Review: One with you (Crossfire Series #5)

*Spoilers: this is the final book in the series* 

Sylvia Day’s Crossfire Series is one of the hottest series out there. 

The final book of this five-book series, One with you, is the beautifully written finale to the ever dramatic and overly passionate love story of Eva Trammel and Gideon Cross.

Similar story arch to the infamous Fifty Shades of Grey Series by E.L. James (to which Day even gives James a shout-out on her first book dedication), Eva is the oblivious-to-her-beauty, trying-to-make-it-on-her-own girl who falls in love with the sexiest, richest mogul of the world Gideon Cross. While the bedroom tastes are not as eclectic as Mr. Grey’s, Eva and Gideon have more passion for each other than any couple this reader has ever seen on a page.

Eva and Gideon both have a lot of skeletons in their closets, and it takes all they have to not let anything come between the love that the two cannot live without.

A very sweet story, with much more depth (when being compared to Fifty Shades, which it often is) to the characters and the plot.  Eva and Gideon have a lot thrown at them, but they handle themselves with sarcasm, dignity and the occasional intimate encounter anywhere they can take it.

I am sad to see their story end, but these two will be friends I visit often.  

The rest of the series:

Review: The Reality Bug (Pendragon #4)

Book 4: The Reality Bug

*Spoilers

Welcome to the territory of technology!

And because of that, it’s deserted. (think MacHale is trying to tell us something?)

Anyways. Let’s back up a bit. Spader has gone back to Cloral after proving that he in unable to separate what must be done for Halla vs his plans for revenge. It hurt Bobby to do it, but he knew it was the right thing.

When Gunny and Bobby chase Saint Dane to Veelox, there is video footage that proves it was just a ruse. He actually went off to another territory called “Eelong”. Bobby decides to stay on Veelox, but sends Gunny off to follow SD and see what is going on.

For the first time since starting this crazy adventure, Bobby is alone. He finds the traveler, Aja Killian - which isn’t difficult as there is no one around (Remember how I said it was deserted?) - but Aja is not as friendly as the other travelers. She is smart, she is capable of handling this, why does she need Bobby?

and why is no one else around? 

One word: LifeLight.  

Lifelight is a virtual reality program that everyone would rather be in than participate in reality. The territory is slowly falling apart because of this.  Aja thinks she has a solution. Problem is, Saint Dane thinks he has one too.    

An action packed story that has the reader at the edge of the seat (not that we’ve left it since Press interrupted that kiss between Bobby and Courtney).   Full of curious incidents, an important story arch that leads the path to the rest of the series.  4/5 Stars! 

Hobbey Ho!

Review: Rain (Hudson #1)

Rain
VC Andrews

Hudson #1

*Spoilers

Growing up in the projects of Washington, D.C has never been easy. With her sister trying to prove to the world that shes a grown up, and a brother who is very protective of her, Rain Arnold is just trying to survive. Her mother does what she can to support the family, as her father is not around much, as he's usually out drinking away all the money they have - and when he is around, he's complaining about everything.

Life is getting more difficult as time goes on. Rain's father, Ken, decides that it's time to get more money. What they got the first time was not enough.

When Rain hears this conversation, she is confused... the first time? What is Ken talking about? Her mother then explains that they were paid to take Rain and raise her away from her real family.

After her sister is murdered, and her brother decides to enlist in the army, Rain's mother decides it is time for Rain to go back to her biological family.

Unfortunately, her biological mother cannot reveal the truth about Rain. She is willing to accept her in private, but she cannot tell her husband and children the truth.  She sets Rain up at her grandmother's house instead, with the ruse of it being a charity case. Rain settles into her routine at her grandmother's house, and her new school. She even lands herself the lead in the school play on her first day.

Being a V. C Andrew book, it is not without it's share of drama. The heroine is just as strong as those before her. The hurdles she overcomes are big ones. The strength she has is endless. The heartbreak she goes through is powerful and real. A beautiful story.

Review: The Never War (Pendragon #3)

Book 3: The Never War

*Spoilers

Bobby is now on his own… but he’s home. Well, kind of. At least he is on Earth. This book takes place on “First Earth” which is earth as we know it, but in 1937. Another traveler, another territory. New rules, a new plan from Saint Dane, but this time, Bobby and his friends are on a time crunch.

