Review- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling

 BOOK SUMMARY:

The Eighth Story. Nineteen Years Later.

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. 

Release date: July 31st 2016

Published by: Arthur A. Levine Books

Page numbers: 328

REVIEW: 

Well, to have never reviewed a single Harry Potter book simply because it's impossible to put feelings into words, and then to plan on writing a review for a book that has mixed reviews, is quite a task. There is no denying the fact that J.K. Rowling is a magician because her magical words and world made us feel belonged. But like Dumbledore once said, "magic creates more problems than it cures"; then again, magic works and perhaps that's what matters. 

Before reading: 31st July, 2016 was the most epic day in magical history as the day marked the release of the new 19 years later Harry Potter book, which coincided with the birthdays of our goddess and our hero. I was so overwhelmed that a new Harry Potter book was coming out, and I couldn't contain my excitement. I could not wait for my preorder to arrive and dive back into the world that made me fall in love with reading. 

While reading: Nostalgia is mad, but it's also adorable because it brings tears to your eyes and a smile to your face. That's exactly what happened with me while reading the book, but the very many glitches and potholes had me question the existence of it, because I, for one, was satisfied with the way Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ended. Nonetheless, going back to and adventuring with my first ever fictional and (let's be real) real friends was the most incredible feeling ever. 

After reading: The books that make me smile once I shut them are the ones that stay with me forever, and no matter what happened while reading, I smiled after reading, and in the end, that is what matters. While I did want the adventure to end, I did not want the story to end; I wanted to know more about my friends because I had no idea it would be so magical to meet them again. All negative points aside, this book was actually quite nice. 

Now that the stages are done, let's get onto the actual book. 

Plot: We all know that all was well, and most of us were happy with it. But when there was something new coming our way, we couldn't help feeling exhilarated and excited. Plot wise, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was very interesting because it retained magic as we first knew it, but it also had plenty of new stuff to learn and understand. There were many tiny errors which could lead to major confusion, but in the end, all was well. 

Writing: Being a student of literature, I have learned to appreciate various forms of writing over the years. So whether Harry Potter comes back in the form of a novel, a play or even a poem, it does not matter to me; because it is the content that does everything. I was just happy that Harry Potter was back. Also, it's interesting to know that while reading plays, it's important to understand what's not written rather than what is. The writing seemed rushed, but it was quite great. 

Characters: I cannot even begin to tell you how happy I was to meet Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Draco again. While the story wasn't really about them, they were a major part of it and they rocked. Albus Severus Potter wasn't too bad, but it was Scorpius Malfoy who stole my heart, just like his father once had. It was like meeting your friends after a long, long time but realising that nothing has changed. I mean, these guys are my life! 

Overall verdict: I was very apprehensive to write this review, but I had to do it; to gather my own thoughts, if nothing else. I honestly couldn't care less how they come back, but so long as Harry Potter and his gang come back, I will read the book(s) and end up loving them. Always. 

Buy the book: AMAZON/ FLIPKART

My Dream Store X Harry Potter Fan Fest (India) Haul!

Hi, everyone! It's been a long time since I posted something different on the blog; and this seems to be the perfect time to step out of books but still be within books, as I have something very exciting and interesting to share.

Sometime last month, My Dream Store (MDS), a popular site where you get various accessories and clothing of popular books, movies and TV serial references, came up with this brilliant idea of Harry Potter Fan Fest (HPFF). Now in general, it is difficult for Indians to lay their hands on high quality merchandise of something they love. So this was the perfect opportunity for the many Potterheads in the country to splurge on exquisite pieces. I, for one, was very excited for this and I wasn't disappointed by the rather great collection and efficient delivery of my purchases.

A few days ago, I posted a photo on my Instagram with all the items I bought during the fest, with the promise of a detailed post, as well. In this post, I am going to talk about the items I purchased, a short review of them and just my entire experience shopping with My Dream Store.

