Group Book to Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and WIzardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girl's bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone - or something - starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects... Harry Potter himself? (from Goodreads)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second book in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.  This was a fantastic follow up to a phenomenal debut, in my opinion. We find Harry back on Privet Drive and not enjoying his summer vacation. Life with the Dursleys is never fun, but Harry is missing Hogwarts and his friends almost painfully. The action starts at the beginning and carries on throughout the book.  Rowling broadens our horizons a bit by introducing some new characters and having Harry discover some new facts about the wizard world. For example, this is where we first hear about the wizard prison, Azkaban and we delve into Harry's ability to speak to snakes, as well. 


I really enjoyed learning more about Hagrid's time at Hogwarts and loved the use of memory to tell the story in Riddle's diary.  The diary was very interesting to me, but I had no idea how important it would become. But I'm getting ahead of myself, sorry guys.  One of the things I love most about Rowling's writing is once you've read the entire series you can look back and see how masterfully she laid the groundwork for everything that happens. Every character is important in some way, even if they are only mentioned in passing. 


We also get our first glimpse into a wizard house in this book, The Burrow definitely did not disappoint. I loved getting to see where the Weasleys lived and the richly detailed descriptions Rowling gave us to paint a picture of their everyday lives when the kids weren't at Hogwarts. I love the Weasleys, and we meet Mr. Weasley in this book, and I personally adore him and his Muggle obsession. The Weasleys treat Harry like family from his first visit and made him feel like one of them which endeared them to me even more. For once, he isn't ignored or taunted, but fussed over and overfed. It's a lovely change and I enjoyed reading it. 

Harry is struggling through a good portion of this book. Rumors abound and classmates are avoiding him but Harry takes it in stride. He is such a strong character. Of course, a lot of his strength comes from having Ron and Hermione by his side. This trio makes these books sensational, in my opinion. Not only the bond of their friendship, but the loyalty and humor they show when together really draws you in and gets you emotionally invested in their story. 


Overall this was a stellar second installment. It definitely left me wanting more.

My Rating: 

And now for the movie, I have to reiterate how much I loved the casting of these first two movies, both directed by Chris Columbus. The old players are back again and then we add the brilliant Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy; school governor and father of bratty Draco. Also they added Mark Williams as Arthur Weasley , Robert Hardy as Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic and last but not least, everyone's least favorite professor, Gilderoy Lockhart played expertly by Kenneth Brannagh. Brannagh, especially was perfect in the role. Lockhart may be an idiot, but he's very funny (even though he doesn't mean to be). 


I know there were many omissions in this movie but I still enjoyed it. I wonder a lot if that would be true if I'd read the book before seeing it. I guess we'll never know. I thought the scene in the chamber and, of course, Harry and Ron's trek into the forest following Hagrid's cryptic instructions were both very well executed. I did miss the twins banter, they definitely have a larger role in the books. Overall though, I love this movie. I have no complaints. 

My Rating:

Major *SIGH* going on here, guys. 

Which is kind of odd in and of itself because The Chamber of Secrets was (and still is) my favorite movie out of all 8, before I'd read the books themselves.

But... *huffs* Really. This book was slower than molasses in January. Watching paint dry or grass growing would've entertained me more. I am assuming this is because I know who-did-it and I know what's going on and blah-blah-blah but I could barely finish this one. I considered putting it down a lot and skipping to book three.

Sure, it picks up about half way through (action, obviously), but up until then I was just...not impressed. It read like a book in the 9-12 section for me. And Lockhart and Colin Creevey made it even HARDER. Seriously. I thought Gilderoy Lockhart was hilarious in the movies and Colin I often felt bad for, due to Harry avoiding him like the plague (he's 11 and you're an idol, stop hating life for three seconds and say hello -_-'), but once I started reading about them, Gilderoy seemed less "Funny" and more "I know this guy and I really don't want to read about them...", and Colin...well... Let's just not go there.

And the sad part? The part that actually captured me, I can't talk about! I am a firm believer in "Do NOT put a spoiler in the review!" and if some of y'all haven't seen the second movie or read the second book what ROCK are you hiding under, man!? I don't want to ruin it. *sigh!* How about I just say, "Hagrid", does that work for y'all who've read it? You must know what I'm saying, yeah?

