2014 Reading Challenge

2014 Reading Challenge
Michael has read 1 book toward his goal of 50 books.
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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

To Be Read Pile (December 2013)

Hey Chroniclers! I've missed you all so much but unfortunately I'm still not back for good. Work is still killing me and everyday I get a little more sad with these long hours and knowing that I'll have to work during the holidays and such. I explained in my last post but I still feel like I owe you guys an explanation. Now, I know this post is super late but I really want to start posting again and try to get back to doing what I love and forget about my job so I had to put it up anyway. It's already December and Christmas is already next week I believe and it's all so crazy! So without further ado, I present to thee, the To Be Read Pile of December 2013!

To Be Read Pile (December 2013)
This is the last month of the year and holy crap! I can't believe a year has passed by me so quickly! Not only that but my pile has risen up once again! (stupid job). But, I'm just grateful I can buy books once again so I will take advantage of this while it lasts.

To Be Read Pile (November 2013)
In the month of November I bought 5 books and received 2 books for a total of 7 books! I was at 48 books but now I'm back up past the fifties with 55. I finished reading 0 books in the month of November! 0! I told you this job was bad and evil! I was always too tired to read more than a few pages and at one point to read at all.

I don't exactly have anything planned for the month of December except just try to finish books before the year ends. You all know how weird I am about needing to finish my last book before the year is over because I can't enter the new year reading a book. I need to be able to start a new book on the 1st of January. Next month we'll see how I did though.

I'll make sure to leave at least one more post before we enter the new year. Especially because some exciting things have been going on around the Facebook page and I need to celebrate it.

Do you have a picture of your TBR pile though? Leave it down below!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Where Have I Been?

Hey Chroniclers! So I'm going to keep this short because I have this huge headache but I felt like I needed to let you guys know what's been going on. Basically I got a job and I know that hasn't stopped me before but this job is killing me. I work around 78 hours a week! I work 5/6 days a week from 10am - 11pm and I get home around 11:30/12:00 and eat dinner and go to bed because I have to wake up early the next day.

It sucks because I haven't been able to post anything and I haven't even read anything in two weeks. And then the one day I get to read I have this killer headache. I'm planning to leave the job after the year ends and it might not seem that bad but it is. I work all Holidays with regular hours. 10-11. I didn't get to have Thanksgiving lunch or dinner basically and the same goes for Christmas Eve and Day along with New Years Eve and Day. This job is the devil.

But I just wanted to let you guys know that I'm still here and surviving and that I'll be back soon!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (54)

Hey Chroniclers! It's been a while since I've done one of these but it's a special day. Today is Tuesday and that means that books have been released into the world for us to read! Tuesday's Novel Spotlight is a weekly feature host by me where I bring you a book that has just been released but is a sequel or companion novel. I present to thee today's book...


Champion by Marie Lu!

While I still haven't read Prodigy this is still the last book in the trilogy and it's crazy that it's coming to an end. I can't wait to read both of them and I know it'll just be amazing!

I really liked Legend but it's been a while since I read it so I might have to re-read it again before reading the other two. But how excited are you guys to read the end of this trilogy? Leave your comments down below and let's discuss about it!

What are your thoughts though on the cover, the author and the story of the trilogy?

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks



Monday, November 4, 2013

To Be Read Pile (November 2013)

Hey Chroniclers! I'm back with a second post for today. It's already November and holy snap. Thanksgiving is coming up and then Christmas and then it's a brand new year and I feel like this one just started! Why is everything going by so fast?! With the beginning of the month though, I always have to show my TBR Pile. So I present to thee, the To Be Read Pile of November 2013!

To Be Read Pile (November 2013)
It has lowered! Finally! Sweet book lord, it has lowered and you can tell! Not to mention I actually read some books that weren't in the picture last month. It makes me feel good because you can see the progress happening before your very eyes.

To Be Read Pile (October 2013)
In the month of October I bought 2 books only! I was at 54 books but now I'm at 48. It seems like I'll never reach the 30's but at least it went down! I finished 9 books and I'm currently reading my 10th. I'm pretty sure that's the most I've ever read in a month this year.

I have nothing planned for the month of November actually. I just plan to read books that I'm in the mood for really. Hopefully I can finish a couple of them so that the pile is even lower but we'll see how it all plays out when I visit it again next month!

Do you have a picture of your TBR Pile? Leave your link down below!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks

Monday's Novel Talk (76)

So.... I just realized I haven't posted anything at all in October. And I have no excuse for it. I really don't. I tried thinking of something, and I got nothing. I mean, I did just get Netflix so I've been trying to catch up on tv shows and then I got gamefly and I'm trying to beat some games and I did read more books this month than usual but hey.

