The Subtle Chronicler

Cover Reveal: Reached by Ally Condie

2012-03-02T23:36:00.003-05:00

So I have NO idea how I didn't know about this cover reveal but apparently I missed it completely until my friend Ky from Can't Find A Bookmark pointed it out to me. But I present to you the cover for the third and final (I think) book in the Matched Trilogy....

Reached by Ally Condie!

Now we all know how I feel about Matched, if you don't know check out my review of Matched here. But the covers are just truly amazing. I still remember when Crossed came out and I did a cover reveal for that one. And now we're on the last book, just crazy.

But how do I feel about it? I like it. Kinda. To me it'll probably look better in person as the other two but the first one was just amazing and the second one looked epic. I think it's because the girl in this cover looks completely different than on the first two. On the first two she had reddish-brownish hair where this one is black. Not to mention she looks darker here than on the first two covers.

Also I feel like the first E looks a bit awkward only because the second E is full.

But either way I do like it and I can't wait to buy it on 13 November, 2012. I still haven't read Crossed yet but I will soon. Or perhaps I'll save it to read with this one right after.

What do you guys think of the cover?

Cover Reveal: The Kill Order by James Dashner

2012-03-01T16:40:00.000-05:00

When James Dashner announced that he would be adding a fourth novel to The Maze Runner Series, everyone went crazy. When he announced that it would be a prequel, everyone grew deaf from the screams. But now that the cover is finally out, Chaos walks the grounds of Earth! Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the cover of.......

The Kill Order by James Dashner!

I know I'm a bit late but in my defense I was at work and they prohibit us from using the phone. So while I was able to sneak a look at the cover at 9, I wasn't able to post anything about it. But either way I'm here now.

Let me start by saying, this is by far the best cover of the series in my opinion! I am in LOVE with it! The whole thing screams Dystopian to me and with it being my favorite genre I am freaking out with how good it looks. I love the fire on the houses and how everything towards the front looks dead and in ruins. Love the sun at the top burning and looking as if it is about to explode.

The cover reminds me of The Scorch Trials so it kinda looks like a before and after. But I seriously love how if you look behind the ruins, and the cracked floors and fire you see a peaceful beautiful neighborhood. James Dashner said that this book won't be what we expect. Thinking that because it's a prequel, I seriously thought it would be mostly talk and such but looking at the cover, it looks like it's going to be action packed and chaotic!

The book will be released August 14th and I need to pre-order my copy right now!

Let me know what you all think about the cover as well!

The Hunger Games Epic Giveaway Winners!

2012-03-01T16:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome all to the 74th Hunger Games Giveaway. Okay it's more like the first but we're just going to act like I'm part of the Capitol and have been doing this since day one. No judging.

I just want to start off by saying Thank You to each and every one of you guys that entered. You guys are beyond awesome and were able to get me 80+ entries. Not only that but I finally passed 400 followers which is awesome! Now to tell you guys who won. I'd just like to say that I wish I could have given away more things or that I could have made it international, but I'm not rich at this moment and it's pretty expensive. But who knows in the future?!

But let's begin!!!!!!

The winner of the Female Tribute Pin is......

Mandy R!

Congratulations Mandy and have fun in the games! (By games I completely mean watching the movie and in no way am going to kidnap you all and force you to fight to the death on television) =)

The winner of the Male Tribute Pin is.....

Pablo M!

Congratulations Pablo and I also wish you luck in the games! If you would like to give your congratulations to Pablo and follow him, you can check him out at his blog right here; La Naturaleza De Los Libros which is a blog directed towards our Spanish speaking friends. So if you're Spanish or can read Spanish I suggest checking it out because it's awesome!

And now the moment we have all been waiting for! The one who gets all the glory! The one who we know will win The Hunger Games because they have the amazing shirt.

The winner of The Hunger Games Shirt is.....

...........

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Emily AKA Doodle!

Congratulations Emily on getting this awesome piece of merchandise! I hope you wear it proud to the games and make sure it's known that you are a fan of the Games! Check Emily out on her awesome blog where you'll be able to follow; Doodle's Book Blog!

Now I would just like to thank everybody, once again for joining in on the fun. I'll be sending you all an email shortly so keep an eye out for that. Hopefully this will happen again next year with our 75th Hunger Games! I heard it's going to be a blast!

Honest Hour (3)

2012-02-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everybody and welcome to another edition of Honesty Hour. I've been meaning to do this specific one for a while now but for some reason I just kept putting it off. But finally I decided to go ahead and change it up a bit from my original plan. My favorite series is Harry Potter and it comes as no surprise. But there's a lot of things that I feel about it that I just haven't really said.

So for this week, I'll focus on The Characters. Not all of them but some. The ones that really got to me as I was reading. Now it's not all bad as Honesty Hour isn't just bad stuff despite my previous posts. It's just a way to say my actual feelings about the books and such. So let's begin. WARNING: There may be a few curse words!

Cho Chang: While I was re-reading the series, I began to notice one thing. Cho Chang acted like such a bitch. The way she treated Harry while they were "dating" and the whole crying over Cedric ordeal even after she was with Harry really pissed me off. I was seriously yelling at her to move the hell on because it happened a long time ago. I don't exactly mean getting over his death but I do mean getting over him being her boyfriend. She was with Harry now and I seriously felt that the only reason she was with him was because he was the last person to be with Cedric. Especially on the part where she asks Harry if Cedric mentioned her before he died. It just makes her vain and inconsiderate to the fact that they were about to die, and eventually did, and all she cares about is that his last words were that he loved her. It's weird because in the movie we see a completely different side of her than in the books. In the movie she's such a sweet girl yet in the book she's a hard ass Quidditch player who can't make up her mind.

James Potter: Now this one you may be able to argue over but I find no excuse at all. James Potter was a bully. Simple as that. He tortured Severus Snape through his years at Hogwarts and basically stole Lily away from him. And when I say steal I actually mean steal. Severus called Lily a mudblood because of one condition. James was bullying him and embarrassing him in front of everyone. I'm not condoning Snape's words during that moment because he was also wrong but just imagine if James didn't pick on Severus. Imagine if James left him alone and didn't acknowledge him. Snape wouldn't have called Lily a mudblood and they would've still talked to each other. It was clear that Lily loved Snape. He was the first person she had that she shared something with. It would never go away from her heart and her mind. So I do call James a bully because he hated Snape for the simple fact of hating him and he tore love apart.

Severus Snape: It seems that J.K. Rowling had a theme with many of her characters. They were bullies. I know I just said Severus Snape was bullied at Hogwarts and I do feel bad for him. But what I do not feel bad for is the fact that he in turn bullied Harry. He claims it's because he's James' son but that is no damn excuse to pick on an eleven-year-old when you are a grown man. If he clearly loved Lily like he said he did he would've protected Harry out in the open and not give a damn what anyone said. Okay, maybe not protect because then the plan to kill Voldemort wouldn't work but he would've been a lot nicer to Harry during school. And the fact that EVERYONE and their mothers feel sorry for him during his death pisses me off. Am I glad that he died? No, I'm sad that a character this deep was killed but it had to be done. I'm actually glad that he did die. He deserved everything he got. He wasn't really protecting Harry, he was protecting his memory of Lily. His last words weren't Harry Potter, I believe in you. His last words were, You have your mother's eyes. Snape didn't care for Harry at all and the simple fact that he put him through hell makes me glad that he was punished for it. Even if it was extreme.

Draco Malfoy: Last but not least is Draco. Another example of the whole feel sorry for the bully type of character. Draco was Harry's enemy from day one and it could not have been clearer. This kid while he still was a child wanted bad things to happen to Harry. He also put him through hell and it seemed as if Harry couldn't escape from it. So why is it that when Draco has to kill Dumbledore that everyone starts feeling bad for him. Oh this poor soul, afraid for his life, forced to do what he didn't want to. He lowered his wand, he was going to join the good side. Bull crap! Draco signed up for it. He became a Death Eater! He knew exactly what was going to happen and had been in on the whole Voldemort / Death Eater ordeal for YEARS! His father was one. So no, I don't feel bad for him that he was almost killed, that he was basically tortured. He signed up for it and now he has to pay for what he deserves. Next time he should think twice about what he really wants before acting!

And that my friends is what I present to you. These four characters really got to me during the series re-read. There's so much more I can go on about other characters but I didn't want you guys to be here all day. But, I would love for you guys to let me know; which characters do you guys see in a different light? Leave your comments down below so we can get discussing. It is possible that I can do more Harry Potter Honesty Hour's along with more characters. Who knows? I just have to look into my heart for what I really feel.

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (37)

2012-02-28T15:00:00.000-05:00

Hello all you lovely readers! Today is a day to rejoice for books have just been released into the world. I'm going to start doing this a bit differently. I'll show you all the books that are released today, that I take note of, but only speak about one of them. Today we have two releases. One of them is a sequel while the other is the first debut novel. That book is......

When The Sea Is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen.

After seventeen-year-old Felicita's dearest friend Ilven kills herself to escape an arranged marriage, Felicita chooses freedom over privilege. She fakes her own death and leaves her sheltered life as one of Pelimburg's magical elite behind. Living in the slums, scrubbing dishes for a living, she falls for charismatic Dash while also becoming fascinated with vampire Jannik. Then soemthing shocking washes up on the beach: Ilven's death has called out of the sea a dangerous wild magic. Felicita must decide where her loyalties lie with the famile she abandoned . . . or with those who would twist this dark power to destroy Pelimburg's caste system, and the whole city along with it.

Story: To start off I'll give my take on the story. Honestly, it sounds like any other vampire novel that is out there. As soon as I read that she becomes fascinated with the vampire I immediately thought that this book wasn't for me. Everyone knows how I feel about vampires and only one book about a vampire do I truly love and it's not about romance at all. While it does sound interesting I think that it could do without the whole vampire ordeal. Why not go for something different?

Cover: The cover certainly is interesting and it shows nothing to do with vampires. If I were the type of person who bought books based on covers, which I do a lot, I'd certainly be tricked because it looks to be much darker and deeper than vampires. I love the foggy water and the lifeless body resting in on it with the glimpses of the rocks protruding from the fog. It is so eerie and gives me this creepy feeling.

Verdict: Because it is vampires I won't buy it. But I do love the cover. This one is a Pass.

Other Books Released:

(I love the new covers for these books and this one is no different!)

Before you all go, tomorrow is the last day to enter The Hunger Games Epic Giveaway! So be sure to check out the link above and enter if you haven't. First place gets a shirt while second and third get a Mockingjay pin!

Monday's Novel Talk (46)

2012-02-27T18:41:00.000-05:00

Hello viewers! All 400+ of you! Yes! I have finally reached over 400 followers and the countdown to 500 has begun! I just want to thank everyone for following me and this only means that I now have to start thinking of more ways and things to make my site more interesting.

Anywho today is Monday and once again it's just one of those days where you don't want to do anything but just stare at a screen and watch something mindless. Anywho, since last week I have finished one book and started another.

The Darkening Dream: I finally finished this novel and holy crap was it good! I won't say much because I'll be writing a review shortly and putting it up along with an author interview. This will be a good one, I promise. But the novel was seriously amazing and so refreshing and just different than its brothers and sisters.

Hunger: I just started this earlier this morning. Currently on page 59 of 174 I can say that it is currently interesting and catching my attention. I love books about addiction and self-abuse and just partying with drugs and such but this one seems to fall more on the paranormal side than on the dark addiction side. But still, it is interesting and I might finish it today.

When I do finish Hunger I'll start the second novel Rage which is also a quick read and then I can go to another book.

So for now I bade thee farewell and wish you all Happy Reading! And if you haven't seen it yet; check out The Hunger Games Epic Giveaway for a chance to win a shirt and pins! If you do decide to enter, may the odds be ever in your favor!

Cover Reveal: Tilt by Ellen Hopkins

2012-02-22T14:32:00.003-05:00

The moment is here! Well at least one of the many moments! As you all know I am in LOVE with Ellen Hopkins. Her novels are amazing and she's seriously up there on my list with J.K. Rowling. I follow every news I can find of her books closely and simply wait until I'm able to read the next novel. Well the moment has come to see the cover for her newest YA novel:

Tilt by Ellen Hopkins!

The novel is a companion to her first adult novel, Triangles, following the lives of the three mother's kids. In Tilt we see the story of Triangles from the point of view of Mikayla, Shane and Harley and see what secrets lie behind the wall.

But this post is about the cove which I absolutely love! Before it was released I had guessed that the next cover would either be blue or green because we hadn't seen one of those yet. Although I went more with the blue this cover is just amazing. I love the yellow and the green mixing in together with a bit of purple which reminds me of the Triangles cover. I love the traces of the word itself in the background and how the balls of color remind me of a photograph of light bulbs. The cover will fit in well with the others in person and Ellen Hopkins said that the real cover is actually holographic which will be EPIC!

I can't wait to read this book but we have to wait all the way into September 11th to be exact. But while we do wait, we'll re-read the other books and await the cover release for her adult novel, Collateral.

Cover Reveal: The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima

2012-02-14T18:06:00.001-05:00

Earlier this morning around 3:00 AM, Cinda Williams Chima revealed the cover to the fourth and final novel in the Seven Realms Series. I had the pleasure of viewing it earlier today before going to work, but because work was in the way I wasn't able to put it up for you guys. But finally I'm home and able to do what I want and so I present the cover for The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima!

I knew the cover was going to be red because we had already covered green and blue. Not to mention the word crimson is in the title but it means nothing. It could have been yellow and I would have been surprised.

My initial reaction to the cover was whoa, red! But then the more I got to look at it the more I felt, not disappointed but not very excited. The cover just isn't calling me. Perhaps it could be the quality but I am just not feeling it.

The main object which is the necklace here looks real. You might be wondering what the hell I mean by that but on the first three novels the objects had this sort of mystical look about them, kind of CGI looking where this one feels like an actual object.

The second thing that got me a bit worried was the bottom cover. The first three we have this beautiful scenery with a sort of mist surrounding it. In this one we have a clear image and it freaks me out. It breaks from the tradition of the book not to mention the different colors it has. But now that I'm looking at it, I'm noticing the green tree's which represents book one, the blue river which is book two, and the purple smoke which is book three. But it is still weird seeing an actual scene with different colors.

I'm sure the cover will look amazing in person but for right now I just don't quite like it as I would love to like it. Maybe I'll get used to it and maybe I won't. But as of right now, my favorite cover still stands as The Gray Wolf Throne.

And even if the cover is a bit eh, I'm so excited to see how it is all going to end. So much needs to go down and I'm so excited yet nervous to watch everything unfold. This book can not get here any sooner!

The Hunger Games Epic Giveaway!

2012-02-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to The Hunger Games Epic Giveaway!

What I dramatic entrance I must say.... Anywho!

I've been feeling as if I needed to do another giveaway and Hot Topic just launched their The Hunger Games line where we'll be able to get ready for the movie. I have already bought my stuff but now I think it's time to share the wealth and joy with you guys!

I have decided to give three lucky people some awesome gifts. One person will be able to get one of the shirts down below. As you can see the girls get the one on the left and the guys the one on the right. Having had help from friends to choose the best ones, it's safe to say that you guys will like it as well.

Two lucky others will receive the pin down below, the one and only that represents the revolution. It will add a nice little touch to whatever you are wearing when you go check out the movie on March 23rd.

And now I know you'll all eager to join the giveaway but before you do there are some rules!

RULES!

You must be a follower to join this giveaway.

I know that I don't really do this and a lot of you people hate it but I realized that I'm spending a couple of bucks here and would really like it to get some followers. I know it's like I'm buying you guys but if the prices were any lower I wouldn't do it.

Starting from one again, you must be a follower to join this giveaway. Names will be checked!
Contest starts today; 09 February, 2012 and will end 29 February, 2012. Winner announced 01 March, 2012.
U.S. only. This one will be a U.S. only contest because prices are already high and I'm afraid if they go higher it'll make me broke.
Names will be chosen at random using random.org.
The pins will be awarded to one boy and one girl. Like tributes.
If you post about this giveaway in your blog you will get an extra entry. That means you'll name will be in the drawing twice. Again like a tribute, just no death.
Above all have fun and just relax. Remember this is a time to win something so just enter and remember to check back on the day. I'll of course put up a post with the winners and email the winners as well.

I hope this isn't asking for much really but I'm just so excited and need to share with you guys. But now that I've babbled on for too much I think it's time to give you guys what you need. Fill Out This Form and you'll be all set. I wish you all luck and may the odds be ever in your favor.

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (36)

2012-02-07T18:06:00.001-05:00

I feel as if today is an important day. But what day it is and why it's important I can't remember! Something to do with books and today being released. Seriously can't remember but whatever. While I'm here let me introduce you to this book that was released today. The book is called......

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood. It's Book 1 in The Cahill Witch Chronicles and the cover is certainly.... interesting. I don't know what to think of it but it throws it up in the air for anything.

Blessed with a gift...cursed with a secret.

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship - or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood - not even from each other.

While it does sound interesting, it doesn't sound exactly like something I would read. But I still want to hear about it. If you have read it or would like to just leave a comment down below. I hope you're all having a good day and remember; Readings keeps Pandas safe from extinction!

FREE Two Days Only: A Vampire Novel with Actual Bite!

2012-02-06T18:51:00.000-05:00

As the modern world establishes itself and pushes the supernatural into the shadows, the supernatural fights back.