The wit and humor that Bobby has is awesome. He has you laughing along with him, as he tries to deal with things that no teenager should. (He never does figure out how his birthday works if he's on another territory).  With the hoard of new characters to meet, Bobby is forced to grow up, and smarten up quickly ... or it may cost him his life. He's thrown into some nasty tum-tiggers as he tries to figure out the plan Saint Dane has in store for First Earth. However, what Bobby soon learns is that his plan is bigger than he ever thought.  With Spader by his side, and Gunny - the traveler from First Earth - covering their butts, the boys hit the ground running in an epic ride that you won't want to miss. 

MacHale does a wonderful job of bringing history to life and explaining one of our greatest mysteries. Bobby is growing into his own more every day, learning what it means to be a Traveler through experience and with the knowledge that Uncle Press has given him.  While he has his ups and downs, "this is the way it was meant to be" is something each Traveler must come to terms with in their own way.

Hobbey ho! 

Review: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson

Confessions by Georgia Nicolson
Louise Rennison

* It is with a heavy hand I type this. Louise passed February 29th, 2016. Her books are ones I pick up often, as the world she shares with her fans is one of humor, love, friendship... and the struggles of being a teenager. She will be forever missed <3  *



Georgia Nicolson is a 14-year old girl living in England. With her best friends (the ace gang) at her side, she makes her way in the world as she deals with school (staglag 14), the many many strange boys, the snogging scale (oo-er), Buddha, baby jesus, her scottish-wildcat Angus, her baby sister Libby (who's as loony as a loon on loon tablets!) and everything in between!

With a Muti and Vati who don't just give her money and leave her be, she uses a diary as a way of keeping track of her ever-crazy life.  I warn you now, do not read these in public - you will be laughing way too much (possibly away on a fast camel but who is to know?)

Who will it be: Robbie the Sex God, Massimo the Italian Stallion, or Dave the Laugh?

Will her nose ever get smaller? Will her nunga-nungas?

Will Jas always be obsessed with Voles?

Once you open "Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging", you will not be able to stop. Georgia's madness lures you in. I guarantee that you will start talking like her. It's even educational - you learn some French and German (knutschen is snogging!) and about Vikings, and how to do sticky eyes - just beware of those boy entrancers... 

Put on your Viking horns and saddle up (oo-er!) for an excellent read that will have you laughing as much as a laughing thing laughs. 

5/5 pants!

*Excerpt from "On the bright side, I'm now the GF of a sex god":  

Review: Dark Angel (Casteel #2)

Dark Angel
VC Andrews

Casteel #2

*Spoilers


The second book in the Casteel series opens up on Heaven going to Boston to find her mother's family. The little bit she knows, she has learned from Pa's letter and from talking to Granny. She is going on faith that they will accept her.

Tony and Jillian Tatterton are one of the most prominent families in Boston. When Leigh ran away all those years ago, she left her mother in a terrible state.

Jillian Tatterton is a fragile soul. The damage her daughter caused on her reputation, and on her youth. was devastating. Tony is the backbone she relies on. The couple lives in a grand home, known as Farthington Mannor.  This is also where Leigh lived, after her mother married Tony.

Heaven moves into her mother's suite. She feels a strong connection to Leigh, but is still at odds with how cold her grandparents feel to her.  Right away, Tony is quick to lay out rules for Heaven. If she wishes to continue to stay with them, they must be followed to a T.

One of these rules includes Tony having control over her wardrobe, and where she will be going to school.  Being the new girl is always difficult. Being the new girl who is forced to dress better than everyone, in a school of spoiled girls is worse.

While Heaven is excited to be with family, she misses her siblings terribly. Determined to bring them all back together one day, she keeps in contact with them. Even if it is against Tony's rules. She is also longing for Logan and hopes one day they can reconnect and live out all the dreams they dreamed as children.


This book is full of surprises. Mysterious mazes, ghosts of the pasts (and present), struggling to overcome the Casteel reputation, trying to make a name for herself.... it wears down on Heaven. However, she has a strength like no one else. She is as stubborn as ever, and when she sets her mind to something, she always follows through. If only she thought about the consequences.

A beautiful sequel to "Heaven", you see more obstacles that this young girl must go through. Your heart goes out to her as she tries to be strong. Her intentions are always good, but sometimes... the heart wants what the heart wants.

4/5 stars!

Next: Fallen Hearts

Review: The Lost City of Faar (Pendragon #2)

Book 2: The Lost City of Faar

*Spoilers

After the adventure on Denduron, Bobby now learns that Saint Dane has moved on to another territory. Yet again, he is whisked away with Uncle Press. This time, it is to the beautiful, watery world of Cloral. We have a new traveler to meet, a new place to explore, and many new adventures to read about.

Bobby is still trying to figure all this out... and is still hoping that soon, he'll be able to go home to his family.  While he quickly falls in love with Cloral, makes friends with Vo Spader - Cloral's traveller - and spends time on the territory learning how it runs, Press and him know that there are here for one reason: Saint Dane is up to something.  Press, Bobby and Spader need to learn his plan, figure out a counter plan, and do it all before Saint Dane wins. 

because if Saint Dane wins, that's the beginning of the end. 

This is my favourite territory! The traveler from Cloral is the fandom hottie, and the way MacHale describes the territory is paradise (minus the sharks!).  Mark and Courtney continue to care for Bobby’s journals, and make a pact to be ready for when, and if, Bobby ever needs their help.  The bonds of friendship are strong in this one, and you get the feeling that they will only continue to grow.  Helpful hint, make sure some kleenex is close by for this one. 

Hobbey ho! 

Review: The Merchant of Death (Pendragon #1)

Overview:

An adventure for the ages. From the first page you are taken on a trip through time and space with Bobby Pendragon. Bobby is your typical 14 year old, but when his Uncle Press tells him he is a Traveler and the fate of the universe and all it contains is in Bobby’s hand, Bobby must grow up and learn the ways of the world (all of them) before the evil Saint Dane has can tip the balance of good and evil into evil’s favor.

A fantastic series that envelopes the reader and brings you into a wondrous world, with beautiful characters who become lifelong friends. I return to the territories every few years (once I have stopped crying over the final book) and it never ceases to amaze me, excite me, and keep me at the edge of my seat.  Once you become a Soldier of Halla, you are a solider for life.

Book 1: the Merchant of Death

Bobby Pendragon learns that he is a traveler. Whatever that means. With his Uncle Press by his side, he is rushed off to the territory of Denduron and is told there is a power struggle between the two tribes. Learning the ropes along the way, Bobby meets new friends, new enemies and a whole lot of new things about life.   At home, his best friends Mark Diamond and Courtney Chetwynde are protecting Bobby’s journals. As Bobby is on his wild, confusing, crazy adventure he writes it all down as proof that it isn’t just happening in his head. 

Slow, as MacHale must set up quite a bit of information, but still amazing nonetheless. The first book in the series opens up with Bobby getting ready for his basketball game… but ends up being taken away by his Uncle Press. With no explanation as to why him, where they’re going, or what the plan is once they get there. Bobby is quite witty for a 14 year old, but he’s also what you expect in a best friend: he’s loyal, he’s funny, and he tries to do what is best for everyone. With not knowing the rules yet, he is quick on his feet, and does what he can to defeat Saint Dane.

Saint Dane is the bad guy. No one knows who he is, where he’s from or what his plan is… all we know is he is out to take over Halla. Halla is everything: every time, space and everything in between. It’s Bobby’s job to stop him. Is he up for it? Can he do it? Can he learn the rules in time? Jump in the flume and find out.

Review: Heaven (Casteel Series #1)

Heaven
V.C. Andrews
The Casteel Series

*Spoilers*

Heaven is a story of loss. When her mother died giving birth to her, her father Luke lost a piece of his heart that day. He was never the same. He settled down with Sarah, and living with his parents Annie and Toby, they had their family.

Growing up with her siblings Tom, Fanny, Keith and Jane (nick named Our Jane), Heaven struggled being the only one who looked nothing like either parent.

Tom, the loving brother, and her best friend. They did everything together - mostly because Pa wasn't around and Sarah was too busy cooking, cleaning and complaining about life. Heaven helped out as much as she could, but she also had school.

Heaven loved school. She was good at it. It was her escape from the evil reality that she faced every day. She tried to get her siblings interested in it too, but Fanny was too busy with boys, and Keith and Our Jane were too distracted by their hunger.

One day, a new family comes into town. Logan Stonewall is perfect in Heaven's eyes. Wary of him, due to her embarrassment of her family, she tries to keep him at bay until she knows his intentions. Logan cannot help but be in love with Heaven though. Even with Fanny flaunting herself around all the time, Logan and Heaven manage to find a small piece of paradise in the cold shadows of the Virginia mountains.

After tragedy strikes the family, Heaven and her siblings are left to fend for themselves. Just when they think they cannot continue, Pa comes in with a surprise.  He has found new homes for each of the children. They are to leave immediately.

Our Jane and Keith end up being together, as the couple agrees it would be heartbreaking to tear them apart.

