Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4)

Amazon.com

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling offers up equal parts danger and delight--and any number of dragons, house-elves, and death-defying challenges. Now 14, her orphan hero has only two more weeks with his Muggle relatives before returning to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Yet one night a vision harrowing enough to make his lightning-bolt-shaped scar burn has Harry on edge and contacting his godfather-in-hiding, Sirius Black. Happily, the prospect of attending the season's premier sporting event, the Quidditch World Cup, is enough to make Harry momentarily forget that Lord Voldemort and his sinister familiars--the Death Eaters--are out for murder.

Readers, we will cast a giant invisibility cloak over any more plot and reveal only that You-Know-Who is very much after Harry and that this year there will be no Quidditch matches between Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Instead, Hogwarts will vie with two other magicians' schools, the stylish Beauxbatons and the icy Durmstrang, in a Triwizard Tournament. Those chosen to compete will undergo three supreme tests. Could Harry be one of the lucky contenders?

But Quidditch buffs need not go into mourning: we get our share of this great game at the World Cup. Attempting to go incognito as Muggles, 100,000 witches and wizards converge on a "nice deserted moor." As ever, Rowling magicks up the details that make her world so vivid, and so comic. Several spectators' tents, for instance, are entirely unquotidian. One is a minipalace, complete with live peacocks; another has three floors and multiple turrets. And the sports paraphernalia on offer includes rosettes "squealing the names of the players" as well as "tiny models of Firebolts that really flew, and collectible figures of famous players, which strolled across the palm of your hand, preening themselves." Needless to say, the two teams are decidedly different, down to their mascots. Bulgaria is supported by the beautiful veela, who instantly enchant everyone--including Ireland's supporters--over to their side. Until, that is, thousands of tiny cheerleaders engage in some pyrotechnics of their own: "The leprechauns had risen into the air again, and this time, they formed a giant hand, which was making a very rude sign indeed at the veela across the field."

Long before her fourth installment appeared, Rowling warned that it would be darker, and it's true that every exhilaration is equaled by a moment that has us fearing for Harry's life, the book's emotions running as deep as its dangers. Along the way, though, she conjures up such new characters as Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, a Dark Wizard catcher who may or may not be getting paranoid in his old age, and Rita Skeeter, who beetles around Hogwarts in search of stories. (This Daily Prophet scoop artist has a Quick-Quotes Quill that turns even the most innocent assertion into tabloid innuendo.) And at her bedazzling close, Rowling leaves several plot strands open, awaiting book 5. This fan is ready to wager that the author herself is part veela--her pen her wand, her commitment to her world complete. (Ages 9 and older) --Kerry Fried

Book Description

Read by Jim Dale

Running time: 20 hrs., 30 mins. 17 CDs.

Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts for his fourth year of magical adventures in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This year Harry turns 14 and becomes interested in girls -- one in particular. And with Dark Magic comes danger, as someone close to Harry dies. You'll have to listen to learn more! The audio is available on July 8th.

Customer Reviews:

The best of the series.......2007-10-04

Having read now the entire series, i have to say this is my favorite, its the turning point, when the plot begins, and the main story takes off, and its the funnier one.

Also the ending surprised me more than the other 6 books, dont know why

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.......2007-09-30

What can one say? Rowlings continues with her wonderful story, keeping her characters constantly endearing. The adventures continue and no matter what your age you will be caught up in the excitement and magic as Harry learns more about his background, his strengths and his weaknesses.

If you have not read Harry Potter at all, then you must start with the first book and read all seven of them, you will be transported out of this world and into one that will bind you as magically as it has bound me

Going Strong.......2007-09-24

The fourth Harry Potter is significantly darker than the first three. harrys is growing up, and is about to face some difficult challenges. Unlike the first three books, the fourth Harry starts not with Harry's departure to Hogwarts, but with a Quidditch tournament, during which some dark misteries are unveiled, misteries which are signs of the things to come.

The Quidditch tournament, another year at Hogwarts and a Triwizard tournament are the highlights. Harry comes face to face with his arch-enemy Voldemort, which is bound to split the wizarding world.

Though beautifully and expertly written, the fourth Harry Potter is just a tad too long, with descriptions that are more detailed and lengthy (sometimes unnecessarily so) than usual. Still, the fourth Harry is just as gripping as the first three, and keeps the reader wanting for more. And fortunately there is more. Order of Phoenix, here I come!

A Catholic homeschool father's perspective.......2007-09-17

It took four books, but Voldemort, the most powerful of the dark wizards, is back. And his minions, the Death Eaters, couldn't be happier. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire tells the tale of how it happened--in about 750 pages. As with the previous novels in the series, the prose is generally crisp, the dialog is occasionally goofy, and the characters are wonderfully well drawn. Though quite a long book, the plot is tight, amusing and keeps you guessing. My only major criticism of the book as literary work regards the ending. As heroes go, Harry's main virtue in these final confrontations always seems to be dumb luck. Voldemort is a bit of a bungling super-villain for whom there's always an element of, "Oops, forgot about that." And not once but twice there were "Tuco" moments where the villain insists on lecturing the hero before doing away with him. "When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk." While I suppose these types of scenes aren't quite as trite for young readers who haven't seen them done over and over in dozens of books, TV shows, and movies, for me they were something of a let-down.

