Scan barcode
beammey's review against another edition
2.0
You guys don't understand how much I wanted to LOVE this story. I'm such a huge Harry Potter fan (I have two HP tattoos and everything), but I just...this felt so out of character for the people I'd come to know and love as I grew up. I don't want to spoil anything, but I'm not here for that, but I was just really disappointed. I knew it wouldn't be exactly the same because this was a play and not a book, so some things had to change, and I understand that, but this was just..awful. The only reason I gave it two stars was because I loved the banter between Ron and Ginny. I would recommend the book, just so you can form your own opinion on it, but I just, for me, it was bad. 2 out of 5 stars.
bhnmt61's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the setup of this play-- Harry Potter's son Albus is Draco Malfoy's son's best friend, and gets sorted into an unexpected house. And unlike some other readers, Harry's fraught relationship with his son didn't seem out of character to me. At least, not at first. But by the end, the whole thing had taken on a soap opera feeling that lost me. I'd still love to see it on stage--I've heard it is groundbreaking in its special effects, but as a script, I was a bit disappointed. Still, if you're a Harry fan, well worth reading.
heathercottledillon's review against another edition
4.0
My feelings are very mixed.
What I didn't like:
I couldn't get into reading it as a play; I wanted more details and description in between the dialogue and stage direction. I'm sure this story is much more enjoyable when experienced as a live production.
Ugh, the Time Turning. I generally don't like time travel stories. It's why "Prisoner of Azkaban" is probably my least favorite of the original seven books. There are ALWAYS plot holes. It hurts my brain. I would have really liked to have had a fresh story with a new villain in the HP world instead of rehashing many of the old scenes.
The randomness of Albus and Scorpius trying to use the Time-Turner to save Cedric bugged me. They acknowledge that they could be injured or even killed before they start, but they do it anyway, just to stick it to Harry and prove a point? I didn't buy it. Harry and Albus had their problems, and teenagers can be impulsive, but really? It seems like if they were going to go through all that trouble they'd try to save someone who mattered to their family, like Fred, Tonks, Lupin, Dumbledore, or even Snape.
A lot of other little things bothered me. Probably the most annoying is that Albus and Scorpius acquire the Time Turner in the first place. There's no way two kids could get their hands on something that Hermione Freakin' Granger has under her protection. Come on.
No Neville :(.
What I did like:
I was relieved by the lack of relationship drama. When J.K. Rowling expressed doubt about Ron and Hermione being together after "Deathly Hallows" came out, I was bummed because I've always been a Ron/Hermione shipper. I was worried that there would be hints of marital strife in "The Cursed Child," but they are great together in this story and I loved it.
I also loved Albus and Scorpius's friendship, and that Harry and Draco finally (sort of) become friends.
I was so happy to have Snape back for a little while, even though it involved time travel.
Most of all, the nostalgia. Though it lacks the real magic of the original series, I enjoyed spending time with the characters I love so much. For me, a mediocre Harry Potter story is still a really good story, which is why I give it four stars despite my many complaints.
What I didn't like:
I couldn't get into reading it as a play; I wanted more details and description in between the dialogue and stage direction. I'm sure this story is much more enjoyable when experienced as a live production.
Ugh, the Time Turning. I generally don't like time travel stories. It's why "Prisoner of Azkaban" is probably my least favorite of the original seven books. There are ALWAYS plot holes. It hurts my brain. I would have really liked to have had a fresh story with a new villain in the HP world instead of rehashing many of the old scenes.
The randomness of Albus and Scorpius trying to use the Time-Turner to save Cedric bugged me. They acknowledge that they could be injured or even killed before they start, but they do it anyway, just to stick it to Harry and prove a point? I didn't buy it. Harry and Albus had their problems, and teenagers can be impulsive, but really? It seems like if they were going to go through all that trouble they'd try to save someone who mattered to their family, like Fred, Tonks, Lupin, Dumbledore, or even Snape.
A lot of other little things bothered me. Probably the most annoying is that Albus and Scorpius acquire the Time Turner in the first place. There's no way two kids could get their hands on something that Hermione Freakin' Granger has under her protection. Come on.
No Neville :(.
What I did like:
I was relieved by the lack of relationship drama. When J.K. Rowling expressed doubt about Ron and Hermione being together after "Deathly Hallows" came out, I was bummed because I've always been a Ron/Hermione shipper. I was worried that there would be hints of marital strife in "The Cursed Child," but they are great together in this story and I loved it.
I also loved Albus and Scorpius's friendship, and that Harry and Draco finally (sort of) become friends.
I was so happy to have Snape back for a little while, even though it involved time travel.
Most of all, the nostalgia. Though it lacks the real magic of the original series, I enjoyed spending time with the characters I love so much. For me, a mediocre Harry Potter story is still a really good story, which is why I give it four stars despite my many complaints.
jambs11's review against another edition
1.0
Worst book I ever read. Wish I could go back and prevent myself from reading it.
melishi211's review against another edition
2.0
I had problems with some of the narrative choices but the story was fine I guess.
bookgirl2013's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
5.0
jennnafziger's review against another edition
4.0
There are some things I really love about this book and some things I really didn't. I wanted to give this book five stars, but it was over so fast, I feel like I missed something!
It was so nice to visit with my old friends. I had really missed them. And as I am quickly approaching 40, myself, it was interesting to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione arrive there too.
Since the book is a play, it read really fast. I missed the magical narrative that set the time and place for the reader. I don't feel like I had adequate time to really connect with the characters. Also, the whole "butterfly effect" story resolved a little too quickly and neatly for my liking.
It was so nice to visit with my old friends. I had really missed them. And as I am quickly approaching 40, myself, it was interesting to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione arrive there too.
Since the book is a play, it read really fast. I missed the magical narrative that set the time and place for the reader. I don't feel like I had adequate time to really connect with the characters. Also, the whole "butterfly effect" story resolved a little too quickly and neatly for my liking.
mansikwatra's review against another edition
1.0
I ordered the book after much internal debate because I knew that the play had been written by Jack Thorne. While reading this story in a play form was not really a deal-breaker for me, I felt as if I was reading a fan fiction instead of an original story by J.K. Rowling. It was amazing to read about all these favourite characters once again but the whole plot seems ill-stitched and inconceivable!
JK just got me Rowling down the nostalgia hill.
1 and 3/4 stars for the story
3 stars for getting more on Harry Potter
JK just got me Rowling down the nostalgia hill.
1 and 3/4 stars for the story
3 stars for getting more on Harry Potter
brandinthesky94's review against another edition
5.0
I was honestly excited and nervous reading when I picked up this book. But as soon as I started reading, I couldn't stop. it had me constantly trying to guess what was going on , and I absolutely loved the ending. Albus Severus was an awesome character, and I think was the perfect way to portray Harry's youngest son. Well done. I loved it.