Hey Chroniclers! So it's a late post as in a day late but I don't remember why I didn't post yesterday. I don't even remember what I did yesterday. O.O It's bad lol. But, only now have I gotten time to post this up. It's weird though, I feel really weird and I don't know why. I've been feeling like this for a while already and it sucks.
Since last week though, I'm still reading Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. I'm currently on page 315 of 568 and I have gotten to that one part that everyone knows and D= I don't know how to feel about it but it's just making my emotions play with me too much. I hope to finish it very soon but we'll see how it goes.
But that's it really, I haven't been reading much this past week but hopefully I will this week. What have you guys been reading though? Leave your comments down below!
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Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Book Review: The Namesake
Author: Steven Parlato
Pages: 359
Publication: 18 January, 2013
Rating: O for Outstanding
Copy: ARC received by Bumbles and Fairy-Tales
Review: Easter morning. Evan Galloway and his mother spend time in church for the holy day. Thoughts of happiness and the feeling of being blessed surrounds the room in a shroud of light. Not far from the church, at Evans grandparent’s house, his father hangs off a rope from the attic beams. Evan is in his third year at St. Sebastian’s Catholic High School, and not only does he need to worry about graduating at sixteen and choosing a college to attend, he’s troubled by the thoughts and questions of why his father left him behind. Questions that he would later find out that he’d rather leave them unanswered.
The novel spends the majority of its time with Evan finding bits and pieces of his fathers past life, along with finding the hidden secrets his parents kept from him his whole entire life. Side-by-side with some normal high school subplots, the novel shapes up to be one of the best contemporary reads I have ever read.
Written in first-person, The Namesake was my first novel by Steven Parlato, which made me a bit excited to discover what this author was all about. The further I got into the book, the more I became convinced that this man was a genius with his writing. The man knows how to write! He gave me a character that I was instantly able to connect with on account of some similarities and he gave me a story that touched my heart and words that made me feel as if it were all real. To say that he made me believe and feel for the character is an understatement because he made me live as Evan and not many people have enough talent to do that.
The characters were all perfectly laid out. I was able to connect with each and every one of them but Evan was a part of me that I completely forgot about. There were times when I felt like we were the same person as he thought and went through things that I myself have gone through. The supporting characters were amazingly written as well. None of them were fully sculpted from the first page and you learned more and more about them as the novel advanced.
Now the story itself, I can’t exactly speak much of without spoiling, so I might be a bit of a tease here. Evan’s father, also Evan Galloway, committed suicide and with a reason that we find out towards the end. Through-out the entire novel we still have him around in the form of art, letters and recorded tapes. He tells his story of things that went on when he was younger and Evan found it and plays them little by little. While people might get frustrated that he didn't just go through the whole thing, I found it ultimately realistic at the fact that he could not face the pain of listening to his father.
The story is something that does happen a lot and we do hear about it on the news once in a while. Something that is both scandalous and heart-breaking and I think that it was handled extremely well in the novel because not only do you see the taboo side, you get to experience the pain and suffering of the family. I think Parlato is a talented author and I can’t wait to see more of his work.
UPDATE! Author Steven Parlato tried commenting on the post but for some reason it wouldn't go through but he has left me a message.
"Michael, Thanks for the amazing NAMESAKE review. I'm touched by the praise, but also the sincerity & insight with which you read my work. Your deep connection with Evan and your feeling like part of his story mean the world. Input like this inspires me as I work on the next. All best, Steven Parlato."
When I get messages like this one by authors, it touches me and reminds me to keep doing what I'm doing. I'm glad that you loved the review and here's to many more future novels and success!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Honesty Hour (6)
Hola Chroniclers! I've posted every day this week which is cray cray! I even posted two posts on Tuesday! Sweet Books, I'm doing good! I must not stop so today I bring you another Honesty Hour post! Honesty Hour is a meme where unlike a review, it's more of a discussion full of spoilers and whatnot. I might also speak of just certain characters, authors, settings, writing, etc. etc. Now I warn you, after the picture THERE WILL BE SPOILERS! SPOILERS AFTER THE PHOTO! PROCEED WITH CAUTION!
Firelight Trilogy by Sophie Jordan.
Firelight was one of those books where I got it for the cover. I barely knew what it was about aside that it involved Draki and I found that interesting. But the cover is what I really got it for. Once I read it I was a bit on the fence about it. I expected the book to be bigger and the content to be better. The premise was good, I think that people who turn into Dragons with powers is a cool thing but the writing and the way everything played out and what did happen just fell flat. I enjoyed it but not as much as I would like. I just expected it to be completely different than what it really is.
Vanish came out and I got it a while after but when I read it I felt like the story, once again was just lacking. I felt like it was too short and too little actually happened, but I couldn't just stop it and had to finish the series. So I continued and bought Hidden the final book of the trilogy. I feel like I need to breathe before speaking of it. First off when I got the book, I noticed right away that it was the shortest of them all. The other two are already short but this one is just super small. Doesn't even reach 300 pages. I was already put off by how short it was.
But, I read it. And as I was reading I kept thinking, stupid people making stupid decisions. We're introduced to characters who feel like they have a great importance and they're there for about 5 pages before never being seen again. The ending felt like it was robbing me. Everything felt rushed and out of nowhere it was done. Nothing really happened. The deaths that did happen and the twists and turns that did felt too sudden and quick to have any real impact.