On the plus side, this was the first book in the series so far that made me laugh out loud a few times. Something about Hermione's idealistic but naive obsession with her Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare struck me as highly amusing. I suppose it was Ron's insistence on calling the organization "spew" that did it.

This was also the darkest book in the series so far. In it we are finally given a more concrete idea of what constitutes "dark" magic. Dark wizards apparently use the three "unforgivable curses"--the imperius curse, which causes the victim to do the spell-caster's bidding, the cruciatus curse which causes the victim horrible pain, and Avada Kedavra, the killing curse. Now this last one looked so much like the "abracadabra", the all purpose Vaudeville magician word, that I went out and looked it up. It seems that J. K. Rowling herself said that it is an Aramaic spell meaning "let the thing be destroyed." Now why she chose to use Aramaic--the language of Christ--for this worst of all spells, and not Latin like she did for all the rest is beyond me.

Of course, it should be mentioned that Rowling's distinction between good magic and "dark magic" has never been accepted by the Catholic Church as Fr. Amorth, the famous exorcist, has repeatedly pointed out. That said, to this point in the series, all of the "good magic" has been of the comic-book variety--turning people into ferrets or making someone's nose grow tentacles. The "dark magic" is used exclusively by characters who are unmistakably evil.

One interesting little tid-bit in Goblet of Fire that may be thrown into the Christian-vs.-occult-influence debate happens at the Yule Ball. Up to this point, Christmas and Easter at Hogwarts have been mentioned at least in passing in every book. However, while the British are ever so much less stupid about actually calling the holidays by their proper names (unlike some in the U.S. who insist on calling them "Winter/Spring Break" or attempt to replace them with made-up PC holidays from the 1960s), Christmas and Easter have nonetheless lost almost all religious meaning to most Britons. And thus it has been at Hogwarts--Christmas in the first three books has been all about feasting, decorating, and getting presents. But for a split second in Goblet of Fire, Rowling has suits of armor singing, "O Come All Ye Faithful" (page 395). Given all the secular "holiday" tunes she could have inserted there, that she chose an unmistakably Christian one could be telling. Admittedly, it could also be complete coincidence.

Finally, the aspect of Goblet of Fire that I most appreciated was the introduction of the slimy, ethics-free journalist, Rita Skeeter. This character was such an on-target parody of a gossip reporter that you just know that J. K. Rowling was taking some shots at the media. That Ms. Skeeter worked hand-in-glove with the "Ministry of Magic"--a government agency populated with petty bureaucrats and place-seeking brown-noses--made the parody that much more on-the-nose.

Over all, as a work of fantasy fiction that has been marketed with young readers in mind, I found Goblet of Fire to be quite a foreboding read. The scene at the end where Wormtail mixes a potion in a graveyard for which the vital ingredients are a bone from Voldemort's father, some of Harry's blood, and Wormtail's own hand--which he, himself, promptly slices off--was border-line demonic. And for a book with so much discussion of death, I found it more than a little disconcerting that it lacked any notion of Judeo-Christian eschatology. So again, I will refrain from endorsing this book or the series as a whole as in any way suitable for younger Catholic readers until I see where all this is going.

Very long.............2007-09-15

Finally finished fourth book. Started reading these books last week. My son kept telling me how good they were. He's got 3 kids of his own but will stand in line half the night to get a first edition.

I liked the first and third books, but not the 2nd as much. I have the four movies, so after I finished each book, I watched the movie. Unfortunately i didn't think the 3rd movie was as good as the book. I missed the Quiddich matches, as they are my favorite scenes.

But book four was a bit too much. So many characters, constantly changing who they were and what they were. And 700+ pages is quite a lot. It's a heavy book and and I have it in paper back. Hard to hold. Towards the end, I was really confused as to who was who, who was good, who was bad, etc. I'm glad I had the film. It helped even though some of the characters were missing. Unfortunately the fourth film didn't show the opening Quiddich match either.

Still, I guess I'll plod on to book 5. It's even heavier than 4. My only last remark is I don't see how young kids can possibly get through these books. The language is really for much older children than 10, probably young adults, and I had to print out a dictionary from the Internet to keep track of all the Hogwart names. Seventy some pages of names! That's quite a lot.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)

Average customer rating:

I just couldn't get into it at all
Makes a long drive fun!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - CD w/ Jim Dale
finally the end
Where's the substance?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)
J.K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Listening Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 0807281751
Release Date: 1999-10-05

Amazon.com

Say you've spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand, and jellybeans that come in every flavor, including strawberry, curry, grass, and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In the nonmagic human world--the world of "Muggles"--Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is famous as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley.