Fanny is bought by the local reverend and his wife.

Tom is bought by a local man in the community.

Heaven is last to be bought. Two couples come to see her... Pa gives her a choice. She chooses the younger couple: Kitty and Cal Dennison.

Out of the frying pan, and into the fire.

Heaven goes to live with Kitty and Cal for a few years. Kitty makes Heaven a slave, of sorts. She is to do daily chores and she is to be clean at all times (physically and spiritually). Eventually, Kitty begins to spend less and less time focusing on Heaven, once she learns the rules of the house. However, since she is not allowed to have a social life, her only friend becomes Cal.

Tragedy strikes again, and Heaven is finally in a place where she can go and find her mother's family... What will happen next?

(Next: Dark Angel)


This book is a powerful one. There is so much raw emotion that comes off the pages. From the short time we are with Heaven, she must deal with hardships and obstacles that no one, much less a child of 14-18 should deal with. You cannot help but fall into the pages of this book. From the beginning, the author draws you into the Willies with such description that you can smell the summer rain and you can feel the chill in your bones.  Make sure you have the next book ready to go, as the second you put this one down, you will be picking "Dark Angel" up!

Review: Midnight Flight (Broken wings #2)

*See Review: Broken Wings (First in series)


Midnight Flight by V.C. Andrews
Book two in the Broken Wings series.


This book is told from Phoebe's perspective. After she is drugged and taken away from her home, she is brought to Dr. Foreman's school for girls. She meets Robin and Teal, and the three girls embark on this strange new challenge that lays before them. With no where to go, and no one else to rely on, the girls know they must do whatever they can to survive.

We are introduced to three ladies, to be called M'Lady as a sign of respect, who will be the mentors/buddies to our girls. They are former students and are under order from Dr Foreman to ensure that Robin, Teal and Phoebe settle in and understand the rules of the school.

Unfortunately, the rules are simple: listen, and you will be rewarded. Do not listen, and you will be punished. There is a demerit system. Rewards are in the form of basic necessities, such as clothes, a mattress, blankets, pillows... but the punishments are much worse. If a girl receives enough demerit points for not listening, she is sent to the dreaded Ice Room. No one talks about what happens in the Ice Room.

There are also two other girls at the school. Gia and Mindy. Right from the start there is tension between all five girls. Teal is the most defiant. She has a hard time understanding why the rules are what they are, why she is forced to do manual labor and she is severely home sick. Gia and Mindy have secrets of their own. Since they have been at the school longer, they know the lay of the land and what Dr Foreman requires of her students. However, they always like to be rewarded ...

As time goes on, the girls get in a routine and learn what is expected of them. Phoebe connects with the gardener, Natani, who lives on the premises. He teaches her things from his native background, life skills and how to learn how to be okay with herself.

There are many mysteries in this book, and you see the growth of three broken girls, who deal with their hardships beautifully and come out stronger for it. A bittersweet story that will have you at the edge of your seat while you ache for these students and the horrors they are forced to deal with.  The author leaves you wanting to know more, but we do get a glimpse into some of their futures, which is always nice.

5/5 stars across the board!

Review: Broken Wings

Broken Wings: VC Andrews  *Spoilers*


Broken Wings is a mini-series by the author V.C. Andrews. Part 1 of 2 of the Broken Wings series.

We have 3 girls, Robin Lyn, Teal, and Phoebe and we learn each of their stories and what happens before they are sent off to Dr. Foreman's school.



Robin 

Robin Lyn, or Robin for short is the first girl we meet. A girl who's never really fit in. Whose mother is trying to make it in the music business. A girl who is looking to be loved.

Doing anything to get some attention, Robin steals, gets in trouble at school... and finally her mother has had enough. Living with her grandparents, and their strict rules and glares of judgement, Robin's mother Kay is fed up. She and Robin leave in the middle of the night and go off to Nashville in the hopes that Kay's friend Cory can help her become a star.

From the get go, nothing is going in Robin's favor. She meets some girls, who are just stuck up and vindictive.... and then she meets Keefer. A boy from the wrong side of the tracks, but has such a sweet smile. The two make a plan to get away together, but to do so, they set out to rob the grocery store where Robin works. Another run in with the police has Kay at her wit's end.

The only place that Robin stands a chance before being put in jail is a special school for troubled girls...


Teal


Teal Sommers is the next girl we meet. Teal was born late in her parent's life, a point which is never hidden from Teal. This makes her feel unwanted half the time... and with an older brother constantly counting how much damage Teal costs the family, down to the penny, Teal has had enough.