I remember telling someone that the trilogy would be better off as one whole book. It would feel a bit more full and less rushing. Sort of like a bind-up but just one book. But I was so disappointed in the final book and even the series as a whole. I thought it was going to be something else and it could have been an amazing thing. But it failed.
My thing is, I can't judge authors because I don't know their motives or why they write. But I feel like authors now-a-days are rushing to get as many books out as they can instead of taking their time. It works for some but for others it falls flat. I'm not saying that Sophie Jordan writes just for money or to get many books out but the fact is, to me, she could have done way better with the trilogy. And I know she's writing other books, was writing books and has written other books during the trilogy and that might be the reason why.
I know this post said there would be spoilers and there really weren't any, and this is mainly due to the fact that I couldn't exactly remember what happened in the trilogy. I read the last book earlier this month, and I had to go back to the final pages and glance through it to remember before posting this up! It says something right there.
But what are your thoughts on the series? Did you like it or not? I know a lot of people on goodreads said it was amazing and that it was the best books they had read and I'm just like.... but I'd love to hear your opinion. What are your thoughts on the author as well! Let me know!
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Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Firelight Trilogy by Sophie Jordan.
Firelight was one of those books where I got it for the cover. I barely knew what it was about aside that it involved Draki and I found that interesting. But the cover is what I really got it for. Once I read it I was a bit on the fence about it. I expected the book to be bigger and the content to be better. The premise was good, I think that people who turn into Dragons with powers is a cool thing but the writing and the way everything played out and what did happen just fell flat. I enjoyed it but not as much as I would like. I just expected it to be completely different than what it really is.
Vanish came out and I got it a while after but when I read it I felt like the story, once again was just lacking. I felt like it was too short and too little actually happened, but I couldn't just stop it and had to finish the series. So I continued and bought Hidden the final book of the trilogy. I feel like I need to breathe before speaking of it. First off when I got the book, I noticed right away that it was the shortest of them all. The other two are already short but this one is just super small. Doesn't even reach 300 pages. I was already put off by how short it was.
But, I read it. And as I was reading I kept thinking, stupid people making stupid decisions. We're introduced to characters who feel like they have a great importance and they're there for about 5 pages before never being seen again. The ending felt like it was robbing me. Everything felt rushed and out of nowhere it was done. Nothing really happened. The deaths that did happen and the twists and turns that did felt too sudden and quick to have any real impact.
I remember telling someone that the trilogy would be better off as one whole book. It would feel a bit more full and less rushing. Sort of like a bind-up but just one book. But I was so disappointed in the final book and even the series as a whole. I thought it was going to be something else and it could have been an amazing thing. But it failed.
My thing is, I can't judge authors because I don't know their motives or why they write. But I feel like authors now-a-days are rushing to get as many books out as they can instead of taking their time. It works for some but for others it falls flat. I'm not saying that Sophie Jordan writes just for money or to get many books out but the fact is, to me, she could have done way better with the trilogy. And I know she's writing other books, was writing books and has written other books during the trilogy and that might be the reason why.
I know this post said there would be spoilers and there really weren't any, and this is mainly due to the fact that I couldn't exactly remember what happened in the trilogy. I read the last book earlier this month, and I had to go back to the final pages and glance through it to remember before posting this up! It says something right there.
But what are your thoughts on the series? Did you like it or not? I know a lot of people on goodreads said it was amazing and that it was the best books they had read and I'm just like.... but I'd love to hear your opinion. What are your thoughts on the author as well! Let me know!
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Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
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Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Cast Them Away (5)
Hey Chroniclers! I am back with another edition of Cast Them Away, the meme where I choose an actress or actor to play a role of a character if a book were to become a movie. This week I'll be choosing an actress for a book I'm currently reading called Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. A while ago I heard news that they were working on Clockwork Angel script and I immediately began thinking on who would play Tessa. I keep hearing a lot of people say Nina Dobrev which I can see it happening but today I saw a picture that I absolutely loved.
Now the thing is, I really want to know who the cover model is but Cassandra Clare won't reveal her name. She looks like the perfect Tessa and it would be cool if her acting was great because she could be cast in the role. But, I don't see that happening so therefore I must choose an actress.
Now I don't think I need to tell you guys what Clockwork Princess is all about aside from the fact that it is the final book in The Infernal Devices Trilogy. It's a really good trilogy and the thing about Tessa's character is that her role would expand over to The Mortal Instruments movie as well. I'm not saying how but it's there. So we need an actress who can fit in different time periods.
The person that I have chosen is....
Emilia Clarke!
You may know her as Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen. Khaleesi and mother of the three dragons, from the show Game of Thrones. We all know how bad ass she is. But can she do Victorian?
I think she can! She has the look for it, for sure. The picture reminds me of Tessa on the cover and I think that her look will definitely fit in different time periods. Tessa in The Infernal Devices is a Shapeshifter who gets mixed up with Shadowhunters and basically joins the team to kick ass and fight crime. Kind of.
She's very proper and very poised but can still wield a weapon without a problem. I'm actually very excited for this movie more than City of Bones and I can't exactly say why. I just can't wait to see who gets cast as who. They're currently working on the script so it still may be a while before the movie comes out. I say it'll be released around City of Glass or after.
What do you guys think of Emilia Clarke as Tessa? Do you have anyone else in mind? Leave your comments down below and let us discuss! Are you excited for Clockwork Angel movie? Let me know!