I'm currently reading Sweep Volume 2 by Cate Tiernan and I'm not that far into it. I'm on page 9 still only because I've been busy this past weekend. I do like the first volume and so hopefully this one will have me flying through it.

We're currently on November and I'm actually going to try and schedule some posts so that I can get more content out for you guys. Hopefully it works but if it doesn't, I'm a bad blogger.

So yea, it's a short post today but I do have another one coming up so check back for that one. I also feel so out of loop with this I don't even know what to write.

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

To Be Read Pile (October 2013)

Hey Chroniclers! I'm back with a second post! Whoa! And this post is actually on time! But it's finally October and the year is going by super fast and I have no idea why. With the beginning of the month though, I always have to show my TBR Pile. So I present to thee, the To Be Read Pile of October 2013!

To Be Read Pile (October 2013)
The pile definitely went up, there's no denying that, but I'm not even mad. Some of the books that I added are themed books that I'll be reading this month and they're super short and easy reads. I hope. Maybe I'm a little mad, but not that much.

To Be Read Pile (September 2013)
In the month of September I received 5 books and bought 3 for a total of 8 books added to the pile. I was at 48 books but now I'm at 54 books. I finished 5 books and I'm reading my 6th. This basically matches last month. Now that I finished reading Les Misérables I can focus more on my other books. Hopefully I'll be able to knock out a bunch of books and lower the numbers.

For the month of October I am planning to make it Themed by reading "scary" books. Witches, zombies and monsters, it all sounds fantastic and I can't wait! We'll see how it goes when I come back with next month's pile!

Do you have a picture of your TBR Pile? Leave your link down below!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks

Stacking The Shelves (19)

Hey Chroniclers! Once again this post is late and I really wanted to get it up on Sunday but just things are complicated and my body thinks it's having fun being sick. Either way, Stacking The Shelves is a weekly feature held by the amazing Tynga over at Tynga's Reviews where we share with everyone the books that we'll be adding to our shelves.

The one book below is a book I bought but it's pretty interesting how it happened and why it's special.


The Enchanter Heir by Cinda Williams Chima! On Saturday my mom made me go with her to the doctor and then shopping for food so I made her take me to Barnes & Noble. While there I was looking for a sequel to a series I really want to read this month. I went to those computers they have around and it told me it was in stock and where it was. So I went to that section but couldn't find the book. The only ones I saw were Books 4 and 5 of the series but not 2. So I walked to the side a bit and looked down and did a double take.

At the bottom of the bookcase was this beautiful gem. I couldn't believe it because the book only comes out today! Yet, they had it there days earlier. I immediately grabbed the one copy that was left and went to pay for it. The lady looked at the book and then looked at me and yet I said nothing. I wasn't going to give up this opportunity. I left the store, entered the car and laughed at my luck.

And that's basically the story. I'm super excited to read this book! One of my favorite series and authors. It must have been a reward for everything I went through that day. =P

But that's all I got this week, what did you guys get? Leave your comments down below!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks

Monday, September 30, 2013

Monday's Novel Talk (75)

Hey Chroniclers! So first off, I don't know how this post is going to come out. I'm on my computer because I'm too lazy to go turn my laptop on. So if the post comes out a bit weird looking, I apologize. But anywho, it is Monday and I am so happy and excited because I finally finished something I've been trying to finish since July!

I finally finished reading Les Misérables by Victor Hugo! I had been reading that damn book since July 27th (my birthday) and finally finished it around 3am. I'm so glad I'm rid of that book for the rest of my life and would much rather watch the movie than read it again. I judge people who have read that book more than once. Judging you so hard. But moving on from this book because I no longer want to talk about it!

I'm currently reading Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. I'm on page 278 of 534. I do want to finish this tonight so that I can start reading my October books. But we'll see how it goes. I'm enjoying it so much and love how it makes me feel all warm inside. It literally reminds me of Christmas. I don't even know why. Don't judge me ya'll.

But that's all I've been reading! What have you guys been reading? Leave your comments down below and let's discuss books!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks

Friday, September 27, 2013

Book Review: The Silent Deal

Title: The Silent Deal
Author: Levi Stack
Pages: 346
Publication: 02 May, 2013
Rating: O for Outstanding
Copy: Paperback received by Levi Stack

Review: Imagine having the power of taking an ordinary object, something that we barely pay attention to, and making it the most interesting and mysterious piece you have ever seen. I’m not even talking about the story itself, I’m talking about the author. The power and talent this author holds to transform something as simple as playing cards and turn them into this peculiar power is beyond what anyone can expect from a debut author. The story is about two peasant boys, Viktor and Romulus, who live in the Russian Empire and come across secrets that they wouldn’t dare imagine. Featuring mysterious cards, Romani Gypsies and a dark forest, the novel sets itself up for a world that can only grow into something spectacular.

