That's What I'm Talking About
I generally review romance, paranormal and urban fantasy. I tend to pick review books that I want to read, so generally my reviews will be positive. I always give my honest opinion: good, bad, and indifferent.
Note: on my blog I use a letter grading system. I've listed the ratings below. For sites with stars, I have listed the equivalent rating. If I didn't finish the book, I will not rate it with stars.
A+ Personal Favorite (5 stars)
A Loved It (4.5 or 5 stars)
A- Enjoyed A Lot (4 or 4.5 stars)
B+ Liked It A Lot (4 stars)
B Liked It -- Recommend (4 stars)
B- Liked It -- But I had a few small issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C+ Liked It -- But I had issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C Finished It -- Liked some, didn't like some (3 stars)
C- Finished It -- Liked a little, didn't like a lot (2 or 2.5 stars)
D Not A Big Fan (2 stars)
E Don’t Waste Your Time (1 star)
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TW: Reading this book was like watching a Train Wreck
DNF: Did Not Finish
updated July 9, 2015
Currently reading
Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child opens at the exact moment where the seventh book concludes: nineteen years in the future (after the Battle of Hogwarts), with Harry and wife Ginny, sending off their two eldest children to Hogwarts. Even though the book starts at this point, it quickly spins forward through the next few years until it settles when Harry's middle child, Albus, is a 4th year student. At this point, we realize Harry and Albus are not all that close and, in fact, Albus finds ways to push against his famous father, as any teenage boy may do. However, with magic involved... things can go terrible wrong.
Since I want to avoid any spoilers for Harry Potter fans who may want to read The Cursed Child, I won't delve into the plot details. The book is actually a screen play, and reads very quickly. I had no issues with the format once I got into the story. Overall, I am glad I read the book, but it left me feeling a bit disappointed.
The opening and first half of the book felt contrived: forced angst, confrontation, and turmoil just to publish this eighth story. I realized as I read it, I really didn't need to know where Harry was as an adult. Seeing this childhood hero become a parent and adult, with all of the issues the come along with the roles, was a bit depressing. The plot device used to create the drama of the story made my eyes roll. I didn't care for where the story was headed at all.
However, as the story went on, real emotion and heartfelt storytelling overtook the mechanics of the story. A message of friendship and forgiveness (both for another and for self) came to the forefront, and I caught glimpses of the storytelling magic of the original series.
In the end, I am glad I read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. It was an interesting premise, but fell way short of the original seven titles. I'm not certain I really liked the story, but I did enjoy reading the book. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter series, I suggest you give this one a try, but don't go in expecting the same quality and standards you remember from the originals.
My Rating: C+ liked some, didn't like some.
(Hardcover) - John Tiffany & J K Rowling Jack Thorne)