Slowly but surely I’m catching up on these posts. They don’t take much brain power to write, but I think they’re important because they record what I do! Who knows, maybe someday I’ll have kids or family looking through them.
Anyway, this is how I rate things! Enjoy my short, but sweet, mini-reviews.
- No redeeming qualities whatsoever, visually, aesthetically, or as a story.
- It was so boring I could barely pay attention, or it frustrated me SO much I couldn’t finish.
- I had a headache, but I somehow made it through. This category is also for when I absolutely DESPISE something I’ve watched or read.
- I could make fun of it because of how bad it is or because it lacks any real merit.
- It’s not good, it’s not bad. It’s just blah.
- There were various interesting aspects, but nothing to really gush about.
- A solid story. Good characters, plot, and visuals. However, it’s not amazing.
- I genuinely enjoyed watching/reading it. I could see/read it again with friends.
- A great experience! As a film/show, it is visually stunning and has an incredible story that I could go back to multiple times. As a book, I could do the same.
- Near Perfect (nothing is perfect.) It has become one of my favorites. I could also write entire articles on it.
Books
Sky Raiders (2014), 10/10
Cole Randolph was just trying to have a fun time with his friends on Halloween (and maybe get to know Jenna Hunt a little better). But when a spooky haunted house turns out to be a portal to something much creepier, Cole finds himself on an adventure on a whole different level.
After Cole sees his friends whisked away to some mysterious place underneath the haunted house, he dives in after them—and ends up in The Outskirts. The Outskirts are made up of five kingdoms that lie between wakefulness and dreaming, reality and imagination, life and death. It’s an in-between place. Some people are born there. Some find their way there from our world, or from other worlds.
And once you come to the Outskirts, it’s very hard to leave.
With the magic of the Outskirts starting to unravel, it’s up to Cole and an unusual girl named Mira to rescue his friends, set things right in the Outskirts, and hopefully find his way back home…before his existence is forgotten.
Synopsis via Goodreads
I don’t know what it is about Brandon Mull, but no matter what I read from his is great! What absolutely impressed me the moment I started read this book was how things didn’t just WORK OUT for Cole or his friends. There are deep and lasting consequences for their choices. The world isn’t nice and they have to work hard to move forward. Ironically, even if things seem absolutely awful, it’s almost as if someone is leading them on the right path.
Cole is a great main protagonist, and I never could guess what would HAPPEN in the story. That is always refreshing for me! I’m sad I didn’t discover this series sooner, but as you’ll see soon, I devoured ALL the books and was genuinely depressed when the series ended fully.
The Rogue Knight (2014), 10/10
Cole Randolph never meant to come to The Outskirts, but when his friends were kidnapped on Halloween he had to try and save them. Now he’s trapped in a world that lies between wakefulness and dreaming, reality and imagination, life and death.
Cole’s hunt for his lost friends has led him to the kingdom of Elloweer. Accompanied by new friends Mira, Twitch, and Jace, Cole teams up with the resistance movement and joins the search for Mira’s sister Honor.
But Elloweer has grown unstable. A mysterious enemy is wiping out towns, leaving no witnesses or survivors. And an infamous rebel known throughout the kingdom as the “Rogue Knight” is upsetting the balance of power.
With enemies in pursuit, Cole and Mira must resort to a fascinating new kind of magic to protect themselves. Every move is filled with danger as Cole and his friends try to outwit the High King, who will stop at nothing to regain what he has lost.
Synopsis via Goodreads
(Yes I also read the second book in this series! Shout out to Keith Nobbs for his great job as narrator!)
The Last Wild (2013), 10/10
In a world where animals no longer exist, twelve-year-old Kester Jaynes sometimes feels like he hardly exists either. Locked away in a home for troubled children, he’s told there’s something wrong with him. So when he meets a flock of talking pigeons and a bossy cockroach, Kester thinks he’s finally gone crazy. But the animals have something to say. And they need him.
The pigeons fly Kester to a wild place where the last creatures in the land have survived. A wise stag needs Kester’s help, and together they must embark on a great journey, joined along the way by an overenthusiastic wolf cub, a military-trained cockroach, a mouse with a ritual for everything, and a stubborn girl named Polly. The animals saved Kester Jaynes. But can Kester save the animals?
Synopsis via Goodreads
Every once in a while I go back to this series. Usually the whim to read it comes when I’m hiking in the woods. 🙂 I keep going back to it because I genuinely think it’s important to reflect on our place in NATURE and if we’re controlled by our government through necessities like food. This book is a softer version of 1984 and Brave New World, where people are controlled through fear or comfort. The elk is my favorite, as well as the kooky white pigeon who can never say anything quite right.
