Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling-272 pages

I have seen both films and I read the first original screenplay, so I really wanted to read this one, also. It is interesting to read the screenplay and compare it to what is portrayed on/in the film. I enjoyed the second film and screenplay, but not as much as the first. The plot of The Crimes of Grindelwald is a bit scattered and more difficult to follow than the first Fantastic Beasts.

The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell

The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell - 373 pages

Once there was Magic, and the Magic lived in the dark forests.
Until the warriors came . . .

Xar is a Wizard boy who has no Magic and would do anything to get it.

Wish is a Warrior princess who owns a forbidden magical object and will do anything to hide it.

When stars collide, Xar and Wish will meet.  They must forget their differences if they are to save not only themselves but both their worlds from the returning evil Magic that has been sleeping for hundreds of years.


This is the first book in Cressida Cowell's new series.  (She previously wrote the extremely popular How to Train Your Dragon series.)  I found that enjoyed this more than her Dragon series, however, it still took quite a while to get into the story.  Once I did though I didn't want to stop.  I listened to this on audio as it was narrated by one of my favorite actors - David Tennant.  He did a wonderful job narrating the book.  I would definitely recommend listening to the audio.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling-293 pages

I enjoyed reading the screenplay to the film, which was inspired by the short companion book of the same name written by J.K. Rowling for charity a few years ago. It was enthralling to read the screenplay that would become the film, especially since not everything from the original screenplay made the final cut for the film. However, the film does follow the original screenplay very well, for the most part. I watched the film in theaters in November and look forward to watching the rest of the films in the franchise as they are released.

Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies (Pottermore Presents #1) by J.K. Rowling

Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies (Pottermore Presents #1) by J.K. Rowling-68 pages

It was really, really cool to learn more about Professor Minerva McGonagall, as she is my favorite character from Harry Potter. She went through much heartache in her younger years, but persevered through it all and went on to become one of the best teachers and Heads Hogwarts ever knew (not to mention good friends with Albus Dumbledore).  One also learns the 10 steps to (possibly) becoming an animagus and what can happen if done incorrectly or hastily. Learning about Remus Lupin's childhood, relationship with Tonks, and his first being bitten by Fenrir Greyback is interesting, yet sad. Additionally, I enjoyed learning more about Sybill Trelawney and her past and about Seers and Name Seers. An interesting observation from reading these biographies (and the original Harry Potter series) is many of the central characters had mixed parentage (one parent a witch/wizard and the other Muggle).

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling - 309 pages

I recently saw the first Harry Potter movie at the symphany with the orchestra and choir doing the soundtrack along with the viewing.  It was amazing!  This inspired me to re-read the first book as I haven't read it in about seven years.  I decided to listen to it on audio as I love the narrator Jim Dale who read the book.  It was a great listen.  I loved Jim Dale's voices for the different characters -- although I was surprised by how much I identify the characters by their movie actor voices.  You can definitely tell the first book is a children's book.  The writing style and plotting are definitely for children.  I think I might listen to the rest of the series on audio.

Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide (Pottermore Presents #3) by J.K. Rowling

Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide (Pottermore Presents #3) by J.K. Rowling-79 pages

I really enjoyed reading this as a fan of Harry Potter. It provides more detail on many of the secrets and known qualities of Hogwarts. Hogwarts Express, The Sorting Hat's origin, The Marauder's Map's origins, The Sword of Gryffindor, Time-Turners, The Pensieve, The ghosts of Hogwarts, The Chamber of Secrets, Hufflepuff's Common Room, The Mirror of Erised and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone are explained in greater detail, among other things, and it is cool to know more about Rowling's thoughts on many of these places, things, and people.

The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card

The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card -- 379 pages

Danny North isn't the typical mage, in fact, maybe he isn't a mage at all. While the rest of his family displays various gifts, Danny can't even control his outself, if he has an outself.

But Danny soon learns that he isn't quite as magicless as he thought. The fact is, he's been using his gift all along without knowing it, and that gift could get him killed.

