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Hobbs End #1
Gabriel's Clock
2014. This Edition. 246 pages. Signed by the author. Illustrated paper cover. Signed by the author with dedication to Fergus on title page. Pages and binding are presentable with no major defects. Minor issues present such as mild cracking, inscriptions, inserts, light foxing, tanning and thumb marking. Overall a good condition item. Paper cover has mild edge-wear with light rubbing and creasing. Some light marking and tanning.
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 15, 2016
This is a fun paranormal novel for youthful readers. With a menagerie of characters including demons, angels, werewolves, gargoyles and talking cats!
The book starts off at a very fast pace when Jonathan and his parents are attacked by demons. Although he does not know them as such his parents do. They have a secret he does not know. His mother is a demon and his father of angel descent, leaving Jonathan the first mix of the two and thought to be much more powerful. After the attack, Jonathan wakes in the unique town of Hobbs End.
I loved this town! I would love to live in a town just like it I think! The quaintness mixed the quirky characters and the country charm... so ideal! It is here Jonathan makes some interesting friends unlike any he has ever had. This town is special. Created when the angel Gabriel fell to Earth it is a haven for many.
I adored many of the characters in this book. Each character unique but everyone in this town has a heart of gold! The only thing I wish was that the demons were very mild, even for a middle grade fantasy.
While I liked the story overall, there is a lack of anticipation. Also, lots of questions, such as why Lucifer allows others to help rule hell and where is God during all this. Also how did Jonathan's parents meet as it is not everyday demons and angels get together.
Generally lighthearted for the most part, I can see many middle graders highly enjoying this book. It is enjoyable for what it is and I an mildly curious for the next book. For older readers who are skeptical of fantasy or paranormal this can work as a light starting book. Or for those who like richer content and intrigue this may seem a bit lacking. But for that 9-14 year old this is a good choice. It is a very clean novel which is rare it seems these days.
3 1/2 stars
*I was loaned a digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair/honest review. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The book starts off at a very fast pace when Jonathan and his parents are attacked by demons. Although he does not know them as such his parents do. They have a secret he does not know. His mother is a demon and his father of angel descent, leaving Jonathan the first mix of the two and thought to be much more powerful. After the attack, Jonathan wakes in the unique town of Hobbs End.
I loved this town! I would love to live in a town just like it I think! The quaintness mixed the quirky characters and the country charm... so ideal! It is here Jonathan makes some interesting friends unlike any he has ever had. This town is special. Created when the angel Gabriel fell to Earth it is a haven for many.
I adored many of the characters in this book. Each character unique but everyone in this town has a heart of gold! The only thing I wish was that the demons were very mild, even for a middle grade fantasy.
While I liked the story overall, there is a lack of anticipation. Also, lots of questions, such as why Lucifer allows others to help rule hell and where is God during all this. Also how did Jonathan's parents meet as it is not everyday demons and angels get together.
Generally lighthearted for the most part, I can see many middle graders highly enjoying this book. It is enjoyable for what it is and I an mildly curious for the next book. For older readers who are skeptical of fantasy or paranormal this can work as a light starting book. Or for those who like richer content and intrigue this may seem a bit lacking. But for that 9-14 year old this is a good choice. It is a very clean novel which is rare it seems these days.
3 1/2 stars
*I was loaned a digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair/honest review. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.
August 14, 2017
This is 2.5 stars, rounded up. Another author has taken Christian mythology and made their own story out of it. Jonathon is grabbed by his Mom as horrids attack the house his family is in. His Dad gives them time to be able to get away. It turns out Jonathon is the only half angel, half demon in existence and the baddies want to have him big time. It also turns out his Dad's Dad is Gabriel, the angel, who is also mortal and a clock maker which is apparently going to be quite important at least in this book and I suspect subsequent books. If they are in the library, I might take a look. Jonathon, Cay, and Elgar are good characters as are many of the secondary characters in the village, Hobbes End, which I suspect will be a character as well. The story is original in many ways. I'm going to toss this Advance Reading Copy now. One less item in my house! Addendum: the next two titles of the trilogy are not in my local libraries. Oh well. One less series to feel a need to read!