A mysterious letter, delivered by the friendly giant Hagrid, wrenches Harry from his dreary, Muggle-ridden existence: "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" Soon enough, however, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts with his owl Hedwig... and that's where the real adventure--humorous, haunting, and suspenseful--begins. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, first published in England as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, continues to win major awards in England. So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. This magical, gripping, brilliant book--a future classic to be sure--will leave kids clamoring for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. (Ages 8 to 13) --Karin Snelson

Amazon.com Audiobook Review

The amazing popularity of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone means that now even Muggles know about the Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Whether or not you've read about Harry, this unabridged audiobook brings his world to life. Reader Jim Dale brings an excellent range of voices to the characters, from well-meaning Hermione's soft, earnest voice to Malfoy's nasal droning; from Professor McGonagall's crisp brogue to Hagrid's broad Somerset accent; and from snarling Mr. Filch to p-p-poor, st-tuttering P-Professor Quirrel. Some of the characterizations are peculiar--why do the centaurs have Welsh accents?--but that's a small price to pay to hear one of the myriad ways to sing the Hogwarts School song. Harry Potter fans of all ages--Muggle or not--will enjoy curling up with a few chocolate frogs, a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans ("Alas! Ear wax!"), and this marvelous, magical audiobook. (Running time: 8 hours, 6 cassettes) --Sunny Delaney

Product Description

Unabridged on 6 Audio Cassettes!
Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards and he beings to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright. From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny.

Customer Reviews:

I just couldn't get into it at all.......2007-10-11

Co-workers and even my own kids pestered me to read this book. I tried and tried but I just couldn't get past the first 50 pages. I love the movies but just don't care for her style of writing at all. I am told she gets better with each book but this one was a real snoozer.

Makes a long drive fun!.......2007-10-02

I was going to call in sick the next day just because I felt I needed the day off, but then I received my Sorcer's Stone CDs in the mail. I decided going to work wouldn't be so bad if I could listen to someone read Harry Potter to me while I drove my 1 hour commute.

WOW! I was so caught up in the story that I didn't realize I was traveling well below the speed limit. Warning, listening to these CDs could make you late for work or cause you to get off at the wrong exit.

Jim Dale does a fabulous job of changing his voice to sound like the characters he's imitating. I was able to really get lost in the story. The hardest part was turning the car off because I wanted to hear what happened next.

A brilliant work of art, Harry Potter. Really brilliant.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - CD w/ Jim Dale.......2007-10-01

Jim Dale does an excellent job dramatizing the first book in the Harry Potter series.

finally the end.......2007-09-30

i finally got to read a book without being told the ending before i finished

Where's the substance?.......2007-09-28

There is nothing good about Harry Potter. The story is lacking in creativity in every way, there is no suspense, it is not controversial, and everything always works out.

The characters are obviously derived from racism. I do not have a problem with this. After all we are all racists, and anyone that says racism is wrong, is the one that's wrong. That said, J. K. Rowling does not use this in any way. She could have used it to create some controversy, create conflict among the characters, explain why some people are friends and some aren't or easiest of all, humor. But she doesn't, why not? The only racism she uses is Hermione being a half breed. It would have been so much better if, instead of one parent being non-magical, that parent were French.

To keep this review short, I head straight to the end with the "obstacles" which are not obstacles at all. The three headed dog (cause three heads are just so cool and scary) gets put to sleep by a flute. Oh my God she did not use a flute to do that, how many times have I seen this? Why is it always a flute when it comes to putting things to sleep, or waking things that always sleep. Where did she get this from... poke'mon? Then there's the part with the door that needs a key. Wow, a locked door, I've never thought of that before. And the key is right there in the room, they just have to pick the right one, and nothing goes wrong if they pick the wrong one. Why didn't she just put the key in the door so as not to waste paper, and turn the key too for that matter. Next comes the Chess Board. It would have been so much better for them to lose the game and then walk across the board any way just to show all the readers that love the book just how foolish they are. And all the rest of the obstacles are just as bad, but I must stop writing because thinking about this book gives me a migraine.

Average customer rating:

Traduction lourde et incomplète
Horrible Quality, but a great read.
Great Practice!
H P a l'ecole des sorciers
Good in French, too

Harry Potter a l'ecole des sorciers
J. K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Editions Gallimard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 2070518426

Customer Reviews:

Traduction lourde et incomplète.......2007-07-30

Pour le prof qui voudrait aborder les difficultés de traduction, celle-ci et parmi les exemples-rêves...noms fantasques à go go, fabrications de sport avec tout un vocabulaire particulier. Le traducteur a décidé de fabriquer du côté français un vocabulaire qui n'existait pas avant que Rowling l'eût inventé du côté anglais. Il n'empêche que les inventions françaises ne soient peu réussi, et, à mon avis, peu nécessaire. Pourquoi changer, par exemple, le nom de l'école?