Now before buying items from the Harry Potter Fan Fest, I had initially purchased a sweatshirt from My Dream Store. The surprisingly comfortable and adorable sweatshirt has the ever famous quote "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good'" written across the front with footprints and the scar surrounding it. I love love love this sweatshirt so much.

Aside from this, however, I do have clothing items that depict something Harry Potter. So clothing wasn't on my list of things to buy from the HPFF, although they had a great collection!

When I saw that MDS had the Elder Wand on sale, I had to buy it! There was no way I wasn't going to add the wand that makes one the master of Death in my shopping cart. When it finally got to me, the wand came nestled in a beautiful yellow silk material sitting in a box covered with a picture of Harry on one side and that of the battle between him and Lord Voldemort on the other. Even though the wand is the star here, I cannot stop myself from admiring the amazing outer package as well. 

The wand in itself is rather light and honestly, I wish I could cast spells with it. But we'll just leave that to my imagination. Besides, I know I'm a witch on the inside, so the wand will work when I want it to. *winks* Overall, with the pricing that I have seen for wands on other sites, this was totally worth it because it's wonderful.

Now when it comes to t-shirts, phone covers, laptop cases, posters and mugs, MDS basically had the same designs available on various things in different colours, so I shortlisted what I wanted the most and settled on two products that I'm so happy with.

The first is a red and white mug with 9 3/4 on it. I don't suppose I'll drink my beverages from this mug or even use it to put something in it, because it's so good, but I can totally see myself using it as a prop in my bookish photos and putting it on my Harry Potter bookshelf to make it look more gorgeous than it already is. When I first got the mug, I thought "dang! I could've got this printed on my own," as it seemed rather basic to me. But then again, I am way too lazy to get that done, so I'm glad I ordered it off of the website. Besides, if I can't catch the Hogwarts Express, I'll always have my mug to look at.

The second item was a cover for my phone. It's almost like a deep electric blue colour (my horrible photography doesn't do any justice to the vibrancy of it) with many, many spells from our beloved series written on it in black and oh my God! I love this cover so so much. It's so cool and it fits my phone perfectly. There's really not much else I can think of saying about a phone cover, expect for the fact that it's super duper cool.

Now if you know me, you'll know that I wouldn't leave a store without looking at the jewellery they have and the same was the case here. I already have the Deathly Hallows pendant and a snitch charm, so I was looking for something different when I stumbled upon the philosopher's stone locket.

I faced a major problem with this particular item from my order because they sent me the wrong product, and when they replaced it, the courier service was almost about to break my heart by telling me that the package was lost, when I finally received it. I must say that the customer service of MDS was very efficient and helpful throughout.

I am not a 100% impressed with the gold chain of the locket because it seems rather thin and like it would break if I pulled it too much, but I could always replace the chain. The locket itself is gorgeous and so sparkly and lovely and just perfect. About an inch and a half in height, the locket shines like a diamond and I can't wait to wear it around.

So that was all that I got during the HPFF hosted by MDS and everything about this was so good; from the idea of it to the service and final products. I sure hope they have more Harry Potter related events with different products in the near future.

Did you buy anything during the Harry Potter Fan Fest by My Dream Store? If yes, what all did you get? What are your thoughts on my products? Let me know in the comments below.

Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! Have a great weekend, y'all!

Fan art #6

Hi guys! It's been a long time since I posted some fan art. There was actually supposed to be another post for today, but I'm bored, tired and simply way too sleepy to make something that requires my brain to work, so I've decided to put up a drawing instead. This time, it isn't great at all. I know it. You will see it. It was done way back in 2006 when I was in school! 

So this, my friends, is what I like to call the Harry Potter mix. It has a bit of everything from every cover of the first six books. It isn't so nice, I know. I mean, look at Harry's hand and the wolf. *bursts out laughing* But I must say that I love Dumbledore on this one. 

I hope you like it and have a good or night ahead, depending on where you are. Love!