The Darkening Dream is a chilling new dark fantasy novel by Andy Gavin, creator of Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter, that has received rave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and is FREE for two days only on Amazon Kindle (February 7th to 8th)! Download your FREE copy here: http://amzn.to/yTvZPG

Long-time readers of dark historical fantasy (Tim Powers, Guy Gavriel Kay, Katherine Kurtz) will appreciate the weaving together of mythology, occult, and religion, while younger readers and fans of HBO dramas (True Blood, Carnivàle) or urban fantasy (Laurell K. Hamilton, Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher) will be drawn to the twisted imagination, graphic action, and romantic tension.

About The Darkening Dream

Even as the modern world pushes the supernatural aside in favor of science and steel, the old ways remain. God, demon, monster, and sorcerer alike plot to regain what was theirs.

1913, Salem, Massachusetts – Sarah Engelmann’s life is full of friends, books, and avoiding the pressure to choose a husband, until an ominous vision and the haunting call of an otherworldly trumpet shake her. When she stumbles across a gruesome corpse, she fears that her vision was more of a premonition. And when she sees the murdered boy moving through the crowd at an amusement park, Sarah is thrust into a dark battle she does not understand.

With the help of Alex, an attractive Greek immigrant who knows a startling amount about the undead, Sarah sets out to uncover the truth. Their quest takes them to the factory mills of Salem, on a midnight boat ride to spy on an eerie coastal lair, and back, unexpectedly, to their own homes. What can Alex’s elderly, vampire-hunting grandfather and Sarah’s own rabbi father tell them? And what do Sarah’s continuing visions reveal?

No less than Gabriel’s Trumpet, the tool that will announce the End of Days, is at stake, and the forces that have banded to recover it include a 900 year-old vampire, a trio of disgruntled Egyptian gods, and a demon-loving Puritan minister. At the center of this swirling cast is Sarah, who must fight a millennia-old battle against unspeakable forces, knowing the ultimate prize might be her very soul.

The Reviews Are In

"A vampire novel with actual bite." ~The Kirkus Reviews

"Mr. Gavin has brought something refreshingly new to a genre now suffused with poorly-concealed bodice-rippers which have more in common with Fabio than Bram Stoker: depth. His big baddies are scary, not romantic interests, and the added religious lore is complex and engaging. Don't expect another Twilight -- the story can get downright creepy, so be prepared for a return to the old horror sensibilities of supernatural fiction." ~Amazon Review

"With Mr. Gavin's video-game pedigree, I was expecting something aimed squarely at the 18-25 year old fanboy contingent; what I got in The Darkening Dream was something wholly unexpected: A period novel with a female protagonist, a crash-course on Judaism in the colonial years, and multi-layered series of plot arcs featuring a crazy cast of natural and supernatural characters populating 18th Century Colonial America." ~Amazon Review

"…A perfect blend of mystery, magic and myth. A grown-up Grimm's fairy tale...emphasis on grim." ~Amazon Review

Read the first two sample chapters here >> http://bit.ly/xXVxXS

Get your FREE copy of The Darkening Dream for two days only on Amazon here. http://amzn.to/yTvZPG

No eReader or Kindle? No problem. Get free apps for your Web Browser, PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, or Android Phone.

Cover links can be found at:

http://all-things-andy-gavin.com/the-darkening-dream/cover
and
http://all-things-andy-gavin.com/the-darkening-dream/cover-small

Monday's Novel Talk (45)

2012-02-06T16:13:00.007-05:00

Hey everyone! It's February! That's just crazy how this year is already going by fast. But life goes on and I keep reading. So recently I did an awesome giveaway which ended already and the winner was revealed. I'm thinking on doing another giveaway this time giving away a The Hunger Games shirt from Hot Topic. I'm still finding out the details on how I should do this.

Anyway, this post will be short since I'm just giving an update on what I'm reading.

Currently it's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I'm on page 284 of 652. It's part of my Reread Harry Potter Challenge and it's going great. After this is DH and then the three side-books and I'll be on to newer things!

Like I said this will be a short post and I'm about to go read some and hopefully finish this book very soon. I hope you are all well and I'll see you all tomorrow!

The Darkening Dream Giveaway Winner!!!

2012-01-31T17:47:00.003-05:00

HELLO EVERYONE! The giveaway has come to an ending but fear not for more are on the way. It feels good having not bought any books for me since the beginning of the year and yet I'm buying for other people. It always feels good to give. And it is with my greatest pleasure to announce the winner of the paperback copy of The Darkening Dream by Andy Gavin and hold them no more for it. Congratulations.....

Melissa S. from New Jersey! A fellow neighbor I see! I want to thank everyone, all 80+ people who have joined in the giveaway. I thought I was lucky to get only 20 but once it got to 90 I was beyond excited. I want to thank Andy Gavin for writing the book and releasing it into the world.

I also would like to let you know that I will be giving away a copy of the Hardcover copy when it is available and this one will be international. So keep checking back on the blog for that.

Again thank you so much everyone and may you keep returning!

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (35)

2012-01-31T17:35:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone and welcome to Tuesday. Another batch of books has been released but only one will be featured on the blog. This week's choice is....

The Dead of Winter by Christ Priestley!

After Michael's parents die, he is invited to stay with his guardian in a desolate country house. He begins to suspect something is not quite right on the day he arrives when he spots a mysterious woman out in the frozen mists. But little can prepare him for the solitude of the house itself. His guardian is rarely seen, and there's a malevolent force lurking in an old hallway mirror. As the chilling suspense builds, Michael realizes that the house and its grounds harbor many more secrets-both dead and alive.

First off, I do like a horror novel and second, the main character is Michael. It's as if I'm in the story myself. >.>

I might have to check this one out for some light reading but hopefully it's good. If anyone has read it or wants to read it, leave some comments down below. =D

Heavens of Fire - Prologue

2012-01-27T22:55:00.001-05:00

Here is the Prologue to the book that I have been working on for a while. I got out of the writing funk for about a year but I seriously need to complete this story. It can't die inside of me at all.

Ten candles, alternating between black and white, were set in a circle on the floor. The flames danced, and the room swayed between darkness and light. In affect, a war to gain the most coverage of the room. A man stood on the outside of the circle, holding a purple candle in both of his hands. The black satin robe that covered his body was outlined with gold lining and glimmered in the flickering of the flames. The soft glow of the fire's light made his scalp shine dimly. His hairless face wore a grim expression. He locked his silver eyes on the circle of flames as he began to whisper, speaking the words of an ancient language long dead.
Smoke began to swirl in the center of the circle, stirring up gray wisps. Slowly, the slender traces coalesced into a thick fog. Then, as if a breath had blown through the room, the smoke cleared away. A woman now stood in the middle of the circle, her face expressionless. Her hoary hair draped down her back, past her shoulders. She wore rag-like brown robes that covered both hands and feet.
“Nice of you to join us,” the silver-eyed man said authoritatively. He made sure that he was leading the situation. “Wouldn't be the same without you, now would it?”
The lady looked at him, still without expression and said, “Of course it wouldn't be the same, for it is always my pleasure to join the one I despise the most. Now, what do you want from me?”
The man studied her and smiled. His teeth seemed to glow in the duskiness. “I have a few questions to ask you and I'll try to make them as rudimentary as possible. But before I do, I have to find some reigns for you, lest you decide to gallop off to a different master. This tale is not one for another's ears.”
He started to move his hands in a rhythmic pattern and as he did he spoke, “Your tongue shall be still when you speak of this, your mind shall be empty when you think of it. Your hands shall defy you should you try to write about it, and from henceforth, your words shall speak the truth and nothing less.” As he finished his last sentence, he threw his hands out towards the lady and her eyes quickly turned black, resembling bottomless pits.
“Now to see if I ensorcelled you correctly, I want you to answer me, who am I?” he demanded.
The lady stared blankly at him and answered monotonously, “King Al'Deron of Nova. The first to appear for the throne with the rights and honor.”
“Correct. I see that the spell has worked. Not that there was much to control,” he said with a snarl. “Now speak. What of the Elementals? Last time you told me that they would come again. When shall they come?” demanded the king.
“You are too late,” she responded flatly. “One of them has been born for a few months now.” She added a small smirk that the king took no notice of. “The other is close to being born.”
The king sighed deeply. His eyes looked worried. “The one that is born, whence will he turn?”
“It is too early to tell. One could suppose good or evil, like the usual.”
“Can you tell me who they are?” he asked.
“Not directly. One is a relative of yours. The other I do not know yet,” she said. She stood motionless in the circle.
“A relative you say? I suppose that will make things easier for me. But the other, I have to find out myself. How close is he to us?” King Al'Deron asked as his eyes scrutinized her face, looking for any sign of expression.
“It's a she, and miles towards the west from here in the Incendia Region,” responded the lady, a smile slowly spreading over her face.
“A girl?” the king responded mockingly, taking no notice of the lady's smile. “Ha! I will not believe that it's a girl until I see her for myself. But nonetheless, it makes no difference. I'll still kill them – with my bare hands, if required.” His eyes were wide and his nostrils flared with anger.
“You will never get her,” said the lady. The King looked at her face and his eyes grew wide in shock. Her eyes were back to their normal dark brown, her face showing a lucid smile.
“What did you say, Alana?” demanded the king. He clenched his hands and took a step back.
“I said that you will never get her. Your mind, it is too narrow to see the obstructions that lie ahead of you,” she replied with a sneer. “You will never win and your time will soon be done.” She looked at him darkly, her eyes emphasizing her prophecy.
The king's eyes grew wider with fear and shock as he took several steps back. “How is that possible?” he demanded. “I-I put a spell on you! You have to follow my every command, you-you have no choice!” he yelled frantically. Almost snarling he said, “What magic do you have to overpower me?” He backed into a wall stocked with ominously colored, liquid-filled bottles. Several of the bottles fell over and shattered at his feet, sending plumes of smoke in to the air, but he paid no attention to them; he was fixated on the lady.
“I do not need advanced magic to trick a fool, especially not one like you.” She laughed. A gust of wind whipped through the room and suddenly the lady was gone; only her laughter remained. As the wind blew away, it extinguished the candles, plunging the room – and the king – into complete darkness.
“Well done my Lord.”
“Such was my intention, Cryptist.”

Quick Update

2012-01-27T22:44:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the not being here and all. Funny thing, the day I put the block on my blog for the 18th is the day my internet was cut off because my check didn't go through yet. Odd or Coincidence? Both? Anyway I'll be back to posting soon and I actually wanted to put something special up really soon. Just seeing how I should do this so check back soon.

Fight Against SOPA!

2012-01-18T00:16:00.004-05:00

The Subtle Chronicler will be taking part of the 24 hour shut down today, on January 18th, 2012 to fight against SOPA.

Giveaway of The Darkening Dream by Andy Gavin

2012-01-17T15:30:00.000-05:00

See that amazing book up top? One with the amazing cover on it? The one where I made it extra big so you can gaze on it? Yeah, that one. I'm giving away a copy of the book to one lucky person. =O!

All you have to do is Fill Out This Form with the required information and you'll be good. Unfortunately this time will only be U.S.A. only but I will do another giveaway where it'll be international. But just fill it out and bam you're done. No need to follow me, although you can. No tweets, no links to go to, no nothing. Just fill it out and hope you win.

Although you should check out Andy Gavin's twitter and follow him and tweet him and such. He can be found at @asgavin

And that's basically it. This is one of the shortest posts for a giveaway and one of the easiest. Although before I forget I must tell you that the giveaway will end, on the 30th of January and winner will be announced on the 31st. Seems like a long time but just trying to get people pumped up and hearing more about it.

So a rundown on all the rules and such?

Fill Out This Form
Form Will Be Deleted When This Is All Over
No Need To Follow
Check Out Andy Gavin's Twitter @asgavin
Giveaway Ends January 30, Winner Announced January 31.
Spread The Word And Have Fun

And that's that. I wish you all luck with it and even if you don't win, you should still get this book.

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (34)

2012-01-17T15:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome everybody to the best day in the world, Tuesday. Today a number of books have been released but only one won the rounds to be featured on the blog. It's actually an interesting story that I'll remember and will be told to countless people over and over again. On Friday the 13th, I received an email from one called Andy Gavin. He proposed to me the idea of reviewing his novel and gave some interesting facts. He told me he was Co-Founder of Naughty Dogs and my brain did some sort of squee. Naughty Dogs is the gaming company that produced games like Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter. Which by the way he was Director, Producer and Lead Programmer.

I couldn't believe it and when I saw the book my jaw dropped. It had such an amazing cover that I could not pass up this opportunity. This man was a legend in my household. Especially to my nephew who LOVES Crash Bandicoot. Anyway I took the book and have started reading it and it's amazing. I haven't finished it yet but it's just amazing. Also when I looked him up, he was telling the truth so no tricks over here.

But yesterday I asked him about the plans of publications. The book was out as an e-book and it was going to published in Hardcover and Paperback but there was no specific date. He told me that it would take a few days to send the proofs back and forth and basically the answer was, time will tell. The funny thing though is that the Paperback version was actually put out TODAY! On a Tuesday, the day of Book Released! So I thought that was perfect. But I'm rambling and I need to introduce to you all this book. I present to you;

The Darkening Dream by Andy Gavin

Now tell me that is not a beautiful cover. I'm in love! And the most amazing part, the cover artist, Cliff Nielsen, is also the cover artist of Cassandra Clare's novels. And we all know how those are. But just look at it. The dead tree with the innocence of the girl sitting upon it. The fire-like background separated with the swamp-like icy yet earthy vision. The girl hanging upside down looking pale and dead. It's just amazing and perfection! But wait until you hear about the book....

An ominous vision and the discovery of a gruesome corpse lead seventeen year-old Sarah Engelmann into a terrifying encounter with the supernatural in 1913 Salem, Massachusetts.

With help from Alex, an attractive Greek immigrant, Sarah sets out to track the evil to its source, never guessing that she will take on a conspiracy involving not only a 900-year-old vampire, but also a demon-loving Puritan warlock, disgruntled Egyptian gods, and an immortal sorcerer, all on a quest to recover the holy trumpet of the Archangel Gabriel. Relying on the wisdom of an elderly vampire hunter, Sarah's rabbi father, and her own disturbing visions, Sarah must fight a millennial-old battle between unspeakable forced, where the ultimate prize might be herself.

Now I've started reading this and got to the vampire part and the guy is badass. He is evil everywhere and does not hold back and it's finally time we got an evil vampire who likes to kill and torture. I just love everything about this book and can't wait to continue reading it. But how mean would I be to talk about this book and not give away a copy? Stick around for a second book where you'll have the chance to win a copy of this book in Paperback.

And don't forget to check out these links below.

Pictures of the Paperback

His Website

Information on his next book

He also has a twitter which you can follow him @asgavin

So I'll see you all with the next post on the giveaway!

Honesty Hour (2)

2012-01-12T15:00:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: I would just like to apologize for adding this (to Kyleigh) and say that the amazing image below was made by Kyleigh over from Can't Find A Bookmark. So go to her blog and tell her how amazing it is. =D Thank you Ky!

Hello everyone and welcome to another week of Honest Hour. I was looking around my room for books I could talk on when I spotted a collection on my wall that caught my eye. I'm talking about The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare. Currently awaiting for the 5th book in the series to be released, I have been with this series since City of Ashes came out. Let me just give you my thoughts.

I spotted the first two books around the time that City of Ashes was released and everything was waiting for City of Glass. Thinking that the covers looked cool I decided to order the first two and when I got them I began reading them. I was immediately hooked and pre-ordered City of Glass after a chapter.

City of Bones is the first book and I can't tell you exactly how I feel when I think of these books. At least the first three. Just looking at the covers I get this warm feeling that just seems magical. I loved everything about it, It was one of my first Young Adult novels and it's what introduced me to this whole new world so of course I was loving every minute of it. The characters were amazing, the story was going to great places, the plot was being driven at full force. I loved the magical moments it had with the paranormal and even when it introduced the whole incest story-line I felt as if this book was going far places.

I read City of Ashes as soon as I was done with Bones and the feeling would not go away. It was full of these twist and turns that just had me want to read more. Just thinking about it now, I actually want to re-read the books. Just thinking about our first introduction to certain characters like Magnus and Valentine and everyone else. As soon as I finished I was ready to take on the last book.

City of Glass finally arrived and I felt like it was one of the best books I had read in a while. Granted I hadn't read many books back then but it was seriously up there. I loved the war scenes and the even though new characters were brought in they were nicely wrapped up and the ending was just great. The series had finished and I had enjoyed a beautiful ride. I couldn't wait to go back a year or two later and re-read the series and relive the moments again.

But then came the announcement of three more books. My initial reaction was happiness. I wanted to know more about these characters, but once I thought about it I felt as if it were unnecessary. When City of Fallen Angels was released, I knew I was right. First off the book was the smallest in the series and the smallest of all of her books which greatly annoyed me. Compared to the other three I would've thought a pickup of the series would be a little bit longer. But before I go into more of that, the covers, as they were released, just didn't have the same magic feel to it. It felt as if it were being forced like the story itself.

Reading City of Fallen Angels I just couldn't help think how it should have stopped. How there was no point to this. My mind immediately wandered to Cassandra Clare wanting the money which I am not ashamed of admitting and am entitled to my own opinion. Reading the book, I felt like it was an excuse not only for the money but for more sexually-tense moments between Clary and Jace.

The characters were no longer the same, the story didn't have the same feel to it. It seemed to drag on into nothingness and then conclude with an ending that seemed too fan-fictionish. Considering that Cassandra Clare was a fan-fiction writer herself, I felt that she had come too much of a long way to go back into it. But she did. There were moments where Jace and Clary would just randomly start making out and I felt that it was there just to feed the hunger of hundreds of teenage girls. Which scared me? What exactly has writing come to?

