Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling // Book Reviews

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As I’ve been rereading the Harry series, I’ve been reviewing it and it’s been so much fun! Today I’ve got a spoiler review for book Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince so we’re super close to the end. All the spoiler thoughts are at the end of the review so just in case you haven’t read this book yet, there is a WARNING before spoilers begin. If you want to know my thoughts on the series, I have a review for every book:

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (#1)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (#2)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (#3)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (#4)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (#5)

And now, let’s discuss this amazing novel!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Series: Harry Potter (#6)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: July 16th 2005 by Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages: 607
Source: Bought

It is the middle of the summer, but there is an unseasonal mist pressing against the windowpanes. Harry Potter is waiting nervously in his bedroom at the Dursleys’ house in Privet Drive for a visit from Professor Dumbledore himself. One of the last times he saw the Headmaster was in a fierce one-to-one duel with Lord Voldemort, and Harry can’t quite believe that Professor Dumbledore will actually appear at the Dursleys’ of all places. Why is the Professor coming to visit him now? What is it that cannot wait until Harry returns to Hogwarts in a few weeks’ time? Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts has already got off to an unusual start, as the worlds of Muggle and magic start to intertwine…

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PLOT

This is such an emotionally rich novel. The suspense was high and had me second guessing the intentions and goodness of characters. Who do I trust??

As always, the story was gripping, balanced with great humour and disheartening events. The irony of the Half-Blood Prince situation was very amusing in this reread and just knowing. (The liquid luck scene was pretty hilarious).

Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder // Book Reviews

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I’ve a short-ish review for Fire Study, book #3 in the fantasy Study series. It’s completely spoiler free for THIS book, but it may spoil you for previous books in the series. If you HAVE read those 2 novels, read on!

Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

Series: Study (#3)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: February 19th 2008 by MIRA
Pages: 441
Source: Borrowed

The apprenticeship is over—now the real test has begun.

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena’s unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena’s fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before…

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear.

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

This was a bit of a disappointing read. It dragged longer than previous books in the series. The action was a bit delayed and I couldn’t really follow what was happening.

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas // Book Reviews

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I have a big review for you today: Empire of Storms, book #5 of the Throne of Glass series. This is a spoiler free review for THIS book, but it will spoil you for previous books in the series. You have been warned. I have reviews for previous books in this series if you’re interested in my thoughts:

• The Assassin’s Blade (#0.1 – 0.5)
• Throne of Glass (#1) [COMING SOON]
• Crown of Midnight (#2)
• Heir of Fire (#3)
• Queen of Shadows (#4)

And now, let’s begin!

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass (#5)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: September 6th 2016 by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Pages: 693
Source: Borrowed

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don’t.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

In this breathtaking fifth installment of the New York Timesbestselling Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what—and who—to sacrifice if she’s to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart.

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

I’m conflicted about how I feel about this book because there were some really engaging parts, but then there were some aspects I can’t deny I hated. There are a lot of references to the happenings of the prequel novellas, The Assassin’s Blade, so I highly recommend reading them before tackling this one (also those stories are amazing). I wish there was more of a recap of what happened in the previous book, because it took me a while for understand what was happening and get into it. I have many thoughts. Some may be a bit unfair or blown out of proportion. It’s a bit of a negative review for a 3-star rating.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling // Book Reviews

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I’ve got another reread review for y’all today. It’s a spoiler free review for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, but you may be spoiled for previous books in the series. It’s a bit of a long review, but I hope you enjoy!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Series: Harry Potter (#5)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: 21 June 2003 by Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages: 766
Source: Bought

Harry Potter is due to start his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His best friends Ron and Hermione have been very secretive all summer and he is desperate to get back to school and find out what has been going on. However, what Harry discovers is far more devastating than he could ever have expected…

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PLOT

This book gets dark and the events that take place in this novel are disheartening. It was a huge emotional rollercoaster and there were so many feels. Despite Harry’s pretty down but dynamic mood throughout this book, I found it pretty humorous. I love that the school (like the fandom) has a mutual rage and agreement that Umbridge needs to go, and everything must be done to end her rampage at Hogwarts (even the staff riot). The sass, the pranks, making efforts to defy every new stupid decree Umbridge enforces.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling // Book Reviews

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I’ve been making some progress with my 2017 reread of the Harry Potter series and today, I have my review of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This review is mostly spoiler free with a spoiler section at the end if you want to know may feelings about the ending. Let’s begin!

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

Series: Harry Potter (#4)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: 8 July 2000 by Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages: 636
Source: Bought

The summer holidays are dragging on and Harry Potter can’t wait for the start of the school year. It is his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and there are spells to be learnt and (unluckily) Potions and Divination lessons to be attended. But Harry can’t know that the atmosphere is darkening around him, and his worst enemy is preparing a fate that it seems will be inescapable …With characteristic wit, fast-paced humour and marvellous emotional depth, J.K. Rowling has proved herself yet again to be a master story-teller.

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

As much as I love tournaments and dangerous competitions, I didn’t enjoy this instalment as much as the other books the FIRST-TIME round. This was my first reread of this book, I enjoyed it so much more this time.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling // Book Reviews

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Apparently, I have MANY thoughts the third book of the Harry Potter series. Short story: it’s great and the whole universe should read it. Long story: read ahead!

WARNING: this is mostly a spoiler free review but I do have a spoiler section at the end of the review. And NOW proceed!