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Now I don't think I need to tell you guys what Clockwork Princess is all about aside from the fact that it is the final book in The Infernal Devices Trilogy. It's a really good trilogy and the thing about Tessa's character is that her role would expand over to The Mortal Instruments movie as well. I'm not saying how but it's there. So we need an actress who can fit in different time periods.
The person that I have chosen is....
You may know her as Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen. Khaleesi and mother of the three dragons, from the show Game of Thrones. We all know how bad ass she is. But can she do Victorian?
I think she can! She has the look for it, for sure. The picture reminds me of Tessa on the cover and I think that her look will definitely fit in different time periods. Tessa in The Infernal Devices is a Shapeshifter who gets mixed up with Shadowhunters and basically joins the team to kick ass and fight crime. Kind of.
She's very proper and very poised but can still wield a weapon without a problem. I'm actually very excited for this movie more than City of Bones and I can't exactly say why. I just can't wait to see who gets cast as who. They're currently working on the script so it still may be a while before the movie comes out. I say it'll be released around City of Glass or after.
What do you guys think of Emilia Clarke as Tessa? Do you have anyone else in mind? Leave your comments down below and let us discuss! Are you excited for Clockwork Angel movie? Let me know!
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The Novel's Court (6)
Hey Chroniclers! I didn't think I was going to make one of these today, due to the fact that I couldn't find any debut novels. Which is weird because novels are always coming out on Tuesdays. So the fact that I couldn't find any sucks. But thanks to a fellow blogger, Brad @BookYAReview, of which you can also find him at his site, BookYAReview, I can now make this post. He gave me the title of a debut novel and I can't wait to bring it to court. The Novel's Court is a weekly meme hosted by me where I put a debut novel through a "court" process and let you know whether they are readable (Guilty) or non-readable (Not Guilty). And in this case, we want them to be guilty. This week, I bring you...
Arclight by Josin L. McQuein!
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Arclight by Josin L. McQuein!
No one survives the Fade.
They have taken everything, destroyed everything.
The only safe place left is within the wall of light called the Arclight.
No one survives the Fade.
If they call you, if you leave, you're lost.
No one survives the Fade.
They're trying to get in.
No one survives the Fade.
But she did.
She doesn't remember how.
She doesn't remember anything.
Marina survived the Fade . . .
but for how long?
Time for Court!
The Story: Holy crap! That is what I call a synopsis! Nothing is revealed, nothing is given, yet everything is wanted. I, I don't even have words for this. It sounds so freaking amazing! I want to know what the hell the Fade is and I want to know why Marina survived or how she survived and why they asked how long she will survive it. This is what I enjoy. It gives me mystery, creepiness and yet excitement! I want it.
The Cover: While I'm not a fan of the cover, there's something about it that I like and don't like but I can't put my finger on it. I'm sure the cover looks better in person and might be one of those special covers that's not just glossy. But still... I want it.
The Verdict: Guilty! Super Guilty! Guiltier than a baby who is super quiet! I want this book now. But I'm so poor. Either way, it's going on my wishlist, right now! >.>
What are your thoughts on the story and the cover? Have you read it yet or want to read it? Leave your comments down below!
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
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Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Used Books vs New Books
Books. Everyone likes books, right? At least if you're reading this you do. But there's always this one situation that people find themselves in, or have asked others about. Do you buy your books used or new? Now here's the thing, I buy my books new and don't get used books for certain reasons of which I will let you know.
This all began when I was younger and got into reading. I didn't know about Barnes & Noble or anything and if I did I forgot about it. I knew about Harry Potter at Pathmark, a supermarket, and that there was a library near me. So of course I chose the library. The problem is though, I never finished the books from the library. Faerie Wars by Herbie Brennan was left alone after the first few pages. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke was surprisingly read but Inkspell was left alone after a while. I got so many books there that I never finished nor did I care for them.
In High School, my Public Speaking teacher let me borrow his Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit and I only finished The Hobbit but couldn't get past the first book of the trilogy. Now this all wouldn't seem odd except for the fact that I bought Faerie Wars and finished it rather quickly and loved it, along with the sequels. I bought Inkheart and the following two books and while I haven't read them yet, I can't wait!
The problem with me is, I just can't read used books. To me used books are exactly how they sound, used. I have this thing where a book isn't just a book but a keeper of memories. To me I can look at my books that I bought and read and I remember things that happened or I did while reading them. I remember the emotions I felt while turning its pages and I feel like that book is now linked to me forever. Picking up a used book is like going through someone's diary.
I know someone else enjoyed this, that they had memories and had joyous events or hard times while reading this. And to read it would be like adding my own memories over the original and pushing it out of the way. I just can't do it. Now recently, I received three used books to read from a friend and all of this went away. I feel like they look completely loved and as if there are no memories in them but just love. It's weird and some people might call me crazy but it's true.
That's why I only buy new books. From the moment I pick the book up, I'm already connecting with it and adding my memories to it. The excitement to read, the disappointment that I have to wait, everything I feel is in that book. Which brings me to why I don't let people borrow books. Aside from them being destroyers of the beautiful creations, I don't want people to know my memories or try to figure them out.
Not to mention I love having my books brand spanking new. I like it how when someone comes over they wonder if I even read the books because they look as if they never been touched. Looking at my books is like looking at a shelf at a bookstore. The covers are intact, no page is bent or dirty, the spine is not broken. It's like I never read them.