In my opinion I feel as if Clare has been listening to these many teenagers and putting in what they want, forgetting exactly what the story should hold. When I finished the book I felt like I, a reader who reads for the actual story and not for the hotness of a character, felt cheated. Even a signed copy of the book didn't help me get over the fact that I had been robbed. That my characters were changed and not for the better.

And now City of Lost Souls is going to be released soon and with the cover now out I feel as if it can only get worse. From the cover itself it looks like a novel that will be nothing but Clary and Jace and not even be remotely good but just washed down with scenes of no importance. And yes, I get this from the Fabio Wannabe Cover.

Also another thing that irked me was how Cassandra Clare said that her publisher (I think it was them if I'm not mistaken) said that no same-sex characters on the cover which is complete bogus. With the power she has, she'd be able to rally up her fans and form a petition to get Magnus and Alec or Jace and Alec or Clary and Isabelle on a cover. Authors do have power regardless of what they say. But she didn't even though Alec and Magnus are made out to be these amazing gay characters who are the gay icons of the world.

I wish I could go on but I'm afraid you'd be here all day so I leave these words for you Cassandra Clare and every other writer out there. Write because you want to not because you have to. Write for the story and never for the money. Write for yourself and not for your fans. Take two years if you have to instead of rushing this out in less than a year. Make it the perfection that it can be and not deliver some crappy book that's wish-wash. Your fans will still be there no matter how long it takes. Many authors have done it and the success was phenomenal.

Also I just have to say, if I see this Clary on one more damn cover I'm going to have to shank her.

Cover Reveal: The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan

2012-01-10T16:46:00.001-05:00

Barnes & Noble has JUST released the cover along with the title for the third novel in the Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan. I present to you The Serpent's Shadow.

I still haven't read the first nor the second book in the series but I do plan on getting them some time this year and reading them all. I do like the cover, it seems to match the other two and I love the blue blending in with the orange-créme color. Looking into it further it seems really interesting and I actually want to know what is going on in there so I might have to buy it sometime soon.

The book will be released May 01, 2012 and you will be one book closer to the finale. Let me know what you guys think of the cover down in the comments below.

Also if you guys are looking for more books, The Kane Chronicles Survival Guide will be released March 20, 2012 to help complete your collection and learn more about their world.

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (33)

2012-01-10T16:24:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Tuesday, the best day for readers around the world. Why? Because Tuesday is like Christmas but every week. Books are released on Tuesday's and we're always counting down the days until we get our hands on the books we pine for. This week a couple of books have been released but the one that has gotten much more buzz is.....

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green!

Anything written by John Green will automatically be bought by me (and a whole mass of others as well) no matter what it is. This book was no different. Being only released today, I pre-ordered the book all the way back in October and have been waiting for it ever since. But what exactly is the book about?

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Sounds like an amazing read and possibly even heartbreaking. If you haven't seen the amazing trailer for it, check it out below.

I love the song and even though my friend Shaun said it portrays the things inaccurately I must disagree and say that it looks as beautiful as the book sounds. And the song is just perfect as well.

So I hope you all enjoy your copy and tell me your thoughts down on the comment section below. Also I got a Green Signature. What did you get?

Honesty Hour (1)

2012-01-05T18:49:00.003-05:00

Hello everybody! Sorry for the late post but I've been sick in bed and only now did I muster the courage to get online. Anyway, Honest Hour is a new thing I'll be doing possibly weekly. While it might seem like a review, it'll be full of spoilers and can talk from one book to multiple books. The reason for this is that my reviews are usually spoiler-free and I don't really go into length talking about it. I don't want to give away anything that might ruin the story during those reviews so I warn you that this will be full of spoils and should only be read if you have read the novels.

To start this off I chose a series that I read two of its books last year.

Starting with Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. When I read this book I was all into it. It was something new, dark and humorous. The love-triangle that was in it was different than what I had previously read before. Instead of a girl falling for two people she had to choose between someone she was falling for and someone she had to be with due to her laws.

When I began reading Nightshade I was also watching Skins UK from E4 so I kind of put the two together. Skins is about a group of teens in their last two years of High School with different personalities and it chronicles the events that lead up to graduation. Nightshade reminded me of that with how it was two groups coming together as one with everyone having a different personality. How they would hang out in the cafeteria and go to a night club even if it was to investigate. It was a really good novel that I went in with low expectations. The action was great, the characters were awesome and the ending was just intense.

Then comes Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer. Before the book came out they decided to change the covers to what is up top. For some reason I felt as if this would ruin the story for me as I compare the covers with the novel itself. I decided to forget about it and finally read it. Boy was I disappointed. I went into this with such high expectations and was greatly let down. The magic of the characters were gone. Although most of the characters aren't there for part of the story because of certain reasons, the new characters just weren't working for me. Their introduction was too abrupt and not enough development went on. The story seemed too rushed and yet it dragged on.

I kind of confused myself with that when I first said it but then I thought about it. Wolfsbane felt as if it could have been a couple of chapters in Nightshade, if some scenes were taken out of course. But for the scenes that were in it, it took a long time for the story to get there and when it did it was just bam, done, over. It should have been longer, more properly developed. It took almost two hundred pages before anything exciting happened. And when it did I was thinking to myself how out of place it seemed. The world we were introduced to in the first novel had changed drastically in the second that it seemed out of the ordinary. Nothing really felt familiar and it felt as if Calla herself had changed overnight. But read it I did and when I got to the end I just felt as if time might have been wasted. I wasn't feeling the story but I was still going to read the third novel.

Before even reading Wolfsbane I looked it up and saw that the cover for the third novel was out and that's when I found out.

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer was set to be released January 2012, just mere months after the release of the second. I thought it was mistake but then it was confirmed that the release date was true and I thought to myself that it was over. I don't know what happened, if she previously wrote all three books and they were just now getting published or if she rushed through them but that kind of killed it for me.

I have this thing with authors not taking their time writing books. To me a book should be properly done and not rushed through. When I see an author writing two books per year it freaks me out because I wonder if they're really doing it for the story or for the money. For some authors it does work such as Ellen Hopkins. She writes an adult novel and young adult novel a year and when we read it it's amazing. But the thing is, she writes in free verse. It doesn't take long to do and yet she does her research and her studying and it shows in the work. Yet we see Cassandra Clare releasing two books per month and the result is one such as City of Fallen Angels which was the shortest book and something that shouldn't have ever been published. It just felt like an excuse for more of Clary and Jace make-out scenes.

But when I recently got Bloodrose I saw that it was bigger than the other two and I thought maybe she it might redeem herself and that I shouldn't give up on it. Perhaps it'll have the same BAM as the first one and give me something that I actually want. But I won't exactly know until I start reading it.

And so with this I leave you guys here. What do you guys think of these novels? Give me your thoughts on them and let me know if you think authors should take their time with their writing.

I also would like to say that I respect every author and would never say anything to bash them. If I'm against something it would be their work and not them as a person. I am a fan of Cassandra Clare and even though I might not like City of Fallen Angels I still like her other work. The same goes for Andrea Cremer. Even if I didn't enjoy Wolfsbane as much as Nightshade I will still go into Bloodrose with hopes that it'll get to me and enjoy any other work she releases.

Cover Reveal: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

2012-01-04T13:53:00.002-05:00

Today a book we have all been waiting for finally shown its cover to us. We've been waiting for a few months and finally after much anticipation it's here. I present to you, City of Lost Souls.

But something doesn't feel right about it. A lot of people are going on about how amazing it looks yet to me it's a bit of a let down.

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare is Book 5 in The Mortal Instruments Series and continues the story of Clary and Jace's love along with the rest of the cast. I'm sure you all know the story so there's no need to get into it. What I will get into is my thoughts on this cover.

I'm not liking it. Yes I like the concept of it following the others, I like the theme color which is the purple but I'm not liking the Clary and Jace on the cover. First off how they're facing each other and are (to me) bigger than anyone else on the other covers kind of ruins it for me. It feels too romance-like and too cheesy for my taste. Also, and my friend pointed this one out, the colors clash. Her dress and her hair. Yeah I get it she's a redhead but they seem to make her a weird type of redhead which I've never seen before. Almost pinkish orangeish. But that's not the problem. My friend was talking about her dress and how it clashes with her hair. I said they should have put her in black which would've been better. And going back to how they're facing each other, it would've been better if they were facing forward. Like the others but hey.

There's more to why I don't really like the cover but I just can't think of it right now. (Being sick and all) I just had to show you all the newest cover and talk about how far away the book is. >.>

My Top 11 Books/Series of 2011

2012-01-03T15:30:00.000-05:00

Hello again! This post I'll show you guys the Top 11 Books/Series that I read in the year 2011. I don't think they'll be in much of an order but who knows. I still haven't chosen my Top 11 and am doing it as I go. And the reason I'm doing Books/Series is because if I chose only books, one particular author would have the whole list to herself. But let us begin!

Everything by Ellen Hopkins

Crank
Glass
Fallout
Triangles
Identical
Burned
Impulse
Perfect
Tricks
Flirtin' With The Monster

Darkest Powers Series by Kelley Armstrong

The Summoning
The Awakening
The Reckoning

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong
Divergent by Veronica Roth

The Maze Runner Trilogy by James Dashner

The Maze Runner
The Scorch Trials
The Death Cure

Gone Series by Michael Grant

Gone
Hunger
Lies
Plague

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks

The Way of Shadows
Shadow's Edge

The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

And there you have it! My Top 11 Books/Series of the year 2011. The only one that is in order is Ellen Hopkins. She ruled the year 2011 for me and it was unbelievable! I got to meet her and everything and she's just up there with Queen Rowling. But before I leave you all, let's get down with some facts of 2011.

Books Read In Total: 56

Pages Read In Total: 22,400

Longest Time To Read A Book: Shadow's Edge by Brent Weeks - June 28 to August 8

Shortest Time To Read A Book: It's A Multiple Tie Between

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen - January 12 to January 13
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong - March 20 to March 21
The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong - March 24 to March 25
Crank by Ellen Hopkins - May 8 to May 9

Longest Book I Read: Glass by Ellen Hopkins - 681 Pages

Shortest Book I Read: Flirtin' With The Monster by Ellen Hopkins - 180 Pages

Most Books I Read Of The Same Author: Ellen Hopkins

And there you have it! The year 2011 is now officially over and 2012 has started with a bang. I'll be tucking this page into a box so that next year I can compare the two and see how good I've gotten. But it's crazy recording the books you've read and what time because some books I thought I read in 2010 and then I remembered things that happened on that day. It's amazing what I can remember just by looking at a page. But I'll see you all later. It's time for me to read some books and be epic! Bye everyone!

Books Read In 2011

2012-01-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I've missed you all! The past few weeks have been crazy with the final days of college and then work had me working on Holidays until night because people love shopping and it's all been just so crazy. But I am back once more and this time it's going to be bigger than ever.

Last year I promised you that my list would be in order from the books that I read and they are! I have a list that I made where I wrote down the book, number of pages, date I started and date I finished. My challenge this year was to read 50 books. I got up to 56 and would've gotten more if it weren't for work getting in the way. This year I don't exactly plan on doing a book challenge. It would be amazing to reach another 50 but I won't set up a planned goal. But let's get ready for the books.

The format will go as;

Title, Author - Pages - Date Start/Date Finish - . After all of this another post will be put up with a bunch of information including My Top 11 Books of 2011. Shall we begin with the list though?

Sapphique, Catherine Fisher - 462 Pages - January 1/January 7
(ARC) Laney, Joann Martin Sowles - 285 Pages - January 7/January 12
Flipped, Wendelin Van Draanen - 212 Pages - January 12/January 13
The World of Ice and Stars, Mark Whiteway - 306 Pages - January 13/January 23
Behind Green Glass, Amanda Von Hoffmann - 184 Pages - January 23/January 25
The Magician's Nephew, C.S. Lewis - 221 Pages - January 26/January 28
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis - 206 Pages - January 28/January 31
The Horse and His Boy, C.S. Lewis - 241 Pages - January 31/February 7
Prince Caspian, C.S. Lewis - 238 Pages - February 7/February 14
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, C.S. Lewis - 271 Pages - February 14/February 17
The Silver Chair, C.S. Lewis. - 257 Pages - February 17/February 23
The Last Battle, C.S. Lewis - 228 Pages - February 23/February 25
Crescendo, Becca Fitzpatrick - 427 Pages - February 25/ March 1
Firelight, Sophie Jordan - 323 Pages - March 1/March 4
Will Grayson, Will Grayson, John Green & David Levithan - 310 Pages - March 4/March 6
Nightshade, Andrea Cremer - 452 Pages - March 6/March 11
Matched, Ally Condie - 366 Pages - March 11/March 16
Fat Vampire, Adam Rex - 324 Pages - March 16/March 20
The Summoning, Kelley Armstrong - 390 Pages - March 20/March 21
The Awakening. Kelley Armstrong - 357 Pages - March 21/March 24
The Reckoning, Kelley Armstrong - 391 Pages - March 24/March 25
(ARC) The Emerald Atlas, John Stephens - 417 Pages - March 25/March 31
Dragon Rider, Cornelia Funke - 523 Pages - March 31/April 7
City of Fallen Angels, Cassandra Clare - 424 Pages - April 7/April 12
(ARC) Noah Barleywater Runs Away, John Boyne - 222 Pages - April 28/May 8
Crank, Ellen Hopkins - 537 Pages - May 8/May 9
Glass, Ellen Hopkins - 681 Pages - May 9/May 13
Fallout, Ellen Hopkins - 663 Pages - May 13/May 17
The Gathering, Kelley Armstrong - 359 Pages - May 17/May 22
Charlotte's Web, E. B. White - 184 Pages - May 23/May 26
Divergent, Veronica Roth - 487 Pages - May 26/June 1
The Way of Shadows, Brent Weeks - 645 Pages - June 1/June 28
Shadow's Edge, Brent Weeks - 636 Pages - June 28/August 8
(ARC) Triangles, Ellen Hopkins - 533 Pages - June 29/ July 1
The Maze Runner, James Dashner - 374 Pages - July 1/July 13
In My Dreams, Cameo Renae - 242 Pages - July 13/July 19
The Scorch Trials, James Dashner - 360 Pages - July 21/August 2
The Book of General Ignorance, John Lloyd & John Mitchinson - 252 Pages - July 25/July 29
(ARC) The Unwanteds, Lisa McMann - 390 Pages - August 8/August 11
Starstruck, Cyn Balog - 244 Pages - August 11/August 13
Buffy the Vampire Slayer 2, Various Authors - 633 Pages - August 13/August 26
Identical, Ellen Hopkins - 565 Pages - August 26/August 30
Burned, Ellen Hopkins - 531 Pages - August 30/September 1
Impulse, Ellen Hopkins - 666 Pages - September 1/September 5
The Gray Wolf Throne, Cinda Williams Chima - 517 Pages - September 5/October 12
Perfect, Ellen Hopkins - 622 Pages - September 14/September 19
The Hidden Sun, J. Lloyd Morgan - 345 Pages - September 19/October 1
Tricks, Ellen Hopkins - 625 Pages - September 28/October 7
Flirtin' With the Monster, Ellen Hopkins - 180 Pages - October 3/October 5
Vanish, Sophie Jordan - 294 Pages - October 12/October 17
The Death Cure, James Dashner - 324 Pages - October 17/October 22
Gone, Michael Grant - 558 Pages - October 22/November 3
Hunger, Michael Grant - 590 Pages - November 3/November 22
Lies, Michael Grant - 447 Pages - November 22/December 1
Plague, Michael Grant - 492 Pages - December 1/December 7
Wolfsbane, Andrea Cremer - 390 Pages - December 7/December 22

And there we have it. The 56 books I read this year. Hopefully I'll read another 50 this year with all the books I have in my To Be Read Pile. Leave your links down below to your list and I'll check them out. =D

Contest Winner!!

2011-11-26T12:12:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest! Unfortunately not everyone could win but there will be more chances for everyone to everyone to enter and try to win. This current contest has come to a close and the winner is....

Amanda W!
Check out her blog over at; Tales and Treats and be sure to follow her!

Congratulations on winning a book of your choice. I will email you shortly. If you entered any of the other contests, check out Can't Find A Bookmark to see if you have won or not.
Again thank you everyone for joining. Hope you had a nice Holiday and bought some epic stuff on Black Friday. I will see you all later and I'm already thinking about doing a Christmas Themed Giveaway. =D

Can't Find A Bookmark's 2nd Anniversary Giveaway

2011-11-20T15:23:00.001-05:00

I am back once again and this time I am giving away a novel!
What novel you ask? Well a novel of your choice. Any novel you want and I'll give it away to you. For free.

You might be wondering what the rules are, but there really aren't any. Except I trust that you go follow Can't Find A Bookmark and even though you don't have to, it would be cool to get some new followers.
But really, all you have to do is fill out this form here and you're done. You might be wondering why I'm having you add your mailing address, but that's only so I know no one will cheat. But otherwise it will get deleted when the contest is done.

But before you leave, I'll just leave some links for you from other giveaways being held.

Tyger Tyger & In The Forests Of The Night
Infinite Days

All giveaways end on November 25th, 2011 which is enough time for you to spread the word around and join them. So check back and good luck to you all!

A Birthday Bash!

2011-11-19T16:16:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Ky over at Can't Find A Bookmark! Her blog turned 2 Years Old this week and in celebration she's hosting giveaways on her blog. Along with that though, I'll also being giving away a book to whoever follows her and wishes her blog a Happy Birthday and stuff. But if you go to her post right now, you'll see how she has an interview with the wonderful Kersten Hamilton along with a giveaway of her two novels, Tyger Tyger and In The Forests Of The Night.