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

Series: Harry Potter (#3)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: Date by publisher
Pages: 317
Source: Bought

Harry Potter, along with his best friends, Ron and Hermione, is about to start his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry can’t wait to get back to school after the summer holidays. (Who wouldn’t if they lived with the horrible Dursleys?) But when Harry gets to Hogwarts, the atmosphere is tense. There’s an escaped mass murderer on the loose, and the sinister prison guards of Azkaban have been called in to guard the school…

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

I remember being mildly confused the first time reading this book because TIME TRAVELLING!  My biggest problem (like many others) was with the time travelling plot holes. But the adventures with time are so fun and the book was phenomenal.

“Shh! Listen! Someone’s coming! I think — I think it might be us!”

#timetravellinglife

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling // Book Reviews

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This is a mostly spoiler free review of my rereading experience of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I do have a spoiler section at the very end of the review, but there will be a warning before that starts if you haven’t read the gloriousness of this book and somehow haven’t been spoiled (I’m totally not judging you people right now).  I will say this review is a complete blabbering mess but enjoy!

A little irrelevant sidenote: I’m still not completely back to my regular posting schedule but thanks for dealing with me so far.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Series: Harry Potter (#2)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: July 2nd 1998 by Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages: 251
Source: Bought

Ever since Harry Potter had come home for the summer, the Dursleys had been so mean and hideous that all Harry 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 who says that if Harry 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 and a spirit who haunts the girls’ bathroom. But then the real trouble begins — someone is 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!

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

As always, this book was so fun to read. I know a lot of people has this one as their least favourite of the series but I still love it. Surprisingly, I’ve reread this book more than any other in the series (young me absolutely LOVED flying cars – flying anything to be honest). It’s not my favourite out of the bunch but it was the only book I had and you know how it’s like. Sad? Harry Potter. Bored? Harry Potter. Frustrated with the world? Harry Potter. I don’t think any review can express how great these Harry Potter books are so, this is more of a mess of emotions and thoughts I had reading this book.

THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE.

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas // Book Reviews

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I continue to share my thoughts on the Throne of Glass series so today I have a review for Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas. I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t find this book as enjoyable as their predecessors. But more of that below.

WARNING: the Goodreads synopsis has spoilers for all the previous books in the Throne of Glass series so don’t read ahead if you don’t want to get spoiled for the prequel and books #1 – 3. I recommend you reading them first them coming back so we can discuss, or if you’re unsure as to whether to read them and you want my thoughts, I have reviews:

• The Assassin’s Blade (#0.1-0.5)
• Throne of Glass (#1) [REVIEW COMING SOON]
• Crown of Midnight (#2)
• Heir of Fire (#3)

I was spoiled for this book from reading the synopsis so I don’t want you to have the same experience. There may be some minor spoilers for Queen of Shadows throughout the review depending on what you count as a spoiler. So, if you haven’t read it yet, read at your own discretion. I also have a spoiler section at the bottom of the review which will include ACTUAL plot spoiler thoughts.

I have MANY thoughts.

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass (#4)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: September 1st 2015 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Pages: 648
Source: Library

The queen has returned.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena’s epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

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PRE-READING THOUGHTS

• Dude this is going to take a long time to finish
• From the title, I’m predicting a rise to power for Celaena (I will never be able to call her Aelin)
• Also hoping that she will showcase her powers and it’ll be absolutely brutal
• Dreading the assumed romance that is suggested to begin soon between Aelin and Rowan

Now onto my actual reading experience…

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling // Book Reviews

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Today I’ve got a reread review of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. This is going to be a spoiler free review just case there is someone out there who hasn’t read them yet and still needs convincing. Let’s begin!

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Series: Harry Potter (#1)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: June 26th 1997 by Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages: 223
Source: Bought

Harry Potter’s life is miserable. His parents are dead and he’s stuck with his heartless relatives, who force him to live in a tiny closet under the stairs. But his fortune changes when he receives a letter that tells him the truth about himself: he’s a wizard. A mysterious visitor rescues him from his relatives and takes him to his new home, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

After a lifetime of bottling up his magical powers, Harry finally feels like a normal kid. But even within the Wizarding community, he is special. He is the boy who lived: the only person to have ever survived a killing curse inflicted by the evil Lord Voldemort, who launched a brutal takeover of the Wizarding world, only to vanish after failing to kill Harry.

Though Harry’s first year at Hogwarts is the best of his life, not everything is perfect. There is a dangerous secret object hidden within the castle walls, and Harry believes it’s his responsibility to prevent it from falling into evil hands. But doing so will bring him into contact with forces more terrifying than he ever could have imagined.

Full of sympathetic characters, wildly imaginative situations, and countless exciting details, the first installment in the series assembles an unforgettable magical world and sets the stage for many high-stakes adventures to come.

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

I can’t even begin to express my love for this book, this series and the world in general. No review of my creation can comprehend its greatness but I’m still going to try. Also my infatuation with this series makes it difficult for me to recognise its flaws. The thing with this book is that every aspect is done so well that it’s difficult to pick out a stand out. The plot, the world, the characters are all so great and I think the weaving of it all is what made the reading experience so wonderful.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas // Book Reviews

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I’ve got a very, very long spoilerish review for Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses. This means that the review has very minor spoilers scattered throughout and and spoiler section at the end. So if you haven’t read this book, I think it’s okay to read most of the review. Just skip the last section.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (#1)
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Publication: May 5th 2015 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Pages: 416
Source: Borrowed

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed the concept of this world and different courts that Sarah J. Maas has created. However, a lot of the events were way too unrealistically easy. I wanted to enjoy it but I just couldn’t fully.