Reviewing Time
Just went to see How to Train Your Dragon 2. I didn't see the original until it aired on TV, at which time it hit the right notes for me. Not a super-unique story, overall, but it was told well with attitude and character.
The sequel is about what I expected. Early trailers blew the only real big "reveal," so it's hard to say if that would have had more impact. It's a fun ride, bright and full of action. The character arc lacks the punch of the first, though. Hiccup is sort of said to have found his place in things, but very little change in him is actually shown. That's a problem with sequels in general. Toothless rocks. Not enough Astrid. Good, but not as good as the original.
I also read Skin Game on my trip. It matches the pitch: a Dresden Files heist story. Trying to avoid spoilers straight-up, I have to say I felt this one worked better than the last couple - I've sort of started to expect a downward trend, but this one doesn't go that way. Insights about the Winter Knight mantle are good. Most of the main crew is touched on to varying degrees, with some getting a chance to kick ass again and some really for the first time. The heist twists in ways that are pretty classic, but it works and shows in the end that Harry just might be getting better at playing the game. I really don't have any complaints about it - solid read.
Parkour!
The sequel is about what I expected. Early trailers blew the only real big "reveal," so it's hard to say if that would have had more impact. It's a fun ride, bright and full of action. The character arc lacks the punch of the first, though. Hiccup is sort of said to have found his place in things, but very little change in him is actually shown. That's a problem with sequels in general. Toothless rocks. Not enough Astrid. Good, but not as good as the original.
I also read Skin Game on my trip. It matches the pitch: a Dresden Files heist story. Trying to avoid spoilers straight-up, I have to say I felt this one worked better than the last couple - I've sort of started to expect a downward trend, but this one doesn't go that way. Insights about the Winter Knight mantle are good. Most of the main crew is touched on to varying degrees, with some getting a chance to kick ass again and some really for the first time. The heist twists in ways that are pretty classic, but it works and shows in the end that Harry just might be getting better at playing the game. I really don't have any complaints about it - solid read.
Parkour!
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