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?

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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! 

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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!

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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!

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Honesty Hour (9)

Hey Chroniclers! It's Thursday once more and you all know what that means! It's time for another Honesty Hour! Honesty Hour is a weekly meme where unlike a review, it's more of a discussion full of spoilers and whatnots. And aside from talking about the book, I can talk about certain characters, plots, settings, covers, authors and anything else that I can think of. Now I warn you, these posts may be full of spoilers. SO PROCEED WITH CAUTION AFTER THE PHOTO FOR SPOILERS MAY BE WITHIN!

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer!

Cinder and Scarlet are the first two fairy retellings in a four part series. Cinder starts off with the retelling of Cinderella in New Beijing in a world full of androids and cyborgs. Everyone swore this was the best thing they had read in the longest but when I finally read it, it fell flat. I enjoyed it but it wasn't what people said it was. I seriously thought it was going to be better but I was reading it so slow because my interest just wasn't holding. My eyes literally glazed over and I had to re-read several passages over and over.

The ending though was something that I liked and made me want to continue the series. Thus I read Scarlet which is the retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. The novel continues the story of Cinder from the first novel and introduces us the character of Scarlet who lives in France. Her grandmother is missing and with the help of a guy called Wolf, she goes out to find her and ends up crossing paths with Cinder.

The thing is, Scarlet was a lot better than Cinder. A lot better. I liked the setting a lot more of Paris and France and liked Scarlet a lot more than I liked Cinder. I actually liked the supporting characters a lot more. The thing about these books is that these books were so over-hyped. If there were ever an over-over-hyped book, it would be these. Everyone literally swore up and down that they were the best thing they had ever read and I was just not that impressed. I do have to say I'm pretty excited for the next two novels and hope that the characters get better and better.

But what are your thoughts on the series? Did you like it or did you have the same problem? Leave your comments down below!

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Cast Them Away (10)

Hey Chroniclers! It's Wednesday again! I'm almost home! I can't wait to go back to my bed and my books. I miss them oh so freaking much it hurts. But going on to today's post it is Wednesday and that means it's time for another edition of Cast Them Away! Cast Them Away is a weekly meme hosted by me, the amazing Michael >.> in which I choose an actress or an actor to play the role of a character from a book if the book were ever turned into a movie. Keeping up with the Pretty Little Liars actress themes, I've chosen another Liar to play a character from a book that I enjoy.

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan follows two characters but the one we're going to be talking about it Lily. Lily is the good girl, who does her homework and studies hard and decides to take a little risk and play a game. She leaves a notebook with a message inside for a random stranger to find. Except he turns it into a game and she finds herself sharing the notebook back and forth with this mysterious man she might be having feelings for.

This book is the perfect winter night read. You sit in your bed with your Snuggie on and some hot chocolate while it snows outside. Both a fast and entertaining read, you can't help but fall in love with these characters. But, this isn't a review so I should just go ahead and tell you who I'd choose for the role of Lily.

Because there's only two more Liars left, I had to think long and hard about which of them would play Lily and I have finally decided on one. Out of all four girls, Lucy Hale, aka Aria, looks to be the most innocent one. She looks like she'd spend her time at home studying and reading a book and not out clubbing and partying. Much like Lily. While I kind of imagined Lily to look different, I like the idea of Lucy as Lily. There's names are also a bit similar so it must be a sign.

Lily though isn't just sweet. She has the innocent mean girl about her where she thinks she's always right regardless of the situation. And when something doesn't go the way she plans, she freaks out and needs to make it back to her way. Lucy needs a good role on the big screen to come out more and get more noticed. I think people would fall in love with both Lucy and Lily if they were on the big screen and they would be a lot of people's favorite person. I would say couple with Dash but, you'll have to read the book.

What do you guys think? Yay or Nay? Have anyone else on your mind for the role of Lily? Leave your comments down below!

