My Christmas 2016 Book Haul!

While my favorite part of Christmas is giving gifts, getting books is always a major perk to the holiday season. Here are 3 books from my grandparents, 1 I picked out with my gift card for being a Barnes & Noble member, and 1 I just couldn't resist...all posted in that order! Happy Holidays and I will be posting again at the end of the month. I intend to spend a few weeks not on the computer, hanging out with my loved one. Thank goodness for school breaks.

Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Illustrated Edition)
Author: J.K. Rowling
Illustrator: Jim Kay
Page Count: 259
Keywords: Magic, School, Good v. Evil, Classic
Genre: Children's Fiction

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone -- or something -- starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects... Harry Potter himself?

Title: The Beauty of Darkness (Remnant Chronicles #3)
Author: Mary E. Pearson
Page Count: 679
Keywords: War, Love, Sacrifice, Trust
Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Lia has survived Venda—but so has a great evil bent on the destruction of Morrighan. And only Lia can stop it.

With war on the horizon, Lia has no choice but to assume her role as First Daughter, as soldier—as leader. While she struggles to reach Morrighan and warn them, she finds herself at cross-purposes with Rafe and suspicious of Kaden, who has hunted her down.

In this conclusion to the Remnant Chronicles trilogy, traitors must be rooted out, sacrifices must be made, and impossible odds must be overcome as the future of every kingdom hangs in the balance.


Title: Frost Like Night (Snow Like Ashes #3)
Author: Sara Raasch
Page Count: 496
Keywords: War, Love, Magic, Kingdoms, Doom
Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading—and no one is safe.

Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic—so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, she jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labyrinth, destroy the very magic she’s learning to control—and make the biggest sacrifice of all.

Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira—and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within their ranks, winning the war—and protecting Meira—slips farther and farther out of reach.

Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she’s freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer’s slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left.

As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together…or lose everything.  


Title: House of Leaves
Author: Mark Z. Danielewski 
Page Count: 709
Keywords: Mystery, Multilevel, Horror
Genre: Fiction, Horror

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Years ago, when House of Leaves was first being passed around, it was nothing more than a badly bundled heap of paper, parts of which would occasionally surface on the Internet. No one could have anticipated the small but devoted following this terrifying story would soon command. Starting with an odd assortment of marginalized youth—musicians, tattoo artists, programmers, strippers, environmentalists, and adrenaline junkies—the book eventually made its way into the hands of older generations, who not only found themselves in those strangely arranged pages but also discovered a way back into the lives of their estranged children.

Now, for the first time, this astonishing novel is made available in book form, complete with the original colored words, vertical footnotes, and newly added second and third appendices.

The story remains unchanged, focusing on a young family that moves into a small home on Ash Tree Lane where they discover something is terribly wrong: their house is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.

Of course, neither Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Will Navidson nor his companion Karen Green was prepared to face the consequences of that impossibility, until the day their two little children wandered off and their voices eerily began to return another story—of creature darkness, of an ever-growing abyss behind a closet door, and of that unholy growl which soon enough would tear through their walls and consume all their dreams.


Title: You (You #1)
Author: Caroline Kepnes
Page Count: 422
Keywords: Stalking, Love, Infatuation, Obsession
Genre: Fiction, Thriller

Synopsis from Goodreads:

From debut author Caroline Kepnes comes You, one of Suspense Magazine’s Best Books of 2014, and a brilliant and terrifying novel for the social media age.

When a beautiful, aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card.

There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting.

As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder.

A terrifying exploration of how vulnerable we all are to stalking and manipulation, debut author Caroline Kepnes delivers a razor-sharp novel for our hyper-connected digital age. You is a compulsively readable page-turner that’s being compared to Gone Girl, American Psycho, and Stephen King’s Misery.

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

Title: The Good Girl
Author: Mary Kubica
Page Count: 352
Rating: A
Keywords: Missing, PTSD, Entitlement
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Narrators: Lindy Nettleton, Johnny Heller, Tom Taylorson, Andi Arndt
Duration: 10 hours and 38 minutes
Younger Readers: NOT for children. Language, sexual content, mature situations.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

"I've been following her for the past few days. I know where she buys her groceries, where she works. I don't know the color of her eyes or what they look like when she's scared. But I will."

