After enjoying Hunt the Moon so much, this one was a bit of a letdown. Most of what worked so well for the fifth was absent. We get little of Pritk3.5
After enjoying Hunt the Moon so much, this one was a bit of a letdown. Most of what worked so well for the fifth was absent. We get little of Pritkin and little of Mircea, who were not only included a lot in the sequel, but who also left a lot of unanswered questions that I'd hoped would progress with this one. Unfortunately the questions weren’t really answered, they still exist and were shelved for the next book coming instead. Egads, frustration! I was so eager to see some progression finally with her personal life after the other teasers but we will have to wait for that.
Another thing that irked me was the ending. It was a cliffhanger type. Not a horrible cheesy kind, but on the brink of the next adventure to come. The ending almost killed me, then gave redemption/hope, although I’m hoping that this plot point is wrapped up quickly in the seventh book. We have already gone back in time once to see this person in a different light and unaware of the present, and we have finally in the present progressed so much with them, that the promise that next book we are again going back to where they are unaware and not knowing what’s going on with all the work undone is frustrating. If the author speeds through that it will work well; if not, it may make the next book disappointing. We shall see.
Mircea is frustrating because he’s hardly seen except for a certain scene, and there’s so much that seems hidden there, not just with him but the Vampire Council in general. It’s suspicious and I’m surprised Cassie isn’t wondering about it more than she is. I’m curious what’s really going on and what will end up happening. I don’t trust it. These suspicions already existed in the other book too, so to not have any progress at all in this one with that is troubling.
When Pritkin is finally seen, it’s awesome, especially their dialogue exchanges. Billy I love but he’s still not used much, and I can’t wait – and not sure if it will ever happen – that the author more fully explores Cassie’s powers with the spiritual world and how this will turn out. There’s a lot of unexplored possibilities there.
I like Cassie. She’s not the sharpest crayon in the box and I think some of her feelings towards the vamps being family is misguided, but she’s sweet, compassionate, figures things out as she goes, admits to being overwhelmed but doesn’t let that stop her, is independent but works well with other people. She could make better decisions sometimes but her dialogue works and I the humorous thoughts on her head during disasters and downtime.
The interactions with her parents was interesting and odd at the same time. It’s interesting how the author added that in and all the hidden surprises coming into more light from the last book. The meeting at the end before the decision with the mother was awesome. Fred is hilarious as the cowardly vampire. There’s a lot of potential with the witches that showed up too so no idea where that’s going. So many questions to be answered!
Fans of the series should read this one, and there are good scenes and moments, but ultimately it’s a filler. ...more
I was extremely excited to dig into this one after the massive ending of the second. As I wanted, it starts with Rachel and Algaliarept and their 'deaI was extremely excited to dig into this one after the massive ending of the second. As I wanted, it starts with Rachel and Algaliarept and their 'deal', which was a fascinating turnout. Setting the tone for the rest of the book was perfect. I was happy to get plenty of Al time, and thrown in with this was a new, intriguing character and back history.
In this book the pot is heating up about Ivy and Rachel's unconventional relationship, a new man in town who's wanting a piece of Cincinnati's pie, a new relationship forming that I have been wanting for several books now *yum*, and Rachel trying to get her life sorted out in the middle of all this. There's always a war erupting somewhere.
Character wise Nick is showing new sides and I found it very touching on Rachel's emotional struggles with all that. It holds a convincing realism that made me grow even closer to her as a character. Al has a lot of page time, which is excellent. Trent is here and in yummy form as he and Rachel are forced to work together again and have intriguing turnouts. Ivy is growing on me more and her relationship with Ivy definitely keeps me on my toes. We get to meet her father and sister and have a new character come into town to create minor irritants for Rachel. Ceri is an awesome addition and makes an impressive appearance and entrance.
Honestly the characters are so great in this series that you have to really think about it to even pick a top favorite out of the group.
Out of the first three books ( I love the first two ) this is my favorite of the beginning trilogy. It's incredible with emotions, actions, events, magic, fascination, betrayals, secrets uncovered - revealed - and hidden. The pacing and tension is strong, whether the scene is focusing on revelation and experience, or else outright action and eek moments.