Orson Scott Card will always be one of my favorite authors. I could point out SO many problems with this book, and others, and give you lists of reasons why I wouldn't expect to enjoy this, but I did.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling-64 pages

A movie based on this short book by Rowling is being released in theaters this fall, so I wanted to read the book. It is a fun read, if short. I especially enjoyed Harry's and Ron's notes in the margins, although I wish there were even more of them. It is cool to both learn even more about ones mentioned and discussed in the Harry Potter books and to learn about new beasts. Some of the names are interesting and remind me of Dr. Seuss and/or Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. I am kind of excited to see the movie, especially since Eddie Redmayne is playing the title character.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling - 336 pages

Okay. I avoided reading this series as long as I possibly could, but curiosity got the better of me and I went for it. We all know about Harry Potter...orphan Annie'd by his heroically wizardy parents and left to live with his rhabdophobic aunt and uncle, this kid is obviously destined for some far-fetched, magical save that puts him in just enough danger to keep it interesting. Three-headed dogs, illegal dragons, trolls, whiny blond boys, a mysterious but lethal enemy lurking, and professors who are either unbelievably under-prepared for the logistics of boarding school living or questionably irresponsible in the level of freedom they give these largely unsupervised children...it's all in here. Run into a brick wall, no injuries? Check. Handing over the secrets of magical nukes to eleven year old children? Yup. Oh, you wanna get into the restricted part of the library where the books might eat you alive? Okay, let's get you in there with an invisibility cloak! You want to break those long-standing rules about brand new students zipping around on magical jet engines with no helmets on?  Yeah, dude, let's ROCK!

I get it. I get that there's a pop culture tide that goes along with this book, and I get that parents can connect with their kids and their friends young and older by reading it together. But here's what I don't get, especially from this book in particular, considered outside the influence of the eight movies I've already sat through: the core messages in this book are kinda iffy. Harry is handed the perfect out to his unfortunate circumstances in the form of wizard school, and when he gets that perfect out he turns it on the Dursleys and chooses to treat them to the same bullying and fear mongering that they used to make his own life miserable. He makes friends at Hogwarts, and that's great, but he bonds with one because they have a common dislike of Malfoy (a boy they hardly know), and he bonds with the other only after making fun of her for being intelligent, driven, but somewhat socially awkward. Then he uses those friends and everything they offer him to unravel the mystery of the Sorcerer's Stone (which is absolutely none of their business, frankly), and in the pursuit of that mystery he allows those friends to sacrifice themselves for his cause. The main adult they hang out with is the dropout moving live animals through the black market of wizardom, and he's lovable but not bright, baiting these kids to involve themselves to the point of mortal danger instead of having veterans of the last major magical conflict handle it. And in the meantime, they vilify an entire quarter of their schoolmates for being Slytherin, they either crap their pants or set fire to Snape, who did nothing but expect discipline, respect, and space from these uppity upstart children, and Harry basically lets his buddies do the heavy lifting while he focuses on Quidditch.

...What?!

I know I'm in the minority here, and that's okay, but this book hit a lot of peeves for me. I know people love it because it's "magical," and to those people I say...have you read any other sci-fi/fantasy EVER?  Because what's in this book is not original, inspired stuff. Mythology, Shakespeare, Tolkien, practically every other fantasy writer writing prior to the release of this book...it's all out there. The saving grace here is that ignoring the plot holes and grossly unoriginal representation of wizarding, the characters are intentionally flawed, and that kept me reading into the second book. Because it's impossible to read Harry Potter in a bubble, I know that there will be growth and change in these characters, and that believable human element is what made the rest of this mess a tolerable read for me. And it's hard to ignore that although I have issues with this book, it's a piece of...literature that has brought a lot of people together, and even if I don't respect the work, I can respect that result.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling (original U.K. edition)-607 pages

I am so relieved to have finally finished the series. It took a month, but I have done it. I was really happy with the ending. Yes, good characters died, but that happens in war. The first half or so of the book is pretty dark and gloomy, but the ending is great and I really like the epilogue. I think the ending is very fitting and I am satisfied with all the answers given about Dumbledore's and Riddle's/Voldemort's past. I also like Harry's decision not to keep the Elder Wand, but to lay it back at rest in Dumbledore's tomb. I could go on and on about things I like about this final chapter in the Harry Potter story, but suffice to say I am very satisfied with the ending (and with having finished the series)! Harry, Hermione, and Ron travel around looking for the remaining horcruxes, which is why I have tagged it travel for this month.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling-870 pages