One night, Mia Dennett enters a bar to meet her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when he doesn't show, she unwisely leaves with an enigmatic stranger. At first Colin Thatcher seems like a safe one-night stand. But following Colin home will turn out to be the worst mistake of Mia's life.

When Colin decides to hide Mia in a secluded cabin in rural Minnesota instead of delivering her to his employers, Mia's mother, Eve, and detective Gabe Hoffman will stop at nothing to find them. But no one could have predicted the emotional entanglements that eventually cause this family's world to shatter.

An addictively suspenseful and tautly written thriller, The Good Girl is a propulsive debut that reveals how even in the perfect family, nothing is as it seems.

My Review if You Have Not Read This Yet:

Know that this is a bit of a difficult one to get into initially. If you can stick it out, do it. I really enjoyed this one and the best way to go into it is not knowing much past the synopsis. I went in not knowing much and it was great.

If you listen to this as an audiobook PAY ATTENTION TO THE CHAPTER TITLES. This tripped me up a bit when I first started reading. Specifically, if it says "before" or "after". If you do this it will be a much smoother reading experience with less confusion.

If You Want to Ignore My Above Advice or Have Read it, Continue Here:

Still going to be a bit vague here...

I know this was highly recommended for fans of Gone Girl, but I noticed more of a similar tone to an older version of Everything I Never Told You. It is a very reflective and wistful novel where characters react to events in the face of crisis, all while being flooded with emotions and memories. This makes for a bit of a slow novel at first. It is intriguing enough to keep you going though. Around the half way point I noticed it picked up considerably as the two time frames began to converge.

Colin is creeeeeepy when we first meet him. Yet so much happens that he is easily my favorite character, followed by the very down to earth Gabe.

Eve is the typical mother from this genre, wants so much for her daughter yet does not take an active part in her life. She seems afraid to upset her daughter and lose her. I did enjoy as the reader is carried beyond the first impression of her though. Her backstory and a closer look at her thoughts reveal a much more interesting woman.

Solid narration all around. A had a hard time not giggling when the voice of Colin was reading what Mia was saying. It almost sounded mocking at times, the high girlish voice. The reading was a bit slow for my tastes so I set it to 1.5x speed. At this speed I didn't have any issues understanding what was being said. Became a bit muddled around 2x.

If you are interested in thrillers at all or a cat person, this is an amazing read. The ending was completely shocking and the buildup to it was thoroughly emotional. Overall, not at all what I was expecting but completely addicting. Highly recommend checking it out.

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

Title: The War of the Worlds
Author: H.G. Wells
Page Count: 192
Rating: A
Keywords: Aliens, Mars, War
Genre: Science Fiction
Narrator: Simon Vance
Duration: 5 hours and 43 minutes
Younger Readers: This is a horror tale but does not have any sexual content or language.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

With H.G. Wells’ other novels, The War of the Worlds was one of the first and greatest works of science fiction ever to be written. Even long before man had learned to fly, H.G. Wells wrote this story of the Martian attack on England. These unearthly creatures arrive in huge cylinders, from which they escape as soon as the metal is cool. The first falls near Woking and is regarded as a curiosity rather than a danger until the Martians climb out of it and kill many of the gaping crowd with a Heat-Ray. These unearthly creatures have heads four feet in diameter and colossal round bodies, and by manipulating two terrifying machines – the Handling Machine and the Fighting Machine – they are as versatile as humans and at the same time insuperable. They cause boundless destruction. The inhabitants of the Earth are powerless against them, and it looks as if the end of the World has come. But there is one factor which the Martians, in spite of their superior intelligence, have not reckoned on. It is this which brings about a miraculous conclusion to this famous work of the imagination.

