Harry Potter Spells Book Tag!

So, I saw this lovely tag over on Margarida's blog, and I asked to be tagged, which she did, and I was so glad because this looks so fun, and as you all know I am a giant Harry Potter fan, so any Harry Potter tag will be done by me if I can!

This tag and all the graphics were created by Kimberly Faye Reads, so check her out if you want to!

This is quite a long one, but I hope you read it all!

AN UPCOMING RELEASE YOU WISH YOU COULD GET YOUR HANDS ON RIGHT NOW!

I have been waiting ages and ages to get my hands on The Witch's blood by Katharine & Elizabeth Corr, and it comes out around my birthday so I'm going to have a happy birthday!

FAVOURITE SERIES STARTER.

Ooooh this is a hard one! But I think my favourite starter is Sabriel by Garth Nix, as it shows you the world perfectly but also could be read as a single book if needs be!

A BOOK THAT GAVE YOU ALL THE WARM FUZZIES.

I don't really read warm fuzzy books, but one of my favourites to just sit and read in a nice cool cocoon of warmth is The North Child by Edith Pattou, because its just got a warm fuzzy polar bear in it, and the love story is so cute!

A BOOK THAT MADE YOU UGLY CRY.

It's not very often that I cry at books, but one that always brings tears to my eyes is The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. It's just so sad but cute at the same time!

BOOKISH HERO OR HEROINE YOU WANT AROUND TO PROTECT YOU IN REAL LIFE.

Oh no! So many to choose from! Its so hard to choose! But one that springs to mind is August from the Book of Fire (I count him as a hero so it counts). Because who wouldn't want a nice tall Roman warrior around to protect you (and have some eye-candy at the same time?)

A BOOK YOU INTENTIONALLY SPOILED FOR YOURSELF.

I must admit, I spoil books too often to count. Sometimes I just have to check the back to see what happens, I know it's bad but it's a habit I'm trying to break! But the one that comes to mind is Inheritance by Christopher Paolini, I just needed to know what would happen to Eragon after Angela's prediction from the first book!

A BOOK YOU WISH YOU COULD MAKE EVERYONE READ BECAUSE YOU LOVED IT SO MUCH.

This is a hard one, because one of my first thoughts was Sabriel, but then I remembered Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder, which is the first book in a series that I loved so much I read them multiple times. So, I'm going to go with that!

A BOOK OR SERIES YOU WISH NEVER ENDED.

Well, come on guys, it's got to be Harry Potter! I know it had to end because school ended, and new side books are coming out regularly, but still I want moreeee.

A BOOK WITH AN UPLIFTING ENDING OR MESSAGE

I love books with happy epilogues and endings, but one that springs to mind is It Only Happens in the Movies by Holly Bourne. The first book of hers I've read and it gave a great message that romance isn't always as it seems, and that you don't need romance to go where you want to go in life.

A BOOK YOU WISH YOU COULD FORGET YOU EVER READ.

I've never had a book that I haven't liked reading, so I can't answer this question. Though I guess I could cheat and say I wish I forgot all the boring textbooks I've read in my lifetime? Would that count?

AN AUTHOR WHOSE BOOKS ALWAYS GET YOU OUT OF A SLUMP.

It has to be Garth Nix, his Old Kingdom books (yes that's the series that Sabriel is in) always get me out of slumps if I can't think of anything else, and I do love his other books too!

A SWOON-WORTHY HERO OR HEROINE.

One character came into my head when I saw this question: Rhysand from ACOMAF by Sarah J. Maas. I know he's not the most obvious Hero, but come on he's absolutely swoon-worthy and to me he's a hero!

A BOOK THAT CAUSED YOU TO STOP DOING ALL OTHER THINGS UNTIL YOU FINISHED IT.

This is my most recent read, and it got me out of a slump. Caraval by Stephanie Garber. I even stopped talking to someone until I'd finished because I got so into it (they understood my love of books).

A BOOK THAT WAS PAINFUL TO READ (FOR WHATEVER REASON) OR BROKE YOU.

This has to be Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling. Who couldn't be broken with all those deaths? Fred especially broke me, why break up the twins?!

A BOOK THAT HAD YOU LAUGHING OUT LOUD.

The only book that comes to mind is It Only Happens in the Movie by Holly Bourne, again. It was a hilarious book at certain points and so relatable, and I know I'll be reading more of hers because I'm sure there are more laughs to be had.

