#scorbus - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne is one of the most anticipated books of 2016. As the eighth book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child had a reputation to uphold. This book, formatted as a script, is set 19-22 years after the Deathly Hallows, and follows the adventures of Albus, son of Harry Potter, and Scorpius, son of Draco Malfoy. After an overheard discussion and the discovery of a time-turner, Albus and Scorpius decide to travel to the Triwizard Tournament of 1994-1995 in order to save the life of Cedric Diggory.

To start with what I disliked with this book, I found the plot was both confusing and not that engaging. With the script format, it felt as if the plot was slightly rushed. Plot points such as the alternate timelines passed very quickly and they didn’t last long enough for me to really take in the seriousness of the situation. I would describe the plot quite like a post-war fanfiction written by a fan who wanted more clarity in the aftermath of the war. But, hey, who cares? It’s canon now.

Regardless of the plot, I loved the characters, both old and new. Avid Harry Potter fans were able to see how their already loved characters had grown and changed, even though I was slightly frustrated with Harry and certain points during the book. I also adored Albus and Scorpius and their relationship with one another. It was very nice to see that, despite their parents’ issues with one another, they were able to find comfort in each other when their lives took a detour.

After we were left with the epilogue in the Deathly Hallows, it was nice to have a little extra info as to what happened after the Battle of Hogwarts. We learn things such as Hermione being the Minister of Magic, Voldemort having a secret child with Bellatrix, the fate of Astoria and Albus struggling with his father’s legacy.

Overall, I would give this book a 7.5 out of 10 because I felt as if it could have been more. I think all the fans of Harry Potter were expecting this book to be just as fantastic as the other books but, because of the change in format, a lot of fans were let down. It was a nice clarification in order to keep us interested in this world but I believe it could have been executed a little better. It is clear to say that anyone could read this book, as long as they have either read all the HP books or have watched all the movies, either will do.

Goodreads
Book Depository