The Tales of Beedle the Bard
03 Jan 2009 Leave a Comment
in Harry Potter
Each story is accompanied by notes from Albus Dumbledore – whose witty tone still does not fail to amuse. Rowling herself adds footnotes to the piece, to allow muggle readers to understand Dumbledore’s notes. These are often as fascinating as the stories themselves. On a further connection, Hermione is credited with the translation of the stories from the original runes.
This is a bit like walking down memory lane, nothing more. No mentions of Harry, but this shouldn’t be a surprise.
Eragon…Can it replace Harry Potter?
13 Sep 2007 Leave a Comment
in Fantasy, Harry Potter, Young Adult Fiction
When approaching this novel, I could not help but think about Harry Potter. While Paolini’s series is by no means the “new kid on the block”, I think a lot of people are just waiting for the next series that is going to become part of the vernacular the way that Harry has.
So, is Paolini up to the task? It took me a little while to get into it, but ultimately I did enjoy my reading experience. It answers just enough questions to make the novel satisfying, while leaving just enough mystery for one to be motivated to chase up book two.
Eragon is a young man (late teens?) who finds a strange stone in a deserted part of the country. It is little surprise to readers that this is in fact a dragon egg. Dragons were thought all but extinct, as the last remaining dragon is in the power of the evil king Galbatorix. However, the fact that the egg hatches for Eragon, places a huge responsibility on his shoulders – for it marks him as a “Rider”, one destined to fight for truth and justice. This puts him inevitably at odds with Galbatorix even before he really understands what is going on.
Eragon grows up and develops amazing abilities in this first book (which of course, all the teenage readers lap up), and while much of his hidden past is revealed, there is still so much more.
So will I read book two (Eldest)? Probably, yes. Is it the new Harry Potter? I am unsure. But it took a few books before I really loved Harry too.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
24 Jul 2007 Leave a Comment
in Harry Potter
So, have you been waiting for this?
I promise not to spoil anything here.
Rowling has ended the Harry Potter series beautifully with the final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
She promised us at least two deaths of major characters, befitting such a dark book which pitches our hero Harry against the evil Lord Voldemort.
We return to Harry’s search for the Horcruxes that contain Voldemort’s shattered soul – the task that Dumbledore left to Harry before his death in book 6. Of course, Harry would never undertake this alone, but is joined by his faithful companions Ron and Hermione.
As usual, Harry curses his lot in life as “The Chosen One” who has to defeat the Dark Lord, but as per usual, he pulls himself together in the end.
The Deathly Hallows themselves are an interesting addition to the storyline, and all that was unanswered and left hanging in the previous books will be made clear. Yes – the mystery of Severus Snape is finally solved! We also learn more about the Malfoys, Lily and Petunia Potter and Kreacher the house-elf.
While some readers have lamented the very final pages (which do admittedly leave me with a few questions), ultimately this is a very satisfying and tear-jerking end to a fascinating series. Don’t wait for the movie!