As I've said before, the magic in this series is in-depth, inventive, and nifty. Harrison has a talent with characterization, dialogue, and slips humor in all the time without it feeling forced. It comes naturally with Rachel, but the book is also a serious one at the same time in a dark, gritty world.
The 'date' was fun and intense, and the beginning opens with such a strong bang that I'm both pleased and impressed that the book is able to follow it's lead without losing steam. Kim Harrison takes time to really dig deeper into existing relationships while there is no mystery this time, but still a lot at play and fascinating.
As with the other books, this one is not only incredible, it's even more so. The characters we love are here but even more so, and the additions of any new ones doesn't take away from the story at all or make it distracting. This one makes it easy to feel, read, and experience the magic The Hollows promises....more
This is the first of the series that I've rated less than five stars.
Kim Harrison has created a creatively structured world of supernaturals minglingThis is the first of the series that I've rated less than five stars.
Kim Harrison has created a creatively structured world of supernaturals mingling with humanity. The magic is believable and layered, the vampire culture is twisted and unique, and the battles have raged for centuries between supe groups. A Fistful of Charms loses me a little because it focuses on a new were group when Rachel has to leave town to rescue her ex, and while some of the occurrences with this were fascinating, other times it was almost dull. There is also NO Al or Trent in this book, no demons at all, very little Kisten, and the book focuses the inner relationship between her and Ivy big time, some Nick time, and plenty of Jenks times.
First, Rachel must make some major moral decisions and delves deeper into darker magic, which intrigued me to no end. Jenks has a major change and is finally back in the books to my relief. I don't want to spoil what happens with him but he plays a major part and in a good way. Ivy and Rachel keep exploring their options and issues and this actually makes interesting stuff, even if at this point it starts to lag a bit - Ivy's protective side comes out even further and made me like her more. I think this was a turning point in the series for me to grow more attached to the character.
Despite the diggings into the mains, there were some slow, introspective musings and the absence of some of the exciting 'bad guys' was noticed. The were stuff just wasn't that interesting and I found the focus a bit confusing. However, the story made up with this to be good with some intriguing drama, funny grocery store and bar scenes, two nifty transformations, and a juicy portrayal. I found the last page a bit cheesy, when usually the endings for this series are brilliant.
While not quite as good as the previous three, it's still a fun addition to the Hollows library. I especially like how Rachel finally digs further into her magical bag of tricks to pull out some powerful spells....more
Mwhahahahaha, finally - finally! - another vampire series that's not just good, but great. This cute and cozy mystery packs quite a whollop in it's shMwhahahahaha, finally - finally! - another vampire series that's not just good, but great. This cute and cozy mystery packs quite a whollop in it's short form, with a marvelously different story, genuinely warm characterization, and amusing injections.
Sookie is a delight to read about, as she's young and fiesty, holding a cute curiosity about the 'dark side', cursed with a bad reputation of being a freak. Weighed down by the small town's perception of her, she lives at home with her Grandmother and works at a local bar. Not your traditional heroine so far, it's even odder when she can read minds, but hates the ability as it only brings her trouble. Bill the vampire is the typical irresistible type, yet thankfully speaks in normal dialogue and not old-world fancy Vampire lingo. Eric the vampire appealed to me strongly, and I hope to see more of him in upcoming books. The same goes for Sam the bartender. You have to love series where you fall in love with all the main players :) There is also the introduction of a 'bodyguard' that's so over the top it's borderline ridiculous.
The two together form a cute pair, but not so cute to where it's obnoxious or too light to be taken seriously. Don't get me wrong - there's plenty of seriousness in this book. From murder to two terribly sad events, there's also the bizarre vampire groupings. It's not as bloody as The Anita Blake series, but it does have it's share of violence.
