Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

J.K. Rowling

Scholastic

$14.99 (Paperback)

July 2009 (Paperback)

FTC: This is my book. I am not being compensated in any manner for my review.

Characters 20/20

Plot 18/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 98% A

Sexual content: mild

Violence: heavy

Drugs: N/A

Underage drinking: N/A (The drinking age is different there)

Swearing: moderate

Total rating: 14+

Summary:

After the death of Hogwarts beloved Headmaster Harry, Ron and Hermione are left with a tremendous task to perform. As we found out in book 6, Voldemort has split his soul into 7 parts. It is up to Harry to find and destroy all of the missing pieces before there is any chance Voldemort can die. This book leaves us with many dead and more than a few lives destroyed.

My Thoughts:

This is my second reading of this book. Since it is such a huge book I feel that I got a lot from reading it again. Although I didn’t remember things getting such a slow start is was just as delicious this second time. You are really able to get lost in the world J.K. Rowling has created for us and no focus on the fact that the book you are reading is so long (the same can not be said for Stephanie Meyer). I applaud her incredible writing abilities and the finish to the series she has created.

The end of this book will leave readers satisfied, their desires fulfilled. I recommend this book to everyone, even those who have already read it. Refresh yourself before the movie.

Speaking of the movie, 2 parts?! Come on, LAME!

Playlist:

1. You Belong With Me (Taylor Swift) ß This book has romance, okay?
2. Stronger (Britney Spears)
3. All We Are (Matt Nathanson)
4. When It All Falls Apart (The Veronica’s)
5. Sticks and Stones (The Pierces)

My Fair Godmother

Title: My Fair Godmother
Author: Janette Rallison
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Price: $16.99 USD HB
Release: January 2009
FTC: I received this book from the publisher with an agreement that I would provide an honest review with no compensation.

Grade: B
Rating: 13+

Summary: (Amazon)
Sixteen-year-old Savannah is devastated when her boyfriend dumps her for her studious older sister, and she dreams that her life will take a fairy-tale turn, complete with a handsome prince, a ball, and a happy ending. Her wishes bring the astonishing arrival of Chrissy, an aspiring fairy godmother. Still in training and not quite in command of her magical abilities, Chrissy sends Savannah through a chain of otherworldly mishaps, including visits to Cinderella and Snow White’s stories and finally to the Middle Ages, where Savannah defeats a cast of magical creatures and discovers that regular guys are sometimes preferable to princes.

My Thoughts:
Another book where I took notes! I think this new review system might actually work out for me! The start of this book was fantastic! It was different then any start I had ever seen! It drew me in, in a way I hadn’t experienced in a while.

I admit that this didn’t sound very good to me but I was surprised to find out that I was wrong! It was so much better then I expected. I know I gave it a B but I think that’s partly my lack of love for fantasy. You all know that I am pretty hard on fantasy books but if I love them I can get almost anyone to read them! This was a great book for all fantasy lovers! Those who are skeptical about fantasy should give this a try. Fairies are a nice change to all this vampire stuff these days!

Quote:
“What kind of jerk hits on their girlfriends sister?” -Emily

How to be a Vampire

Title: How to be a Vampire
Author: Amy Gray
Publisher: Candlewick
Price: $14.99 USD
Release: October 13th 2009
FTC: I received this book with the understanding that I would provide an honest review with no compensation.

Characters 20/20
Plot 12/20
Setting 15/20
Cover 15/20
Ending 15/20
Total grade: 77% or C

Sexual content: 5/20
Violence: 20/20
Drugs: 0/20
Underage drinking: 0/20
Swearing: 0/20
Total rating: 13+

Summary: (Amazon)
Welcome to the world of the undead! A comprehensive guide to the vampire lifestyle quenches newcomers’ thirst for lore — and tasteful tips.For those who join the decadent realm of the vampire, eternal life holds juicy perks — charm and strength, shape-shifting and flying, telepathy and super-powered senses. But then again, one becomes . . . so terribly hungry. Is there an etiquette for feeding without causing a scene? How do you set up your crypt? What supernatural foes will make your blood run colder? In this elegant, edgy resource, the newly immortal will find everything they need to know, including:- a quiz to determine your true vampire persona - ways to turn into a vampire — or when a kiss is not just a kiss; and why you should take a look at your family tree - a transformation checklist, including canine teeth and UV sensitivity - a makeup and fashion guide to looking damned good (or just damned) - knowing your weaknesses, from garlic, stakes, and sunlight to a n obsession with counting - 10 signs that your boyfriend is a vampire, including super coolness (body temperature-wise) and a habit of sleeping in - a field guide to vampiric variations around the world and through history

My Thoughts:
Okay I’ll be honest here… I didn’t like this book. For all of you who are devoted readers, you know I’m not a huge fantasy girl in the first place. A book about “being” a vampire is just too creepy for me. Some parts felt as if they were actually trying to teach you to be a vampire or as if they actually believed you could be one. Bizarre is just not my thing.

Keep in mind this is not Twilightish fully. They do reference Twilight occasionally but the vast majority is movies where the vampires are actually sucking blood. What the hell is the deal with the donors? I don’t want to read about humans who actually “donate” there blood by allowing the vamps to suck away. That grossed me out.

If you like vampires then go ahead and give this a try, but if your really only a Twilight person don’t bother.