Si ce n'est fâcheux que de changer les noms des personnages principaux tel Snape, il ne l'est pas moins que d'éliminer des phrases entières du texte originel. Il suffit de lire la traduction côte à côte avec le texte anglais de voir la license excessive qu'a prise ce traducteur.

This is a great way to learn French (I use it in my classes), and to teach the pitfalls that translation can fall into. The translation is awkward, and at times incomplete, dropping whole sentences from the English. If you're teaching interpretation, this is a great discussion piece.

Horrible Quality, but a great read........2007-02-12

I'm in the equivalent of 3rd year french (advanced conversational) and found this to be a WONDERFUL read, it read pretty easily, especially since i've read it in english.

HOWEVER... the book is HORRIBLE quality. The pages come out if you so much as look at them funny. I am NOT hard on books, but just in the first reading, 10 pages pulled out. I HIGHLY recommend finding a different edition.

Great Practice!.......2007-01-11

I must confess I cheat a little when reading this because I have read the English version so many times I've practically memorized it.

I have taken five years of French classes (high school plus college), can speak at a conversationally fluent level and found this book not too much trouble.

It was great for practicing "real" French, not the sanitized version you learn in classes. I also laughed at "Hufflepuff" being translated to "Poufsouffle"!

H P a l'ecole des sorciers.......2006-11-11

I found this book to be a great way of keeping up with my french language, as I rarely ever use it but I want to be able to. The first chapter was difficult for me just because i haven't read in french for awhile, but the further into it I go, the easier it gets. It helps that i've read the english version, because it saves me having to look up the french vocabulary that I don't recognize. I think it's a good book for keeping up with your french, and the translation from english is excellent.

Good in French, too.......2006-03-12

Having just finished a degree in English Literature, I've been avoiding any remotely serious reading like the plague. I've also been a fan of Harry Potter since one of my friends sat me down and told me I wasn't allowed to make snotty remarks about Harry Potter fans unless I at least tried to read one of the books. So when I decided that my post-graduation project would be to dust off my French skills, reading the French translations of Harry Potter seemed the way to go.

I was actually pretty surprised at how much I was able to understand. The grammar and sentence structure is relatively simple, and the wry voice and wit of Rowling still shows through. There was definitely a lot of vocabulary that I had to look up, but there was also a lot of vocabulary that I could pick up from the context: in particular, hibou, voler and cicatrice (owl, fly or steal, and scar). Granted, my familiarity with the series provided a bit of that context, so I would consider this to be between reading a book you have no familiarity with and reading a dual language book with the English on the facing page.

My main complaint with the translation is that some of the names were changed. I'm in book 2 right now, and I still have a hard time accepting Professor Rogue as Professor Snape. Neville Londubat is not quite as bad, but I think there could have been a better way to convey that Snape's name has certain connotations in terms of the character's personality.

Overall, I've been thoroughly enjoying reading in French, which I could not say when slogging through some of The Classics in class. The more I read on, the more I realize that I'm not translating to English in my head but thinking in French. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Great for enjoyment and for the classroom
Great Way to Brush Up on Spanish
Poor translation of a great book
Harry Potter y la Piedra Filosofal
Exelente libro - Pesima traduccion

Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal
J. K. Rowling , and Alicia Dellepiane
Manufacturer: Lectorum Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 8478884459

Book Description

Harry es húerfano de padre y madre y vive con sus tíos odiosos y su primo insoportable y malcriado. Por suerte Harry puede ir a un colegio especial de magia. Ágil y divertida, esta novela entretiene a grandes y chicos.

Customer Reviews:

Great for enjoyment and for the classroom.......2007-04-11

I've read all the Harry Potter books in English, and I've always wanted to read them in Spanish, since I teach Spanish. I am currently teaching lower-level Spanish classes, one of which is the highest level of the lower levels. We are reading "La piedra filosofal" as a class, and, although my students are at different levels, the benefit to reading it is that they all know the story in English, and that helps their comprehension tremendously. Some students are moving slower than others, but they're really enjoying reading something that "real Spanish people" (their words) read. Definitely a good choice for intermediate level Spanish students as an introduction to advanced reading and literature.

Great Way to Brush Up on Spanish.......2007-01-03

I studied Spanish and college many (I mean many) years ago and have been trying to relearn the language. I remember the basic grammar but my vocabulary is pretty weak. I decide to read Spanish books geared for young adults and found the entire Harry Potter series (I made it through the first 4 so far) to be truly enjoyable reading.

Of the four I read, this and the second (Chamber of Secrets), were the lightest and the easiest reading. The third (Prisoner of Askaban)and especially the fourth (Goblet of Fire)increased in length and my speed in Spanish is pretty slow, so they took longer to read. The fifth (Order of the Phoenix) and six (Half Blooded Prince) are about 900 pages so I am pretty intimidated to tackle them in Spanish. I will read them in English and move on to some other Spanish books.

After reading these I viewed the DVD's of the films. They have the audio track in Spanish so you can train your ear, too.

The books follow the English versions almost exactly, so you can have a copy of it around to refer to if you find yourself confused about a certain phrase or sentence.