Starting with the world, I loved the universe that Levi Stack created. It played like a movie in my head as I read it. We all know how movies have color tones to match the mood of the scene. Some movies will be played in blue tones, others in brown, etc. etc. The thing with Stack’s world, is that it changed depending on the scenes. At times it was blue to match the mood of Viktor and where he lived. To show the fact that the people weren’t happy and neither was he, and that it was a cold world. Yet when he went to the Romani Gypsy camps, it was full of browns and greens and reds, like the Earth itself, to show how alive the people were. And towards the end of the novel, everything got dark and it was amazing!

The characters in the book are everything one could ask for, plus more. From the main characters who make real choices and show real emotions, to the supporting characters that feel like our very own enemies and friends, to everyone else who is only mentioned in passing. I do have to say that out of them all my favorites have to be the Romani Gypsies who remind me so much of my family. Colorful yet dark and mysterious, and they have this thing that brings light to the novel and yet doesn’t ruin the dark tones. Reading about them was like sitting in front of a fireplace with a nice mug of hot chocolate while the snow fell outside. It made me feel completely comfortable and at home and that’s what we want books to do.

In the beginning I was a curious to find out how a playing card could ever make a story so interesting and make me keep reading. But, as I read, I began to grow more and more intrigued with the idea that this normal object held so many secrets and so much power, that I wanted to get to the end just to discover what was going on. And once I finally learned the bits that are revealed, I wanted more. Sadly though, the book was done and I was forced to wait for the sequel.

Levi Stack is a storyteller at heart, forming his words into sentences that pull you along and don’t release you until he says so. One can call this an evil villains plan, but I call this an amazing author. He’s an author that we have to keep an eye out for the amazing things that are to come. He got me hooked with his first book, and I’m “patiently” waiting for everything else he’s going to release.




Thursday, September 26, 2013

Author Interview - Levi Stack

Hey Chroniclers! It's been a few months since I did an author interview but I'm here with the interview I did with an author! I love doing Author Interviews because I get to know the authors a little bit more. This one that you guys will see soon is a pretty cool one. The author is young, which is awesome and he's such a great author. Instead of me just telling you about him, let me just let you guys read. So I present to thee the interview with author Levi Stack!


The Author

Who is Levi Stack?
I'm just a twenty-two year old dreamer. All I want to do is create stories for others, and live in the stories others create. If I can give back even a fraction of the happiness that books gave me, I'll be content.

How did the idea of writing and wanting to become an author come about?
I was stuck in a college business class when I had an epiphany: throughout my life, the only thing I'd remained truly passionate about was stories. In that moment, I thought about how amazing it would be to create adventures of my own. That's when I knew I had to write.

If you weren't a writer, what would you be?
At the moment, that's too frightening of a thought to dwell on.

The Novel 



How did the idea for The Silent Deal first come about?
I had an idea for a boy to stand up against a mysterious evil overlord. The Russian Empire, with its landlords, serfs, thieves, Romani Gypsies, and amazing landscape, seemed like the perfect choice.

Was it difficult writing about a world that seems far off but isn't really that far from ours? Any research?
I did a good deal of research, but mostly about interesting topics, and less about the affairs of say, daily peasant life. I wanted to learn about Russian mythology and castles and underworld criminal organizations and Gypsy performers--anything and everything that would work well in an adventure tale.

Is there anything from the novel that you wish you could add or take out now that the novel is published?
Yes. Definitely. Nothing I write will ever be perfect, and often that makes it painful for authors to reread their published books. However, by examining the flaws instead of ignoring them, you become a better storyteller.

What do you honestly think of your finished work?
Honestly, I'm proud of how it turned out. This book taught me how to write. I cut it down from 700 pages to 350 (yeah, I know) and it was a painful, wonderful journey.

Who would you like to play the characters of Viktor and Romulus if it were ever to become a movie? Or would you prefer unknowns?
Hmm. That's tough. I think in a few years, Asa Butterfield, the boy who played 'Hugo', would be great as Viktor. Romulus would be harder to cast. Maybe a Russian unknown? and if the movie was made, I think all the cast would need to polish up some good Russian accents--no easy task!

Future Novels

What is in store for the future of Viktor and Romulus?
Writing is the only time I enjoy planned, and I plotted out four books in The Card Game Series before I ever started writing. Assuming the boys survive, they're in for a dangerous ride. Book 2, The Magic Trick, should be out by Christmas.

