cymiga's review

4.0

I was a big Harry Potter fan who immediately started reading each book the day it came out. Therefore, I was a hesitant to read a book that continued the storyline but was not written by J K Rowling. But at the same time I missed the world at Hogwarts and couldn't resist taking a peek inside. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I had also been worried about a rehashing of Lord Voldermort but thankfully that was not the case. The author did a great job at incorporating past events and characters into the story while still developing new characters. Many of the original characters are still there but in new smaller roles while Harry's son James and his friends take the lead. There were times I even forgot that I wasn't reading J K Rowling. Where there things I missed? Of course- ( one being a strong young female character) but it was still great to be drawn back into the wizarding world. It was like seeing old friends again after years apart... No one is ever quite the same but it's still good to catch up and be with them again. I will definitely be checking out the other books in this series.

fleurione's review

4.0

Pretty good, certainly enjoyable. A couple of Americanisms (spelling, words) which should be ironed out in my mind if writing fanfic for a British novel but that's no major fault. I liked the author's new ideas to explain the magic and host of original characters, though the final plot seemed a little cliché and the final outcomes a little contrived. Some of the twists were less a gasp of unexpectedness than a groan of disappointment that I should have seen them coming but didn't (i.e. they were in hindsight kind of obvious) but in general I enjoyed the story. I may even read the next one!
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ainashay's review

5.0

I was skeptical. I immediately thought that nothing could compare to my love of JK's world and literary skills. Boy, was I wrong. Lippert has done something I never thought possible. I read this book from start to finish in 3 days. I am in love with young James' life at Hogwarts. This feeling that I have right now, and while reading, is somewhat surreal. Just didn't think I could feel it again, and I am a TRUE, RIDE OR DIE, Potter fan.

The way the author connects EVERYTHING to things we already know about this world, while introducing new characters and details, is truly commendable. I'm trying to be into the super bowl right now, but my mind is still in Hogwarts with James, Ralph, and Zane. Being an adult now, and having all of my favorite characters grow with me is great. It takes the whole Harry Potter Experience to the next level.

Aside from the story, the book is incredibly well written. The into was a little worrying because of all that "Mr. Grey, Mr. Pink" talk, but I assure you that it gets better after that, and it picks up after the back ground is established. When Harry enters the scene the book is in full swing, and I was already engulfed.

Lippert also connects the Potter universe the Camelot and Merlin...something else I LOVE. I'm a sucker for anything that pertains to magic, so connecting those two really sealed the deal for me. Looking forward to starting the 2nd book ASAP. I wonder if he can just keep writing them forever!?


Sidenote: I had no idea that Lippert didn't get paid for his fan fiction. That is just too bad. I would spend all kind of money for what I just read. I fully plan to buy his book outside of the potter series because he deserves to be recognized for his superior talent. I do hope the Camelot book is as well written as this one.
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rachelbowski's review

4.0

This was some really great self-published fan fiction. Sometimes I got all canon police while reading, but mostly I was really happy with the direction things went and the choices G. Norman Lippert made--it felt like a natural sequel in a way, and I recommend giving it a chance to anyone who wants to go back to the world of Hogwarts.

srrojas05's review

4.0

Definitely an excellent homage to the world Rowling built. It only took me months to finish because it was in PDF format, but I'm glad I finally did!

jessmhoffmann's review

4.0

Read my review at: http://immabookworm.blogspot.com/2011/09/james-potter-and-hall-of-elders.html

siobhancollierauthor's review

1.0

I read this when it was still available as a free PDF. I wouldn't have paid for it (I know there's another pay copy of a spin off of this fan fiction).

I have nothing against fan fiction. My own has taught me so much about writing in general that I will always have a soft spot for the concept. But I would never dream of making money off my fan fics, and that's probably the first problem that I have with this fan fic. Especially as it has led to court cases on copyright infringement.

But also, too much was altered in the canon. And what was altered didn't even make sense for the storyline - Merlin is feared the whole novel and yet when he's resurrected/changed the laws of apparition to return to hogwarts he's a stern yet jovial character. As a other reviewer has said, it's a little coincidental that all three elements were brought together just at the right time.

There's more I dislike, I could tell early on that this was written by an American, not a British person, by the romantic way they view England. We don't talk like that, school - even boarding school - is not like this novel is presented. The reason the original Harry Potters work so well is that J.K.Rowling was so immersed in our history, in our society, that such notions came easily. I know from friends in America that it's not uncommon for people in different grades to go to the same classes. This doesn't happen in England yet in the novel it appears to? I know I sound like I'm nitpicking, but all these little things add up.

The muggle who somehow penetrates magic boundaries makes no sense - was he a squib and this information glazed over? How on earth did the car/garage bit work with the canon?

I won't even go into the ridiculousness of the prank pulled at the end. Weaching.

It was definitely a fan-fiction. I wasn’t a massive fan of it but I love Harry Potter so who am I to turn away from even a fan fiction!

Not as good as the originals of course, but well written nonetheless. I'm glad I found this series.

It's no J.K. Rowling, but if you separate it from the Harry Potter series and think of it on its own it's a great book!