What did I like... Oh! I love the Weasley's. Besides Ron...of course. But seriously. Mrs. Weasley is just awesome in this book. And the twins! God, I love the twins, oh em gee. LOL! I was literally laughing hysterically in the middle of work or Starbucks or the park while sitting alone and I know people had to think I was crazy, or something, but seriously. Fred and George are the best thing in literature...ever. American, European, Pluto-nian. Whatever.

So. Boring as waiting for a cake to cool, but I loved the backstory given and the drama at the very very VERY end.. So. Again.

My Rating:

(2.5 but there is no half, so I'll round up because 

I'm feeling generous)

As I said above, this was my FAVORITE movie out of them all when I was watching them when I was younger (didn't even know there were books...ha.). Moaning Myrtle was someone I really liked, surprisingly, and Lockhart and Creevey, again mentioned above, were both tolerable and even humorous at times. 

And the graphics, my GOD. When was this movie made? Because the basilisk and the spider (will never look at snakes or spiders again without thinking of this movie) were better than some things filmed today, and considering how AWESOME animation is getting, that's saying something. And the Howler? Eek! Exactly how I'd pictured it! God.

The casting, too! WONDERFUL! How dare the director be changed?! Christopher Columbus was doing a wonderful job, #$%^ it! Ugh. What was my point again? Oh, yeah. Casting. Could we have had a better Mr. Weasley? Seriously! 

"So, tell me, Harry. What, exactly, is the purpose of a rubber duck?"

I was crying. I loved this! It was absolutely magnificent! From the car ride in the sky, to Mr. Malfoy (shudder with a side of "please die" glares, anyone?), to Dobby who is probably the second best thing in the world (*twins). 

"Dobby will have to punish himself most grievously for coming to see you, sir. Dobby with have to shut his ears in the oven door for this."

"Bad Dobby! Bad Dobby!" *bangs lamp repeatedly into skull*

I was laughing so hard in this movie. And at the near-end, I was chewing my nails to the bloody quick. Probably will always be my favorite! Even if I could barely stand the book..........

My Rating:

I am probably going to be quite brief with the first several books as they weren’t exactly my faves, that being said, I did not dislike any of the books in the series. As usual, I digress!

Back is Rowling's masterful storytelling and uniquely detailed plots that at times twist and turn! As well as her marvelous characters and witty dialogue, no tedious “getting to know” the character(s) as we already know who Harry is and his place in the story. We do, however, get our introduction to Dobby (I LOVE DOBBY!). All our favorite characters from Hogwarts return in this action packed sequel to The Sorcerer’s Stone.

In the first book, I was amazed at how well Rowling was able to conceal the true nature of the plot whist keeping the characters as well as us (the readers) right in the thick of it. In the end, everything fits together. In this installment we get more of Hagrid’s backstory along with introductions to some great new characters like Ginny Weasley, Lucius Malfoy and Moaning Myrtle! I really enjoyed the way Rowling played this one out with the memories showing the story. Especially the way she slipped Tom Riddle’s diary in there.

Many of the characters Rowling introduces throughout her books are only there to visit with us for a brief time, while others actually have important roles in the overall saga (as discovered in later books). Their existence helps to keep the books fresh and new. You discover SO much more with the Harry Potter books than they ever delve into in the movies, it is upsetting as some of my favorite parts and/or people were never included in the movies.

Again, I digress; my favorite part of this book was again, the memories that were woven into the here and now adding to the intrigue of the overall story. Giving us that needed glimpse into the past and answering some questions the reader may have had after visiting with Harry and his friends in book 1. Also I loved the introduction of Ginny Weasley, we didn’t quite yet grasp where this story would take us in this book but, I just loved her story. You got a bit more Ginny in the book than you did in the movie, atleast they left her in the movies at all (we will discuss this further in future reviews!). The phoenix was a welcome addition, adding a bit of mystique in there.

I give it 4/5 Quills!

And now for the movie! Another cute family friendly movie, just a teensy bit darker with the chamber and the diary but still family friendly overall. One of the things I love most about all of the books and movies is reading and watching these kids grow up.

There are so many scenes where I found myself laughing so hard I almost wet my pants. Most of them included Dobby and Mrs. Weasley. And of course, the banter between the twins is so hysterical in the movies, (even more so in the books, &%$#@#@$%, but, we won’t go there!)

When they first get to the school and Snape is so pleased with himself; then when they aren’t kicked out of school the look on his face, you’d have thought a litter of puppies had just been skinned! Snape is pompous in his determination to have them expelled you can’t help but laugh when he doesn’t get his way.

So we get a little spooky, and there is something lurking around Hogwarts and only Harry can hear it. Wooooooooooo… I do like that they took that dark twist that the book showed with this movie and kept it true to the book in that respect at least. (They were picking and choosing, weren’t they! Oh let’s just leave out every 3rd character and every other paragraph from the books! Sorry I’m babbling). Loved, loved, loved the entire chamber scene; that was almost exactly how I saw it when I read it. And one of my least favorite characters, Gilderoy Lockhart, why the hell couldn’t they leave HIM out of the movies!

All in all I enjoyed the movie for the parts of the book that they decided to include! 4/5 Quills simply because of all the stuff they left out!

 But that’s just my two cents!

My Rating:

Treasured Thursdays: Harry Potter Style Part 1

Treasured Thursday is a weekly event created by Touya over at The Reader's Garden that is all about our most treasured. I'm hosting it here now, for those of you who are interested in joining me. This month, as you all know by now, we are ALL about Harry Potter, so we decided to focus on HP specific topics. This week we are talking about our most treasured Hogwarts professors. 


This was a VERY hard choice for me to make. There are so many wonderful teachers at Hogwarts. My favorite, by far, is Minerva McGonagall.  But since Tammy stole her (just kidding) I will go with my second pick; Rubeus Hagrid. 

Do we know anyone else as excited about being a professor? I don't think so! And who else would assign books that bite? I thought that was hilarious. But seriously, Hagrid would go to hell and back for Dumbledore and Harry;quite literally do anything for either of them and that's a very special thing in my opinion. Also, he loves his subject so very much. He puts all of himself into his job and I think that's how it should be. I think Hagrid is one of the best characters in the series, hands down. And really, everyone needs a Hagrid in their life; that close family friend/uncle or grandfather who is ALWAYS there when you need them.  Also, he's a LOT smarter than people give him credit for. 

"Some say he died. Codswallop, in my opinion. Dunno if he had enough human left in him to die."

Robbie Coltrane was brilliant as Hagrid, in my opinion. There is no one else who could have portrayed him so well.  These are just a few reasons why Hagrid is my most treasured Hogwarts professor. 

Honestly? Can I just say probably the most obvious answer ever, here? I mean, we’re talking a Hogwarts Professor for goodness sake, and I will admit; I love my Snape and McGonagall and Hagrid (I love Hagrid :3) but my most treasured easily has to be…

…Albus Dumbledore. 

He is the perfect mix of all that is awesome in the world. He’s intelligent, he’s humble, he’s friggin’ hilarious and he has said more life-lessons than any other book-character I’ve read about.

And seriously, how can y’all NOT love a character that came up with lines like;

“It’s a good thing it’s so dark. I haven’t blushed this hard since Madam Pomfrey said she liked my new earmuffs.”

“I’d like to say a few words: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!”

“One can never have too many socks. Another Christmas come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People do insist upon giving me books…” 

With such a dramatic and serious book, it is really nice to have a good, funny line every once and a while. (And you gotta love a man who points out socks can indeed be a wonderful gift.)

Another thing. I have to say, I liked this recasting. Mind you, I HATE IT when movies have an actor for so many movies, and then BANG, new guy/girl. No, I don’t care what reasoning there is; I never like it (I sound heartless but really, I get attached to these people). But. The new casting actually was more the Dumbledore I was seeing in my head as I was reading… He seemed brighter, not as innocent, like he had indeed seen some things one can’t easily forget. I loved this J

And even though his story doesn’t end with an “Approved by Lana” sticker, he has said things before to help me get through it… Sorta. I’m kind of agreeing with my mother who thinks Dumbledore is off hiding on an island somewhere for vacation and will return sooner or later. Don’t try to tell me different!

“After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”

Albus Dumbledore, while the obvious choice when people say “Hogwarts” is my most treasured and always will be. <3

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live. Remember that.”

 Professor Minerva McGonagall, hands down!  I especially like her in the final movie.  Oh, and when she produces the tongue twister for all the stutterers!  “Take Mister Finnigan with you, as I recall he has a particular proclivity for pyrotechnics!!”  “Blow it up Miss.”  “yes”  “boom”  “BOOM!”  And then she awakens the Hogwarts Army “I’ve always wanted to do that spell!”  She is an enchanting part of every movie and does not disappoint in the end. 

'Embracing You, Embracing Me' by Michelle Bellon: Review, Author Interview & Giveaway

Young Adult novel begins in a 90s Trailer Park, and hits hard. In a decade when image matters, when the so-called Generation X is swelling with 'future perfect' hopes and pride, 16-year-old Roshell McRady dances her way through High School, never quite admitting that she's ashamed of her trailer park family home. Meanwhile she listens to Madonna while conjuring creative Top Ramen recipes to feed her younger cousins; she empties enough hairspray until her bangs are feathered and vertical like a lethal weapon; and she agonises over how to convince Gabriel Harrison, the new Mystery Guy in town, to invite her to the prom - a night which threatens to turn into a disaster. But then life takes a dramatic turn for Roshell, and her life changes forever. A love story emerges from the anguish of Roshell's life, and when she leaves school and finds work at a casino, things don't get any less complicated for her - until one night a powerful dream marks out the exact path that she must take. Embracing You, Embracing Me has young adult humour and nineties-style cultural aspirations, but surprises with some hard-hitting moments that give the book a keen edge. (from Goodreads)

Embracing You, Embracing Me is Michelle Bellon's first novel. It features a strong and vivacious young woman named Roshell, following her journey into adulthood. It tackles some difficult subject matter and manages to still be funny and hopeful. I was hooked from the start. 


Roshell is the type of person who takes whatever life throws at her and tries to adapt the best she can. Even when she was stepping foolishly into situations fraught with danger, I found myself cheering her on in my head. Her determination to make her future brighter than her past is just one of many things I admired about her. But my favorite character in the book, hands down, was Gabriel. He was just good; in and out, in all the ways that count. He always acted with kindness and honesty and was intelligent in ways most teenage boys are not. He was the best part of this book for me. 


I love Roshell's friends; they are always there for her regardless of how much time passes or what happens in their lives.  Her two best friends, Sabrina and Amber,  are perfect bookends for Roshell's character. The three balance each other wonderfully and it was a lot of fun to watch their lives progress intertwined.  I really loved seeing Roshell through her friends eyes, too. It showed the impact her actions had on them and gave the story more depth as well. 


Embracing You, Embracing Me is a poignant tale about self discovery and acceptance. Emotionally taxing, I found myself laughing and crying at the same time in some places. Roshell faces down her demons and learns about love and loss all while learning who she really is. I really enjoyed this book. 

My Rating: 

And now, here is my interview with Michelle Bellon! 

*Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I live in Washington with my husband, Pablo, and our four children. I graduated from nursing school in 2005 but found myself in the home again when we welcomed our fourth child into the world. At that point, I sat down and started writing this book, so that my mind wouldn’t turn to mush. Since then, I’ve written five novels and I’m working on a sixth.

My day job is the constant work of being an engaged mother, and as all mothers know, there is never a dull moment when surrounded by kids all day. My kids and our home is my ultimate priority and we try to make everyday fun and interesting. I could go on and on about my duties there, but most already get it. Since I also home school one of my children it adds a whole other layer of responsibility. So honestly my writing happens whenever I can find the time, which is usually late at night while they are sleeping. I’m really grateful for my husband’s support while I try this adventure.

*Is Roshell based on a real person or is she completely made up?
Roshell and this story are works of fiction, but there is a lot in the plot that came from actual experiences of my own. I did know a wonderful young man in my teen years, named Gabriel, who touched my life in much the same way. Many of the other characters are based on friendships that I still have to this day.

*Is ‘Embracing You, Embracing Me’ autobiographical in any way?
This is the most asked question that I get. As I said before, Roshell and I are very similar. I used my own childhood and desires and fears to create the character. It was the first novel that I ever wrote, and I figured the best thing to do for my first attempt at writing a book was to write something that came from the heart. They say, to “write what you know”, so that’s what I did.

*Is there a message you’d like to give your readers?
With this story, I really wanted to convey the concept that those we love, who pass on, never really leave us, but continue to impact our lives forever. Also, I included passages from the perspectives of Roshell’s friends so that the reader could experience how Roshell’s actions were impacting those around her. That is after all, Roshell’s life lesson; learning to live consciously and understand how her behaviors and how she treats people, affect others as well as her own future.

*What has been the best book you’ve read so far this year?
I just finished reading The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson and was blown away by his writing. It’s one of those books that a writer can read and feel inspired by as the quality of prose is so fantastic and gripping, you can’t stop thinking about it after you put it down. Reading such an amazing novel like that, can really get the creative juices flowing and make you want to step up your game with your own work.

