What do you think?
Rate this book
James Potter #2
James Potter and the Curse of the Gatekeeper
A summer of change brings James Sirius Potter back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with a new perspective. Confident that last year's adventures are well behind him, James prepares for the more prosaic challenges of schoolwork, trying-out for the Quidditch team, and keeping an eye on his brother Albus and cousin Rose.
A new year brings a new adventure, however, beginning with some increasingly worrisome questions about the new headmaster, Merlinus Ambrosius, whose long trek outside of time may have attracted the attention of a horrible entity known to legend as "the Gatekeeper".
Determined to prove Merlin's trustworthiness, James finds himself lost in a deepening web of intrigue, deception and secrets that stretches all the way back to the time of the founders.
With the Gatekeeper looming, preparing its prophesied human host for a final reign of doom, James, Rose and Ralph forge unexpected allies in a last-ditch effort to stop it before it is too late.
In the end, however, all hopes lead to Merlin, and James must face the very real possibility that everything he believes about the new headmaster is, in fact, a carefully constructed facade.
A new year brings a new adventure, however, beginning with some increasingly worrisome questions about the new headmaster, Merlinus Ambrosius, whose long trek outside of time may have attracted the attention of a horrible entity known to legend as "the Gatekeeper".
Determined to prove Merlin's trustworthiness, James finds himself lost in a deepening web of intrigue, deception and secrets that stretches all the way back to the time of the founders.
With the Gatekeeper looming, preparing its prophesied human host for a final reign of doom, James, Rose and Ralph forge unexpected allies in a last-ditch effort to stop it before it is too late.
In the end, however, all hopes lead to Merlin, and James must face the very real possibility that everything he believes about the new headmaster is, in fact, a carefully constructed facade.
459 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2008
16148 people are currently reading
25163 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 716 reviews
August 23, 2018
هذه السلسلة بالتأكيد تصلح لمهووسي هاري بوتر
الرواية طبعاً وليس الفيلم
فسلسلة الأفلام لا تحمل حتى 1%من بهاء الرواية و سحرها
حتى مع كل المؤثرات الخاصة المبهرة
لم تجاري خيالي وخاصة بطريقة المملثين في الآداء التي لا تقارب جمال الشخصيات المرسومة
-خصوصاً دمبلدور الذي لم يقترب
Michael Gambon
من روحه ولو بنسبة ضئيلة ،الرجل لم يقرأ الرواية حتى
من أين له أن يعرف دمبلدور؟؟
قام
G. Norman Lippert
بكتابة 5 أجزاء حتى الآن من سلسلة جايمس بوتر وهي مبنية على عالم هاري بوتر كما عرفناه
ولكن في هذه المرة البطل هو ابنه الأكبر جيمس
فتبدأ السلسة بعام جايمس الأول في هوجوورتس وما يواجهه هناك من مغامرات
اضاف خيال المؤلف لها أبعاداً جديدة وحسّاً لطيفاً للدعابة
وأدخل عوالم سحرية ، وكائنات خيالية جديدة
وبعث الحياة مجدداً في أشهر ساحر عبر العصور -ميرلين
الأبطال الباقون على قيد الحياة بعد انتهاء سلسلة هاري بوتر تجدهم هنا في سن النضج
فترى هاري في دور الأب هنا بعد سنوات قضيتها معه في عالم الطفولة والمراهقة
For a Harry Potter Geek , this is totally awesome :D
قرأت الجزء الأول وأعجبني كثيرا
وها أنا أقرأ الثاني والذي يبدأ بفولدمورت مرة أخرى عائدا في لوحة سحرية مهشمة
لنرى ماذا سيحدث إذا :)
الرواية طبعاً وليس الفيلم
فسلسلة الأفلام لا تحمل حتى 1%من بهاء الرواية و سحرها
حتى مع كل المؤثرات الخاصة المبهرة
لم تجاري خيالي وخاصة بطريقة المملثين في الآداء التي لا تقارب جمال الشخصيات المرسومة
-خصوصاً دمبلدور الذي لم يقترب
Michael Gambon
من روحه ولو بنسبة ضئيلة ،الرجل لم يقرأ الرواية حتى
من أين له أن يعرف دمبلدور؟؟
قام
G. Norman Lippert
بكتابة 5 أجزاء حتى الآن من سلسلة جايمس بوتر وهي مبنية على عالم هاري بوتر كما عرفناه
ولكن في هذه المرة البطل هو ابنه الأكبر جيمس
فتبدأ السلسة بعام جايمس الأول في هوجوورتس وما يواجهه هناك من مغامرات
اضاف خيال المؤلف لها أبعاداً جديدة وحسّاً لطيفاً للدعابة
وأدخل عوالم سحرية ، وكائنات خيالية جديدة
وبعث الحياة مجدداً في أشهر ساحر عبر العصور -ميرلين
الأبطال الباقون على قيد الحياة بعد انتهاء سلسلة هاري بوتر تجدهم هنا في سن النضج
فترى هاري في دور الأب هنا بعد سنوات قضيتها معه في عالم الطفولة والمراهقة
For a Harry Potter Geek , this is totally awesome :D
قرأت الجزء الأول وأعجبني كثيرا
وها أنا أقرأ الثاني والذي يبدأ بفولدمورت مرة أخرى عائدا في لوحة سحرية مهشمة
لنرى ماذا سيحدث إذا :)
March 28, 2012
My overall opinion of this book: brilliant. Just when I thought all was over in the end, it actually wasn't! I feel so happy to be 'lost' in Hogwarts all over again. Lippert breathes life into characters not usually explored, and revisits others in humorous ways (Moaning Myrtle).
I am extremely interested to see if he develops the story of the Grey Lady, especially her death/past, as well as maybe a ghostly relationship between her and Cedric? To think that ghosts could find love after death... that would be rewarding to read! Who knows, maybe he'll even give us a sneak-peak into the Headless Hunt we lost Nearly Headless Nick to in the first book!
Even though she wasn't a central character in this novel, I would happily read anything Lippert has to write about Judith, as well as the relationship between her and Merlin, and Merlin's behavior before falling in love with her, etc.
Lippert has set this series up for a TON of side stories, which I believe he would profit greatly from. I will read anything this man ever puts out. He is extremely talented and deserves to be recognized as such.
I am extremely interested to see if he develops the story of the Grey Lady, especially her death/past, as well as maybe a ghostly relationship between her and Cedric? To think that ghosts could find love after death... that would be rewarding to read! Who knows, maybe he'll even give us a sneak-peak into the Headless Hunt we lost Nearly Headless Nick to in the first book!
Even though she wasn't a central character in this novel, I would happily read anything Lippert has to write about Judith, as well as the relationship between her and Merlin, and Merlin's behavior before falling in love with her, etc.
Lippert has set this series up for a TON of side stories, which I believe he would profit greatly from. I will read anything this man ever puts out. He is extremely talented and deserves to be recognized as such.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2012
When the Harry Potter book series finished it didn't quite dawn on me that it was 'the end', I knew I could quench my magical needs by just watching the films, but that was until the last instalment of the Harry Potter film came out. It was then whilst sitting in the cinema I finally realized there isn't going to be any more Harry Potter. Sounds quite sad now I'm admitting it, but I actually had a little silent cry to myself, in the cinema, with my brother staring weirdly at me.
That's why when I heard about the James Potter series I knew I had to check them out. But after reading a few Goodreads reviews, I have to say a few bits of doubt crept into my judgement. One person said that they were amazing the other a cheap imitation of J.K.Rowling. So with those in mind I decided I'd form my own opinion on the stories, after all it's not as I had to pay, they were free downloads on Goodreads!
I read the first book in the series 'James Potter and the Hall of Elders Crossing' in a matter of days, maybe 3 at the most and I had to say overall G.Norman Lippert had me quite impressed. Yeah, maybe they were a few things that could of being tweaked to make the book somewhat better, but as a whole I thought the author had done a good job. So with now positive opinions I entered the second book. Again I read a few reviews and again they were shattered opinions, but this time I was going to let it affect me and I am so glad that I didn't.
'James Potter and the Hall of the Gate keeper' is astoundingly better than the first instalment. The characters, the flow, the pace of the story, everything was just magical (see what I did there). I loved how we got more details on Hogwarts and how it has evolved since the departure of Harry. I loved the introduction of Albus, Rose and Scorpius and the development of already existing characters like Ralph, Petra and Ted. I loved the background stories of each character and the mystery they bring to the tale. As you can see I 'loved' quite a lot of the story. Not to self, get a thesaurus.
So overall I am really enjoying the James Potter series so far and would truly recommend them if, like me you 'loved' Harry Potter and are really going to miss them.
That's why when I heard about the James Potter series I knew I had to check them out. But after reading a few Goodreads reviews, I have to say a few bits of doubt crept into my judgement. One person said that they were amazing the other a cheap imitation of J.K.Rowling. So with those in mind I decided I'd form my own opinion on the stories, after all it's not as I had to pay, they were free downloads on Goodreads!
I read the first book in the series 'James Potter and the Hall of Elders Crossing' in a matter of days, maybe 3 at the most and I had to say overall G.Norman Lippert had me quite impressed. Yeah, maybe they were a few things that could of being tweaked to make the book somewhat better, but as a whole I thought the author had done a good job. So with now positive opinions I entered the second book. Again I read a few reviews and again they were shattered opinions, but this time I was going to let it affect me and I am so glad that I didn't.
'James Potter and the Hall of the Gate keeper' is astoundingly better than the first instalment. The characters, the flow, the pace of the story, everything was just magical (see what I did there). I loved how we got more details on Hogwarts and how it has evolved since the departure of Harry. I loved the introduction of Albus, Rose and Scorpius and the development of already existing characters like Ralph, Petra and Ted. I loved the background stories of each character and the mystery they bring to the tale. As you can see I 'loved' quite a lot of the story. Not to self, get a thesaurus.
So overall I am really enjoying the James Potter series so far and would truly recommend them if, like me you 'loved' Harry Potter and are really going to miss them.
March 6, 2013
Lippert's James Potter books are delightful. They are a rebirth of the Harry PotterUniverse. It is a real shame that he is not getting compensated for these wonderful stories that so well continue what JK Rowling created. I plan to read his original work.
The characters evolve, growing over a year at Hogwarts. Elements of the HP books form the backbone of the story but the modern muggle world gives us a current feel, and a slight technological, scientific descriptive undercurrent works well.
In he second book, time travel plays an important part quite effectively. As does the integration of Merlin's story. The Houses stereotypes break down pleasantly. And the way Hogwarts history is enacted, playing out scenes that were mentioned in HP stories, ties things together so nicely.
I recommend reading these stories.
The characters evolve, growing over a year at Hogwarts. Elements of the HP books form the backbone of the story but the modern muggle world gives us a current feel, and a slight technological, scientific descriptive undercurrent works well.
In he second book, time travel plays an important part quite effectively. As does the integration of Merlin's story. The Houses stereotypes break down pleasantly. And the way Hogwarts history is enacted, playing out scenes that were mentioned in HP stories, ties things together so nicely.
I recommend reading these stories.
February 9, 2013
G. Norman Lippert produces yet another enjoyable book in the James Potter series. I was so excited when I found these thru Goodreads. He really stays true to the characters created by J. K. Rowling in the original series. I enjoy the way he introduces historical characters (Merlin, Ben Franklyn, and others) into the Potter world. He also slyly inserted even Ms. Rowling into the books as one of the new professors at Hogwarts this term as an author who is known for fictionalizing the Harry Potter stories.
The second year at Hogwarts begins for James Potter with a stunning performance by the Sorting Hat. There's a Malfoy in Gryffindor and a Potter in Slytherin! And that's just the beginning... The characters are well-developed, and I often forget I am not reading the original series by the original author. Trust is a major theme this time around. There are plenty of plot twists and turns to keep the reader guessing all the way to the last page.
One of my favorite quotes was from Rose Weasley, daughter of Ron and Hermione, when being pressured to help James with a homework assignment, "you obviously have me confused with someone else...That might've worked on my mum back in the day, but that's only because she had an overdeveloped sense of responsibility. My Weasley heritage offsets that nicely."
I'm already looking forward to reading the next one. The folks spewing negative comments about the writing are worries, much like mosquitoes at a picnic. Just swat them away and move on ;) The writer has given us a gift so that we might continue to enjoy Harry long after the series officially ended. I, for one, am glad of it. Those who do not agree should either write something better, if they can, or go read something else and leave us to our reading.
The second year at Hogwarts begins for James Potter with a stunning performance by the Sorting Hat. There's a Malfoy in Gryffindor and a Potter in Slytherin! And that's just the beginning... The characters are well-developed, and I often forget I am not reading the original series by the original author. Trust is a major theme this time around. There are plenty of plot twists and turns to keep the reader guessing all the way to the last page.
One of my favorite quotes was from Rose Weasley, daughter of Ron and Hermione, when being pressured to help James with a homework assignment, "you obviously have me confused with someone else...That might've worked on my mum back in the day, but that's only because she had an overdeveloped sense of responsibility. My Weasley heritage offsets that nicely."
I'm already looking forward to reading the next one. The folks spewing negative comments about the writing are worries, much like mosquitoes at a picnic. Just swat them away and move on ;) The writer has given us a gift so that we might continue to enjoy Harry long after the series officially ended. I, for one, am glad of it. Those who do not agree should either write something better, if they can, or go read something else and leave us to our reading.
February 22, 2013
Oh no..oh no...This book is so all over the place!!
Lippert has these grandiose ideas, not one but ten that he tries to put into each book. Its like awesome concept 1.... Bunch of frustration, concept 2.... Frustration..... And then it all blows up on your face!!
Ok things that really annoy me to no end......**Some Spoilers**
1) James Potters' angle of obtuseness continues to increase.... He has tried to make James the hero without hero factor....not working at all!!!
2) he has literally trampled the Canon and re written HP. Voldy discussing horcruxes with Bellatrix and everyone.... JKR was very very clear that he operated alone! Simply bypassed it....grrr... heights of ridiculousness among other such BS.
3) these are more serious writing crimes:)
he totally sacrificed the story telling and character development in confusion of his grand concepts......took major shortcuts to connect plot A to Plot B.
There is a reason why the Deathly Hallows and horcruxes were guarded secrets that few people knew. It's very irksome to hear 11yr olds and 12 yr olds talking about horcruxes and hallows left, right and center as if it's nothing more than showing the finger!
Lippert has decided that Rose can replace the wisdom of Dumbledore instead of creating a whole new character or utilizing the Canon ppl like um..I don't know...Harry, Ron Hermione?
This has a silver screen shebang more than cohesive story telling. The legendary Merlin who can banish ppl to the netherworld in a snap, actually has a whole page devoted to stopping a mere train that's hurtling on a broken track....I mean the last page just dragggggggggged onnnn.....but then James and Rose and ralphinator can take on Slytherin, voldy and borley and everything.....Albus and scorpius can cast Avada Kedavra at the age of 11....
4) Lippert was totally confused about whether or not to emulate HP series...it was just oscillating between Dejavu and Disdain for Canon. He somehow patched it all up from King of the cats to Chamber of secrets to lightning scar!!
I liked Albus a lot more and he just got outrageously sidelined. To create Harry, Hermione and Ron like trio...the Author actually had to make Rose do advanced levels in her classes and sit with James in all his classes to talk. Considering the classes were so boringly non magical, I don't know why he went to all the trouble creating a classroom setting for them to plot.
5) this takes the cake- Lippert drops these juicy herrings every now and then..."The floo powder glittered and then came the face of Harry Potter" or else " James wrote to his father knowing he is the only person who could give him the answer" as if there was going to be some major wisdom transfer atlast and then he makes Harry sound like a total nitwit. Reminds me of some of the Star wars books, where they throw in the name of Anakin Skywalker or Obi wan in the beginning so ppl just keep reading thinking it's all going somewhere....I consider this a cheap trick...effective maybe.
Cinchers.....Positive stuff now:))
1) there are some surprisingly awesome jokes....i love his sense of humor.
2) he did give the HP fans a few chapters that we really craved. The family chapter with the potters and weasleys...the chapter which talks about the history of hogwarts and a glimpse of the founders and the magic behind it all. Fascinating.....
3) also the connection between Merlin, founders, hallows and the in between worlds ....enjoyed it all....as I said awesome concepts. Darker for a more grown up HP reader.
Lippert has these grandiose ideas, not one but ten that he tries to put into each book. Its like awesome concept 1.... Bunch of frustration, concept 2.... Frustration..... And then it all blows up on your face!!
Ok things that really annoy me to no end......**Some Spoilers**
1) James Potters' angle of obtuseness continues to increase.... He has tried to make James the hero without hero factor....not working at all!!!
2) he has literally trampled the Canon and re written HP. Voldy discussing horcruxes with Bellatrix and everyone.... JKR was very very clear that he operated alone! Simply bypassed it....grrr... heights of ridiculousness among other such BS.
3) these are more serious writing crimes:)
he totally sacrificed the story telling and character development in confusion of his grand concepts......took major shortcuts to connect plot A to Plot B.
There is a reason why the Deathly Hallows and horcruxes were guarded secrets that few people knew. It's very irksome to hear 11yr olds and 12 yr olds talking about horcruxes and hallows left, right and center as if it's nothing more than showing the finger!
Lippert has decided that Rose can replace the wisdom of Dumbledore instead of creating a whole new character or utilizing the Canon ppl like um..I don't know...Harry, Ron Hermione?
This has a silver screen shebang more than cohesive story telling. The legendary Merlin who can banish ppl to the netherworld in a snap, actually has a whole page devoted to stopping a mere train that's hurtling on a broken track....I mean the last page just dragggggggggged onnnn.....but then James and Rose and ralphinator can take on Slytherin, voldy and borley and everything.....Albus and scorpius can cast Avada Kedavra at the age of 11....
4) Lippert was totally confused about whether or not to emulate HP series...it was just oscillating between Dejavu and Disdain for Canon. He somehow patched it all up from King of the cats to Chamber of secrets to lightning scar!!
I liked Albus a lot more and he just got outrageously sidelined. To create Harry, Hermione and Ron like trio...the Author actually had to make Rose do advanced levels in her classes and sit with James in all his classes to talk. Considering the classes were so boringly non magical, I don't know why he went to all the trouble creating a classroom setting for them to plot.
5) this takes the cake- Lippert drops these juicy herrings every now and then..."The floo powder glittered and then came the face of Harry Potter" or else " James wrote to his father knowing he is the only person who could give him the answer" as if there was going to be some major wisdom transfer atlast and then he makes Harry sound like a total nitwit. Reminds me of some of the Star wars books, where they throw in the name of Anakin Skywalker or Obi wan in the beginning so ppl just keep reading thinking it's all going somewhere....I consider this a cheap trick...effective maybe.
Cinchers.....Positive stuff now:))
1) there are some surprisingly awesome jokes....i love his sense of humor.
2) he did give the HP fans a few chapters that we really craved. The family chapter with the potters and weasleys...the chapter which talks about the history of hogwarts and a glimpse of the founders and the magic behind it all. Fascinating.....
3) also the connection between Merlin, founders, hallows and the in between worlds ....enjoyed it all....as I said awesome concepts. Darker for a more grown up HP reader.
August 5, 2013
Samuel Johnson (the dictionary man) once famously said to a young author whose book he'd been asked to review that there were parts of it that were good, and parts of it that were original. But the good parts were not original, and the original parts were not good.
This book is largely the opposite. The original characters (including those that might as well be original characters, because J.K. Rowling has done little more than write their names on a genealogical chart) worked well for me, but the characters from original canon were a huge miss. Cedric Diggory, for example, returns as a ghost, and struck me as completely unlike the canon Cedric Diggory in every possible way.
Again, the setting elements that are original, like the hiding place for Merlin's cache, are well-described and interesting. The elements taken from canon are often subtly or unsubtly wrong, or are left vaguely described because, of course, all the readers will know what they look like.
There's also a magic item swiped straight out of Terry Pratchett's Making Money, which I found jarring, and the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is a seemingly more competent Gilderoy Lockhart.
The first book suffered from a thin and unlikely plot in which James was not much of a protagonist, and at 30% (the point where I stopped) I didn't see anything to indicate that this volume would be any different.
The author's command of the language also hasn't improved: he refers to "yokes for horses" on the front of a carriage, says "belied" where he clearly means "betrayed", repeatedly uses "disinterested" to mean "uninterested", says "forge mighty rivers" instead of "ford", uses the expression "time's have changed" with the misplaced apostrophe, misspells "burrs", doesn't know what "decimated" means, can't spell "Ignatius", uses "ballyhooed" to mean "whooped", has a British character use the word "anyplace", and (again, as in volume 1) writes "who's" when he means "whose".
I decided it wasn't worth carrying on for the good bits when I was so frequently being jarred by the bits that weren't good. It's a pity.
This book is largely the opposite. The original characters (including those that might as well be original characters, because J.K. Rowling has done little more than write their names on a genealogical chart) worked well for me, but the characters from original canon were a huge miss. Cedric Diggory, for example, returns as a ghost, and struck me as completely unlike the canon Cedric Diggory in every possible way.
Again, the setting elements that are original, like the hiding place for Merlin's cache, are well-described and interesting. The elements taken from canon are often subtly or unsubtly wrong, or are left vaguely described because, of course, all the readers will know what they look like.
There's also a magic item swiped straight out of Terry Pratchett's Making Money, which I found jarring, and the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is a seemingly more competent Gilderoy Lockhart.
The first book suffered from a thin and unlikely plot in which James was not much of a protagonist, and at 30% (the point where I stopped) I didn't see anything to indicate that this volume would be any different.
The author's command of the language also hasn't improved: he refers to "yokes for horses" on the front of a carriage, says "belied" where he clearly means "betrayed", repeatedly uses "disinterested" to mean "uninterested", says "forge mighty rivers" instead of "ford", uses the expression "time's have changed" with the misplaced apostrophe, misspells "burrs", doesn't know what "decimated" means, can't spell "Ignatius", uses "ballyhooed" to mean "whooped", has a British character use the word "anyplace", and (again, as in volume 1) writes "who's" when he means "whose".
I decided it wasn't worth carrying on for the good bits when I was so frequently being jarred by the bits that weren't good. It's a pity.
September 25, 2024
A mí me dio algo de sueñín. Incluso me dormí a ratos. A lo mejor fue culpa mía, pero no me parece un buen síntoma, la verdad.
Hagrid se expresa de una forma culta y educada de lo más impropia. Se me hace rarísimo.
El encuentro con Slicerin me gustó y la aventura, aunque algo infantil (todavía estamos en el segundo libro) tenía cierto mejunge. Lo de la casa me dio una pena del copón y Kreacher me hizo gracia😂😂😂
Pero no sé si es que me pilló en mal momento o fue el libro, pero mi interés se mantenía muy por los pelos. GL (Universo Harry Potter)
Hagrid se expresa de una forma culta y educada de lo más impropia. Se me hace rarísimo.
El encuentro con Slicerin me gustó y la aventura, aunque algo infantil (todavía estamos en el segundo libro) tenía cierto mejunge. Lo de la casa me dio una pena del copón y Kreacher me hizo gracia😂😂😂
Pero no sé si es que me pilló en mal momento o fue el libro, pero mi interés se mantenía muy por los pelos. GL (Universo Harry Potter)
December 5, 2018
Since I enjoyed the first book of the James Potter series, I decided to read the second sequel as well! It did take me a fairly high amount of time of searching for this book, however, it was definitely worth it. G. Norman Lippert creatively continued the stories of J.K. Rowling by writing from Harry's son's perspective, renovating and reliving the settings in the iconic Harry Potter series. If you tend to enjoy the fantasy genre that takes place with Harry Potter's life, you'll enjoy these series too!
October 19, 2014
“None of us were kidding when we said we wanted to have enough kids to make a Quidditch team, were we?”
I feel so bad right now.This book worths 4 starts,it was much much better than the first one but something pulls me off,maybe the fact that in some parts was slow.I find myself really..."Strict" when it comes to this series and I don't know why!Something tells me the third one will finally get the 4th star but no promises people.Overall,G. Norman Lippert like I said in my previous review of the first bookJames Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing he does a really great job I guess being loyal to J.K Rowling's world, of course he puts his own color in the story and the world.His writing isn't similar to Rowling's but it still gives you the feel of Harry Potter books.If you read the book you probably know what I mean.This book might be a little slow but G.Norman makes you keep reading and reading,he also makes you really attached to the characters.Personally,something that really keeps me reading and have patience with the writing is the strong connection you can have with the characters.
I will only tell, James-Ralph-Rose-Merlin
Pretty Much Character Discussion
Seriously there were amazing.I missed Zane but fortunately we got to see him trough the book.It;s time now to mention how much Ralph grew on me,he is such a Ron Weasley version,I freaking love him.He is literally..cute I guess you can say!I see a flame between him and Rose(btw I terribly want to see how Ron would react if his daughter had a relationship with a Slytherin,it would definitely be one of my fav scenes.)I also kinda ship her and Scorpius(Draco's son),their relationship[ would be fun to read about!
So..Scorpius Malfoy!That was a surprise a big surprise.I expected him to be evil but I really liked him.Just so you know I think the hat made a great decision both for Scorpius and Albus.I am just praying after G.Norman's thoughts on the end of the book we don't get to see a bad version of him,just pretty please!Scorpius is a very intriguing character!
On the other hand I am extremely afraid of how Albus will change in the next books.
From the very beginning of this review I want to talk about a haracter,Ted Lupin!OMG!I love him so much.Ig anyone made a whole new series for him,I would staright went to pick up the books and it.That's how much I LOVE him!His hate towards Ralph Dolohov completely understandable.I was afraid also that he was going o make things up again with Petra but he didn't.Their "thing" was well explained in the end.I want him with Victoire end of discussion.My little boy!LOVE him
^_^
Now!Let's get to pretty much my reaction with the whole "Bloodline" thing and Petra!Oh.the same stands for Tabitha's situation,Lucius Malfoy, and the stone
but after all it's the Harry Potter World we are talking about,anything is possible.Such a plot twist at the end!!
I only want to finally say that this series is absolutely promising and worths a try!G.Norman really makes a good work with his books!
extra bonus:
I feel so bad right now.This book worths 4 starts,it was much much better than the first one but something pulls me off,maybe the fact that in some parts was slow.I find myself really..."Strict" when it comes to this series and I don't know why!Something tells me the third one will finally get the 4th star but no promises people.Overall,G. Norman Lippert like I said in my previous review of the first bookJames Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing he does a really great job I guess being loyal to J.K Rowling's world, of course he puts his own color in the story and the world.His writing isn't similar to Rowling's but it still gives you the feel of Harry Potter books.If you read the book you probably know what I mean.This book might be a little slow but G.Norman makes you keep reading and reading,he also makes you really attached to the characters.Personally,something that really keeps me reading and have patience with the writing is the strong connection you can have with the characters.
I will only tell, James-Ralph-Rose-Merlin
Pretty Much Character Discussion
Seriously there were amazing.I missed Zane but fortunately we got to see him trough the book.It;s time now to mention how much Ralph grew on me,he is such a Ron Weasley version,I freaking love him.He is literally..cute I guess you can say!I see a flame between him and Rose(btw I terribly want to see how Ron would react if his daughter had a relationship with a Slytherin,it would definitely be one of my fav scenes.)I also kinda ship her and Scorpius(Draco's son),their relationship[ would be fun to read about!
So..Scorpius Malfoy!That was a surprise a big surprise.I expected him to be evil but I really liked him.Just so you know I think the hat made a great decision both for Scorpius and Albus.I am just praying after G.Norman's thoughts on the end of the book we don't get to see a bad version of him,just pretty please!Scorpius is a very intriguing character!
On the other hand I am extremely afraid of how Albus will change in the next books.
From the very beginning of this review I want to talk about a haracter,Ted Lupin!OMG!I love him so much.Ig anyone made a whole new series for him,I would staright went to pick up the books and it.That's how much I LOVE him!His hate towards Ralph Dolohov completely understandable.I was afraid also that he was going o make things up again with Petra but he didn't.Their "thing" was well explained in the end.I want him with Victoire end of discussion.My little boy!LOVE him
^_^
Now!Let's get to pretty much my reaction with the whole "Bloodline" thing and Petra!Oh.the same stands for Tabitha's situation,Lucius Malfoy, and the stone
but after all it's the Harry Potter World we are talking about,anything is possible.Such a plot twist at the end!!
I only want to finally say that this series is absolutely promising and worths a try!G.Norman really makes a good work with his books!
extra bonus:
June 10, 2009
When Merlin speaks, I hear Optimus Prime in my head...
July 31, 2015
I read the first book last week. And although I didn’t loved the first book that much I was still intrigued by it, and curious enough to also start on the second novel. And you know what? I liked this one better than the first one, and I’m looking forward to find some time to read number three.
But now about the book. I love it when I book touched my heart enough that I can laugh, curse, hate someone, rooting for another or cry. And this one did. Ok huge spoiler ahead right now, so if you absolutely don’t want to know, stop reading now and read my review after you read the book. STOP READING, HELLO, JUST CLICK ON THE LITTLE X IN THE RIGHT CORNER NOW!!!!
Ok, apparently you read the book, or are stupid and/or curious enough to continue reading. Arthur Weasley is dead. OMG, I cried during this scene. It is so well written and it just sucks you right in to it. I absolutely loved it, and hated Mr. Lippert for a second or two for killing him off. (No hard feelings now, was just me going through the motions, lol)
James returns to school, with Albus, his younger brother and Rose, the daughter of Ron and Hermione. Ralph is also back, but Zane left Hogwarts for the magic school in the US. And we have a surprise guest, Scorpio, Draco Malfoy’s son. Yup, just as Draco, you hate Scorpio in an instant. And another big shock is to find Albus getting into Slytherin and Draco into Gryffindor.
You know, it’s nice to read something not so predictably. I for one believed Albus was a Gryffindor.
The big bad this time is the gatekeeper and his human host. And James really is his father’s son, disobeying rules and doing stuff he isn’t supposed to. Also, as tradition, there is a new defense against the dark arts teacher, but he doesn’t believe in spell for the younger students. And James decides, along with Ralph and Rose to creating yet another dueling club and Scorpio is teaching it.
Hmm, I’m sort of beginning not to hate Scorpio as much. Also funny is the muggle produced play everyone needs to work on, or all students that follow muggle studies anyway. James gets a lead role and its fun to read how a world drowning in magic has to do without it.
So there is the big finally where the human host is discovered, trying to kill Lily, James younger sister and they defeat the gatekeeper. I for one can’t wait for Lily getting into Hogwarts. All ends well…
Not! In the Harry Potter books when everyone returns home, that’s the end. So here’s a surprise I didn’t expected but welcomed very much. It isn’t over. The gatekeeper isn’t completely destroyed and he wants James as his host. And he almost gives in for the promise of returning his grandfather and Sirius. Again, I cried. I hated it that Sirius died in the HP books. It was so unfair, Harry finally finding a family and it’s taken from him. And now he almost came back. But James did the right thing and refused the offer and with the help of Merlin banishing him back to oblivion. Good riddance.
So that’s my review my geeks, oh and before I forget. Merlin is shacking up with Molly Weasley.
I rate it 7.5 out of 10
Love, your hot cute girly geek, Mendy
But now about the book. I love it when I book touched my heart enough that I can laugh, curse, hate someone, rooting for another or cry. And this one did. Ok huge spoiler ahead right now, so if you absolutely don’t want to know, stop reading now and read my review after you read the book. STOP READING, HELLO, JUST CLICK ON THE LITTLE X IN THE RIGHT CORNER NOW!!!!
Ok, apparently you read the book, or are stupid and/or curious enough to continue reading. Arthur Weasley is dead. OMG, I cried during this scene. It is so well written and it just sucks you right in to it. I absolutely loved it, and hated Mr. Lippert for a second or two for killing him off. (No hard feelings now, was just me going through the motions, lol)
James returns to school, with Albus, his younger brother and Rose, the daughter of Ron and Hermione. Ralph is also back, but Zane left Hogwarts for the magic school in the US. And we have a surprise guest, Scorpio, Draco Malfoy’s son. Yup, just as Draco, you hate Scorpio in an instant. And another big shock is to find Albus getting into Slytherin and Draco into Gryffindor.
You know, it’s nice to read something not so predictably. I for one believed Albus was a Gryffindor.
The big bad this time is the gatekeeper and his human host. And James really is his father’s son, disobeying rules and doing stuff he isn’t supposed to. Also, as tradition, there is a new defense against the dark arts teacher, but he doesn’t believe in spell for the younger students. And James decides, along with Ralph and Rose to creating yet another dueling club and Scorpio is teaching it.
Hmm, I’m sort of beginning not to hate Scorpio as much. Also funny is the muggle produced play everyone needs to work on, or all students that follow muggle studies anyway. James gets a lead role and its fun to read how a world drowning in magic has to do without it.
So there is the big finally where the human host is discovered, trying to kill Lily, James younger sister and they defeat the gatekeeper. I for one can’t wait for Lily getting into Hogwarts. All ends well…
Not! In the Harry Potter books when everyone returns home, that’s the end. So here’s a surprise I didn’t expected but welcomed very much. It isn’t over. The gatekeeper isn’t completely destroyed and he wants James as his host. And he almost gives in for the promise of returning his grandfather and Sirius. Again, I cried. I hated it that Sirius died in the HP books. It was so unfair, Harry finally finding a family and it’s taken from him. And now he almost came back. But James did the right thing and refused the offer and with the help of Merlin banishing him back to oblivion. Good riddance.
So that’s my review my geeks, oh and before I forget. Merlin is shacking up with Molly Weasley.
I rate it 7.5 out of 10
Love, your hot cute girly geek, Mendy
May 13, 2011
Just like the first, I couldn't finished the second. Maybe I just can't stand double L'd words to never be double L'd, maybe I didn't like the story, perhaps I just don't like the style of writing - I don't know what it is about these, I just can't dive into them.
There are only two types of people for this series - the haters and the lovers. I regret to say I'm in the former group, but hope anyone in the latter group enjoys this as much as they no doubt squealed over the first.
Furthermore, the introduction was just plain rude and off-putting, and certainly did not help when I tried to ease into the second book in hopes of some enjoyment after failing to with the first.
There are only two types of people for this series - the haters and the lovers. I regret to say I'm in the former group, but hope anyone in the latter group enjoys this as much as they no doubt squealed over the first.
Furthermore, the introduction was just plain rude and off-putting, and certainly did not help when I tried to ease into the second book in hopes of some enjoyment after failing to with the first.
August 13, 2019
Just as fun and enjoyable as the last! I'm loving these books! They could easily be made into movies if the cast were willing. :)
October 13, 2013
Having just come off the heels of my review of the first book, I'll try and do as justice to this book as much as I can. The first book had left me excited for more, and so immediately after finishing the first I devoured the second. And to be honest the first third or so of the book had me satisfied as an extension of the world established in the first book, but just about the time that the kids started "settling" into school I started feeling rather "off" by the book, and that feeling only intensified as the novel progressed.
The large issue of this story was whether or not Merlin was good or evil--which had been the concern of the previous book--so I felt that Mr. Lippet was repeating himself on that theme.
Next there was the growing distinction between brothers plot line between Albus and James that I found on the whole well done until something came along to upset this nice little train--and again it goes back to one of the weaknesses of the first book, that Mr. Lippet has less sense of the developmental differences between children. And I'll give this one little spoiler to show what I mean: Albus falls into leagues with the "Dolores Umbridge Jr." character that is Tabitha Corisca and from her learns how to cast the Death curse and manages to do it successfully in addition to learning the type of magic that in the original series Harry didn't even begin learning until he was 14--which was done sort of like a crash course to ensure his safety in the Triwizard Tournament, and it was implied that it was still a little "early" for them to be learning about such a subject.
This wouldn't have bothered me so much if Albus wasn't an eleven year old who has barely learned how to float a feather by the brief snippet into the education of a first year we got in the first Harry Potter book. In this book it became rather clear that Mr. Lippet would rather be writing much older characters than the eleven and twelve year olds he has set himself up with. However I could have dealt with this stretch of magical ability--chalking it up to "Albus has inherited Harry's magical potential" or something like that, but then other first year characters start having similar issues in being able to perform magic far out of the range of believability for a first year to be doing. And in each case we're supposed to take it that each of them is "special". Rose Weasley is able to skip most of her grade-level classes because "she's her mother's daughter" and is thus a super-charged version of Hermione Granger--but having none of her mother's faults because she's tempered them with her father's humor, thus making her a character with no faults or problems whatsoever beyond how the world is conspiring against her learning everything she wants to learn. Scorpius Malfoy is able to teach a school club on defensive magic because he's been specially trained by his grandfather. He even can do magic graffiti that doesn't fade, and he suffers oh so much because nobody thinks he's Gryffindor material, constantly being ignored and pushed aside and being dark and brooding. I wouldn't have so much of a problem if these characters were individual cases in one book--but gathered all together in one book it comes off as highly unbelievable and comes off as Mr. Lippet subconsciously wishing he were writing 15 or 16 year old characters instead of 11 and 12 year old characters.
