Would you call this a review?

Book: Harry Potter: A History of Magic
RRP: $49.99 AUD

Book: Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic
RRP: $21.99 AUD

Publication date: 6 November 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury


*Major Harry Potter fan alert*

If you know me even a little, you'll likely know I'm a bit in love with the Harry Potter franchise. Bonus points if you know my Hogwarts house, it is on my Instagram bio though... *whispers* Slytherin.


Anyways, my day got 110% better when these two new additions to the franchise rocked up on my doorstep (actually, I think it was more like I wasn't home so I had to go pick it up from the post office and it was really heavy). So you'll see I mentioned two books (titles above) and they seem like they'd be pretty similar, and I guess they follow the same sort of....topic however, one is INCREDIBLY in depth - I have not read it all, nor even half of it, it is huge! But I have read what you could call a 'junior' version. This version is a very informative yet fun edition that lets you look into the history of magic at Hogwarts. You get some super cool stuff on the subjects (even that wretched Divination!), you hear more about the Hogwarts professors, magical creatures (hello Fluffy!) and all things magic!

I was also meant to tell you I received these books in like November or something - it was ages ago. I was obsessed when I got them (still am to be honest) and after reading little bits here and there and constantly flicking through, I moved, then I went on holiday, then I came up, then I started back at university. Now I'm sitting here, like... what on Earth am I doing not showing anyone what's going on in these books? Yes, Bloomsbury sent them to me, and 100% yes I want to show the world why you need at least one of these books!


The detail in both of these books are insane. You truely get up close and personal with everything Harry Potter world related. Things you may have seen a snippet of in the movies and books are told in more detail, then even more content that branches off of that. These books are for all the Hermione Grangers' that want to know more about this well known world.



I adore the information we get about all the animals and magical creatures. Even the creatures that are known to this muggle world are given a fairytale-like description and I'm gonna say that you'll likely never read about owls in this kind of way again.



One of my most favourite things about this book are the notes that JK wrote on the manuscripts of the novels. Behold her creativity in her planning of the seven books and see what was in the works before any of the books were published - it is seriously insane. See her drawings of the Hogwarts grounds where it all started, all filled with annotations. Her sketches of Diagon Alley are featured and the background behind it how it all began.


Discover a world full of magic with both or either of these books. You'll see the beautiful work of Jim Kay, the secrets we never knew hiding in every tube of the potions classrooms, and where everything began for Harry Potter and how it was almost never published. I highly recommend these books for the lovers of this world, though if you're buying for a child, I would recommend the blue book: A Journey Through a History of Magic because it'll be a lot less words going on.


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*These books were sent to me by Bloomsbury Australia. All opinions are my own.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME:

Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
Instagram: @erenareads & @erena_b
Goodreads: @erenareads
Twitter: @erenareads
YouTube: My Life As Erena or click here

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SPOILER FREE BOOK REVIEW

*This is the third in a trilogy so if you haven't read the first two books and intend to, there will be slight spoilers in the synopsis however, you won't get spoiled from my review itself.
Title: Hero at the Fall
Author: Alwyn Hamilton
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: 21 February 2018
RRP: $16.99 AUD

Synopsis:
When gunslinging Amani Al'Hiza escaped her dead-end town, she never imagined she'd join a revolution, let alone lead one. But after the bloodthirsty Sultan of Miraji imprisoned the Rebel Prince Ahmed in the mythical city of Eremot, she doesn't have a choice. Armed with only her revolver, her wits, and her untameable Demdji powers, Amani must rally her skeleton crew or rebels for a rescue mission through the unforgiving desert to a place that, according to maps, doesn't exist. As she watches those she loves most lay their lives on the line against ghouls and enemy soldiers, Amani questions whether she can be the leader they need or if she is leading them all to their deaths.

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I was slightly hesitant to devour this like I wanted to deep down; it is the end of a trilogy and essentially an era in my opinion. After seriously loving Rebel of the Sands and definitely enjoying Traitor to the Throne; Hero at the Fall is where some new things may start but it will all come to an end. And I just have to say this, but the cover is so beautiful and they couldn't have done it better.

The storyline throughout this entire trilogy is so interesting and exciting, and I was very curious as to how it was going to play out in this final book. It definitely did not disappoint and I would have to say, this is my favourite out of the series. I mean, when you get super invested in the characters lives and find yourself imitating their emotions, well... you must love it, right?

The book starts off with short descriptions of the characters that have popped up throughout the first two books, and having read book two (Traitor to the Throne) a year earlier, I found it to be a great way to remind myself of what had previously happened in the stories without the repetition. Another plus and the new story hadn't even begun.

The story picks up immediately and you'll be transported straight back to the world of Amani and her crew. The author's writing, in my opinion, is better than ever and found myself breezing through the pages, eager to know more. You're constantly thrown into emotional battles and while some parts I adored, some just broke my heart. In book two, I felt that the Demdji powers were not really present however, they much more prominent in this novel which makes me VERY happy.

Throughout this series, I've found that some readers have a bit of love-hate feelings toward our main character, Amani. While I can see how they do, I adore her. I feel like she is strong when she needs to be strong but still has that soft side that she's working on and I love her for it. And if you're not always keen on her, she definitely has some great character development that I think everyone will appreciate.

The other characters are, to put it simply, amazing. I love the dynamics of this rebel crew and wish I could see them together for all of eternity. You'll meet a couple of new characters but there is one that really stands out for me, don't worry, I won't give it away but I got a little bit obsessed (some people won't be surprised at who it is haha).
And of course, Jin; oh Jin, what did we ever do to deserve you? I felt like his presence was lacking throughout a lot of the book. He's still around but I wanted more Jin, perhaps I'm a little selfish? But there is a point where you'll get your fix, don't you worry. I was talking to my friend Bek (@bexnbooks) about Hero at the Fall and how we would not mind, in fact, we would encourage a novel told in Jin's perspective - yes please!

There was only one part of the book that I was disappointed with and it was to do with the Sultan, or lack thereof - but it did not deter me in the way of rating the book (as you'll see below!)

As you can probably tell, I adored this book and this series as a whole. Hero at the Fall was definitely my favourite of the three and I think most people will really enjoy these books. A great, diverse read!

My rating: 5/5 stars

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*This book was sent to me by Allen & Unwin Australia in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME:

Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
Instagram: @erenareads & @erena_b
Goodreads: @erenareads
Twitter: @erenareads
YouTube: Erena Reads or click here

Follow my blog with Bloglovin'!