Reviewing... [52] Harry Potter Series got some 5*'s (mini-reviews)

Amy Bookworm rated HP3-5:

I wrote this & rated them in 2013. Whoop.

5*'s? Or some 5.5*'s. Or some, knock-all-the-books-off-the-shelves. Actually, the Harry Potter books live on the brother's shelves so it would be wrong to say that. No, they didn't really mess up my shelves but I was engrossed & I prioritized review copies only in the posting of those reviews first. I read these ages ago & reviewed 3 which I'm posting here. It was some personal achievement that I could review them, after thousands. I just wanted to.
You may care to hear my opinions as I kinda fangirled & you guys love to fangtirl & discuss books. Why don't we discuss eternal HP love, assuming you have some? Just say whatever you want to say or show me GIFs. GIFs *eyes light up*
Can you get a GIF for that? Let's seeeee...

MOVING ON...
No seriously, according to google images, this is eyes lighting up. NO, it's blinking.
Exaggerated blinking where her eyelids really do go up & then... BAM. Down.
NOT LIGHTING UP EYES THOUGH.
Conclusion: You can't. But people actually make blinking GIFs. To teach people how to blink.

It’s kinda harder than I predicted to review Harry Potter. Or at least, the whole series. What hasn’t been said? With any luck, what I’m about to say. These books are above reviews. Sure, reviews made a difference to them sometime. Probably. For the first few books. But surely, a lot of people have read them & don’t review? Yet, I was gonna be different. Hence why, for the first two, I thought outside the box. For a long time. I spent more time than was sensible thinking how I could write posts there’s a chance people would want to read. What did I come up with? Some nice posts.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone & Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ... See what I do for J.K. Rowling? Jokes, it's not for her. It may have lasted more time if she'd read them, don't ya think? IT LASTED TWO BOOKS.
Review was stretched. For no good reason. I just wanted to share my opinion & I was hoping people would listen. I’ve hit a dead end.
Almost all I want to say is: "MORE HARRY! I read some Harry Potter. I watched some Harry Potter. I love it. They’re amazing books. People should read them. Soon. Not like I did. But at least I did... eventually". I can turn such thoughts into mini-reviews (I hope).
So yeah, I decided, less creatively, to just discuss & go crazy and NOT bother with those posts I don't even think anyone read.

So here goes...
Which one was better of...?

BTW, do you prefer the old UK covers or the US covers? I'm not sure entirely, somehow we had the US kindle/audiobook editions so the cover was different to the paper books we had (some hardcover, some paperback FYI). But those ^^ are the original UK editions & I dunno... I feel like posting those ones. A tiny part of me prefers their realism. The US? Some part of me doesn't although they automatically pop up on the GR.

Back to books.
Reviewing... [52] 3,4&5. I think Prisoner Of Azkaban is the best, out of the first four. Compared to 1&2 as well. They have the BEST Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher in this book. C’mon, who doesn’t love a werewolf who knows his stuff in a not particularly geeky way? He’s nice too! Lupin is just awesome!
The generosity with chocolate really helps. He’s a new character. Unlike, just about everyone else. Harry... Well, he blows up certain people. I wonder what Hermione would have said if he'd have targeted Crookshanks? Anyway, he didn’t get in that much trouble! I have no doubt if he had targeted that (not so innocent) cat, however...
This book puts a little more weight on friendship & personally, I find I'm invested in several people's story, not just Harry's. For starters, I was dying to know how Hermione was managing such a stuffed timetable! But typical her... I also got to know & feel for Neville even more now... Harry is just so damn lucky. And Ron, he’s not as lucky really... He’s still loveable & gets away with almost as much as the scarred buddy of his.
This was the better than the first two as drama wasn't entirely left to the end in the same extreme! I found it crazily hooking... also, Dementor swag! :D Enough said about Book 3 now, right?

I have to review the next two as well.

Book 4 was just... amazing, as well. I don’t think anybody could mark it with the flaws I’ve thought applied to Book 1 & 2. Drama was seen throughout. Fantastic character development and a lot more... Voldermort. I think he’s stopped caring about Harry’s education. Once again, though, Harry & exams don’t happen. Why can’t normal children get to skip them, too? Obviously, Hogwarts’ students are supposed to be getting on with other competitors & students from other schools. There’s the French lot whose headmistress seems big-boned... maybe even bigger than Hagrid! And there’s also the bad-seeming lot who would probably join Voldermort the first chance they got. Apart from the fact there Headmaster is such a traitor & almost everyone hates him. Yeah, Durmstrang aren’t the most likeable... Ask Hermione though and...
Once again, poor Ron, anyway. I’m seriously in love with him (but not like he’s a book boyfriend, I just love all the characters... especially my lovely Hufflepuffs, like Cedric... I literally. Nope, not gonna even go there. But I promise you, you’ll root for him too. He’s less perfect than Harry but that makes him *whispers* better.), and the story. I hate some of the events but I don’t think it can be changed. The book wouldn’t be as powerful, either. I’ve started to really be enchanted by Rowling’s writing. It’s like the best prose. Or one of them. I know in some ways it's simple & not the most YA-suitable (not normal) but it grabs you with its detail &... its event.
I think Lupin could possibly (but won’t, curses!) be invited back. If I become headmistress he’s back on the staff. Whether the Malfoy madder-than-mad-eye Crew kick up a fuss or not. Draco would be better at Durmstrang, anyway. I somehow hate his family even more. I’ve always hated them a lot. I mean, what’s there deal with the Weasley’s? They’re a MUCH BETTER family.
There’s so much adventure in this epic sequel to 3 other Harry Potter books ;) Now, get your butterbeer brewing & sit down with the books. NOW. Pick them up. Read them. Adore them. Fangirling also recommended is what I say ;) *hint* Tissues, too? *sobs dramatically*

