Thursday, January 19, 2017

Mini-reviews: Pottermore Presents #1, #2, and #3


Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship, and Dangerous Hobbies (Pottermore #1) by J.K. Rowling
Rating: 4.75 stars
Goodreads Rating: 4.21 stars
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book: Amazon
Summary: "‘Minerva was the Roman goddess of warriors and wisdom. William McGonagall is celebrated as the worst poet in British history. There was something irresistible to me about his name, and the idea that such a brilliant woman might be a distant relative of the buffoonish McGonagall.’ – J.K. Rowling

Pottermore Presents is a collection of J.K. Rowling’s writing from the Pottermore archives: short reads originally featured on pottermore.com with some exclusive new additions. These eBooks, with writing curated by Pottermore, will take you beyond the Harry Potter stories as J.K. Rowling reveals her inspiration, intricate details of characters’ lives and surprises from the wizarding world.

These stories of heroism, hardship and dangerous hobbies profile two of the Harry Potter stories’ most courageous and iconic characters: Minerva McGonagall and Remus Lupin. J.K. Rowling also gives us a peek behind the closed curtains of Sybill Trelawney’s life, and you’ll encounter the reckless, magical-beast-loving Silvanus Kettleburn along the way."

Review: The Potterverse is vast and rich, but only seldom are the moments when whole essays of knowledge come from The Queen herself.  I loved reading about the backstories of these beloved characters, each of whom contribute greatly to the series, but about whom we know very little outside how they impact Harry himself.  I was charmed.  It was so wonderful to get so much from Rowling, and it was a great way to get back into the wizarding world before seeing Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.  Great, magical fun!

Review in a GIF:


Bottom Line: If you are a fan of the series, this will be a warm, enchanting walk through Potter nostalgia.  


Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics, and Pesky Poltergeists (Pottermore #2) by J.K. Rowling
Rating: 4.5 stars
Goodreads Rating: 4.2 stars
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book: Amazon
Summary: "No Muggle Prime Minister has ever set foot in the Ministry of Magic, for reasons most succinctly summed up by ex-Minister Dugald McPhail (term of office 1858-1865): “their puir wee braines couldnae cope wi’ it.”’ – J.K. Rowling
Pottermore Presents is a collection of J.K. Rowling’s writing: short reads originally featured on pottermore.com with some exclusive new additions. These eBooks, with writing curated by Pottermore, will take you beyond the Harry Potter stories as J.K. Rowling reveals her inspiration, intricate details of characters’ lives and surprises from the wizarding world.

These stories of power, politics and pesky poltergeists give you a glimpse into the darker side of the wizarding world, revealing the ruthless roots of Professor Umbridge, the lowdown on the Ministers for Magic and the history of the wizarding prison Azkaban. You will also delve deeper into Horace Slughorn’s early years as Potions master at Hogwarts - and his acquaintance with one Tom Marvolo Riddle."

Review: I loved every word.  These essays are a joy.  I knocked off half a star because I still have so many questions about Peeves that his chapter didn't answer, which was frustrating.  Nevertheless, I had such fun reading these.  If you're a fan, READ THEM.  It will delight you.

Review in a GIF:


Bottom Line: What more can I say?  This was such a delight to read.  If you're a big Potter fan, this will almost certainly make you fall in love with the Potterverse all over again.


Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide (Pottermore #3) by J.K. Rowling
Rating: 4.75 stars
Goodreads Rating: 4.21 stars
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book: Amazon
Summary: "‘The Ministry of Magic felt strongly, however, that to construct an additional wizarding station in the middle of London would stretch even the Muggles’ notorious determination not to notice magic when it was exploding in front of their faces.’ – J.K. Rowling
Pottermore Presents is a collection of J.K. Rowling’s writing: short reads originally featured on pottermore.com. These eBooks, with writing curated by Pottermore, will take you beyond the Harry Potter stories as J.K. Rowling reveals her inspiration, intricate details of characters’ lives and surprises from the wizarding world.

Hogwarts An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide takes you on a journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You’ll venture into the Hogwarts grounds, become better acquainted with its more permanent residents, learn more about lessons and discover secrets of the castle . . . all at the turn of a page."

Review: What can I say that I haven't already said... These booklets were just delightful.  They were enchanting and fun and magical and full of Jo's signature humor and insight.  I had such fun with these.  I feel a reread coming on!

Review in a GIF:
harry potter applause maggie smith

Bottom Line: In case you weren't aware from everything written above, I really loved these essays.  Highly recommended!

7 comments:

  1. Fun! I didn't even know these existed, and I love that J.K. Rowling wrote them. I'll have to check these out!

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    1. They're only available as ebooks, which is maybe why some people haven't heard of them. But they're great fun!

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  • I've been thinking about reading these, but I'm not sure I want to. I don't like short stories very much and I'm worried Rowling will reveal something I don't want her to, like when she said she wished she had had Hermione and Harry end up together. Or, the fact that Cursed Child is considered canon but it doesn't fit with the rest of hte world because it breaks the rules countless times. I just can't handle that! I love the original books the way they are.

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    Replies
    1. Although, I have read quite a few of the tidbits on Pottermore already so I may already know these things, lol.

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    2. Well these are not short stories as much as short essays about some characters and other back story info. Does that change your mind? It gives you more encyclopedic information (how the portraits in Hogwarts work, etc.) rather than telling you anything new about the golden trio. I don't think it would spoil anything, but I understand not wanting to be polluted by anything that might change the magic of the original series. That's why I haven't read Cursed Child yet.

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