A BOOK THAT MADE YOU WANT TO SEND IT (OR YOUR E-READER) FLYING.

Oh, I get frustrated with books a lot when I don't know what happens, or with certain endings, or when the MC's do stupid things. The book that comes to mind though when I saw this was The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman. That ending was so good, but at the same time was so sad it made me want to throw the book (not that I'd ever throw a book).

BOOKISH WORLD YOU WISH YOU COULD VISIT.

This is such a hard questions as there are so many worlds I'd love to visit. But one that springs to mind is Narnia from the books by C. S. Lewis. It's such a magical world and has talking animals, I'd love it!

A BOOK WITH A SHOCKING TWIST OR ENDING.

Oh, hard to say! But a recent read of mine is probably the one I remember at the moment: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. It had an amazing twist at the end, and I can't wait for the next book!

A CHARACTER DEATH THAT DESTROYED YOU.

Okay I already mentioned that Deathly Hallows deaths broke me a bit, but I must admit, poor Dobby's death did make me ridiculously sad! Poor Dobby!

BEST SERIES CONCLUSION.

Oh! I love most conclusions to stories! Would it be weird if I said Abhorsen by Garth Nix? Technically, the series has another book after, but this was a conclusion for me for the first one, and the newest book wasn't released for a while after, and I loved the way it ended!

I tag:

Rebecca

Aimee

Sarah
Jackie
Jemma

Do you agree with any of my answers? Comment below!

Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling

So, guys, I did warn you in my first ever post about my favourite re-reads (see HERE) that I would most likely at some point be re-reading Harry Potter, and the time has come.

And, if you didn't know by now, I shall say it for the millionth time: I am a giant Potterhead!

But, I've been a bit lax, and I haven't re-read Harry Potter in years, so in a way, reading this was like going back to my childhood, and I loved that.

Here it is (for those that may have never read it before):

Harry Potter is an ordinary boy who lives in a cupboard under the stairs at his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon's house, which he thinks is normal for someone like him who's parents have been killed in a 'car crash'. He is bullied by them and his fat, spoilt cousin Dudley, and lives a very unremarkable life with only the odd hiccup (like his hair growing back overnight!) to cause him much to think about. 

That is until an owl turns up with a letter addressed to Harry and all hell breaks loose! He is literally rescued by a world where nothing is as it seems and magic lessons are the order of the day. Read and find out how Harry discovers his true heritage at Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, the reason behind his parents mysterious death, who is out to kill him, and how he uncovers the most amazing secret of all time, the fabled Philosopher's Stone! All this and muggles too. Now, what are they?

So, I have this cover, and old cover I know, and this copy of the book is much loved. I've had it for as long as I can remember, and I will be gutted if it ever gives up on me. I remember there were two different back covers for this, and I got the edition with Nicholas Flamel on it.

Anyways, that's enough about the cover.

I don't even know how to begin with reviewing this book, as it is so loved, and it has been read so many times, that I don't think I can put into words how much this book means to me. It has literally been a big part of my life since I was a child, and it still is a big part of it.

But what can I say about the book? I feel like I always say books are amazing, but with this one I mean it. It's just a magical world that I have always wanted to be a part of, and I still want to be a part of.

It was great to go back and see the beginning of the friendship of the Golden Trio, and just see the dynamics between the group beginning to grow, especially when you know just what will happen in the later books.

And, just because this review could go on forever, I shall leave you with my favourite lines of the book:

And of course, I give this book 5 cats!

Comment your favourite part of the book, or your favourite lines!

Harry Potter Book Tag!

So, here I am, big Potterhead, probably a bit too big of a Potterhead, and when I saw this tag on Rebecca's blog I knew I had to do it, and she unofficially tagged me when I talked to her about it.


Just can't resist the pull of a Harry Potter tag!


So, here are the questions:


1. What house are you in?



Technically Hufflepuff (on Pottermore) but I was sorted into Ravenclaw for my uni society and so I feel more like a Ravenclaw than anything. I guess I'll choose to be a Ravenpuff!



2. What is your patronus?


I took a while to actually do the patronus test, but I got a Dolphin!



3. What is your wand?


Hawthorn wood with a unicorn hair core, 13 ¾



4. What would your boggart be?


I'm not sure, maybe spiders/bugs, or heights? not sure xD



5. What position would you play in Quidditch?



I'm not really a sporty person, so I'd much rather be in the stands reading a book like Hermione! But if I have to choose probably a keeper, I'm good at being a goaly.