What do you guys buy though? Used books or new books? Or do you really not care and just want the story? To me, books are more than just the story. They're a safe haven.
Leave your comments down below with your opinion. I would really love to hear them.
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
This all began when I was younger and got into reading. I didn't know about Barnes & Noble or anything and if I did I forgot about it. I knew about Harry Potter at Pathmark, a supermarket, and that there was a library near me. So of course I chose the library. The problem is though, I never finished the books from the library. Faerie Wars by Herbie Brennan was left alone after the first few pages. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke was surprisingly read but Inkspell was left alone after a while. I got so many books there that I never finished nor did I care for them.
In High School, my Public Speaking teacher let me borrow his Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit and I only finished The Hobbit but couldn't get past the first book of the trilogy. Now this all wouldn't seem odd except for the fact that I bought Faerie Wars and finished it rather quickly and loved it, along with the sequels. I bought Inkheart and the following two books and while I haven't read them yet, I can't wait!
The problem with me is, I just can't read used books. To me used books are exactly how they sound, used. I have this thing where a book isn't just a book but a keeper of memories. To me I can look at my books that I bought and read and I remember things that happened or I did while reading them. I remember the emotions I felt while turning its pages and I feel like that book is now linked to me forever. Picking up a used book is like going through someone's diary.
I know someone else enjoyed this, that they had memories and had joyous events or hard times while reading this. And to read it would be like adding my own memories over the original and pushing it out of the way. I just can't do it. Now recently, I received three used books to read from a friend and all of this went away. I feel like they look completely loved and as if there are no memories in them but just love. It's weird and some people might call me crazy but it's true.
That's why I only buy new books. From the moment I pick the book up, I'm already connecting with it and adding my memories to it. The excitement to read, the disappointment that I have to wait, everything I feel is in that book. Which brings me to why I don't let people borrow books. Aside from them being destroyers of the beautiful creations, I don't want people to know my memories or try to figure them out.
Not to mention I love having my books brand spanking new. I like it how when someone comes over they wonder if I even read the books because they look as if they never been touched. Looking at my books is like looking at a shelf at a bookstore. The covers are intact, no page is bent or dirty, the spine is not broken. It's like I never read them.
What do you guys buy though? Used books or new books? Or do you really not care and just want the story? To me, books are more than just the story. They're a safe haven.
Leave your comments down below with your opinion. I would really love to hear them.
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Monday, April 22, 2013
Monday's Novel Talk (65)
Hey Chroniclers! It's Monday once again, and while Monday's are blah, I feel kind of good. I mean, aside from the constant sneezing and eyes watering, I still feel good. I don't know why though, I think the nice weather is getting to me. I read a bit during the week so let's get to that.
Since last week I finished reading Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars / E for Exceeds Expectations. While I did enjoy it and like it a lot something felt a bit off towards the end. I feel like the world went too far from what it truly was but it was still a good book. I did enjoy the series as a whole and will be checking out any future books of the authors.
I also finished Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars / O for Outstanding. It made me feel like I did when I first read the ARC for the first book. I loved how there was a fight and how Nora went at it alone, without the help of Patch. I mostly enjoyed the fact that Patch wasn't anywhere near the final battle and thought it set a great example that female characters don't need no man to fight. I enjoyed a lot more than the second and third book and thought it was a great ending.
I'm currently reading Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare FINALLY! I keep hearing amazing things and I can't believe it's already the end for this trilogy. I hope that Cassandra Clare never stops writing Shadowhunter books. I also hope that she stays with the same cover artist so that all of the books match and look super amazing with their spines matching and looking awesome on a shelf. I'm currently on page 23 out of 568. I just started not long ago but it's already so good! I seem to enjoy these characters more than The Mortal Instruments characters in books 4 and 5.
But that's all I've been reading. What have you guys been reading? Leave your comments down below!
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Since last week I finished reading Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars / E for Exceeds Expectations. While I did enjoy it and like it a lot something felt a bit off towards the end. I feel like the world went too far from what it truly was but it was still a good book. I did enjoy the series as a whole and will be checking out any future books of the authors.
I also finished Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars / O for Outstanding. It made me feel like I did when I first read the ARC for the first book. I loved how there was a fight and how Nora went at it alone, without the help of Patch. I mostly enjoyed the fact that Patch wasn't anywhere near the final battle and thought it set a great example that female characters don't need no man to fight. I enjoyed a lot more than the second and third book and thought it was a great ending.
I'm currently reading Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare FINALLY! I keep hearing amazing things and I can't believe it's already the end for this trilogy. I hope that Cassandra Clare never stops writing Shadowhunter books. I also hope that she stays with the same cover artist so that all of the books match and look super amazing with their spines matching and looking awesome on a shelf. I'm currently on page 23 out of 568. I just started not long ago but it's already so good! I seem to enjoy these characters more than The Mortal Instruments characters in books 4 and 5.
But that's all I've been reading. What have you guys been reading? Leave your comments down below!
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle ChroniclerGoodreads: Michael Araujo
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Stacking The Shelves (15)
Hey Chroniclers! Once again it's Sunday and I'm so tired and exhausted for reasons I don't even know. But, I must force myself to post this week's Stacking The Shelves. Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by the amazing Tynga over at Tynga's Reviews where we show what we received or bought during the week. This week I'm actually showing two weeks worth of books because I didn't get much and didn't want to do a post with just one book.