My Review:

In an effort to read more classics this year I decided to give this audiobook a chance. IT IS NOTHING LIKE THE 2005 TOM CRUISE AND DAKOTA FANNING MOVIE. I absolutely could not stand that movie and was worried I would have similar feelings for this book. Luckily, my worries were proven ridiculous.

This was far more entertaining than I had ever expected. It is a fun recount of Martians attacking England, these insane mechanical creatures and their creeping red vines are straight out of a nightmare. Our main character's attempts to survive as he roams across England provide peril, exciting events, and peculiar characters that keep the reader wondering.

The language is older sounding, like many classic novels I have read for school, but not so much so that it was difficult to follow or felt unnatural. It reads a bit like Dr. John Watson's recounts of his and Sherlock Holmes' adventures. This was clearly a point in favor of this book. I look forward to reading more from H.G. Wells in the future.

Simon Vance is a great narrator. His voice is surprisingly calming and clear, carrying the reader along in this tale of invasion without distracting from the events unfolding. There is a dramatic and classic quality to his voice that increase the epic feeling. I have already downloaded another audiobook he has read. Hopefully it is just as wonderful.

If you are looking for a fun classic or enjoy science fiction this is a great read. Older grade school students would definitely enjoy this book, whether listening or reading it.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Page Count: 642
Rating: B
Keywords: Time Travel, Romance, Scotland, Relationships, Adventure
Genre: Romance, Historical Fantasy Romance
Narrator: Davina Porter
Duration: 32 hours and 43 minutes
Younger Readers: Explicit content: sex, rape, beatings, drinking, murder, etc. Not for children.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord...1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, and shatter her heart. For here James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire—and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.  

My Reviews:

I read this one both on my Kindle and listened to the audiobook over the course of five months, mostly listening on the long drive to and from work. Due to the amount of time it took me to read this I do not necessarily remember the beginning of the book well, only my feelings towards it.

As many other reviewers have recommended, I watched the first season of the Starz Outlander series. This truly influenced how I perceived the characters and gave me a better visual to work with as far as the setting went. Doing this also helped me keep better track of the timeline.

A couple of months after watching the show I started reading. Initially, I was extremely bored. I had the same issue as when I watched the TV series, an intense dislike for Claire Randall. However, after the first 200 pages the story begins to pick up and Claire is actually far more likeable in this book than she ever was for me in the show. From here the book is an intense rollercoaster of romance, action, and peril.

This is truly a genre transcending series. Some would say the explicit sexual scenes, which are far steamier between Jaime and Claire than Frank and Claire, that are repeated quite frequently would clearly mark this as a romance/erotica. However, there is a good amount of attention paid to the fantasy elements of Scottish folklore as well as a focus on the history of WWII moving to 18th century Europe. This combination makes for a unique and enjoyable reading experience.

Claire is...an interesting character. She comes across as reckless, a know it all, and thoughtless for others. This selfishness had me cringing for a long amount of time as she constantly puts others in danger. As she grows accustomed to her new life in the past she begins to soften. Her increased understanding makes her easier to sympathize with. If her development continues, book two in the series should be truly enjoyable.

Jaime is a troublesome character to decide if I like him or not. He is of course traditionally romantic and strong in his devotion. His adoration of his wife is clear in much that he does. Descriptions of him physically paint a massive and extremely attractive, young Scottish man. The norms of 18th century marital behaviors will cause many to hesitate in liking him. Remembering that his actions are accurate for the time in which he supposedly lived and that he proves himself adaptable to Claire's feelings should help those that would traditionally write him off as a villain.

Secondary characters are abundant in this series. At times I had trouble keeping track of all the clansmen. Despite, this they add depth and intricacy to the story that could not have been achieved otherwise. They aid in submerging the reader even more thoroughly in this complex world.

Davina Porter was phenomenal. If it had not been for her narration there is no way I would have been able to enjoy the book as much or get through my original struggle. She is perfectly emotional when necessary but never over the top. Her Scottish accent when speaking in the voices of other characters is fantastic rather than gimmicky while her English accent works perfectly for Claire as it sounds natural in its intensity and strength like the character herself. Her ability to switch between them without hitches or awkwardness made the listening experience for me.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and am glad to have read it but I did not love the book in whole. I believe other readers would enjoy it thoroughly. It is a fun, romantic, and perilous ride that will drag your emotions in every direction.

