Showing posts with label Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Show all posts

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Review


Pottermas 2016 is coming to an end and with the last day of December, Elizabeth from Book YAbber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I reviewing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child screenplay or Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film. The three of us hope to see the play either in London or in New York City sometime in the future. The play will premiere on Broadway in 2018! SO EXCITING! Catch up on Pottermas 2016 here!



Title: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Author: J.K Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books (US), Little Brown UK
Publication date: July 31, 2016
Pages: 320

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a new play by Jack Thorne, is the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. It will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on 30th July 2016

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the 8th book in the Harry Potter saga. The only difference is that J.K. Rowling did not write it and it's a screenplay format. Some readers may see this book as a fan fiction which I don't blame them. There are many fanon theories regarding Harry Potter after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows came out. Because of the gap between Deathly Hallows and The Cursed Child, some fans cannot fathom to agree that what happened in The Cursed Child is now canon.

I too fall under this category. I think because I read so much fan fiction, my brain cannot wrap around that some of the fanon theories are now canon. What did I just read? Although I enjoyed the story very much, I believe the execution of the story is not as strong as Rowling's previous work. However, I understand that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is co-written and in a different format. Rowling gave the approval but the plot line is not her work.

If I didn't read so much fan fiction about Harry Potter and co. after the epilogue, I believe my stance on the book might change slightly. However, some of these theories are insane!!! I am surprised they even became canon! I read countless stories about some of the theories back about when Deathly Hallows came out. Some I deemed could become canon and some are just crackpot theories!

Although, I was wary about the execution and the plot unoriginality, I found the friendship between Albus and Scorpius to be charming. Their strong friendship and it is what helps them survive. Without their friendship, they would not be who they are today. Because they can only rely on each other, their perseverance is on point. There are many returning characters which I cried over. I disliked Harry's character in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. My favorite character is definitely Scorpius. He's so sassy and is definitely up there on my list of favorite Harry Potter characters.

No spoilers here but if you are a Harry Potter fan, it doesn't hurt to read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I believe seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child live might increase your willingness to dive into the screenplay but it's a solid book nevertheless. I cannot wait until Harry Potter and the Cursed Child reaches Broadway in New York City!


Did you read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? If so, what did you think? Did you love, hate or did you feel indifferent about the book?

Saturday, August 6, 2016

The Marauders: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Midnight Release Recap



The Marauders is a feature where Book Yabber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I will showcase our bookish adventures around New England. Whether it is a bookstore or a library, we wanted to discover new places to share with the bookish community. We each took an Animagus form. Can you guess who is who and what animal is each person's Animagus?


I was beyond excited to meet up with Elizabeth and Marci for one of the most epic days of the year! Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was released on July 31st which is also Harry Potter's and J.K. Rowling's birthday!!! I met up with Elizabeth at Harvard Square (aka Harvard Square) and we headed to John Harvard's for dinner. Rachel, Anna and Marci met up with us shortly after. I ordered a Lady Grey martini in honor of the Grey Lady, which by the way, is perfect for this Ravenclaw. For dinner I had a delicious plate of Butternut Squash Ravioli.



Rachel and Anna parted ways with Elizabeth, Marci and I. Despite it being almost 8:00 p.m., the ladies and I ventured toward Harvard Book Store, which is my favorite indie book store. The line for the tickets didn't start yet but we wanted to be some of the very first people to obtain the book at midnight. Tickets were being handed out at 10:00 p.m. in the order people stand in line. We ended up being in the front of the line and boy was it worth it.


Elizabeth and I needed to use the restroom so we walked toward Starbucks to order some Butterbeer Frappucinos. I ended up getting Luna on my cup and had Bellatrix written for Marci. When Elizabeth and I walked back to Harvard Book Store, the line was getting pretty lengthy. I am so glad we got there earlier and Marci held the spot for us.

After a couple of hours of waiting in line for the tickets, we were notified that the we couldn't get our tickets until the list for the pre-orders was done printing. We didn't end up going into the store into around 10:30. However, it was definitely worth the wait. We got our photo taken at the photo booth and worked on a Harry Potter trivia sheet that we can fill out to enter to win a $50.00 gift card to Harvard Book Store. There were also house tables serving cream soda, pretzels and other treats.
Photo credit: Harvard Book Store
Elizabeth, Marci and I counted all the snitches around the store and we were in the queue at 11:45 p.m. to wait in line for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. OMG was that wait torturous! My heart was pounding so fast when there was only 6 minutes left before the boxes were opened. I was able to capture many photos and video of the epic midnight release party!