October 14, 2021
This book did not interest me in the first half. The writing was not well developed, and the story moved really slowly. It kind of bored me out a bit. Towards the second half, I gained more interest. Not like super into the book and always wanting to read it type of interest, but still an interest. The word choice was okay, but sometimes I felt it didn’t fit that part of the story and what it was talking about. It was kind of confusing throughout the entire story, but a pretty good book for y/a book fans.
January 17, 2018
Not a bad story. It's a little childish in its execution and there are some parts of the story I think can be done without, but I like the idea and I think this book provides a pretty good story and I had an enjoyable time reading it. There is definatly potential here. Although I wouldn't really recommend this book to readers to desire a more "advanced" story, but if you want to read a book for fun, this wouldn't be a bad start.
November 14, 2017
2.5* A fun middle grade story but seeming lacking in depth. More thoughts to come.
I posted a joint review of this one and the 2nd book on my blog which can be found here https://gemmasbooknook.blogspot.co.uk...
I posted a joint review of this one and the 2nd book on my blog which can be found here https://gemmasbooknook.blogspot.co.uk...
December 3, 2024
Read this with my grandson. It was an ok book quite bland really.
November 19, 2015
Jonathon has no idea he is the only half demon - half angel child in the world. When strange men wearing pin stripe suits, bowler hats and no faces appear at their house, his parents grab him and try to flee.
Jonathon wakes in a strange bed, in a town he's never heard of. And what he's about to learn is something out of strange fiction.
He misses his parents terribly, not knowing what happened to them, but with the help of new friends he's met at the village, he has to face those faceless men again, and something even worse.
He has become part of an age-old struggle between Heaven and Hell, and he is the only one who can stop it.
I enjoyed this story, it's magical and evil characters. When I was trying to pin it down to an age group I swung between 8-12's and 10+. It is quite violent/gory in some places, but in others it's perfect for junior readers.
Jonathon wakes in a strange bed, in a town he's never heard of. And what he's about to learn is something out of strange fiction.
He misses his parents terribly, not knowing what happened to them, but with the help of new friends he's met at the village, he has to face those faceless men again, and something even worse.
He has become part of an age-old struggle between Heaven and Hell, and he is the only one who can stop it.
I enjoyed this story, it's magical and evil characters. When I was trying to pin it down to an age group I swung between 8-12's and 10+. It is quite violent/gory in some places, but in others it's perfect for junior readers.
October 9, 2022
This was a fun fantasy book that has twists and turns it starts off into the plot really fast and explains on the way. In some parts it can go slow which isn't as exciting as the parts when the characters battle. I don't personally like these books that launch into the plot immediately but this book had so much goodness inside of it that I didn't quite care. Props to Hilton Pashley who made this book good job!
November 21, 2018
An engaging story and idea but really not well-written. The dialogue is shockingly bad- grimace-and-eye-roll-inducing. I don't think anyone ever taught this writer how to show and not tell. It's a quick read and the characters and plot itself are likeable. Just not very well-executed unfortunately. One review I read described the opening as "super awkward" and that is a pretty definitive description.
July 20, 2019
More to come
August 12, 2019
Love the humor and great plot
May 3, 2022
Would make a good film
May 26, 2022
➵ three stars :･ﾟ｡･
my ten year old self ate this up. i still own a copy so i need to reread.
my ten year old self ate this up. i still own a copy so i need to reread.
