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I thought it'd be hard for anyone to follow Rowling's work with any success but this author impressed me. If you loved the HP series and you approach this series with an open mind, you're sure to enjoy it just as much!
I've read and reread Harry Potter ten times, and read everything recommended for readers over the years in hopes of ever finding something that felt like reading Harry Potter for the first time. Scratch that, I wanted to read Harry Potter going into it blind again. I wasn't afforded the luxury of going in completely blind before I read it because my parents often made me watch the movies or read the plot summaries, and then I asked for a lot of spoilers. I hate spoilers now, and I think my discovery of the Harry Potter series in such a spoiler-filled way has led me to this. Eventually I had to accept that Harry Potter was my gateway fantasy, and that it and its creator have some major flaws. But I can definitely say reading [b:James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing|2548866|James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing (James Potter, #1)|G. Norman Lippert|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1638479995l/2548866._SY75_.jpg|2556437] was that high I've been chasing for twelve years.
I first discovered [b:James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing|2548866|James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing (James Potter, #1)|G. Norman Lippert|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1638479995l/2548866._SY75_.jpg|2556437] completely by accident almost two years ago; thought it couldn't actually be what it seemed to be; discovered that it was, in fact, the closest thing to published Harry Potter fanfiction excluding Cursed Child (the book that must not be named), put it aside for two years saved on my tablet, and finally returned to it today. I don't regret that in the slightest.
[a:G. Norman Lippert|1127619|G. Norman Lippert|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1447189115p2/1127619.jpg]'s writing style is almost identical to Rowling's in some ways, and at times I forgot that I wasn't reading original Harry Potter content (moreso than I ever have when reading fanfiction before). I really appreciated the imaginings of a Hogwarts that attempted to be more united after the Battle of Hogwarts, even when this was only the case sometimes or superficially. I also appreciate the integration of some Muggle technology and more Muggleborns immersed in bridging cultures in general, as well as the exploration of the American wizarding community. It had the feel of [b:Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone|3|Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)|J.K. Rowling|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1474154022l/3._SY75_.jpg|4640799] for a new generation or a returning audience.
There are definitely a few elements of Cursed Child that I have to wonder the origin of after reading this as well. There's just enough similarity with major characters that I would be suspicious of whether [a:G. Norman Lippert|1127619|G. Norman Lippert|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1447189115p2/1127619.jpg] influenced [a:John Tiffany|5042201|John Tiffany|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] and Rowling put her name on for profit (considering this first James Potter book was published almost ten years before Cursed Child). Knowing what Rowling's been doing these last few years to make money, I would not be at all surprised.
At the same time, there were many elements of [b:James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing|2548866|James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing (James Potter, #1)|G. Norman Lippert|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1638479995l/2548866._SY75_.jpg|2556437] that do completely stand on their own. After taking my magic and esotericism class this semester, I appreciate how much history and magical theory was involved in this one, not just in classes but in how class content got worked into the general story.
Unfortunately, a book that so closely emulates its source is bound to have some issues, and I do have some complaints about both the glaring differences from Rowling's books and the similarities in flaws Rowling had throughout the series and as she did continue her own content. There were some major inconsistencies that contributed to main plot points of [b:James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing|2548866|James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing (James Potter, #1)|G. Norman Lippert|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1638479995l/2548866._SY75_.jpg|2556437] regarding, for example, the movement of wizard portraits, the existence of wizard royalty, and the ways a wizard can cheat death. This last one was a big one because it contradicted Harry's own lived experience. I also wasn't a huge fan of the villainization of, nor the complete heroification and disregard for the crimes of .
Overall, I really enjoyed coming back to Harry Potter in this way, and I've already downloaded the sequel and plan to read it soon as well.
I first discovered [b:James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing|2548866|James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing (James Potter, #1)|G. Norman Lippert|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1638479995l/2548866._SY75_.jpg|2556437] completely by accident almost two years ago; thought it couldn't actually be what it seemed to be; discovered that it was, in fact, the closest thing to published Harry Potter fanfiction excluding Cursed Child (the book that must not be named), put it aside for two years saved on my tablet, and finally returned to it today. I don't regret that in the slightest.
