Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts

BOOK TAG: Pokemon Go

Disclaimer:  Pokemon Go belongs to Niantic and Nintendo, please don’t sue me.

I found this book tag via Jess Hearts Books, although originally created by Read at Midnight and it looked like so much fun! I'm slightly addicted to Pokemon Go.... well more than slightly and I thought this would be a fun little (not so little) book tag to do as I've not done one in a LONG time. I hope you enjoy! 


Rules:
  • NIL. Link back to original blog Read at Midnight is appreciated but optional. Feel free to use the original graphics. Tag people, don’t tag people, whatever. Just have fun!
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket was the book(s) that got me into reading for fun rather than just because my teacher told me to. I read the first 8 of the series in 2 weeks and I was hooked... I can't say my love really continued part book 8 but I finished the series eventually and I will always be happy they started my love for reading. 
Harry Potter all the way!! I'll admit the second and five instillment had a few flaws but I can't get enough of these books and I've been reading them since they were first published... well when they were first published my mum read them to me, I was like 5. 



Game of Thrones... I know, I know so please don't kill me! I do love the TV show and the books but sometimes I just get a little tired of it because it is constantly in my face and sometimes I do want a Game of Thrones free night. 




Divergent, The Hunger Games, Maze Runner... I love them all but they do all sometimes blur into one. Divergent is still one of my all time favourite books and that will never change but when a genre becomes popular every story seems to interlink and reminds me of something I've read before. 


The last book in both the City of Bones series and Discovery of Witches series. Both books would kill someone if you hit you on the head and as much as I love both series I can't quite bring myself to read these last instillments. 



The Hunger Games! That was the first book I just could not put down. I remember having school the next day but stayed up until 5am reading it. I called in sick for school and finished it that afternoon. But shhh don't tell on me.
Oh jeez! Where to start, there are way way way too many to pick from... Although i'd have to say Ron and Hermione from Harry Potter are the all time OTP for me.

Harry Potter! Any possible connection to the wizarding world keeps me very happy! 

The Chemical Gardens trilogy by Lauren DeStefano was a surprising one for me. I picked up the book before the cover of Wither is bootiful! But as the story progressed and the books came out I got more and more enthralled but them.

I feel like this is a tag where I see how many times I can fit Harry Potter into the category... to be fair it's fit in most. It's THE series of my generation and I still get excited over it... It's no secret I'm a massive potter head!


I already have one special addition of this book but there is another collectors edition that I'd love to get my hands on and that's FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell. I can't get enough of this book and every edition they release is so pretty!

Ah... okay confession time! It's been so long since I really got into the blogging game that I haven't a clue who's got debut novels out soon. *hangs head in shame* 


ALTHOUGH Cherry by Lindsey Rosin is a recent debut that I absolutely loved! Fingers crossed that redeems me a little bit...

I have a couple of these... Rainbow Rowell, Giovanna Fletcher, J.K. Rowling, Danielle Paige and most recently added to the list Dawn Kurtagich. 



CARVE THE MARK!!! Veronica Roth gave us Divergent and now she's giving us a new series and I can't wait!! Just like 4 months to go... I can cope... I think! 

REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD
by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany & Jack Thorne


Pages: 352 Hardback
Publisher: Little Brown UK
Publication Date: 31st July 2016
ISBN: 0751565350



Summary 


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. 
Review

HARRY'S BACK!!!!

It is no secret that I love Harry Potter, the books, the movies and everything else that comes with it. I'm still waiting on my letter from Hogwards but it's only 12 years late and you know what Royal Mail is like so I'm still hopeful. There really isn't much Rowling can do wrong in my book so I'm going to try my hardest to keep this as unbiased as I can but I would be lying if I said that is going to be easy.

So lets look at the facts shall we? It has been 19 years since Harry Potter defeated Voldemort in the Battle of Hogwards. For those who so tragically lost their lives you are forever in our hearts! Harry and Ginny got hitched and had three little brats of their own - James, Albus and Lily. This story starts where the 7th book ends, with Harry sending Albus (Albus Severus Potter to be exact) to Hogwarts for his first year and it follows him threw to his 4th. Just like his dad Albus has an ability to attract danger and gets himself into one or two tricky predicaments that he and the rest of the cast have to get themselves out of. It is also a script if you didn't already know this! It goes along side the west end production of The Cursed Child.