Do you have any other books that you want to write?
I have a few ideas, but I won't start anything new until I completely finish The Card Game Series. As a reader, I hated it when an author would ignore a half-finished series to work on other projects.

Could you let us know a bit about them?
I can give you a hint about The Magic Trick. The story involves a dark, bizarre circus returning to Aryk...

Serious Questions
(These questions are "serious" questions that can be summed up in a word or two. They're very serious though.)

Would you prefer to be a Platypus, Kangaroo or an Armadillo?
Kangaroo, indubitably.

Would you prefer to jump into a book or bring the book out into your world?
Enter the story! Why not go all out?

Would you rather live in a Dystopian world or an Apocalyptic world?
Based on reading preference, Dystopian! Thanks for the interview Michael, and I hope you readers check out The Silent Deal!

__________________________________________________

Thank you Levi Stack! That was such an excellent review and I had fun reading your responses! As Levi said, you should all check out The Silent Deal which is seriously such a fantastic book! While you're at it, you should all check out some of the other places he takes up on the interweb!

Like his Facebook: Levi Stack
Follow his Twitter: @levi_stack
Check his Website: LeviStack.com
Check his Goodreads: Levi Stack & The Silent Deal



Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Stacking The Shelves (18)

Hey Chroniclers! I know this is a late post that is supposed to go up on Sunday's but I wasn't home and so I'm putting it up now. Also because I can so yea. Today I woke up really early for the cable guy to fix my DVR and decided to take a small nap and instead it turned into a few hours. I woke up not long ago and that is why the posts are late today as well. Stacking The Shelves is a weekly feature hosted by the wonderful Tynga over at Tynga's Reviews where we share with everyone the books that we'll be adding to our shelves.

The books below are  the books that I received last week.


The first one is Zom-B by Darren Shan that I bought because I had a B&N coupon. I wanted something scary or as scary as I could find for my October Themed Reading. I haven't read a book yet that's about zombies so I'm super excited for this one.

The rest of the books I received from HarperCollins Publishers who I thank oh so much! They were fantastic to send me a couple of books. Some of these I'll be giving away to some readers who would enjoy them more than I would. Those are It's Halloween, I'm Turning Green! by Dan Gutman which I have half a mind of reading actually. Annoying Orange: How To Be Annoying by Brandon Snider, Gravediggers: Terror Cove by Christopher Krovatin which looks pretty cool but my friend actually has the first book and Cinderella Smith: The Super Secret Mystery by Stephanie Barden.

The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates: Magic Marks the Spot by Caroline Carlson is one of the books I'll be keeping. The cover is fantastic and the deckled edges just make it all better and it looks like a fun read.

The last one is Scary School 3: The Northern Frights by Derek The Ghost. I have the first two which I also added to my TBR Pile and they'll all be read during the October Scary Themed Month. I'm excited to read those as well!

But that's all I got this week, what did you guys get? Leave your comments down below!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks

Monday, September 23, 2013

Monday's Novel Talk (74)

Hey Chroniclers! It's finally Fall and I'm so excited because the holidays are coming up starting with Halloween. I've been getting ready for the month of October to read some awesome themed books. I'm super excited for this! But it's still September and I'm still reading other books. Let's see what I've been reading!

Still reading Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. But I'm almost done! I'm currently on page 631 of 908! I'm on Volume 4; Part 2 out of five volumes. I think I can finish this before the end of the month, though. At least I hope so. It's still a bit boring and I prefer the movie over this. Mostly because there's singing and stuff and it's more exciting. I will be watching the movie after I finish reading.

I finished reading Loss by Jackie Morse Kessler. It was my favorite out of the first three but I need to read the last one to see if it'll stand or change. It's so weird finishing series, especially when you know no more books will come out unlike many other series that have surprise, unnecessary sequels. But, it's awesome when you finish reading the last book and just add it to your shelf and just sit back, sigh, and look at it. Soon, I'll finish this series.

I'm currently reading Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. Currently on page 113 of 534. I first read this book around 2005 from the library along with the sequel which I didn't finish. I never liked reading library books. So while I remember some things, it's like reading a book all over again. I do love this book though, oh so much. Aunt Elinor is my spirit animal to be honest. I'm just excited to finish this book and the next two. I read a bit of the sequel, like I said before, but it was only the beginning and never finished. So it makes me even more excited to read the last one which I never opened!

And that's all I've been reading! What have you guys been reading? Leave your comments down below and let's discuss books!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

To Be Read Pile (September 2013)

Hey Chroniclers! So this post is a bit late, like very late. I thought I had put it up already and then I would realize I didn't and forget to actually put it up. And then that thought process would start all over again. It's better late than never though, so I present to thee, the To Be Read Pile of September 2013!