*Can you tell us what’s next for you?
I’m not exactly sure. I have two finished manuscripts; a romance/suspense and a literary, just sitting here collecting dust because I’ve been so busy just trying to promote my current novels. I’m nearly half-way done with a women’s fiction. I guess I’m hanging on to see what happens with the books I already have out. The one thing I’ve learned about this industry is that it’s one thing to write a book. It’s an entirely different thing to promote and market the book so that it finds its way into the reader’s hands. It’s very tough.

*Again, thank you SO much!
Thank you! I have enjoyed this very much and I always appreciate the opportunity to talk with readers and other writers. I’m so glad that you enjoyed the novel and I hope your followers do as well!

To find more info on my other books you can visit michellebellon.com

And now for the giveaway! Be sure to complete all mandatory tasks, also winners will have 24 hours to claim their prizes before they are forfeited! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Group Book to Movie Review & Giveaway: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

With the release of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the first in a series of tales about a young wizard in training, an international craze was born. Not since C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia has a children's tale of magic and mystery so enthralled the reading public. And it's easy to see why. Eleven-year-old Harry Potter, the plucky yet nerdy hero of this series, is the embodiment of every uncool kid's fantasy. Unpopular in school, picked on by bullies, and persecuted by his adoptive family, the disheveled and bespectacled Harry manages to not only survive but thrive by discovering friends, magical powers, and a great destiny he never knew he had.

Harry hates living with his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and their spoiled-rotten son, Dudley. Harry's room is a tiny closet beneath the stairs, and the entire family treats him with disdain. What's more, Harry keeps getting into trouble for making strange things happen - things he seems to have no control over. But then Harry discovers the truth about himself when a determined messenger delivers an enlightening message. It turns out that Harry's mother was a witch, his father a wizard. And not only is Harry also a wizard, he's a famous one! His survival of the attack by the evil wizard who killed his parents has marked him as a legendary hero - as has the lightning-bolt-shaped scar on his forehead.

Soon Harry finds himself attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he receives training in some magic basics, masters riding a broomstick, and discovers his incredible talent for a game called Quidditch, which is played in the air on flying brooms. And for the first time in his life, Harry has friends who care about him: his fellow students Hermione and Ron and a giant named Hagrid. But all is not rosy when Harry discovers his true destiny and finds he must once again face the evil one who killed his parents. His survival will depend upon the help of his newfound friends, as well as his own wit and powers. (from Goodreads)


It took me a very long time to give in and read these books. My sister was reading them and she kept telling me I would like them but, merely because of all the hype surrounding them, I refused to even give them a chance. Then one day I was visiting my sister and niece and the first movie happened to be on tv and I had to admit that I enjoyed it.  The next weekend we went to see Chamber of Secrets and after that I was officially hooked. I went out and bought all the books that were out at that point, the first four, and I read them all in a week. I was already obsessed. So here without further ado, is our group review of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling! 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the first book in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.  This book opened up a door to my imagination that had been closed up for way too long. It really made me love reading in a way I hadn't in a long time. J.K. Rowling created a fanciful universe that invites you in and dares you to want to leave. This book is the beginning of an enchanting journey for readers of all ages.


We meet Harry, who is a seemingly normal orphan living with his unhappy relatives on the verge of his 11th birthday. When Harry finds a letter on his doorstep it changes everything. Suddenly he's moved from the cupboard under the stairs to the smallest bedroom on the second floor of the house. This begins a whirlwind adventure where Harry finds his true heritage and begins his life where he's meant to be; Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 


I loved Rowling's humor and wit and the depth of each and every character in the book, no matter how seemingly small they may be in the overall scheme of things. Perfectly written and brilliantly plotted, this book is one of my very favorites of all time. The characters really are what sets it apart from other stories, in my opinion. I really loved Hagrid & Hermione from the very first time they came on the scene; Hagrid is such a lovable character! Huge and slightly off-center sometimes, yes, BUT he's fiercely loyal & would do anything for Harry.  I could relate to Hermione in a very real way, I too, was a know-it-all at one point in my grammar school career.  And then we come to the Weasley twins. Oh, how I adore them. They are hilarious, and yet, not a joke. They are some of my very favorite characters in this series! 


However, it was Harry himself who really won me over from the beginning. I don't know how anyone can read this book, see him suffer and struggle and not root for him. Honestly, he is such a dynamic and interesting character; loyal, brave, smart, funny & compassionate despite his dreary life with the Dursleys. He made it easy for me to love this book. 

My Rating: 

And now for the movie! The first movie was directed  by Chris Columbus and oh, how I wish they would have kept him for the entire series. I loved this movie, every moment of it! It was brilliantly cast; especially Professors McGonagall, Snape and Dumbledore. Also, Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid was pure genius! At first I was worried that Alan Rickman may have been too old to portray  Snivelly but he was absolutely perfect! I really don't think anyone else could have captured Snape as perfectly as he did. Maggie Smith was exactly as I pictured Minerva McGonagall and Richard Harris simply WAS Dumbledore. And the Weasleys were all perfect, in my opinion.

My major complaint is this; why could they not put some green contacts in Danielle Radcliffe's eyes? It's such an important detail, and it comes into play so much over the course of the series. Everyone says Harry resembles James except he has Lily's eyes. SO important!  Yet,I thought he was absolutely perfect for Harry other than that.  My second complaint is minor, I guess, to some, but where the hell is Peeves? Why wouldn't they include him? He had some hilarious scenes and I was sad he didn't make it to the film adaptation. My last complaint is about Neville. They removed him from a couple scenes and made him more of a secondary character than I think he is. And I just love Neville, so that was hard for me to deal with. (By the way, Matthew Lewis was perfect!)

I loved seeing Hogwarts come to life, the Halloween feast and the sorting scene were both favorites for me. I pretty much loved the whole movie. I thought it was just excellent! 

My Rating:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone was a book I had no intention to ever pick up. I’ve been watching the movies since I was little but I never felt the need to read the book and ruin something I was so attached to. But, we’re doing the reviews here, so I figured it couldn’t do too much harm—I could get over it, right?

So, I read the first book. And frankly, I don’t understand the hype of it. Sure, it was a good read and I was drawn in quite easily, but from what I’d been hearing, the books made the movies look terrible. Maybe it’s because I’ve already seen all the movies, or because I know how it ends, but when I flipped the last page I wasn’t panicking because I needed to find the second book right NOW.

What this did do, however, is make me remember WHY I do NOT like Ron Weasley. I was hoping the movies just made him rude and took away a filter and he wasn’t so awful in the books, but no. He’s almost worse. I’ve never liked Ron, honestly, but the books make it hard for me to tolerate him.. Don’t hit me, Weasley Lovers, I love the twins and Ginny, I assure you ;)

Hermione and Harry are wonderfully adorable, though, and I do love Neville! You hardly see him in the movies and it’s nice seeing why this character was even mentioned in the first place—what do ya know, he has a purpose! Those three are adorable and charming, and I love it! I also loved Hagrid even more in the books, and Dumbledore was very likeable to me, and didn’t seem so…well…uncomfortable. He was funny! Whoa.

All in all I think it’s an adorable little read and I’m very glad I picked it up :3

My Rating:

As for the movie: What is wrong with some of you people? Mel has told me the first two books are very close to the movie (which I see now) but honestly, everyone who has seen me reading it has told me what a massive difference it’ll make in how I watch the movies. Um… No. Really, I watched the movie after I finished just so I could have the book fresh in my memory as I watched, and it is the best book-to-movie I’ve ever seen!

The casting, I believe, fits just perfectly in this one and the script has actual lines from the book! I’ve never seen this before, how AWESOME is this?! The scenery was magical (no pun intended ;P) and kept me glued to the couch for the entire duration. And not once was I muttering, “That didn’t happen” or, “Where did THAT come from?”

I do have one complaint though; in the books, we get so much more Draco (Malfoy) and Neville (Longbottom), both of which I adore, and in the movie, they’re both kind of brushed aside. Mind you, I know they both get their climaxes later, but the rivalry between Harry and Draco is so much more… In-Your-Face! And Neville is mentioned so much more… I love these two and I just wish they were put a little more heavily into the movie adaption.

But, as just a movie, I adored it. Will forever by a favorite. <3

My Rating:

And as usual, I am backasswards! I watched movies 1-4; read books 5&6; watched movies 5&6; read book 7 THEN read books 1-4! I will tell you this.. it was Harry Potter that rekindled my love of reading. I couldn’t wait for the movies any longer, I had to know what was going to happen next!

We start our story under the stairs. I tell you the life this poor boy had to live and endure in the beginning had a completely different affect on me via the books than in the 1st movie.

Harry is dropped on his mother’s sister’s doorstep and thrust into a life where he is unwanted; they treat him cruelly and lie to him about his parents death, who were actually killed by a dark wizard named Voldemort. After getting an overwhelming invitation to Hogwarts via 500 Owls (!) he begins his journey and slowly unravels the truth about himself, his parents and Lord Voldemort.

Rowling uses Harry’s story to reel in readers of all ages, enticing them with this magical world, beginning with his parents death and his neglected childhood. His story is so sadly relatable that I’m certain many people began reading for this reason; our wonderful world of Hogwarts being an added bonus. Upon boarding the train for Hogwarts, Harry not only begins a new journey but a new life where he matters and he gets to actually live and be a boy and have friends. Harry’s growth from a shy, neglected boy into a fierce and loyal friend and protector is so fascinating and engrossing I couldn’t help but fall in love with him and his cohorts (Ron and Hermione).

Though slow in some parts of the novel, Rowling's use of imagery creates a suspenseful tale that had me anxiously awaiting what would be on the next page. Its simplicity makes sense in the end as it makes it an easy read, but it also allows the reader to relate with Harry's story as well as his friends and enemies alike.

Can you believe she started this novel on a train on a napkin?!

My Rating: 4/5 Quills

The movie starts right where the book did, with Dumbledore, Hagrid and Minerva leaving Harry with the horrible Dursley family.. ick! I had the pleasure of seeing this movie with my eldest son who is now 22 and hates everything Harry Potter aside from the books and the first 2 movies. Oh well, at least we got to share it at the time. Having not read the book yet myself (but he had) it was quite cute to hear him say “That’s just like the book” or “That wasn’t in the book”. Several years later I can relate! LOL

I absolutely loved the way they brought the characters and the scenery to life in the movie. Daniel Radcliff is the embodiment of Harry Potter; he took that role and he owned it, and at such a young age! Most of the actors they chose fit well with the role they played, even after going back and reading the book I didn’t really have any “he/she was NOT what I pictured” moments.

I was rolling in my seat when Dudley fell through the window at the zoo, and then one of my favorite scenes was when the letters drop on their heads, it was perfect. They kept the action flowing with the birthday cake delivered via 10 foot tall Hagrid! And then his birthday present, his owl ,and our introduction to Diagon Alley was so intriguing; I swear I’ve seen this movie hundreds of times and every time I watch it I find something else in Diagon Alley! The Sorting Hat was spot on for me and Harry begging it not to put him in Slytherin, the floating candles in the Great Hall. Hagrid again “I shouldn’t have said that, I should not have said that!”, the three-headed dog, Fluffy (LMAO) and Professor Quirrell, all well portrayed in the movie.

My favorite part of the 1st movie would have to be Wizards Chess! Loved, loved, loved this part. Ron gets to shine and you get to see the spark there with Hermione when she screams at him for wanting to sacrifice himself so Harry can get the stone. I have been a Ron/Hermione fan from day one and always knew they’d end up together; the first clue for me was when she ran off to the bathroom crying and got cornered by the troll. Girls don’t cry over boys unless they like them! And then we come to the end and sadly, Harry has to go back to the Dursley’s. BOO! Very good family friendly movie that stuck moderately close to the books for what it covered. I give it 4/5 quills, as well.

But that’s just my Two Cents!

My Rating:

And now for the Great Harry Potter Giveaway! Remember, you MUST complete ALL mandatory tasks or your entries DO NOT COUNT. The blog post comment must include answers to ALL questions asked! Good luck! When winners are contacted, they have 24 hours to respond before their prize is forfeit. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Watcher by Lisa Voisin Cover Reveal & Giveaway!

The Watcher 

By Lisa Voisin

Publication Date: March 4, 2013

Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her. 

Can he face her without falling again? 

Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also dreams of wings—soft and silent like snow—and somebody trying to steal them. 

When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her, she knows Michael Fontaine is involved, though he claims to know nothing about it. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them—but not from any textbook. 

In search of the truth, Mia discovers a past life of forbidden love, jealousy and revenge that tore an angel from Heaven and sent her to an early grave. Now that her soul has returned, does she have a chance at loving that angel again? Or will an age-old nemesis destroy them both? 

Ancient history is only the beginning.