BUT I must...
tell you about...
what I think about...

Before I start, can I just mention how Books 1-4 were a lot easier to lug around that the largest of the lot... Order Of The Phoenix.

 I already loved Phoenixes, I mean I’m not entirely sure I’d trade Caleb for one but can’t I have a mythical pet and a cat? I mean, c’mon. What wouldn’t be to like with that? Fine. If you won’t allow me that, put a bumper size pack of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans AND all the chocolate frogs in with Fawkes’ arrival package. *regretfully hands over Caleb* I still think he’s a better cat than Crookshanks, so maybe Hermione wants him? *sobs again* BTW, you’ll be sobbing if you continue reading & don’t expect spoilers. I’ve already mentioned heaps of stuff. It should be common knowledge but well... Let me off. It’s HARRY FRICKIN’ POTTER which I eventually read.

Do I need to tell you how deep my love for Harry Potter has now become? I mean, now adventure is like year round. The things that Harry experiences, it’s a mixed cauldron. If he had to make a potion with his life, it would look so good even Snape couldn’t complain.
WHO IS A DEATHEATER. Yeah, even Snape who is- kind of. He eats death... Nope, still don't understand that name. It wouldn't be my choice but what would I call them? Dementors is a much cooler word. In this book, we can call him that. And traitor. Let me not really like him now. Why be a double agent? Some people think he's the BEST. Snape, your favourite character? You must really hate Harry. Their arguments, ALL the time. I get a little bad of that but that's all...
These characters are some of the most developed, dynamic characters to hit the pages EVER. I suppose there’s not many 7-book series. I’m loving seeing them grow up & the books change. Really, lots of authors have kinda, probably, learnt from J.K. Rowling & if not she’s the one who did it first. A YA book which was a hit with interesting, changing characters who are really tangible (well, almost that realistic. There is the wizarding bit...). It really makes me have some kind of reverend awe to these books & who wouldn’t respect J.K. Rowling? 90% of people probably love Harry Potter & its one of the only books where I have no qualms in saying: it deserves the hype. So I shall leave it there, if I may. It deserves it.

NOW: your turn.
Does Harry Potter not deserve discussion? Look into my eyes... Looking into them? Yes, they're telling you to... 3-2-1. COMMENT! :D

Reviewing... [48] Harry Potter & the Philosophers Stone (with Harry!)

~This is an old review from my Kid's Korner post @ Once Upon A Series. It was written when I was a HPVirgin. Technically, it is still a review although... hmm. It's very different, shall I say? You'll see! It was really interesting to do & hopefully interesting to read...~

With no further ado, I give you:

Reviewing... [48] Source: Purchased (by both parties... haha, lol! You'll see that as well).Reviewed by: Amy Bookworm (primarily), with summary from Chrissie (see above).Author: *headdesk* J.K. Rowling. (You must know this! I met someone who lived under a risk... they knew that).Publisher: Uhh... you mean one of them? Bloomsbury Publishing! Recommended for: *raises eyebrows* Everybody? It's a children's fantasy but let me tell you... I hope you, any children you may have & even teens really enjoy reading this- if you know any kids thinking of reading, get them to read this & they may be convinced to read, before watching, the Harry Potter series! It's OK to do this of course but I'd love to hear that you've got people to read this, or just you've read it & enjoyed it!~

My Review-me-bob-thing:

Amy: So, I haven’t read Harry Potter. How?

You must have heard so much, did you say?

Well I knew who Harry Potter was. You’re a wizard, Harry.

Living with the Dursleys, I knew. Arrived in the night.

Hagrid, Albus Dumbledore and Minnie Mcgonagall. Professors.

Giants- triple the man Voldermort is.

Or shall I call him He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named?

You-Know-Who. Slytherin.

I knew about that, and have heard of Snape.

There’s snakes and languages wizards sometimes use to communicate-

Speaking to snakes isn’t that normal though.

Should a Gryffindor have that power?

Not a Huffle Puff or a Ravenclaw,

Harry is one of a trio: him, Hermione and Ron.

They go through Hogwarts, year after year.

Death eaters nor Quidditch destroy their friendship.

But- the question is- is there more to Harry Potter?

I believe it must be about more than just those things.