Elizabeth, Marci and I took so many selfies all night long. My favorite has to be the one with us holding Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in our hands! We got the book around 12:01 and were out of the store super quick before heading home. This was Elizabeth's first midnight release party and I am so happy that she had a blast. In fact, we all had a fantastic time!

Top left and bottom right photo credit: Elizabeth, top right photo credit: Harvard Book Store


What did you do for the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? Did you attend a midnight release party or throw a Harry Potter with friends? Did you marathon the movies or books?


If you want to follow The Marauders on social media, please check out the hashtag, #TheMarauders3, for pictures about our bookish adventures. We solemnly swear we are up to no good. Mischief Managed.

Photo credit: Marci

Sunday, July 31, 2016

The Eighth Epic Story: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Happy birthday Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling! The day has finally come and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is out! For those who cannot attend the live show, they can read the play script about what happens 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts. This is an extension of the epilogue found in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

I cannot wait to dive into this book. I scheduled this post to go up at midnight on July 31st. If you are reading this around midnight on July 31st, I am in line to get my book at Harvard Book Store.

Harvard Square located in Cambridge turned into Hogwarts Square for the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Starbucks sold Butterbeer Frappucinos and Grendel's Den sold wizard drinks such as Polyjuice Potion. A recap of my adventures will be posted sometime next weekend as part of the Marauders feature.


For those who don't know about the eighth book, check out more information below.

Title: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Author: J.K Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books (US), Little Brown UK
Publication date: July 31, 2016
Pages: 320

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a new play by Jack Thorne, is the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. It will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on 30th July 2016

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places.


Are you excited about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? Did you attend a midnight release party? How did you celebrate Harry's and Rowling's birthday? Let me know in the comments below.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Looking Ahead: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child & Book News

Today has been a wonderful day in the bookish world. Not only do we find out that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is becoming the official 8th book but there is also more information about upcoming re-releases of Harry Potter books! Time to save up money for the Harry Potter book fund!

Siriusly, who would have thought Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will become a book and will be releasing this summer on July 31, 2016!!! This is HUGE NEWS for any Potterhead. Who's ready for the midnight release parties?


Check out the following links about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as well as some new editions of previous printed books.

Mugglenet chats about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Publishers Weekly discusses about the two versions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as well as some future editions of previously released books. According to Publishers Weekly, The “special rehearsal edition” book arrives the day after the show formally opens in London’s West End on July 30, and will consist of the play’s script from the stage production’s early preview period. The “special rehearsal edition” will be available for a limited time, and will be replaced by a “definitive collector’s edition” at a date to be announced.


P R E - O R D E R   D E A L S

Lately there has been a good amount of cover reveals and pre-order campaigns spreading on social media. I highlighted some of the ones that are on my radar and I hope they are on yours as well.  

The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury | Offer ends February 16, 2016
Submit your proof-of-order to receive a limited edition exclusive map of Zahra's world, signed bookplate and bookmarks! 

Glittering Court by Richelle Mead | While Supplies Last
Show your receipt to receive a welcome kit containing gemstone tattoos and a guide to The Glittering Court. You can also enter for a Glittering Court Grand Prize which includes a Skype call with Richelle Mead, a $500 American Express gift card, $100 Sephora gift card and Glittering Court necklaces.

When We Collided by Emery Lord | Offer ends April 4, 2016
Pre-order When We Collided and fill out the form to receive a set of frameable postcards featuring quotes from and sayings inspired by the book.


C O V E R   R E V E A L S

Mundie Moms revealed the cover art to Foxheart by Claire Legrand. According to goodreads.com, Foxheart is a stand-alone middle grade fantasy adventure about a 12-year-old orphan and thief named Quicksilver, who discovers she is a witch and, after joining forces with her cantankerous and magical older self, goes hurtling back in time with her dog, Fox.

Publication date: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 336


According to TMI Source, The Tales of the Shadowhunter Academy will be released later on this fall. This is the print bind up of all the e-novellas published in 2015. According to Goodreads, the series follows the adventures of Simon Lewis, one of the stars of Cassandra Clare’s internationally bestselling series The Mortal Instruments, as he trains to become a Shadowhunter. Throughout the course of Simon’s education, characters from the Mortal Instruments and the The Infernal Devices will make appearances, as will characters from the upcoming The Dark Artifices series and Last Hours series.

Publication date: November 15, 2016
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 528



What upcoming books are you looking forward to?