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

Title: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Author: J.K. Rowling
Page Count: 280
Rating: A
Keywords: Magic, Roaring 20s, Creatures, Witches and Wizards
Genre: Screenplay
Younger Readers: Characters are not as young as in the Harry Potter novels, but still generally family friendly story.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Featuring a cast of remarkable characters, this is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.

Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition to any reader's bookshelf.

My Review:

After watching the movie and absolutely falling in love with it I just had to pick up the screenplay. I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the humor and insane antics once more. Some of my favorite quotes were even better the second time through. My view of Hufflepuffs has forever changed.

I recommend this more as a collector's item than an individual read. The 280 page screenplay took me about an hour an a half to read through in one sitting. If I had not watched the movie already I do not think I would have enjoyed it nearly as much. But if you have seen the movie and want to re-experience the story I absolutely recommend picking this up. Diving back into the wizarding world was great fun and certainly put me in the holiday spirit.

Do note that the intense yellows and golds shown in the picture of the cover are not quite what it looks like in person. The colors are more of a dusty gold with a grey blue background. If you remove the dust jacket the cover looks like a nice blue denim with a gold niffler stamped on it. Some reviewers were also surprised that this book is smaller. For reference, it is about half an inch shorter than Harry Potter and the Cursed Child or roughly the same size as the hardcover edition of Rick Riordan's Sword of Summer.

The interior design is divine and truly plays up the art deco style that the 1920s were known for. Page headers and footers, brief illustrations, and font all hold true to the style. This furthers the reading experience and really sets the mood.

It has been a great edition to my bookcase's Harry Potter shelf.

Gemina (Illuminae Files 02) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Title: Gemina
Author: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Illustrator: Marie Lu
Page Count: 659
Rating: A+++
Keywords: Non Traditional, Adventure, Survival, Space, Multiverse Theory, SPACE SNAKES
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Younger Readers: Curse words are blacked out. Sexual references are present though activity between present characters does not go past kissing. Sexual song lyrics. Drug use. Murder. Violence.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.

The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.

Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy's most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.

When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station's wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.

But relax. They've totally got this. They hope.

Once again told through a compelling dossier of emails, IMs, classified files, transcripts, and schematics, Gemina raises the stakes of the Illuminae Files, hurling readers into an enthralling new story that will leave them breathless.

My Review:

The Illumae Files is by far one of the best series I have ever read. It is innovative, unique, and completely enthralling. If you haven't yet, check out my review for Illuminae (book one in the series) here.

First off, this series is gorgeous. And while the covers are truly unique and beautiful, it is far more than just this. The design of the interior sounds odd at first. A science fiction story told through sporadic journal entries, instant messages, computer transcripts, and video surveillance should be difficult to follow. Perhaps even boring. Or so I thought. It is truly enchanting and forces the reader into the story so much more than I have ever experienced with a traditional novel, play, or script. You'll be so enthralled that you will hardly notice having to turn the book upside down, sideways, and back right side up during the reading experience.

Okay into the actual story. I have been in a bit of a reading slump for the past month and needed something to recharge my love for reading. This did the trick.

For the first 100 pages I found myself truly missing Kady and Ezra from the first Illuminae Files book. I just could not connect myself to the new cast of characters or ship. Some other reviews I have read for the book had similar issues, rating this one lower simply because they missed the first book.

After the first 100 pages there is no turning back. The action picks up considerably and we begin to see more of the complexities of each character. I will admit each has their off-putting aspects when you first meet them but this does wear off until they are just as endearing as the cast from book one. The heroes constantly have you at the edge of your seat, desperately waiting to see if they make it or not while the villains have you gritting your teeth, fuming. I enjoy a clear cut bad guy. Falk will be your go to character to hate.