Teal has never cared much for rules. When she finally catches the eye of Del Grant, the two fall into a quick relationship, but Del comes with baggage all of his own. With a drunk for a mother, and 2 younger siblings to take care, he doesn't think he has what it takes to be there for Teal. Teal is determined to show Del that she is not the snob that everyone thinks she is, but the bad girl streak in her just can't be smothered.

Her parents are tired of her antics. Grounding does nothing, she ignores her punishments, she has no respect for any rules... maybe a school for troubled girls will set her straight?


Phoebe


Phoebe Elder has grown up with both parents. One day, she is awoken by her father telling her that her mother has finally left them.  Her father is unable to take care of Phoebe on his own, so he is sending her to live with her aunt and uncle.

Right from the start, Phoebe feels like an outcast. From the wrong side of the tracks and not compliant enough for her aunt's approval, Phoebe struggles to settle in to a place where no one wants her.

She makes friends with a boy at school. Little does she know, he is a player who says anything to get with a girl. After being caught in a compromising position in the school nurse's office, the boy starts a rumor that Phoebe accepts money for sexual acts. A group of boys gang up on her with the intent of assaulting her, but Phoebe defends herself and runs away.

It is their word against hers and one of the boys ended up in the hospital because of her actions. Her Aunt and Uncle do not know what to do with her. After a tragic accident causes the death of her father, she learns that her mother is in a hospital. Phoebe thinks that if she runs to her mother, they two will be able to be a family now.

Little does she know, her mother is not well enough. She ends up back with her Uncle, only to have him tell her that she is ruining their reputation in the community and there is a school for girls like her...



 A fantastic series. These girls capture your heart with every page. Three misunderstood girls who get involved with the wrong people, and are born into the wrong families. The stories leave you wanting more about each girl. You cannot help but sympathize with them as they make one bad choice after another. Each story, while similar in structure, has the reader feeling second-hand empathy, making you want to reach in and hug the characters. 5/5 stars!


Victims of circumstances, you cannot help but wait and see what this mysterious school is all about.
Will the girls finally have a happy ending? Stay tuned for the review of "Midnight Flight"

My happy places...

Finding that perfect spot to read is almost as important as what you are reading. I didn’t move much as a child, so I can’t recall where I read when I was small besides my bed.

In the house that I spent majority of my life in was where I found my favourite spots to read. 

On summer evenings, I’d make myself a tea, grab a blanket and my iPod, take my book out to the porch. I'd sit here until I had no more light to read by. Which, at this point the bugs came out so I wanted to go inside anyways. 

I always loved this spot because I could watch the sunset, see what was going on with the neighborhood, and when there were those lines in the book where you just needed to *deadpan face* … I at least had a nice view. Maybe even a bunny hopping around...

Another favourite place, funny enough, is the car. Weird, right? For some reason, the car is a comfy place to read. I used to go for drives down to the lake (in whatever city I live in) and just sit in my car and read. When I am early for work, I pull out my book and read. When I am waiting for someone I am picking up, I pull out my book. So the car happened by default… but it is still pretty comfy. Mine is a Honda Civic; I call him Paul. 

Finally, the hammock. It’s not mine, but I lived with my best friend/cousin for a few months when I moved to where I am now and she has a hammock. SUPER comfy! Before she had her kids, we’d both go out there for the afternoon and just lay down and read. Her hubby thought we were nuts (and being unproductive. As if!) but it was afternoons like that that I consider “perfect days”

Review: Harry Potter Series

Deciding to review a whole series can be difficult. I will break it up book by book, but first, some background info: 

