Kate Daniels 5.4: Magic Gifts

Kate Daniels 5.4: Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I actually read this at the end of Gunmetal Magic. Part of me thinks that this should have been in the front of the book to be read in order instead of the back. The other part of me thinks that as a side-story that sort of happens in the middle of Gunmetal Magic, it doesn't really matter where you put it. It does answer a few questions regarding Curran and Kate's exchanges before they go looking for information to hunt down the Pack killers. The end leaves you happy for the boy, angry at the mother, and sadly somewhat satisfied with her fate. There is very little in the way of any relationship progress in this book as it focuses primarily on the necklace and the hoops our main characters must jump through to take it off before it kills the child.

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Kate Daniels World 1: Gunmetal Magic

Kate Daniels World 1: Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This part of the story focuses on Andrea and Raphael facing down two would-be resurrected Gods as they try to reconnect and decide exactly what they each do or don't want from their relationship. Raphael starts out the book acting like a total jerk, though Andrea certainly didn't help things any before their break. These two dancing around each other provides far more entertainment than the murder investigation. Also must admit that for supposedly being so tough, Andrea sure faces near death a number of times int his book alone. Not sure if I do or don't like the way the confrontation with her past happened, though I did like Raphael's input to the family that sent them scurrying. It will be interested to see how these new Pack dynamics influence future books.

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Kate Daniels 4.5: Magic Dreams

Kate Daniels 4.5: Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


As I'm mostly a Kate/Curran fan, this didn't hold as much interest to me. It was still enjoyable and well done however. This one focuses on Jim and Dali during the time when Kate and Curran are recovering from their latest near death experience and have just barely accepted officially being mates and living together with the Pack. Dali is a rather unique and interesting character; you never know exactly what she's going to do. It will be interesting to see how this new dynamic plays into the next book.

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Magic Graves

Magic Graves by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


So many series in this book. I'm not nearly as far in Night Huntress as Kate Daniels, so I kind of feel like some of that was spoiled for me, though at the same time it makes me want to go back and catch up on that series sooner rather than later.

Night Huntress 4.5: One for the Money by Jeaniene Frost
I'd actually already read this in it's previous publication, Death's Excellent Vacation, though I'd forgotten as at the time I don't think I'd started the series so the connection didn't click. It was far more enjoyable this time through actually being somewhat familiar with the characters.

Kate Daniels 0.5: A Questionable Client by Ilona Andrews
This short was the reason I read this book in the first place. The prequel to the Kate Daniels series, this little snippet explained a lot about the tension and comments that often bounce between Kate and Saiman. It does feel to be lacking something though as Curran is very noticeably absent in this little snippet. He really does add an element to the series that makes it even more enjoyable.

Not going to comment on the preview chapters of later books as I will be or have read them, so they will have their own reviews.

This includes the following stories:

• Edge 3: Fate's Edge (first 2 chapters) by Ilona Andrews
• Kate Daniels 3.5: Magic Mourns (first 2 chapters) by Ilona Andrews
• Kate Daniels 4.5: One for the Money by Ilona Andrews
• Night Huntress 0.5: A Questionable Client by Jeaniene Frost
• Night Huntress 6.5: Home for the Holidays (first 3 chapters) by Jeaniene Frost
• Night Prince 1: Once Burned (sneak peak) by Jeaniene Frost

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Curran 3

Curran 3 by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Curran doesn't seem even phased as Jim rolls out the history he's pieced together on Kate, including her connection to Roland. While it certainly explains just how much hew knew before Kate starting spilling herself (and why he wasn't surprised by any of it), it also shows that he really was planning on attending their dinner date. Otherwise can't say it's as catching as the other two given it just doesn't really give us anything new and there's little emotional value as Curran is determined to play it cool and stoic as Jim keeps hammering at him. Still glad he didn't run screaming, but a little disappointed there wasn't anything deeper in this one.

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Curran POV 1: Curran

Curran POV 1: Curran by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


These short stories span through several of the earlier books following Curran's thoughts as he first meets Kate, then eventually realizes he's infatuated with her and moves into the courtship phase. A lot of this is well implied in the books, but being Curran fan, it's nice to get a change of pace now and then. Especially was amused by his reaction to their first meeting: "Here kitty, kitty, kitty." While the snippets are from several different books/scenes, it has a nice flow as it follows the progress of their relationship.