Likewise there is little sense in the development of the different levels of magic at all as it seems like the difficulty of a spell only comes down to whether you can learn the words for it or not, which wasn't the sense I got at all from the original series by Rowling. I guess what this boils down to is this: I couldn't really buy the reason that a school for magic was necessary from this book series like I could from Rowling's original work, and that there were far too many "special exceptions" of characters being "beyond their normal level of magical abilities" for me to wonder if there was a "rule" at all. Too many characters who were far too powerful too easily, it made me loose interest in the story pretty quickly or feel mildly indignant while reading it.
I did like the little crush that developed between Petra--a character I had merely glanced over in the first book--and James. It marked me as probably the first thing that seemed age appropriate to the story. And it was handled rather sweetly, with the relationship seeming quite improbable due to the age difference, but quite believable as those kind of improbable imagined relationships between the young guy and the older girl do happen in the mind of a boy on the verge of puberty.
The time travel incident was handled well, though again it served to show off how special our eleven year old characters could be to solve the problem for our main character, and I think that hits upon my biggest issue with this book compared to the first, which I hold to be the better, the side characters in the first book were actually fully developed characters with hang ups, problems, weaknesses, and issues. These three new additions come across as three different plays on how to write a Mary Sue or Gary Stu. They're just far too special, far too powerful, and suck out all the life of the other characters who are forced into the position of second fiddle to their "awesomeness". Zane from the first book was a clever trickster character whose fault often was that he went too far with his ideas or was a bit on the inappropriate side. Ralph from the first book was a slow character, new to the world, rather clumsy and awkward, but with a lot of hidden potential under the rough rocky exterior. What are the faults of our three new characters? Well... I can't really tell you, but I can tell you their "problems"--which are that someone else in this established world doesn't like them or has trouble accepting them for "who they are". An eleven year old knows who they are already? That strikes me as a bit unbelievable and marks me more of the issue of writing a Mary Sue/Gary Stu more than anything else. The idea of the world being against a character isn't an issue so much as long as you give them faults that are the real reason for which they have a hard time with dealing with the world and thus they've built up the "outer shell of confidence" as a kind of protection against facing that reality. That's the case when the "someone is against me" problems works.
I need to get off of characters before I turn this into a longer rant. In terms of plot, the story did well with pacing though I think Mr. Lippet realized he'd set the bar too high in the last book in terms of stakes with the "will Merlin be evil if he comes back and ruin our world" issue. He ups the ante rather than maintain or decrease it--which is something that Rowling did actually, decreasing the level of threat from the first book on into the second and third book being less dangers to the Wizarding World and more threats to the immediate school environment. Instead the entire universe is in danger, from a being from "beyond" our world and yet a part of it. I also would like to thank Mr. Lippet at this moment for actually making the actions of the first book have consequences on this second book, which is an idea that didn't come into effect until the fourth original Harry Potter book, with the first three Rowling books being more independent adventures. Instead Mr. Lippet has the consequences from his earlier book play a larger factor and I have to say that that's a nice touch of well developed writing as it informs the plot better than if something lesser and independent of the issues of the first book were to have happened. Plot is obviously Mr. Lippet's strong suit in writing this novel--which I give him full credit for as that come two thirds of the novel it was about the only thing keeping me going. I do like how the personal Weasley-Potter family problems from the beginning of the book are brought back around and solved in a satisfactory manner come the denouement. I also liked the calling into question the safety of getting onto the train that the original Potter series fell into which was undone in the last few pages of the book, psyching you out into thinking the climax had already happened, but then bringing the true climax to its conclusion on the train back from Hogwarts.
One small regret I had was that Merlin, who'd been portrayed in the first book as being rather untamed--seemed to have diminished as a character in this second book into a much more "tame" version, but this is a rather small concern in the long run as this was bound to happen eventually, though I didn't expect it to happen as quickly as it did.
Overall, if you can look past the missing sense of "age development" and a few "supercharged" characters, the plot and the developments on the consequences of the first book are rather superb and are what save this second book from falling completely into the "dislike" category. There are parts of it that if I were to re-read that I would skip over, but on the whole the story itself is still well intact and worth a casual glance if you have the time.
The large issue of this story was whether or not Merlin was good or evil--which had been the concern of the previous book--so I felt that Mr. Lippet was repeating himself on that theme.
Next there was the growing distinction between brothers plot line between Albus and James that I found on the whole well done until something came along to upset this nice little train--and again it goes back to one of the weaknesses of the first book, that Mr. Lippet has less sense of the developmental differences between children. And I'll give this one little spoiler to show what I mean: Albus falls into leagues with the "Dolores Umbridge Jr." character that is Tabitha Corisca and from her learns how to cast the Death curse and manages to do it successfully in addition to learning the type of magic that in the original series Harry didn't even begin learning until he was 14--which was done sort of like a crash course to ensure his safety in the Triwizard Tournament, and it was implied that it was still a little "early" for them to be learning about such a subject.
This wouldn't have bothered me so much if Albus wasn't an eleven year old who has barely learned how to float a feather by the brief snippet into the education of a first year we got in the first Harry Potter book. In this book it became rather clear that Mr. Lippet would rather be writing much older characters than the eleven and twelve year olds he has set himself up with. However I could have dealt with this stretch of magical ability--chalking it up to "Albus has inherited Harry's magical potential" or something like that, but then other first year characters start having similar issues in being able to perform magic far out of the range of believability for a first year to be doing. And in each case we're supposed to take it that each of them is "special". Rose Weasley is able to skip most of her grade-level classes because "she's her mother's daughter" and is thus a super-charged version of Hermione Granger--but having none of her mother's faults because she's tempered them with her father's humor, thus making her a character with no faults or problems whatsoever beyond how the world is conspiring against her learning everything she wants to learn. Scorpius Malfoy is able to teach a school club on defensive magic because he's been specially trained by his grandfather. He even can do magic graffiti that doesn't fade, and he suffers oh so much because nobody thinks he's Gryffindor material, constantly being ignored and pushed aside and being dark and brooding. I wouldn't have so much of a problem if these characters were individual cases in one book--but gathered all together in one book it comes off as highly unbelievable and comes off as Mr. Lippet subconsciously wishing he were writing 15 or 16 year old characters instead of 11 and 12 year old characters.
Likewise there is little sense in the development of the different levels of magic at all as it seems like the difficulty of a spell only comes down to whether you can learn the words for it or not, which wasn't the sense I got at all from the original series by Rowling. I guess what this boils down to is this: I couldn't really buy the reason that a school for magic was necessary from this book series like I could from Rowling's original work, and that there were far too many "special exceptions" of characters being "beyond their normal level of magical abilities" for me to wonder if there was a "rule" at all. Too many characters who were far too powerful too easily, it made me loose interest in the story pretty quickly or feel mildly indignant while reading it.
I did like the little crush that developed between Petra--a character I had merely glanced over in the first book--and James. It marked me as probably the first thing that seemed age appropriate to the story. And it was handled rather sweetly, with the relationship seeming quite improbable due to the age difference, but quite believable as those kind of improbable imagined relationships between the young guy and the older girl do happen in the mind of a boy on the verge of puberty.
The time travel incident was handled well, though again it served to show off how special our eleven year old characters could be to solve the problem for our main character, and I think that hits upon my biggest issue with this book compared to the first, which I hold to be the better, the side characters in the first book were actually fully developed characters with hang ups, problems, weaknesses, and issues. These three new additions come across as three different plays on how to write a Mary Sue or Gary Stu. They're just far too special, far too powerful, and suck out all the life of the other characters who are forced into the position of second fiddle to their "awesomeness". Zane from the first book was a clever trickster character whose fault often was that he went too far with his ideas or was a bit on the inappropriate side. Ralph from the first book was a slow character, new to the world, rather clumsy and awkward, but with a lot of hidden potential under the rough rocky exterior. What are the faults of our three new characters? Well... I can't really tell you, but I can tell you their "problems"--which are that someone else in this established world doesn't like them or has trouble accepting them for "who they are". An eleven year old knows who they are already? That strikes me as a bit unbelievable and marks me more of the issue of writing a Mary Sue/Gary Stu more than anything else. The idea of the world being against a character isn't an issue so much as long as you give them faults that are the real reason for which they have a hard time with dealing with the world and thus they've built up the "outer shell of confidence" as a kind of protection against facing that reality. That's the case when the "someone is against me" problems works.
I need to get off of characters before I turn this into a longer rant. In terms of plot, the story did well with pacing though I think Mr. Lippet realized he'd set the bar too high in the last book in terms of stakes with the "will Merlin be evil if he comes back and ruin our world" issue. He ups the ante rather than maintain or decrease it--which is something that Rowling did actually, decreasing the level of threat from the first book on into the second and third book being less dangers to the Wizarding World and more threats to the immediate school environment. Instead the entire universe is in danger, from a being from "beyond" our world and yet a part of it. I also would like to thank Mr. Lippet at this moment for actually making the actions of the first book have consequences on this second book, which is an idea that didn't come into effect until the fourth original Harry Potter book, with the first three Rowling books being more independent adventures. Instead Mr. Lippet has the consequences from his earlier book play a larger factor and I have to say that that's a nice touch of well developed writing as it informs the plot better than if something lesser and independent of the issues of the first book were to have happened. Plot is obviously Mr. Lippet's strong suit in writing this novel--which I give him full credit for as that come two thirds of the novel it was about the only thing keeping me going. I do like how the personal Weasley-Potter family problems from the beginning of the book are brought back around and solved in a satisfactory manner come the denouement. I also liked the calling into question the safety of getting onto the train that the original Potter series fell into which was undone in the last few pages of the book, psyching you out into thinking the climax had already happened, but then bringing the true climax to its conclusion on the train back from Hogwarts.
