In Death 34: Celebrity in Death

In Death 34: Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Turns out Peabody did get her pink cowboy boots as a souvenir from Dallas. Eve is back to full physical health and slowly dealing with new dream and mental/emotional issues a result of her last big case. Meanwhile filming is nearly complete on The Icove Case, which means more media and celebrities. There were a lot of directions this case could have taken in the long run. Very enjoyable how it slowly unravels, and of course Roarke is priceless. He just gets Eve on a fundamental level that is beyond amazing. No wonder she's learning to put with her own more recent celebrity status when she keeps reflecting on the amazingly better life and love it's landed her.

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In Death 33.5: Chaos in Death

In Death 33.5: Chaos in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Downright creepy and as rushed as all the short stories for this series feel. With the complexity behind the serum and Chaos transformation, it would have been nice to have fleshed it out a bit more and really seen how it all came together instead of felling like it was all sort of a fluke after the fact. Roarke's timing is as impeccable as always. Glad they kept some consistency with Eve's still healing injuries after the last book, so there is some nice continuation there. Just not as much as the other stories tend to dish out.

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In Death 33: New York to Dallas

In Death 33: New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wow, talk about intense. This one doesn't just hint at aspects of Eve's past, it pretty much forces her to relive it. Didn't expect her mother to come into play that way, however briefly. I found it both amusing and endearing how Galahad ended up being both comforter and protector throughout the book - don't leave the cat behind. Also like Roarke calling Mira in. There were a lot of really great moments as they worked through everything and came together as an even stronger team. Kind of wish some of that down time shopping had been possible at the end as it would have been a good way to blow off some steam and their banter over what they'd get each of their New York family from the trip was rather entertaining - a welcome relief from the build up at that point. Maybe next vacation when Eve doesn't nearly get done in by her own past.

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Zombie-Loan

Zombie-Loan (2007)

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


Originally watched this on the recommendation of a friend. Short for an anime series, though I've heard that's because the manga was still in production at the time. The manga has since been completed, but the anime ending leaves things hanging, or I'd probably give it a full 5 stars. While there are elements in it that are similar to other series, as a whole it is very different from the overwhelming majority of anime series on the market. That combined with the length - just long enough if they'd wrap it up properly - makes it a big plus.

In Death 32: Treachery in Death

In Death 32: Treachery in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


While this didn't have the personal connection that most of Eve's cases tend to carry, it did hit close to home as it turns out their main work is taking down nearly an entire squad of bad cops. Sticky, as the case may have never been brought to light if not for an unexpected surprise Peabody found that could have ended very badly. Highly amusing what Roarke considers an insult with all the e-work, and even some thievery involved, in this case. Even better, his discomfort at being told to lead a debrief for a bunch of cops when he's worked with all of them on multiple occasions and they're already using his home as HQ for the case. Eve is also getting a lot better at dealing with little Belle - one could hope maybe some foreshadowing there. Also some curiosity after the discussion of her one day sitting in the commander's chair; especially after several comments down the line that she's unlikely to ever reach captain solely because of who she chose to marry.

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Southern Vampires 12: Deadlocked

Southern Vampires 12: Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This book was rather disappointing. There is no actual development to speak of on the home front. The fairies are gone and Sookie uses her one-time magic trick to save a friend. Other than that everything is still a mess, Sookie and Eric are barely even speaking, and Freyda herself is now in town along with Felipe and a host of other visitors that certainly aren't going to help. Add to the mix Claude's deceit and Tara having her babies... everyone's relationship gets patched up, fixed, or concluded (all except Sam's in a good way even) except for Sookie and Eric. Bit of a let down after how involved they've been up to this point.

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Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter 20.5: Beauty

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter 20.5: Beauty by Laurell K. Hamilton

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


While the original Jean-Claude and Asher had a large part in first making me enjoy this series and I often felt torn between the two of them when it came to relationships with Anita, this was just disappointing. No real meat or story here. It's just a one shot of pointless smut that was taken out of the finished book being released next month (and part of me can't help thinking "with good reason"). Would like to see some actual substance between the characters, not just passion driven BDSM.

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In Death 31.5: Possession in Death

In Death 31.5: Possession in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Picking up just where the last book left off, we both get the conclusion to the previous case with her pending interview of the hospitalized partner, the surprising Saturday afternoon BBQ, and healthy dose of the supernatural as we haven't seen since Haunted in Death. It's always amusing how Eve deals with situations that are out of her normal realm. As always, Roarke is right there with her, perhaps even more than usual as he realized the full extent of Eve's unusual experience and helps pull her through it in one piece.

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In Death 31: Indulgence in Death

In Death 31: Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The first few chapters were fantastic, especially showing Roarke and Eve finally getting some time together, visiting Roarke's family, and once again highlighting how well they work together and understand each other. The nephew looking up to Eve and wanting to be a cop was especially amusing and endearing. Eve's new case upon arriving home starts out interesting, but starts to feel repetitive and like little to no progress is made about halfway through, making the last part of the book drag on. Still some great Roarke/Eve moments, which do make it better. Also enjoyed Eve putting herself out of her element for her friends and getting Roarke to set up the big Saturday BBQ - it's nice to see her coming out of her shell and learning where she fits in a more social environment.

