Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter #2) by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter #2
J. K. Rowling

Front cover

Date read: 6 - 11 February 2017
Length: 251 pages

Harry is back for a second year, and after a rather unusual entrance, he arrives at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There is something afoot, however, as people are discovered Petrified. Harry and his gang take it upon themselves to learn more about the Chamber of Secrets and the monster lurking inside. Can they stop it and save Hogwarts? 


This year Hogwarts have a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher; Professor Lockhart. Oh, and what a pathetic excuse for a man is he. Using other people's achievements as his own to sell books and win over the ladies' hearts. Give me strength. All I'm going to say is, I'm glad he doesn't stick around for long. 

Harry discovers he's a parselmouth, which means he can talk to snakes. That explains what happened that time he went to the zoo. It's a rare talent among the wizardry community, so naturally everyone is amazed. And rightly so. I'd love to be able to talk to animals. Maybe not snakes though...

I did enjoy this story, though I think I preferred the first so far. I've heard they're meant to get really good later on, so I'm looking forward to that. 

2 down, 5 more to go! 




Overall rating

Thanks, 
The Wee Librocubicularist 

Priestess of the White (Age of the Five #1) by Trudi Canavan

Priestess of the White
Age of the Five #1
Trudi Canavan

Front cover

Date read: 20 January - 5 February 2017
Length: 656 pages

Auraya is chosen as a priestess of the White and must leave her old life behind. Gifted with powers, herself and the 4 other White must make allies in order to defend against black-clad sorcerers and try to prevent a war. Can they recruit enough allies?


There are a lot of characters to get your head around, which can be quite confusing! There's the names of the gods, the priests and priestesses, not to mention other characters from different locations. Then there's words you've never heard before (there's a glossary at the back) to add to the mix. I found myself struggling, so I took a break and came back to it.

It's a good story though, and a few little side stories which are interesting. In particular I like Tryss and Emerahl. I hope I get to learn more about them in the other two books.

Dreamweavers are mysterious, and I think there's more to them than meets the eye. I'm glad the Circlians and Dreamweavers are beginning to work together, and I hope to see the prejudice against them evaporate.


Although I found it hard to finish at first, I'm looking forward to the next one so I can find out more about the Dreamweavers, and Emerahl.




Overall rating

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist

Death of a Ladies' Man by Alan Bissett

Death of a Ladies' Man
Alan Bissett

Front cover

Date read: 9 - 19 January 2017
Length: 423 pages

Charlie Bain is an English teacher at a high school in Glasgow. 30 year old divorcee, lives with his mum, likes taking drugs. Not much is going right for Mr Bain. He's losing control of his life; he is not doing well in his career, the women are seeing him for what he really is, and not even his mother wants him in the house. What happened to the Ladies' Man?


Charlie is a thoroughly despicable character, but unfortunately very believable. He is not someone I would get on with in real life. To put it simply; he is a dick. 

I feel sorry for all the women in this novel, specifically Julie. He is a pig and just uses everyone. He is selfish and has no regard for anyone's feelings apart from his own. 

I thought the story of Death of a Ladies' Man was better than Boyracers, although I still find the writing style a bit odd with the words sort of floating on the page. 

Not sure I would recommend or read again. 




Overall rating

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist