Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by: J.K. Rowling

Blurb

The Eighth Story. Nineteen Years Later.
       Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.
       It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
       While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

       Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (No Percentile) was a terrific addition to the Harry Potter collection. I really enjoyed seeing what was happening to Harry and the gang in the "present". It was a great tale, and I really hope I can go see it performed sometime soon!
       First of all, you're probably wondering why there isn't a percent rating like there normally is. I didn't want to rate this, because this was not something I read to review. It is something you read for the story, not for the quality. You read it to enjoy hearing the actors take on their book counterparts and to absorb the general idea and content.

Review

Please note that some of the discussion points have spoilers.

Discussion Points

       1. I could hear Daniel, Emma, and Rupert talking to me as I read.

I can honestly say that I've never heard dialogue so clearly in my head before. It's like they recorded everyone saying their lines and someone started the playback track every time I opened the book. It was really cool and a little creepy...

       2. There was way more Malfoy than I expected...and I loved it way more than I expected.

The way this book came off, I expected to have the story of Albus and Rose in Hogwarts, and that was it. When Scorpius got thrown into the mix and took over for an act or so, I was caught a bit off guard, but I also fell in love with him. He was so adorable and sweet and quirky and just all around cute! Where can I buy a Scorpius? Cause I would pay serious money for one.

       3. I forgot about sassy book Ginny. UNTIL NOW!

Book Ginny made me so happy. And then I watched the movies. Ginny is just kind of there in the movies, and I did not approve of her relationship with Harry, but I completely forgot about their relationship in the book. As Harry is freaking out about his kids and Voldemort, she has got her crap together. I just love it.

       4. I loved the script setup way more than I thought I would.

       So, the script setup was fantastic. It might've been that I just am really into theater, but it was awesome to read. I loved that there wasn't a whole lot of world building or setting descriptions, so I could imagine the sets and wardrobe however I saw fit. That was something I wasn't used to with YA fantasy.

       5. I couldn't help having fond memories of A Very Potter Musical.

First of all, if you haven't watched A Very Potter Musical, you need to, now. It's all on YouTube, and it deserves your attention, now. But if you have watched it, you probably felt the same about this book. I couldn't help smile at the thought of Albus and Scorpius breaking out into "Gotta Get Back to Hogwarts". If I saw that, my life would be complete.

       What are your thoughts on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? Let me know in the comments below!

As she waits for more HP canon,
Ashton

“The truth is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.” 
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child