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Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders

Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders (1995)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not the best as far as animation quality went, but I found it to be a very amusing and clean story appropriate for any age audience. Originally titled Princess Starla and the Jewel Riders, the name was changed to Gwenevere when released in the United States, likely in reference to the myths surrounding Avalon as that's where the story takes place. Must admit that I like the traditional name more. Wish this series had taken off more than it did as it only lasted two seasons which aired for a very short time, and is difficult to find since then.

Underworld 3: Awakening

Underworld 3: Awakening (2012)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Not really sure why I watched this except that I'd already seen the rest of the series and dislike leaving things unfinished. Still, could have done without as I can't find any real purpose behind this. Vampires and Lycans are now outed to the public, the government is trying to create serums to control or change the conditions, and Selene learns she has a daughter she never knew of until that daughter breaks her out of holding. Otherwise it's more rinse and repeat as it appears the Lycans are still alive and kicking with an agenda against vampires. So much for supposedly having succeeded in ending the war previously.

X-Men: Evolution

X-Men: Evolution (2000)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


As I recall, it took awhile to get into this series when it first came out. Like with the movies, they majorly mixed up the order of the team and the original story line. Still, for a fresh spin on an older series, they did a decent job of mixing it up and keeping it interesting. Would have been nice if they'd kept more of the core elements to the series the same, but I can see where they would have wanted new and fresh as far as they could make it work while still keeping fans interested.

Bambi II

Bambi II (2006)

My rating: 3.5 o f 5 stars


Released long after the original, and switching from hand-drawn animation to the digital age, this sequel has an altogether different feel from the first. Actually find this one to be a bit more engaging as the humor takes over this film and has watchers laughing time and time again. With a little unexpected competition from a new fawn, Ronno, Bambi is more determined than ever to prove himself to his father and really be the Prince of the Forest. Meanwhile his father has to learn just what that title means and how to be a family, rather than just a protector. Heartwarming and interesting in some of the parallels it draws with the first films, this is one sequel that I'm glad they went back to do.

Bambi

Bambi (1942)

My rating 2 of 5 stars


While this is often considered a classic, is an adorable tale, and I do love animals, this is one of the slower Disney films, which often left me falling asleep or being disinterested in it halfway through. About the only time I can enjoy it all the way through is when it's what I really want to be watching and I'm paying attention. Still, being an older Disney classic, this has the very detailed hand-drawn animation that first put Disney on the map. The music is mostly instrumental and very soothing as such (which probably didn't help when I was already drowsy before turning it on).

Anastasia

Anastasia (1997)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This animated film brings the story of Anastasia, the lost Russian Grand Duchess, to life with fun music and a story line to keep the children entertained. Follow the lost orphan Anya as she travels to Paris with some rather unlikely companions in hopes of finding her past and her family. Meanwhile you have the talking bat, Bartok, and his master Rasputin, doing everything they can to keep her away and fulfill the Romanov curse that first took her family.

The Brothers Grimm

The Brothers Grimm (2005)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Yet another take on the Brothers Grimm and the stories they're known for. While I thoroughly enjoy the TV series Grimm, this movie wasn't as enthralling in it's rendition of the tales. Still it's amusing to identify the parts of different stories and how they all intertwine to make this story come to life.

In Death 30: Fantasy in Death

In Death 30: Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This one doesn't get that close to home emotional connection going really well until the end, when Roarke takes a knife for Eve and she realizes first hand the fear he goes through every time her life is on the line. Interesting that it didn't pull in closer given Roarke's friendship and professional competition with the primary victim and his team. Despite that, it's still an amazing read, and the ending makes it well worth a little slower pace in the earlier chapters.

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Marvel Cinematic Universe 06: The Avengers 1

MCU 06: The Avengers 1 (2012)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Easily the best Marvel film to date. They brought the team together beautifully with just enough comic relief in the mix to make it thoroughly enjoyable. The only tweak that struck me wrong was Hulk being out of control on the ship, but a focused team player able and willing to take orders in the final battle. Another nice sequel set up with extra scenes during the end credits. Would really like to see something good come of that potential.

The Dark Horse

The Dark Horse (2008)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


Low key and more of a family film, this is about the struggle one family has to find each other and save their farm. It's up to their estranged children to pull things together and one horse they hope to sell after a dressage show to potentially save their home. While they do succeed in reconciling with each other and learn some good lessons along the way, ultimately they fail in their joined goal to save Dark Horse farms.

In Death 29.5: Missing in Death

In Death 29.5: Missing in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Too short, too fast, and a little too convenient how it all played out. It certainly isn't often a killer turns themselves in, or that a good, dedicated cop is likely to turn them loose. Add in the connection to Summerset and overlap with Eve's HSO file... would have expected and liked more.

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