Campfire Cooking in Another World (2016), 8/10
Mukouda Tsuyoshi was nothing special in modern Japan, so when he was summoned to a world of swordplay and sorcery, he thought he was ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Too bad the kingdom that summoned him only got him by mistake! Not only was he not one of the three summoned heroes, but his stats were laughable compared to theirs. On top of that, there’s something really sketchy about this kingdom… “Ah, these people are the kind to try and use the Hero,” he realized, and immediately left to make his own way in this other world.
The only thing Mukouda can rely on is his unique skill: the “Online Supermarket,” a skill that allows him to buy modern goods in a fantasy world. It’s useless for combat, but if he plays his cards right, he could lead a comfortable life, maybe? At least, that’s what Mukouda thinks, but it turns out modern food bought with this skill has some absurd effects! What happens when Mukouda introduces ridiculously tasty modern cooking to a fantasy world like this? He gets some ridiculous repeat customers begging for more…!
Synopsis via Goodreads
I enjoy the anime for this story, and finally buckled down to read the light novels. Luckily, they are great for evening reading and help me wind down and sleep! In other world, it’s a comfort food read that doesn’t get me curious or riled up in the story. That said, the narration is a bit difficult to follow at first between what the author SAYS, THINKS, and the dialogue from other characters and how they are punctuated differently.
The Return of the King (1955), 10/10
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.
The Dark Lord has risen, and as he unleashes hordes of Orcs to conquer all Middle-earth, Frodo and Sam struggle deep into his realm in Mordor.
To defeat Sauron, the One Ring must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom. But the way is impossibly hard, and Frodo is weakening. The Ring corrupts all who bear it and Frodo’s time is running out.
Will Sam and Frodo succeed, or will the Dark Lord rule Middle-earth once more?
Synopsis via Goodreads
I finally did it! I finished the Return of the King audiobook! I kept losing my hold for this book and would finish it in 6-8 hour increments. If you didn’t know, this book is about 24 hours long. Yes, I know there are books longer than that but I only ahve two weeks on Libby to listen to the full audiobook!
That done, I’m glad I’ve finished this series again. Every once in a while I need to REMEMBER the wonder I used to feel as a young teenager reading this story for the first time.
Comics
Rurouni Kenshin (1994), 9/10
Ten years have passed since the end of Bakumatsu, an era of war that saw the uprising of citizens against the Tokugawa shogunate. The revolutionaries wanted to create a time of peace, and a thriving country free from oppression. The new age of Meiji has come, but peace has not yet been achieved. Swords are banned but people are still murdered in the streets. Orphans of war veterans are left with nowhere to go, while the government seems content to just line their pockets with money.
One wandering samurai, Kenshin Himura, still works to make sure the values he fought for are worth the lives spent to bring about the new era. Once known as Hitokiri Battousai, he was feared as the most ruthless killer of all the revolutionaries. Now haunted by guilt, Kenshin has sworn never to kill again in atonement for the lives he took, and he may never know peace until killing is a thing of the past.
Now in the 11th year of Meiji, Kenshin stumbles upon Kaoru Kamiya, owner and head instructor of a small dojo being threatened to close its doors. The police force is powerless to stop the string of murders done in the name of her dojo by a man claiming to be the famous Battousai. Kenshin’s wanderings pause for now as he joins Kaoru to clear both their names. But how long can he stay before his past catches up to him?
Synopsis via Myanimelist
Speaking of nostalgia trips, I decided to finally re-read Rurouni Kenshin. So far, it’s fantastic. Kenshin is still the greatest character ever and I’m having a blast learning so much about the Meiji Era and Japanese history as I read. Sometimes my historian-nerd brain needs something to keep it awake and nicely fed with new information. I’ll keep you posted as I work my way through all the volumes! So far I believe I’m on book 9?
My Hero Academia (2014), 9/10
One day, a four-year-old boy came to a sudden realization: the world is not fair. Eighty percent of the world’s population wield special abilities, known as “quirks,” which have given many the power to make their childhood dreams of becoming a superhero a reality. Unfortunately, Izuku Midoriya was one of the few born without a quirk, suffering from discrimination because of it. Yet, he refuses to give up on his dream of becoming a hero; determined to do the impossible, Izuku sets his sights on the elite hero training academy, UA High.
However, everything changes after a chance meeting with the number one hero and Izuku’s idol, All Might. Discovering that his dream is not a dead end, the powerless boy undergoes special training, working harder than ever before. Eventually, this leads to him inheriting All Might’s power, and with his newfound abilities, gets into his school of choice, beginning his grueling journey to become the successor of the best hero on the planet.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
Hurray! I skipped all the shipping drama and toxic fans for this story and finally got to reading it for myself. I’ve got to say, this is extremely well written! I don’t just like Deku as a character but have genuinely enjoyed getting to know all the kids in Class A and B as well as the teachers. The villain Tomura Shigaraki is a twisted, broken, freak of a character. his backstory may have horrified me. . . especially when I learned where all the hands came from that he keeps on himself.