So click her blog and check it out. And also, stick around to see what book I'll be giving away for you readers!

But before that, I just want to wish Ky luck with her many years to come on her blog and hopefully we'll make it big and be on top in the future. It's just an amazing experience owning a blog and getting to meet such amazing people.

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (32)

2011-11-08T21:52:00.002-05:00

Today is the best day ever! Why? Because new books have been released into our wonderful world. Today though marks a kind of crazy event. Today, the fourth and final book in the Inheritance Series by Christopher Paolini has been released.

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

For years, fans have wondered how the series would end. How Eragon's journey would conclude and finally we can now see how. It's kind of sad, I got into Eragon in 2005 when Eldest was released. Although I read up to the beginning of Eldest and then stopped because I wasn't feeling the story, it is the 3rd Series I got into while reading. The 2nd Series that I bought for keeps. So it is one of the oldest series I own on my shelf. I will buy this book and I do hope that one day I can read from the beginning and finish until the end. Hopefully I can and hopefully I will. But to everyone who is reading the novel today at this moment, congratulations on making it this far. It's been a long road and today an amazing chapter in our Eragon lives have finished.

Sé onr sverdar sitja hvass!

Monday's Novel Talk (44)

2011-11-07T18:52:00.003-05:00

Hello my wonderful followers! You have no idea how much I freaking miss you guys! I miss you all oh so much! But I am back now and hopefully better than ever.

To start off I have some news. I bought a Nook Color. I know, I know. I hate e-readers but I have a reason to buy this. A lot of authors offer their books for review but only in e-book format and I've missing out on some great novels really. So I figured that now that I have money and a job I could buy one so I did. Only problem is, I kind of don't like the Nook Color because of the backlit screen. So I'm going back on Saturday and switching for the Nook Simple Touch which is better and in e-ink. Me gusta.

But anyway!

I'm currently reading Hunger by Michael Grant which is Book 2 of the Gone Series. So far it's great and amazing and has such an amazing cast of characters. I seriously don't know what's going to happen and it's not predictable at all! I made a list with the names of the characters we meet and I'm crossing them out whenever someone dies just to see who makes it and who doesn't. That way I won't forget anyone =P I'm currently on Page 88 of 590 but it's just awesome and I can't wait to dig into it more tonight.

For review I'm reading The Magi by Kevin M. Turner. I'm currently on Page 12 of 255 and it's an e-book only so bam, Nook is useful! It's good, a very fast read and definitely interesting and intriguing. I'll dig into it more later on when I'm going somewhere or take a break from Hunger.

Also, I won't be buying an e-books for pleasure reading. Unless, they're special e-book novellas like the one from Beautiful Creatures or The Iron Daughter. Those aren't in print but if I had a way of getting them and then downloading it on my Nook, I would.

But I'm so glad to be back! I have so much planned, hopefully a new meme that will take place. Some giveaways and all that good stuff. So I'll see you all later and again thank you to my followers for sticking around!

Little Pep Talk

2011-11-02T23:24:00.000-04:00

I see that I haven't posted in the longest. And it really does upset me that I haven't blogged or been around for long. I don't want to quit or give up or anything, I mean I love this. I will forever love this and it will always be something I enjoy doing. But with full time work and full time classes, it's just hard finding the time to blog. I mean, I do read everyday but the blogging is the tough spot. I mean even if I was working full time for another job I could do it, but when your schedule changed everyday and every week, it's hard finding a set time to blog. But, I've been getting in the mood and I just need to get back.

So starting very soon, be on the look out for more review, more posts and even better, more giveaways. With this job comes money and with that money comes books for me to give away to you guys. Which I just can't wait to do! And! I've also been looking into buying my domain name so it's .com instead of .blogspot.com but I kind of want to reach a number of followers first. But it would be awesome to have an official site!

So keep checking back for that. I thank you all who have followed me and continued to follow me. I love you all and I can't wait to be back!

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (31)

2011-10-11T19:21:00.003-04:00

Hey guys! Happy Book Release Day! Or Tuesday for all you boring people. Anyway, today some books have been released with one of them being;

The Death Cure by James Dashner! The conclusion to The Maze Runner Trilogy! I would give out the synopsis but I don't want to spoil anyone so I'll just say to go check it out online somewhere else if you want to be spoiled. I still haven't received my copy yet as B&N only ships out the day of release unlike Amazon which ships out so you get it release day. But I seriously can't read it, I expect to get it on Thursday and THEN I will read and finish the story.

But for now I am off to go read and try to finish this book I'm reading. So I'll see you all later! =D (and yes I'm too tired to actually think of a post to write.)

Book Review: The Hidden Sun

2011-10-07T15:00:00.000-04:00

Title: The Hidden Sun

Author: J. Lloyd Morgan

Pages: 345

Rating: E for Exceeds Expectations

Review: If I ever pick up a book that involves royalty, it always involves fantasy as well. Any sort of element from fantasy and I’ll be good. But this time the one I picked up was just royalty and politics. And oddly enough, I really enjoyed it. Getting straight to the point here, The Hidden Sun is a story that spans through a couple of years and shows what happens when the wrong person takes charge. When love becomes forbidden and a secret. What happens when your home is now the worst place to be. It’s a story that shows how challenges are met.

The reason I’m getting straight to the point is because it’s what the novel does itself. It gives us these breaks every few paragraphs skipping from one scene to another, reminding me of a television show. While at times it distracted me from the reading and made me wish that certain scenes played out longer, it kept me going, knowing that just on the next page something new and crazy was about to happen. Aside from that, the novel does span through a few years, which made me want the book to be longer. I just wanted to know the characters more, know the story and the places a bit more deeply. Keeping it short and sweet had its advantages but also disadvantages.

The characters, although, were brilliantly written out. I found them all interesting and began to love a couple of them which tore my heart as a few died. And let me warn you, J. Lloyd Morgan isn’t afraid of killing off a few characters. But the fact that they were written out so well made it all the better in the end. They brought out real emotions and care which as a reader I was happy about. His writing was also pretty good. It was easy to read and the way he played with words made it bearable.

Overall the whole book itself was epic and kept me interested enough to want to read what comes next. But I was also surprised at the fact that I fell for this story pretty hard. Not only did I enjoy it like I said above, I wanted more by the end. I wanted to know what happens next with all of the characters. I know that their stories haven’t ended and that there’s so many things that can go wrong. And even though it didn’t have any magic or dragons or wizards or whatever, it still had that magical spark to it. It was magical without the magic.

Tyger Tyger Out In Paperback

2011-10-04T19:29:00.004-04:00

Hello everybody! I just wanted to take this time to introduce to you a novel that just came out in Paperback a while ago. A while ago I wrote a review for Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton for the ARC that I read. It was then released in paperback not long ago.

If you haven't read this novel, I suggest you go ahead and buy it right here and read it asap!

If you haven't heard about it, check out my review here.

Trust me, you need to read this. It's different, it's exciting and it's freaking awesome! So yea check it out and if anything just leave me a comment with whatever you think xD

See you all later. Got some homework to finish and some shows to watch! =D

Monday's Novel Talk (43)

2011-10-03T20:39:00.002-04:00

Wow! It's been a very long time since I've posted but between work and school and some epic events, I've just been busy. Oh and reading which I haven't stopped.

Lately, some amazing books have come out or I bought that I just couldn't wait and had to read them even though I was reading something else.

To begin;

The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima. I'm on Chapter 14, Page 188 of 517. Other books got in the way but I will make sure I finish it before anything else gets in the way. I love Chima so I'm kinda bummed out that I haven't finished it yet.

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins. I'm on Page 170 of 625. I love, love, love Ellen Hopkins, so this is one of the books I stopped the first one for. I would've been done reading because I love all of her books but another one got in the way.

Flirtin' With The Monster by Ellen Hopkins (and others). This is the one I'm trying to finish right now. Currently on Page 56 of 180 I'll finish this soon enough. It's a collection of essays by authors and Ellen and her kids and family about Crank and Glass so it's a fast interesting read that's pretty crazy.

That's really all I've been doing though. Just had to post something up to let you guys know I'm alive. I got some interesting things coming out this week so make sure to check back for that! =D

The Worst Luck

2011-09-30T19:14:00.002-04:00

Hey guys! I haven't posted in a while and I miss it D=

But I've just been super busy and with work and school and some epic events which I'll post about it later on. But to top it all off, my laptop charger broke so I have to buy a new one. Hopefully tomorrow because I would like to start posting again Sunday because I have a blog tour thing coming up.

I'm currently on my computer which sucks because everything is on my laptop. But if this comes out the same as on there then I can do it here but if not then I'm in deep crap.

So thank you all for sticking around! See you all later! =D

Book Review: Triangles

2011-09-09T16:33:00.000-04:00

Title: Triangles

Author: Ellen Hopkins

Pages: 533

Rating: O for Outstanding

Review: We all know what it feels like to be a teenager. Most of us are still going through that awkward moment. The moment where we get our first kiss, our first love, our first drink, our first everything for the rest of our lives. But what happens when our teenage years are over; when we finally leave our teenage years behind. What happens when you find yourself a middle-aged person with kids and a cheating spouse? With a child you know won’t make it past the age of four. With a son who is experiencing his firsts. What happens when you can’t take it anymore? Do you allow yourself to collapse?

Triangles follows the lives of three middle-aged women as they go through their day-to-day life. Holly is a stay at home mom and wife who wants to experience a new life. Marissa is a mother of two who has to take care of her daughter with SMA and deal with her husband being at work all day, everyday. Andrea is a single mother who ties the two together and handles everyone’s problems but her own. With the lives of these three women, we get to experience how different situations affect different people and just how hard they take it. We get to see their reactions and have our hearts broken at the same time as theirs. We get to see how life is after the fun.

This is the first adult novel by Ellen Hopkins, famous author of the Crank Trilogy and many other Young Adult novels about teens. I didn’t quite know what to expect from this to be honest. I was a bit afraid that it wouldn’t match up to her other novels that have such power in them to make a person cry with a single phrase. I was scared that because it was about middle-aged women, I wouldn’t connect and that I would drop the book at only a few pages. I was excited when I received the book for review, but the fear didn‘t go away. It lingered on around my mind.

I immediately dropped the book I was reading at the time just to read this and I am beyond glad that I did. Not only did I connect with the characters, I loved them. In this one book, I became the imaginary son of these three women and saw their lives unfold before my eyes. It was a bit uncomfortable seeing their pain as if I were seeing my own mother in pain. I’m the type of person who is very reserved about my feelings around my family. I tend to keep them inside of me and not let them out. Why? I don’t exactly know, but I just do. Whether it’s a death or sadness or pain, I don’t show it. But when I read this book, I showed my emotions with ease. When a character cried, yes I felt awkward but I cried along with them. When they were happy, I smiled from ear to ear. And by the end of the novel, my eyes were red and puffy from all the tears I shed. By the end of the novel, I opened myself up to these characters. I became comfortable.

You might think that it helped me open up to my family in real life and made me realize that I‘m missing out on a big happy family, but it didn’t. That’s not the point of the book. It showed me that what I’ve been doing is normal and could even be the right thing for one to do. Your family can be your best of friend, but they can also be your worst enemy. But this isn’t about my feelings, it’s about the three ladies. I gained so much respect for women, more than I already had, now that I got to see their inside lives and secrets. I was able to go into their heads and see how they have this connection with us, their kids, and how they actually feel for us despite what they show on the outside. We might think they love us, but they do more than love. There is no word to describe the higher power. It’s just there.

But while I did gain respect for women, I lost some for others. While women have the power to do more than love, they also have the power to do more than destroy. Women are what hold everything together. They are these powerful people who can pick you up and bring you down in the snap of a finger. Triangles showed that they can destroy not only a person, but a whole entire family. It left me broken-hearted and afraid that one woman can destroy everything. It made me think that the symbol of purity and peacefulness and gentleness and everything else that I can think of that makes them who they are, wasn’t something that should be broken. As harsh as it sounds, I was disgusted by the actions of one particular woman in Triangles.

But many might be wondering how this novel is compared to Hopkins’ Young Adult novels. The truth is, it is the Young Adult novels but for adults. I love them equally and would not be able to choose between the two. Perhaps the Young Adult novels since I’m still connected to my teenage years. But beware. While Triangles is for adults and can be read by Young Adults who are over 18 or close, it is a bit raw and shouldn’t be read by those who can’t take mature situations. And no I don’t mean all of the emotions part. I mean all of the sex parts which are more like Erotica at times. I won’t be a man about it and say, “Yea! Sex!” But I will say that it makes one fan themselves.

Author Interview - Ellen Hopkins

2011-09-08T15:28:00.003-04:00

Well to be honest it's more of a one question ordeal than an interview. Why one question you ask? Because, anything you want to find out by Ellen Hopkins can be found online and it would just be a bother to her to be asked things we already know. So I chose one question that really got me thinking and really got inside of her.

Not only that but she's busy writing more novels, attending her family and going on tour really soon. (She'll be in Princeton, NJ twice and in NY once which I need to attend at least one!) So I just asked her one question and hoped she would answer. Which she did!

I sent her an email saying how I was doing a novel spotlight week on her new adult novel,Triangles, and the process of what I would do on the blog and hoped she would answer a question. The question was;

Are you ever afraid that people will think your books are becoming repetitive or that you're running out of ideas?

Her actual response;

Hey Mike,

It will be great to get some buzz out about Triangles. As for your question, my answer is I don't worry about what people might think when I choose subject matter or build characters. I write the stories that speak to my heart. So far, I believe, my characters are all very different, and they are the ones telling me their stories. The book I'm writing now, Tilt, is a young adult companion to Triangles, so looks at the Triangles story lines, only from the POVs of three of the teens you meet in Triangles. They started insistign they had stories of their own to tell. Three very different characters than the mothers in the book, and three very different stories.

I hope that helps!

Ellen

So you heard it here! I'm super excited for Tilt and now we know what it has to do! A companion novel seems freaking awesome especially since we get to see how the teens are dealing with all of this, especially since we don't really get to see them all.

But I think Ellen is right, her characters are different and although they might relate to the same problems, they're all very different and I think that's freaking amazing!

I want to thank Ellen Hopkins for taking the time to respond back to me through Twitter all the time and through email. She's an amazing person both writer and personal and I hope she never gives up writing.

Check back tomorrow for my review on Triangles!

Hottest Female Characters (10)

2011-09-07T15:00:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone and welcome to;

This week I'm following the course of the novel of the week theme and doing Triangles by Ellen Hopkins!

Now for those of you who don't know what this is, I choose the women of novels, and choose the actress' who would portray them in a movie. This of course is based on my opinion and doesn't reflect everyone else's. The reason I do this is because all around the blogging community, girls talk about how amazing male characters are and how hot they are and for the few males that are here, we're just like, .... So I decided to portray these females in a respectable way. So let's start off!

First we got Holly. A stay a housewife and mother who wants to experience new life outside of home. The reason I chose Courtney Cox for Holly is because she has that oomph factor that I was looking for. Holly wants to be fit, she wants to be sexy, she wants to be it. And Courtney has all of that, just looking at the picture we're like damn. She looks like the type of person who would go out in the morning and jog for all the boys in the yard and come home all sweaty and such and flaunt off to her husband. But I don't want to spoil the novel, so you'll have to read it to see why I pictured her. I had help from my friend in choosing these women and it was pretty hard. Some other choices for Holly were Sofia Vergara and Eva Longoria. But Courtney won out!

For Marissa it took a bit longer than Holly to find the perfect one. We went from Dana Delaney to Kirsten Dunst before reaching Debra Messing. The reason I went with Debra is because she has this sort of warm feeling to her. Someone who looks amazing on the outside but once you look into her eyes, you see a lost soul. Someone who has to deal with things like a daughter who has a deadly disease and a son who doesn't want to be around his family. I can seriously imagine Debra running towards her daughter as she cries in the middle of the night, calm her down to sleep and return to the kitchen and throw a cup because her husband hasn't done a damn thing. It was just a scene that hit me with such power that I had to decide Debra Messing was the one.

Now Andrea. Oh Andrea. We went from again Dana Delaney, to Kristen Dunst, to Cynthia Nixon, JoAnna Garcia and everyone else in between until my friend said the magic word. Adele. I stopped everything I was doing and praised the books that he said this word. I don't know why I was going only for actress' when there's talent out there that goes beyond that. And now that I look at Adele I see her. I pictured Andrea a plump red-head, pretty like her sister and maybe even in her own way, but brought down by her weight, a single mother and someone who is struggling for life. Adele already has the emotion which we can see through her songs to bring out this power and this rawness of pain and sorrow. Andrea is what brings both Marissa and Holly together and I completely see Adele as the one now. Perfect match, my friend is a genius for this. THANK YOU BRIAN!

Again, like I said these view my choices (and my friend also who helped) and maybe you might agree or disagree. But I would still love to hear your thoughts. So leave the comments down below on what you think and I'd love to hear what you have to say! Give your own suggestions to who should play who!

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (30)

2011-09-06T15:17:00.001-04:00

Hello everybody and welcome to Tuesday's Novel Spotlight. I know books are released today and I usually talk about them, BUT! This week I'm doing a Novel Week based on;

Triangles by Ellen Hopkins! I had the liberty of reading an ARC of this novel way back in June and I was so stoked when I opened the package and saw this that I dropped everything and began reading this novel. But to see what I thought about it, you'll have to wait until Friday when I put my review up! But let's see the synopsis. Synopsis! I summon thee!

In this emotionally powerful novel, three women face the age-old midlife question: If I'm halfway to death, is this all I've got to show for it?