The mystery was a twisted one, but there are not many clues and traditional mystery footprints. The culprit did surprise me, but I was so engrossed with the rest of the story I didn't spare much mind to figure out the villain anyway. Will that put off routine mystery readers? Maybe. The story is involved with many sub-plots, the bulk of it romantic, with emphasis on dysfunctional family, Sookie's feelings of being different, obstacles from outside forces, and then the mystery of the murders. With a book only 260 pages long, that's a lot to cover, no part able to dominate the story's time by itself. Generally I prefer books where several things are happening at once, so it clicked with me.
On the romance side, it's not the sort of book where hero and heroine fall deeply in love and forget everything else as they set sail toward a sea of eternal bliss. They're plagued with chronic problems and hurdles to cross, internal doubts of the nature of their pairing, issues about the future they're choosing to ignore - for now - as they settle down to explore each other. The two match in a sweet way as the vampire searches for a home, weary from travel, and the telepath yearns for peace with someone whose mind she CAN'T read.
It's hard to think of negatives with this one, as it was so enjoyable. After it was over, I'm so determined to dive into the sequels I'm becoming obsessive. But to be objective here, even if it did have a dark tone, some may be turned off by the light and cute world. Sookie doesn't seem very consistent in her thoughts about sex and love, either. At slight times her southern way of speech gnawed a nerve, especially with the phrase, "He's gonna know I'm not normal." I don't know why, but reading 'gonna' usually pains me. Comparisons to Hamilton are inevitable, being that there are vampires considered legal, but I see plenty of changes here to make it stand as a completely different series and not another copycat.
If you can't already tell, I loved this story. Addictive characters gave a much-needed boost to a dying sub-genre that needs more exploration before it's buried. Paired with a clever mystery, the relationships are as addictive as the villains unveiling....more
The ardeur is amazingly annoying and, in my opinion, what led to the decline and ultimate death of this series. Sure, the books are still being made, The ardeur is amazingly annoying and, in my opinion, what led to the decline and ultimate death of this series. Sure, the books are still being made, but the original characters are so different, the story and themes are alien, the original series really is dead. This one steps a foot back in the right direction but still falters, including too much reliance on sexual play, too much melodrama, and the angst of the ardeur is a swift nail in the coffin....more
This was an excellent book in the series. I'm not a love triangle fan but the dynamics and situations in this book between Jean-Claude and Richard werThis was an excellent book in the series. I'm not a love triangle fan but the dynamics and situations in this book between Jean-Claude and Richard were both exciting and sad. Edward was a pure treat in all his scenes with Anita, I just loved it. Impossible to put down....more
The Hollows series has remained my favorite series for several years– it has everything I want in a conti
Warning – there are spoilers in this review.
The Hollows series has remained my favorite series for several years– it has everything I want in a continued world – darkness, humor, the supernatural done right, exciting plotlines that are focused on, amazing characterization, and addicting dialogue. Pretty much all my fangirl buttons are pushed. To say I was excited to read this book is an understatement. Just like last year, I made sure I had the day off from work to sit all day and read this the day of its release. Like last year, I ordered some sort of special food I’d been craving and hardly get to eat. I do nothing else but read and relax during a Hollows reading day, treating myself to the newest release of my favorite series.
The book is about 430 pages, and in its paper walls there is a lot of action (at first, and at the ending). The first part of the book is especially charming, opening up with a golf scene and the inevitable dating that comes with Trent and Rachel. The bowling scene was sweet, awesome, and a perfect first date. The fight scene which followed rocked with Rachel showing how many tricks she has developed up her sleeve under Al’s direction and her own study.
I dug how much Jenks was in the book, flittering around from scene to scene as a friend, partner, and relationship encourager. He teased with his typical raunchiness, provided some of the best lines of the story as usual - where would we be without Jenks? I was a bit bothered by a line he says to Rachel at the end about picking her new partner to watch her back, but I like to think he’s not being replaced, but sees changes coming. So many of his kids have grown and left, so there is a change of emptiness while reading those scenes. There’s still plenty of them flying around to provide pixie fun.
