Mary Harris Russell (March 7, 2011). " "Death Cloud" by Andrew Lane". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved March 16, 2011.

There are no TV shows made as yet which are based on this series. However, considerations are underway to produce a teenage series based on these books. So far there have been eight books released in the series, with the eighth book released in September 2015. However, I think Lane goes a bit overboard in presenting these 'early influences'. Assuming that he's planning on writing several of these prequels (which I assume, since the first two have only taken up a couple of months in Holmes's early life), I don't see that there's any need for so many of them to have appeared in just these first two books - life is rarely so pat. Holmes transfers to another school and Watson gives him an antique pipe that he bought during the investigations as a Christmas/farewell present.Absolute crap. Bad plot, poor research, appalling ignorance of American history. And those are the good parts! Now I have to get more specific, so look out for spoilers in the bullet points below. Nancy Nevinson as Hotel Receptionist, a woman who meets Rathe/Eh-Tar/Moriarty at the end of the film. Cover Blurb: Yes or No? Compared to the last cover of Death Cloud, it's a definite yes. Don't really know why the compass is on the front, since there's no compass featured in the story, but oh well. Darnit, I liked this book - I really did! I'm giving it four stars, fercryinoutloud! The characters are well-developed, I cared whether they lived or not, and I liked the historical setting (though, again, I think Lane is trying a bit too hard, there; I'd like to see him do some smaller-scale stories, as most of the original Canon are, rather than the world-shaking high-politics things that have happened so far ... dang it, there I go again!). Elsewhere in the city, a hooded figure with a blowgun shoots two men with thorns that induce nightmarish hallucinations, causing their apparent suicides. Holmes brings his suspicions of foul play to Scotland Yard detective Lestrade, who rebuffs him.

The film is notable for being the first full-length movie to feature a completely computer-generated character, created by Lucasfilm's Graphics Group. This was a historical landmark in special effects history and influenced other CGI future films such as Pixar's Toy Story. [2] [3] When reading this series, one has to remember that the series is meant to depict Holmes as a teen. As such, the logic and cold detachment that one would expect from Holmes is not yet developed. I feel that what Lane is consciously depicting here are some of the early steps that led to the more familiar Holmes. I did find that hard to keep in mind at times when Lane's Holmes showed a bit more compassion than I felt was beyond the Doyle character. The thing that was most important to me was why Holmes became so cold and calculating, and why he was alone for the rest of his life," Mr. Columbus explains. "That's why he is so emotional in the film; as a youngster, he was ruled by emotion, he fell in love with the love of his life, and as a result of what happens in this film, he becomes the person he was later." [4] Walter Sparrow as Ethan Engel, Curiosity Shop Owner, who Holmes, Watson and Elizabeth consult during their investigations and sells Watson Holmes' pipe This novel introduces the character of Rufus Stone (originally Jared Stone [2]) who provides a counterpoint to Aymus Crowe and helps to explain Holmes' violin playing and melancholy.The Baron is the mastermind behind the mystery of the Death Cloud, and because of serious injuries sustained by him at the Charge of the Light Brigade his locomotion is achieved in a unique way, akin to a puppet (his servants control strings attached to his limbs). He hates the British Empire and plans to destroy the British Army with the bees. He put chemicals in the uniforms that the bees are attracted to. Section 14: CGI in the movies". Design.osu.edu. Archived from the original on 26 January 2014 . Retrieved 10 November 2013. One of Andrew Lane's key aims is to explain some of the complexities of Holmes' character, who is scientific and analytical on the one hand, and artistic and moody on the other. [3] Two new characters introduced in this series, his two tutors, Amyus Crowe and Rufus Stone, will help shed light on the formation of the two sides of his character evident in later life. [2] Well, at times it did, and in fact, the storytelling seemed to be improving. Then at other times, it was a struggle to continue on with the book. It was very confusing. :/ especially since this wast a book I expected to have to struggle with. Book 1 proved easily entertaining. Why not this one?

R.L. Shaffer writing for IGN in 2010, felt the film "doesn't hold up all that well" and that ultimately "the film shall remain a cult classic – loved by some, but forgotten by most." [24] DVD Verdict stated that the film was both "a reimagining of the detective's origin story, but it is also respectful of Arthur Conan Doyle's work" and "a joy from beginning to end." [25] Awards [ edit ] With more of an action movie feel to it, I'm not sure what to think of this one. :/ I definitely liked the first book better. & while "rebel fire" (also published as "red leech") had it's moments, annoying bits dragged down its rating and my ability to enjoy it.Anthony Higgins as Rathe. Ostensibly a teacher at Brompton School, he is in fact the leader of the Rame Tep. At the end of the movie, he assumes the name of Moriarty. John Scott Martin as Cemetery Caretaker, who saves Holmes' life by frightening off a Rame Tep assassin The film is notable for including the first fully computer-generated photorealistic animated character, a knight composed of elements from a stained glass window. This effect was the first CG character to be scanned and painted directly onto film using a RGB laser. [9] The effect was created by Lucasfilm's Industrial Light & Magic and John Lasseter [10] He is an orphan boy from London and has a boat. A mysterious boy, he has many secrets. His father died in war.

World Records, Guinness. "First film character computer-generated". Guinness World Records . Retrieved 23 March 2022. Susan Fleetwood as Mrs Dribb, ostensibly the school nurse. She is Rathe/Eh-Tar's younger sister, his cult's second-in-command and chief assassin. Friendly, David T. (5 July 2000). " 'Purple,' 'africa' Pace Box Office - Los Angeles Times". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 10 November 2013.Mrs Eglantine is seen to have real power in Holmes Manor and appears to have some hold over her employers. All-in-all, the story was worth the read. I do like the educational aspect of both of the books so far as Lane attempts to paint a fair but informative view of various historical events. After a school rival frames him for misconduct, Holmes is expelled.He has one last duel with Professor Rathe, the fencing instructor. While Holmes says goodbye to Watson, Waxflatter is shot with a thorn and stabs himself. Dying, he whispers the word "Eh-Tar" to Holmes.