Holly, filled with regret for being a stay-at-home mom, sheds sixty pounds and loses herself in the world of extramarital sex. Andrea, a single mom and avowed celibate, watches her friend Holly's meltdown with a mixture of concern and contempt. Holly is throwing away what Andrea has spent her whole life searching for-a committed relationship with a decent guy. So what if Andrea picks up Holly's castaway husband?

Then there's Marissa. She has more than her fair share of challenges-a gay teenage son, a terminally ill daughter, and a husband who buries himself in his work rather than face the facts. As one woman's marriage unravels, another one's rekindles. As one woman's family comes apart at the seams, another's is reconfigured into something bigger and better. In this story of connections and disconnections, one woman's up is another one's down, and all three of them will learn the meaning of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness before it is through.

*This synopsis was taken from goodreads.com

So what do you guys think? Does it sound good, because it sure is! Check back tomorrow to see who I cast as Marissa, Holly and Andrea and then Friday to see my review of the novel. See you all later! =D

In My Mailbox/Book Haul (14)

2011-09-04T16:42:00.005-04:00

Hello everybody and welcome to another day of In My Mailbox which is hosted by The Story Siren where we show you what we got this week and hope that you share your haul also! This week I didn't get many books. Only 2 which I'm still happy about because I'm trying to lower my To Be Read Pile so I can make way for more books.

Review:

Far From The War by Jeffrey David Payne (Paperback)

A dystopian novel set in today's world, sounds pretty interesting so we'll see how it goes.

Bought:

The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima (Hardcover)

Pre-Ordered this in July, finally got it. Super excited as I love Chima's work and this series is freaking epic! Can't wait to read it.

And that's basically all I got. One I bought one, I received for review. But I have a few books I want to buy and a couple that I already pre-ordered and so I'm waiting to receive them. I hope your haul was just as good as I think mine was. Leave a link down below and I'll go check it out!

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (30)

2011-08-30T19:01:00.002-04:00

Happy Tuesday! I hope you are all enjoying your day and for most of us, our last week of summer vacation! But even with school nothing will stop us from enjoying our Tuesday's as more and more books are released. Today two wonderful books were set in the world. One being The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima. But because that is a sequel I want to introduce you guys about a debut novel!

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann.

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.

Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret- -behind the mirage of the "death farm" there is instead a place called Artime.

In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it's a wondrous transformation.

But it's a rare, unique occurrence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.

*Synopsis taken from barnesandnoble.com

I had the chance of reading an ARC of this book a while ago but I want to know if you guys have read this or want to read this and your thoughts on it! =) Now I will go and get ready to watch some Pretty Little Liars and read my book =D See ya later!

In My Mailbox/Book Haul (13)

2011-08-29T22:51:00.005-04:00

Hey guys! I'm back, even though it is kind of late. As you may or may not know, the East Coast got hit with a Hurricane called Hurricane Irene this weekend and it was bad. Not as bad as we expected but still bad nonetheless. I still had work though and it was horrible! Anyway, I've gotten 3 books in the past two weeks. The first book was from the week before last. And the next two are from last week.

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Because I was sent the new cover for the first book I bought the second right after so now it matches on my shelf. It's smaller than I thought it would be but I'm excited to read it.

Burned by Ellen Hopkins

We all know how I love Ellen Hopkins so I had to order this as soon as I had the chance. Can't wait to read this as I keep hearing good things about it from people who don't like to read.

Em Chamas by Suzanne Collins

This is Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins in Portuguese. I have the first one which is Os Jogos Da Fome which stands for The Games of Hunger and this one is In Ashes. This is mostly for my dad who read the first one and is now reading this one and loving it. The third one is supposed to come out this November so can't wait.

All of the books here I bought, the third bought in Portugal by a family friend. I can't wait to read the first two (and I already read the third in English) so I thought it was a good two weeks. I have 3 books on pre-order one which is released tomorrow so I'll get it possibly Thursday!

And that's all really. I will see you tomorrow and get to reading! =D

Back To The Stacks - Winner

2011-08-24T15:25:00.002-04:00

Hello everybody and welcome to today's post! In this post I will reveal the winner who will win one of the books down below! =O

First, I would like to apologize to not be able to give all three out. While I do have a job, my first paycheck isn't until next week so I'm still kind of broke right now.

Second, because I do have a job and will be getting paid, I will be doing more contests in the future. From choose your own book to themed contests. It'll be freaking fun and awesome and I can't wait!

Last, I would love to thank everyone who followed me and to my old followers thank you for sticking around. I'm so close to 350 followers which is crazy and I'm reaching for 500 next!

With the many people who entered, I would like to thank you for entering and hope that you will join my future giveaways!

Using random.org, I got one name who is the winner...

The person who won....

A book of their choice from the three on top....

Is...

Brianna G.!

Congratulations Brianna, I will email you shortly and hope you enjoy your book!

To those who didn't win, it does kinda suck not getting free books but I promise you that I'll have more contests coming up soon.

The next one I think I want to do is an Ellen Hopkins themed giveaway. Where I can give out one or two of her books, to two people, one for each. So I can't wait for that.

I hope you are all are doing well and still get a chance to read those three books up there. =D

Back To The Stacks - Late Giveaway

2011-08-22T13:49:00.002-04:00

I'm a bad person. At least my work made me a bad person. Saturday was the Back To The Stacks Giveaway hosted by Loud Words & Sounds and because of work and all, I literally forgot all about it until I got home at night and saw an email reminding me to post. But because I said I would join in, I'm still hosting the giveaway! There will be a winner! I will make sure of that!

So what will I be giving away?

1 Person will win a Hardcover copy of one of the books between the three.

Either; The Hunger Games

The Maze Runner

Divergent

Why did I choose these three? Because I'm all about Dystopian and so I wanted to introduce people to one of the series and get more people to love them like I do.

What are the rules though?

All you have to do is fill out this form (right over here) add everything it tells you to, along with mailing address which I promise I won't stalk you unless you want me to, and bam you are in!

The contest will run until 11:59 PM tomorrow (Tuesday), and the winner will be announced on Wednesday. And that's really it, there's no multiple entries or anything like that and it's very easy. So start filling out the form and hope to win a book.

And now that I have a job I'll be able to do more giveaways which will be freaking epic!!!!

So I shall see you all later with more posts as I enjoy my day off. Good luck!

Book Review: In My Dreams

2011-08-19T19:09:00.004-04:00

Title: In My Dreams

Author: Cameo Renae

Pages: 242

Rating: A for Acceptable

Review: Let me just start off by saying that this novel is a love story. There is no denying that and if you are heading into it thinking there isn't any, you are highly mistaken. But because it is a love novel, I seemed to have read it in a sort of biased way. And as much as I tried ignoring the love moments and focusing on what was going on, there were parts where I groaned and sighed because I couldn't take it. So for that I am not going to review it as a love novel and take a different route and focus more on the story and what revolved around it.

In My Dreams is about a girl named Lizzy who has this strange occurrence of dreaming about death. The strange part about it is that she is seeing the death play out as it happens in real life. It begins with Lizzy in a dream witnessing the death of her boyfriend Michael and from their it unfolds. The premise of the story really caught my attention, I wanted to see how Lizzy dealt with these “premonitions” you would say, and how she reacted towards them. Unfortunately we don’t get to see much of these premonitions as it begins with her boyfriends death and continues from there.

The novel continues with Lizzy trying to find out what happened to her boyfriend and who murdered him. Through-out the novel her boyfriend seems to contact her in her dreams where they get to experience things they could not while he was alive. He also warns her and helps her survive against this murderer who is now coming after her. The love moments seem to come during these dreams, such as going to an island, an flying and going down mountains of snow and such. Things that any couple would want to do together. Especially the flying part. Who wouldn’t want to fly? I kind of found myself rushing through these moments just so I wouldn’t have to deal with them. But, if you love romance, then it would be good for you.

Towards the end of the novel we are introduced to a couple of ideas that I thought could have been brought in the beginning or even the middle to make the novel longer and just even more interesting. One involves Lizzy’s talent with death and sets up for future novels that could introduce us to a nice mystery/paranormal series. The other part was this supernatural part that to me seemed a bit out of the ordinary for this type of book, but it could’ve set up for a darker novel in the future.

The writing style was good. It wasn’t at its best, but you often get that when novels aren’t published with high publishing companies. It wasn’t horrible to the point where you couldn’t read it, but if you have read a lot of novels, you can notice one or two mistakes here or there. But they seemed to add to the atmosphere of what the book was and didn‘t cause a disturbance. The characters were interesting, although I thought Lizzy could have been a stronger female character and not so dependant on her boyfriend. Some of her actions made me question her character, and one in particular seemed to throw her intelligence out the window. This part is towards the end of the book where this fight happens. Michael seemed like every girl’s dream but it took away from the reality. He was good for a book but not so much for the real world.

The supporting characters were interesting if I do say so myself. I wished some had bigger roles and more book time, just to add to their character and who they were. I also wish we could have seen more of the history behind the murderer seeing as I love to get inside their minds and find out why do the things they do. These couple of things could have helped make the novel longer and possibly much more complex. Although I think the author just wanted a regular run-through novel which worked.

All in all, I found this book entertaining. It is definitely a light, easy read that is good between heavier books. It’s fast, it’s intriguing, there is a lot of mystery going on. The love did throw me off a bit, but I am an adult male who much rather read action, and explosions and such, but everything else I felt was good enough to keep me reading and recommend it to people who just want something fun. So if your brain is tired of thick books with multiple complex plot-lines, check out In My Dreams by Cameo Ranae. Also, I have to say that these are my opinions on the book itself, not on the author or her as a writer in a whole. For all I know, she could write a new novel that’s about 500 pages long and it’ll blow my socks off.

Author Interview - Cameo Renae

2011-08-18T15:00:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! Today I have an author interview, which is more like Part 2 of the interview. The author is Cameo Renae and if you don't remember I interviewed her a week or so ago which you can check out right here. Now I would type some other stuff but I'm just really freaking tired and can't even think. Started working on Monday so I'm basically scheduling this post so I don't forget. So let's get it started!

The Novel

Let's start off by being honest. After your book was published, did you ever look at it and go, "Man, I wish I took this out or added this!" And if so which part the most?

For the most part, I was happy with the published copy. However, after I first published, there were some errors that a few friends picked out. BUT, the beauty of self-publishing is that I could go in and make those changes. :) So... I did. I know there are still a few errors that I didn't catch, but all in all, I can say that I am very pleased with In My Dreams. It's my baby and I'm very proud.

Are there any deleted scenes from the book? Parts that you took out for whatever reason?

Oh yes. I did delete a lot from the book. There were parts that, as I did my final editing, were long and drawn out. I was like... jeeze... this is so boo-ring! So, I deleted those wordy parts, and think it made the book much better.

And onto the book itself, do you see yourself returning to Lizzy's character and writing more stories about her?

I do...eventually. I'd definitely like to write another story about Lizzy. One where she's trying to cope on her own, and learning about her new gift. Right now, my mind is on vacation from In My Dreams, so I'll have to come back to it... when and if the time is right.

Did you base any of the characters off of anyone in your real life?

I'd have to say that Michael's character is a lot like my husband. He is just a great, lovable person. (But, don't get on his bad side! Lol) If you ever meet him, you'll love him, and feel like you've known him forever. He has a heart of gold, and would give the shirt off his back if he saw a need.

Do you think that Michael would ever contact Lizzy again? (For those who haven't read the book, go read it to see what I mean!)

Hmmmm... Reader's are asking the same question, and I'd have to say... yes. But, of course... there will be a twist or two. ;) I've contemplated it, but right now I'm near the completion of my next novel (which is book 1 in a trilogy). A YA Paranormal - it will have some romance, but there's a lot more to it. I'm really excited about this next one. So... Lizzy and Michael will have to wait until another day. They know I love them. :)

Future Novels

Can we expect any more novels about Lizzy and her "new job" shall we say?

I think so, but if I do, it will probably be only one more. I haven't decided yet.

Do you have any other plans for novels? IF so could you tell us some basic ideas or something like a teaser?

Yes. Oh boy! Okay... here we go... a very short, not too descriptive teaser... ;)

If you've read In My Dreams, then you know about the Guardians. I really liked the idea and carried it into my new novels, but there is a whole lot more going on... much more complex. This next novel has evil creatures (assassins), Fallen Angels, Guardians, Nephilim's, humans, and a girl who's been thrown into the middle of it all. :)

Have you ever thought about writing more novels set in the same universe as In My Dreams? Perhaps a whole series of alternating characters who may or may not mention each other or even show up.

That's a great question. If I did, it'd probably end up something like Ghost Whisperer, and I don't think I wanna go there.

But most importantly, now that you have one novel out, how do you feel knowing you can have more on the way for the public to read?

I'm overwhelmed at the wonderful responses In My Dreams has been getting. For the future novels, I am both excited and anxious. Excited because I love the concept, plot, and characters, and anxious because I hope that people will love them as much as I do.

A special thanks to Michael for letting me raid his awesome blog. ;)

And that is all folks! It was awesome getting to chat to Cameo who is just freaking epic and again awesome. I hope to work with her again in the near future and can't wait to read her other books. Check out tomorrow when a review of her novel comes up! =) I hope you guys are having a wonderful day, (as much as mine sucks for being at work but I get home at 4!) and again a special thanks to Cameo for being epic!

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (29)

2011-08-16T14:00:00.000-04:00

Hello everybody! It's Tuesday and this week is actually pretty special! This week it is an author dedication week. What that means is that I'll be talking about one book and one author for this week. Today I'll introduce you guys to the book, Thursday I'll put up an Interview (which is Part 2 and I'll attach Part 1 also) and then Friday I will put up the book review! The author really is an awesome person and it's just pretty epic that she allowed me to read her novel!

In My Dreams by Cameo Renae!

It was happening again. The dreams. The nightmares. It was something seventeen-year-old Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hayes thought she'd outgrown; dreams that would come true; detailed premonitions of how people would die. This time she dreams about her boyfriend, Michael Young, and soon discovers that he's been found... dead. Michael hasn't crossed over because he was murdered, and now his murderer is coming for Lizzy. His spirit won't rest until she is safe, and as a newbie spirit, the easiest way for him to make contact is through Lizzy's dreams. When she dreams, it's as if he hasn't died. Lizzy must learn to pull on her inner strength to survive horrifying events. Meanwhile, in the spirit world, Michael learns everything he can about his supernatural gifts to help. But will it be enough to save her?

*Synopsis taken from amazon.com

So that's what the novel is about. If you read it, leave your comments down below. Make sure you come back Thursday and Friday for the Interview and Review on the novel. I'll see you all later! =D

In My Mailbox/Book Haul (12)

2011-08-14T15:00:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! It's Sunday which means I can show you what I got this week. Before we start, In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, this awesome book blogger. We show what we got that was book related, not to show off, but just to introduce stuff to people. So let's get started. This week I didn't really get much of anything. Two things and one isn't even a book.

Nightshade Jacket Cover

This isn't the book, the publishers made jacket covers for our old Nightshade books and sent it to people who emailed them so that it can match with the next two. I think that was smart and nice of them to do even though I'm still furious at them changing covers mid-series. They could have made it just the paperback. Or waited until all the books were out and THEN remake the covers to introduce more people. But eh.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Got this for review and it comes out August 16th, 2011. Haven't heard much about this one but we shall see how it is. The final cover is different and I'm not exactly sure which I like most. Kinda don't like any of them but it's about the story!

So that's all I got in my mailbox. What did you get in yours?

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50 States Book Challenge Post

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Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (28)

2011-08-09T19:31:00.002-04:00

Hello everybody! Today is Tuesday which means books have been released! I actually haven't heard of any books being released today until I realized I did for one but I wanted to find something else. So after going on Google for a while, I found this book and went on Barnes and Noble to find out what it's about. Also I have 25 minutes left until tonight's episode of Pretty Little Liars so I will do this quickly.

Siren's Storm by Lisa Papademetrio. Epic last name by the way.

Nothing has been the same for Will ever since what happened last summer. One day, on an ordinary sailing trip with his brother, there is a strange accident. When Will wakes up, he learns his brother has disappeared, presumed drowned. Worst of all, Will can't remember what happened-his family finds him unconscious, with no memory of the accident.

Now Will and his best friend and neighbor, Gretchen, are starting a new summer. Gretchen seems troubled-her sleepwalking habit is getting worse, and she keeps waking up closer and closer to the water. Will is drawn to Asia, the exotic new girl in town. Nobody knows where she's from-all Will knows is that her beauty and her mesmerizing voice has a powerful effect on people.

Then there is another mysterious drowning, and Will and Gretchen begin to wonder; Is Asia just another beautiful, wealthy summer resident? Or is she something entirely more sinister . . . and inhuman?

It seems interesting, not sure if I'll get it though but if you have read it tell me what your thoughts on it are! I'd love to hear it. Now I'm going to have a quick bite to eat before watching my show. I'll see you all later! Bye! =D

Monday's Novel Talk (42)

2011-08-08T19:22:00.002-04:00

Hey guys! I'm kinda gonna have to do this quickly because I don't know how much longer my laptop will allow me to stay on. The charger is messed up has to be twisted and turned certain ways to charge if it does charge. The screen is opening up again and the moral of the story is HP sucks.

Anyway, I'm about 1 page away from finishing Shadow's Edge by Brent Weeks which is really intense and so good. But after I finish that I'll have 40 books to choose from to read next.