Also, want to win this gorgeous necklace?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can find Lisa Voisin:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

InkSpell Publishing Website

This cover is gorgeous & the book sounds amazing! I am definitely adding this one to the list! 

Tammy's Two Cents:Rapture by Lauren Kate, Review & Giveaway

The sky is dark with wings . . . .

Like sand in an hourglass, time is running out for Luce and Daniel. To stop Lucifer from erasing the past they must find the place where the angels fell to earth. Dark forces are after them, and Daniel doesn’t know if he can do this—live only to lose Luce again and again.

Yet together they will face an epic battle that will end with lifeless bodies . . . and angel dust. Great sacrifices are made. Hearts are destroyed. And suddenly Luce knows what must happen.

For she was meant to be with someone other than Daniel. The curse they’ve borne has always and only been about her—and the love she cast aside. The choice she makes now will be the only one that truly matters.

In the fight for Luce, who will win?



The astonishing conclusion to the FALLEN series. Heaven can’t wait any longer.

I had the immense pleasure of meeting Lauren at B&N for a book signing; let me tell you I was star struck!  I couldn’t even think of anything to ask her; she asked me “which book was your favorite” and “what are you doing this summer for vacation” … still stammering!  Fallen was, and still is, my favorite of the series.  The introduction to all these wonderful characters was such a thrill, Luce and Daniel’s love story truly is epic and all consuming.

Kate read the Prologue from Rapture and, let me tell you, it was FANTASTIC!  She did dramatic pauses and made eye contact throughout the crowd; during one part she closed her eyes and clenched her fist as she read it, I actually shed a tear!  It is very humbling to not only meet an Author whose work you absolutely LOVE, but to see her as passionate in real life as she is on paper, Fantastic!

A paraphrased quote from Lauren Kate “I liked the concept of Lucifer as it was written in Paradise Lost, what if it didn’t all start due to pride, what if it started with heartbreak.  I’d rather Reign in Hell than Serve in Heaven.”  I had not yet read Rapture so this statement, prolific as it was at the time, made my jaw drop when I understood what she meant, when I read it in relation in the book. 

So, we have come to the end of our wonderfully overwhelming sometimes chaotic but mostly psychotic journey with Luce and Daniel.  We finally learn where it all started, how did Luce and Daniel find themselves in the thousand year old struggle to be in love, were they cursed?  If so, who cursed them; better yet, why?  In Rapture we ride along with Luce, Daniel and the other Fallen in this action packed race against time to stop Lucifer from un-writing everything.  Fallen, humans and Outcasts come together with the common goal of thwarting Lucifers plan to un-write the fall and reverse a millennium of experiences and lives in the process.  Our Luce is no longer the shy, scared, awkward teenager we met in Fallen; she has lived and died a thousand lifetimes in hopes of sharing just one with Daniel.  Kate’s take on Angels and Heaven has always fascinated me, she goes one step further in this book with the introduction of The Scale.  This particular group of Angel’s don’t see things as right or wrong; simply black and white unless it fits their version of right and wrong.  Unless it’s their version, it’s wrong!  And her explanation of how they came to be is completely believable as well, I can’t say more it would ruin the surprise!

I am 99% happy with the ending of this series; there is only 1 thing that happened that upset me and even that wasn’t a HUGE thing, I just wanted something different for that particular character.  Most of our questions are answered and we learn finally whether or not Luce and Daniel will get their Happily Ever After.  And let me just say, when you learn whom it will be that will “tip the scales” you will be shocked.  I fell off the bed! At one point I wasn’t so convinced I would get my happy ending and I was screaming “NO No No, don’t do that Luce!” the question is, is my definition of happy ending the same as yours (?) we all know I usually root for the underdog *sports a sly grin*.

5 Quills.. Must Read

 Thank you Lauren Kate for a fitting End to a Fabulous series.  I look forward to a possible Novella with our dear Cam!!

When asked at the signing/reading by another fan what 3 chapters were Kate’s favorites she responded 14, 16, 19.

Chapter 14 – Air Apparent

Chapter 16 – Apocalypse

Chapter 19 – Lucinda’s Price

Lauren Kate, Loush O'Raven and Myself!

Lauren was kind enough to sign a copy of The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove (her first novel) and a poster depicting Luce's journey throughout the series for our Blog.

The usual rules apply guys; you MUST complete all required entries and the winners have 24 hours to reply or forfiet.  Good luck everybody!

a Rafflecopter giveaway