Read
August 3, 2022Oh my god that was so much darker than I ever expected. Good, but… DARK
November 20, 2019
the book is not bad but not the best, but is is a good read. if i ever feel like read a fantasy book i wolud of read this book. it is a little childish but not to much. it does not bored me as other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2016
Jonathan is on the run from demons. After escaping these faceless monsters, Jonathan’s mother leaves him at Hobbes End—a village created and protected by his fallen-angel grandfather, Gabriel. Jonathan is a unique child being half demon and half angel, but he is unaware of his supernatural heritage. Having this connection to both Heaven and Hell makes Jonathan very desirable to Belial—an archdemon who rules a section of Hell. Belial wants to use Jonathan’s angelic roots to invade Heaven. To complete his plans Belial needs entry into Heaven’s “backdoor”, but only Gabriel knows its location.
Gabriel’s Clock is Pashley’s debut series. Each book corresponds with the four angelic siblings—Gabriel, Sammael, Michael, and Raphael—who helped rebuild Heaven after Lucifer was thrust down to Hell. Though an intriguing plot, Pashley kneads together too many weighty backstories, supporting characters, and diverting details which results in a confusing, fragmented book. For example, Pashley creates the unique setting of Hobbes End. Its background of being a living village due to a fallen angel’s power seems glossed over. It feels like a prequel should have been written about how Hobbes End came into being, just so readers would have a better grasp of the world Pashley has created in Gabriel's Clock. The same goes for several of Pashley’s supporting characters. Their backstories are too unique to just be casually mentioned and then passed over. Because of these problems, reading the book can be a strain because there are so many heavy-hitting details fighting for the reader’s attention.
Gabriel’s Clock is Pashley’s debut series. Each book corresponds with the four angelic siblings—Gabriel, Sammael, Michael, and Raphael—who helped rebuild Heaven after Lucifer was thrust down to Hell. Though an intriguing plot, Pashley kneads together too many weighty backstories, supporting characters, and diverting details which results in a confusing, fragmented book. For example, Pashley creates the unique setting of Hobbes End. Its background of being a living village due to a fallen angel’s power seems glossed over. It feels like a prequel should have been written about how Hobbes End came into being, just so readers would have a better grasp of the world Pashley has created in Gabriel's Clock. The same goes for several of Pashley’s supporting characters. Their backstories are too unique to just be casually mentioned and then passed over. Because of these problems, reading the book can be a strain because there are so many heavy-hitting details fighting for the reader’s attention.
March 6, 2015
This book begins a new fantasy series that will really appeal to middle school students, especially reluctant readers due to its fast-paced action and adventure.
Jonathan, age 12, is the only half-angel and half-demon in the world and doesn’t even know it. Yet the archdemon, Belial, thinks that Jonathan’s unique parentage has given the boy unique powers that would allow Belial to rule over Heaven and Hell.
Despite the best efforts of his parents, Jonathan’s world is turned upside down one night when Belial’s minions, the Corvidae (Rook, Crow and Raven) destroy his family’s house, resulting in his father’s kidnapping and his mother depositing him in the safe haven of Hobbe’s End.
Jonathan wakes up broken and battered in this peaceful village that promises sanctuary for any who need it as it was formed when archangel Gabriel chose to fall to Earth in 1666.
In this village, Jonathan meets a bunch of wonderfully eclectic people, including living gargoyles, a talking cat and a precocious girl, who all end up working together to try to protect Jonathan from Belial and find this mysterious Gabriel’s Clock which could be the only thing to save them from a Hellish battle.
Tweens and teens will be anxious for the next book as this one leaves many unanswered questions.
for grades 5-9
Jonathan, age 12, is the only half-angel and half-demon in the world and doesn’t even know it. Yet the archdemon, Belial, thinks that Jonathan’s unique parentage has given the boy unique powers that would allow Belial to rule over Heaven and Hell.
Despite the best efforts of his parents, Jonathan’s world is turned upside down one night when Belial’s minions, the Corvidae (Rook, Crow and Raven) destroy his family’s house, resulting in his father’s kidnapping and his mother depositing him in the safe haven of Hobbe’s End.
Jonathan wakes up broken and battered in this peaceful village that promises sanctuary for any who need it as it was formed when archangel Gabriel chose to fall to Earth in 1666.