[a:G. Norman Lippert|1127619|G. Norman Lippert|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1447189115p2/1127619.jpg]'s writing style is almost identical to Rowling's in some ways, and at times I forgot that I wasn't reading original Harry Potter content (moreso than I ever have when reading fanfiction before). I really appreciated the imaginings of a Hogwarts that attempted to be more united after the Battle of Hogwarts, even when this was only the case sometimes or superficially. I also appreciate the integration of some Muggle technology and more Muggleborns immersed in bridging cultures in general, as well as the exploration of the American wizarding community. It had the feel of [b:Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone|3|Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)|J.K. Rowling|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1474154022l/3._SY75_.jpg|4640799] for a new generation or a returning audience.
There are definitely a few elements of Cursed Child that I have to wonder the origin of after reading this as well. There's just enough similarity with major characters that I would be suspicious of whether [a:G. Norman Lippert|1127619|G. Norman Lippert|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1447189115p2/1127619.jpg] influenced [a:John Tiffany|5042201|John Tiffany|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] and Rowling put her name on for profit (considering this first James Potter book was published almost ten years before Cursed Child). Knowing what Rowling's been doing these last few years to make money, I would not be at all surprised.
At the same time, there were many elements of [b:James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing|2548866|James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing (James Potter, #1)|G. Norman Lippert|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1638479995l/2548866._SY75_.jpg|2556437] that do completely stand on their own. After taking my magic and esotericism class this semester, I appreciate how much history and magical theory was involved in this one, not just in classes but in how class content got worked into the general story.
Unfortunately, a book that so closely emulates its source is bound to have some issues, and I do have some complaints about both the glaring differences from Rowling's books and the similarities in flaws Rowling had throughout the series and as she did continue her own content. There were some major inconsistencies that contributed to main plot points of [b:James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing|2548866|James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing (James Potter, #1)|G. Norman Lippert|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1638479995l/2548866._SY75_.jpg|2556437] regarding, for example, the movement of wizard portraits, the existence of wizard royalty, and the ways a wizard can cheat death. This last one was a big one because it contradicted Harry's own lived experience. I also wasn't a huge fan of the villainization of
Spoiler
the foreign black female character with a different brand of magic AKA the only person of colorSpoiler
Severus SnapeOverall, I really enjoyed coming back to Harry Potter in this way, and I've already downloaded the sequel and plan to read it soon as well.
My first foray into fanfiction was pretty good but of course nothing like the original. still not bad at all.
Probably the best fan fiction I have read. He did really well making it feel like a continuation of the series. Interesting plot line and a fun read.
Really enjoyed this and hope to read more. A must for Potter fans that always want more!!!
I really don't follow fan fiction at all but this was really well written and engaging and a nice homage to the HP series.
I was skeptical to read this but figured I'd give it a go since I could do it online while I was bored. I was pleasantly surprised! It is, of course, not in the same league as Harry Potter, but still entertaining. And of course all of us fans have been dying to find out what happens next. i'd recommend this to HP fans to check out.
Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Maybe it's not the best Harry Potter fanfiction ever written (I haven't read that many to make a judgement), but it's enjoyable enough and at times, hard to put down. I like James and his ultimate motive to escape from the shadow of his legendary father. I also like how Teddy Lupin and The Gremlins were written, it seems fit for me to think of Teddy as some apprentice to the Weasley twins' mischief (but no one can surpass the Weasley twins...really, no one can). James Potter's besties (Zane and Ralph) are likable too, but not as developed as Ron and Hermione were. At times I think they're overshadowing James too much. I understand that this might be deliberate in order to focus more on James' insecurity to live up to the magical world's expectation, but sometimes it's too much. It's nice that Zane and Ralph was sorted to other houses though. After the downfall of Voldemort, I think it's normal that the enmity between houses are somewhat cooled down...um, a little.
I can accept some alteration of canon and its reasoning. I can accept Zane being American, and the visit from Alma Aleron (the wizarding school in United States) along with their quirky professors, although their students were really a minor-almost-nonexistent part of the story. I can accept that younger students were taught harder subjects (like Arithmancy. Even the genius Hermione took it when she was, what, third year student?) I can accept James sharing room with older students, and only squirmed a bit when that professor from America tried to explain the science of magic (I know it's a nice attempt to explain about magic logically, but it's really making magic un-magical). However, some things keep bothering me from the very start.