The main storyline with the goddess and mystics was intriguing and creatively done. I applaud Kim for her originality and how complexly layered the details. The scene with the 'summoning' and the bodies was simply creepy *shiver*. I do hope the goddess plot is done with and that the next book focuses on resolving its roots, but it was cool to have it in this one. I personally never had an issue with Rachel being a pure demon and a powerful one at that, so I do hope it’s not mellowed further by having to add more of the elven stuff into her. I always liked our itchy witch fine the way she was the other books – demon, witchy, independent.
David has been seen little in several books but makes a comeback here often. He has always been an enchanting character. We get to see Eden again, which is awesome. I always loved his father-figure, protective character.
Rachel finally says goodbye to a role that I feel she should say goodbye to. Letting go here makes sense and is how I figured it would happen.
Ivy is a focus in the story. In some of the previous books she has been around a little less, but here she’s present in the first half quite a bit. She also seems calmer and to be changing because of her relationship with Nina. There are still signs of the tough vampire we all know and love, but overall she has really started mellowing out. A change that’s been obviously coming is spelled out in this book. I did have an issue with how often Rachel kept mentally repeating why they can’t work and would work better apart, because really this isn’t true. They wouldn't work as a romantic relationship, but I always thought they always worked so well together as friends and partners. I’d like to think they always stay close and active in each other’s lives, helping each other when it’s needed. I don’t see why it keeps getting so clearly pointed out about them not working out romantically when that was resolved so many books ago.
The Undead Pool as its title and the beginning focusing on vampires made me think this installment would focus more on the fanged fiends and lead the way towards resolving a main plot element (Ivy) present from book one. Instead the vampires are there in mention sometimes, but it mainly focuses on the elves and their goddess. Eventually the vampire angle basically disappears besides brief mention to be overshadowed by all things elvish.
This is where I started to get bugged. It’s making it clear again that all things Elf are superior (I disagree, but the series has somehow become elf obsessed because of Trent) – their magic is now superior, they are superior, their cultures (never saw that from the other books, but since Trent is making the spotlight, it’s being focused on now.) For a book of this length, so much time is spent on the angst and buildup in Rachel’s head of her and Trent’s relationship.
For once the plot of the Hollows takes too much of a backseat to just have relationship speak. It becomes more of a paranormal romance when it’s always been a straight Urban Fantasy series. She repeatedly – and I mean, repeatedly – keeps mentioning the lines of Trent’s backside and body as he walks by. His smell is in every scene he’s in, mentioned often. And now that he is here, it seems almost everyone else is taking a backseat – either pushed out of the way entirely or replaced. I know things change, that’s to be expected, but I see no reason why her other relationships can’t still exist and keep evolving too. Just getting a man in her life should not replace all that and strip Rachel down to such a simplistic character.
Al, my favorite, is in a few scenes at the beginning, but never to be seen again until the end, where a heartbreaking scene makes it way for about two pages. I really hope this is resolved in the next book, and resolved well, otherwise I will feel haunted. To me one of the main aspects of the series has been Rachel finding out what she is and exploring that side, and evolving into the teacher/student/friend bond with Al. Through that she learns more about the demons.
His reaction at the end was harsh and I disliked the end wrap-up. I felt hollow afterwards and cheated. His reaction was based on fear, protection of self, and betrayal. I would have liked a different ending for the book but we shall wait and see for the next book what is resolved. I also thought the scene with another character at the very end was a bit silly.
I disliked the backset and again feel that since Trent is here, almost everyone else is seeming less important. I see no reason why that would happen. Rachel never fit that stereotype. She always had such an interesting, layered life. Seeing her bared down to Trent’s side raising his children and riding horses in fields never fit into the picture as all she is and all she can be. Cool if she does that too, but I like the excitement before that she kept around, other people she would relate to, outside interests that were her own. She was always independent.
At least we know what happens with Nick.
Newt was epic in this book. Her tea party scene was priceless and she gives good advice on the Trent situation. Her ending scene was focused on the elves a bit more as well, but she was severely needed in the book. Her advice was sage. I do keep wondering, with how wise she has always been and how true her words turn out, if her words during the tea scene about Rachel wanting to do something (avoiding spoilers) herself will come true in the future. I can’t see how the betrayal would happen as it doesn’t fit into character we know, but with all the foreshadowing perhaps one day it will. I really doubt Kim Harrison will end the series with a betrayal as she is just building up a relationship and has to tie the races together, so there wouldn’t be plausibility or time to have that happen. I guess it is something the reader is supposed to wonder about happening off-page in the future.