To Be Read Pile (September 2013)
So, you might notice that it's currently in a different place. I had to move the books onto my dresser that is against the opposite wall so that I could have more space on my bookshelves. Also, the wall is gray and not beige as it looks. It's the filter.

To Be Read Pile (August 2013)
Last month I had 53 books which, it just feels like it's never leaving that area. I received/bought 1 book only! Which I actually received and that's because I was in Portugal and couldn't buy anything. I finished 5 books and am reading the 6th (this was during the 1st of September). The thing is the 6th is Les Misérables that I started before going to Portugal and am still reading! (Even today!) All in all, I read about the same as last month which isn't that bad but could have been better. I'm currently at 48 books! Progress! Makes me feel good!

I don't exactly have plans on what to read in September, although I've read a few books already, so it's basically just winging it! Hopefully we'll see more progress in October!

Do you have a picture of your TBR Pile? Leave your link down below!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks

Monday, September 16, 2013

Monday's Novel Talk (73)

Hey Chroniclers! So today, I woke up at 11PM but for some reason fell asleep once again and woke up at 4. I feel like poo D= And this is why I didn't post earlier. But, I am here now and it's Monday and boo Monday's. But let's see what I've been reading!

I'm STILL reading Les Misérables by Victor Hugo! I finally finished Volume 3 and have 4 and 5 left. I'm currently on page 515 out of 908 which isn't that bad. I know that I'll finish this before the year ends. This is the worst and longest I've ever read for one book.

I finished re-reading Burned by Ellen Hopkins for the second time and finished the sequel Smoke as well that was recently released. I loved Burned but Smoke ripped out my heart and just shredded it. I loved it so much it became an instant favorite! I still feel the pain today.

I'm currently reading Loss by Jackie Morse Kessler, the third book in the Riders of the Apocalypse Series. It's so good and in my opinion, better than the first two and much more deeper. I'm on page 109 out of 251 and should be finishing this soon.

And that's all I've been reading? What have you guys been reading? Leave your comments down below!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks

Friday, September 13, 2013

This or That (7)

Hey Chroniclers! It's finally Friday and I feel blah. I hate going to sleep late and waking up late. Makes me feel like crap. But, it's Friday and I need to just forget about that and enjoy the weekend! Since it is the beginning of the week, that could only mean one thing. It's time for another edition of This or That, a weekly meme hosted me, in which I pit covers of the same book against each other. They both have the same story, but the image that sells is different. Your job, as Chroniclers, is to vote for your favorite at the end to see which one is fan favorite. Since J.K. Rowling revealed some amazing news about a new movie that is set in the Wizarding World and follows Newt Scamander, based on her short novel, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, I think this post needs to be special. Let us begin!

Click to see bigger!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling!

Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He's never worn a cloak of invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter.

Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.


The original cover is the love of my life. It's what I know and grew up with and of course I'll be biased with it. But then again, it's Harry Potter and I love every single cover equally, so I wouldn't be able to choose. The second cover is awesome as well. I had to get myself a copy of it. It's awesome seeing another scene from the book. The third cover is also amazing and the only one I've never seen in person. It was a limited edition thing but I love the scene and the colors. Ties in with Deathly Hallows. The fourth book is just amazing as well! I love how busy it is just like the real scene. Love the colors and it just gets me excited. Plus, the actual copy has this buttery feel to it, so soft. 

Between the four, what do you guys think? Vote for your favorite down below and let's see which one is the winner! 



Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks



Tuesday, September 10, 2013

The Novel's Court (12)

Hey Chroniclers! It's the second post today which is pretty cool because everyone loves posts. As I said in the previous post, today is Tuesday and that means books have been released into the world. The Novel's Court is a weekly meme hosted by me where I bring to you a debut novel that is a stand-alone or the start of a series and put it through a court-like process to deem whether it is Guilty of reading or Not Guilty. I'm going to try a new thing where at the end you can vote as to whether it's guilty or not. So let us begin!


Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell.


Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan, but for Cath, being a fan is her life-and she's really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it's what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath's sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can't let go. She doesn't want to.

Now that they're going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn't want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort one. She's got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

Time for Court!

The Story: I think the story sounds pretty awesome. We've all been there in fandoms regardless if it's books, movies, shows or whatever else there is. And we've all found it hard to move on and never really do. I also find how the character seems so relatable in the synopsis. 

The Cover: Not exactly a fan of the cover but I like how it's simple like her other covers. I do love when covers match. 