Poor translation of a great book.......2006-01-09

It's a shame that such a wonderful book was translated so poorly. The translator, Alicia Dellepiane, has a tendency to translate literally. For example, she translated to "have a fit" (referring to the baby, Dudley, on the second page of the book), as "tenía un berrinche." In Mexico it's "hacía un berrinche" and in much of Latin America it's "daba un berrinche." Errors such as this one abound. It's awkward for readers who know Spanish well and misleading for those who might pick up this book to study Spanish.

I rate the English version as five star.

Harry Potter y la Piedra Filosofal.......2005-08-29

Es dificil decir porque me gusta tanto este libro, y no sólo éste, pero los otros cinco. Habla acerca de tantas cosas de la vida real, pero de una manera muy interesante: racismo, amor, muerte, valentía, poder... Es a simple vista un libro infantil, pero cualquier persona que pueda leer a profundidad -y no a tanta profundidad- puede pasar por encima de toda la fantasía que encarna el libro en sí, de la magia, los hechizos, el castillo y los seres fantásticos. Y después descubrir lo que en realidad quieres transmitir el libro.

Exelente libro - Pesima traduccion.......2005-04-12

Nunca se deberia traducir palabras como "embarrased" a "embarazado". No tiene sentido. Le quita la dicha a uno de leer este libro. Lo compre para leereselo a mi hijo pequeno y tengo que siempre cambiarle las palabras "al vuelo" para que las oraciones tengan sentido. Una lastima que una obra tan buena se feamente desmejorada por la pesima traduccion

Book Of Wizardry: The Apprentice's Guide to the Secrets of the Wizards' Guild

Average customer rating:

Book Of Wizardry: The Apprentice's Guide to the Secrets....
Cleverly managed
Not really supprising considering the source
This is a pretty good book
A drop of imagination, stirred with magic intent

Book Of Wizardry: The Apprentice's Guide to the Secrets of the Wizards' Guild
Cornelius Rumstuckle
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0738701653

Book Description

Your Wizard's training is about to begin. Learn how to make your own Wand and Wizard's Tools, discover your Wizard's name, switch on Wizard's Power, and read your future in the Wizard's Oracle. If you successfully complete the Wizard's Adventure and crack the code in this book, you can become an accredited member of the Wizards' Guild

Customer Reviews:

Book Of Wizardry: The Apprentice's Guide to the Secrets...........2007-05-13

I got this book for my grandson, 11, who is very interested in Harry Potter and magic in general. He loved it! It is written in language younger readers can understand and relate to. I recommend it.

Cleverly managed.......2006-01-02

"The Book of Wizardry" is a wonderfully creative guide for those of us in the world with a particular interest in magic. At first, Mr. Rumstuckle explains to us the basics of wizardry and how we could possibly use it in the future. Eventually, he does teach us different ways to use magic in our lives. Then, he teaches us how to make our own wand, our own cape, and all those other necessities of wizards, except for the pointed hat, which he describes as being only used by those who wish to show off. Next, he gets into horoscopes and sun signs and things like that, which I particularly enjoy. Yet, when he gets into REAL magic, he explains that it works from the inside out which was a bit disappointing, considering that he states that to make something happen physically, we have to visualize it mentally, basically saying that magic is just in the state of mind. This process DOES work but it's not really what one would expect from a wizardry guide. Even though there are those not-so-great aspects of the book, the splendid humor draws you into it a bit more, even though it's not really a page-turner that you can never put down. It's easy to stop reading at the end of the day and store it on your bookshelf without feeling hungry for more or the least bit guilty. I still would recommend this book to anyone who's fascinated by the ancient art of magic.

Not really supprising considering the source.......2005-06-11

Cornelius Rumstuckle aka J. H. (Herbie) Brennan. co writer of the such gaming books as Sagas of the Demonspawn Aztec Quest, Egyptian Quest, Greek Quest, Roman Quest and Grailquest, amoungst others. So it is no supprise that his current book has such game book as part II, He has written some on occult topics such as An occult history of the world and Magick for Beginners: The Power to Change Your World. But then is anyone realy supprised that such a book is coming from Llewellyn. He has three books currently in print with Llewellyn, they are Magick for Beginners: The Power to Change Your World, Magical I Ching, Time Travel: A New Perspective.

This is a pretty good book.......2004-09-25

I admit that this doesn't have much to do with Wicca or magic, but it shares some principles or ideas. It has things about visualization, for example, and it's very interesting. I would definetly recommend this book.

A drop of imagination, stirred with magic intent.......2004-09-10

Is wizardry real? When you start searching for real information on wizardry there is not much to go on. Cornelius's book can be as close to the real thing as it can get for his target audience. Cornelius targets the juvenile with poise and lovely humor.

The book is an excellent introduction into the world of occult and mystery. The 20 wizardry lessons are easy to follow and a great pleasure of anticipation, but demands patience and active participation. The lessons start with the secret wizard's name, which is probably the most powerful psychological edifying concept in the book.