With only one book left, I worry about so much still needing wrapped up and solved. We have a major story with Ivy left to get fixed, the demon/elf thing, fixing of a relationship (I pray anyway!). These are all big things, but with Kim being such a talented author who has created such a brilliant series, I’m sure the last book will do everything well.
Overall there were issues I had with the book, but being a Hollows book of course I loved it too. I worry about some of the regulars seeming a little sanitized this time around and bothered by such a surprising series relying on a few predictable developments. I think a little magic has been dampered as a few relationships, especially the new ones, seem forced and a bit dull. Despite these issues it was another excellent story with a creative development, a major fighting battle where everyone shone in their roles, some wonderful scenes I will re-read often, and is an enjoyable book that is well on its way to wrapping up an epic world that will cause misery to me when it ends.
At least the Hollows can always be kept alive in the minds of fans and by re-reads. But still, thank God for another book next year :) ...more
Even though I didn’t wow and wed myself to the first book, it’s pages still filled my mind with a unique, chilling alternate world full of villains onEven though I didn’t wow and wed myself to the first book, it’s pages still filled my mind with a unique, chilling alternate world full of villains on every street corner. The ending was an especially powerful push to continue the series with a secretive change coming over the devilishly dark Arturo.
Unfortunately this somewhat sanitized sequel dampened the original’s spark. There’s a lot of emotional drama and the sexual tension doesn’t strike me as believable. Think of historical romances where they accidentally touch each other and lightning strikes. There was a scene in the middle where this especially annoyed me (pre-drink) where she gets uncontrollably turned on just by touching his back slightly in a room full of people. All of this was during a dangerous time where they’re not supposed to show any interest in each other. I mean, seriously – are you a mindless animal? The saving grace of this soon is it soon actually gets twisted and hot.
Pacing is slightly lackluster since much time is spent discussing consequences of the ‘big bad’ catching them and a massive villain fight, but that doesn’t even happen in this book. Thankfully the book gets better within the last 60 pages or so, but reading up to that point wasn’t an enjoyable as it should have been. Cliffhangers should be handled delicately, and this one’s TV season finale form was a turn off. The abrupt cut off is just strange and frustrating.
Arturo was a sexy, flawed guy in the original. Now in order to redeem him and make him more classically likeable, the author has stripped him of his mysterious nature, making him more generic to the masses. Now he resembles about every Tom, Dick and Harry out there in Paranormal Romance. He spends most of the book trying to prove himself to Quinn. At least in the first book, where he was half hero but half villain, I was kept on the edge of my seat. Quinn is likeable, although her obsessive caring about her brother is a bit hollow. Watching her discover and develop her newfound abilities intrigued me. I did adore the newcomer vampire friend.
The clichéd Paranormal Romance elements have been upped, and the tone is less dark. The werewolf scene was particularly brutal, though – mean, nasty, nasty creatures. I do totally dig the author’s invented world and the differences between Emoras and the rippers. Awesome imagination.
Overall this book disappointed me. It’s still a chilling, dark tale, but it’s less so than before and the stakes aren’t set as high. Sensual scenes are hot enough but the hero lacks as much of a mysterious aura and doesn’t deliver as much excitement. Besides ending on a big cliffhanger, this second book doesn’t even really propel the main story. ...more
I acquired this from a library book sale and intended to read it, even though it's way below my age level, and then donate it with other YA and childrI acquired this from a library book sale and intended to read it, even though it's way below my age level, and then donate it with other YA and children's books to the local library section where I live. Reading it now and trying to clear it off the shelf, I was surprised to find I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Written for a middle school age, it's cute, quirky, and has an interesting plot-line and characterization for that age group.
