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I was never more excited to read a new book to a series as I was for this newest edition to the Harry Potter saga. I am not going to lie, but admit that after having read all the earlier books in this series and an overall Harry Potter fan, I was anxiously awaiting this one for some time now.
Halloween 2004 found our costumes inspired by my love of the Harry Potter books…
So when I finally got my copy of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, I literally devoured it in less than one day. and as far as the play version of the 8th book in this famous series didn’t disappoint and I absolutely loved it.
Although, I shortened my review on Goodreads, because I actually wanted to elaborate more on here on my blog,
I must say that after I wrote my own shortened review I finally looked at what others had to say about this highly acclaimed and touted (and much anticipated) new addition to the long standing saga.
See I didn’t want to look as I didn’t want anyone’s review to spoil or taint my thoughts until after I read this book and also wanted to also have time to process my own reading of this book, too.
What I gathered from skimming others reviews was many either loved this new book or hated it.
Well, for the sheer fact that I couldn’t put this book down and tore through it in roughly four hours time in one evening after my kids went to bed, I have to give it 5 stars and am one of those who loved Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, which finds hero Harry Potter all grown up, married to his best friend, Ron Weasley’s little sister, Ginny. The couple has three kids with the youngest, Albus Severus (named after both the legendary Harry Potter characters, Dumbledore and Snape) being the focus of this new edition.
Then, add in that this newest release wasn’t just merely a book to showcase a “Where are they now”, but had all the feels of the original Harry Potter stories, plus added much needed new life into the original book series by having actually Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy’s young sons’ friendship as a new layer to their once troubled and tumultuous past rivalry. I mean who would have thought a Potter and a Malfoy could be friends and also be a friendship that as a longtime Harry Potter one to root for. But this friendship actually was just that!
I also would be remiss in not sharing how this book largely revolves around traveling back in time with the help of a “Time-Turner” to an earlier Harry Potter book occurrence with the Triwizard Tournament originally told in the Harry Potter Goblet of Fire or Book 5., which also brought back all the nostalgic feels and than some.
Have to admit I also loved the time travel and how we were treated to some very interesting “What if’s” had things turned out differently during these original tournament games, especially the alternate realities that we were given to as a result, including a very much alive Snape and Voldemort never being defeated and ruling Hogwarts and the magic world with an iron fist.
Also, having been a huge Back to the Future movie fan, I couldn’t help, but enjoy this just that much more as it totally was reminiscent of that classic movie and how time traveling could have dire consequences if left in the hands of the wrong person.
However, without giving away anymore than this as I truly don’t want to spoil for anyone who has yet to read The Cursed Child will say that not only was the latest storyline filled with tons of fun, Harry Potter-like action, but the ending truly was a pure delight.
Also on a side note, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the newest story being told as mentioned earlier as a play and not in the traditional J.K. Rowling novel style as the other seven in this past series were told, but actually thoroughly enjoyed reading it as a play believe it or not reminding me of some of my own school day play favorites, such as Our Town by Thornton Wilder or Death of A Salesman by Arthur Miller.
But just as the original Harry Potter novels and the both aforementioned plays, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a force to be reckoned with, timeless and simply legendary.
Have you read any of the Harry Potter books?
Do you plan on reading Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?
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Meredith says
I haven’t read Harry Potter (horrible, I know!), but some of my friends are hard-core fans–will pass this along! I love that you read so much, Janine!
Janine says
I am shocked and so would have thought you had read this series, because you read just as much as me. But am glad you can pass onto your Harry Potter loving friends still 🙂
Seana Turner says
Read all of the books a couple of times and I’ve been waiting to hear someone review this one. Guess I’ll be heading out to grab it next – thanks Janine!
Janine says
My pleasure and seriously think you are going to enjoy if you have read all the others multiple times. Can’t wait to hear what you do think when you read it now, too 🙂
Tamara says
I have it all packed in my carry-on for some airport/plane reading. Can’t wait! XOXO!
Janine says
Absolutely the perfect read on a flight, especially to Alaska! Enjoy and seriously so excited for you now 🙂 xoxo
Dara says
I haven’t decided whether or not to read it, but your review makes me think I should! I love time travel stories!
Janine says
Dara, I really do think you will love it and time travel is definitely huge part of this book’s story 🙂
William Holland says
I’m glad you enjoyed the new book. I hate to admit it, but I read the very first one and almost gagged. LOL Now I fully understand that I have a deficiency in taste and character, so it’s nobody’s fault but mine. Like I said, I’m glad you enjoyed the latest. Have a great Wednesday, Janine!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Bill and I just took to this series way back when and honestly still one of my favorites. Wishing you a great Wednesday once again, too 🙂
Jen says
I haven’t even bought it yet, how lame is that! But I want to, really bad. Especially after your review. Soon. I promise. and I can’t wait!
Janine says
I can’t wait for you to buy it and read, too hopefully soon!! 🙂
Cynthia says
Can’t wait to read this!
Back to work for me…I’ll have to settle when I have some long weekend stretches of time. Hehe.