Last week I got three books in the mail sent by a Chronicler and friend by the name of Stacey! She recommended this trilogy and sent me the books and I can't wait to read them!
The Dragon Bone Chair, Stone of Farewell and To Green Angel Tower by Tad Williams. The three books are huge but that third one is a beast! I can't wait to read them though, they look like they're going to be good and epic!
The last book I got was one I bought and that is Sweep Volume II by Cate Tiernan. It included books 4, 5 and 6 of the Sweep Series and I won't read it just yet. I plan on buying all of the books before reading them.
But that's all I got this week. I don't plan on getting any books next week so my TBR Pile won't be growing anytime soon. But I'm happy with the 4 books! What did you guys get this week though?
Leave your comments down below!
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Last week I got three books in the mail sent by a Chronicler and friend by the name of Stacey! She recommended this trilogy and sent me the books and I can't wait to read them!
The Dragon Bone Chair, Stone of Farewell and To Green Angel Tower by Tad Williams. The three books are huge but that third one is a beast! I can't wait to read them though, they look like they're going to be good and epic!
The last book I got was one I bought and that is Sweep Volume II by Cate Tiernan. It included books 4, 5 and 6 of the Sweep Series and I won't read it just yet. I plan on buying all of the books before reading them.
But that's all I got this week. I don't plan on getting any books next week so my TBR Pile won't be growing anytime soon. But I'm happy with the 4 books! What did you guys get this week though?
Leave your comments down below!
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle ChroniclerGoodreads: Michael Araujo
Friday, April 19, 2013
Cover Reveal: The Enchanter Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
The cover has gotten a minor upgrade along with the previous three covers and I'm not sure I really like it it. I enjoyed the simple background with just the item but as long as the spine is the same I'll be good.
The cover was revealed on hypable.com along with a synopsis. SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST THREE BOOKS!
They called it the Thorn Hill Massacre-the brutal attack on a once-thriving Weird community. Though Jonah Kinlock lived through it, he did not emerge unscathed: like the other survivors Jonah possesses unique magical gifts that set him apart from members of the mainline guilds. At seventeen, Jonah has become the deadliest assassin in Nightshade, a network that hunts the undead.
Emma Claire Greenwood grew up worlds away, raised by a grandfather who taught her music rather than magic. An unschooled wild child, she runs the streets until the night she finds her grandfather dying, gripping a note warning Emma that she might be in danger. The clue he leaves behind leads Emma into Jonah's life-and a shared legacy of secrets and lingering questions.
Was Thorn Hill really a peaceful commune? Or was it, as the Wizard Guild claims, a hotbed of underguild terrorists? The Wizards' suspicions grow when members of the mainline guilds start turning up dead. They blame Nightshade, bringing tensions between the groups to a head.
Racing against time, Jonah and Emma work to uncover the truth about Thorn Hill, amid increasing concern that whoever planned the Thorn Hill Massacre might strike again.
SPOILERS ENDED!
Even though I'm not a big fan of the new covers I'll still love this book with all my heart. It sounds so good and I can't wait to read it. What do you guys think about it? Fan of the new cover design or would you prefer to have the old one? Leave your comments down below.
The Enchanter Heir is set to be released October 22.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Honesty Hour (5)
Hey Chroniclers! How is everyone doing. I haven't done one of these in a while but I figured that I'd do one today since I've been thinking about this. Honesty Hour is a meme where unlike a review, it's more of a discussion. I give my spoiler filled thoughts about a book. Whether I speak specifically of the characters, author, story, or even an author! This will allow people who have read the books as well to come in and give their opinions about the matter. Again, I warn you there are spoilers after the picture, so if you haven't read the books that are shown below, TURN BACK NOW FOR THERE ARE SPOILERS WITHIN!
Kelley Armstrong's YA Series.
Kelley Armstrong first wrote a Trilogy about a group of teens who are supernatural.
The Summoning we are first introduced to these characters as they found out who they are and what is going on. I loved this book and felt like it had everything that I was looking for. The Awakening and The Reckoning follows their story as they attempt to survive on their own and free themselves from what follows them. The trilogy was seriously an amazing story and I loved everything about it and at this moment I can't find one bad thing to tell.
Of course we wanted more of these characters and the world they live in so Kelley Armstrong gave us a second trilogy. The trilogy is set in the same world except it gives us a whole new cast of characters.
I was so excited to read The Gathering and when it finally came I did love it. I did feel as if it were lacking a bit in the action department. But I loved the characters and the mystery to what types of supernaturals the new cast were kept me reading. The book ended with an exciting scene that I really enjoyed and got me to come back for The Calling. Upon reading the sequel, we learned that the teens are extinct supernaturals resurrected back to life. Sirens, Skin-Changers, Demon Hunters etc. etc. The book ended with a promising sequel in the way.
Thus we finally get The Rising and this is where the Honesty Hour and my problem with it comes in. The whole novel was setting itself up for this fight. The new characters were finding each other and getting back together and they set out to find this other group of supernaturals who turn out to be the characters from the first trilogy. So now we have this big super group of supernaturals and they want war. They want to bring down the organizations fighting for them and then out of nowhere, they end up living in a secluded village made by the organization.