So I'm thinking either;

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann (arc)
Identical by Ellen Hopkins

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Leave your comments down below with what I should read next =D

In My Mailbox/Book Haul (11)

2011-08-07T12:55:00.009-04:00

Hello everybody! I haven't done one of these in the longest. For months basically. But I have been getting books just really busy on Sundays to post. But I can post now! In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful The Story Siren where we show the books we got this week.

This week I got most of my books I ordered for my birthday. I'm pretty excited to read all of these. One was for review which is the last one. So let's get started.

Identical by Ellen Hopkins

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

Gone Series #1-4

Gone by Michael Grant

Hunger by Michael Grant

Lies by Michael Grant

Plague by Michael Grant

Escape from Furnace Series #1 & 2

Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith

Solitary by Alexander Gordon Smith

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Volume #2 by Various Authors

Christopher Golden

Nancy Holder

Diana G. Gallagher

Pierce Askegren

For Review:

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

I'm pretty excited for them all. I also pre-ordered books like The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima and Perfect by Ellen Hopkins (signed by the way which you can buy on amazon.) I can't wait to start reading them, I have to see which I should read first and such but I'll get to them eventually.

If you've read any of these books let me know what you thought spoiler-free down in the comments below. And leave a link to your In My Mailbox! See you later =D

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50 States Book Challenge Post
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In My Dreams Contest Winner

2011-08-03T21:12:00.002-04:00

Hey guys! So today I choose who the winner of the In My Dreams contest is. The winner will win a copy of the novel sent by the author, Cameo Renae, herself.

After putting all the names on random.org, the winner is....

Linda Kish!

Congratulations to Linda Kish for winning the novel. I will email you and send your email to the author so you guys can get in contact.

I hope you enjoy the novel as I did. =D

I also have the review to put up along with another interview with the author so be sure to check that out. And now I shall go and read some so that I can catch up on my TBR pile. See ya later! =D

Contest Extended

2011-08-01T21:53:00.002-04:00

Hey guys! Today I was supposed to choose the winner for the In My Dreams contest but since it's been my birthday week/weekend with my friends birthday week/weekend the week before, I've just been so freaking busy and haven't exactly been home. So I'm going to extend the contest until and choose a winner on the third instead, so you'll have tomorrow to enter. To enter just click this link right here and sign up.

But now I must go and try to sleep since I have to be up early tomorrow. I'll try to get daily posts up again along with reviews asap. =D

The In My Dreams Experience (3rd Stop) Part 2: The Giveaway

2011-07-19T17:07:00.003-04:00

Hey guys! Welcome back to part 2 and I'll be doing this quickly so you guys can go ahead and enter the giveaway. Cameo Renae, the wonderful author, has given me the opportunity to give out a print copy of her novel, In My Dreams to one lucky winner. Now before you guys start signing up here are some things you should know.

1. I'm making this contest US only because it costs a lot of money to send out to international people.

2. I'm having you include your address so that there's no duplicate entries or anything. I will not give out or share your address with anyone or anything. Once the contest is over, they will all be deleted from the form. I've done a few contests like this and can say that you can trust me. Plus, why would I want to stalk you guys? I mean unless you have food or something >.>

3. Just fill out this form and you'll be good.

The contest will run until July 30th at 11:59 P.M. when the last stop will end. The winner will be announced August 1st and the author will send you the book.

I wish you all luck in winning this book and let's get this started! Be sure to check out the other stops tomorrow and the following days!

The In My Dreams Experience (3rd Stop) Part 1: The Interview

2011-07-19T14:00:00.001-04:00

Hello everybody and welcome to the 3rd stop in the In My Dreams Experience, Part 1, a blog tour celebrating the release of In My Dreams by Cameo Renae. A book where a murder mystery meets supernatural. If you haven't been following the tour, have no fear! You've only missed two stops and have the rest of the month to follow. I'll post the tour dates below at the end of this post, but if you want to check out the official site, just click here.

Now to kick this off you will have to know what the novel is about and my little sentence up there about murder mystery says nothing. Taken from barnesandnoble.com, you can find the page for the book here.

Michael hasn't crossed over because he was murdered, and now his murderer is coming for Lizzy. His spirit won't rest until she is safe, and as a newbie spirit, the easiest way for him to make contact with her is through Lizzy's dreams. When she dreams, it's as if he hasn't died.

Lizzy must learn to pull her inner strength to survive horrifying events. Meanwhile, in the spirit world, Michael learns everything he can about his supernatural gifts to help. But will it be enough to save her?

I haven't had the chance to receive and review the book for the blog tour, but I promised I would do an author week when I am done. So for now I had the honor of doing an interview with the lovely Cameo Renae and it was pretty fun. I asked her a few questions so check out her responses down below.

Who is Cameo Renae?

I was born in San Francisco, CA, and at the age of three moved to Hawaii, where my father was born and raised. My mom actually met my dad while vacationing on Maui with her friend. She saw this handsome, local guy sitting under a coconut tree, strumming his ukulele, and singing. She fell in love... he fell in love... and the rest is history.

Most would think that I'm just a normal girl... (NOT!) Well, that's what my family would say. They would call me random, or koo-koo (eyes rolling and fingers twirling around temples), because I could do or say anything, at the most odd times. I love to sing the Gold Fever them song (from the TV show) while doing the ho-down. Don't ever ask me to do it in public! I'll deny it, and say, "What! Someone must have hacked my interview question!" I also love to watch the TV show Swamp People. That show is hilarious.

I ALWAYS laugh at my own jokes, because no one else usually gets them. I find that if I laugh... they laugh too, but they're usually laughing at me, not with me. There are a few people that do "get me". They know who they are... Love you guys! ;)

I live in a beautiful place called Maui, Hawaii, but don't get a chance to enjoy it much, thanks to my two jobs. My husband is also a local here on Maui (born and raised), and his whole family lives here too. We have two beautiful teenage children (boy and girl), who keep me current on the young adult scene.

In the near future, we could making a move to Alaska, where my immediate family lives. My parents actually lived two houses away from Levi Johnston, and actually gave the media some water, while they were parked outside, stalking him. (hahaha)

I LOVE to read and was given a Kindle 3G for Christmas. :) Young adult paranormal novels have been my recent favorite, but I'll read practically anything.

I recently started my writing career. I've always wanted to write, but raising children was a priority, and I never had the time. Now that they are grown, I have a little more time to write, and have found that it is a great release for me. I started writing short stories in a writing community online called FanStory. It's a great place where authors get to share their writings, and get critiqued. You also have to critique others writing as well, so it's a win-win situation. I wrote some short stories, and had some wonderful feedback, so I wondered if I was capable of writing a novel. I thought I'd give it a shot, and In My Dreams made its debut on April 30, 2011. :) Hopefully the first of many more to come!

Can you tell those who don't know about your novel, what it's about?

In My Dreams is not a story about werewolves, if you thought that because of the cover. But there is a wolf in the story line. This novel is mainly a supernatural romance/thriller, about a boy and a girl (Michael and Lizzy) who practically grew up together. They are best friends, and can't wait to spend the rest of their lives together... until, tragedy strikes. Michael is killed, but he refuses to cross over, because his killer is now after Lizzy. He will do anything in his power to save her. The easiest way for him to make contact with her is while she sleeps. In her dreams, Michael is real. Writing In My Dreams was like being on an emotional roller-coaster. I actually cried while writing some of the scenes. (I know... pathetic) I think the hardest part of this novel, was trying to put feelings to words, and paint a picture of scenery which you are trying to portray. I love it though. Writing is definitely a part of me, and something I hope I'll be doing for a long time.

What's the story behind the idea of this novel? What drew you to it?

Well, my husband and I LOVE watching paranormal shows. IT seems that there have been a lot more shows on the paranormal lately. I've always wondered if our loved ones really hung around with us after they passed. It's a wonderful thought. Well, one day while watching a show, a medium said that one way our deceased loved ones can make contact with us is through our dreams. I thought it would be a great concept for a story.

Do you plan on writing more books?

Yes. Actually, I am about 75% of the way finished, on my next novel. It is a YA Paranormal romance, and I'm super excited about this one. Right now, it is set to be a trilogy. Who knows... I still haven't given it a title yet. Hmmmmm? I guess I'll have to figure that one out soon.

Also, if you could, who would you cast as Lizzy and Michael?

If I could... I would probably cast:

Stevent Strait as Michael & Nina Dobrev as Lizzy

And now it's time for some less serious questions!

Favorite novel and author?

I'd have to say C.S. Lewis and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Why? Because that was the first book that I read as a child that took me away from reality, into another world filled with fantasy. I loved it, and read it over and over, until my mom finally bought me the series. :)

Favorite country?

USA!

Favorite place for you to write?

My husband is a Hawaiian wedding officiate, so I like to ride with him to his weddings on my days off. The weddings are done on the beaches, so he'll park in a way that I can see the beach. I just stay in the car with the AC blasting , surrounded by beauty, and no distractions. That's my favorite place to write. The only downfall... his weddings only last a half hour! UGH! :)

Favorite movie?

It would have to be a tie... Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Harry Potter (all of them)

Last but not least, what is an outrageous amount of novels you wish to write?

Before I kick the bucket, I'd love to write 111 novels. Why? It's a cool number. :)

And there we have it folks! The amazing interview with Cameo Renae! I found myself chuckling at her responses and hope to have the pleasure of interviewing her again in the near future. Now it's basically time for this post to end but before you go, make sure you stick around for Part 2, the giveaway post, where you will get the chance to win a print copy of the novel! Really exciting and so far the novel is great.

But also before you go make sure you check out the blog tour dates down below with a link to the blogs. =D

July 17: Review @ Books Ahoy

July 18: Author Interview @ The Fable Faerie

July 19: Author Interview & Giveaway @ The Subtle Chronicler (ME!)

July 20: Guest Post & Review @ Cup of Tea Reviews

July 21: Author Interview & Giveaway @ Bookish

July 22: Guest Post, Review & Giveaway @ A Casual Reader's Blog

July 23: Review @ The Book Addict

July 24: Review & Giveaway @ Enchantedbooks

July 25: Guest Post @ Letters Inside Out

July 26: Author Interview & Giveaway @ Darlene's Book Nook

July 27: Review @ Books for the Insomniac

July 28: Guest Post, Review & Giveaway @ I'm A Book Shark

July 29: Author Interview, Review & Giveaway @ StephLikesBooks

July 30: Guest Post, Review & Giveaway @ Much Loved Books

And that is the list. Be sure to check them all out and support both the bloggers and the author! Also don't forget to check out the author's own blog here! See you all later =D

Monday's Novel Talk (41)

2011-07-11T21:09:00.002-04:00

Hey guys! Happy Monday! So it's the start of a new week and I'm super excited because Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 comes out this week and it's just sad and exciting and a mixture of intense emotions. -Have you seen the countdown up top? I was supposed to add it months ago but remembered recently-

Anywho, I've been reading The Maze Runner by James Dashner and this man is a genius. From the beginning of the book we know nothing about anything and it continues that way with you finding out information little by little. And it's amazing enough for you to continue on until you reach the end!

I'm currently on Chapter 35, Page 224 and I've found out some interesting facts that's making me go what the fudgery. Things are getting intense in this novel and new questions are still being brought up. But it's just amazing.

Aside from reading, I've been watching some shows. Finished Charmed so now I've moved on to That 70's Show since it's HILARIOUS! Still on Season 1 but they're short episodes so I'll be done soon.

I've also been watching the Harry Potter movies. Saturday was Sorcerer's Stone. Sunday was Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban. Today I'll watch Goblet of Fire. Tuesday Order of the Phoenix. Wednesday Half-Blood Prince. And then Thursday is the day where Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2 will do a full showing like one full movie. I seriously can not wait and I'm so excited that the day is almost over so that it's another day closer.

But that's really what I've been up to. I've got contacted for some things for review so I'll be picking up those next. Also have a blog tour coming up in which I'll be doing an author interview along with a giveaway. That'll come out the 19th so be sure to check that out.

Um and that's really it actually.

But before you leave, be sure to check out my 50 States Book Challenge and My Progress Here!

Follow me on Twitter: @SubtleChronicle

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And I leave you with that. Happy Reading! =D

Upcoming Blog Tour

2011-07-07T20:30:00.003-04:00

Hey guys! How is everyone? Me? Well I'm wiping up my tears from watching the World Premiere Event of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. And I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about it. But anywho, this is a little update.

I've joined a Blog Tour for author Cameo Renae who is debuting her newest novel titled, In My Dreams.

I'll be doing an author interview and a giveaway of the novel on the 19th of July, so be sure to check that out. But don't just view my stop, there's a bunch of other stops which you can view right over here...

There's a banner with a link to the site on the right. Be sure to check it out soon! From what I've gathered from Cameo, she's one epic person! After the blog tour, I'll be having my very own author week where I'll give you a review and a full author interview. So make sure that you're checking back to keep updated. Her novel sounds really good and different from what's out there now.

The blog tour starts July 17th and ends the 30th.

Now, I shall go off and finish Charmed and read a bit more. I've been writing some reviews lately so my blog will be up and running fully once again! =D

Happy Reading!

Monday's -Late- Novel Talk (40)

2011-07-06T18:40:00.002-04:00

So, Monday was my sisters birthday, yes on July 4th, so woooo! And then yesterday I forgot and it's making me a horrible person! =(

But to be fair I haven't read much this past weekend anyway. I was out partying and all that fun stuff >.>

But I did read a bit and I've been reading The Maze Runner by James Dashner. I'm currently on Chapter 7, Page 42 and it's enough to keep me going on wanting to know the many secrets. Right from the start it made me wonder what the hell is going on and new questions keep being added. But aside from the mystery, the concept itself is awesome and I'm one of the many people who loves mazes so I'll be sweeping through this soon enough.

But like I said, I haven't read much since it was Fourth of July Weekend and hopefully I can step my game up a bit. I have some reviews I need to write so I'll be getting into that soon. I'm also almost done with the last season of Charmed so I'll have more free time to read and do other things.

ALSO! Only 8 Days and 5 Hours left (currently) until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2! I've already Pre-Ordered my tickets for this marathon thing. It starts at 9 with Part 1 and then at midnight Part 2 starts right after in 3D so I can not wait for it!!!! I'm super excited and haven't been sleeping just thinking about it. Who else will be going to the midnight premiere?! Leave your comments down below.

And before you leave be sure to check out my 50 States Book Challenge, and check out My Progress Here. It's a fun little challenge that ends when you want it to end and you can take your time.

Also don't forget to,

Follow Me On Twitter: @SubtleChronicle

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I will see you all later then, byeee =D

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (27)

2011-06-28T20:05:00.003-04:00

Hello my lovely people! I haven't been on this for the longest! I was actually sick with what I think was the vicious cold or something along those lines. It was just horrible. So I didn't have the oomph to think and write or even read for that matter. But I'm back once again! YAY!

So today is Tuesday which means a book was released today. One of them is....

Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs!

This is the second novel in her series of Forgive My Fins Series and it just came out today, exciting! WOOT WOOT!

But what is it about?

On Lily Sanderson's eighteenth birthday she'll become just a girl-still a mergirl, true, but signing the renunciation will ink Princess Waterlily of Thalassinia out of existence. That leaves plain old Lily living on land, dating the boy she loves, and trying to master this being-human thing once and for all.

Now that Lily and Quince are together, mer bond or not, she's almost content to give up her place in the royal succession of Thalassinia. But just when she thinks she has everything figured out, the waves start to get rough. Lily's father sends a certain whirlpool-stirring cousin to stay with her on land. What did Doe do to get herself exiled from Thalassinia and stuck in terraped form when everyone knows how much she hates humans? And why why why is she batting her eyelashes at Lily's former crush, Brody?

The seafoam on the raging surf comes when a merboy from Lily's past shows up-Tellin asks Lily for something that clouds her view of the horizon. There's a future with Quince on land, her loyalty to the kingdom in the sea, and Lily tossing on the waves in the middle. Will she find a way to reconcile her love, her duty, and her own dreams?

Well there you have it. I haven't read the second one but this one sounds good. But, if you have read it tell me what you thought and if I should check it out.

To all of those that got this book today, Happy Reading and I Hope You Enjoy It!

But before you leave make sure to check out some of the following links.

First off, check out my 50 States Book Challenge, and check out My Progress Here. It's a fun challenge that lasts as long as you want.

Also!

Follow me on Twitter: @SubtleChronicle

Like me on Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler

I talk to anyone who wants to talk and will follow back if you also want.

Also, before I go, the above synopsis was taken from Barnesandnoble.com I did not write it myself. =D And that is all! See you all tomorrow!

A Little Story

2011-06-14T16:30:00.002-04:00

So, on Tuesdays I usually talk about a book that came out today. But I seriously don't feel like doing that. So I'm going to tell you a story about how I got into reading. =D

I was in 6th grade, so I was about 11 going on 12. It was night and I was at this party for this sports club where I used to run track. I clearly remember it was right after midnight and my friend and his sister who were at the party and left came back. In their hands was this book, this huge blue book with this kid on it. And I'm like, are they seriously reading a book? But I didn't say anything. For about two minutes I watched them read this book. It was about 12:03 in the morning when I asked my friend if I could see what he was reading. He handed me the book and I read the first line, put it down, and forced my Godfather to take me to Pathmark to go buy it. By 12:10 I was back inside the club reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

I got to about 100 pages into the book when I realized there were others before it. I went to sleep and the next day my parents had to go to Pathmark again and I tagged along. I found the first four books in paperback and asked and begged for my dad to buy them. I got them and began reading before I even paid for them. Mind you I had never read a book before this, let alone think about reading a book. In about five days I was done with all five books. I closed the fifth one and thought to myself, I want this again. So I began reading them over and over and over.