In this village, Jonathan meets a bunch of wonderfully eclectic people, including living gargoyles, a talking cat and a precocious girl, who all end up working together to try to protect Jonathan from Belial and find this mysterious Gabriel’s Clock which could be the only thing to save them from a Hellish battle.
Tweens and teens will be anxious for the next book as this one leaves many unanswered questions.
for grades 5-9
October 14, 2014
I'm really not sure what i think about this book.
The writing was good, and the story flowed well, but somehow the whole angels/demons/other mythological creatures thing just didn't work. Perhaps if they had simply kept it to angels and demons (though the 'g' word somehow never comes up), i might have been more able to engage.
The village felt like a room full of Chekov's Guns, but so few of them are actually fired. Clearly, if this is the beginning of a series, those other plot elements should eventually be used, but it was a bit frustrating in this volume. With so many to choose from, though, it felt like the author was just shoving everything in so they could decide later which to use in the climax of the story.
The writing was good, and the story flowed well, but somehow the whole angels/demons/other mythological creatures thing just didn't work. Perhaps if they had simply kept it to angels and demons (though the 'g' word somehow never comes up), i might have been more able to engage.
The village felt like a room full of Chekov's Guns, but so few of them are actually fired. Clearly, if this is the beginning of a series, those other plot elements should eventually be used, but it was a bit frustrating in this volume. With so many to choose from, though, it felt like the author was just shoving everything in so they could decide later which to use in the climax of the story.
March 16, 2015
I liked a lot about this book. Oddly enough my favorite character was the cat. I am a big fan of anything Angels, hoping to write a book about them myself one day. My only regret was some of the fighting that took place. It reminded me almost of watching a TV-14 show, more than a child's book. I would of preferred something more like the Harry Potter series, where they didn't actually kill people for the most part, these evil acts got you sent to prison, or a more karma-like approach, killed by your own acts. But to each there own. This was his first book I believe, and it was overall beautifully written and impressive, with cute and lovable characters. I would like to see more books from Hilton Pashley!
March 25, 2015
When the angel Gabriel chose to leave Heaven behind, he transferred all of his remaining power into the town Hobbes End. It became a safe-haven for anyone needing to be kept safe. Well right now, Jonathan desperately needs to be kept safe. The only child of a demon mother and angel father, all the forces of Hell will stop at nothing to harness him immense power. But Gabriel, Jonathan's grandfather, has a plan. He has constructed a clock, a key that will get Jonathan into Heaven and safety. But the other side knows all of Gabriel's secrets and it will take the entire town of Hobbes End to fight off the demons and help Jonathan discover who he really is and what he is really capable of.
Recommended for ages 12+
Recommended for ages 12+
September 17, 2017
This book deserves to be the new Harry Potter. I've been recommending it to as many children (and adults) as I possibly can- and I've put it on prominent display in the library where I work. Pashley's imagination and world building are incredible- I desperately want to live in Hobbes End! The characters are vivid and all leave you wanting more. The story is fast-paced and there's never a dull moment. The humour between characters alone makes the book worth reading.
The only thing potential readers/parents-of-readers should note is some scenes are surprisingly graphic and gory. They are often tempered by humour, but not always. Also the book is (obviously I know) about Biblical angels and demons, though I don't think this would stop anyone enjoying the story for a second.
The only thing potential readers/parents-of-readers should note is some scenes are surprisingly graphic and gory. They are often tempered by humour, but not always. Also the book is (obviously I know) about Biblical angels and demons, though I don't think this would stop anyone enjoying the story for a second.
February 15, 2015
I don't know what I expected from this book but this wasn't it. It's almost like Salmon Rushdie's Satanic Verses but for kids with kids as the major characters. The story is about the battle between good and evil using Gabriel a fallen angel (by his own choice) and archdemons. Lucifer is mentioned quite a bit but he does not make an appearance and besides that you are given the impression that he is not a truly evil angel, but a remorseful one. I am having trouble trying to figure out whether I will put this book into my school library or not. I can see a lot a parents protesting over this book, even if good wins in the end.