The practical instructions will lead to some insight, if combined with the given simple and practical advice: "Wizardry works from the inside out". The gems in between might just be missed if not looked at carefully. The lessons are an introduction into real occult ideas and concepts. The lessons introduce the five elements introducing the pentagram and ventures through methods of divination, numerology and astrology. He explains briefly how the cycles of the moon and talisman can be used to strengthen magic. Interwoven between all the artifacts of wizardry are occult disciplines like relaxation, breathing, visioning, memory enhancement and spirit guides. The book might not immediately create a lot of powerful Merlin's but it is designed to entice and intrigue. I have no doubt that it will accomplish that.

The Wizard's adventure is more than a story...it allows the young wizard to make decisions and apply the knowledge gained in the 20 lessons. The Wizard's adventure provides a simulated practice ground to apply wizardry. The story begins with an introduction into the use of a pendulum as a means of guidance and then builds a story line of survival through a labyrinth of decisions. Not knowing the wizard's secrets leads ultimately to death in the game. The odds are against the young wizard in the battles with all types of creatures. If played by the rules the wizard has a slim change of coming out of the adventure alive. Playing with dice the wizard has to focus on bringing the magic from the inside to truly reach the wizard's guild.

Cornelius provides a masterful blend between fiction and non-fiction. There is certainly enough realness to entice further exploration and there is enough mystery to keep the Wizard elusive in his mythical, enigmatic and magical character.

Wizard or Witch? (Secrets of Droon, Special Edition, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

Secrets of Droon fan

Wizard or Witch? (Secrets of Droon, Special Edition, Book 2)
Tony Abbott
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0439560497

Book Description

Keeah, a junior wizard, has always dreamed of the day she would receive her Wizardbook. So when her mother presents her first one, Keeah is overjoyed. But what she doesn't realize is how very powerful and dangerous a Wizardbook can be. If she isn't careful, she might accidentally destroy the entire kingdom of Droon! Keeah will need the help of her friends, Eric, Julie, and Neal, along with Max the Spider Troll, to keep her on the right path...For the first time ever readers get to hear Keeah's point of view as she tells readers about the exciting adventures and wondrous magic of Droon!

Customer Reviews:

Secrets of Droon fan.......2004-04-12

I have really liked all of the Droon books. They are my favorite chapter books. Wizard or Witch has been my one of my favorites of the Droon series.

A wizard, whose witch powers were taking over her wizard powers, tries to get control of both kinds of powers. Her journey to control these powers is just like her mom's journey. Eric, Julie and Neal help the wizard complete her journey.

Average customer rating:

Fun and challenging
Spellbinding Quilts: Wizards, Witches And Magical Characters (That Patchwork Place)
Maaike Bakker
Manufacturer: That Patchwork Place
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Quilts & Quilting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Quilted Fairie Tales (Love to Quilt Series)

Laurel Burch Legends: 9 Quilts Inspired by the Earth, Sea & Sky

Quilt Mavens: Perfect Paper Piecing

Visual Coloring: A Foolproof Approach ro Color-Rich Quilts

French Braid Quilts: 14 Quick Quilts with Dramatic Results

ASIN: 1564776743

Book Description

From The Lord of the Rings trilogy to the Harry Potter series, the worlds of magic and myth have captured the imagination of millions—including quilters! Now you can cast your own sewing spells with paper-pieced designs to enchant the young and the young at heart.

• Feature fairy-tale creatures in 11 projects, plus full-sized patterns for 16 blocks

• Create a witch, a wizard, a knight, a dragon, and a unicorn, plus a castle and a magical hat

• An inspiring photo gallery shows how to combine blocks for a range of legendary quilts

Customer Reviews:

Fun and challenging.......2007-09-16

Neat, fun advanced paper piecing patterns for things like dragons, fairies, witches and wizards. Lots of potential for really fun quilts but the blocks are challenging!

Average customer rating:

Nothing Original Here
Not as good as the rest
This author has a wonderfully sarcastic sense of humor!
An extremely hilarious book!!
It makes you think about good vs. evil.

Witch Doctor (Wizard in Rhyme, Book 3)
Christopher Stasheff
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0345388518
Release Date: 1994-11-30

Book Description

Saul didn't have so many friends that he would give one up without a fight. So when Matt disappeared, Saul started a search that led through Matt's kitchen window -- straight into a world of magic and desperate danger!

Saul discovered that in this world, his love of verse made him a wizard. But his newfound magic earned him a dreadful foe: Queen Suettay, a false monarch without peer for wickedness and corruption. A fearsome sorceress herself, with armies steeped in evil ready to obey her every sinful command, she determined to break Saul's growing power -- or win his soul for Satan.

Fortunately, Saul earned some stalwart friends, as well: Gruesome the troll and young Squire Gilbert; Saul's own guardian angel, and the beautiful -- if unsubstantial -- Angelique. But he'd need the help of the mysterious Spider King to spin a web strong enough to trap this tyrant!