When Olivia moves to a small town, she discovers a long lost twin sister who ends up being part of the "goth" crowd. Into cheerleading and sunshine herself, the two start exchanging roles and tricking different crowds in order to get revenge, dates, and just see how far they can carry the roles. The twists were simple but charming, the writing style well done, and thankfully for the age group the writer avoids any melodrama. There are humorous changes with common slang to mean the opposite, a somewhat endearing bonding of sisters, and a lighthearted ending. ...more
So....ridiculously.....sad. The ending of this book packs a wallop of emotional punch. So....sad. The books won't be quite the same now (again, SO SAD So....ridiculously.....sad. The ending of this book packs a wallop of emotional punch. So....sad. The books won't be quite the same now (again, SO SAD.)
The way it went down, though? Brilliant, epic in scope.
All the three hunters have grown on me more. The assistance of two humans was a fun touch as they added to the storyline.
The twist turned my head around at the end, making me circle around previous assumptions that actually have turned out true. Red herring alert that was massacred. Such a brutal ending to bring this book to a darker level, as some of the others have been, but not all, making it a fantastic young adult book that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Such a bitter feeling with a certain turnout, especially considering how more bitter it is since the author slipped in a sweet chapter in the middle that gave false hope. Almost mean to do but this only emphasized the tragedy much more and was a brilliant, unusual move; I applaud.
Again intense in action, firm with pacing, characters hold up strong and become more likeable (in some cases before they meet tragic fates.) The world only continues to become more complex and layered.
Shan definitely has a talent with writing emotionally wrenching, tragic scenes. Ugh. Second time in a row with this series that I’ve sobbed as a child would. ...more
“Whoever had decided that school should start so early in the morning and last all day long needed to be hunted down and forced to watch hours of educ“Whoever had decided that school should start so early in the morning and last all day long needed to be hunted down and forced to watch hours of educational television without the aid of caffeine.”
I met this author at a movie convention and bought this book, had it signed, planned to read it soon…but then it sat on my shelves for years for some reason. That’s the story of my life with books.
The writing style is simple and humorous, which should be enjoyable for the middle school age. It was a little too simplified for my tastes, but the story was good enough to stay interesting. I would have liked a bit more complication, but again it’s middle school age, so that’s more forgivable under that circumstance.
Vlad is a hybrid who goes to school like any other normal child, but he soon finds out that he is being unfairly judged by a vampire council I wanted to strangle. There’s a few oddball characters where you’re not sure if they’re trustworthy or not, but all ended up okay on the last pages.
Basically a fun book with several cute moments, it works to be a quick read and nothing more. The series may develop more – I have a few other books to read in it – and I’ll continue to see if the plotline improves a bit as he gets older.
“When you have seen as much of life as I have, you will not underestimate the power of obsessive love.”
Here J.K. Rowling was getting me used to longe“When you have seen as much of life as I have, you will not underestimate the power of obsessive love.”
Here J.K. Rowling was getting me used to longer books, but for this one she trimmed off a few hundred pages. Honestly the story didn't contain as much in some ways as the previous two that were longer, so the page length fit it. It's that semi-awkward stage book where it's going to lead to the last big-bang fight and wrap-up, has to introduce new stuff for the story but play on the old without wrapping that up just yet.
Harry has lost his mope from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, feeling accepted again amongst his peers and not left out in the dark any longer, but he retains the natural anger and fear that he should have in his circumstance. There's some mini developments between him and a female character romantically wise, which to me fits the series well. Hermione and Ron also are leaning toward each other more, even if they haven't made it officially official just yet.
If you're a fan of Dumbledore, this book will both please and infuriate you. He's in more scenes than ever while he gives Harry private lessons, showing both his and other people's memories, all leading to a fascinating backstory focusing on Voldemort. You don't actually get to see the monstrous villain in this book - you only hear about him, which is typical of the earlier installments. There's a few death eaters popping up though, including Fenrir, a new big-bad I hadn't noticed before, a demented werewolf of all things. Can I just say this guy is actually creepy? Especially his focus on hurting and turning children.