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK! There are many spoilers if you have not read the books! (and no, they are NOT the same as the movies :) )  There is a lot I do not speak about, as the books do contain a lot of subplots (DADA teachers, S.P.E.W, relationships with Harry and those around him, W and W products etc) so I just give surface summaries.

~~~

Before we get into the books, here is the cliff notes version of what happened pre-book 1:  Wizards walk among us. Us non-magic folks are called "muggles". Little do us muggles know that many moons ago, Harry Potter (HP) who, when just a tyke, was sought out by Lord Voldemort. The most evil, yet powerful, wizard of all time. We find out the who/what/why later on.... but the gist is that Harry would be his downfall and Voldy wanted to avoid that. Certainly a powerful wizard could override a 1-year old? When Voldemort arrives at Harry's house, some kind of force stops him from killing Harry. The spell backfires, in a way, and Voldemort flees. Now orphaned, Harry is saved by Dumbledore. Albus Dumbledore is also a powerful wizard, but on the side of good. Dumbledore is the Headmaster at Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (located in Britain) and he realizes that a boy who just stopped the most evil wizard of all time would not have a normal upbringing. He then decides to have Harry's Aunt and Uncle raise him, until it is time to introduce him to his rightful place in the wizarding world. 

We learn all this over the course of the books, but it helps to know this before getting into each book as the rest of the time I will be writing as if you understand the wizard lingo. 

Book 1: HP and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone: 

"Mr and Mrs Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much..."  - J. K Rowling 

Harry Potter has been living with his mother's sister, Petunia, her husband, Vernon, and their son, Dudley, his whole life. He is treated as a slave of sorts, and is forced to sleep under the stairs. They care nothing for Harry, but respect Dumbledore's orders to raise him, albeit with bare minimum necessities. When he is about to turn 11, he begins to receive mysterious letters. Vernon will not let Harry have these letters, so the family goes to a remote location where the mail cannot be delivered. On Harry's 11th birthday, we meet Hagrid. Hagrid works at Hogwarts, and has been sent to collect Harry and bring him to school, much to his aunt and uncle's displeasure. 

As they go through the school year, With his friends, Ron and Hermoine, by his side Harry learns about the wizarding world, while taking classes and meeting all the other students and staff. 

You'll find each book has some sort of conflict, as you can see from the titles. For this book, there is a stone hidden in the castle that is coveted by many. The Philosopher's Stone is used to create the Elixar of Life - meaning one can never die. Voldemort is still out there, not dead yet not fully alive, and is trying to use different methods of getting the stone to "resurrect" himself. The trio immerse themselves in helping with protecting Voldy from finding the stone, only to be faced with obstacles and trials that they themselves may not be ready for. 

This is a wonderful beginning to a wonderful story. Written for a younger audience (although not that that should detour your from picking it up!) it sets up a captivating world of magic and intrigue. Harry's perspective on things is witty, and young at heart. You can tell it is the beginning of a beautiful coming of age story. This reader gets on the Hogwarts train as often as she possibly can.    

Book 2: HP and the Chamber of Secrets 

This books opens with Harry waiting for the end of summer vacation so he can finally go back to Hogwarts school. He is disappointed with his summer, as he thought his best friends would have messaged him like they promised - but he has heard from no one since he left school. 

One night, his uncle has invited a special guest over for dinner. Since Harry is now aware of his magical abilities, his family has been nicer to him and Harry now has a bedroom. This is where Harry is forced to stay while Vernon and Petunia entertain.  However, Harry finds a guest in his room. Dobby the House Elf has come to warn Harry Potter that he should not be returning to Hogwarts this year, as Dobby is aware of terrible things that will be happening at the school (due to House Elf law, he is unable to tell Harry what these things are).  Dobby causes some problems with Vernon's guest, and of course, Harry is blamed. He puts bars on Harry's window in order to keep him at home. Ron and his brothers come and "kidnap" him (with magical means of course) and Harry stays at Ron's home, the Burrow, for the rest of the holiday. 

When they get to the school, Harry realizes that Dobby was right. Strange things begin happening and most of them directed at Harry. In this book we learn more about Harry and the similarities he shares with Voldy, such as being a Parseltongue, meaning one can speak to snakes.  

In this book, the conflict is that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened. This has been a school legend for many years but no such "chamber" has ever been found. Eventually, a student is taken into said chamber as it does really exist. Once again, the trio races in to try and help save the day.. but this time, a student's life hangs in the balance. 

This is my least favourite book... mainly because there are a lot of spiders, but I find it is also a bit boring. It is still as wonderfully written as the first, and it cannot be skipped because there is information pertaining to the rest of the series and the overall story.... but I find that if you read it once, and you can remember the main plot points, it doesn't need to be read again. (even though I have read it at least twice...)  Dobby plays a big role in this book, so I read it just for him. He ends up working in the Hogwarts kitchen after everything is said and done. 