Now, my first four paperbacks are really broken down from reading them nonstop and my fifth hardcover one is on the verge of disappearing. But will I buy a new one? Nope, this is mine. The feeling I got when I first read them, is something I can't even describe now. I can't even feel it again but I know it was the most amazing feeling I ever felt. It was happiness. Everywhere I went, the books went with me. They were my life and they still are. About a year or so later I began searching for other books and now I'm a book maniac who reads books nonstop everyday. There's not one day I go without reading, even if it's a chapter, I still have to read.

The last time I read Harry Potter was 2008. I literally finished it on New Years Eve before Midnight. You might be wondering why I haven't read it for such a long time. I read the series so many times that I'm just going to wait until Deathly Hallows Part 2 is out on DVD before I start reading again. I just want it to be fresh and new to me all over again. I want to be as happy as I can be.

But that's my story of how I got into reading. What's yours?

Monday's Novel Talk (39)

2011-06-13T16:14:00.002-04:00

-sigh- I feel like I haven't been on here in forever and I do apologize for that. I've just been extremely busy. There's been just stress everywhere I turn and then PS3 gave us our Welcome Back Games so I've been playing LittleBigPlanet nonstop. (If you guys have the game we should play together). And then I was made staff on this awesome Harry Potter chat game called ChamberofChat.com and it's awesome with games and such so I've been hosting games and dealing with trolls. And then at night I've been reading, or trying to read, when I'm not skyping and being distracted by friends.

But for the reading, I've currently been diving into The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks and it is amazing. I love how raw it is and how it is a brutal world that doesn't hold back regardless of how the people can be. It kind of reminds me of our world, how violence doesn't have an age, only a face. But I love I'm currently on Chapter30, Page 242 and it's spanned out in a couple of years yet it's so interesting that it doesn't feel as if you've missed those couple of years.

This is currently the first book in a trilogy and I simply can't wait to see what happens in the end.

I know this isn't much to say when I first came back but last night was the last day of Portugal Day weekend here in Newark and I'm just tired and in pain from knees and such. So I will now go and read more of this awesome novel! I'll see you all tomorrow! =D

Cover Reveal: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

2011-06-01T14:21:00.002-04:00

Today a book cover has been revealed and that cover is;

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa! I have the first three novels but haven't read them yet. But, I love this cover. Not in the way most people would say it, I just love how it's different and darker than the other three. It's more masculine and can call a whole new audience to it. Plus, I love blue so yea. Also the model's eye color is really awesome and just pops out. All in all, one of the best covers I've seen this year.

I don't think there's a synopsis out for the novel yet, but it's set to come out in October so keep your eyes out for that! =D

Birthday Contest Winner

2011-06-01T14:15:00.002-04:00

Hello Audience. It's finally June which means Harry Potter isn't that far away! But anyway, I hosted a contest this month where the winner would get to choose a book/movie of their choice. I used random.org to choose someone and the winner of this contest was....

Julian D.

Congratulations to Julian who won a book and a movie of his choice. I will email you shortly and we will get this on the move.

To those who didn't win thank you so much for entering and thank you so much for following my blog! I have more contests coming up, one of them involving The Iron Fey Series. So keep your eye out for that and make sure you keep checking back for news. =D

Guest Post: Andrea-Loud Words & Sounds

2011-05-31T15:06:00.002-04:00

Hello everybody! Today is the end of the month of May and since I was so busy last week I forgot to put up a guest post. The question was;

How did you first get into reading and what was your first book?

Let's see what Andrea from Loud Words & Sounds says.

Hi Everyone! So I started really reading in third grade, and I'll explain that a little later. But I hated reading before that point, I hated it so much that I wouldn't pick any book up for fun. And the things we read in school were so boring they just couldn't hold my attention. And then well my mom decided to buy me The Harry Potter Series Years 1-5 out of the Scholastic catalog the summer before fourth grade and guess what? I found my love of reading, Harry's world raptured me into the reading world, and from that point on I could always be found with a book.

The series then became one of my instant favorites. Through middle school I went through phases of books, like the horse one, YA romance, then my historical romance (Civil War), and then fantasy came to light throughout middle school and the beginning of high school. And now I have an adult novel phase which is kinda hard to break. I had favorites like the Heartland Series (the rehabilitation of horse), The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Cry of the Icemark and Eragon, some what typical middle grade novels. I even started working in the library as a community service :). And my best friend also turned me onto Manga (comics) too, MeruPuri being one of my favorites. Yes, I was a big bookworm then. A HUGE one.

Like usual being dubbed a bookworm is the greatest in the world, but Freshman year of High School, I found an online sort of support group. and that's where I found several of my very best blogger friends -including Mike in all his whims- that helped me through some harder times. And then I found other books like Sarah Dessen novels, the Private series, Meg Cabot, ones with wolves and more. Including my two favorite books Major Crush by Jennifer Echols and The Host by Stephenie Meyer. Junior year I found blogging and from that point on I started an addiction that lately has been failing because of all of my school involvement. Just give me a book with a good romance, fantasy or wolves in it and I'll be happy! :)

But the moral of this is Books have been an important part of my life since third grade, and Mike too has helped in the share of funny laughs through my life. And the mutual threats to go and kick each others butts every once in a while is hilarious, or is that just me?

HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY MIKE! ^_^

Those were some epic times on the chat! Lol It's just crazy how everyone's story of how they got into reading is different. Mine is kind of like Andrea's but just in a different situation. But I want to thank her -you if you're reading this- for helping me with my blog and life also and for just being awesome! So everyone go check out her page, follow her and leave her loving comments to make her blog more!

Also don't forget to enter the contest that will end today. Click here to enter. I bid you all farewell for now! =D

Monday's Novel Talk (38)

2011-05-30T19:56:00.002-04:00

Whoa! What is this? How do I type and talk to you guys again?

I know, I know. I haven't been on in the longest but I've been so busy. My dad was in Portugal and came back yesterday and I just had a whole crap of stuff to do so, that's my excuse. But I'm back now! Woot!

I have been reading at night though.

I finished The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong and some other books and now I'm reading;

Divergent by Veronica Roth. Funny thing about this novel. I had heard about it before it came out. Back when the movie rights were bought and I was like, whoa it must be good. But I didn't exactly read the synopsis and thought it would be weird. Finally, at Walmart last Tuesday I saw the novel and wanted to buy a book and decided to get it. When I started reading it, I could not put it down at all.

I'm seriously addicted to this book. Not only the book, but the world itself. It's just amazing and well thought of and just plain entertaining in a brutal way. If you haven't read this book please do now. I'm currently on Page 352, which is almost at the end, and I'm dreading on finishing it. I seriously can't wait for the second one to come out because I know it'll be good.

And my To Be Read Pile has gotten lower! I'm at about 32 books, haha! I never left 33 no matter how many books I read!

Oh and my dad bought me The Hunger Games and Tales of Beedle the Bard both in Portuguese. It's for him to read but they're mine >.>

And that's really it with reading. I have something else to put up so I might put it up today or tomorrow. We'll see.

Glad you guys are still sticking around though! =D

Guest Post: Kyleigh-Can't Find A Bookmark

2011-05-18T15:20:00.003-04:00

So for this month I'm having four people guest post on my blog because it's the blog's birthday month. (But before I say anything else I would like to apologize if this seems rushed. My back is killing me from picking up heavy objects and the rain isn't helping out with my knees also. I feel like an old man.)

But I asked four people who helped me start this blog to answer a question. How did you first get into reading and what was your first book?

Let's see what Kyleigh, blog host of Can't Find A Bookmark had to say.

Like so many of us book obsessed bloggers my love of reading started when I was little. I really can't remember the first book I read but I have some favorites from when I was in elementary school.

The Giver was the first book that truly made an impression on me. It wasn't just the complicated world. Actually, when I first read it I thought it was weird. It wasn't until I had read it a second time that it really caused me to think. I ended up falling in love with the strange world and the message of the story. It was a very thought provoking read and it definitely encouraged me to read further.

The Two Princesses of Bamarre is another favorite. I'm a sucker for fantasy and I guess that was true even back then. Give me a dragon, wizards, and an epic journey and I am a happy camper.

Reading is such an important aspect of my life. If someone doesn't like to read I always encourage them to find just ONE book they like. After all, it only takes one great book to start the addiction. =)

A happy blog birthday to Mike! Oh how I remember our B&N chatroom days. Haha! I look forward to another year of awesome reviews!

Lucky for us you got into reading otherwise we wouldn't have your awesome blog to check out. And thank you for doing this guest post! So for all of you who know Ky, she's this awesome person. And for those of you who don't well, she's an awesome person with a blog and you should check her out. Link is above so click it and follow her.

Don't forget to enter the contest I'm hosting. Check that out here and enter! =D I'll see you all later but only if you go follow Ky! xD

Monday's -Late- Novel Talk (37)

2011-05-17T21:48:00.002-04:00

So I was going to post yesterday but I just got super lazy and ended up not posting. But a few things. I saw Glee, cried because of the episode, next week is Season Finale. I'm currently finishing up Hellcats Season Finale. And I just heard that it won't get picked up for a Second Season which sucks completely. But next is The Voice so YAY!

Anyway, earlier this morning like around 3 in the morning I finished Fallout by Ellen Hopkins. I seriously cried so much reading the last page over and over. I'm going to share it with you so read at your own risk. If you don't want to be spoiled (even though it's not much of a spoiler) just don't read this. This comes from the last page, 662.

Hunter, Autumn, Summer

I HOPE FOR

Trust. Joy.

Courage. Honesty.

Belief. Belonging.

Attaining these

things may not

come easily.

Because, look

very long at

Kristina, I see

Because of the whole events from book one, that page just hit me like a bag of bricks and made me cry my heart out. I had followed their journey and it was time to let go.

But now that I'm done with that, I'm currently reading The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong. I love her YA novels and I'm starting to love this one. I'm currently on Chapter 2, page 20 but it's still going good. Just a pity that I have to wait 2 years for the next two books. =X

Now this is all I really have to talk about because I'm getting so lazy and tired and just need sleep. Also my back hurts from picking up a very heavy fish tank. So I'll post Tuesday's post tomorrow and just yea. Byeee everyone. Follow my twitter and like me on facebook! =D

Book Review: Crank

2011-05-13T14:15:00.002-04:00

Title: Crank

Author: Ellen Hopkins

Pages: 537

Rating: O for Outstanding

Review: For the longest time now, I've been amused by and interested in drugs. No, not doing drugs. But seeing stories about people who do drugs. It amazes me how a substance can change a person so quickly. How it can make your life escalate and then sink it as quick as a heartbeat. How it can make you feel like you’re at the top of the world, and once it’s gone, the overwhelming need to have more. I have only seen it before on television. Skins (UK) to be exact. Seen the lives of countless teenagers being destroyed by a substance, right before my very eyes. But like the drug itself, I was addicted see more. I couldn't stop watching. I needed more, so I became attached to Crank.

I had heard about the books before, but it wasn’t until after I had watched Skins (UK) that I had actually purchased it. I had a strange need for more stories about teens and drugs. I wanted to get into their heads. I needed to feel what they felt in the safest way possible. It became an addiction of my own, but hardly on the level of addiction those teenagers faced.

Crank is a novel written in verse-poetry. It follows a sixteen-year-old girl who discovers a monster. In sparse, beautiful words, she describes how her life changes and she becomes someone else, literally. She explains how she first got into drugs and what came in the aftermath. She tells us how her need for more made her life a true living Hell, and how it tore her away from her family. It shows us how Kristina is no longer Kristina, but how she is now a person much unlike herself, Bree.

I could not put that book down. I read for about half an hour when I first picked it in the early hours of the morning while the rest of the world slept. I got around hundred or so pages in before the following hours of the next morning, where I began to devour the book and refused could to put it down from then on. It had easily become my own drug, and I needed to feel the rush in one whole turn, instead small, uninspired spurts. Perhaps it is because the poetry was so much more refreshing and different from my usual prose, but something incredibly special about it made it impossible to ignore.

The writing style was fantastic. I am a newcomer to poetry, yet I loved every word that Ellen Hopkins wrote for me. I say me because I felt as if I alone read the novel, and that I was not simply part of the thousands of others who had read the book from all around the world. The words flowed so naturally and struck so many raw emotions into my heart. Not only that, but the words played our eyes, descending down the pages in different shapes and structures, like skylines in a vast city and beating hearts trying to break free from the pain.

The story was heartbreaking. To see what Kristina had gone through, and to have her think everything was just as it should be, set me on a rage. I wanted to desperately save this girl. I wanted to take her into my arms and hold her tightly until she had recovered. What made it even more emotional, however, was that Crank is based off a true story regarding Ellen Hopkins’ daughter. Right from the start, Hopkins tells us that, “While the work is fiction, it is loosely based on a very true story-my daughter’s.” Even though she did not go through everything Kristina had gone through, my heart still went out to her. I found myself crying at times, shedding the tears that Kristina didn’t dare. I became the person she wanted to be. I wanted to feel safe and secure but she took me even further into Hell. She didn’t do it alone, however. She had help in her decline, and it drew hatred from me toward those involved.

I must admit that at times I wonder what would happen to me if I were ever to take drugs. I wonder what might happen if I smoked weed or popped a few pills. Even though I read and see these stories, it does not show what I might go through. But, living in the lives of these teenagers, going down with them and not being able to get back up, it helps me greatly to stay away from these monsters and the destruction they cause. There are so many people out there, all over the world, who do not have that kind of help. They do not know what they are getting into when they take their first hit or their first puff or their first snort of their first line. The monster isn’t indecisive. It will take any who are willing to let.

*Thank you to Shaun for helping me edit this review. =D

Happy Birthday To Me! -Contest-

2011-05-13T12:46:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to my Blog! Today is the day that it's turned one! But there are other things that have happened on this day;

It's Friday the 13th
Our Lady of Fatima appeared on this day
My Blog turns 1-year-old
It's Friday Friday! Gotta get down on Friday!

I'm sure more things are happening but these are just cool! I was going to leave you a song but youtube isn't working which means the world may not love me today!

But, I have something special! I'm hosting a contest this month for my blog. I would've done more but I don't want to do something big and then next year it'll fall flat. So that way it'll get better each year.

So to enter this contest all you have to do is fill out this form. But there's some things you should know.

It's a Book-to-Movie contest. You choose a book that has been turned into a movie and win both.
No sequels. I know it's an odd rule but this is to try to get people into new series.
I have a list of movie-to-books that I will put up after during an edit. If a book/movie you want isn't in there, you can add on to it.
I put the need for an address so that no one does double entries. They will only be glanced at and I'll still ask the winner after for the address. Like I said, it's only to check for double entries.

And that's basically it at the moment. You don't have to be a follower but if you want to follow, I won't block you from doing it.

And that's basically it. Aside from the contest I'll be having four people, 3 bloggers and 1 friend doing a guest post on how they got to reading. So it's a small celebration but it's big for me. Next year it'll be better. Also if I get enough money, I'll make it two winners. But that's it for now! I have a review to put up soon, today.

Also, thank you all for following me and being with me for the year. Especially to those who have been there since day 1 and comment and stuff. I've made amazing friends and met amazing people! Thank you all and here's to another year!

Hottest Female Characters (9)

2011-05-11T15:48:00.005-04:00

Whoa! I haven't done this since April 6th. That's been over a month already. Horrible shiznet! But anyway! I got this idea yesterday when I was talking to my friend about who I would cast if they ever made a movie out of Crank by Ellen Hopkins. Now before you all attack me for my choice; shut up. I say this with love of course. Haha I'm kidding don't shut up. But let's not attack me or the person I chose. Which is;

Miley Cyrus!

I'd choose Miley to play Kristina from Crank only because of her life. I mean, she's a good girl gone bad in people's eyes. She was the Queen of Disney Channel, was very lovable and cuddly. She had a good life and was perfect. Like Kristina. They're both good people who made the wrong choices.

And then there's Bree, Kristina's alter-ego. Like Miley they are badass. I can seriously see Miley Cyrus turning to drugs and going crazy over a substance. In a movie of course! I mean in real life she has smoked salvia and we saw how she didn't go crazy but was always laughing. I just want to see her as this character because I think she would nail it. Not only that but everyone would give her hate because of the role. Oh my God, she's playing a druggie! She has no sense that girl, it must resemble her life. Those would be some of the things people would say only because they love to hate.

But yea, I don't know what it is, but I can see Miley being Kristina/Bree. What are your thoughts on this? I provided pictures to show Kristina and Bree as Miley haha =D

Before you leave!

Like me on Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler

Follow me on Twitter: @SubtleChronicle

Check out my 50 States Book Challenge: Post & Official Page

And on that note, I am off! badadodododododo do Subscribe! Or in this case Follow... Haha Tobuscus! -insertmanlyhearthere-

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (26)

2011-05-10T17:57:00.002-04:00

Hello everybody! Welcome to Tuesday, the best day for us book lovers. Tuesday is the day that books are released and we all get excited. Today a book has been released that I was lucky enough to read before and it was an amazing read. That novel is;

Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne! Yes, the same author who wrote The Boy in Striped Pyjamas. I hadn't read any of his previous works but now I want to because of this one book. What's it about though?

Eight-year-old Noah's problems seem easier to deal with if he doesn't think about them. So he runs away, taking an untrodden path through the forest.

Before long, he comes across a shop. But this is no ordinary shop; it's a toyshop, full of the most amazing toys, and brimming with the most wonderful magic. And here Noah meets a very unusual toymaker. The toymaker has a story to tell, and it's a story of adventure and wonder and broken promises. He takes Noah on a journey. A journey that will change his life.

