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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
It's books like this that make me wish I wasn't so stubborn about finishing things that I have started.
I used to read a LOT of fan fiction. And I mean a LOT. All the big ones - the Draco Trilogy, A Year Like None Other, maya's stuff... So, then I came across this on GoodReads and saw the huge number of downloads and the millions of positive reviews and thought: why not? It's been a while, but I still love Harry Potter, and this could be a nice bit of fun.
How wrong I was.
It has taken me so long to get through because I had to force myself to read it. It was so disappointing. I feel mean writing such a negative review, but I always strive to be honest. This felt like the sort of fan fiction written by quite young American teens, wanting to insert lots of their own stuff into JK's world in a way that doesn't really fit. Why did we have to have the American exchange thing? It didn't fit. Why were James and co, as first years, so incredibly powerful? (accepting the part about Ralph's ridiculous wand). Why were they suddenly learning arithmancy and divination in first year?
It just didn't sit right. If you're going to write fan fiction, you have to strike a balance. It is your story, but it is not your world. Don't mess with what works. And JK's world works.
The writing was mediocre at best, cringey at worst. The characters were mostly one-dimensional. But it was mostly the STORY that got me: it was so unrealistic, and just did NOT hang together. These are 11 year olds we're talking about! For crying out loud, why did such huge and drastic stuff happen in what is meant to be the FIRST book in a series of seven? Where to go? And why was James involved in so much of the big decision making? Just because his father is Harry Potter?
I apologise to the author for my negativity; I do feel guilty. The best part about this book was the illustrations on the chapter pages. Those, and the relief I feel that I have finally finished it and don't have to read it anymore.
I used to read a LOT of fan fiction. And I mean a LOT. All the big ones - the Draco Trilogy, A Year Like None Other, maya's stuff... So, then I came across this on GoodReads and saw the huge number of downloads and the millions of positive reviews and thought: why not? It's been a while, but I still love Harry Potter, and this could be a nice bit of fun.
How wrong I was.
It has taken me so long to get through because I had to force myself to read it. It was so disappointing. I feel mean writing such a negative review, but I always strive to be honest. This felt like the sort of fan fiction written by quite young American teens, wanting to insert lots of their own stuff into JK's world in a way that doesn't really fit. Why did we have to have the American exchange thing? It didn't fit. Why were James and co, as first years, so incredibly powerful? (accepting the part about Ralph's ridiculous wand). Why were they suddenly learning arithmancy and divination in first year?
It just didn't sit right. If you're going to write fan fiction, you have to strike a balance. It is your story, but it is not your world. Don't mess with what works. And JK's world works.
The writing was mediocre at best, cringey at worst. The characters were mostly one-dimensional. But it was mostly the STORY that got me: it was so unrealistic, and just did NOT hang together. These are 11 year olds we're talking about! For crying out loud, why did such huge and drastic stuff happen in what is meant to be the FIRST book in a series of seven? Where to go? And why was James involved in so much of the big decision making? Just because his father is Harry Potter?
I apologise to the author for my negativity; I do feel guilty. The best part about this book was the illustrations on the chapter pages. Those, and the relief I feel that I have finally finished it and don't have to read it anymore.
Both Intrigued and annoyed by this book.
There are too many Harry Potter inaccuracies to name but the general idea of the story is interesting.
There are too many Harry Potter inaccuracies to name but the general idea of the story is interesting.
I loved this! I cannot even believe that [a:G. Norman Lippert|1127619|G. Norman Lippert|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1247883934p2/1127619.jpg]is offering this book, and the two next books in the series, for free. It was so hard to leave these beloved characters behind and not KNOW about what life at Hogwarts was like for Harry and Ginny's children, and for Ron and Hermione's children as well. For so many of us, by the time we finished reading JK Rowling's books, the Hogwarts clan was like family, and to be able to catch a glimpse of their lives as adults, and the lives of their children, is wonderful. Such a sentimental read. Can't wait to read the next two!
www.jamespotterseries.com - the books are free for download for kindle and nook!
www.jamespotterseries.com - the books are free for download for kindle and nook!