This is the longest book in the serious, so it took me a bit longer to read, but it was well worth it. Harry Potter is my favorite book series now and, as I have said previously, I wish I had read it before now. I can't recount everything here since the book is so long, but I will say that Harry does get answers to some of his burning questions and is left with more questions. Adventures abound for Harry, Ron, and Hermione in their fifth year and Harry almost gets expelled from Hogwarts before even starting his fifth year. O.W.L.'s. are taken as part of the usual fifth year experience. Sad events happen in the course of Harry finding some answers. Overall, this book was filled with more darkness and teen angst that the first four, but it was still a captivating page-turner and I cannot wait to finish the series!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling-734 pages

I think that Harry Potter is officially my favorite book series now. The plot continues to twist and thicken in the Goblet of Fire as Harry continues at Hogwarts and is now in his fourth year. This year, the Triwizard Tournament has been reinstated after a century-long hiatus. Harry is mysteriously entered (illegally) by someone else and must complete the three tasks along with the other three champions. Foreign wizards from other wizarding schools arrive as part of the tournament and a Yule Ball is held in honor of the tournament. Lord Voldemort returns along with many Death Eaters (including Lucius Malfoy and Crabbe and Goyle). The most intriguing plot twist (twice actually!), however, is who put Harry's name into the Goblet of Fire and turns out to be Voldemort's most loyal follower. I am really liking Dumbledore, too. This was a blast to read and I am eager to continue reading (and finish) Harry Potter!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling (U.K. Edition, published 2010)-317 pages

It's Harry's (and Ron's and Hermione's) third year at Hogwarts and more adventures abound. Harry and friends visit Hogsmeade for the first time (although Harry isn't supposed to, since his aunt nor uncle signed his permission form, but he sneaks in anyway) and a prisoner named Sirius Black escapes from the infamous Azkaban prison guarded by Dementors, who arrive at Hogwarts to guard against him. As always, Quidditch is played and Harry and Gryffindor finally win the Quidditch cup. Harry also learns more about the circumstances of his parents' deaths and his father's time at Hogwarts. However, there is a most unexpected twist in the side plot of how his parents were betrayed by a friend/best friend to Lord Voldemort to be killed. Additionally, Harry learns why Snape hates him so much and why he hated his father and his father's friends. As before, there is a new Defense against the Dark Arts professor, Professor Lupin, who turns out to be a werewolf and resigns because Snape lets out publicly that he is a werewolf. Gryffindor win the House cup for a third year running. Harry has a new ally (albeit in hiding) in Sirius Black, his Godfather, who signs his Hogsmeade permission slip and gives him and his friends some presents. I really like how J.K. Rowling seemingly fills in all the plot details and the twists and turns in the plot are weaved seamlessly. Also, I am really beginning to like Hagrid and Dumbledore and dislike Snape, of course. These are but a few of the adventures and events of the third installment of Harry Potter and I can't wait to continue reading the series (and watching the movies)!

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling-341 pages

I enjoyed reading this one as much as the first one, The Sorcerer's Stone. I am really enjoying this series now, as I never read it as a kid. Harry, Ron, and Hermione have many more adventures in this one and there are many twists and turns just as in the first novel. It seems as though there may be a bit of foreshadowing of things to come later in the series contained in this book. As in The Sorcerer's Stone, Harry faces off with a form of Lord Voldemort, this time Voldemort as a fifth-year at Hogwarts named Tom Marvolo Riddle (who later becomes Voldemort), which seems like it could be important for later. Harry also has to kill a Basilisk, which is a giant serpent. Overall, this was an intriguing, page-turning read and I can't wait to continue reading this series.

Harry Potter and Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling-309 pages

I had this read to my class in elementary school, which was some 17 years ago, so I found there was much I didn't remember. It starts out a bit slow in the build-up, but it is a page-turner once it gets into the meat of the story. I really enjoyed reading this and wish I had read the series for myself sooner, but am looking forward to reading the series now (and hopefully finishing it this month!). Harry's adventures with Ron and Hermione are many in this first novel and I know they will only have more adventures to come in the next books. It's funny, though, that Ron and Harry become fast friends but are revolted by Hermione at the beginning, but, sometimes, the best relationships happen with people that we don't like at first, perhaps because the people misunderstand each other or get off on the wrong foot, so to speak. Anyway, as I said, I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series and then watching the movies.

Equal Rites - Terry Pratchett

Equal Rites - Terry Pratchett - 272 pages

So, here we are at the beginning of my literary love affair with Granny Weatherwax, who has become one of my personal (if fictional) heroes.  To be fair, the first time I read this book, I was in middle school and feeling deeply affected by the idea that perceived gender roles were limiting my ability to expand my adolescent horizons (specifically, I'd been told earlier that year that I couldn't play the saxophone because girls played flutes and that was that).  Fast forward to twenty (plus) year later, and here I am, still wondering sometimes why exactly we're still dealing with social issues like glass ceilings and wage gaps.  Still relevant?  This book.

I will say, as one of Pratchett's early adventures with the witches, this one is lacking the depth and breadth of character you'll get six books in, and some of Esme's opinions were fairly shocking considering her later adventures, but again...this was the first real toe in the pool of her lifetime as told by Sir Pratchett, and reading it again after having read the whole arc of her story was just as thought-provoking as the first time all those years ago.

Hexed by Michelle Krys

Hexed by Michelle Krys, 384 agonizing pages

The books description had me excited about reading the story. A witch that doesn't now she's a witch with a mom that is murdered for her Witch Bible and now Indigo has to do everything in her power to obtain that bible or lose everything. However, it ended up being a very dumb, horrible waste of time. The characters are the kind you love to hate. The main heroine is suppose to be in the top three of her class, but she's as dumb as a box of rocks. The love triangle is ridiculous as well.  Too much time is spent wallowing at teen parties and other silliness that drags the story on.

Adventurers Wanted: Sands of Nezza by M.L. Forman

Adventurers Wanted: Sands of Nezza by M.L. Forman, 380 pages
(Book 4 of Adventurers Wanted series)

Once again we meet up with Dragon Lord Wizard, Alex Taylor, as he drawn into another adventure. This time, though, not as an adventurer. His friend and previous fellow adventurer has been captured with others in his party and it's up to Alex to use his magic and cunning to rescue them. He will also have to help a prince establish his throne. With plenty of danger, adventure, death, battles, and magic, this book is sure to be a favorite among adventuresome readers.

Talking to Dragons by Patricia Wrede

Talking to Dragons by Patricia Wrede - 255 pages
Book 4 - The Enchanted Forest Chronicles

Daystar is surprised when his mother melts a wizard who tries to attack her.  He is even more surprised when that leads to her giving him a sword and telling him to go into the Enchanted Forest to find out what to do with it.  While traveling through the forest he meets and befriends fire witch Shiara, becomes allies with a young dragon, and is chased by wizards -- all while his sword keeps proclaiming him bearer of the sword of the sleeping king.

I remember when I first read this series in college that this was my favorite book of the series.  I'm not sure if it is still my favorite, but I did enjoy it quite a bit.  Again, I didn't remember as much of the book as I thought I did.  There was a lot more to the story than I remembered.  I did enjoy the narration of the book.  They did a much better job of keeping actors playing the same parts they did in the previous book.  The only issue I had was that the final CD went bad right at the last chapter.  I had to find the book to read the final chapter.

Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede - 244 pages
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, bk 3

Wizards have stolen King Mendenbar's sword which is draining the magic out of the Enchanted Forest.  It is up to Queen Cimerene, Morwen the witch, Telemain the magician, King of the dragons Kazul, Morwen's cats, and Killer -- a seven foot blue floating donkey -- to find the sword and save the Enchanted Forest.
This is the third book of the series that I have listened to.  I'm really enjoying the series.  I've read this series back when I was in college.  I've remembered the other books in the series.  However, I didn't remember this one at all.  The full cast reading of the book is great.  The only thing that bothers me is that the actors switch which role they are reading between the books.