One small regret I had was that Merlin, who'd been portrayed in the first book as being rather untamed--seemed to have diminished as a character in this second book into a much more "tame" version, but this is a rather small concern in the long run as this was bound to happen eventually, though I didn't expect it to happen as quickly as it did.
Overall, if you can look past the missing sense of "age development" and a few "supercharged" characters, the plot and the developments on the consequences of the first book are rather superb and are what save this second book from falling completely into the "dislike" category. There are parts of it that if I were to re-read that I would skip over, but on the whole the story itself is still well intact and worth a casual glance if you have the time.
May 19, 2012
I only just started reading, but I wanted to say something about the scene at the Burrow. ... Simply, I almost cried. Someone in my family just died last month and not too long ago my great grandfather died as well. It's been a hard year. That scene reminded me of how it felt, even after I thought I was done mourning, and even reminded me of back when I was little playing at my other great-grandparents (the last who died in '07) house, with the yard of many pecan trees and the secret passage from the middle bathroom to another room which led back to the front of the house. I remember the time that followed when the family decided to demolish the house, which my great-grandfather had helped build when he was a boy, entirely. It was a very sad time, and is still a very sad memory, and to feel that again through your words, to be reminded of it is... well... Thank you.
[edit]
It's not a bad book overall. There's a bit too much foreshadowing, in my opinion, so that it's quite easy to tell who's good and who's bad in the story. I mean, there were points when I had my doubts, but the course of the "evidence" wasn't enough to sway me from my predictions, which were right. I'm not saying I completely trust Merlin, but I doubt he'd do anything intentionally evil. He just doesn't seem to me to be the kind of person that would turn to the dark side. He's simply from a different time period, with different perspectives on what's right and wrong, respectful and disrespectful, etc. . Overall, he's a good guy. Petra, on the other hand, was too obvious as being the bloodline, especially with all the clues only pointing to her. When I say that, I don't mean none of them pointed to Tabitha, but her character just didn't seem the type to hide such a secret. Other secrets, yes, but not that one. In the end, when she revealed her belief, it was already too late. She was simply, in my mind, a wannabe. Petra, on the other hand, seemed to be fighting everything that pointed to her connections. And the common element of when that scar, which I admit I wasn't particularly fond of, burned was when Petra was emotional.
So, yeah, it was a bit too much foreshadowing for me, but overall it was a good story. The beginning was a lot better than the previous one in the series, and it was easy to continue reading it. My only concern was at the end when the story seemed to have climaxed and everyone was on their way home, when, suddenly, bam they're off on anther troublesome train ride... literally. Then, almost just as quickly, it all calms down again. It just seemed a bit too fast and without enough cause. It's like it was there simply to cut off loose ends dramatically and unnecessarily.
Looking back, I seem to only comment on the parts of the story I dislike, aside from the 'thank you' at the beginning of this review. The reason is not to put down the author, because I believe that would be an injustice to his abilities and potential, but simply to offer my perspective as a reader. I loved the Harry Potter series, and this fanfiction is encouraging to say the least, but I do believe in the concept of constructive criticism. And I hope that I've provided that here as well as in my review of the previous book in this series.
My best wishes to your future endeavors,
Lilla
[edit]
It's not a bad book overall. There's a bit too much foreshadowing, in my opinion, so that it's quite easy to tell who's good and who's bad in the story. I mean, there were points when I had my doubts, but the course of the "evidence" wasn't enough to sway me from my predictions, which were right. I'm not saying I completely trust Merlin, but I doubt he'd do anything intentionally evil. He just doesn't seem to me to be the kind of person that would turn to the dark side. He's simply from a different time period, with different perspectives on what's right and wrong, respectful and disrespectful, etc. . Overall, he's a good guy. Petra, on the other hand, was too obvious as being the bloodline, especially with all the clues only pointing to her. When I say that, I don't mean none of them pointed to Tabitha, but her character just didn't seem the type to hide such a secret. Other secrets, yes, but not that one. In the end, when she revealed her belief, it was already too late. She was simply, in my mind, a wannabe. Petra, on the other hand, seemed to be fighting everything that pointed to her connections. And the common element of when that scar, which I admit I wasn't particularly fond of, burned was when Petra was emotional.
So, yeah, it was a bit too much foreshadowing for me, but overall it was a good story. The beginning was a lot better than the previous one in the series, and it was easy to continue reading it. My only concern was at the end when the story seemed to have climaxed and everyone was on their way home, when, suddenly, bam they're off on anther troublesome train ride... literally. Then, almost just as quickly, it all calms down again. It just seemed a bit too fast and without enough cause. It's like it was there simply to cut off loose ends dramatically and unnecessarily.
Looking back, I seem to only comment on the parts of the story I dislike, aside from the 'thank you' at the beginning of this review. The reason is not to put down the author, because I believe that would be an injustice to his abilities and potential, but simply to offer my perspective as a reader. I loved the Harry Potter series, and this fanfiction is encouraging to say the least, but I do believe in the concept of constructive criticism. And I hope that I've provided that here as well as in my review of the previous book in this series.
My best wishes to your future endeavors,
Lilla
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2010
This book could have used the firm but loving hand of a copy-editor. Everyone's smile was crooked, and you really want to slap the hero around for the first half to two-thirds of the book. I guess he's supposed to be young and stupid and all, and that's very authentic, but I think a reader is also supposed to relate to the hero of a book.
I also don't think the old characters are very true-to form. It's hard to tell, since they're a good 15+ years older than they were when last we saw them in the canon series, but I just didn't FEEL Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and especially Dumbledore coming out of their characters. And Dumbledore should have been the same, since it was his portrait that was doing the talking. The new characters are all quite well-developed, though, and I was glad to see Hermione's daughter Rose take on the Hermione role in the group, of a strong, level-headed, studious young woman. :)
As with The Hall of Elder's Crossing, though, the story was excellent, and kept me reading through to the end. I'm really looking forward to reading Girl on the Dock (a spinoff story of one of the characters) and the third installment of the James Potter series.
I also don't think the old characters are very true-to form. It's hard to tell, since they're a good 15+ years older than they were when last we saw them in the canon series, but I just didn't FEEL Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and especially Dumbledore coming out of their characters. And Dumbledore should have been the same, since it was his portrait that was doing the talking. The new characters are all quite well-developed, though, and I was glad to see Hermione's daughter Rose take on the Hermione role in the group, of a strong, level-headed, studious young woman. :)
As with The Hall of Elder's Crossing, though, the story was excellent, and kept me reading through to the end. I'm really looking forward to reading Girl on the Dock (a spinoff story of one of the characters) and the third installment of the James Potter series.
December 9, 2014
Ok I have really mixed feelings about this book, most of the time, I was laughing so hard because of how stupid the plot was, however I still could not put it down, I had to keep reading
I suppose it was a nice story and everything, I still find Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny weird as adults
And I still dont like the numerous parallels between these books (the ones I have read so far) and the ordinary books because he is not making the story his own I suppose, the writer is trying too hard to channel Rowling
Nonetheless I did find some bits hilarious as well as gripping so it deserves three stars
Oh the plot sorta becomes obvious after a while and you can guess whats going to happen next, but other than all that, it was okay
I suppose it was a nice story and everything, I still find Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny weird as adults
And I still dont like the numerous parallels between these books (the ones I have read so far) and the ordinary books because he is not making the story his own I suppose, the writer is trying too hard to channel Rowling
Nonetheless I did find some bits hilarious as well as gripping so it deserves three stars
Oh the plot sorta becomes obvious after a while and you can guess whats going to happen next, but other than all that, it was okay
October 29, 2021
Aún con sus giros inesperados que se ven venir de leeeeejos y con sus ligeras salidas del canon oficial de algunos personajes, lo he disfrutado un montón, al nivel de los originales.
Es cierto que hay cosas que los hace un poquitín "marca blanca", pero engancha y te hace meterte en la historia de lleno.
Ojalá los siguientes mantengan el nivel, que aunque sea algo inferior a los de JK Rowling, conserva el espíritu al 100%!
Es cierto que hay cosas que los hace un poquitín "marca blanca", pero engancha y te hace meterte en la historia de lleno.
Ojalá los siguientes mantengan el nivel, que aunque sea algo inferior a los de JK Rowling, conserva el espíritu al 100%!
April 10, 2012
Lippert's sequel to the James Potter series follows a very similar path as Rowling's second Harry Potter. We see through James' eyes, as it were, and therefore cast suspicions on those James is least inclined to like.
Like his father before him, James seems to have a very black and white idea of good and evil. His suspicion is similarly aroused by those of the Slytherin house, unsurprisingly. Also like his father, James is often blinded by his initial feelings of disdain, and misleads himself willingly by pursuing those he dislikes. Obviously, if you read Harry Potter, it is usually not the obvious person who is the true villain.
