The Novel's Court (14) Pt. 2

Hey Chroniclers! Earlier today I handed you guys the first post of today. In case you have no idea what I'm talking about, two books came out today that really caught my attention and I decided to cover both of them instead of the usual one. In case you don't know The Novel's Court is a weekly meme hosted by me where I bring you a debut novel that is a stand-alone or the first of a series and put it through a trial-like process to deem whether it's Guilty of reading or Not Guilty. This is the second part so... Let us begin!

Death Sworn by Leah Cypess

Ileni is losing her magic. And that means she's losing everything: Her status as the renegade sorcerer's most powerful rising star. Her purpose in life. The boy she loves. Her home.

Exiled to teach sorcery to the assassins hidden deep within the mountains, she expects no one will ever hear from her again. The last two tutors died within weeks of each other. As Ileni unravels the mystery surrounding their deaths, she'll uncover secrets that have been kept for decades-and she'll find an unexpected ally and dangerous new love.

But even he may not be able to protect her. Not when she's willing to risk everything.

Time for Court!

The Story: Aside from the romance, this sounds like something I would enjoy reading. Once against magic is in it and I love magic. Reminds me of Cinda Williams Chima who has a blurb on the cover as well. 

The Cover: I'm in love with the cover! From that tower, to the mirror/window, to the font, to the colors, EVERYTHING! I hope they don't do cover changes and keep it the way it is because it's seriously amazing. 

The Verdict: Guilty! This is something I want to read and it is on my wishlist for me to buy and read. Hopefully I can get it soon and I will be checking out reviews to see what everyone else thinks.

What do you guys think? Leave your comments down below on whether you find the book Guilty or Not Guilty and we'll get discussing!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
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The Novel's Court (14) Pt. 1

Hey Chroniclers! It's Tuesday and we all know what that means! Books have been released into the world for us to read and it is our job to find the ones that will catch our attentions the most. The Novel's Court is a weekly meme hosted by me where I bring you a debut novel that is a stand-alone or the first of a series and put it through a trial-like process to deem whether it is Guilty of reading or Not Guilty. This week two books that really caught my attention have been released and I wanted to cover them both so there will be two separate posts. This is part one. Let us begin!

Half Bad by Sally Green

In modern-day England, witches live alongside humans: White witches, who are good; Black witches, who are evil; and sixteen-year-old Nathan, who is both. Nathan's father is the world's most powerful and cruel Black witch, and his mother is dead. He is hunted from all sides. Trapped in a cage, beaten and handcuffed, Nathan must escape before his seventeenth birthday, at which point he will receive three gifts from his father and come into his own as a witch-or else he will die. But how can Nathan find his father when his every action is tracked, when there is no one safe to trust-not even family, not even the girl he loves?

Time for Court!

The Story: The synopsis makes it sound so freaking good. I love anything to do with magic and I hope this one doesn't disappoint with unnecessary romance or anything of that sort. If it focuses on Nathan finding his father and trying to survive then we might have a good book in our hands. I have high hopes.

The Cover: Now I know the cover looks a bit meh on here but I have seen what the actual book looks like and it is amazing. It's not all gray like the cover on here and just you have to see it in person. It's so good!

The Verdict: Guilty! I've added this book to my wishlist and will need to check out reviews to see about the romance part, if any, but I want this book. I hope the next books don't change covers or I will flip tables.

What do you guys think? Leave your comments down below on whether you find the book Guilty or Not Guilty and we'll get discussing!

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
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The Novel's Court (13)

Hey Chroniclers! It's Tuesday and you know what that means? MORE SNOW IN NEW JERSEY! No I'm kidding, that's only Wednesday/Thursday and then Sunday. All jokes aside, books have been released out to the world and it's our job to find the ones we want to read and the ones we want to pass. The Novel Court is a weekly meme hosted by me where I bring you a debut novel that is a stand-alone or the start of a series and put it through a trial-like process to deem whether it is Guilty of reading or Not Guilty. Let us begin!

The Glass Casket by McCormick Templeman

Death hasn't visited Rowan Rose since it took her mother when Rowan was only a little girl. But that changes one bleak morning, when five horses and their riders thunder into her village and through the forest, disappearing into the hills. Days later, the riders' bodies are found, and though no one can say for certain what happened in their final hours, their remains prove that whatever it was must have been brutal.

Rowan's village was once a tranquil place, but now things have changed. Something has followed the path those riders made and has come down from the hills, through the forest, and into the village. Beast or man, it has brought death to Rowan's door once again.

Only this time, its appetite is insatiable.

Time for Court!

The Story: The synopsis makes it sound a bit interesting but it's not something that really holds my attention. I think I'd like to see a little more into it before I make any judgement though. It sounds a bit vague even though it is a synopsis.

The Cover: Where do I start? While I like the concept, it seems a bit off. If I'm not mistaken those are fingers going into the girls mouth? That just seems a bit odd and weird. But it looks like they are someone else's fingers going into her mouth. I'm not exactly sure how I feel. I mean I don't have a problem with fingers in mouths on covers at all, it just seems oddly looking in this cover. 

