Among the Hidden (Shadow Children #1)

Reviewed by JuliaAerides

Luke Garner is an illegal third child who lives in a society where the goverment regulations only allow two children per family. Luke whose very existence is forbidden, lives his life hidden from the outside world for fear of the Population Police - a shadow child.

Unable to live a life, go outside, watch tv, do chores or even join the family meals (for fear that he might be seen through the windows) Luke spends much of his time in the attic - looking out of a small vent where he can see the world outside.

One day, he notices one of his new neighbors has a shadow child, named Jen Talbot. Jen lives a privileged life as the third child of a Baron, one of the social elite. Educated and dedicated, she intends to organize a rally of all the shadow children in the country, to be staged outside of the president's house, to prove to the world that what the government is enforcing is wrong.

Luke refuses, realizing weeks later that Jen has not returned. After being caught sneaking into Jen's house by her father, he discovers Jen and the other 40 people at the rally were shot and killed by the population police. Mr. Talbot, hoping to help Luke, gives him a fake ID and sends him to a private school to help him live free and maybe find freedom for the rest of the shadow children

Verdict : 7.2


Additional review by kuro-hime

REVIEW :
I like the premise of the story. However, I feel that the story has some plot holes. For an example :
1. Does the whole world practice the population law?
2. If not, why can't the people with a 3rd child run to another country?

So, I'm not too sure if the population law is practiced by the whole world or not. The author didn't say. However, I like the characters in the book. They felt quite real and believable. Seriously, you will care for the characters and pray for their safety.

I like the simple writing style of the author. That's pretty cool and interesting. This book isn't thick and I'm surprised by the way author wrote it. Eventhough it's a short book, there were many dramatic and emotional scenes.

It's a good book and I like the simplicity in the way the author wrote it. Not bad for a book that I thought will suck.

My verdict says 3 out of 5 stars. Not bad, not good. Pretty average. I've read better books.

Bleach Movie 3 : Fade To Black.

reviewed by kuro-hime



SYNOPSIS :
A mysterious reiatsu (spiritual particle) explosion occurs in the center of Seireitsu in Soul Society, causing it to be destroyed. At the exact same time, a major change overwhelms Kuchiki Rukia, which leaves her losing something important inside. Urahara Kisuke sends Kurosaki Ichigo to Soul Society to set upon and attacked by shinigamis, once allies, who have no memory of him and Rukia. Now alone and on the run, Ichigo must find the missing Rukia and uncover the cause of the mysterious incident before it's too late.



REVIEW :

This movie has alot of action scenes...but it's sometimes interupted by Ichigo's talking about bonds and blah. I like the premise and plot of the story. It's about friendship and bonds. That's something pretty cool. However, I think the plot has many flaws. WHY?
Because :
1. Why would they want Rukia to remember their name and yet they don't want her to remember the past?
2. What's with erasing one of the captain memories?
3. How can they be against shinigami when Rukia is a shinigami?
4. They didn't need to merge with Rukia eventhough they love her so much!

Yea, so the plot has quite a few flaws. However, fans of IchiRuki will love this movie because it about the bond of Ichigo and Rukia shares. But fans who just want pure action might be slightly dissappointed by the action scenes that are being stopped suddenly by Ichigo's philosphy lecture.

This movie is better than the first bleach movie but I think DiamondDust Rebellion is best movie for now.
I heard a rumor about a 4th Bleach movie which would be about Ichigo's full hollow form. So let's all cross our fingers and see if the next movie will be awesome!!

And oh, before I forget, I rate this movie a 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.