Okay now onto the gushing! Hogwarts is back in our lives! It is as magical as ever and just as we remember. The wizarding world has been able to pick itself back up after the whole Voldemort 'situation' and our favourite characters are leading the lives we always hoped they would! This is basically for all those people who have struggled to let go. It is the kind of Harry Potter story we have come to know and love!



This is the part were I try to be neutral - I watched an interview where J.K. said it was the next generation of Harry Potter but I think that is a bit of a stretch. The story is interesting and keeps you turning the page but it is definitely for the Harry Potter fans that already exist. In fact I fear that people who decide they are going to start their journey into this magical world with this instillment may be very much disappointed. As I said the story IS good, Rowling knows how to tell a story but there are so many references to the past it feels like it has been written just to appease the fans - NOT THAT I'M COMPLAINING!!!

For all die hard HP fans you wont be able to put this book down and you'll read it time and time again just like all the other stories. The appearances of all our favourite characters that we thought were lost forever and reading about our three childhood heros will be enough to make use love this book. However, if you look at it honestly it does feel a little repetitive and the core of the story does make me wonder why it was written. Now this might simply by because it is a script and on stage where you have the actors bringing the characters to life this could be one of the best Harry Potter stories to date but on paper it does feel like Harry Potter 2.0.

Actually feels like a sin to say anything negative about Rowling!


Maybe I just had REALLY high expectations for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child but it did fall a little flat. I felt there were too many characters from the past being bought back and the core of the story could have been a little stronger. HOWEVER, this is just my opinion and even with the negatives I will be reading this again and again and it will go on pride of place on my bookshelf next to the rest of the Harry Potter books. I think the issue I have is I just wish it felt like a new story and not just a continuation of a story that - in my opinion - was ended so perfectly with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows.

All in all I still really liked it though and come on... it's Harry freaking Potter!!!!


REVIEW: HARRY POTTER: MAGICAL PLACES FROM THE FILM

HARRY POTTER: MAGICAL PLACES FROM THE FILM
by Jody Revenson

Pages: 208
Publisher: Titan Books
Publication Date: May 8th 2015
ISBN: 9781783296026
Received From:  Titan Books

Summary 

A comprehensive and delightful look at Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, The Burrow, Azkaban prison and all of the memorable places, both loved and feared, that brought the Harry Potter movies to life—a keepsake treasury bound in a debossed leatherette case and featuring a removable poster and interactive booklet.
Grand in its design and package, Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films: Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and Beyond offers an unprecedented look at the creative process that transformed the magical locations of the wizarding world from the page to the big screen. Inside, readers will discover the many challenges the studio faced to build the fantastical sites depicted in Rowling’s books, from Hogwarts castle and its many classrooms and dormitories, to Diagon Alley and the Ministry of Magic.
This stunning full-color compendium also includes two exclusive bonus inserts: a map of Diagon Alley folded in an envelope in the back of the book, and “The Paintings of Hogwarts” catalog inserted in the text.

Review

Something a little different this time around lovelies and I couldn't be more excited to share it with you. Titan Books sent me this beautiful copy of Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films and it's absolutely breathtaking.

Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films is a must have for any Harry Potter fan! Its a collection of photographs, sketches and original artwork depicting the different sets used for the beloved franchise. This stunning hardback goes into elaborate details showing how the films came together and it's an exciting addition to any Harry Potter fans bookshelf.

Flicking through this book I was taken back to my childhood, Harry Potter was the books my mum read to me and my brother on out holidays, bedtimes and whenever we could get her to. These where the movies I queued hours to see and still watch at every possible moment. This book has the perfect collection of photographs and details about the movie sets and it made me want to go to Hogwarts!

I'm still a little upset I didn't get my letter 11 years ago but I now have this beautifully illustrated book that makes it almost bearable that the series is over. Well worth the money and the perfect gift for any fan.

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Summer Bloggers Tour: SJ


Hello you lovely lot! Over this summer I'm taking part in a really fun tour where I get to introduce you to some new bloggers! Each week we'll have a Q&A, guest post or something a little mad (like todays post) so that you get to know more about them.

Today we have SJ from SJ Bouquet. SJ is a nerdy 18 year-old with couch potato tendencies. An aspiring writer with great taste in TV just check out her tumblr HERE

When talking with SJ we both realised we're a little Potter Nuts and thought it would make a great topic to start off this tour! So, using her Slytherin brain and with me tapping into my Hufflepuff ways we've taken part in our own version of The Tri-Wizard Tournament. 