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Curran POV 2: Fathers and Sons

Curran POV 2: Fathers and Sons by Iona Andrews

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Set at the end of Kate Daniels 4: Magic Bleeds from Curran's point of view, this is an interesting little piece showing how he finally wakes up and what his thoughts are as he confronts the other shifters on their treatment of his chosen mate and Alpha while he's been recovering. In his own words "Oh yes, Daddy is home and he ain't happy." Despite having just nearly died, Curran still shows his usual determination and energy and his faces down even his own adoptive father to remind them why he's King and stop the unfair challenges against Kate. A little stupid given he was still on the mend, but at the same time can't help but think "well done."

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In Death 35: Delusion in Death

In Death 35: Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Even if I didn't want to at the time, I had to take a break from this series because I'd finally read everything currently released for it. Despite thinking at the time that maybe the break was good so I could catch up on some of my other series, I still found myself dragging my feet and ultimately wishing another book would be released for it already. Now that I've devoured this one faster than any other full sized book I've attempted reading since having my daughter, I find myself back in the same position again - I want more! Roarke took a bit of a back seat in this one, though I found the dynamics between Eve and Mira especially interesting as she asked to be, and eventually was, inserted into Eve's dreams as she still struggled through the emotional remains of her Dallas trip. Red Horse was an interesting idea, especially with the current political and religious upheaval between gay rights and the upcoming election. Still, it was well played and fits in well with the rest of the series. Nice to see Eve is rather attached to little Belle at this point as seen both in her dream and she talks to the baby over her 'link. Still find myself wishing at some point we'd see Roarke and Eve with their own family, though I believe I read somewhere the author has said the series will end at that point. Can't help but hope that will change.

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Men in Black 3

Men in Black 3 (2012)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Agent J chases an escaped criminal back in time to save his partner, Agent K from being wiped from the future and ultimately resulting in the destruction of his planet. In the process, memories resurface and he learns just how much a part of his life K has been from the beginning, even before recruiting him to be one of the Men in Black.

Total Recall

Total Recall (2012)

My rating: 3 of 5 stares

This is an interesting and somewhat confusing question as rouge agent Douglas Hauser learns his life as Quaid is a lie. Then it begs the question - is he really a rouge agent or an undercover spy to aid the government. In the end he must decide which persona to keep and if he'll help the government or the colony. Doesn't help that the woman he thought was his wife also turns out to be an undercover agent and decides to kill him out of jealousy, against orders, when she learns his original identity. Maybe being anonymous was better for him after all.

The Expendables 2

The Expendables 2 (2012)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Originally watched the first one just to get the premise for this one as it was advertising it's upcoming release. As with the first one though, it seemed to have little going for it than big name actors playing similar roles they are well known for in action films all together shooting and blowing things up. In this case, they managed to catch my attention so little that at one point I actually fell asleep. That doesn't speak well for an action film, especially when watching it in the middle of the day and not at night when you might doze off anyways. Too bad as the previews did look somewhat interesting.

Bourne 4: The Bourne Legacy

Bourne 4: The Bourne Legacy (2012)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Unlike the previous 3 films, this one does not center on Jason Bourne. Running parallel to the events in The Bourne Ultimatum, fans will recognize several scenes and news reports straight out of the previous film. However, the main focus is on Aaron Cross, another agent in search of a replacement for his medication regime as they start offing agents in response to Bourne's threat as he takes down the agency. Still interesting, but much weaker than the previous films in the series. As my husband and I discussed after watching it, it would be very fascinating to pull rouge agents like Aaron and Bourne together in a sequel at some point to put the final nail in the agency's coffin. Unlikely to happen, but it would make for an interesting tie-in with any other spin-offs they plan to do.

Resident Evil 4: Retribution

Resident Evil 4: Retribution (2012)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I walked in on the last part of this and wasn't impressed enough to want to go back to the beginning. These movies seem repetitive, lacking in any new story line or character development. The daughter was interesting for a moment, but being one of many clones just like her mother, quickly lost appeal as they continued with yet more gunfire, trying to get away from the company, and staying out in no-man's-land to escape the flesh eating "zombies." Can't help but hope they don't make another as all that's really put into is more gore, and that's already old news for this series.