Customer Reviews:

Nothing Original Here.......2005-10-25

This book is just a rehashing of The Oathbound Wizard. Nearly all of the major scenes are identical. The only difference is that they are told from Saul's POV. It's not really interesting, and I'm having a hard time reading it because it feels like like reading The Oathbound Wizard all over again. I understand that Stasheff was probably getting bored with the series, but he still could have done a better job with this one.

Not as good as the rest.......2002-09-07

My main problem with this book is that it takes Saul's POV the entire time, and to be honest, his need to contradict himself all the time just annoys the heck out of me and takes up too much space. I'm surprised Saul has a guardian angel at all actually. Narlh is the best reason to keep reading. And how stupid is Saul to never realize that Matt is the Lord Wizard of Merovence despite being told that at least 5 times in 3 days??? That one fact alone nearly made me stop altogether, till I realized Matt had to show up sooner or later so I kept on.

This author has a wonderfully sarcastic sense of humor!.......1999-08-30

This book is just full of wonderfully ironic happenings. The main charachter has a delightfully sarcastic sense of humor and the author relly did a good job of letting you know what he is thinking. This whole series is full of awsomly wierd creatures and the human element is definatly there. The book has a livley plot full of humor.

An extremely hilarious book!!.......1999-02-13

The Witch Doctor is a marvelous book. Complete with humour, a great plot and likeable characters, this book is a great read. I would reccomend this book to all readers who like humerous fantasy.

It makes you think about good vs. evil........1997-07-25

This is the second book I've read in this series and I found it just as interesting as the first one. The poetry is fun, but it makes you think at the same time. I found myself looking at our own world and the endless conflicts between good and evil, both between people and within myself

Morrigan's Cross (The Circle Trilogy, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Morrigan's Cross
Morrigan's Cross
Neat Series
Not as good as it could have been...
Excellent story

Morrigan's Cross (The Circle Trilogy, Book 1)
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Jove Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Vampires | Romance | Subjects | Books

Literature & Fiction | Large Print | Formats | Books

Romance | Large Print | Formats | Books
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ASIN: 073947166X

Product Description

In 12th-century Ireland, sorcerer Hoyt Mac Cionaoith does battle with a centuries-old vampire named Lilith, who has turned Hoyt's twin brother, Cian, into a fellow bloodsucker. Unable to defeat her, Hoyt is visited by the goddess of battle, Morrigan, who charges him with the task of leading a battle, "the greatest ever waged," against Lilith and her demons. Hoyt must gather five others to fight alongside him: "the witch, the warrior, the scholar, the one of many forms, and the one you've lost." He travels in time to present-day New York, where he encounters his vampire brother, Cian, and Glenna, a beautiful red-haired witch. Two more warriors, Moira and Larkin, join them back in the Mac Cionaoith ancestral home. Romance ignites between Hoyt and Glenna as enemies emerge from the shadows, and the "circle of six" prepare for the big showdown with Lilith. This well-plotted, finely detailed paranormal adventure is driven by richly developed characters, making it a cut above others in this subgenre, and among Roberts's best.

Customer Reviews:

Morrigan's Cross.......2007-09-24

The characters in this story are extremely well done. Would love to meet them - if only it were possible! the scope of the story is exciting and intersting as Nora Roberts expores the characters and their fight to understand each other and become what they need to be.

Morrigan's Cross.......2007-09-15

This was the beginning of one of the best trilogies I've ever read. If you like to get away from the everyday dulldrums and reality, ths is a good place to start. It only gets better with The Dance of the Gods and Valley of Silence.

Neat Series.......2007-09-11

I love that this book was so reasonably priced on Amazon! The story was better than others I have read in the same genre. Anyway, decent story, good price. What more can a person ask for?

Not as good as it could have been..........2007-08-25

Speaking as someone who prefers Nora Roberts when she writes as J.D.Robb - I thought the story was fine but it didn't leave me with a burning need to go out and get the second book.

Part of this might be down to the fact that it's the first in a trilogy, so the story has a lot to do - we need to be introduced to the characters, to the world they live in and the circumstances they find themselves. I thought the set-up was interesting and the circle of 6 a clever idea. I very much liked the poetry of it - (the sorcerer), "the witch, the warrior, the scholar, the one of many forms and the one you've lost". However, I found the characters (with the exception of Cian) didn't hold my interest. One of the problems with an ensemble cast, is that some characters are neglected.

There are moments where the dialogue sparkles - Cian especially, has an acerbic wit. And some of the set pieces are beautifully written, for example - Glenna's arrival at the club and her first (proper) meeting with Cian, Hoyt and King.

In the second half of the book following Blair's arrival there are scenes reminiscent of what the group already experienced in the first half before she turned up. I ended up with the feeling that the characters should have learnt these lessons already.

If this had been the first paranormal romance I'd ever read I think I would have been impressed with the world building and story structure, though the characters would still have left me slightly disappointed.

