn you this is not a lighthearted summer read! It was interesting, and definitely made me think as well as having me choked up at moments. Although I won't be re-reading I can see myself thinking about this book for a long time.

9. Sort of cheating as I'm only halway through but- Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This book is not fun and games either but the characters are all incredible so far, flawed but relatable. Also I feel so dumb for never realising Nigeria even had a civil war in the 1960s. To hear history of other countries in novel format is always so interesting for me.

  

Hope you enjoyed this week's Top Ten (Nine) Tuesday, have a great week!

Top Ten Books That Will Be In My Beach Bag This Summer

Top Ten Books That Will Be In My Beach Bag This Summer is this weeks addition of Top Ten Tuesday hosted by the The Broke and the Bookish.

Bronte:

1. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins. I've been waiting and wishing for this book ever since Lola. Thank goodness it's almost here!

2. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare. This book has so much riding on it and so much pressure. It has to be perfect (no pressure for Cassandra Clare then!) and I really hope Tessa has more of a part after what happened in the Clockwork Princess. I'm not sure if everyone will consider it a beach read but I've waited so long I will read it anywhere!

3. This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith. I love Jennifer E. Smith and I have yet to read this book and I feel it will be perfect for a beach read.

4. Happenstance by Jamie McGuire. I loved Beautiful Disaster so hopefully this will be just as good and really enjoyable.

5. The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry. I've just recently added this to my to read and I think it looks like a good beach read!

                                          

Izzy:

6. Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys- So. This book is set in New Orleans. Now, I have never been to New Orleans but I often google image New Orleans, or put it into tumblr. I honestly believe that my heart and soul belongs in New Orleans. Therefore, any book set in New Orleans I need in my life. If you know anymore let me know. Because remember, I belong in New Orleans.

7. Landline by Rainbow Rowell- I loved Rowell's last, and only, adult book Attachments, so I can't wait for her next adult novel. It sounds great to me- and knowing Rowell's writing this will be more than perfect. When it comes to conversation, no-one does it better than Rowell.

8. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick- I have only heard brilliant things about this book.Plus it sounds like the perfect mixture of good writing, cute love story with just a pinch of Sarah Dessen! Have any of you read this book? What did you think?

9. Road Ends by Mary Lawson-You may not know about Lawson but you really should. Her book, "The Other Side of the Bridge," is one of my favourite books of all time. She released this novel in 2013 and I still haven't got my hands on it, but this summer will be the summer.

10. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E.Lockhart- This YA book was a National Book Finalist. No more needs to be said except I need this.

We hope you enjoyed our rendition of this weeks Top Ten Tuesday - what books will you be taking to the beach this summer?

Top Ten Books That Will Make You Swoon

This week's Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by BrokeandBookish......

Eleanor:

1. The City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (Come on, we all swooned when we first read this)

3. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen (So Owen isn't Jace Wayland but the romance between Annabel and him is one of my absolute favourite ones)

Bronte:

4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

5. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

6. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E Smith

Izzy:

7. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (Review soon- I mean it. I promise.)

8. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

9. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman (The writing and complete genius of this book made me swoon as much as the star crossed lovers storyline)

All agreed on:

10. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. (duh)

Love story VERSUS Love story #1

This is our first ever love story VERSUS love story! YAY, happy happy happy, we do love a good love story, especially a triangle! Can you imagine an octagonal love story? Mind=BLOWN! So without further ado:

1. Bella and Edward vs Bella and Jacob (Twilight)

Bronte: Bella and Edward
Izzy: Bella and Jacob
Eleanor: Bella and Edward

2. Tobias and Tris (Divergent) vs Katniss and Peeta (Hunger Games)

Bronte: Tobias and Tris
Izzy: Katniss and Peeta, but I prefer the Divergent series.
Eleanor: Katniss and Peeta

3. Katniss and Peeta vs Katniss and Gale (Hunger Games)

Bronte: Katniss and Peeta
Izzy: Katniss and Gale
Eleanor: Katniss and Peeta

4. Lena and Ethan (Beautiful Creatures) vs Lena and Alex (Delirium)

Bronte: Lena and Alex
Izzy: Lena and Alex
Eleanor: Lena and Ethan

5. Anna and St.Clair (Anna and the French Kiss) vs Lola and Cricket (Lola and the Boy Next Door)

Bronte: Anna and St.Clair
Izzy: Ooh tough one! Anna and St.Clair just win this one for me
Eleanor: Anna and St. Clair

6. Tessa and Will (The Infernal Devices) vs Clary and Jace (The Mortal Instruments)

Bronte: Tessa and Will
Izzy: Clary and Jace
Eleanor: Clary and Jace

7. Isabelle and Simon (The Mortal Instruments) vs Sophie and Gideon (The Infernal Devices)

Bronte: Isabelle and Simon
Izzy: Isabelle and Simon
Eleanor: Isabelle and Simon

8. Helen and Lucas vs Helen and Orion (Starcrossed)

Bronte: Helen and Lucas, but I do love Orion
Izzy: Helen and Orion
Eleanor: Helen and Lucas

9. Kate and Vincent (Die for Me) vs Renée and Dante (Dead Beautiful)

Bronte: Kate and Vincent, just
Izzy: Haven't read either!
Eleanor: Renée and Dante

10. Lou and Will (Me Before You) vs Hazel and Augustus (The Fault in our Stars)

Bronte: Lou and Will, again, just
Izzy: Hazel and Augustus
Eleanor: Lou and Will

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

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?