In this story, James returns to Hogwarts along with his brother Albus and cousin Rose Weasley. He reunites with his formidable friend Ralph Deedle, a Slytherin, and the two lament that their American comrade, Ravenclaw Zane Walker, is attending the American wizarding institution Alma Aleron instead of returning to Hogwarts beside them. Not to fear, Zane makes some appropriately kooky cameos throughout the year, imparting wisdom from a safely disengaged viewpoint that makes James' headstrong and conclusive first impressions a little easier to deal with.
Merlinus Ambrosius is now Hogwarts Headmaster, and as he is still of questionable character, the new trio (James, Ralph and Rose) spend a lot of time evaluating strange occurrences and Merlin's possible involvement in them. The students become aware of a strange and possibly evil plot when James becomes aware of the sensations of pain caused by the phantom scar of his father's.
Additionally, the new Defense professor refuses to teach the students actual spells, convincing the Gremlins (a small society of capricious and cajoling albeit bright students) that James must take up his famous father's historical defense club. Having no skills in defensive technique yet himself, Rose suggests that the teaching fall to Scorpius Malfoy, none other than Harry's nemesis Draco's son. Scorpius becomes a sort of tenuous ally, one that James cannot quite trust, but without whom the club has no leg to stand on. Scorpius becomes an invaluable asset to the trio as the plot thickens and Rose begins to understand that Malfoy may be the key to defeating the evil threat of the year...
Lippert's writing style is still mesmerizing in it's own way. While the story definitely follows a similar recipe as Rowling's second Potter novel, there is a flavor of his own. I have only one complaint: almost EVERYONE "grins crookedly" in this story.
Otherwise, it's an engrossing story, sure to capture the imagination of HP fans (and definitely JP fans) looking for more imaginative explorations of the Potterverse.
Like his father before him, James seems to have a very black and white idea of good and evil. His suspicion is similarly aroused by those of the Slytherin house, unsurprisingly. Also like his father, James is often blinded by his initial feelings of disdain, and misleads himself willingly by pursuing those he dislikes. Obviously, if you read Harry Potter, it is usually not the obvious person who is the true villain.
In this story, James returns to Hogwarts along with his brother Albus and cousin Rose Weasley. He reunites with his formidable friend Ralph Deedle, a Slytherin, and the two lament that their American comrade, Ravenclaw Zane Walker, is attending the American wizarding institution Alma Aleron instead of returning to Hogwarts beside them. Not to fear, Zane makes some appropriately kooky cameos throughout the year, imparting wisdom from a safely disengaged viewpoint that makes James' headstrong and conclusive first impressions a little easier to deal with.
Merlinus Ambrosius is now Hogwarts Headmaster, and as he is still of questionable character, the new trio (James, Ralph and Rose) spend a lot of time evaluating strange occurrences and Merlin's possible involvement in them. The students become aware of a strange and possibly evil plot when James becomes aware of the sensations of pain caused by the phantom scar of his father's.
Additionally, the new Defense professor refuses to teach the students actual spells, convincing the Gremlins (a small society of capricious and cajoling albeit bright students) that James must take up his famous father's historical defense club. Having no skills in defensive technique yet himself, Rose suggests that the teaching fall to Scorpius Malfoy, none other than Harry's nemesis Draco's son. Scorpius becomes a sort of tenuous ally, one that James cannot quite trust, but without whom the club has no leg to stand on. Scorpius becomes an invaluable asset to the trio as the plot thickens and Rose begins to understand that Malfoy may be the key to defeating the evil threat of the year...
Lippert's writing style is still mesmerizing in it's own way. While the story definitely follows a similar recipe as Rowling's second Potter novel, there is a flavor of his own. I have only one complaint: almost EVERYONE "grins crookedly" in this story.
Otherwise, it's an engrossing story, sure to capture the imagination of HP fans (and definitely JP fans) looking for more imaginative explorations of the Potterverse.
Read
October 29, 2021Possible spoilers!!! Beware.
This was even better than The Hall of Elders Crossing. (I think the first one got a bit bogged down in the technomancy stuff.) I think the dynamic that Rose, Albus, and Scorpius brings to the story is something we Potter fans find familiar.
STop reading now if you don't want to have the story spoiled...
I actually gasped aloud when Scorpius Malfoy was sorted into Gryffindor and when Albus did in fact end up in Slytherin. I got giddy when Scorpius actually helps Rose and James throughout the story almost as if he is what Neville Longbottom was to Harry and gang. I thought the filler scenes of what was happening on Voldemort's side during the The Deathly Hallows (the dagger scene that Snape remembers) was excellent. Rose being in the story and being so much like her mother, Hermione, was like having an old friend back for a visit. Hermione has always been my favorite character and I love that her daughter is following in her footsteps.
One thing that bothers me is the fact that James is only 11/12 in these books but is always included on the action and adult conversation and choices. It's not realistic for the Muggle world and it's certainly not something we saw with Harry until Dumbledore started giving him some clues in Half-Blood Prince.
All in all, I am sucked in and hope Lippert does a book 3. If nothing else, I wonder what will happen to Albus and I'm curious as to if little brilliant Lucy (Percy's daughter) will end up in Ravenclaw. It seems that this is the only house that doesn't have a Weasley grandchild in it. (I liked how Victorie is a Hufflepuff and how Lippert is trying to spread the Weasley grandchildren throughout the houses.)
This was even better than The Hall of Elders Crossing. (I think the first one got a bit bogged down in the technomancy stuff.) I think the dynamic that Rose, Albus, and Scorpius brings to the story is something we Potter fans find familiar.
STop reading now if you don't want to have the story spoiled...
I actually gasped aloud when Scorpius Malfoy was sorted into Gryffindor and when Albus did in fact end up in Slytherin. I got giddy when Scorpius actually helps Rose and James throughout the story almost as if he is what Neville Longbottom was to Harry and gang. I thought the filler scenes of what was happening on Voldemort's side during the The Deathly Hallows (the dagger scene that Snape remembers) was excellent. Rose being in the story and being so much like her mother, Hermione, was like having an old friend back for a visit. Hermione has always been my favorite character and I love that her daughter is following in her footsteps.
One thing that bothers me is the fact that James is only 11/12 in these books but is always included on the action and adult conversation and choices. It's not realistic for the Muggle world and it's certainly not something we saw with Harry until Dumbledore started giving him some clues in Half-Blood Prince.
All in all, I am sucked in and hope Lippert does a book 3. If nothing else, I wonder what will happen to Albus and I'm curious as to if little brilliant Lucy (Percy's daughter) will end up in Ravenclaw. It seems that this is the only house that doesn't have a Weasley grandchild in it. (I liked how Victorie is a Hufflepuff and how Lippert is trying to spread the Weasley grandchildren throughout the houses.)
December 29, 2010
I have to admit, the first book was so much better than this one.
James Potter goes off once more Hogwarts, exactly during the time which the epilouge in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling.
In Lippert's story, he incorporates many of the basic idea and concepts of the epilogue into the beginning of his story, and the best part is that it makes sense!
Yes, it is a fan-fiction and for those of you who don't know, a fan fiction is basically a writing done by a fan using the characters/plots/ideas of the original author. Of course, all fanfiction should be credited if characters from the original books are being used.
As said in the review of the first book, Lippert has managed to recreat the wizarding world for us, continuing on with the stories and adventures that happen in Hogwarts. He frequently revisits many of the books and the characters we love will adding in his own spins and turns to the story and new characters.
In this book, Zane has unfortunately returned to the States, but it is not the last we hear of him! New characters are introduced and you learn to love them just as well. With the characters of the last book, you learn new things that make you bond with them more and either love/hate them.
Some mysteries begin to arise and once more James is set a task worthy of a Potter. With unexpected events happening all around him, James needs his friends more than ever to keep him on his path, and not the one his father led.
The book actually deserves 3.5 stars, but goodreads does not award .5. It may also not be one of my best reviews, because after all it is three in the morning.
James Potter goes off once more Hogwarts, exactly during the time which the epilouge in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling.
In Lippert's story, he incorporates many of the basic idea and concepts of the epilogue into the beginning of his story, and the best part is that it makes sense!
Yes, it is a fan-fiction and for those of you who don't know, a fan fiction is basically a writing done by a fan using the characters/plots/ideas of the original author. Of course, all fanfiction should be credited if characters from the original books are being used.
As said in the review of the first book, Lippert has managed to recreat the wizarding world for us, continuing on with the stories and adventures that happen in Hogwarts. He frequently revisits many of the books and the characters we love will adding in his own spins and turns to the story and new characters.
In this book, Zane has unfortunately returned to the States, but it is not the last we hear of him! New characters are introduced and you learn to love them just as well. With the characters of the last book, you learn new things that make you bond with them more and either love/hate them.
Some mysteries begin to arise and once more James is set a task worthy of a Potter. With unexpected events happening all around him, James needs his friends more than ever to keep him on his path, and not the one his father led.
The book actually deserves 3.5 stars, but goodreads does not award .5. It may also not be one of my best reviews, because after all it is three in the morning.
April 30, 2010
"James Potter and the Curse of the Gate Keeper (James Potter, #2)" is a continuation of the adventures of James, Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley's son. But there are changes from the last since this time around, he's joined by his younger brother, Albus and his cousin, Rose (Hermione's daughter). At first I thought, oh no, the author's re-creating the Golden Trio (take a look at the book cover and you'll see why I assumed this). Fortunately this wasn't the case.
The mother of all surprises was that Harry's second son was sorted into the Slytherin House while the only child of Draco Malfoy gets sorted into the Gryffindor House.