Excellent story.......2007-07-24

I can't wait to read the rest of this series. Roberts does a wonderful job of pulling the reader in and keeping their attention. A softly blended story of romance and drama that will keep you until the end.

The Wizard, the Witch, and Two Girls from Jersey

Average customer rating:

So-so
The Wizard, the Witch and Two Girls from Jersey
Oh my God!!!
Too Much Like Lord of the Rings! (SPOILERS)
A Cute Fantasy Spoof

The Wizard, the Witch, and Two Girls from Jersey
Lisa Papademetriou
Manufacturer: Razorbill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1595140743

Book Description

When mortal enemies Veronica Lopez and Heather Simms get hit by a bar code scanner while fighting over the last copy of Queen of Twilight, it takes them a moment to realize that they aren't in a New Jersey bookstore anymore. In fact, they're in the novel. Too bad they don't realize it until after they accidentally kill the book's heroine, Princess Arabelle, aka "The One." Only The One can restore light and peace to the land of Galma, long held in thrall to the evil Twilight Queen. Now Vero and Heather have no choice but to try to save Galma from the Twilight Queen. But can the two girls find their way to the end of the story and home again without destroying Galma—or killing each other?

Customer Reviews:

So-so.......2007-09-17

I had really high hopes for this book after reading a few reviews. Once I finished I was actually ver disappointed. I think the book could have been so much more than it was. There was so much potential and I think it just fell flat.

The Wizard, the Witch and Two Girls from Jersey.......2007-03-30

Any fantasy fan should pick up THE WIZARD, THE WITCH AND TWO GIRLS FROM JERSEY by Lisa Papademetriou. This parody of the genre will amuse anyone who loves fantasy, and those who have read classic fantasy novels will recognize the parodies.

Veronica Lopez and Heather Simms are two entirely different sophomores. Veronica is the smart bookworm who loves fantasy, and Heather is your stereotypical popular girl. Then they get sucked into Galma, the world of "Queen of Twilight" which happens to be Veronica's favorite book, and Heather is mistaken as the heroine. So begins a hilarious adventure that combines elements from many fantasies in an amusing and creative way.

This book is not the most well written, but it's a quick and easy read, and the characters, though stereotypical, are still three dimensional, and the dialogue is realistic. What makes this book so great, however, is the fact that it is a parody, including mocking THE LORD OF THE RINGS, my favorite book. (I love what I take to be the mockery of all the Tolkien's songs.)

Give this book to any girl who loves fantasy. Chances are they'll enjoy this derivative yet creative tale as well as the friendship that develops between to Veronica and Heather.

Oh my God!!!.......2007-03-03

i think this was the best book i have every read, but this is from a 6th grader. i had to do a report on a book and i chose this one because my friend reccomended to me. i love how you described the creatures. i read the book in 2 days non stop. i felt like i was there. i want a karn that plays fetch with a fireballs. although i haven't read the lord of the rings i think you are smart enough to think up your own story. and you are local to me and i have promotted your book throught my school. thanks for letting me read a thrilling story!!!!!!!!!

Too Much Like Lord of the Rings! (SPOILERS).......2007-02-03

I love fantasy, and when I bought this book, I was ecstatic. That lasted for about 50-60 pages. I grew highly disappointed.

This book is way too much like Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien. I'm a big fan of Lord of the Rings, and a book with two or three things almost exactly like it was very disappointing. I told my dad that, and he also grew disappointed, being an avid fan of Lord of the Rings like I am. Which parts were like it? (Warning, if you haven't read the book, it's highly recommended you don't read this part, since it has spoilers.) Doggett gets stabbed by poisonous tree roots, and they go to the mightier elves. (Part of that sounds like Frodo getting stabbed by the Night Riders, and going to the elves...hmmmm...) And the part where Strathorn says, "You shall not go any further!" (Which I think is obvious enough,) was just awful. But I think the most Lord of the Rings-like part was when Strathorn was nearly killed by the bloodsnake, but got its lifeblood and became Strathorn the Red. (Gandalf fighting the Balrog, then becoming Gandalf the White.)

All in all, I was very disappointed by the lack of creativity. I don't know if Lisa Papademetriou knew she was basing parts of this book off of Lord of the Rings, but I was still very disappointed.
I give the book one star because of Karn, the dragon, who I absolutely adore.
Thank you for reading.

A Cute Fantasy Spoof.......2007-01-22

Popular Heather and bookworm Veronica reach for the last copy of Queen of Twilight at the same time, both needing it for English class. Veronica has read and enjoyed the book before, while Heather only wants it for the sake of the assignment. When the bookstore cashier accidentally zaps the girls with the barcode scanner, the two teens end up inside of the story. As the book comes to life around them, they will have to use their wits and wittiness to stay one page ahead of the bad guys, and they must learn to work together in order find a way back home. A cute story-within-a-story that references and spoofs famous fantasies, The Wizard, the Witch, and Two Girls from Jersey is best read with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

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