Just finished and was truly delighted by this book. I love the explanations of the science behind the magic as well as the new, young characters.
I wasn't expecting it to be so good. There were parts that I rolled my eyes at because it seemed to obvious but overall it was really good and I plan on reading g the next installment
First "fan fiction" I've ever read, and it was pretty good. Follows the adventures of James Potter (Harry"s son) and his two buddies in their first year at Hogwarts. American wizards, Merlin, and Slytherins, oh my! Is not as tightly crafted or as tense as what I remember from reading the Harry Potter series, but is probably akin to Rowling's early books in style and readability. Hopefully the author will continue writing and continue improving as a writer, just as did Rowling. I enjoyed Elder's Crossing. quite a bit.
stopped reading during the first chapter when i realised it was the wrong James Potter :P
I am a huge Harry Potter fan, in my opinion these are some of the greatest books ever written so when I sat down to read this fan fiction about Harry’s son James I knew I was going to be a pretty harsh critic. Despite my subjective overly critical mindset I really enjoyed this book. I find it hard to rate however because I just keep saying to myself this is no J.K. Rowling, which is really unfair. Obviously it is never going to be equal to J.K. because she didn’t write it. Yet if I were to compare it to other books out there that I’ve read I would say that it more than holds it’s own; more so when I remind myself that this author is not receiving a single cent for all of his hard work and dedication.
The writing itself is well done except for the fact that it sometimes felt a little too American especially with the introduction of so many American characters. I cringed every time there was a ridiculous 'wizard phrase' like for 'Merlin's sake'. Still, I give credit to the author for staying true to the vibe of Harry’s world while at the same time taking quite a few risks.
I did enjoy the character of James and his friends but found that the original gang has now grown up to be a little pathetic which I suppose is necessary for the plot. Still, I became depressed to find that while being a child wizard is nothing but excitement and adventure, being a wizard adult is rather dull (much like the real world). Harry is a family man and despite being the head of the Auror department spends much of his time doing paperwork and Ginny and Hermione have simply grown into Molly Weasley duplicates despite their brilliance as students at Hogwarts, bummer.
I really loved the main plot point of the Progressive Element distorting history and believing that Voldemort was really just misunderstood. Still other characters are clearly just stand-ins for previous characters. For example, Ted Lupin is basically the Weasley twins and Merlin is just a re-imagining of Dumbledore, Petra is another Hermione, which is even called out by another character in the book.
Still I really enjoyed the story which is much more than just fan fiction. It evoked real emotion, I cried, I laughed, and I was often at the edge of my seat. I was surprised at many of the revelations and can’t wait to discover the answer to a few cliffhanger questions.
This is a must read for any Harry Potter fan!
The writing itself is well done except for the fact that it sometimes felt a little too American especially with the introduction of so many American characters. I cringed every time there was a ridiculous 'wizard phrase' like for 'Merlin's sake'. Still, I give credit to the author for staying true to the vibe of Harry’s world while at the same time taking quite a few risks.
I did enjoy the character of James and his friends but found that the original gang has now grown up to be a little pathetic which I suppose is necessary for the plot. Still, I became depressed to find that while being a child wizard is nothing but excitement and adventure, being a wizard adult is rather dull (much like the real world). Harry is a family man and despite being the head of the Auror department spends much of his time doing paperwork and Ginny and Hermione have simply grown into Molly Weasley duplicates despite their brilliance as students at Hogwarts, bummer.
I really loved the main plot point of the Progressive Element distorting history and believing that Voldemort was really just misunderstood. Still other characters are clearly just stand-ins for previous characters. For example, Ted Lupin is basically the Weasley twins and Merlin is just a re-imagining of Dumbledore, Petra is another Hermione, which is even called out by another character in the book.
Still I really enjoyed the story which is much more than just fan fiction. It evoked real emotion, I cried, I laughed, and I was often at the edge of my seat. I was surprised at many of the revelations and can’t wait to discover the answer to a few cliffhanger questions.
This is a must read for any Harry Potter fan!
Decently written, but the grown-up versions of all my fave HP characters are ruined. bleh.