First, There is just a little sense of difference in psychological development between younger and older students. I think it's a very important aspect that made me fell in love with Harry Potter series, because I can feel they grow along the series. Here? James and his friends were first years but sometimes didn't act and think like one. Seems that Mr. Lippert is more comfortable writing about older students.
Second, I can't accept that there were more than two houses in every class. It's believable for 'new' subjects like Technomancy, which was not normally taught in Hogwarts. But in one 'ordinary' class (like Muggle studies), sometimes we have Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Slytherin together. That is plot-convenient, but...um, no. Just imagine how crowded the class would be.
Third, not only there were more than two house in every class, James shared some class with older students too. Like the said Muggle studies, James shared the class with first year Ravenclaws and Slytherins, also Ted Lupin (who was SEVENTH YEAR STUDENT), and several third and fifth year students. What did they do in that class? Playing football. *sneer* This contributed A LOT to the first point of my dissatisfaction.
Fourth, the Muggle infiltration part is downright ridiculous.
I like the idea though. Some twist were also nicely done. The antagonist is a bit like little Umbridge and has a lot of potential to be...um, a decent villain (I hate her name, though). The plot about Merlin is great and believable. I'd like to edit some part to fit better with the canon, but who am I? Hehe.
Overall, it's a nice dip in the magical world which is unseparable part of my childhood. I like it enough to continue reading the series. Kudos to Mr. Lippert for making this (and approved by J.K. Rowling herself, what an accomplishment). If only he would edit it a little bit...
(plus, it's free! :D)
I can accept some alteration of canon and its reasoning. I can accept Zane being American, and the visit from Alma Aleron (the wizarding school in United States) along with their quirky professors, although their students were really a minor-almost-nonexistent part of the story. I can accept that younger students were taught harder subjects (like Arithmancy. Even the genius Hermione took it when she was, what, third year student?) I can accept James sharing room with older students, and only squirmed a bit when that professor from America tried to explain the science of magic (I know it's a nice attempt to explain about magic logically, but it's really making magic un-magical). However, some things keep bothering me from the very start.
First, There is just a little sense of difference in psychological development between younger and older students. I think it's a very important aspect that made me fell in love with Harry Potter series, because I can feel they grow along the series. Here? James and his friends were first years but sometimes didn't act and think like one. Seems that Mr. Lippert is more comfortable writing about older students.
Second, I can't accept that there were more than two houses in every class. It's believable for 'new' subjects like Technomancy, which was not normally taught in Hogwarts. But in one 'ordinary' class (like Muggle studies), sometimes we have Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Slytherin together. That is plot-convenient, but...um, no. Just imagine how crowded the class would be.
Third, not only there were more than two house in every class, James shared some class with older students too. Like the said Muggle studies, James shared the class with first year Ravenclaws and Slytherins, also Ted Lupin (who was SEVENTH YEAR STUDENT), and several third and fifth year students. What did they do in that class? Playing football. *sneer* This contributed A LOT to the first point of my dissatisfaction.
Fourth, the Muggle infiltration part is downright ridiculous.
I like the idea though. Some twist were also nicely done. The antagonist is a bit like little Umbridge and has a lot of potential to be...um, a decent villain (I hate her name, though). The plot about Merlin is great and believable. I'd like to edit some part to fit better with the canon, but who am I? Hehe.
Overall, it's a nice dip in the magical world which is unseparable part of my childhood. I like it enough to continue reading the series. Kudos to Mr. Lippert for making this (and approved by J.K. Rowling herself, what an accomplishment). If only he would edit it a little bit...
(plus, it's free! :D)
I just finished the book and can't wait to start the next book in Lippert's series. While this book isn't perfect, I completely enjoyed being back in the Potter world and liked the characters that Lippert added to Rowling's already full set of characters. I also enjoyed the expansion of Hogwarts grounds throughout the book, they seemed to fit right in with Rowling's vision. Definitely a good read, I would recommend it to any Harry Potter fan! Enjoy!
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No