“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two” (Scholastic), by J.K. Rowing, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne.
International best-selling author J.K. Rowling collaborates with John Tiffany and Jack Thorne to deliver “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” the highly anticipated eighth book in the Harry Potter series.
Based on original material that takes place 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, Potter fans get a glimpse into the lives of their favorite characters. But “The Cursed Child” isn’t a novel. Rowling, Tiffany and Thorne have written a screenplay. It’s the first of any Potter work to be officially presented on the stage — specifically London’s West End. Although the bulk of a traditional novel is missing, the magic of the story and its characters is still there.
Being Harry Potter, the boy who lived, is a tough job. Can you imagine being his child? Albus Severus Potter must face the pressure of being the son of a very famous father every day of his life. Nothing comes easy for Albus, and when he’s sorted into the Slytherin house, he knows that he may not be able to live up to his father’s legacy.
Albus finds comfort in an unlikely confidant: Draco Malfoy’s son Scorpius. The boys bond over a multitude of mishaps in their lives and soon form a solid friendship. Harry is concerned. But when his scar starts to sting again, he assumes the darkness that he feels and his disturbing dreams must be connected to the former Death Eater’s son who is buddying up to his son. He must take matters into his own hands. Ironically, Albus decides to do the same.
With the help of a stolen time turner, Albus and Scorpius visit multiple past moments to try and change their fates. Naturally, chaos ensues. With each moment visited, the boys soon realize the challenges that were faced and the sacrifices that were made to make their lives better. Neither knew the power and darkness of Lord Voldemort before witnessing his wrath themselves. But will their meddling cause a permanent ripple in time?
Rowling, Tiffany and Thorne use story lines and beloved characters in previous books to weave a new tale of magical adventure. We root for Albus and Scorpius to finally appreciate their impressive genealogy, and we smile as an unbreakable friendship is formed. We hold our breath, waiting for the mischief to be managed, and we pray that Harry, Hermione and Ron will summon the courage to save the day once again. (AP)