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The Novel's Court (10)

Hey Chroniclers! Welcome to the second post of Tuesday. As we know, books are released on Tuesday's which makes it one of the best days of the week and it is our job to find out which books are worth reading and which ones we should just pass. The Novel's Court is a weekly meme hosted by me where I put these debut novels through a trial to see if the novel is Guilty (worth reading) or Not Guilty (not worth reading). In this case, we want them to be guilty, so let us begin!

The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle!

For as long as she can remember, Wren Gray's goal has been to please her parents. But as high school graduation nears, so does an uncomfortable realization: Pleasing her parents once overlapped with pleasing herself, but now . . . not so much. Wren needs to honor her own desires, but how can she if she doesn't even know what they are?

Charlie Parker, on the other hand, is painfully aware of his heart's desire. A gentle boy with a troubled past, Charlie has loved Wren since the day he first saw her. But a girl like Wren would never fall for a guy like Charlie-at least not the sort of guy Charlie believes himself to be. And yet certain things are written in the stars. And in the summer after high school, Wren and Charlie's souls will collide. But souls are complicated, as are the bodies that house them . . . 

Time for Court!

The Story: I know I hate romance in other books, but if it's a novel about love, I don't exactly have a problem with it because it's letting me know exactly that it centers around love. So I must say this actually sounds pretty good. I've been on this contemporary novel kick and I just want to read them all.

The Cover: This cover is seriously an amazing cover. I love the font and just the colors in the back, they're simply amazing. I love the stars and the faint lines that are connecting them. It's just an amazing cover that will be even more amazing in person.

The Verdict: Guilty! I want to read this and own this but first I'll see the reviews, just to see what people are saying. Then, I'll choose if I want it or not. 

What are your thoughts on the story and cover? Will you read this or no? Leave your comments down below and let me know!

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Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (52)

Hey Chroniclers! Welcome to another Tuesday which means books have been released into the world. Today I will be bringing you two posts! One will be this one which I'll share my enthusiasm for a sequel, the other will be about a debut novel. Tuesday's Novel Spotlight is a weekly (or so) meme hosted by me where I share my excitement for a sequel that is being released. I don't talk about it, just say how excited I am for it and ask you guys for your thoughts. Let us begin!

The Third Kingdom by Terry Goodkind!

I finished the Sword of Truth series earlier this year. At least the first arc because now there's a new arc and this is the second book of it. While I haven't read the first one, I'm still excited to buy this one and own it. I just know it's going to be amazing and I'm seriously missing the characters from the series way too much. I don't know when I'll buy it because I'll only be able to read it next year, but we'll see how it goes!

I kind of like the cover. I like the fact how the new arc has this theme of black with the red going on. Really do like it.

What are your thoughts on the series and author? Leave your comments down below and let me know what you guys think?

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Between The Pages (3)

Hey Chroniclers! It's Saturday once again and I'm still not close to being home. Almost though, but not yet. But, it's still time for another edition of Between the Pages! 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. Your job as a Chronicler is to vote for your favorite one or the one you prefer so that we can settle, once and for all, which is better. The post will consist of an image to represent the competitors, along with a synopsis to let you guys know what they're about. You'll be able to vote at the end, so let us begin!

Battle Of The Wolves!

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

vs

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Nightshade

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything - including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Shiver

Grace and Sam share a kinship so close they could be lovers or siblings. But they also share a problem. When the temperature slips towards freezing, Sam reverts to his wolf identity and must retreat into the woods to protect his pack. He worries that eventually his human side will fade away and he will be left howling alone at the lonely moon.

I've only read Nightshade which I extremely enjoyed and haven't heard that many great things about Shiver. But, it's all up to you since I'm not allowed to vote. 

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This Or That (3)

Hey Chroniclers! Welcome back to Friday! It feels great being the weekend doesn't it? But, along with Friday comes another edition of This Or That, a weekly meme hosted by me where I pit two covers of the same book together. They both have the same story, but the image that sells is different. At the end of the post you Chroniclers will be able to vote for which is your favorite and we'll get to see the fan favorite the following week! Let us begin!

White Cat by Holly Black.