Now if you like Disney, and I'm talking about from the 90's and back, the animated movies of course, then you'll love this book. It kind of ties in with a movie that we all grew up with and I LOVE! That's why I loved this book because it gave us a serious look at what happens after the fairytale.

So you all have to go and buy this book over at Barnes & Noble. Just click the link for Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne and be prepared to step into an epic world. Also, for every person who buys the book, a baby panda learns how to read. =D

Monday's -Late- Novel Talk (36)

2011-05-10T14:40:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone and Happy Tuesday! I forgot to post yesterday even though I had blogger opened but it just evaded my mind somehow. But I remembered today! YAY!

Anyway first off I finished Crank by Ellen Hopkins on the 9th and it was amazing! Loved the book, wrote a review which will be up on Friday.

I am now reading Glass by Ellen Hopkins which is the second book. I'm currently on page 68 and they're such quick reads these books because they're written in verse. But I'm loving the story how it's fresh and different than what I usually read. I just want to go buy all of her books right now but alas I can't haha. Too many other books to read first.

I'm also reading Progeny by R.T. Kaelin. I'm currently on a pause on that book on Chapter 9, Page 111. It'll be on pause until I finish the Crank Trilogy. But then after I'll attack it once more. The story is also amazing, I love how deep and rich it is and I'm truly enjoying it.

That's really it for this post. I should get all into it but the books are too much to just do one post about. It would have to be a super long post =P

But yea before you all go!

Like me on Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler

Follow me on Twitter: SubtleChronicle

Check out my 50 States Book Challenge: Post & Official Page

Also! On Friday the 13th, my blog will turn 1-year-old. I'll be hosting a giveaway along with 4 guest posts from 4 special people who helped me start this blog. I'm not doing anything big so that next year it can be bigger and then the year after that, etc. etc. But still, the giveaway will go from the 13th until the end of the month and it'll be choose your own movie/book giveaway. I have a list off books/movies but in the form if you guys find another that you want you'll be able to add it. No need to worry now, more information will be given on Friday. So that's pretty much it. I'll see you all later! =D

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (25)

2011-05-03T18:24:00.002-04:00

Hello everybody! It is I, The Subtle Chronicler. Yea, yea. I'm too tired to even type and sore. Just ran 5 miles on my first day of working out and I am beat. I'm basically falling asleep here and not wanting to eat. And that never happens. I always want to eat. I love the food. But today I have to post because a book has been released into the world, giving us the opportunity to add to our collection of novels. Allowing us to open its pages and learn the secrets of within. This week it is;

The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan! Book 2 of the Kane Chronicles. What's it about? Let's find out.

Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven't given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians. And now their most threatening enemy yet-the chaos snake Apophis-is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family.

There's more to it but it's somewhat spoilerish to the first book so I decided not to put it up. But if you've read the first one and are reading this now, leave your comments down below on your thoughts. Or leave your thoughts about the author himself.

But before you leave, check out some links down below!

Follow me on Twitter: @SubtleChronicle

Like me on Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler

Cover Reveal: Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

2011-05-02T15:44:00.004-04:00

I know I haven't posted in like two weeks, it;s just that a lot has been going on with friends and such and it's been time consuming. But I'm back now, hopefully with an exciting month! But today I just want you all to know that the cover for Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick has been released and it is amazing. The image itself is nothing but Silent and packs a punch for us cover lovers.

I still haven't found a synopsis yet, but hopefully I'll find one tomorrow to put it up for you guys. But aside from that, I've just been chilling here reading some books and watching Charmed which I'm now on Season 4 =D

So I'll see if I'll post again today seeing as I'm sore and tired from the weekend. But if not then I'll see you all tomorrow! =D

Ladida >.> This is me talking...

2011-04-20T22:32:00.004-04:00

Hey guys! I was going to post today but it's just one of those days where I have nothing coming up and I just feel blah. So I thought I would talk to you guys =D

You guys love talking to me right?

Anyway, I love it when self-published authors email me for me to review their book and the covers look awesome and the stories sound epic. I'm just all like YAY! It's always fun to get emails haha. What's even more fun is getting stuff in the mail. It's like freaking Christmas when I see a package in the mail. I get all excited and have to rip it open before I die.

I also love seeing my books on my shelf even though I need to buy a new bookcase. I have a big one and a small dvd case that I put my books in so it's a small bookcase and then those are full to the max and then other books are between the two. I'm just waiting for my dad's friend; the perfectionist to make my custom made bookcase. He's so awesome at building things and they look official so it's like three big shelves on each side making 6 and then 7 smaller ones in the middle and it's all one piece. I don't remember the type of wood I asked for but it's something light like the one I have now which I don't know the name.

I wish I also were able to buy more books because I just loving buying books. It's so awesome just having a new book in my hands. Or going to Barnes and Noble and seeing all those books and I'm in heaven. But I'm still waiting for someone to hire me so I can get paid! When I do get paid I'll be buying books galore! Phew someone must stop me. But don't or I'll fight you. -glares-

I really have nothing to talk about really and I'm lazy to put up links to my twitter and facebook. So just follow me on @SubtleChronicle and like me at The Subtle Chronicler and do it now or I'll find you! =D

Monday's Novel Talk (35)

2011-04-18T20:02:00.002-04:00

Whoa! I am back from the land of no communication, otherwise known as, no internet. It was a horrible week and you might have thought I got a lot of reading done but I have not. I've been busy doing stuff and it's horrible.

I finished City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare which adds one book to my 50 States Book Challenge, link will be below. I started Progeny by R.T. Kaelin which is this amazing book that I'm loving so far even though I'm not far in.

I'm currently on Page 43, Chapter 4 but the words are super small which means there is a lot to read! But the story is awesome. I received it for review from the author himself which is such an awesome person. And before I even got the book I said to myself that the story reminds me of a cross between Terry Goodkind and Cinda Williams Chima. And now that I'm reading it, I see that I was correct and there's some Tamora Pierce in there as well. So three authors that I love in one and it's amazing. Like I said, I know I'm not a lot into the book, only towards the beginning but I've been really busy and hope to read a lot today before my show gives. My guilty pleasure of Bad Girls Club. Don't you dare look at me that way!

Talking about shows, I might have mentioned before that I was having a Charmed marathon. I finished Season 1 earlier before I cut my internet to switch. But now my friend who owns the complete series on DVD let me borrow them so I'm catching up quicker than before. Currently on Episode 5, Season 2 and I remember bits and pieces of a few episodes but it's awesome watching them in a row.

But aside from that I'm just here chilling and trying to read which I need to go do so I shall do now! =D Before I leave though, if you haven't check out some links down below.

50 States Book Challenge Below the banner is a link with the rules so if you decide to join leave a comment on that post with a link to your blog so I can add you!

Follow Me on Twitter: @SubtleChronicle

Like Me on Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler

I've also started a new novel which I will go into no details about it will be a surprise until I finish it. So it's a lot of things to juggle from my shows, to my reading and to my writing. =O See you all later!!! xD

The Internet Is Back!

2011-04-15T12:48:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone! So I was supposed to get the internet on Monday but for some very epic reason, I got it today! So Monday I will go back to posting normally again and I have some books to give away and stuff. So keep checking back for that!! =D

My Internet Went Poof!

2011-04-10T19:35:00.002-04:00

Hey guys! I won't be posting for like a week or so because I'm switching internet services so it'll be down for a while. So just hang in there for a while and I'll get back to you with upcoming giveaways and reviews. =D And thank you for the new followers for following me! =D

Hottest Female Characters (8)

2011-04-06T16:12:00.004-04:00

Hello my friends! Today is Wednesday and I realized that I forgot to post yesterday and feel awful about it. I was just so entertained with the telly that I literally even forgot to read. =( I'm such a blood awful person. Haha but anyway, we are doing today's post! A while ago I did a post with who I would choose to be Katniss in The Hunger Games movies but as we all know she has been casted. The person is;

Jennifer Lawrence!

If you don't know exactly who she is, well don't worry. Not a lot of people do. She's only been in big movies like Winter's Bone and the new X-Men: First Class. But now she will be our Katniss.

You're probably thinking, but she's blonde and white. Katniss has dark hair and is tanned. Well that's the magic of make-overs. Getting herself some hair dye and a tan.

In a way I'm kind of excited for her, I mean they said they wanted to get older people for the movie because younger kids would cause a problem. Not being able to film all day every day, school would get in the way, can't really show kids killing kids without too many angles and bloodbaths and getting people over 18 they can show everything and anything.

And she's supposedly a really good actress from what people say. Now she'll be starring along side Josh Hutcherson as Peeta and Liam Hemsworth as Gale. My only problem with those two is that they should be switched. I see Liam as Peeta and Josh as Gale more. But we'll see how the movie turns out. But I'm still excited for it and will be watching is come March 23rd!

Like I said this is old news but I forgot to talk about it so what are your thoughts on the casting so far? Leave your comments down below! =D

Before you leave though!;

Check out my 50 States Book Challenge and check out my progress here.

Like my facebook page The Subtle Chronicler

And follow me on Twitter @SubtleChroncile

50 States Book Challenge

2011-04-05T01:39:00.002-04:00

Hello my fellow followers! I have a Challenge for you all. Well I actually have more than one but only one for now. Aside from my 50 Book Challenge in the year of 2011, I have thought of something else.

The Objective: to read 50 books, one set in each state.

The Rules: A book set in two states does not count. It has to be one state only. Exceptions are if a character moves from one state to another, ala Twilight. Bella moved from Arizona to Washington, so only Washington counts. The challenge is up for however long you like. And it doesn't count for books you've already read. You have to read the books after starting the challenge, so don't think you're halfway done.

It's just a fun challenge to find more novels about our states. For those of you not in the states, you can learn more about us. I'll be putting up a page up top that will show the books I have read from each state. It should go something like;

State - Novel/Author - Date Started/Date Finished

Another fun thing to do is print out a map of the states that is white with black outlines, hang it up on your wall and color the states in as you read. If you would like to join in, just leave a comment with your blog and the link to the page where you'll update and I'll add you to the page so everyone else can go see.

Hopefully I do get some people to join, if not, I can have fun all by myself! =P

So give it a try and who knows, maybe you'll get some new favorite states.

Monday's Novel Talk (34)

2011-04-04T19:36:00.002-04:00

HELLO! Happy Monday people! I hope you are all doing well, if not then you better perk up! Haha, I'm just kidding. No I'm not. So I'm sitting here planning some stuff for May, =O and listening to Maroon 5 and making plans to go see Ellen Hopkins in NYC!!!! I can't wait for that! So Excited!!!!!!!!!!!! xD

Anyway.. whoa! So I stopped typing at anyway and went to check my email and I won a book, a signed copy of Soul Born by Kevin James Breaux. It's so weird and funny because I don't remember entering and it's the second time that's happened to me. But anyway, haha.

On March 31st I started reading Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke. I'm am still on Page 100 on Chapter 11. Now here's the thing. I'm liking the book. I had high expectations for the novel since I like the author. But for some reason I keep falling asleep when I read it and end up reading a chapter or two per night. It might be because I've been busy and just running around doing stuff which actually makes me tired but I just can't read a bunch of pages in a row with this book. It's just, UGH!

I'm not that tired today, so I'll try and read a bunch of pages. And I have no shows going on today until later at night so we'll see how far I get into it. Hopefully I can finish this before Thursday when I expect my copy of City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare to arrive. Otherwise I will have a huge setback in the books I have to read. =(

So yea. I will now go and attempt to read. And I shall see you all tomorrow. I have a topic I want to talk about later, so I'll see when I'll put it up. It's mostly for us bloggers to discuss. See you all later!! =D

Book Review: Fat Vampire

2011-04-01T14:47:00.003-04:00

Title: Fat Vampire

Author: Adam Rex

Pages: 324

Rating: E for Exceeds Expectations

Review: Every vampire that we have met in the new age are all the same. Brooding, mysterious, perfect looking men who fall in love with the human girl. Are people afraid to show the imperfect vampires? Say the short, fat one who no one likes and every girl will laugh in their face as they try to be mysterious? Well, fear no more, for one author has given us that. Let us all applaud Adam Rex!

Whenever we think of vampires, we think of Anne Rice’s Louis and Lestate, Stephenie Meyer’s Edward Cullen and Charlaine Harris’ Bill and Eric. The all too typical architecture of a modern vampire. But now, Adam Rex brings us Douglas Lee. Who is Douglas Lee you ask? Well let me not hold you from meeting this great fellow. Douglas Lee is a short, fat, Jewish vampire who will politely ask you if he can suck your blood, and then be seen walking away with a pout because he was turned down.

Douglas is fifteen-years-old when he is attacked by the woman of his dreams. Or so he says. But the truth? He was attacked by his naked acquaintance and is too ashamed to admit it. Douglas could barely fit in his tragic story of his human life and now fitting in as a vampire is even worse. The only reason he stays sane is because of Jay, his best friend who entertains himself by proving and disproving vampiric ideas.

Then we meet Sejal, an exchange student from India who traveled to America due to a severe case of “the Google”. Sejal and Douglas’ lives do not intertwine as one might expect. He is in love with her, and she is merely a friendly face trying to fit into the crowd. Unlike all other vampiric fiction, this story is not about love. It is about their story.

As mentioned several times before, I don’t usually enjoy vampire novels. I have never liked them, even when I was a kid. And now, seeing them being taken out of their traditions, I have grown even more dislike for them. I actually won Fat Vampire in a contest and I finally got to reading it. I am glad I actually did read it and not give it away. In the beginning I kind of hesitant about actually reading it. I did laugh with the funny one liners and the sense of humor the characters had, but the fact that it was a vampire novel seemed to throw me off course. I almost gave up at one point just because it was a vampire novel.

But I made myself go through until I finished it. Each character had their own funny personality that really adds to the story. And it is not as if we are meeting them for the first time. From the very beginning we go as if we have already know them and throughout the story we learn more and more about them.

What would a vampire novel be without the inclusion of a vampire hunter? That’s right, someone wants to hurt our lovable, fat vampire. Within the world of Fat Vampire, there exists a show that is not much unlike our real world Ghost Hunters. They’ve got their lock on Douglas with a couple of Redeemers, a hunter-made weapon that might even make a human or two raise their eyebrows.

By the end of the book, you are feeling pretty good. You have laughed plenty of times, gasped, and laughed a bit more. But by the end, you are left with your mouth opened by the shock of an ending.

This novel is one of those that you either hate it, love it, or don’t really know which category to put it in. Most of the humor in it wouldn’t make everyone laugh but when it does, you’ll get a real kick out of it. So if you’re not really a vampire fan, but want to give it a try, read Fat Vampire. A never coming of age story starring our cake-eating friend. A blood cake that is.

*I would like to thank Shaun for helping me edit this review which was crappy in the beginning, but is now readable. =D Thank you Shaun!!

New Ways To View Your Blog

2011-03-31T11:30:00.002-04:00

Hey guys so I'm typing this up on my computer which is pretty elderly but I still love her. So if the font is different or it looks wonky, I'm sorry. But I just wanted to make a very quick post about these new dynamic views Blogger is offering us. All you have to do is;

[blogurl]/view/

then after view add one of the following words; flipcard, mosaic, sidebar, snapshot, timeslide

I was checking them out and it's pretty awesome, a new way to view blogger. So if you want check out my blog to see the formats. The links will be below. =D

thesubtlechronicler.blogspot.com/view/flipcard

thesubtlechronicler.blogspot.com/view/mosaic

thesubtlechronicler.blogspot.com/view/sidebar

thesubtlechronicler.blogspot.com/view/snapshot

thesubtlechronicler.blogspot.com/view/timeslide

So check that out! I will put up another post today, an Authors Spotlight one with a beloved author who passed away last week. So yea, have fun viewing the new blogger things. >.> Can't remember the name =P

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (24)

2011-03-29T19:15:00.003-04:00

Hello my fellow followers! It is I, The Subtle Chronicler, also known as Mike! Anyway today's book is actually the one I talked about yesterday. I'm almost done with the book and I'm actually going to go out and buy myself a copy when it's released which is April 05, 2011. Next week! So Pre-Order your copy here and let's get this rolling!

One thing about this is that I've seen the cover so many times but just glances. I never actually took the time to sit down and stare at it all and I must say it's pretty cool. My current ARC copy is all green with gold lettering saying the title and authors name. It is the same font though which is pretty cool.

Oh and Ky if you're reading this, I was going to send you the second copy but my godfather wanted to borrow a book and my OCD craziness kicked in and after much saying of "oh I haven't read that one yet. Nope not that one either. Nope I was going to read that one next." He saw that I had two copies and took one. -headdesk-

But anyway on to the book!

Kate, Michael, and Emma have been in one orphanage after another for the last ten years, passed along like lost baggage.

Yet these unwanted children are more remarkable than they could possibly imagine. Ripped from their parents as babies, they are being protected from a horrible evil of devastating power, an evil they know nothing about.

Until now.

Before long, Kate, Michael, and Emma are on a journey to dangerous and secret corners of the world...a journey of allies and enemies, of magic and mayhem. And-if an ancient prophesy is correct-what they do can change history, and it is up to them to set things right.

The Emerald Atlas brims with humor and action as it charts Kate, Michael, and Emma's extraordinary adventures through an unforgettable, enchanted world.

As I said before, the novel started out eh, but it's getting really good so check it out when it comes out! And I leave you all for now! Until tomorrow.

I also want to start a Reading Challenge. To read a number of male authors this year and try to get other people to join. I just have to see some stuff to make it official. >.> Should have started but I had the idea not long ago. Haha. Byeee =D