My problem with all of this is, all of this talk about bringing them down and they end up partnered with them. Okay. Kelley Armstrong stated that it was the final book and she wasn't going to write anymore. In the near future. It's not planned. Which means we get this crappy ending. I would understand if she had more planned because the characters joined this organization to train with them and then bring them down from the inside. But there's nothing planned. We get such an open-ended ending that it seems very lackluster.
It's really bothering me, I mean I was seriously getting excited for this crazy ending and then just nothing. I really do hope that she writes another trilogy to tie it all together. But here's what I think she should do. She should write two more trilogies. The first trilogy will be with another group of Supernaturals who will already know about themselves but find out what the organization is doing. In the second book they're running off and fighting for their lives and the third book they attempt to find the secluded village where the others live and end up finding them. The last trilogy will be everyone from the three groups bringing down the organization. With the first book from Chloe's (1st Trilogy) POV, second, from Maya's and third with the third trilogy's main character.
One can only hope. But what do you guys think. Were you guys happy with the ending of the series or did you find it lackluster as well? Let me know down in the comments below! and Kelley, if you're reading this, please write more so it can all end amazingly!
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Kelley Armstrong's YA Series.
Kelley Armstrong first wrote a Trilogy about a group of teens who are supernatural.
The Summoning we are first introduced to these characters as they found out who they are and what is going on. I loved this book and felt like it had everything that I was looking for. The Awakening and The Reckoning follows their story as they attempt to survive on their own and free themselves from what follows them. The trilogy was seriously an amazing story and I loved everything about it and at this moment I can't find one bad thing to tell.
Of course we wanted more of these characters and the world they live in so Kelley Armstrong gave us a second trilogy. The trilogy is set in the same world except it gives us a whole new cast of characters.
I was so excited to read The Gathering and when it finally came I did love it. I did feel as if it were lacking a bit in the action department. But I loved the characters and the mystery to what types of supernaturals the new cast were kept me reading. The book ended with an exciting scene that I really enjoyed and got me to come back for The Calling. Upon reading the sequel, we learned that the teens are extinct supernaturals resurrected back to life. Sirens, Skin-Changers, Demon Hunters etc. etc. The book ended with a promising sequel in the way.
Thus we finally get The Rising and this is where the Honesty Hour and my problem with it comes in. The whole novel was setting itself up for this fight. The new characters were finding each other and getting back together and they set out to find this other group of supernaturals who turn out to be the characters from the first trilogy. So now we have this big super group of supernaturals and they want war. They want to bring down the organizations fighting for them and then out of nowhere, they end up living in a secluded village made by the organization.
My problem with all of this is, all of this talk about bringing them down and they end up partnered with them. Okay. Kelley Armstrong stated that it was the final book and she wasn't going to write anymore. In the near future. It's not planned. Which means we get this crappy ending. I would understand if she had more planned because the characters joined this organization to train with them and then bring them down from the inside. But there's nothing planned. We get such an open-ended ending that it seems very lackluster.
It's really bothering me, I mean I was seriously getting excited for this crazy ending and then just nothing. I really do hope that she writes another trilogy to tie it all together. But here's what I think she should do. She should write two more trilogies. The first trilogy will be with another group of Supernaturals who will already know about themselves but find out what the organization is doing. In the second book they're running off and fighting for their lives and the third book they attempt to find the secluded village where the others live and end up finding them. The last trilogy will be everyone from the three groups bringing down the organization. With the first book from Chloe's (1st Trilogy) POV, second, from Maya's and third with the third trilogy's main character.
One can only hope. But what do you guys think. Were you guys happy with the ending of the series or did you find it lackluster as well? Let me know down in the comments below! and Kelley, if you're reading this, please write more so it can all end amazingly!
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle ChroniclerGoodreads: Michael Araujo
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Novel's Court (5)
Hey Chroniclers! I'm finally back with posting again and hopefully I can post for most of the week. Today is Tuesday though, which means that books have been released upon the world! I haven't done a Court in a while because it's been Novel Spotlight since it's been sequels. The Novel's Court is a weekly meme hosted by me where I present you a debut novel and evaluate it through the court of justice where I'll deem if it's readable (Guilty) or non-readable (Not Guilty). And in this case, we want them to be guilty. This week, I bring to you...
Taken by Erin Bowman!
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Taken by Erin Bowman!
There are no men in Claysoot.
There are boys-but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends . . . and he's gone.
They call it the Heist.
Gray Weathersby's eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he's prepared to meet his fate-until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he's been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets, the Heist itself, and what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot-a structure that no one can cross and survive.
Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken-or risk everything on the hope of the other side?
Time for Court!
The Story: This actually sounds really freaking good. It's got me intrigued to find out what the hell is going on. What happens to the boys? This reminds me of Game of Thrones with the giving of the male babies as sacrifices. I'm calling it, it's some sort of sacrifices! But it sounds really good and the fact that no relationship is mentioned in the synopsis makes everything even better!
The Cover: I freaking LOVE the cover! I like the weird tree thing going on, the random mysterious girl walking away with the guy looking back. I love the colors that are going on here. The orange and the blue is working so well together! I just want to feel this book in my hands.
The Verdict: Guilty! Now give me the damn book and let me love it forever! I really hope that if it becomes a trilogy or a series, they don't change the covers because this is amazing! But really, I want to see what the book looks like in my hands and I want to know what happens. I think I might not buy it though until the second book cover is revealed. Just to be careful because with YA novels you never know anymore.
