Opening Sentence: The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures gives classifications to all known beasts, beings and spirits.
Perhaps you have heard the expression, "So and so has such a great voice; I could listen to him read the dictionary!" Well, I kind of did that when I listened to Eddie Redmayne read Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. It's basically an encyclopedia of the various magical creatures you will find in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter world listed in order from A to Z. The introduction to this compendium offers some interesting insight into the politics and history of the Wizarding World and its relationship with other creatures and beings. I think that was my favorite part. I would love to get my hands on the illustrated version of this book. I think it would be a great reference book to compliment my Harry Potter book collection.
To learn more about J.K. Rowling and her books, please visit the author's website.
*
2012; 61 pgs
Opening Sentence: All Emma had to do was open the car door.
Opening Sentence: All Emma had to do was open the car door.
Emma chose to remain behind when her mate left the pack. Now she is begging for his help when the pack leader falls under the curse of a black witch. Danger follows fast on her heels, and Kyle must think fast to prepare a defense--and an end to the plague. It's the only sure way to save Emma. I have read other books by Shawntelle Madison, which I enjoyed, and have had this short novella on my Kindle for awhile now. It was hidden away, as sometimes Kindle books can be. E-books aren't as in your face as books on an actual physical book shelf. I enjoyed Bitten by Deceit for being quick to and full of action, and Madison's ability to give just enough backstory and set up to make this story feel more complete. Still, it did seem too short, and I wouldn't have minded knowing more about the pack Emma and Kyle come from. Overall, this was a satisfying quick read to scratch my itch for something short and intense.
Barbed Borders Press, 2015; 105 pgs
Opening Sentence: Rafe had thought he'd be past it by now.
Opening Sentence: Rafe had thought he'd be past it by now.
Continuing in my phase of desiring short--and this one steamy (sizzling) hot--I turned to Elle Thorne's Forbidden, featuring a family of weretigers in Italy. Another novella which had gotten lost on my Kindle. Rafe believes himself to be in love with his half brother's mate and is not looking forward to their visit. But then he meets Jax and helps her out of a bind with her parents. One thing leads to another, and it becomes clear that the two are fated to be together. Will Jax be able to accept Rafe's animal side?
This one is a bit more sexually graphic than my usual romance reading fare, admittedly, but I can't say I wasn't warned going in. Jax seems like a smart woman, although I question her taste in men. Rafe is definitely a step up--several steps up, in fact, from her old boyfriend. Because this story is so short, everything happens fast, and it really did feel like it was too fast. I would like to have had just a little more conflict between the two main characters, perhaps. I would not mind reading more of Thorne's work. Maybe just something longer next time.
This one is a bit more sexually graphic than my usual romance reading fare, admittedly, but I can't say I wasn't warned going in. Jax seems like a smart woman, although I question her taste in men. Rafe is definitely a step up--several steps up, in fact, from her old boyfriend. Because this story is so short, everything happens fast, and it really did feel like it was too fast. I would like to have had just a little more conflict between the two main characters, perhaps. I would not mind reading more of Thorne's work. Maybe just something longer next time.
To learn more about Elle Thorne and her books, please visit the author's website.
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I didn't love the movie Fantastic Beasts but think I might enjoy an illustrated version of the book.
ReplyDeleteKathy - It's a fun reference book for fans of the Harry Potter series, I think. If anything, it gives you a more thorough description of the beasts found in the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them--although don't expect this little book to tell the story the movie does. This is definitely an encyclopedia just about the various beasts.
DeleteI agree with bermudaonion. Did not love the film, but might love an illustrated version. A modern bestiary sounds like an intriguing idea. :)
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I think the illustrated version of the book would be neat to have. As much as I like Eddie Redmayne, hearing him read an encyclopedia of magical beast types was a bit much. Still, entertaining though!
DeleteI saw most of the Fantastic Beasts movie while my daughter had it on and I really want to watch the whole thing soon. I still haven't read Harry Potter. I have read Shawntelle Madison and enjoyed her work. I think I might have one of her short stories hiding on my kindle too :) Great mini - reviews!
ReplyDeleteCarole - Thank you! I love the Harry Potter books. The Fantastic Beasts movie was really good--I thought.
DeleteI absolutely ADORE the Harry Potter books and bought/read these companion books back when they were first released many years ago. Of course, I LOVED them because it gives us more info on the astounding backstory J. K. Rowling created for the series. In fact, I really wish they hadn't updated/changed Pottermore because the original site was amazing and gradually filled with backstory. I'm sure there's stuff on the new site, but so much harder to enjoy and find :( I wasn't crazy about the film either. I'm not one for such weirdly gross creatures, and although the story itself was good and the film itself was beautiful due to the expert execution of the time period, plus the great effects, too, it isn't my favorite. And honestly, the way Eddie often spoke in the movie was very garbled/mumbled and difficult to understand. I also don't "take" to her "wizarding world" in the U.S. with our accents, etc. It may just be me, but it takes away the "magic" of it for me :-\ Anyway, that's my take! lol
ReplyDeleteDonna Marie - Many of the creatures listed in this compendium are also in the Harry Potter books. Not all the beasts mentioned are in the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. I find them all fascinating--especially Rowling's own interpretations them. She has such a great imagination and a gift for bringing them to life.
ReplyDeleteAs for the movie--which should not be confused with the book because they are completely different--one an actual story and the other an encyclopedia of sorts--I loved the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. I thought it was well done and a great story. Dark and imaginative, and I adored Eddie Redmayne in it. Even my husband who likes the Harry Potter movies, but doesn't love them as much as I do, really enjoyed this one. I am excited about the next movie coming out. I know a number of people didn't like this one as much as the Harry Potter stories. And that's okay. We won't all like the same things.