Cassel comes from of curse workers-people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, all by the slightest touch of their hands. Since curse work is illegal, they're all criminals. But not Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider-the straight kid in a crooked family- as long as you ignore one small detail: He killed his best friend, Lila. Now he is sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat. He also noticed that his brothers are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of one huge can game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to outcon the conmen.

Now the original cover is pretty cool. We see an actual white cat on the front being held by a guy with gloves on. Makes sense if you think about it. The second cover though looks amazing! From the font to he image of the girl. It's eerie and spectacular and just different than what we usually see. 

Between the two I have to say that the new cover is definitely my favorite. It just looks amazing! What do you guys think though? Vote for your favorite down below and let's see which one is the winner!

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Honesty Hour (8)

Hey Chroniclers! Welcome to Thursday which brings you another edition of Honesty Hour! Honesty Hour is a meme where unlike a review, it's more of a discussion full of spoilers and whatnot. And unlike a review, I might speak about multiple different things from characters, to plots, to settings and even covers and authors. Now I warn you, after the photo there might be spoilers. I repeat; THERE MIGHT BE SPOILERS AFTER THE PHOTO! PROCEED WITH CAUTION!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan!

The majority of us have read these books when they first come out. Or if you're like me, you read them pretty late. I read the books back in March of 2012, so they had all been out for a while and I was 20. Well away from my teenage years. Now the thing is, while I did like and enjoy the novels, I didn't like them as much as I thought I would. Now, I know don't know the reason why but I think that I know why I was a bit underwhelmed with these books.

The first reason is that it might have been hyped up. Everyone and their mothers were talking about how amazing these books were. They had been on my list for the longest and when the movie came out, I went to the midnight premiere and fell in love with it. I was so excited to read the books but only years later did I have the chance and it just wasn't the same. I think I was expecting something a lot more than what it truly gave me.

Could it have been hyped up? Possibly. Sometimes people talk so much and so grand about novels that you're expecting the book to end all books and then out of nowhere it's average. It happens all the time with a lot of books. Especially in the YA community. People talk about books nonstop, get you hyped up, and then they suck. It's happened to me so many times, that I no longer to you people half the time. By you people, I mean other bloggers. I listen to some but others.... You guys need to stop doing this to me!!!!

The other reason that might be the reason why I didn't enjoy them as much, is my age. I truly think that I was too old to understand the innocence behind the books. I'm growing old and I've got to face it. I won't be able to read certain books and capture the magic that they truly hold. My mind is so poisoned and infiltrated with adultism that I can handle the magic of innocence anymore. I can't handle the fact that these kids are going to win because I'm used to seeing characters dying. I can't handle couples staying together, because I'm used to seeing them separated.

Reading adult novels and older YA books has literally ruined my mind. I can no longer read a children's novel and see it for what it is. I'm always expecting the worse to happen and when it doesn't I think that it is too easy. And it kills me! I want my innocence back! D= That doesn't mean I still didn't enjoy them. I'll still read Rick Riordan's novels but they just won't be the same.

What are your thoughts though? Has your mind been poisoned to the point you can't enjoy younger novels any more? Leave your comments down below and let's discuss!

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Cast Them Away (9)

Hello Chroniclers! It's Wednesday once again which means it's time for another Cast Them Away! (Since I'm scheduling these it feels so weird saying it's a different day and I currently have a headache but I swear I'll get these done!) Anywho, Cast Them Away is a weekly meme hosted by yours truly in which I choose an actor or actress to play a character from a book if the book were ever turned into a movie. Keeping up with the Pretty Little Liars theme, I've chosen another girl to play a character from a book that I really do enjoy.

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong follows the character of Maya who begins to notice strange things about herself. She can kind of communicate with animals and feel what they feel and not only that, but the people around her are acting a bit strange. Little does she know that she is actually an extinct supernatural and that the life she think she's living, doesn't really belong to her.

If a novel could be told in colors I would have to give it a mix between blues and then shades of green and brown. The mood is quickly changing from light to mysterious to action. And poor Maya has to go through it all.