Thanks for sharing and really looking forward to reading and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Janine says
Aw, Cyndi, I truly hope you get to read soon, but totally understand about teaching schedules at the beginning of the year. Still remember how crazy that time of the year was even so many years since teaching. Hugs again and wishing you a wonderful day, as well now!! <3
Diane Roark says
Janine,
I think I am the only one on the planet who has not gotten into Harry Potter. You make it sound so exciting. I did enjoy your review. You have always been a great writer. I bet one day you could write your own fiction stories.
This summer has been worst than usual with traveling. Taking my kids all over the country for different reasons besides vacation although we did go to Alaska this summer. We just got home yesterday again. We made a fast trip to seeing my aunt who is on hospice. I am hoping I will have a chance to catch up with all my blogging friends now.
Many blessings,
Diane
Janine says
You aren’t the only one, Diane and trust me I know a few who also haven’t read. I hear you on the summer months and blogging. We have 3 more weeks here before school starts up and trying to slowly get myself back, as well to catch up with you and other blogger friends, too. Hugs and just so glad to know this summer it wasn’t just me though 😉
Nellie says
What a great review! Can you believe I haven’t read any but I’ve seen a few of the movies so I appreciate the magic! 🙂
Janine says
Love the movies too and very much enjoy the magical aspect, too Nellie!! 🙂
Allie says
Would you believe that I haven’t read one Harry Potter book? And I own them all. Hunter was NOT interested. So I saved them for Cammy. But in the meantime, Audrey has taken the plunge. She’s loving the books.
Janine says
Aw, good for Audrey and so happy she is enjoying them. I get just taking to these books and hoping that at least one of my own girls will too in the future now, as well 🙂
Kristen says
I have seen all the movies but never read a book – can you believe that? You inspired me!!
Janine says
Aw, so happy I inspired you and hope you can read the books soon as if you loved the movies think you will adore the books, as well 😉
Aunt Gloria says
Glad to hear the new Harry Potter book is a winner! I haven’t read them but did get to see most of the movies. I am amazed you manage to read as much as you do. That’s great! Lots of love……
Janine says
Aw, thanks Aunt Gloria and honestly just love to read always!! 🙂
ShootingStarsMag says
I grew up with Harry Potter so anything HP has me excited. I went to a midnight party for Cursed Child, because I HAD to relive those days. I loved the book. The play format doesn’t bother me because I love reading plays and have for years now. I can see how it might throw some people off though. But for the actual story, I really loved it too. It does seem like a love/hate book for most people. haha
-Lauren
Janine says
Jealous about the midnight party and did a few of those before my kids, but still love that you, too were on the love side of this book, as well 🙂
Bev says
Somehow I missed initially that there was a new Harry Potter book coming out, but Sam and I were in a bookstore and saw it was coming out a few days later and pre-ordered it. Sam, who reads far less frequently than I, read it in about a day. I still have yet to read it! I don’t know why I think I’m just trying to hold on to the magic a little longer, but I do want to read it soon .
Janine says
Hope you get to read soon and may have to re-read as I am with you on savoring the magic of this series still 🙂
ArtStudioPT says
yepp… the books are great… read all the others and after reading this… ihave to go buy this one now:p great job:)
Make us a visit:)
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Janine says
Hope you can get you copy soon and enjoy, too!! 🙂
Elmer Anderson says
I’m a Potterhead but after reading some bad reviews about it, I decided not to buy it. You just changed my mind!
Janine says
So happy I changed your mind and truly think you will enjoy from one Pottered to another 🙂
Chris Carter says
I am SO GLAD to read your review, Janine!! I heard it was a bust, so I didn’t get it for my HARRY POTTER FANS over here… now I will, thanks to your applause!
I’m so grateful you shared this, my friend. You completely changed my mind and now I can’t WAIT to go buy it for my kids! 🙂
Janine says
Aw, you made me smile more than you know and glad I helped change your mind and hope your kids enjoy as much as I did. Hugs again and also again thanks for sharing, too 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
I’ve read all of them but not yet this latest one. I’ve been wondering when the right time to read them to Tucker is. I feel like maybe it’s now…
Janine says
I can’t wait for my girls to read them and hope that it will be soon here, as well now 🙂
Nina says
oooh! You made me extra excited to read it!
Janine says
Aw, so glad I did, Nina and hope you enjoy when you read it now!! 🙂
Leslie says
I’ve been wanting to read the new story, but was hesitant for some reason. Thanks so much for your review. Now I’m looking forward to picking it up!
Janine says
Aw, hope you pick it up soon and enjoy as much as I did 🙂
Dana says
I have not read any of the Harry Potter books! I just never got into them, although maybe some day I’ll give them a shot. Glad this newest one lived up to your expectations – it’s disappointing when a favorite author writes a book that falls flat.
Janine says
I agree and have had a few fall short over the years, but truly glad that this one lived up to the hype 🙂
Augustus says
I am yet to read, but I intend reading. It takes some time (6 months or more), before new books hit library and other store shelf in my side of the world. So all I can do is wait.
Janine says
Understandable and hope your library gets it soon now.