What are your thoughts on the story and the cover? Have you read it yet or want to read it? Leave your comments down below!
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle ChroniclerGoodreads: Michael Araujo
Monday, April 15, 2013
Monday's Novel Talk (64)
Hey Chroniclers! Back to another Monday and I'm just so tired the yawning is nonstop over here. First off just want to say that my thoughts go out for those at the Boston Marathon. There were explosions at the finish line and some people got injured. They're still trying to figure out what's going on but hopefully there are no deaths and very little injuries.
Now since last week I have finished reading Endlessly by Kiersten White and I gave it 3 out of 5 stars / A for Acceptable. I just, as much as I liked it, I didn't really care that it ended and that it was over. I feel like I should pick out my books to read a bit better from now on.
I'm currently reading Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl. I'm currently on page 235 of 451 which is over half way done! I should be done with this either tomorrow or day after but we'll see how that goes. I'm enjoying it a lot and it feels great to read something amazing.
But that's all I've been reading. Let me know down in the comments below what you've been reading.
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
Now since last week I have finished reading Endlessly by Kiersten White and I gave it 3 out of 5 stars / A for Acceptable. I just, as much as I liked it, I didn't really care that it ended and that it was over. I feel like I should pick out my books to read a bit better from now on.
I'm currently reading Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl. I'm currently on page 235 of 451 which is over half way done! I should be done with this either tomorrow or day after but we'll see how that goes. I'm enjoying it a lot and it feels great to read something amazing.
But that's all I've been reading. Let me know down in the comments below what you've been reading.
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle ChroniclerGoodreads: Michael Araujo
Monday, April 8, 2013
Monday's Novel Talk (63)
Hey Chroniclers! I'm finally posting again and on such a good time too! The weather is AMAZING today. It's warm, the sun is hot, and I keep hearing birds singing. Spring has finally arrived and everyone knows that you read better during the Spring.
It's been a while since I posted one of these so I've done a bit of reading since then.
I finished A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin and it's seriously one of my favorite series. It ended with such a cliffhanger that I need to read the fourth book now, but I must wait! Season 3 of Game of Thrones started as well so I have something to quench my thirst for more. 5 out of 5 stars / O for Outstanding.
I finished reading Hidden by Sophie Jordan, the final book in the Firelight Trilogy and I was greatly disappointed. I gave it 2 out of 5 stars or a P for Poor. I think that the story of it all in general was lacking and could have all fit into one book. And for a series ending it lacked all the good things it should have given us.
I read Light by Michael Grant, the last book in the Gone series. I loved it so much and it was everything I asked for. I felt like one part was a bit sudden but overall it was literally everything I asked for. 5 out of 5 stars or a O for Outstanding.
I also finished The Rising by Kelley Armstrong the final book in The Darkness Rising Trilogy a companion trilogy to The Darkest Powers Trilogy. I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars / E for Exceeds Expectations because I felt that the ending could have been something different. She also said that she was done with that world for now but I feel like she should go back to it and give us what she promised.
I'm currently reading Endlessly by Kiersten White the third and final book in the Paranormalcy Trilogy. I'm only on Page 1 of 385 but I hope that if I read a lot today, I can finish it by tomorrow.
That's all I've been reading though! What have you guys been reading?
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
It's been a while since I posted one of these so I've done a bit of reading since then.
I finished A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin and it's seriously one of my favorite series. It ended with such a cliffhanger that I need to read the fourth book now, but I must wait! Season 3 of Game of Thrones started as well so I have something to quench my thirst for more. 5 out of 5 stars / O for Outstanding.
I finished reading Hidden by Sophie Jordan, the final book in the Firelight Trilogy and I was greatly disappointed. I gave it 2 out of 5 stars or a P for Poor. I think that the story of it all in general was lacking and could have all fit into one book. And for a series ending it lacked all the good things it should have given us.
I read Light by Michael Grant, the last book in the Gone series. I loved it so much and it was everything I asked for. I felt like one part was a bit sudden but overall it was literally everything I asked for. 5 out of 5 stars or a O for Outstanding.
I also finished The Rising by Kelley Armstrong the final book in The Darkness Rising Trilogy a companion trilogy to The Darkest Powers Trilogy. I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars / E for Exceeds Expectations because I felt that the ending could have been something different. She also said that she was done with that world for now but I feel like she should go back to it and give us what she promised.
I'm currently reading Endlessly by Kiersten White the third and final book in the Paranormalcy Trilogy. I'm only on Page 1 of 385 but I hope that if I read a lot today, I can finish it by tomorrow.
That's all I've been reading though! What have you guys been reading?
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle ChroniclerGoodreads: Michael Araujo
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Stacking The Shelves (14)
Hi Chroniclers! Another week has come and gone and I've been lacking with the posts. I'm trying to get them up again but I've just been so blah. But let's get on with today's post. Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful Tynga from Tynga's Reviews where we show you the books we received or bought during the past week. This week I got a couple of books for some very good reasons!
On Tuesday, the day when books are released, I went to Barnes & Noble in NYC once more and bought Light by Michael Grant. It is the final book of the series and I actually finished it already. It was so amazing and I felt a bit empty after closing the book and saying goodbye.
I also bought The Rising by Kelley Armstrong which was also released on Tuesday and is also the final book of it's trilogy. This one I'm currently reading and it's another favorite trilogy of mine and hopefully I'll be done soon.