The Verdict: Not Guilty! I think I'll have to pass. Nothing of this book is exactly calling to me but that doesn't mean it won't be good. I just would rather see what other people thing before buying it.

What do you guys think? Leave your comments down below on whether you think it's Guilty or Not Guilty and we'll get to discussing!

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

The Novel's Court (12)

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

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell.

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

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

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

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

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

Time for Court!

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

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

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

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

Don't forget to check out my other places on the web of inter...
Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler
Twitter: @SubtleChronicle
Goodreads: Michael Araujo
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The Novel's Court (11)

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

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan!

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

Time for Court!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

The Novel's Court (7)

Hey Chroniclers! Today is Tuesday and more books have been released into the world. The Novel's Court is a weekly meme hosted by me where I put a debut novel through a trial to see whether it's Guilty (readable) or Not Guilty (non-readable). In this case we want them to be Guilty, so let's get on with it!

Icons by Margaret Stohl! 

Your heart beats only with their permission.

Everything changed on The Day. The day the windows shattered. The day the power stopped. The day Dol's family dropped dead. The day Earth lost a war it didn't know it was fighting.

Since then, Dol has lived a simple life in the countryside - safe from the shadow of the Icon and its terrifying power. Hiding from the one truth she can't avoid.

She's different. She survived. Why?

When Dol and her best friend, Ro, are captured and taken to the Embassy, off the coast of the sprawling metropolis once known as the City of Angels, they find only more questions. While Ro and fellow hostage Tima rage against their captors, Dol finds herself drawn to Lucas, the Ambassador's privileged son. But the four teens are more alike than they might think, and the timing of their meeting isn't a coincidence. It's a conspiracy.

Within the Icon's reach, Dol, Ro, Tima, and Lucas discover that their uncontrollable emotions - which they've always thought to be their greatest weaknesses - may actually be their greatest strengths.

Time for Court!

The Story: I can't lie this sounds amazing and knowing the author it must be really freaking epic! It sounds like something I'd love, aside from the relationship, but I can get into it. 

The Cover: I also love the cover so much! The city with the light, the yellow on top of the blue. It just seems like there's a lot going on and you can't stop looking at it.

The Verdict: Guilty! I'm pretty sure this is already on my wishlist and if it's not then I should go add it now. I really do want to read this and might be getting it soon!

What are your thoughts on the story and the cover? Have you read it yet or want to read it? What are your thoughts on the author as well? 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 Chronicler
Goodreads: Michael Araujo

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! 

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!

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

The Novel's Court (4)

Hey Chroniclers! Today is such a beautiful day outside. It's a bit windy in some parts but the sun was hitting me and I felt hot with the jacket on and it smelled like Spring was getting near and I loved it! Which is perfect since a bunch of books have been released out into the world! But before they do, they must go through a process called The Novel's Court! The Novel's Court is a weekly meme hosted by me where I put a debut novel through the test to see if it's worth reading (Guilty) or not (Not Guilty). This week it is...

Spellcaster by Claudia Gray!

When Nadia's family moves to Captive's Sound, she instantly realizes there's more to the place than meets the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia can sense that a spell has been cast over the tiny Rhode Island town-a sickness infecting everyone and everything in it. The magic at work is darker and more powerful than anything she's come across and has sunk its claws most deeply into Mateo . . . her rescuer, her friend, and the guy she yearns to get closer to even as he pushes her away. 

Mateo has lives in Captive's Sound his entire life, shadowed by small-town gossip and his family's tormented past. Every generation, the local legends say, one member of the family goes mad, claiming to know the future before descending into insanity. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl from a car accident actually come true, he knews he's doomed.

Despite the forces pulling them apart, Nadia and Mateo must work together to break the chains of his terrible family curse, and to prevent a coming disaster that even now threatens the entire town, including Nadia's family, her newfound friends, and her own life.

Time for Court!

The Story: I was getting all into it and it was sounding amazing until the last sentence of the first paragraph. It just ruined it for me. I'm really starting to hate how everything revolves around falling in love and such. As if that's the definition of YA. Small town, meets a mysterious guy, has to fight for their lives. It's getting a little to repetitive and that's probably why I haven't been reading a lot of the newer YA books. 

The Cover: I actually like the cover! I like the simplicity of it and the color tones. I really like the font of the title as well as the flame she's holding in her hand. If it were for the cover I'd have this in a heartbeat. 

The Verdict: Unfortunately I'm not just going to buy a book for the cover but for the story as well so this one falls under Not Guilty! I just won't invest my time in romance novels. Had it not mentioned the romance part I would've added it to my list, even if it surprise attacked me with romance in the actual story. I feel like if there's romance in the synopsis then it plays a big part and I just don't want that. 

What are your thoughts on the story and cover? Have you read it or want to read it? Thoughts on the author as well? 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 Chronicler
Goodreads: Michael Araujo

The Novel's Court (3)

Hey Chroniclers! How it's going on this fine Tuesday? Tuesday is the day that books are released into the world but before you get your hands on them they must go through a process. The Novel's Court is a weekly meme hosted by me, where I put a book through three categories and let you know whether they're Guilty (worth reading) or Not Guilty (leave it alone). It is done with debut novels or the first novel of a series that has been released. This week is...