March 21, 2015
I chose this book by chance because I liked the look of the front cover. I enjoyed it, but though there could have maybe been more or a description of the characters OR as it's a childrens book there could have been some illustrations. There is some fighting / violence, so only suited for older children as might be a bit scary for the little ones.
"I buried myself in building clocks - the simplicity of their mechanisms reminded me of how creation should be: ordered, regular, predictable."
"I buried myself in building clocks - the simplicity of their mechanisms reminded me of how creation should be: ordered, regular, predictable."
April 22, 2015
Gabriel's Clock is great for the young Harry Potter fan. With a fast moving plot, good versus evil and short chapters Gabriel's Clock is a good choice for struggling readers as well.
There is a town created by a fallen angel, a fight between good vs eveil, demons, wizards, magic and even a talking cat. The hero in all of this is a 12 year named Jonathan, whose mothers is a demon and father is an angel. This makes him the only 1/2 demon 1/2 angel in exisistance.
I highly recommend this and passed it along to my 7 year old nephew to read.
There is a town created by a fallen angel, a fight between good vs eveil, demons, wizards, magic and even a talking cat. The hero in all of this is a 12 year named Jonathan, whose mothers is a demon and father is an angel. This makes him the only 1/2 demon 1/2 angel in exisistance.
I highly recommend this and passed it along to my 7 year old nephew to read.
September 14, 2014
I really wanted to like this book, it had everything I liked. Demons, angels, werewolves and Britain. Unfortunately there were just way to many plot lines and secondary characters that confused me. A man named Grimm who was a doctor instead of the grim reaper made me laugh. With lots of funny moments in the book it was really saddening for me not to love it. I wished the plot line read smoother, but the syntax just didn't flow.
November 2, 2018
In this book there is mystery and lots of action. It starts out as a small family living, but one night they are attacked by demons. The parents have to send off the kid to a secret location where he want be found by the demons, but the parents have to stay and fight. the child soons learn a huge secret about what is going on and what powers he has. Can he defeat the demons and get his family back, find out in Gabriel's Clock.
October 7, 2013
I love this book, it is a great read for anyone, not just children. There are lots of well-written characters who I connected with straight away, Jonathan trying to figure out who he is, Ignatius trying to come to terms with his grief, and of course the loveable irreverent cat, Elgar. There's also lots of excellent description, and the race for the clock is un-put-downable.
September 2, 2018
This book was my perfect Christmas read. Settling down once the festivities were over and peace again reigned, I immersed myself in this fast paced and action packed tale of good versus evil. The wonderful characterisation and liberal dose of humour made this a heart warming and hugely enjoyable read. I can't wait for the next installment!
January 27, 2014
Úuuuuužasné. Na začiatku strašne vtipné. Bez okolkou to hneď začalo byť akčné, až potom sa vysvetlilo. A potom zase poriadne akčné.
Inak typicky detská kniha, súboj dobra a zla, dôležitosť rodiny a priateľstva.
A hovoriaci kocúr Elgar!!! A trošku jednoduché ale vtipné chrliče Stubbs a Montgomery. Moje tri najobľúbenejšie postavičky.
Inak typicky detská kniha, súboj dobra a zla, dôležitosť rodiny a priateľstva.
A hovoriaci kocúr Elgar!!! A trošku jednoduché ale vtipné chrliče Stubbs a Montgomery. Moje tri najobľúbenejšie postavičky.
September 11, 2015
The concept of the story was what drew me in
The writing style is what killed me
Made it seem so bland and boring
Dove right into action from page one which I ussally like.but it confused me so much not explaining enough of what things ment.
Maybe I'm to critical I'm sure other people will love the story so its worth checking out :)
The writing style is what killed me
Made it seem so bland and boring
Dove right into action from page one which I ussally like.but it confused me so much not explaining enough of what things ment.
Maybe I'm to critical I'm sure other people will love the story so its worth checking out :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews