The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games (2012)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Not having read the books yet, I can't compare the media types, though my husband says they did a decent job overall. Very reminiscent of Battle Royale, though not as bloody, perhaps due to it's young adult audience. Of course Katniss has to survive to the end of the Hunger Games one way or another as it does not appear there would be a series without her. From the looks of things at the end though, there's trouble brewing both within her own conflicted love triangle and some powerful enemies she may have made in the government by ultimately refusing to play their game. She's won for now, but it definitely isn't over.

In Death 25: Creation in Death

In Death 25: Creation in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a pretty intense case, probably one, if not the, most intense yet in the series. A serial killer dubbed "The Groom" has returned to New York for the second time. The first time Feeney held the reigns of the case and he slipped away. In his worldwide quest, no one has caught him. Now it's up to Eve to stop him before he kills more of Roarke's employees... and herself. Interesting, but not overly shocking, that Eve would cross the line at the end of the case asking Roarke's secret help to ensure the monster stays behind bars for the remainder of his already shortened life. Understandable, but still interesting given the number of times they've grappled over how they may stand on different sides of legal lines in the past. Roarke's discomfort in the "cop shop" is also amusing, though if anything he would stick with it. Surprised to see Summerset dragged into the case so much, but it also made for a nice change of pace. Despite the way Eve and Summerset always poke at each other, they both are rather resourceful.

View all my reviews

Soul Seekers 0.5: Daire Meets Ever

Soul Seekers 0.5: Daire Meets Ever by Alyson Noel

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Received an email for this, though I've yet to get the Immortals short, which was the whole reason I signed up for her fan site in the first place. Will be removing the forced Facebook app to read this as well.

Daire would appear to be the main character for the new Immortals spin off, Soul Seekers. Daire is having visions of things and no one seems to believe her. She's fed up with hospitals and tests, leading her to almost leave her mother at the hospital when she runs into Ever. Of course Damen isn't far behind, leaving her more hopeful and curious after witnessing Ever manifest a bottle of water and learning she's not the only one who sees these strange things.

Could have potential, especially if you really liked the original series. Hard to tell as the short just doesn't give enough to get a real feel for Daire herself.

View all my reviews

In Death 24.5: Eternity in Death

In Death 24.5: Eternity in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A little cliche, way too short, and not as much depth as other stories in the series. This time our case revolves around a new club named Bloodbath and it's owner who apparently believes his own hype about vampires. Too bad Eve's co-workers have armed her to the teeth as a vampire slayer for the job.

View all my reviews

In Death 24: Innocent in Death

In Death 24: Innocent in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This one was hard to put down, but also hard to read in some respects. On one front, you have Maggie in town, Roarke's ex-lover and partner in crime. Wouldn't be so bad if not for the blinders he still has when it concerns her and how well his wife can read him. As a result, our main couple go through a hard time on all sides which admittedly had me tearing up a few times. I'd blame the pregnancy hormones, but it was also just a very emotional story overall.

On the other side, you have Eve's newest case. The leads are few and far between; a fact which is not helped by how far this business with Maggie and her husband throws her off her stride. Adding to the grief, is the fact that the picture narrows down very quickly once her head clears to a very smart and clever little girl who, if facts line up, would have begun her career as a killer at the tender age of seven. Doesn't help that everyone around her can't help linking this line of investigation to Eve's own first kill at the age of eight.

Hard times all around on this case. Good to see it all work out in the end, but still hard.

View all my reviews

In Death 23: Born in Death

In Death 23: Born in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Still can't seem to get enough of this series. The title is especially appropriate this time around both in relation to the illegal adoption operation uncovered that is stealing newborns and two newborns in the inner circle with both Mavis and Tandy delivering the same day.

Don't know if it's related to my own currently pregnant state going into the third trimester, but I found this book to be a hoot all the way through. Starting out with Eve and Roarke's discomfort in the birthing class (something my husband and I get to do in just over a week) and ending with the hilarity in the birthing room. They must not have been kidding when they said birthing "suite" as Mavis had no end to the number of people on her visitors list, especially with the impromptu wedding.

Didn't really expect both Eve's murder case and Tandy's missing persons case to dovetail that neatly, but it certainly wrapped everything up nicely. Also good to see Aaron so interested in reconnecting with Tandy and their son. Eve's change of perspective at the end is also interesting. She's always been socially awkward and both she and Roarke have made no secret of their desire to take family life very slowly, not having been from good families on either side of their own pasts. Roarke's joke about having five kids though.... that really would be an interesting challenge for Eve mixed in with her law obsession.

View all my reviews

Noble Dead 10: Between Their Worlds

Noble Dead 10: Between Their Worlds by Barb Hendee

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I still like Leesil and Magerie better than Wynn and Chap, so by default this is picking up a little again. Couldn't help but feel bad for Osha and worried about Brot'an. Good to have the overal flow and voice back in the story, even if it is still largely centered on Wynn and much slower over all. They really accomplished very little in this book beyond establishing how much trouble Wynn can get into on her own and that they now have several unusual and uncommon allies scattered randomly rather than a consolidated group of power like the guild or the royals. No doubt there's more trouble to come in the future from all sides; especially when the enemies or "children" start showing up again.

View all my reviews

Warrior

Warrior (2011)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The majority of the film focuses on two brother's separate family stories and their ultimate enrollment in a MMA (mixed martial arts) competition that bring them back together again. A lot of family resentment stews between the two as the older cut his family out of his life long before and needs the money to support his own family. The younger is an AWOL marine who was previously a boxer and always seemed to be favored by their alcoholic father in training because of his better winning streak and wants the money for a widow of a fallen soldier he was close to in the war. It's both somewhat frightening and eventually beautiful to see how the brothers go after each other only to come together at the end of it all. That, more so than who wins the overly hyped competition, is truly the best conclusion the film could have.

The Booth at the End

The Booth at the End (2011)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


A Hulu exclusive, this series consists of many short scenes pieced together as conversations with the man in the booth track deals made, progress through their assigned tasks and the end results of each meet. They're starting to weave together in certain places (for example: the girl assigned to be protected by one man was assigned to be killed by another; the son a father desperately wants to find and save from the law is the same one who teams up with a girl assigned to rob a bank). Hopefully it continues to come together more as otherwise it is very disjointed and more than a little confusing if you  have trouble keeping track of the characters.

Twelve Kingdoms

Twelve Kingdoms (2002)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I first started this series back in college when a co-worker had the first couple of discs. Unfortunately they moved and at the time college expenses meant no money to go buy the discs myself, so it went on hold. Since then I've had the opportunity to finish the series, especially as it's now been completely released rather than still being in production like it was back then. Similar in the idea of a girl taken to another world, it is also different in it's approach and the girl's personality. Overall it's an enjoyable series with several twists throughout.

Yoko Nakajima, an unhappy high school student, is one day suddenly faced with a strange man who swears allegiance to her. After a battle with demon-like beasts, he then takes her to another world along with two of her classmates. There, her appearance has changed and she can understand the language even though her classmates cannot. But their status as "Kaikyaku" (people who come from Earth) makes them hunted fugitives, so they wander the land of the 12 countries, simply trying to survive and to figure out the reason why they were brought to this world.  

- source: listal

Grimm

Grimm (2011)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Nick thought he was just your average cop until his aunt is put in the hospital and he learns something new about his family line - he's a Grimm. Able to see and identify the monsters from the Grimm tales that no one else knows are real. His cases take on a whole new dimension as he solves these cases while having to guard his back from these same monsters that would rather see his family line die out. Without the Grimm, they could hunt and terrorize unchecked.

Endgame

Endgame (2011)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Originally started watching this show on my husbands suggestion as he said it was similar to Lie to Me, a previous TV series we both enjoyed. While Balagan is not as amusing or sarcastic as Lightman was, he is an interesting character. It's a coin toss at the moment what we think of the Russian accent, though it does serve well to make him sound even more patronizing at times. Not sure I agree with the Lie to Me comparison over all as there is no science or study behind finding the lie to solve the case. Rather Balagan likens everything to strategy as he was a pro chess player previously. Interesting twist in a set of skills. Now if they could just get him over the whole hiding in a hotel thing.

Lost Boys 2: The Tribe

Lost Boys 2: The Tribe (2008)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Given I didn't really like the first one, I'm not sure why I still watched the sequel. Same basic story line, though none of the characters were recognizable from the first film. New family comes into town, one sibling gets turned, the other takes it upon themselves to learn all the vampire lore via comic books and the few talkative town sources so they can kill the lead vampire and save their sibling. As typical with most vampire films, lots of blood, or more accurately, colored water running far too easily to be taken for blood. While it gave some meaningless entertainment; still not convinced it was worth the wasted time for it.

Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance

Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance (2011)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


While I actually do like how they did most of the CGI for these films, the story line itself is rather flat. It seemed at the end of the previous film that Johnny had chosen to live with his curse, using it to stop evil. Yet here he is again, going through the motions, hating himself, and trying to get rid of the curse. Lucky for him the boy he's promised to save has the power to return his "curse" to him after he does finally manage to discard it, or they'd all be in a lot of trouble. Seemed to resolve the current arc rather conclusively, so it seems unlikely there are going to be more.

Alpha & Omega 3: Fair Game

Alpha & Omega 3: Fair Game by Patricia Briggs

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A good series by itself, originally I was drawn to it for more information on the pack that Mercy came from as I love her character and series. Charles and Anna have their own charm that makes them lovable and a great focus for the other side of this tale. If you're only reading one series or the other though, you may want to pick up the other as there are definitely things happening now that will affect both stories. It's well known that Mercy has been highly involved with some fae troubles lately, not to mention her best friend and previous store owner being fae. Adds another complex dimension to their world. Don't know about other readers, but this is one 'verse that I don't plan to miss out on.

View all my reviews

The Hollows 10: A Perfect Blood

The Hollows 10: A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wasn't so keen on the beginning of the book as I found Wade rather annoying. Somewhat surprised how Rachel took to her pack tattoo, though now wondering if it will stay or not with her no longer being cut off from the ley lines. A lot of innuendo this time around between Rachel and Trent. On one side I find it awkward with the whole Ceri + Trent + Quen + babies side. Not to mention that I really liked Rachel with Kisten. Obviously there's no hope on that score now, despite the fact that they keep bringing him up like this looming shadow over Rachel every time she potentially faces a new relationship. I'm finding the pairing more agreeable and interesting as time goes on however. It will be interesting to see how these two continue to work together.

View all my reviews

Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey (2010)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I'm enjoying this series. Mom brought it over for entertainment while back pain and vertigo have me laid out this week. Apparently she and dad pulled an all nighter to watch the series - something none of us have done since dad and I did our 24 run back in college. While I wouldn't rate the show that high, I am finding it far more enjoyable than I expected after her brief description of the series setting and theme. Starting just after the Titanic sinks and taking place England, the mind set and family dynamics are very different in this story than is common recently.

Jayson Wolfe 5: The Silence of Snow

Jayson Wolfe 5: The Silence of Snow by Anita Stansfield

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


While religious views are still very much a focal point of this story, the final installment does wrap up all the loose ends very nicely, including Drew's final re-connection with his family, Layla getting better and moving on, Macy finally getting pregnant again, the tour being a big family success, and perhaps biggest of all - the change in Sister Freedman and her unofficial adoption into the Wolfe family complete with mini family concerts and stories. That was one thorn that would have eaten at Jayson again and again the way the story was going before. Also happy to see Trevin officially take on Jayson's name and proudly step into the spotlight with the rest of his family. The parent/child relationship is beyond ideal in this family.