The Verdict: Guilty! I would read this and depending how the reviews go I might have to add this on my wishlist. Seems like it would be a fun, quick book to read. 

What do you guys think? Vote below and then leave your comments with what you think! 



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Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (53)

Hey Chroniclers! I'm so excited because it's Tuesday and that means brand new books have been released into the world. Tuesday's Novel Spotlight is a weekly meme hosted by me where I bring you a book that has just been released but is a sequel or companion novel. Today I'm actually in New York City going to Barnes & Noble to get the book that was released today. That book is....


Smoke by Ellen Hopkins!

I am so freaking excited to read this book! I read the first book Burned last year and again very recently. I seriously can't wait to both read the book and hold it in my hands! I want to see what special texture the book has like all of her other novels. We'll get to see the story continue for Pattyn and everyone else around her and it's just too exciting for me to handle!

I love the cover! It reminds me of the font color of Burned and I love how they both tie in together. Now that I look at it it kind of looks like a forest on the bottom with the trees on fire and the black is the sky with the moon on the corner! Never noticed that until now.

What are your thoughts on the first book, cover and author? We all know she's one of my favorite author so it's just too awesome. Leave your comments down below and let me know what you guys think!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
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Monday, September 9, 2013

Monday's Novel Talk (72)

Hey Chroniclers! I haven't posted one of these since July but then again, I wasn't here during August to put one up so we'll go ahead and start with what I've read since last week.

I'm currently still reading Les Misérables by Victor Hugo since July! I'm currently on page 438 of 908 and it is killing me. I thought the book would be completely different than what it really is. It's like I'm reading a History Textbook and that is not my cup of tea. It's gotten to the point where I have to read along with an audiobook so that I don't stop reading and wander of doing something else. Hopefully I can finish this by the end of the year. -____-

I finished reading Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan and I went into it with low expectations but I ended up really enjoying it. I'll be buying the sequel along with the matching first book in paperback so that I can continue the adventure.

I'm currently reading Burned by Ellen Hopkins in preparation for the sequel that will release tomorrow, Smoke. I'm currently on page 209 of 531 and of course I love it. It's such a fast read like all of her other books and I should be done by tonight.

But that's all I've been reading. What have you guys been reading? Leave your comments down below!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
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Friday, September 6, 2013

This or That (6)

Hey Chroniclers! It's Friday and everyone loves Friday because it's the beginning of the weekend! And we all know how much we need a weekend to relax. It also means that it's another edition of This or That, a weekly meme hosted by yours truly, where I I pit two covers of the same book against each other. They both have the same story, but the image that sells is different. Your job, as Chroniclers, is to vote for your favorite at the end to see which is the fan favorite. Let us begin!

Click to see bigger.
Across The Universe by Beth Revis.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SURVIVE ABOARD A SPACESHIP FUELED BY LIES?

Amy is a cryogenically frozen passenger aboard the spaceship Godspeed. She has left her boyfriend, friends-and planet-behind to join her parents as member of Project Ark Ship. Amy and her parents believe they will wake on a new planet, Centauri-Earth, three hundred years in the future. But fifty years before Godspeed's scheduled landing, cyro chamber 42 is mysteriously unplugged, and Amy is violently woken from her frozen slumber.

Someone tried to murder her.

Now, Amy is caught inside an enclosed world where nothing makes sense. Godspeed's 2,312 passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader. And Elder, Eldest's rebellious teenage heir, is both fascinated with Amy and eager to discover whether he has what it takes to lead.

Amy desperately wants to trust Elder. But should she put her faith in a boy who has never seen life outside the ship's cold metal walls? All Amy knows is that she and Elder must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke her tries to kill again.

The original cover is very pleasing to the eyes. I love the art work and the colors that were put into it. Love the two people facing each other and it's just really an awesome cover. The second cover is a bit more what the synopsis sounds like. It reminds me of the inside of a ship and the girl in the middle trying to reach out of it. The third cover is very gender neutral though which I also like. A lot of people don't like it because they prefer the first cover and I must admit, I do love the first cover, but I'm also liking the third one as well. 

Between the three, what do you guys think? Vote for your favorite down below and let's see which one is the winner! 




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Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
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Saturday, August 31, 2013

Between The Pages (5)

Hey Chroniclers! It's Saturday and even though I've been in the US, I'm still having these posts scheduled up so I don't forget about them! Anyway! Between the Pages is a weekly meme, hosted by me, where I pit two shows/movies/books, that revolve around the same idea, against each other. It is your job as a Chronicler, to vote (at the bottom) for which one is your favorite or the one you prefer of the two so that we can know, once and for all, which is the best! The post will consist of an image to represent the competitors and then the synopsis to let you know what they're about. Let us begin!