Hanna is different from Kady in many aspects, but they are still both very strong and rebellious female protagonists. When we are first introduced to the tall, thin, blonde commander's daughter she seems like the stereotypical spoiled rich girl. As we move through the book she is shown to be compassionate, far wiser than expected, and very strong. Hanna is no damsel in distress, but she is allowed to have emotions and they make her even stronger. If you like a kickass heroine, she's your girl.

Initially, I would have picked Jackson as Ezra's mirror in this book. However, he ends up being more of a secondary character. Our other primary characters that we interact with are Nik and his cousin Ella. I never expected to actually enjoy reading about a cartel family. They are funny, endearing, and have strict moral codes concerning honor and family. If you're into bad boys with tattoos and sweetheart demeanors, Nik is your guy. If you enjoy oddball characters with foul mouths, snarky humor, extreme sarcasm, and incredible hacking skills you'll adore Ella.

Mystery is still a major part of this installment. It was clearly planned out amazingly, small hints sprinkled throughout but not so obvious that they are hitting you in the face. Everything stays just perfectly vague the entire time so that you are maddeningly confused and desperate for answers. Then when everything is revealed? Absolutely beautiful and so satisfying.

The outright horror aspects that we saw in the first book were not quite as strong in this second installment. This one is more creepy and mysterious than outright scary. I did not have any nightmares but it was still a fun ride that gave me the heebie jeebies.

Sometimes when you're reading a book you can clearly imagine the author chuckling to themselves as they write, knowing their words are going to rip out your heart and destroy you emotionally. Think George R. R. Martin. There were definitely a few of those moments in this book. I was crying, angry, devastated, laughing, and completely lost in short succession. This was especially true towards the last quarter of the book. Pretty sure my family thought I was losing my mind #feels

Getting into this story and this book series is not a problem at all. It actively engages the reader to the point you are literally flipping the book around at all angles, following the script as it flows beautifully and non traditionally over the page. You'll love and hate characters with a passion and never know just where the tale will end up.

I am not a science fiction fan traditionally and yet I still absolutely adore this series. There is science and the limited nature of space as a setting. However, I do not feel critical of either of these the way I normally would when reading sci-fi.

Whether you are an avid reader or more reluctant, this is a great series to pick up. It is easy going and fast paced. Often described as "genre breaking" it will undoubtedly appeal to a broad audience. Dark subject matter is countered by witty humor and constant sarcasm. While it is technically a young adult novel it is great for older readers as well, avoiding many of the genre's typical annoyances for many readers.

I highly recommend checking out this series!

Just one more year until I can get my hands on book three. *dramatic sigh*

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Title: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II
Author: Jack Thorne (and J.K. Rowling and John Tiffany)
Page Count: 308
Rating: C
Keywords: Magic, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Parent-Child Relationships, Fate, Prophecy
Genre: Screenplay
Younger Readers: I do not recall any profound usage of adult language, content, or substance abuse.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

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

My Review:

I am so torn about this play! Still sick, I finally caved and picked it up to read between stacks of readings for homework. My feelings fluctuated between extreme disappointment and actual enjoyment. I'll do my best to explain this.

I am not a person that typically enjoys reading plays/screenplays. Typically I will only read them for school, such as copious amounts of Shakespeare in high school and then Ibsen as an undergrad. Usually I could see the merit of the stories but I was just never able to get into reading them. Then my only experience watching plays is when a friend happened to be in one at school and asked me to come along to watch, clearly producing biased results. In short, plays are not really my thing.

Part One was my biggest issue. Recently I watched the Netflix revival of Gilmore Girls and was somewhat heartbroken to see my favorite characters acting in ways I never would have expected nor could I condone. This heartbreak was repeated for me in watching the actions of Harry during the first part of the play. He struggled with the issues of his childhood and the constant danger filled tasks of the original series as a teen. Now that he is a husband and father, these issues have not disappeared and he repeatedly takes them out on his son. The scene where he tells Albus that he wishes he wasn't his son? I actually found myself repulsed by my beloved Harry Potter of my own childhood.