As always these books are impossible to put down, since Rowling's writing technique not only rocks, but she gives us unique characters who are individuals standing out from each other while working toward standing together unified. Rowling always introduces a new stand-out character in books; here it's a new potions master who enjoys fame and getting to know students who he has determined are 'going places.' Dumbledore has something else up his sleeve about this teacher, too...
Pacing wise it's okay, as this book is more of a filler than anything, but it does give us one big revelation concerning Voldemort. All the other books pointed toward this, but it's now more obvious coming together when Harry sees the larger picture. While a stepping stone to the next book, 'The Half-Blood Prince' is in no way boring. You get to see Harry with his friends and relationships, a little in the classes and especially wondering who on earth the Half-Blood prince is. That mystery intrigued me since I couldn't figure it out for awhile, and I'd forgotten since watching the movie years back.
While the new potions teacher is introduced, Snape finally gets his turn at 'Defense against the Dark Arts.' I was slightly bummed we didn't get to see more time spent in his class, however. I've always enjoyed the classroom teaching and experiences in the other books, and here was a chance to see freaking SNAPE of all people talking about the dark arts! Unfortunately there's just the one classroom moment. Although we don't see too much on the teaching side, Snape is still brilliantly constructed and a page-stealer when he comes on scene.
As with the previous book, there's a heartbreaking ending to this one, so have the tissues handy.
I'll keep them handy when I go on to the next and last book, where I know more depressing stuff will happen. And of course I'll need tissues just knowing it's the last book and that it's time to get off this ride. :(...more
“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”
The book lengths keep growing with each new sequel, and it seems those extra pages are“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”
The book lengths keep growing with each new sequel, and it seems those extra pages are bringing a deeper shroud of darkness with them. This book excites, it tugs hard on the heartstrings, and it made me spiral even further into the wonderful series.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire starts as the others did, where Harry has to leave the dastardly Dursley's and come to Hogwarts. Once there the book picks up again, but the small, darker themes seen before have become magnified. While Quidditch was the game in the previous books, this time they have a special and bizarre wizarding tournament that has some seriously scary stuff. You have to wonder what goes on in the mind of school administrators in the wizarding world.
The tests and trials are divided up into months and scenes since they can relax in between (thank God.) The trials themselves are interesting, especially the last as it shows the twist of betrayal and the resurrection of a certain big-bad of the series. Besides in between the trials, Harry has to contend with his friend Ron's growing jealousy and frictions that added an in interesting and realistic touch. It's small and evens out quickly, but it highlights Ron again as one of the best series characters. Mrs. Weasley is even more likeable- she was always rockin' before, but she's even more so now as she's taken over the mothering role for our favorite orphaned wizard.
There's a lot of good characters introduced in this one, especially One-Eyed Mad Moody; the professor is a riot and has a twist of a surprise at the end. Sirius is present a lot too, loving the godfather role and protectiveness he feels toward Harry. I feel so bad for him, however, for first he's committed to Azkaban for crimes not committed and now he has to struggle with wanting that connection with Harry so badly because of the loss of his friends. Such sad stuff. Dumbledore has always been a great character, and he's even larger than life than before with plenty of heroic scenes.
Hermione has always been likable because she stands out as different - but she is even more so likable now with the S.P.E.W. angle and her passion for fighting for the rights of those who she feels is treated unfairly. We also get to see a further side into the Ministry of Magic, their powerful fingers in all sorts of pies, flawed moral ineptitude, and the potential of all that leading to holes and working against the wizards instead of for them.
The story has taken it into darker waters, showing it's definitely not a series just for children anymore. There's a tragic death that affects Harry and others (readers included). You can almost see the graveyard and all scenes through Rowling's talented writing style. She can bring forth a surprising range of depth from her characters from the simplest scenes and events.
We even get bizarre mermaids in one particularly riveting scene, a flying dance of dragons, and finally a maze that ends up to a horrific finish.
Some people have said this was their favorite - it's not my top favorite of the first four (I preferred Prisoner of Azkaban a little more), but we get more in-depth glimpses into favorite characters, new characters introduced that are amazing, and an excellent adventure into the wild and complex wizarding world that is Harry Potter....more
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*
>
Books:
vampires
(201)
Loading...
