Month: March 2018

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

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review9 Comments

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The Triwizard Tournament is to be held at Hogwarts. Only wizards who are over seventeen are allowed to enter – but that doesn’t stop Harry dreaming that he will win the competition. Then at Hallowe’en, when the Goblet of Fire makes its selection, Harry is amazed to find his name is one of those that the magical cup picks out. He will face death-defying tasks, dragons and Dark wizards, but with the help of his best friends, Ron and Hermione, he might just make it through – alive!

Wow, this book is so complicated, dark and incredible. Again, I loved it. It may have taken me 3 weeks to finally finish, but I still loved it.

So before we start, why did it take me so long?! Of course, I am really busy as usual. But also…this book has text half the size of the first 3! And I got so frustrated when I had to completely change my pace because of the font size.

 “It matters not what someone is born,”

Anyway, let’s get on to the book itself! The first thing I noticed is this one is completely different. There is a definite switch between the first 3 books and this darker one. But does that mean it’s my favourite? Well, that’s a real struggle to decide. I didn’t fall in love with this one as much as I did the third, and it didn’t quite capture my heart as much. However, I don’t think it’s not as good. I just love it in a completely different way.

I have to say, I adore how different every book is. We have Privet Drive, Hogwarts, then introduce Hogsmeade, different teachers, Quidditch, and now other magical schools and the Triwizard Tournament! There is so much depth to the magical world and I absolutely adore it!

“but what they grow to be.”

So I’ve never realised that books could mature, but these truly do. Harry changes, his thought processes develop, and the themes get so much darker! It’s so complicated but it’s awesome.

I’m definitely still loving this world. It might be changing but the development is something I love and admire. Now I’m off to carry on reading the Order of the Phoenix!

★★★★★

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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

On By Beth JonesIn Book Review3 Comments

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When the Knight Bus crashes through the darkness and screeches to a halt in front of him, it’s the start of another far from ordinary year at Hogwarts for Harry Potter. Sirius Black, escaped mass-murderer and follower of Lord Voldemort, is on the run – and they say he is coming after Harry. In his first ever Divination class, Professor Trelawney sees an omen of death in Harry’s tea leaves… But perhaps most terrifying of all are the Dementors patrolling the school grounds, with their soul-sucking kiss…

I loved this book! In fact, I think I’d say it’s my favourite HP book so far. I didn’t think the first or second books could be topped, but I actually preferred this one.

Why? Becuase I found this book the most character heavy so far and I loved that. Instead of the action being all about chasing and capturing and killing, it felt like more. It felt like emotions and connections between these beautiful characters.

“‘I’m not going to be murdered,’ Harry said out loud.”

But even though this book was very character heavy, I also loved the plot. J.K. Rowling has such skill in making you believe something is going to happen and then completely turning the tables. There were so many ‘ohhh’ moments in this book. So many realisations.

And to make it even better, there were funny moments too! As showed in this quote and many others, there are just chuckle-able moments throughout this gorgeous read. I’m so happy.

“‘That’s the spirit, dear,’ said his mirror sleepily.””

Again, I loved so much about these books. I also adored the further wizarding world and the visits to Hogsmeade.

So what can I say. These books and this world has still managed to completely capture my heart. I’m stuck in Hogwarts and loving it, still. And even though the next book is, um, 800 pages long and the text is half the size of the first 3, I still can’t wait to start it.

★★★★★

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

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Book Haul. #37

On By paperbackpeteIn Book Haul, PeteLeave a comment

Hi everyone!

I’m back after a busy few weeks!

Today’s blog post is about some books I have managed to pick up over the course of the past fortnight that I feel were a little different from the usual kind of stuff that I would go for.

The three books that I’m going to talk about are not apart of the YA genre or even remotely related. Even though I will always be a big fan of young adult it’s important, in order to grow as a reader, to branch out from the writing styles that you are most comfortable with!

Book 1- The Greeks by H.D.F Kitto

When I saw this book on a very pretty shelf in a fairly ugly charity shop in London I was instantly interested. Ancient Greece has always been a topic that intrigued me but due to sheer size of the area of study I always found it really difficult to access. ‘The Greeks’ is a light non fiction book that is both extensive and accessible. I’ve read a chapter on the tube so far and it is genuinely enjoyable. If any of you are interested in the Ancient Greeks, their way of life and the Gods they believed in I would definitely recommend this book.

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Book Two: La Chamade by Françoise Sagan

Admittedly this was a chance buy from a cool book shop I went to in Notting Hill (not the one from the film sadly).

The back of the book says:

‘Four people. A woman who has not known the passionate turmoil of love for ten years; and suddenly encounters the need for just such a love. A man with devotion enough to let her go. A younger man with desire enough to keep her too close. A woman who watches, tautly aware that impossible indifference must hide the hurt within her.’

Aside from this mysterious blurb I was also convinced by the fact that La Chamade is set in 60s Paris – a time I find to be massively interesting and massively romantic.

I haven’t read a word yet but it has done well on Goodreads which is always a good sign. If you are into French literature definitely give it a go!

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Book Three: The Outsider by Albert Camus

For all of you who know your classics, The Outsider is a literary essential.

This book was lent to me by a kind and very fancy friend who book-pushed it excitedly.

Also a French book, this short novel tells the story of a young bachelor living in Algeria. It is an exploration of man’s place in the universe and how it feels to be detached from society, how it feels to truly be an outsider in your own world.

I’ve only heard good things about this book and so on that basis, I would certainly recommend it to all of you.

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Thanks for reading this blog post. I hope, wherever you are, that you have a wonderful day.

Keep on reading!

And thanks again Beth.