More than just those and a tale of Azkaban to follow, or why is it so popular?

Everlasting hype, is that what made millions recommend it to me,

Or should I say- push it at me, guilt-tripping me...

I hadn’t read it. But then I did.

Director: CUT! This wasn’t supposed to be a poetry competition. You can’t tell us random things which you knew before reading, what else did you find out during reading? You’ve got to tell us your thoughts. This is a review. You’re writing a poem. So, we’ll need to get someone to help you.

Amy: What? So I’ll do a joint review? You can get someone to do that... Well, I better let the other person speak. Already have spouted over 200 hundred words and I’ve not yet said what I think.
Director: Exactly. Now we’re going to get somewhere. I’m going to get Chrissie to introduce this, is that OK?
Amy: I just said it was OK if they speak. Go on, then *looks at fellow reviewer* Anapneo!
Director: Who said Chrissie had blocked airways?
Amy: She wasn't speaking!
Director: They probably don’t want to speak to someone who has a babbling curse. If we undo it then maybe we can get on with this review in a... well, an efficient manner?
Amy: Pardon? Evanesco Director! *smiles at nicer companion than Director and then blanches* Wait, you’re not Chrissie! I need Chrissie to review this with but, umm... hello! *looks at boy and stands up so she can walk round him, she looks him up and down* No, you’re not really... Not really...
Harry: Um, sorry? I really am Harry Potter, if that’s who you mean. Who’s Chrissie and what do you mean, review?
Amy: You lived with muggles! How do you not know about book reviews? They give books, like your books, fame and then even now- people are still reviewing them, or sharing their opinions about the series with the world. Chrissie and I both review here... You’re in Once Upon A Series’ set and we were just about to discuss “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”.
Harry: How strange. I don’t know I arrived here. I’m tempted to wipe your memory but in the second book we find out that’s a bad idea- even with the right wand!
Amy: Ah, wands. Can I see your wand, please? I remember you walking into Diagon Alley with Hagrid, finding the shop with wands and really, even you were blown away! Mr. Ollivander sure likes his wands... Remembers every sale, from Hagrid’s wand to He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, You-Know-Who!
Harry: Surely your set is safe enough to say Voldermort? Surely?
Amy: Shut up. I liked you better in the book. I just plain really liked all three of you especially. You make a fantastic trio, you know?
Harry: Well, thank you kindly.
Amy: I trust you don’t get bigheaded like Hermoine... Or Percy, he’s a lot worse. I don’t know how Ron copes with Hermoine and his brother both jabbering on like they came from the same nest. Talking about nests, I really think Hagrid should stop nurturing baby monsters. I have a feeling the Dragon wasn’t his first monster which got him, and you, in trouble! But, well, we’ll find out. Of course, there is so much to explore in the series and; I’m far from done with your world, Harry... What do you think about the fact that all the time people of many ages are finding the Harry Potter series...?
Harry: If you don’t mind me pointing it out, isn’t this supposed to be about your opinions?
Amy: Well, yes... I think it’s magical. Your turn!
Harry: That’s cheating, and you’ll think I’m bigheaded if I say...
Amy: Well, I’ll say it for you, your adventures are amazing. One thing that did annoy me was how your adventure happened in the middle of the exams, at the end of the year and whatnot. It’s not especially good to have a slow build up of the world, and characters, for more than half a book- why did it need to take half a book- and then zip zam... All the action is gone in a blink and you’re back in safe realms of Hogwarts being awarded house points!
Harry: Zip Zam isn’t a spell, it’s just weird, you know?
Amy: Don’t you know when to keep quiet? How many times? Shut up.
Harry: Maybe you’re pretending to be Hermione. Your hair isn't curly enough, you have the piles of books nailed but so far you haven’t actually corrected me, just told me to be quiet.
Amy: Ha, I’m not Hermoine. Book bloggers are a bit like her though, we definitely like books. Has she really never told you to be quiet?
Harry: *raises eyebrows* You are a muggle, you know.
Amy: I’m actually 2/7 wizard. I have 5 more books to go.
Harry: Go read. I refuse to talk to you anymore...
Amy: Tell Hermoine I love her and not to over-revise for exams, she has the talent and puts my procrastinating soul to shame...
Harry: *mumbles* She puts anyone to shame *disappears in a puff of smoke*
Amy: I really need to learn that spell...
Chrissie: What spell?
Amy: You’re here, finally. You’re late and you missed Harry...
Chrissie: You’re imagining things, Amy. So, you don’t need me? Not even for the Summary?
Amy: You could do the Summary, as you didn't so much as do the introduction *tuts but hands over parchment*

Summary (from Chrissie) - A great start to what is supposed to be an amazing series. And I'm sure that things will continue to get even better as the series continues now that the scene has been so beautifully set in this first novel. I can't wait to see what else is in store for Harry and his friends.
(Amy: I literally couldn't wait... Umm, oops? I reviewed it finally though, with a little help from Chrissie, I hope you enjoy the books, or you may have already, & this fun review!)