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David McK (3663 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Books

Jan 28, 2019

The first Harry Potter book, known in the United States as 'Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone' which I remember first reading well over a decade ago; before even the first (virtually word-to-screen) movie adaptation.

Despite that, on re-reading this I've discovered that while the parts that are faithful to the book are VERY faithful, there's also certain plot-lines that are left out almost entirely.

Framed as Harry's first year at 'Hogwart's school of Witch-craft and Wizardry', I find it impossible to read now without visualising Daniel Radcliffe in the lead role, or Professor Snape as any other than the late, great, Alan Rickman.

The narrative device of allowing Harry to discover the Wizarding world as we do also proves to be a savvy move, in that it allows the reader to identify with the main character while also still allowing the possibility of further surprises in later books: it wouldn't have provided so much of a hook to the reader, for example, if Harry had grown up knowing of his parentage and heritage.

Kudos

AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated The Vine Witch in Books

Dec 22, 2019

The Vine Witch

Luanne G.Smith | 2019 | Science Fiction/Fantasy

7.5

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

Slow burning

After seven years of being cursed Elena is finally free, from her wet and cold confines. She travels back to her beloved vineyard she calls home in the Chanceaux Valley of France, only to find there is a new owner, and the vines she loves so much are dying.
Elena offers to help her Grandmere and the new owner, Jean-Paul to revive the vines and bring back the quality wines that were previously made there.
Elena hides her witch abilities, from an unsure Jean-Paul, who believes science is the way behind great wine making.
Expect some witchy chaos, some ritualistic (but tasteful) blood letting, and a lot of wine talk. Elena ends up face to face with her ex, his new wife and the inspector in charge of keeping covenant laws.
Smith writes very well, the setting is written so beautifully and descriptive you can imagine yourself being there. It’s a lovely read, it’s a bit of a slow burner, with a lot of action towards to the end, but stick with it.

Kudos

Sara Cox (1845 KP) rated The Familiars in Books

Mar 11, 2020

The Familiars

Stacey Halls | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics, Thriller

8.5

(8 Ratings)

Book Rating

I do like a good historic fiction and this one intrigued me as I read the blurb. A pregnant woman who has previously had miscarriages meets a woman who is a midwife, but is also accused of being a witch. This is a story with an underlying theme (or not so underlying) of women striving for more but being trapped by a society run by men who are trying to keep women at a lower status and importance of themselves, while striving to continue to maintain authority and bloodlines. A story of one woman who uses the resources available to her and her intelligence to make situations favour her wants, needs and justices. The Familiars and the concept of The Familiars within the story deemed vague, unimportant and not pressed upon, I'm not entirely sure if their relevance, in comparison to these themes of strong women in a male dominated society of 1600s Britain. If you like Jessie Burton, you will love Stacey Halls! And you will love this!