Remember to vote for your winner at the bottom of the post! 


Excellent! We now have our two champions!



Eternal glory! That's what awaits the blogger who wins The Tri-wizard Tournament, but to do this that blogger must survive three tasks. Three extremely bookish tasks.

But in the end only one will go down in history. Only one will hoist this chalice of champions, this vessel of victory the tri-wizard cup!


The first task is designed to test your daring and courage in the face of the unknown.

Tell us what the most dangerous book you’ve ever read and how you’d survive living in its unpredictable world.

SJ: I feel like this is such a cliché answer but - The Hunger Games. I mean, there are lots of dangerous books, but in the Hunger Games... there is only one survivor. It's not like I could make friends in that situation and count on them to always have my back. There is no rest in the games. Everyone is intent on killing you, even the environment. 

To survive in that kind of atmosphere, I think I'd mostly hide. I would wait out the storm. I would study up on various habitats. Get to know the landscape so I can have food and know what wild things could poison me. And I'm not an idiot- I'd learn to fight during training so I could defend myself. But yeah :) that's my answer! I wouldn't be a kick ass warrior. I'd just be that person who survived by hiding in the shadows. Maybe ask the sponsors for explosives, gather the remaining tributes and then blow them all to kingdom come in one big bang... In theory my answer could work, but in actuality, I'd probably die in the Games *sobs* I'm lazy and weak.

Mily: A couple of weeks ago I probably would have said The Hunger Games to but I recently read Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki and I honestly couldn’t imagine just how scary and dangerous being a sinner in the world would be. I mean, I’m quite lucky in the fact my sin wouldn’t be lust (it would probably be envy) but still! This is a world that takes discrimination to a whole new level and the idea alone is terrifying.

If I were going to survive living in The Hole there would be a couple of things I think I’d need to do. 1) Do as I was told. It may be a struggle as I’m a tad stubborn but to avoid being prosecuted by the guards doing what I’m told and staying under the radar is something I’d HAVE to do. 2) Make myself useful, that way people will notice and care if I suddenly disappear. They’ll go looking for me. 3) Cole! Give me Cole and I’ll be all right! He and Zeus will look after me just fine. Also I totally agree with SJ, a little fight training wouldn’t go amiss.


Well, all our champions are ready for the second task, which will start on my whistle. They have precisely one hour to recover what has been taken from them.

Take a picture of your favourite shelf on your bookcase and tell use what one book you’d save from the bottom of Great Lake.

SJ: I LOVE THIS BOOKSHELF RIGHT HERE LET ME TELL YOU WHAT! 


​I've worked really hard to collect these books (because I'm super broke 99.9% of the time). I have fifteen bookshelves in my room (not actual huge shelves. They're all the size of the one in the above picture), and they are filled with classics and random books like "A Tour Guide to the Civil War" or "The Ultimate Book of Trivial Pursuit". I've grown up on dusty old books, which are awesome, but I feel like the above shelf just represents my efforts to keep up with the times and not get lost in Austenland. 

Speaking of Austenland, the book I'd save in a fire is actually NOT on my favorite bookshelf. The book I'd save is on one of the multiple classics shelves. 

IT'S THIS HUNK OF A BEAUTY RIGHT HERE!


Jane Austen is King. I would snatch that big "Seven novels in one" book and not even look back. 

Mily: This is my favourite, although don’t tell the others!


You probably noticed that I’m not one of those people who have everything in height order or even the right way up. But how else am I meant to fit my mini library into my box room? ;) This bookshelf takes pride of place above my bed and I think it tells you pretty much everything you need to know about me as a reader. I like girly, I like paranormal/fantasy, I like colourful covers and I like something you can get your teeth into.

If I could only save one? Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell for sure! Although that copy may be moving soon as I just ordered the new special edition and OMG it’s so damn pretty!! If I could marry a book…


The Yule Ball is just around the corner and it’s time for our champions to take a break. Tell us what you’re planning to wear, what colour is your dress? Also who’s arm are you going to be draped all over? Tell us, we want details!

