Posted 1:13 PM by FaerieKissed
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

This is the 4th book in the Harry Potter series, and the books seem to be getting larger and longer. This book breaks with the precedent set in the first three books. It doesn't start with Harry's summer. Instead, it begins with Wormtail and Voldemort and foreshadows the darkness that is beginning to pervade the storyline.

This book is dark. Harry and the reader learn that there are "unspeakable" spells, some of which have no counter. Even some of the characters are losing some of their innocence. Ron, Harry's best friend, is becoming increasingly frustrated by his inability to stand out. Hermoine experiences her first "romance", which causes a rift between her and Ron. Once again, Harry has earned the scorn of the entire school by becoming involved in a tri-wizard tournament that he shouldn't have been able to enter. Harry also experiences his first crush. The book ends hinting to more darkness to come.

There are a number of new characters introduced, and the Ministry of Magic begins to play a more important role in the story. Two other schools are introduced, further expanding the world to the reader.

This book leaves the reader with a number of questions, some of which promise to be answered in the fifth installment.

Posted 11:11 AM by FaerieKissed
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

It was in this book that I noticed how well Rowling is tying things together. Sirius Black, a dangerous criminal, has escaped the wizard prison of Azkaban. Wait, didn't Hagrid borrow Sirius Black's motorcycle to deliver the infant Harry to the Dursleys in the first book? This book really demonstrates how well-conceived and developed the world of Harry Potter is.

Rowling once again creates a sequel that enhances the originals. Events are becoming more dangerous in this book. This is a series, however, that absolutely must be read in it's order because Rowling has a tendency to explain little and big things in her future books.

Posted 1:05 PM by FaerieKissed
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

One thing I enjoy about the Harry Potter books is studying the cover before I even open the book. The cover gives so many clues as to what's in store for me. After reading the book, I study the cover again to see what I missed the first time.

This book is exactly what a sequel should be. Rowling builds on the successes of her first book and enhances the entire experience. This book was just a bit creepier too, but maybe that's only because I'm squeamish around snakes and spiders.

The whole time frame of the book is patterned after the first one--only one year later. The reader can compare Harry's Birthday, Dudley's Birthday, start of school, Halloween, Christmas Break, and the end of the school year. Harry is adapting to the wizard world, and things aren't quite as new to him or the reader, but Rowling expands on her world and introduces new characters without forgetting any of the old.

Posted 12:57 PM by FaerieKissed
Bethlehem Road by Anne Perry

Fans of the Pitt series by Perry will probably enjoy this mystery. Like her other mysteries, this one is set in Victorian London and Perry ties it to a social injustice. Frankly, I'm beginning to think that each book is getting preachier and preachier. The mystery is wonderful. A MP has been murdered on his way home while crossing a bridge. His body is tied to a lightpole so that he appears to be standing (perhaps drunkenly). Inspector Pitt is assigned the case, but he had difficulty finding a motive for the murder. Then, another MP is murdered in the same place using the same method. A third is murdered. Again, same place, same method. Nothing links these 3 men together. I found that very intriguing.

However, the reader is only able to follow along as Charlotte and Thomas learn more about the murders. The information needed to solve the case is only provided once the killer is captured. This was disappointing to me because I like to roll the suspects around in my mind for possibilities, and Perry consistently pointed to only two options (a real suspect and a madman/random act).

A couple of new characters (specifically the primary suspect and Nobby)are introduced, and I would like to see if Perry includes them in future stories.

Posted 10:30 AM by FaerieKissed
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

I picked this book up in 2000 while living in Houston because it was all over the bookstores and I was hearing a lot of buzz. Curiousity made me purchase just the first book to see if it was anything worthwhile. Two days later, I was back at the bookstore to purchase the second and third books (and preorder the 4th).

What charmed me the most about this book was that it was reminiscent of the books I read by Roald Dahl. While reading this book, I became a child again. I was totally drawn into the story. Rowling created a wonderful fantasy world that I enjoy visiting time and time again. I was amazed by the level of detail and creativity. She creates a whole new sport, Quidditch, with it's own rules, teams, and strategies. Her imagination completely blew me away.

I have reread this book several times. I must also say, that with a few very small details, the movie adaptation did justice to the book.