Battle Of The Shadowhunters!

The Mortal Instruments
vs
The Infernal Devices

The Mortal Instruments

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder-mush less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing-not even a smear of blood-to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

The Infernal Devices

Magic is dangerous-but love is more dangerous still.

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.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by-and torn between- two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Both of the series are written by Cassandra Clare and I've read both The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices and they're both so unique that I can't really choose which one my favorite it. I might have to go with the first four books of The Mortal Instruments because I seriously fell in love with them when I first read them. What do you guys say?



Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
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Friday, August 30, 2013

This Or That (5)

Hey Chroniclers! It's Friday and even though I'm already back in the USA, I'm still having these posts scheduled so that I don't forget. Today, though, is time for a new edition of This Or That, a weekly meme hosted by me where I pit two covers from the same novel against each other. They both have the same story, but the image that sells is different. Your job, as Chroniclers, is to vote for your favorite at the end of the post to see which one is the fan favorite. Let us begin!


The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway-a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage but for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love-a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involves, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

The original cover is pretty cool. It has the hand holding up the mysterious tent and the colors are pretty cool and I think that it captures the story itself. The new cover is also pretty cool. I love the fact that they kept the circus tent still in the picture but then added the silhouettes of the people on either side. 

Between the two, I can't decide which of the two I like best. But what do you guys think? Vote for your favorite below and let's see which one is the winner!



Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Honesty Hour (10)

Hey Chroniclers! It is time to celebrate because while this isn't the last post, it is the last post I need to schedule! Also it is Thursday and Thursday brings along Honesty Hour! Honesty Hour is a weekly meme where unlike a review, it's more of a discussion full of spoilers and whatnot. Instead of just the story, I'll talk about certain things like characters, plot, setting, cover, author and whatever else I have to talk about. Now I warn you, the post might be full of spoilers to the novel. PROCEED WITH CAUTION! THERE MAY BE SPOILERS AFTER THE PICTURE!


Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare!

Everyone knows what the novel is about. I've spoken about both the books and the author multiple times so I think I have to go straight ahead and just get on with what I want to talk about on this post. The ending. The book ends with Tessa marrying Will who grows old and passes away and finally Tessa is in our time and Jem, who became a silent brother, becomes normal again and she's able to end up with Jem.

What a stupid ending! It was such a mess! It had such a too perfect ending that it completely sucked. Tessa doesn't know what pain is and Clare gave her no reason to know! She literally made Tessa get with both boys in the end and it's just so stupid. I seriously thought the book ended very Twilight-ish. Everything ended with everyone getting their happy ending and it was just like, "I read this for it to end like that?" I wanted Jem to be a Silent Brother and have Tessa know she can never be with him and vice-versa. I wanted her to feel the pain of knowing that the other is alive but never being able to be with them.

And then there's no actual reason as to why Jem isn't a silent brother anymore so it's like seriously? We don't even get an explanation? As much as I like Cassandra Clare's books, the ending was just horrible and hopefully she learns but I don't think she will. At least not yet.

What do you guys think though? Do you guys agree or not? Leave your comments down below and let's discuss!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Cast Them Away (11)

Hey Chroniclers! Welcome to another Wednesday, glad we all made it this far! And we're still going strong. Today I bring to thee another edition of Cast Them Away! Cast Them Away is a weekly meme hosted by me where I choose an actor or actress to play the role of a character from a book if the book were ever to be turned into a movie. Today is the last day of the Pretty Little Liars theme I had going on during the month in which I chose roles for the 4 Liars of the show. So let us finish it up!


The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima is the first book in The Heir Chroniclers and is the start of a fantastic adventure. The story follows the hero called Jack who discovers that he is a Warrior in a world where houses capture Warriors to make them fight to the death for a title. The problem is, he's one of the last so they're doing anything to capture him. While Jack is the main character of the story, we get another character who has just as much personality.

Ellen is another Warrior who is captured by one of the two houses and she's forced to fight Jack to the death. The book delivers crazy turns and twists that will make you keep wanting to read more. Especially with the crazy characters. But Ellen has seriously got to be one of the most interesting characters of the novel.

She just has so much spunk and attitude and is a big fighter for her friends and family and even more, herself. I had to choose the perfect Liar for her and even though there's only one left, she was the perfect one for this role.

Ashley Benson, aka Hanna is probably the one with the biggest career of all the Liars. The reason I chose her for the role of Ellen is because we've already seen her kick ass in the real world in Spring Breakers so I'm sure a fantasy movie won't be that much different.