HP fanatics will like the extended magic that the Mirror of Erised functions as as well as the time travelling bit, back to the time of the Hogwarts Founders. If you haven't figured it out by now, yes, the story takes much inspiration from "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (literally and in terms of the plotline). In concept this seems to be a great premise but unfortunately it feels strained written under the pen of Lippert.
The big issue this time is trust: should James and his friends trust the new Hogwarts Headmaster; should Merlin trust James? Is Petra to be trusted? Tabitha? What about Albus? Scorpius?
Book Details:
Title James Potter and the Curse of the Gate Keeper (James Potter, #2)
Author G. Norman Lippert
Reviewed By Purplycookie
The mother of all surprises was that Harry's second son was sorted into the Slytherin House while the only child of Draco Malfoy gets sorted into the Gryffindor House.
HP fanatics will like the extended magic that the Mirror of Erised functions as as well as the time travelling bit, back to the time of the Hogwarts Founders. If you haven't figured it out by now, yes, the story takes much inspiration from "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (literally and in terms of the plotline). In concept this seems to be a great premise but unfortunately it feels strained written under the pen of Lippert.
The big issue this time is trust: should James and his friends trust the new Hogwarts Headmaster; should Merlin trust James? Is Petra to be trusted? Tabitha? What about Albus? Scorpius?
Book Details:
Title James Potter and the Curse of the Gate Keeper (James Potter, #2)
Author G. Norman Lippert
Reviewed By Purplycookie
December 1, 2009
i had goosebumps and from the first few chapters in this book. i was really spooked out in the portrait scene... i stopped and took a deep breath before proceeding with caution, afraid that i may left out something important.. then another scene made me wanna cry (but i didn't) and another made me gasp out loud (the sorting).
but as the story progress, there were few surprises and i finally feel that it's a different world. a different hogwartz. different characters thus futher reflecting that it isn't something that i grew accustome to.
don't get me wrong, i'm not saying that it isn't good, coz it is! it's just that there were scenes and reactions that i don't think would be appropriate for certain characters. i can't imagine Harry of all people, would think that such thing as a gatekeeper would be a imaginary diversonary tactic of some stupid organization (PE) who wants to stabilize the Auror's department image. i mean, that is not so Harry. He would have known better. and what's with Albus being such a big git? how could Harry and Ginny have a son like that? he's just so.. ugh! stupid and gullible!
but other than some stupid complain from a big harry potter geek like me, this novel is worth the read.
but as the story progress, there were few surprises and i finally feel that it's a different world. a different hogwartz. different characters thus futher reflecting that it isn't something that i grew accustome to.
don't get me wrong, i'm not saying that it isn't good, coz it is! it's just that there were scenes and reactions that i don't think would be appropriate for certain characters. i can't imagine Harry of all people, would think that such thing as a gatekeeper would be a imaginary diversonary tactic of some stupid organization (PE) who wants to stabilize the Auror's department image. i mean, that is not so Harry. He would have known better. and what's with Albus being such a big git? how could Harry and Ginny have a son like that? he's just so.. ugh! stupid and gullible!
but other than some stupid complain from a big harry potter geek like me, this novel is worth the read.
July 6, 2009
This one was actually just as whimsical and enjoyable as the first one. Lippert is unsure as to if he want’s to continue the series and I hope he does. The way that everyone is traced back to the Harry Potter books is pretty well done, and how things from the past have other meanings like the mirror of Erised. Then of course there’s the Malfoy vs. Potter feud but with some surprising twists. Also in my favorite part James has to find a way out of Hogwarts, but he’s stuck a thousand years in the past. In case you can’t tell by the end of the book it’s based off Harry Potter number two (Chamber Of Secrets). There are a lot of deaths which go with the end where the mysterious gatekeeper tries to use to get a new host to begin his new world domination with: Petra, Tabitha, Voldemort, Harry, or James. But some of them require the help of others to escape the gatekeeper people like James, Harry, or the new headmaster Merlin where it comes down to trust of one another. Nicely done Five out of Five Stars!! (ps he kind of did continue it by telling the story of Petra in "the girl on the dock")
January 5, 2024
James Potter inicia su segundo año en Hogwarts, acompañado por su hermano Albus y su prima Rose. El año escolar comienza con la ceremonia del Sombrero Seleccionador, pero los acontecimientos pronto toman un giro más serio.
Una misteriosa criatura con forma de sombra persigue a James, y la aparición de la enigmática Tabitha Corsica inquieta a Albus. James y sus amigos, Rose y Ralph, descubren que la amenaza que se cierne sobre el mundo mágico está vinculada al oscuro pasado del actual director de Hogwarts, Merlinus.
Este libro es una continuación de la serie protagonizada por James Potter, hijo de Harry Potter y Ginny Weasley. En esta ocasión, James se enfrenta a una nueva amenaza que podría poner en peligro al mundo mágico.
El libro comienza con un episodio que solo cobra sentido al final de la historia. Esto podría desmotivar a algunos lectores, pero el ritmo de la trama es trepidante y los personajes están bien desarrollados.
Una misteriosa criatura con forma de sombra persigue a James, y la aparición de la enigmática Tabitha Corsica inquieta a Albus. James y sus amigos, Rose y Ralph, descubren que la amenaza que se cierne sobre el mundo mágico está vinculada al oscuro pasado del actual director de Hogwarts, Merlinus.
Este libro es una continuación de la serie protagonizada por James Potter, hijo de Harry Potter y Ginny Weasley. En esta ocasión, James se enfrenta a una nueva amenaza que podría poner en peligro al mundo mágico.
El libro comienza con un episodio que solo cobra sentido al final de la historia. Esto podría desmotivar a algunos lectores, pero el ritmo de la trama es trepidante y los personajes están bien desarrollados.
August 10, 2009
If there’s ever any more new books to the Harry Potter series, this is the closest it can get. You just need to forget the fact that it’s fanfic and simply enjoy this next generation of the Harry Potter world. Lippert does an amazing job depicting it, and I doubt HP fans will be disappointed. Well, that is, if you don’t worry yourself about the smallest and silliest details that may be wrong. :D
If you enjoyed the first James Potter book, you’re going to find this second book much much better. I really hope there’s a third book. There is still much left unanswered, and questions like "What did that ending scene mean?" and "What's going to happen to blahblahblah?" and "And what about him/her?" are going to kill me sooner or later. The story can't definitely end here, can it? There must surely be more, right?
If you enjoyed the first James Potter book, you’re going to find this second book much much better. I really hope there’s a third book. There is still much left unanswered, and questions like "What did that ending scene mean?" and "What's going to happen to blahblahblah?" and "And what about him/her?" are going to kill me sooner or later. The story can't definitely end here, can it? There must surely be more, right?
February 3, 2017
En realidad su nota sería 7/10 que para mi siginifica que se lee agradablementee pero no hay nada especialmente reseñable.
Son mas aventuras en Howgarts de los hijos de Harry/Ginny y Ron/Hermione. En la linea del libro anterior de James Potter que es totalmente continuista con los de Harry Potter. Comparten personajes, escenarios, lugares comunes ... es otra aventura más.
Lo más destacado -que no quiere decir que mejor- es que están sucediendo sin parar aventuras como no muy conectadas pero muy "visuales". Por increible que parezca es incluso más llevable al cine que los de su ilustre predecesor Harry Potter.
En resumen, que si le leéis bien ...pero si no lo hacéis no pasa nada.
¡Ah!, sí, se me olvidaba : es el segundo de James Potter. Imprescindible haberse leído el anterior.
Son mas aventuras en Howgarts de los hijos de Harry/Ginny y Ron/Hermione. En la linea del libro anterior de James Potter que es totalmente continuista con los de Harry Potter. Comparten personajes, escenarios, lugares comunes ... es otra aventura más.
Lo más destacado -que no quiere decir que mejor- es que están sucediendo sin parar aventuras como no muy conectadas pero muy "visuales". Por increible que parezca es incluso más llevable al cine que los de su ilustre predecesor Harry Potter.
En resumen, que si le leéis bien ...pero si no lo hacéis no pasa nada.
¡Ah!, sí, se me olvidaba : es el segundo de James Potter. Imprescindible haberse leído el anterior.
August 25, 2012
Good effort in fan fiction and probably one of the more interesting reads since the Potter series stopped, but missed almost everything that made those books so wonderful.
The characters are flat, so I don't really care about them. Rowling defined spells and rules of magic with a few deft strokes; this book spends pages and pages defining them (and lifts central concepts from other fantasy authors, like Piers Anthony). It establishes incontrovertible rules and then breaks them a few pages later.
Mostly, though, the book never captures the language or style of Rowling. The phrasing is too American, and too many illogical sequences. Nice try, but in the end unsatisfying.
The characters are flat, so I don't really care about them. Rowling defined spells and rules of magic with a few deft strokes; this book spends pages and pages defining them (and lifts central concepts from other fantasy authors, like Piers Anthony). It establishes incontrovertible rules and then breaks them a few pages later.
Mostly, though, the book never captures the language or style of Rowling. The phrasing is too American, and too many illogical sequences. Nice try, but in the end unsatisfying.
July 3, 2009
The sequel is just as good as his first book, James Potter and the Hall of Elders. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the first book. I highly recommend both of these James Potters books to any Harry Potter fans open to reading a sequel. Having missed the end of the original, I've thoroughly enjoyed the fanfic sequels and they were done incredibly well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 716 reviews