6. Would you be a pure blood, half blood or muggle born?


Most likely muggleborn as my parents aren't that into the magical world of Harry Potter like I am!



7. What job would you want after to have after graduating Hogwarts?


I'd love to be the Hogwarts librarian! Or maybe be in the Department of Mysteries! I'm good with secrets ;)

Quite a big difference between the two I chose!



8. Which of the deathly hallows would you choose?



Invisibility cloak! Great fun that'd be!




9. Favourite book?



Prisoner of Azkaban! Love it, and love that Sirius comes in and we find out a bit more about Harry's family/family friends.



10. Least favourite book?


Probably Order of the Phoenix (can't deal with Sirius being gone) or Deathly Hallows (I miss Dobby and loads of other characters so much!)



11. Favourite film?



Yet again, Prisoner of Azkaban! Love me some Sirius.



12. Least favourite film?



Oooooh hard to say! Maybe chamber of secrets? I just don't like it as much as the others, I don't know why (still watch it over and over though)



13. Favourite character?



Noooo how to chooooooose? But I guess I love me some Sirius (if you hadn't guessed) and I love Dobby so much. (notice how I chose two characters that broke my heart later in the books)


14. Least favourite/most hated character?


Eurgh, easy peasy. Umbridge. Don't think I need to explain myself for that answer!



15. Favourite teacher at Hogwarts?


McGonagall! Totally McGonagall! Love her, love she turns into a cat, and just love her character so much. (also Lupin, but as he's only at Hogwarts for a year I chose McGonagall instead.



16. Least favourite teacher at Hogwarts?


Yet again Umbridge. I seriously think she was the worst teacher EVER. Even stuttery Voldemort possessed Quirrell was better than her!



17. Do you have any unpopular opinions about the series?

I think that Harry and Hermione would have been a great romantic pairing! (or another one is I so wanted the Hermione and Krum relationship to work out)

Please don't kill me for that opinion guys *hides in a corner*



Do you agree with my answers? Comment below! Or, feel free to do this tag even if I haven't tagged you!



I tag (and anyone else that wants to do it):


Jess


Sydney


Paige


Linda


Jackie


Megs


Ash


Aisha

My Favourite Re-Reads

So, first blog post for me!

I thought I had best start with those books that I just love, and can't help but to re-read.

So, be aware, if I don't post for a while, it's probably because yet again, I am re-reading one of my favourite books (though I will tell you that on Twitter so you don't think I've just given up on reading!).

Granted, the next time I re-read something, you will all get to see my lovely review of whatever book it is, as I'll just HAVE to review them, but I doubt you'd all want to hear my raving reviews of the same books over and over.

So, just to get it out of the way, I'll give you a list of my top re-reads!



1) Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling

Okay guys, time to get it out there now: I am a Potterhead. I love everything to do with the Harry Potter world! (even joined a HP society at uni, but that's info for another time). I have read these books multiple times (unfortunately not recently), and I will probably re-read them forever. So, be prepared for multiple Potter posts.

2) The Old Kingdom series by Garth Nix

I have read these books so many times, and have them in both paperback as well as on kindle, that is a sign of how much I love them. Obviously, there are a few more books added to these three now, but I've not had a chance to re-read the others yet.

3) The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

So, these are some of my favourite childhood books, and occasionally I like to re-read them and remember my childhood and the lovely magical world that C. S. Lewis created.

4) The Study Series by Maria V. Snyder

So, these books, I have read at the least 10 times each, I just keep going back to them. There is more to the series, but I haven't been able to get around to them yet. However, the first three are some of my favourite books and ones that I can just re-read whenever.

5) His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

I love these books, I mean, who doesn't?! And I was super excited to hear about the new books that are coming out to do with this series too. My excitement to read them can't be contained! Hence, these make my list as I can re-read them many times before the new book comes out, to add to the other times I've read this series too.

Of Course these aren't my only books that I re-read, you'll find I like to re-read books a lot, it helps me to get to know different points of the stories each time. But, these are some of the books that I always go to when I feel like just reading something I know.

But, I thought I'd tell you about them, and maybe encourage you to read them yourselves before I get around to reviewing them myself, as they are all amazing books.