Which one of the Pretty Little Liars would I choose as Maya though? While Maya is a Native-American I think that Shay Mitchell aka Emily would be able to pass. There could be other actresses out there who could be better but I kind of think Emily would be a good fit for her.

Shay has this beauty about her and this air of how she handles herself that makes her extremely likable. Maya can be seen in the same way. They're both sort of laid-back, chill girls who can turn up the attitude and kick ass if need be.

Looking at the picture of Shay on the right and of Maya up above, they kind of resemble each other which is quite good. The more I think about it, the more I want Shay to be Maya. I love seeing people in contemporary roles being placed in a role that is out of this world and completely different. And seeing Shay as someone who [SPOILER ALERT] is about to shift into a big cat would be the most amazing thing ever.

It's like I can picture the exact scene in my head and I'm LOVING it! Make this happen Hollywood! Make. This. Happen.

What do you guys think? Yay or Nay? Have anyone else on your mind for the role of Maya? Leave your comments down below!

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The Novel's Court (9)

Hey Chroniclers! Welcome back to Tuesday! Today is the day when books have been released into the world and it is our job to see which ones we want to read and which ones we'd rather pass up. The Novel's Court is a weekly meme hosted by yours truly in which I put debut novels through a trial to see whether they are Guilty (worth reading) or Not Guilty (not worth reading). Let's begin!

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick!

Today is Leonard Peacock's birthday. It is also the day he hides a gun in his backpack. Because today is the day he will kill his former best friend, and then himself, with his grandfather's P-38 pistol.

But first he must say good-bye to the four people who matter most to him: his Humphrey Bogart--obsessed next-door neighbor, Walt; his classmate Baback, a violin virtuoso; Lauren, the Christian homeschooler he has a crush on; and Herr Silverman, who teaches the high school's class on the Holocaust. Speaking to each in turn, Leonard slowly reveals his secrets as the hours tick by and the moment of truth approaches.

Time for Court!

The Story: This sounds so freaking fantastic and I just want to know what the secrets are. I'm anticipating this book so much, I just want to read it now. But, I must wait until forever to get back and then go buy it! 

The Cover: While the cover is okay, I like the other cover a lot better. The one that has a hand-gun with the title in the hand. It looks a lot better than this one but hey! 

The Verdict: Guilty! Aside from the cover change I wish they had kept, I will get this book as soon as I get back to America. Hopefully. I'll see. I just want it now!

What are your thoughts on the story and cover? Have you read it yet or want to read it? How about your thoughts on the author himself? Leave your comments down below!

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Between The Pages (2)

Hey Chroniclers! Welcome to another Saturday, the weekend is going great and it's almost time for me to go back to the US. In like two weeks. >.> Anywho, it's time for another edition of Between The Pages, hosted by yours truly every Saturday! Between The Pages is a meme where I pit two shows/movies/books that revolve around the same idea. Your job as Chroniclers is to vote for your favorite down below so that we can settle, once and for all, which is the better one! The post will consist of an image to represent the contenders, along with a synopsis to let you guys know what they're about. Let us begin!

Battle Of The Fallen Angels!

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

vs

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Hush, Hush

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. 

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seeks some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Fallen

There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce-and goes out of his way to make that very clear-she can't let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Both synopsis sound a bit similar, especially towards the end. But, I've only read Hush, Hush so I can't exactly say which one I prefer. So it's your job to decide which one is better! Vote for your favorite down below and let's see who wins!

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This Or That (2)

Hey Chroniclers! It's Friday once again and that means it is time for This Or That! A weekly meme hosted by me where I pit two covers against one another to see which is the fan favorite. They both have the same story, but the image that sells is different. At the end of the post you'll be able to vote for which you prefer and then see which one wins at the end of the week. Let us begin!

The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima.