Book 3: HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Once again, we open to Harry eagerly awaiting the end of summer vacation in order to get back to school - what a great role model for kids! 

After a mishap of blowing up Vernon's sister at dinner one night, Harry runs away. Where? Well, he doesn't know exactly. Sitting on a curb, a big black dog is about to attack... when all of the sudden, the knight bus comes along. The knight bus is for stranded witches or wizards. Harry boards and it takes him to the pub connecting the muggle world to the wizarding one.  During this time, Harry learns that the mass murderer that has been on the lose, much to Harry's surprise, is after him. 

Sirius Black has been in Azkaban prison for 12 years for the murder of his friend, Peter Pettigrew. Sirius was also friends with Harry's parents - James and Lily, and the new teacher at Hogwarts, Lupin. Word on the street is that Sirius was a minion of Voldy's and he is out to finish what Voldy couldn't. 

This book is one of the best in the series. We really get more into the different creatures that roam the magical world, more spells, more about Harry's parents and the relationship of the marauders, and more of the town of Hogsmead that is nearby the school. There are surprises at every turn and it keeps you at the edge of your seat until the very last page. 

Book 4: Goblet of Fire 

This book opens with Harry going to stay at the Burrow, in order to join the Weasley family at the Quidditch World Cup. After the match, the park is attacked by Death Eaters (Voldy's followers) and a House Elf named Winky is blamed for casting the dark mark in the sky, even though Harry tries to explain that he saw a man do it. 

When everyone gets to Hogwarts, Dumbledore announces that this year the school will play host to two other magical schools in order to host the Triwizard Tournament. This is a famous, yet highly dangerous tournament in which three schools will have one representative to compete in three different tasks. The winner will receive the Triwizard Cup.  The champions are chosen by putting their names in the Goblet of Fire. This Goblet has magical abilities to judge the name dropped in, and will choose who it deems fit.  At the choosing ceremony, the three champions are chosen.... and then, the Goblet spits out one more name: Harry Potter. 

Harry is legally obligated to participate as per the rules of the Goblet. The school thinks he tricked the Goblet somehow, and even his friends are suspicious of him. 

The tasks that the champions must go through are life or death. With dragons, baths, mermaids (that do not look like Ariel), mazes, and threats from strangers Harry is on his own this time with his most dangerous year at school yet. 

A fantastic book that really sets the tone for the rest of the series. The climax of the story is the catalyst that sets off a whirlwind of events that Harry and his friends must somehow endure and come out fighting. This is *not* like the movie, we see a lot more of the school (ie. the kitchen where Dobby and now Winky are working), of characters that do not appear in the movies etc. Some fans do not like this movie, but the book has SO much more in it. Fantastically written, the reader is glued to the pages. My advice? Keep the Kleenex close and the lights on. 

Book 5: HP and the Order of the Phoenix 

After the puddle of feels we were left in at the end of GOF, OOTP does not start off much happier... Harry's 5th year at Hogwarts is about to begin. This summer vacation has been a difficult one though. His dreams are filled with thoughts of Cedric, of Voldermort, of everything that has happened and the possibilities of what is to come.... 

Dudley does not help, as he is constantly teasing Harry for screaming out in the night. One day, while the two of them are walking home, everything goes cold. Dark. Like you'll "never be cheerful again". Two Dementors, guards who protect Azkaban Prison, attack Harry and Dudley. Harry manages to fight them off with his Patronus Charm and he brings Dudley home. 

The Ministry of Magic has a trace on all underage wizards and witches though. They see that Harry has done magic in the presence of a muggle, and have him expelled from Hogwarts. 

Make sure you go to the gym for a few months and lift some weights before getting into this book. It is the heaviest one in the series, and we all know the awkward positions we get into while reading... your arms are going to hurt!  We get A LOT of information in this book. Harry goes through a lot of milestones, realizations, and the whole wizard community is at the cusp of war. With Harry in the middle of it.  With so much going on, the Ministry of Magic feels it necessary to intervene in Hogwarts. They send over a representative, Dolores Umbridge... I don't think anyone has ever hated a character so much... except maybe Joffery, from Game of Thrones, but I digress... 

Umbridge has the authority from the Minister of Magic to do as she sees fit to keep Hogwarts in shape. She then takes it upon herself to set up many new rules, including the banning of all recreational sports, and conducts a review of all current staff. She even fires one of the teachers, but Dumbledore will not let her banish the teacher from the grounds. 