View all my reviews

Jayson Wolfe 4: Shelter from the Storm

Jayson Wolfe 4: Shelter from the Storm by Anita Stansfield

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


While I still enjoy the characters and especially get a kick out of the music interwoven in the story as I also play piano and sing, the repetitve obstacles and church callings seemed to get shoved down the readers throat more and more, which made it more obnoxious in the long run. Also felt that there were perhaps too many details that bogged down the story sometimes rather than keeping it moving along. It also felt like the series could have ended well with the last book after Jayson and Elizabeth finally getting married, so this came across as an odd-on after the fact. It did nicely dove tail things with Elizabeth's mother however. Makes me wonder if the last book will put Debbie back in her place as that will make it so all the core characters are either happily married ore dead.

View all my reviews

Jayson Wolfe 3: Winds of Hope

Jayson Wolfe 3: Winds of Hope by Anita Stansfield

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It's about time things finally worked out for Jayson and Elizabeth. Almost a little too heavy emphasis on the whole search/ponder/pray theme and all the repetitive gratefulness running rampant. Other than that, a heart warming story that finally pulls through all the bad times and highlights a lot of really great things for everyone in the story. Especially interesting how Elizabeth ends up on stage with Jayson once again and they manage to get in touch with his own pioneer roots. Amazing what a little genealogy work can bring.

View all my reviews

Medium

Medium (2005)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Based on the series The Mediator by Meg Cabot, I remember very well when the series first aired. Oddly enough, it was my mother who watched it most often despite some skepticism and odd reluctance when it came to my addiction with the books. On the contrary, I loved the books and had a hard time staying involved with the TV series. I'm finding coming back to it all these years later that it's more enjoyable removed from the book series and taken as an entirely different entity - especially as there really isn't anything obvious that links them if you weren't already aware of the connection.

Jayson Wolfe 2: A Distant Thunder

Jayson Wolfe 2: A Distant Thunder by Anita Stansfield

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I got started back on this series, only to end up putting it aside again for other books that I was also interested in at the time. Made me wonder why when I got into it last night and could not put it down. Don't know if that made the insomnia better or worse thanks to baby activity last night. At least it gave me something enjoyable during the time. Jayson and Elizabeth seem to have no shortage of heartache in this installment. The two have always seemed to be meant for each other though, so really hoping the next few books put things back to rights for them both.

View all my reviews

House of Night Novellas 2: Lenobia's Vow

House of Night Novellas 2: Lenobia's Vow by P.C. Cast

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Being a horse lover, I've found Lenobia and her connection to equines especially interesting. This has been even more true with her larger part in the more recent books from the original series, especially this last one where we get a glimpse to her past as she fights off new feelings and distractions for her previously unwanted stable hand. These novellas are intriguing tidbits into character's pasts that would likely get overlooked or ignored otherwise in the series.

View all my reviews

In Death 12.5: Interlude in Death

In Death 12.5: Interlude in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Without looking back at my reviews, I'm having a hard time placing where in the series this one fits in as there are no obvious references to previous cases as in some of the other shorts. AS is common with the short stories though - it's too short! It seems like you just ghost over what could be a wealth of material and information in favor of keeping the pace brusque and finishing the story quickly. A little disappointing at times as these characters just beg for all the information and play time they can get.

This time Eve's hate of travel and public appearances both play a hand in their surroundings as Roarke's past is the one now landing them in trouble. Eve proves to still have a clear sight along with her inarguable gut instinct to figure out who the real killer is before it destroys not only her own marriage, but that of a dying and well-revered commander as well.

View all my reviews

In Death 22.5: Haunted in Death

In Death 22.5: Haunted in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was entirely too short! It seems like just when the story is getting good, it's over. Very interesting how Roarke is so engrossed by this ghost theory while Eve is the one with the biggest experience hands-on and seems to be doing her best to rationalize it. Would have made for some interesting drama and discussions, especially if Eve had given Mira more details.

Overall though, as riveting as any In Death story. Vague reference to the last full book thrown in with the swapped identities remark. Other than that it could be read at any point from what I can tell in the series thus far and would make sense. Then again, I may not have caught that reference had I not read them in order. Who knows.

View all my reviews