I still have quite a ways to go in this series, but I think I’m in volume. . . uh. . . 35? I lost track honestly because I started reading the chapters on my phone through Shounen Jump. I’ll keep you posted for this one too as I make my way through more volumes.
The Ancient Magus Bride (2013), 9/10
Despite having the ability to see otherworldly creatures, Chise Hatori has never considered herself lucky. Ever since her parents abandoned her at a young age, it has been the center of her hardship, driving her to the point of selling herself to the slave market, just to secure a place she can call home.
Presented to the bidders as a rare “Sleigh Beggy”—beings who have an unusually high affinity to magical energies—Chise’s last remaining hope appears in the form of Elias Ainsworth, a mysterious magus more beast than man. Rather than keep her as a slave, he has decided to make her his apprentice, as well as his bride.
Chise is not only physically transported to the English countryside where Elias lives, but also introduced to a world where wondrous things such as fairies and dragons are the norm. But she soon realizes there is as much to fear in her new life as there is to marvel at. And lying at the heart of it all is the question of whether she has fallen into the hands of something much darker than her own inner demons.
Synopsis via Goodreads
I also decided to re-read this series! I’ve got to say, my nerdy historian brain devoured this story as well! I love reading about mythology, but it’s been a joy to see it drawn out so BEAUTIFULLY in this manga. I liked the anime when I saw it once upon a time but have never fully finished it. Maybe it’s time I did. . . I’ll get to it eventually. But, I’ll let you know my thoughts as I make my way through all the volumes.
For you art lovers, here are some great examples of great art from the manga.
Kaiju No. 8 (2020), 9/10
Grotesque, Godzilla-like monsters called “kaijuu” have been appearing around Japan for many years. To combat these beasts, an elite military unit known as the Defense Corps risks their lives daily to protect civilians. Once a creature is killed, “sweepers”—working under the Professional Kaijuu Cleaner Corporation—are left to dispose of its remains.
Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old man, is unsatisfied with his job as a sweeper. From a young age, he has aspired to join the Defense Corps and kill kaijuus for a living. After a few failed attempts, however, he gave up on his dreams and resigned himself to the mediocrity that provided a decent paycheck. Nevertheless, when an ambitious, 18-year-old recruit named Reno Ichikawa joins his cleaning team, Kafka is once again reminded of his desire to join the military.
Following a chain of unfortunate events and an interaction with the junior sweeper, Kafka encounters a parasite-type kaijuu that forces its way in through his mouth—turning him into a humanoid monster. With his newfound powers, Kafka aims to give his lifelong dream a final try.
Synopsis via Goodreads
Surprise, here is yet another Kaiju story I ACTUALLY like! Granted, I’m only four volumes in, but I am impressed with the ARTWORK, action sequencing, how relatable the main character Kafka is, and how intricate the story is (so far). The manga covers are FANTASTIC, and I might just have to get a poster for my classroom. . . because why not? Anyway, I’ll let you know how this story pans out as I get farther in.
Movies
Zootopia 2 (2025), 7.5/10
Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are still fighting to be taken seriously as detectives – a struggle that gets worse when their off-the-books smuggling probe turns into a public disaster. With Chief Bogo threatening to split them up, the pair chase one last lead: a mysterious snake seen near the crime scene. That trail leads them to Gary DeSnake, a pit viper fugitive obsessed with exposing a secret behind the city’s climate-controlling weather walls.
Synopsis by —Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol1970@gmail.com) via IMBD
This wasn’t a bad movie! Good job, Disney. I can see myself watching it again. However, it isn’t mind-bogglingly FANTASTIC. The ONLY thing that really shocked me was one of the villain reveals. Woot woot! But you know, this was a fun story, and I can see myself enjoying it later in life with kids. Is it better than the first one? Hmmm. . . no? To be fair, I give the first film a solid 8/10 so. . . I’m not the best person to ask.
Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959), 5/10
Darby O’Gill seems to be as full of blarney as any old codger in Ireland, but the stories of leprechauns he tells at the pub are true. In fact, he and the tiny King Brian, ruler of The Little People, are friendly adversaries, continually out-foxing each other. Darby needs a bit of magical help from the wily King when Lord Fitzpatrick replaces him as caretaker with the handsome, strapping young Michael from Dublin.
Synopsis by —J. Spurlin via IMBD
Wow, this movie was hard to watch! It isn’t a bad story, but it has a pacing problem. Too much Darby and the King Brian time without much substance. That said, I didn’t know Sean Connery was in this movie. I think it was his debut role! (I am truly sorry, Sean 🙂 ) I watched this last month with my brother as part of our St. Patrick’s Day celebration. We should have watched a Cartoon Saloon film instead.