Then there was just a lack of connection with the other characters as I continued reading. It was just off, as if they were outlines of their original forms in the seven books. Their children and the interactions with them are forced. I seriously considered stopping reading, but something kept bothering me every time I went to put the book down. Curiosity got the best of me.

Part Two redeemed the screenplay for me. It was far more reminiscent of the original series in style and character actions. I found myself smiling while I was reading, flipping pages faster and faster to see what would happen next. Ron, Harry, and Hermione were all present. Watching them work together gave a stronger feel of the golden trio we had in the original series. I loved this part, when it moved away from the kids.

No spoilers, but the character Delphi was just strange. Once you finish reading the play it will make sense why she was around. However, while I was reading she felt like she was just added in at random moments and did not quite fit.

It wrapped up nicely. There were no cliffhangers and I felt a great sense of closure. What needed to happen did, along with quite a bit of unnecessary shenanigans. Characters that needed to, redeemed themselves thoroughly. It was a fun peek into the next generation.

If you are or were a Harry Potter fan growing up then I would say go ahead and pick it up. It is not a completely necessary read for the series but it was entertaining enough. As a 308 page screenplay, it won't take more than a couple of hours of reading to get through. Emotions are tested in this one, from frustration in the beginning to sadness by the end. Enjoy the rollercoaster.

Slight Spoiler Section:

1) Before reading this I had read quite a few posts on Twitter and memes on Pinterest of readers wholeheartedly shipping Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy. Initially, I did not understand the mania with which people shipped the two boys.

For the first 75% of this play I can absolutely see what people were referring to. The potential for a relationship between the two boys seems like something that could or would naturally occur as they grew older, maybe just not realized fully yet. I was surprised since these ships usually seem like a bit of stretch.

At the very end, when it is revealed that Scorpius wants to go out with Rose, Hermione and Ron's daughter, it feels strained. This definitely was not what I was expecting.

2) We get to see Snape again! This made me unbelievably happy and he was just as noble as one would expect.

3) There is no denying that Ron and Hermione just aren't right when they don't end up together.

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Title: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard- The Sword of Summer
Author: Rick Riordan
Page Count: 491
Rating: A
Keywords: Norse Mythology, Wolves, Asgard, Valkyrie, Adventure, Quest
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Younger Readers: As with most of Riordan's book this one is fine for kids. No cursing or sex scenes. Some mention of alcohol but not a main point.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .

My Review:

I have been sick in bed for about two weeks now. That combined with a massive amount of school work due to midterms and approaching finals made me want something a little lighter than what I had been reading. Rick Riordan seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

This was everything I had hoped for and more. Taking a peek into the world of Norse mythology was a fun adventure and Riordan's writing introduced the convoluted stories in an easy to follow way that I think children and adults alike will enjoy.

Magnus is a strong character, but not in the traditional sense of muscles and brute strength. His other skills are what make him powerful. Slowly discovering this, that a hero does not have to be a traditional warrior, was a fun twist on the normal male led adventure story. Those looking for alternatives to this traditional trope will enjoy his companions, Blitz and Hearth, as well.

Sam is an amazing character! She certainly breaks norms. As a Muslim Iraqi girl who possesses a magical hijab and is facing an arranged marriage (that she actually wants), she was fascinating and serves as a good lesson in diversity to younger readers. Her strength and dedication with dashes of humor added in make her a fun and extremely likable character.

Of his various middle grade books this may very well be my favorite cover. The colors work nicely and the design is gorgeous. Adding this to my ever-growing book collection was a great delight.

As always with Rick Riordan's works, I recommend this one wholeheartedly. Working with students previously, especially reluctant readers, I can say his various mythology based series are a great choice for younger readers. Students are able to gain a fairly thorough understanding of myths without a lot of the dense words that accompany such tomes as Edith Hamilton's classic Mythology. Diverse characters also give a wider range of readers aspects to connect with.

Parents reading with their children or just adults looking for a fun read will not be disappointed with Riordan's witty writing and fun tales either. I especially enjoyed that Magnus, at 16, is a bit older than some of his previous characters.