SJ: YULE BALL! :) Who would I want to take me to the ball? Uh, SEBASTIAN STAN! If you read my blog at all, you'll know I'm obsessed with his face and adorable personality. He's like this huge dork who accidentally became known as the hottest man alive and he's awkward about it all.



Hello Hello *wiggly eyebrows*  

And I'd wear like a dark green dress and silver jewelry (because gold looks really weird on my skin :/  ) and have my hair curled or something. And I would have to wear flat shoes. I don't want to risk tripping in front of the beauty that is Sebastian Stan. Or maybe I should wear heals? That way if I trip, he'd have to catch me. Yeah... Yeah I'd wear heals. Sounds good. 

This would be the dress that I sashay around the ballroom in. 


Moving on! 

....

wait one last glance at the cuteness













Mily: I knew that introductory course to ballroom dancing would come in handy!

Firstly, who says a Huff can’t be centre of attention? I think the most important part of the Yule Ball is the dress… I’ll find a date to match ;)
This is what I would wear to the Yule Ball… you know if I had the perfect body, infinite funds and suddenly lost all my clumsy ways and could walk in heels! Isn’t it pretty?

Hufflepuff

Hufflepuff by emily-bradley-dorman featuring a black ball gown

Now for my date! Drum roll please…



Jeremy Irvine! It took a while to narrow it down but I he’s the lucky guy… I mean, the best choice. He’s close to my own age (the only reason Jude Law couldn’t come was because he’s old enough to be my dad) and then there’s the fact he’s drop dead gorgeous! Just look at him… no seriously, just look.


Yes, he can take me dancing any night of the week! ;)


"Oh find the cup if you can, but be very weary you could just lose yourself along the way."

The last bookish task you must complete is a tricky one. You must choose one book that you can completely lose yourself in and then explain to us how you would fit into its pages.

SJ: Ugh, just one book? Why can't I be a like some sort of page jumper? I could jump from story to story depending on how I feel that day :)

But if I absolutely HAVE to choose, I'd go to Hogwarts. It's still the world as I know it, but with MAGIC! And I'd probably be that muggle born student who references a lot of television shows and everyone would look at me funny and not get any of my jokes. I'd be a socially awkward Slytherin who sits in the corner and pretends to read a book while secretly hexing rude, bullying students for a laugh. And I'd probably befriend people like Neville and Luna. 

I'd make a lot of Wizard of Oz jokes in front of Draco too. Like, if he was being a jerk to somebody, I'd say, "Aw, look at the great and powerful Wizard of Oz. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!" And he'd be like, "What are you on about?" Me, "You really don't know who Oz was? Your ignorance about a wizard so mighty will surely disappoint your daddy." Hopefully that snide comment would stick with him and fester until he's dying to know who the Wizard of Oz is, but none of the books in the library mention him, and then finally, Draco would come storming up to me and call me on my bluff. BUT WAIT! I'll pull out a copy of The Wizard of Oz and make him read it, and then while in Diagon Alley looking for school supplies, I'll drag him out to London, find a theatre and make him watch the film on the big screen. 

That is the story of how I'll get Draco Malfoy to become a Wizard of Oz fanboy. 

Why in God's name did I go off on this random tangent? 

Mily: One book to get lost in? I have to agree with SJ on this one, the only world I’d be happy to completely lose myself in is the Harry Potter series. I mean come on! Magic and adventure and the Weasleys and pointy hats… who wouldn’t want to leave their Muggle world behind and go to Hogwarts?

How would I fit in? Well that’s easy… to begin with I’ll just hang out with the Weasley’s. I’m ginger so they won’t even realise I’ve infiltrated their ranks and by the time they do notice they’ll all love me and it wouldn’t even matter. Also, I was never meant to be a Muggle, so this if just logical.
Luna would definitely be my best friend! I’d go searching for all her ‘missing’ things and we’d be happy in our own little crazy bubble. I’d be failing potions for sure but I’d also be top of my class in Charms, and I’d work really hard because one day I’ll be a professor at my beloved Hogwarts! I’d totally rock the pointy hat.

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I mean look! I fit in perfectly ;)



Our bloggers have completed all three of our bookish tasks. They made it through the dangers of Dystopia. They saved their favourite books from water damage and lastly they submersed themselves into the Wizarding world without losing who they are.
They have shown us what it takes to be a true - if not slightly mental - blogger.


AND THE WINNER IS…


You Decide
  
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