I decided to buy Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness which follows the buying theme basically and is the last book of its trilogy. I haven't started reading them yet but it was cheap and I had to get it.
This week I also got a Barnes & Noble 20% off coupon and I made a list of the books below $10 that I wanted to buy and chose the cheapest one and used the discount. So basically, I bought Sweep Volume 1 by Cate Tiernan for about 3 bucks. My sister actually has this book and loved it and I've wanted to buy it. The other books are also less than $5 so I should be getting them soon.
So that's all that I got this week! 4 books and I'm happy with that! I don't plan on buying anything for a little while but that never works out so we'll see how it goes. What did you guys get this week though?
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
On Tuesday, the day when books are released, I went to Barnes & Noble in NYC once more and bought Light by Michael Grant. It is the final book of the series and I actually finished it already. It was so amazing and I felt a bit empty after closing the book and saying goodbye.
I also bought The Rising by Kelley Armstrong which was also released on Tuesday and is also the final book of it's trilogy. This one I'm currently reading and it's another favorite trilogy of mine and hopefully I'll be done soon.
I decided to buy Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness which follows the buying theme basically and is the last book of its trilogy. I haven't started reading them yet but it was cheap and I had to get it.
This week I also got a Barnes & Noble 20% off coupon and I made a list of the books below $10 that I wanted to buy and chose the cheapest one and used the discount. So basically, I bought Sweep Volume 1 by Cate Tiernan for about 3 bucks. My sister actually has this book and loved it and I've wanted to buy it. The other books are also less than $5 so I should be getting them soon.
So that's all that I got this week! 4 books and I'm happy with that! I don't plan on buying anything for a little while but that never works out so we'll see how it goes. What did you guys get this week though?
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle ChroniclerGoodreads: Michael Araujo
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
To Be Read Pile (April 2013)
Hey Chroniclers! I haven't been posting as much as I should and I really have no excuse for it. I was going to put this up yesterday but I got home late and only got the time for it now. So here we go, I present to thee, the To Be Read Pile of April 2013!
I am literally hanging my head in shame. I went from having an empty shelf to basically buying the whole entire bookstore. I now have ZERO space to add anymore books and I have some more coming in this week and next week! What am I going to do?! There's a difference compared to last month, but it's not positive at all. But, I plan on getting through most of them quickly!
Last month I had 41 books. I received/bought 16 books to add to my shelves. I finished 4 books and started on my 5th. I am now, at this moment, at 53 books! 53! What am I going to do with myself? I literally have no more space to add books!
This month I plan on read all of my YA series enders which, including this one that I'm currently reading, involved eight other books. My plan is to finish all of them before the month ends so I can start on next months themed reading which will be ARCs.
Do you have a picture of your TBR Pile? Leave the link down below!
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
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| To Be Read Pile (April 2013) |
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| To Be Read Pile (March 2013) |
This month I plan on read all of my YA series enders which, including this one that I'm currently reading, involved eight other books. My plan is to finish all of them before the month ends so I can start on next months themed reading which will be ARCs.
Do you have a picture of your TBR Pile? Leave the link down below!
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle ChroniclerGoodreads: Michael Araujo
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Stacking The Shelves (13)
Hey Chroniclers! So this is a bit late and I haven't exactly been posting which is horrible of me, I know. But I decided to get this up and start posting again! Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful Tynga over at Tynga's Reviews where we showcase the books we bought or received the past week. This week is actually pretty funny how I got these books. Basically my friend Jen and I bought Christmas presents for each other for 2012. Except we hadn't seen each other since December and only last Saturday, the 23rd of March, we saw each other and exchanged gifts. She got me a Barnes & Noble gift card so of course I had to order!
I got 3 books this week!
I wanted to buy books that would finish the series that I already have instead of buying a new series. So the first one I bought was Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke which was almost twenty bucks and took up most of the gift card. But I now have it and can read the series and finish it up!
The second book I decided to get was Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick. It was one of the last few books I needed to get that were series enders and since it's April and it's my theme I can now finish off the series and put it away!
The finale book I got is Hidden by Sophie Jordan and I am disappointed on how small this book is compared to the first two. Again, it is a series ender so I would expect it to be bigger if not the same size and it's smaller and 260 pages. I don't even think the series is that great to begin with but I have to finish it as well and it should be a fast read.
So that's all I got the past week. This week I'll definitely be getting some more series enders as they're released. What did you guys get this week? Leave your comments down below!
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
I got 3 books this week!
I wanted to buy books that would finish the series that I already have instead of buying a new series. So the first one I bought was Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke which was almost twenty bucks and took up most of the gift card. But I now have it and can read the series and finish it up!
The second book I decided to get was Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick. It was one of the last few books I needed to get that were series enders and since it's April and it's my theme I can now finish off the series and put it away!
The finale book I got is Hidden by Sophie Jordan and I am disappointed on how small this book is compared to the first two. Again, it is a series ender so I would expect it to be bigger if not the same size and it's smaller and 260 pages. I don't even think the series is that great to begin with but I have to finish it as well and it should be a fast read.
So that's all I got the past week. This week I'll definitely be getting some more series enders as they're released. What did you guys get this week? Leave your comments down below!
Also don't forget to check me out on other places around the web of inter...
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Facebook: The Subtle ChroniclerGoodreads: Michael Araujo
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