Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

It's the long awaited return of Harry Potter, yet to my dismay (admit it, you were nervous too) Rowling isn't the only writer on board. Albus Severus, Harry and Ginny's son, has grown and must now face the shadow of his father's name. The fact that he is placed in Slytherin or that his best friend is a Malfoy only adds to the list of things that differs him from Harry. How can he possibly win his father's love and make him proud? The Potter series always carried a touch of sentimentality. Whether it was Lily's sacrifice for Harry, Snape's unrequited love, and who can forget Dobby!! Of course, this play had to be emotional as well as filled with action and plot twists. Not only did Rowling bring us back to Hogwarts, but she (and the other authors) found a way to include the majority of our beloved characters. Soulfood for the fans, but I just don't see this as a movie.

Review: This Shattered Wolrd

What a mess of feels

This second book in the series introduces us to Lee and Flynn; a captain (girl power) and a soldier from different sides of the conflict who uncover a hidden conspiracy. Crew members are changing personalities, people are dying, and the only way these two can solve the puzzle is by uniting. 

Although Lilac and Tarver returned for a quick cameo, I felt cheated in terms of the action in the story. The outer space background was rarely felt, until the 3/4 when the characters go to see the stars. And the over the top flashbacks were difficult to follow. 

''She casts her gaze down, burning with embarrassment, and finds the photo in her hands is bleeding.'' 

I couldn't tell if the authors wanted to gain sympathy for Lee or simply tried to keep the action pace going (the reason why can be found in the 4/4 of the story). But the most difficult part was seeing Flynn turn his instalust feelings for Lee into I would die for you love. 

All in all, these new characters were difficult to get attached to. I kept wondering if one of them dies in this prewar, would I be really care?

Review: Fairest

And the most villainous alien Queen award goes to Levana. Not only does she impersonate ex-lovers to seduce her prey, she's also manipulative, possessive, selfish and makes a horrible babysitter.

After an incident left her disfigured, Levana is forced to use a glamour 24/7 in order to communicate with others. Regardless of how beautiful she appears or how helpful she tries to be -- no one wants her around. Until Emret, a palace guard, gives her a pendant. The only gift she will receive that year. Instantly, Levana vows to marry him at any cost. Why is it so hard to make someone love her? How long can she keep forcing herself on others until they fight back. As Levana says ''Love is a war'' (Or a battlefield if you prefer Benatar's version)

Meyer provided enough background to help us understand why Queen Levana embodies such a cruelty in Lunar. I loved seeing glimpses of Winter, Cress and Selene. And can now move on to the final book with a more in-depth perspective.

Top Ten Tuesday: Beach reads

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP BEACH READS 2016

It's beach season (or pool season for those of us in Montreal). But regardless of whether you are toasting your toes on the sand or tanning on the boiling concrete, here's my top ten beach reads for this 2016 summer.

The Ice Twins by S.K. Tremayne

This book won a few awards for its thrilling plot story, and the goosebumps you'll get from reading it might be a great way to keep cool on the sand. 

Bad Karma by David Safier

I recommend this one to chick-lit fans. There's character growth, laugh out loud moments, and irresistible characters that make karma fun to experience. 

Along for the ride by Sarah Dessen

A heartfelt story that takes place in a small town during summer. 

Sculptor by Scott McCloud

Because it's great to meditate by the waves. It has romance, action, plot twists... this graphic novel has it all. 

A thousand nights by E. K. Johnston

The desert gives a nice setting to this book, and I can't think of a better place than to read this on the beach with a nice cool drink. 

The red tent by Anita Diamant

My first bible retelling so far. I enjoyed seeing the biblical characters through different eyes. The author did try to keep the story as realistic as possible. Also a desert setting.

   

Dear Emma by Katie Heaney

A romance for the brokenhearted. This novel answers so many relationship questions such as ''why didn't he call me back?'' without turning into a self-help book. 

We were liars by E. Lockhart

My final pick for the beach has to be this small novel from Lockhart. Although, it's not her typical high school story, she make sure to add several plot twists and a warm small town feel that will make you wish you were on near the water. Oh wait, you are!   

Which books would you take to the beach?

Review: My best friend's exorcism a novel

Promising idea that needed a better editor.

Since elementary school, Abby and Gretchen have been inseparable. From sleepovers, to cafeteria lunches, vacations -- you will never find one without the other. But after an acid trip (it was the 80's) gone wrong, their friendship will be tested when a demon follows them home. 


The story began with an older Abby, now divorced and wiser, telling us about her friendship with Gretchen. Sadly, the author never really returns to this voice, but rather continues the story in a linear form, allowing us to accompany the girls from elementary to high school. In fact, the horror takes such a long time to appear, that the plot felt more contemporary than anything. The details about the girls families, friendships and Abby's acne filled skin are numerous, and worse, the author prolongs the story way too much after said possession. None of the characters ever take responsibilities for their actions, and the police and school investigations regarding the possession just didn't seem plausible. 

All in all not for me, although I did enjoy the 80's song list titles.