Dumbledore has been busy in this book. He is the leader of the "Order of the Phoenix". A secret group whose mission is to fight against Voldemort and his followers. Dumbledore has also discussed with Harry the connection between him and Voldy. With Voldemort back in power, Harry must learn to close the connection that the two of them share with the practice of Occlumency - but Snape is to be the one to teach him this, and Harry and Snape have never got along. Harry wishes it was Dumbledore teaching him, but Dumbledore seems to be keeping his distance from him and Harry can't figure out why. 

This book is full of twists and turns and surprises.... and tears. (I'm telling you, keep that kleenex around for the rest of the series!) Harry begins to really grow up and deal with real world events. After Diggory, the concept that this is *war* and war means people die really hits home. I cannot tell you this has a happy ending, but I can tell you that everything happens for a reason. The writing, the history, the emotion that you get in this book is real, raw, powerful and it really envelops you. The movie captures maybe 40% of this book, so I strongly suggest curling up with some coffee - to keep you awake, maybe an extra box of kleenex, and get your read on!

Book 6: HP and the Half-Blood Prince 

For this one, get a few more boxes of kleenex. Many people I know threw the book across the room near the end... so be warned!  This is my favourite one though! 

Harry Potter receives a letter from Dumbledore, saying he will be calling on him at his aunt and uncles house and to please be ready to leave for the rest of the summer. Harry does not fully believe this letter, but lo and behold, Dumbledore shows up. He sits down with Vernon and Petunia and explains that wizards come of age at 17 so for one more summer Harry will need to return to Privet Drive. By returning each summer, the protection spell that Lily Potter cast on Harry when he was a baby will remain in tact as long as Harry calls his aunt's house "Home". 

Harry and Dumbledore then set off to find a new teacher for the upcoming year. Horace Slughorn, a retired Potions teacher has been in hiding, but Dumbledore has a way of finding people. When they find him, Harry is able to convince Slughorn to come back. Since Harry has been coined "The Boy who Lived" and Slughorn likes to make friends with famous people in order to have a cornucopia of connections, Dumbledore had a feeling Slughorn would want to have Harry as one of his "trophies".

The rest of the summer is uneventful while at Ron's house. When the kids get back to Hogwarts, their schedules have changed slightly. they are now on course for future jobs and Ron wants to join the Quidditch team this year. Harry and Ron end up taking Potions, in the hopes of one day becoming an Auror (dark wizard catcher).  Because this was a last minute decision, the boys did not buy the right textbook for the class. There are extras in the cupboard: a beat up one, and a decent one. Harry ends up with the beat up on, who's previous owner was called "the Half-Blood Prince". 

Dumbledore also realizes that keeping his distance last year did not help Harry in any way. This year, he has decided to have special lessons with Harry and begins showing Harry memories pertaining to Voldemort's childhood and how he became what he became.  After seeing how Voldemort was as a child, then known as Tom Riddle, and as a student in Hogwarts, Harry and Dumbledore are able to hypothesize on what is to come. There is a memory that has been tampered with, and it belongs to Slughorn. It is up to Harry to get the proper memory in order for him and Dumbledore to have all the pieces of their puzzle. Once they have all these pieces, they can focus on how to destroy Voldemort. 

This book focuses on the fact that the characters are teenagers. The teenage angst, romance, awkwardness... plus all the usual issues with being in school is written so wonderfully that you cannot help but fall in love with them all over again.  As we are almost at the end, you can see a build up of suspense. There are many questions the reader is left with at the end of the book, but after you are done crying, you just want to pick it up and start from the beginning again.  

Book 7: HP and the Deathly Hallows 

The end is here. Oh, the feels.... 

Harry knows what must be done. With Ron and Hermoine at his side, he is as ready as he is going to be... 

One of the most anticipated books of my generation and it was read in just a few hours... (Gosh, I remember going on the bus to get this one. Hard cover at first, but it didn't match the rest of my series, so I exchanged it eventually for a paperback...)

Everything is answered in this one. The trio is thrown into their adventure after the Death Eaters overthrow the ministry, and attempt to hunt down Harry at the Burrow. They jump from place to place hunting down Horocruxes as best as they can and figuring out how to destroy them. Destroy them, and one destroys Voldemort.  They have help in the most unexpected places... and after travelling all over England, they end up back at Hogwarts. Finally, the battle between good and evil can commence. 

A masterpiece. The long awaited ending to a 10-year series, fans everywhere fight along side Harry until the very end. 

~~~

The Harry Potter fandom is one that will never die. This is a story that will stay with you forever, and you will always remember how you got into the series, you will be proud of your house (you can be sorted on pottermore.com), and you will throw in references on a daily basis. always. You will defend your ships, and OTPs and will have your minutes of silence on May 2 every year. You will watch the movie marathons on repeat, you will let your children read them, if you're in a reading slump - pick up a HP book...  you will gladly discuss them if asked - even if not asked. It is just one of those stories. It is a classic. It is wonderful. It is magical. 

** I do not own the pictures.