Women of the Otherworld 3: Dime Store Magic

Women of the Otherworld 3: Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


As I recall, this is one of the books my husband recommended I start with in the series, being one of his favorites. I must admit, the earlier books with Elena drew me in more originally. Probably did not help that my reading time was very wide spread as I adjusted my schedule to our newborn's. Eventually I hit about the halfway mark though, was able to squeeze in more solid reading time once in awhile, and really got more involved wanting to know how it all ended. Admittedly it still didn't really feel like an ending to me, though I suppose it was a good point with the completion of Suzanna's ceremony. Also must admit a certain dislike and disappointment in the Coven after the way they treated Paige. Did like Lucas though and would really like to see how their story ends in the future. Hopefully the Cabals don't cause too much trouble for them, though I suppose it sounds a bit inevitable.

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Snow White and the Huntsman

Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this film, being somewhat skeptical of Stewart's acting ability after her painful hesitancy playing Bella in The Twilight Saga. Also will admit to some surprise that it was the Huntsman holding the closest connection to Snow White rather than William, the Duke's son who it appears she's had a relationship with since her childhood before being captured by the Queen. I would have thought William was the closest to Prince Charming that they were going for in this film, but they bypassed that part altogether. The dwarfs also took a new role, not being miners in the forest that she took refuge with, but taking her to the Duke's homestead and fighting by her side as soldiers. While the poisoned apple is in fact used, Snow White takes a more aggressive stance in this film as she leads the charge to reclaim her father's kingdom. Not exactly your typical damsel in distress.

IMDB is also listing a Snow White and the Huntsman 2 potential in the line up. Not sure what they'd do with that as they also list Ravenna in the characters for it and she's supposedly dead at this point. Could potentially continue with Snow White now ruling as queen and see what challenges she faces bringing the land back together, not to mention the continuing triangle between her, the Huntsman, and William. Unsure exactly what angle they could/would take for a sequel.

Hotel Hell

Hotel Hell (2012)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


If you thought Kitchen Nightmares was gross, just wait until you watch this series. Gordon Ramsey tackles on some pretty bad hotels in a similar series. Predictably, he always critiques the dining room menu and looks for changes there. However, he also checks security, hospitality, management, hygiene  decor, and a  host of other things as he attempts to set these places back on track. From bugs to filthy sheets showing disgusting results under blue lights, it's horrifying to think people actually have stayed in these places prior to renovation.

Ender's Saga 1: Ender's Game

Ender's Saga 1: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


So we actually finished this last month and I totally forgot I had it up on here still... oops. This has long been one of my husband's favorites. I've been meaning to read it for a very long time, but never got around to it until we brought our daughter home and it became the first family bedtime book. Despite dragging my feet to start reading it previously, I was very quickly interested in the story and found myself somewhat disappointed when our little girl fell asleep before our bedtime ritual that would reveal another chapter of the story. Ender surpasses every expectation set before him, doing things no child should ever even be asked to do. His siblings are no less involved with their political games back on Earth. Just goes to show that a bright mind and a little determination can have very drastic results.

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Weiss Kreuz

Weiss Kreuz (1998)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Otherwise known by title Knight Hunters in the USA, this is the story of four boys abandoned or presumed dead who form the team Weiss, working for a secret information sect to take down corrupt people the law can't touch. Not the most detailed or consistent as far as art goes, the story continues to twist and turn as it unfolds, leaving you hoping the boys come out on top and find the justice they need so badly.

Rambo

Rambo (2008)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I have very little recollection of the original Rambo films other than brief images of a beefed up soldier being rather gun-happy on screen. In this sequel, years after the original story took place, Rambo is trying to stay hidden in retirement, helping the community he originally helped destroy. That doesn't work out so well as once again he's pulled into conflict. Surprising how well the original actor can still play his old role despite the amount of time having passed between films.

The Expendables

The Expendables (2010)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Had to see this after seeing previews for the new Expendables 2 that just came out. Amusing as it stars so many familiar faces and big stars from hit action films over the years. Somewhat of a let down as that appears to be the biggest thing going for it. Big names and blowing things up with a lot of blood flying as this team of elites demolishes the enemy and finishes one impossible assignment after another seems to be all that drives this story. Would be nice to have a little more purpose than the amount of gunfire, though it does fit the Rambo theme with Stallone being the main character.