Shows
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity (2025), 9.5/10
The all-girls Kikyo Private Academy and Chidori Public High School are polar opposites. With its prestigious history, Kikyo is attended by noble young ladies from distinguished families, while Chidori is infamously full of simple-minded delinquents. It is no surprise that their students clash with their differences.
Having a tall stature and fierce appearance, Chidori student Rintarou Tsumugi is often avoided by others despite his gentle heart. One day, while helping out at his family’s patisserie, he meets a customer who, after a brief moment, runs away from him. The next day, the customer returns to apologize to Rintarou, introducing herself as the cheerful Kaoruko Waguri.
After spending time with Kaoruko, Rintarou appreciates that she does not judge him based on his appearance and looks forward to when they will meet again. However, when Rintarou discovers Kaoruko attends Kikyo, their relationship will challenge the social expectations and dynamics around them.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
After rewatching this series, I appreciated the romance between Rintarou and Kaoruko more than before. I can’t get into many of the shoujo anime I used to watch because there is too much drama, yelling, and nonsense writing. This is a quiet, straightforward romance that earned my respect.
I look forward to future seasons (if Netflix decides they’re worth funding).
Dropped
Always a Catch (2026), 5/10
Due to her incredible athletic skills, Maria “Mimi” Annovazzi has been trained her entire life to inherit her family’s duchy. However, the birth of her younger brother makes this unnecessary. No longer the heir, Mimi has to settle down as soon as possible, but none of the kingdom’s good marriage prospects remain. She decides to travel to a neighboring country and transfer to the royal academy in hopes of finding a husband. Aida Amethis, a distant relative and Mimi’s best friend, agrees to help her.
Her trip turns chaotic when the future crown prince and Aida’s fiancé, Renato di Rubini, mistakes Mimi for Aida and annuls his non-existent engagement to her. He planned to free Aida from the arranged betrothal so she could be with the man she actually loves instead. Although the misunderstanding is cleared, Mimi worries about her reputation after the scandal, so she asks Renato to help her find a suitor. Unbeknownst to her, Mimi’s sunny attitude and fighting prowess capture the attention of the biggest catch in the whole kingdom: Renato himself!
Synopsis via Myanimelist
I couldn’t get past the fourth episode. Remember what I said above about not liking drama, yelling, and nonsense writing? Well, that is what this is. Nonsense writing with a female protagonist who yells a lot with silly drama that plays out in strange ways. I think it would be great for middle schoolers, but I don’t have the brain space for it. I am too busy getting through Inuyasha, Mao, and many other anime I’ve put on the back burner for a while.
Kotoura-San (2013), 4/10
Since childhood, Haruka Kotoura’s classmates have seen her as a creepy and monstrous person. This is due to her ability to read other people’s minds—the same ability that drove her parents away, leaving her alone with her grandfather. As a result, she has grown accustomed to the bitter treatment by the people around her, becoming completely cold and unsociable to others.
However, everything starts to change when Haruka transfers to a new school. While most are off put by her as usual, she meets Yoshihisa Manabe, who finds her power astonishing. Yoshihisa then proceeds to befriend Haruka, promising to never leave her no matter what happens.
Haruka’s new experiences of social belonging thus begin, meeting new friends and learning to open herself along the way.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
This story started with so much promise. It established Haruka as a character with significant trauma due to her abilities and set her up to find healing through new circumstances and friends. Then it turned horny in ALL the wrong ways and lost my respect after five episodes.
The moment that broke me was when her grandpa, who is supposed to be the ONE remaining family member who loves her, had her sit on his lap as he felt up her butt. He basically asks the other horny teenage boy character if he wonders about her small chest size. . . and I screamed, frustrated with the entertainment industry and how bad they are at writing healthy family dynamics in stories.
The Klutzy Class Monitor and the Girl with the Short Skirt (2026), 6/10
Sakuradaimon takes his role on the school’s Public Morals Committee very seriously. Every day, he dutifully checks students’ appearances at the school gate—most often scolding Kohinata, a rule-breaking girl with bright hair and a short skirt.
Though she finds his constant lecturing annoying, everything changes when she discovers that Sakuradaimon is actually a bit of a mess himself.
A lighthearted short romantic comedy about a strict committee member, a bold classmate, and the chaotic school life that brings them together.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
This isn’t a bad story, I just couldn’t concentrate while watching. I’ve tried reading the manga a few times, but I still think it is sort of boring and disjointed. The art style for the anime is quite refreshing, though, so I would recommend it for those who are really into studying background art similar to the 90s.
That is it for this month! See you again as I move my way through all the posts I’ve put off for too long!
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 