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys! 

Loving the name, sounds fancy. 

It's 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan to get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street. 

Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test.

With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny.

Time for Court!

The Story: I don't know if it's because lately I've been loving contemporary novels and enjoying them immensely but this sounds really good actually. I especially like the fact that there's no romance mentioned in the synopsis even though there's a chance it might involve romance. But catch me by surprise. Really like how it sounds different than most YA contemporary's and that it's taking chances.

The Cover: I'm actually very much in love with the cover. I like the greens which is my favorite part actually. How the cover itself looks a bit like pastel type. Like the cage and how the girl is sitting behind the cage looking defeated and/or bored. I think it means that even though she's free she's still trapped by something. But seriously, I really love the green tones to this. I kind of want to see how this looks in person right now. >.>

The Verdict: Guilty! I'll actually be checking out some reviews on this one and if it's as good as it sounds then I'll just have to add it to my wishlist. And that, my fellow Chroniclers, is law!

What are your thoughts on the story and cover? Have you read it or want to read it? Thoughts on the author as well? 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 Chronicler
Goodreads: Michael Araujo

The Novel's Court (2)

Hey Chroniclers! How are you guys today? Hopefully doing good and not blah! xD Today is Tuesday which means some books have been set out into the world and straight into our hands. But, before we're able to buy them, they must go through a process called The Novel's Court. The Novel's Court is a weekly meme hosted by me where I bring debut novels through a "court-like" process and at the end say whether they're Guilty (read) or Not Guilty (not readable). And today, I bring you another novel.

City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster!

The girl with no past, and no future, may be the only one who can save their lives.

Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a little girl. Now sixteen, she lives on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls apprentice as musicians, healers, courtesans, and, if the rumors are true, assassins. She makes her way as Matron's errand girl, her closest companions the mysterious cats that trailer her shadow. Only when she begins a forbidden flirtation with the city's handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the walls. Until one by one, girls around her start to die.

Before she becomes the next victim, Nisha decides to uncover the secrets that surround the girl's death. But by getting involved, Nisha jeopardizes not only her own future in the City of a Thousand Dolls-but also her life.

Time for Court!

The Story: The synopsis was going to well until it reached the damn forbidden flirtation. I just don't understand why romance has to be brought into every single thing! At least keep it out of the synopsis and have it surprise attack me in the book. By then it'll be too late to not get the book and I'll keep reading. But, I'm hoping it's different and that he ends up actually being the killer or he dies or it's nothing but flirtation. Aside from that I love assassins so this sounds right up my alley. 

The Cover: I really, really like the cover. I love the browns and yellows that are going on there. Love how the bottom is darker while the top is lighter. Love the red and the blue and how usually they'd clash but they're set perfectly well. Love the way the cover is designed, the girl in the middle, the cats on the sides. Love that she's standing on that river (I think it's a river) that leads to who knows where. 

The Verdict: Despite the forbidden flirtation this one will actually get a Guilty! Guilty enough to read because it sounds damn good! Going to add this to my amazon wishlist right now! And that, my fellow Chroniclers, is law! 

What are your thoughts on the story and cover? Have you read it or want to read it? 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 Chronicler
Goodreads: Michael Araujo

The Novel's Court (1)

Hey Chroniclers! Last week I put up a post about some problems going on but in the end I'm just like screw it. It still boggles my mind and I'm still kind of eh but I'm still posting and fighting for what I want. And with that I continue my posts! And with the continuing of the posts I'm making a little change. Tuesday's Novel Spotlight will officially be changed to The Novel's Court ala The People's Court. Kind of. I do this because change can be good and I feel like I'm a judge when talking about these novels. I'll still be keeping Tuesday's Novel Spotlight except that'll be for books which are sequels from series that I have read or want to read. The Novel's Court will be for debuts only. The Novel's Court will be a weekly meme hosted by me (hopefully no one is doing it already and that I'm copying them or I'll cry.)

So let us get it started!

The Archived by Victoria Schwab!

Man I'm freaking loving this cover but onto the synopsis!

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive. Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was: a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous-it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now that her little brother is gone too, Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed  And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard won redemption.

Time for court! 

The Story: Holy crap! What the hell is going on in that synopsis?! It sounds dark and a tad bit scary and just overall holy crap it sounds fantastic! Finally the synopsis is focusing on the story and doesn't mention a guy she's doing this for. (Here's to hoping there isn't or if there is it's not as crappy). But this sounds so freaking good and let's just hope this become a movie.

The Cover: I am in love with this cover! I love the key and how the smoke flows from the key with the image of the girl in the mix. I love how it's simple yet speaks a lot. Along with the colors. That golden key just pops out enough to bring life to it but not take over the whole cover. Love the blueish-hue of the smoke that sets itself very well against the dark blue background. I just want this cover in my hands right now.

The Verdict: Guilty! Guilty of catching my interesting and making me want to buy this! So I will have to find some way to get money to buy this because I need it NOW! And that, my fellow Chroniclers, is law. 

What are your thoughts on the cover and the story? Have you read it yet or no? Leave your comments down below! 

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Goodreads: Michael Araujo