Before he knew about the Roses, 16-year-old Jack lived an unremarkable life in the small Ohio town of Trinity. Only the medicine he has to take daily and the thick scar above his heart set him apart from the other high-schoolers. Then one day Jack skips his medicine. Suddenly, he is stronger, fiercer, and more confident than ever before. And it feels great-until he loses control of his own strength and nearly kills another player during soccer team tryouts.

Soon, Jack learns the startling truth about himself: He is Weirlind; part of an underground society of magical people who live among us. At the head of this magical society sit the feuding houses of the Red Rose and the White Rose, whose power is determined by playing The Game-a magical tournament in which each house sponsors a warrior to fight to the death. The winning house rules the Weir.

As if his bizarre magical heritage isn't enough, Jack finds out that he's not just another member of Weirlind-he's one of the last of the warriors-at a time when both houses are scouting for a player.

So the first cover is the one I fell in love with an have. It's very simple with an object in the front, solid background color, and the cool corners. Now the new cover has this cool image in the background that gives more to the setting. 

Between the two, I seriously can't choose. They both look so cool but maybe the second looks a tad bit cooler. What do you guys think though? Vote for your favorite down below and let's see which is the winner!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
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Honesty Hour (7)

Hiya Chroniclers! It's finally Thursday! And with Thursday comes another edition of Honesty Hour! Honesty Hour is a weekly meme where unlike a review, it's more of a discussion of books, shows and/or movies. But the thing is, I may talk about anything from characters, to plots, to covers, to authors, to really anything else I can think of. Just something that I need to get off my chest like a rant. Now I warn you, posts like these might contain spoilers. But this particular one does not.

Book Covers vs People

Sometimes a book will come out and it'll cause some problems out in the world. Sometimes, the book hasn't even been released yet, but still, people are complaining because of the title and cover. I am in fact talking about David Levithan's Two Boys Kissing. The cover for the novel features exactly what the title says, two boys kissing. Focused right on their faces. Lips-locked. And people are throwing words around about banning it already, and how it's not right and yatta yatta. And I'm sitting here like.... who cares?! We live in 2013. It's been 2000+ years and we're still trying to judge each other and say what is right and what is not? Who are we to judge?

Now the thing is. I have an Instagram where I take a picture of the book I'm currently reading and tag it and people like it and comment and such. I also have friends who like to talk a lot. A lot...

I want to get this book and read it because one, David Levithan is an amazing author and two, I want to piss people off. I know for a fact that if I put up a picture of me reading this book, people are going to talk. And I don't care if they do, it's just the fact that they'll talk. That talk will consist of them assuming things about myself. Again, while I don't care, it still gets me mad that a person can't be themselves. I could be straight, but I'm not narrow. 

I don't judge anybody for their beliefs, or for their likes or dislikes. (Unless you like Twilight) So why must someone judge me and say things like "you must be gay for reading a book about gay people." In what logical world, does reading a book about gay people make you gay? Or mean that you're gay? Does reading about vampires make you a vampire? Does reading a romance book automatically make you be in a relationship? Does reading a book about freaking cats make you a feline? No! So why must I be judged based on something that has no connection to me other than me reading?

People are quick to judge and yet they hate being judged themselves My theory, they're obviously self-conscious about themselves. So I will read this book, I will put it up and Instagram and people are obviously going to talk. But I know who I am and have no problem. I just want to live in a world where reading a book about LGBT is normal and doesn't mean that you yourself are any of the LGBT. 

I also put it up on Tumblr but that is completely different because Tumblr is literally the Island of Misfit Toys. If anyone judges you, they do it behind anonymous messages and you get more support than anything on there. So to all of your authors out there, write more books about LGBT people. Make them put covers that will make people feel completely awkward. Because if we have to listen and deal with their crap, they'll have to do the same with ours. And to all of you readers out there. Buy this book! Even if you don't want to read it, just buy it. Because this can be the start of something new. Not to get all High School Musical but it's true. Change can only come if you challenge the normal. Make the abnormal go away.  

My question is though, had the cover been different. Had it not featured two boys kissing, would people still judge you for the title as much as they would now? Or would they not care? Leave your comments down below with your thoughts because I would really love to know. 