Ashley Benson has this thing about her where she's such a pretty girl, but confirms the fact that looks can be deceiving. Kind of like Buffy. She can snap your neck and kill you if she has too. Hopefully not in real life. I can imagine Ashley holding a sword comfortably in her hand and not mind getting bloodied and roughed up with some action. Not to mention people would recognize her right away and she'll be known as the character.

The Warrior Heir is one of the few books I really want to see made into a movie and if it is, I want Ashley Benson in it. I love seeing people out of the ordinary and she'd be perfect for it.

What do you guys think though? Yay or Nay? Who would you choose for the role of Ellen? Leave your comments down below!

 Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
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Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

The Novel's Court (11)

Ola Chroniclers! It's Tuesday once again and that means books have been released into the world. It is our job to decide which ones we want to read and which ones we want to pass up. So, I am here to make it easier for you. The Novel's Court is a weekly meme hosted by me, where I put a debut novel through a trial to see if it is Guilty (worth reading) or Not Guilty (not worth reading). In this case, we want the books to be Guilty so let us begin!



Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan!

New York Times bestselling author David Levithan tells the based-on-true-events story of Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record-all of which is narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS. While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term relationships, coming out, navigating gender identity, and falling deeper into the digital rabbit hole of gay hookup sites-all while the kissing former couple tries to figure out their own feelings for each other.

Time for Court!

The Story: So the story is like most others out there but what makes it crazy is the attention this is getting for it being about two gay guys. There's positive attention and there's negative attention. But it's not only the story.

The Cover: The cover has been getting so much attention, even on some news about featuring two boys actually kissing. Hence the title. A lot has been negative but it's just a mess how people are attacking it so much.

The Verdict: As a straight guy, what I have to say is that this novel is Guilty! The fact that this is bothering a lot of people is making me love it so much. I love how people are feeling uncomfortable and want this book banned. Just for the hell of pissing people off, I'm going to buy the book. Plus, I love David Levithan. Straight but not narrow is my motto and hopefully everyone buys this book to piss others off.

What are your thoughts on the cover, the story and the whole attention this book is getting? Leave your comments down below and let's discuss it! 

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
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Saturday, August 24, 2013

Between The Pages (4)

Hey Chroniclers! It's finally the last Saturday before I come back to my beloved America which I miss so very much. As much as I love Portugal, I miss seeing my friends and my books and everything else I have there. Especially my amazing, comfortable bed. But, since today is Saturday I figured we might as well continue with another edition of Between the Pages! Between the Pages is a weekly meme, hosted by your truly, where I pit two shows/movies/books, that revolve around the same idea, against each other. Your job as a Chronicler, is to vote (at the end) for which one you prefer or is your favorite so that once and for all, we can settle which is the best. The post will consist of an image to represent the competitors along with a synopsis to let you know what they're about. Let us begin!


Battle Of The Vampires!

True Blood
vs
The Vampire Diaries

True Blood

Sookie Stackhouse is just a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. Until the vampire of her dreams walks into her life-and one of her coworkers checks out...

Maybe having a vampire for a boyfriend isn't such a bright idea.

The Vampire Diaries

A deadly love triangle.

Elena: beautiful and popular, the girl who can have any guy she wants.

Stefan: brooding and mysterious, desperately trying to resist his desire for Elena . . . for her own good.

Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him.

Elena finds herself drawn to both brothers . . . who will she choose?

I've watched The Vampire Diaries up until Season 3, which I still need to watch to catch up. I've only watched a few episodes of True Blood from Season 1 but I also want to keep watching and catch up on it. So far, I'll have to say I'm going for The Vampire Diaries only because I'm further along on it but who knows by the end. Either way, the choice is up to you!



Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks

 



Friday, August 23, 2013

This Or That (4)

Hey Chroniclers! It's Friday once more! It's actually funny because I'm scheduling these in July and I'm saying it's Friday and it's like Thursday and I did like 4 of these in a row. It's messing with my schedule! >.> Anywho, it's time for edition of This Or That, a weekly hosted by me where I pit two covers of the same novel against each other. They both have the same story, but the image that sells is different. It's your job, as Chroniclers, to vote for your favorite cover at the end of the post and let us all know which is fan favorite. Let us begin!


The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa.

In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked-and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outsider her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend-a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what-and who-is worth dying for.

Now the original cover is pretty cool but it has the usual person on it like most of YA books and that is becoming overplayed. Now the second one is pretty cool. Any cover that doesn't have a person on it looks pretty cool to me because I can see the different designs and such. I love the gold and black and it seriously pops out.

Between the two, my obvious favorite is the second one. I just love it too much not for it not to be my favorite. But what do you guys think? Vote for your favorite below and let's see which one is the winner!



Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Instagram: AntonioMeks



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