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
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Cast Them Away (8)

Hey Chroniclers! How's everyone doing today? It's currently Wednesday, the middle of the week and I'm still in Portugal. Still. I love it here but I do miss home. A lot. Especially my bed and my books. Believe it or not, I took a picture of my books so I can look at them when I miss them. Talk about being a creeper. But, it being Wednesday today makes today special because I can bring you an edition of Cast Them Away! Cast Them Away is a weekly meme hosted by me where I choose an actor or an actress to play a character from a book if the book were ever turned into a movie. Because I'll be in Portugal for three Wednesdays and settling in on the fourth, I'll be using the four Wednesdays of August and try to cast the four leading ladies of Pretty Little Liars into movie adaptations of YA novels. Let us begin with the first one.

The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse is a great dystopian novel where people who show signs (in their mind) of being able to do harm or disrupt the peace are sent onto an island. Alenna has been acting good and doesn't have any bad thoughts, so when she's sent to the island, called the wheel, she is more than shocked. Alenna must face brutal people and learn to survive in an environment she wasn't prepared for.

The novel is full of action and adventure and mystery. We are kept guessing what the hell is going on until the very end and even then we are still left wanting more. If I had to cast Alenna with an actress from Pretty Little Liars, I would know who to choose.

It's actually interesting because I would choose her regardless if she was in the show or not. Something about her just makes me want to see her as Alenna and I love her so much. Plus, I kind of pictured her while reading.

That person I'm talking about is Troian Bellisaro, who plays Spencer. Something about the way she plays Spencer really reminds me of Alenna. The need to be perfect at everything and to overachieve. I'm pretty sure if Spencer and Alenna met they would be either great friends or big rivals.

The picture of Troian on the right actually reminds me of Alenna. Tall girl with her hair pulled back into a ponytail with a long neck. Troian is a beautiful girl but I would love to see her get dirty and bloodied up a bit and thrown into some action. Action aside from surviving A. More like surviving for her life.

What do you guys think? Yay or Nay? Have anyone else in your mind for the role of Alenna? Leave your comments down below!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
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The Novel's Court (8)

Hey Chroniclers! Welcome to today's second post! A lot of books are being released today and I'm so sad I'm in Portugal and can't buy them. At least not until I get back. The Novel's Court is a weekly meme hosted by me where I put a debut novel through a trial to see whether it is Guilty (worth reading) or Not Guilty (not worth reading). In this case, we want them to be Guilty. So, let us begin!

Gated by Amy Christine Parker!

She thought the evil lived outside the walls.

She was wrong.

In the Community, life seems perfect. The members of this isolated suburban development have thrived under Pioneer, the charismatic leader who saved them from their sad, damaged lives.

Lyla Hamilton and her parents moved here following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, looking to escape the evil in the world. Now seventeen, Lyla knows certain facts are not to be questioned:

Pioneer is her leader.

Will is her Intended.

The end of the world is near.

Like Noah before him, Pioneer has been told of the imminent destruction of humanity. He says his chosen must arm themselves and prepare to fight off the unchosen people, who will surely seek refuge in the compound's underground fortress--the Silo.

Lyla loves her family and friends, but given the choice, she prefers painting to target practice. And lately she'd rather think about a certain boy outside the development than plan for married life in the Silo with Will. But as the end of days draws near, she will have to pick up a gun, take a side, and let everyone know where she stands.

Time for Court!

The Story: It sounds like a good dystopian type novel that ties in with our world. I'm kind of interested in it but something about it just isn't really calling me. Especially knowing there's romance in it. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Do not include the romance plot line in the synopsis! Surprise us with it so that it's too late to return it. 

The Cover: The cover is alright. The girl's blue eye is what really stands out to me but everything else sort of just blends in. I'm also not a fan of the font so... 

The Verdict: Not Guilty! I'm not a fan of the overall book and will just check out the reviews online to see what other people think.

What are your thoughts on the story and cover? Have you read it yet or want to read it? Leave your thoughts down in the comments 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