School of Wizardry (Circle of Magic, Book 1) Review

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(More customer reviews)In 6th grade I read my first of the Circle of Magic books, the School of Wizardry. It started me into realm of fire breathing dragons, arrogant wizards, and gallant knights. Here I was hiding the book under my notebook at school, because even then I felt embarrassed at the size and childness of the book. The books have the reading level set at the age of 9-12 and because of this many might look over them. Though these books inspired me as a youth to explore the wide variety of literature out there, I feel it can do the same for ANYONE. Debra Doyle has found a way to reach out to ALL audiences. The publicity was down, so thence the sales. But the books themselves are magnificent. As I have not so forcibly made my younger brother read them, he has become a fan at the age of 14. As he checked them out of my old Junior High, I got the chance to read them once more as a Senior in High School. Of course this time I didn't have to hide them, but flaunted them as the occasion permitted. Now this review is quickly becoming unhelpful, but the point I am trying to put across is that these books appeal to ALL ages. I love them. On my list are classics like The Hobbit, A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court, and the Wheel Of Time series. But the circle of magic (though somewhat adolescent) stand out among the best. I can't think of another book I would rather have my children read in the future, and for anyone with the love of fantasy and imagination.

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Witch & Wizard Review

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(More customer reviews)I absolutely love dystopian, end-of-life-as-we-know-it, type of novels. George Orwell's 1984 (Signet Classics) and Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale happen to be two of my favorites. This novel started with great promise...And then it fell short. Very short. The novel is about Wisty and Whit Allgood, two teenage siblings who are kidnapped by the New Order, a form of government that has taken over the world. During this time, Wisty and Whit discover that they have magical powers, and that is why the New Order considers them a threat. The story opens up with Wisty and Whit being led to the gallows in a sports arena, with thousands of people cheering on their hanging. As the proceedings commence, Wisty and Whit take us into the backdrop of the story, how they found themselves condemned to death.
In a trite and oversimplified manner, we learn that our political system crumbled overnight and was replaced by the New Order headed by "The One Who Is the One." As Wisty and Whit continue to battle some of their challenges, they become more aware of the magnitude of their supernatural powers. The story crosses over from Wisty and Whit's time in prison, over to other worldly dimensions (such as the Shadowland where spirits dwell) back to an unrecognizable world overwrought with despair, war, and hopelessness. But none of this is captured with any depth.
What I thought would be a great dystopian story seemed more like a cat-and-mouse fantasy under a dystopian backdrop. I do enjoy fantasies and stories of magic along with mayhem, but there was something missing in this story. It was entertaining in some areas but it lacked the thrilling suspense I would expect in a novel written by Patterson.
This is the first book in a new series and unfortunately, it leaves readers with a rather weak cliffhanger. This series may have some promise and hopefully, the next book will delivery on that.


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A Wizard In the Kitchen Review

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(More customer reviews)Very fun cookbook, although there are quite a few alcoholic recipies; it' still very good for kids too...and there's enough more advanced recipies to keep older users interested. The pumpkin pasties (or pumpkin pie pockets, i guess), by the way are amazingly good, as is the pumpkin juice. :)

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A delightfully easy cookbook full of recipes inspired by the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. Drink Pumpkin Juice while you conjure up such treats as Cornish Pasties, Treacle Tart and more. Created for cooks of all ages and skill levels, this book is sure to delight the Harry potter fan in your life. Includes a chapter on advanced potions for adults, as well as some recipes designed for use in classrooms or at parties. Treat your family and friends the next time you feel like making a little magic in your kitchen.

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So You Want to Be a Wizard: The First Book in the Young Wizards Series Review

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(More customer reviews)"So You Want To Be A Wizard" is the beginning of an exciting and tantalizing series where wizardry and life in the city are a little too close for comfort. Nita, an intelligent but physically unendowed 13-year-old, finds refuge in the kid's section of the library after a particularly bad beating by a group of school bullies - and finds a book that not only tells her that there *is* magic but how to get it, why to get it, and how to use it.
Kit, a 12-year-old Hispanic boy with school troubles similar to hers, teams up with her in a wizardly Ordeal to gain their powers. Shifted "sideways" into an alternate Manhattan, they discover both their wizardly talents and find friends in each other.
I originally read first High Wizardry (the last books in the series), then Deep Wizardry (the second book) and then this, before going on to A Wizard Abroad. I also enjoyed her Feline Wizards series, of which only two books are in print so far. However, other YA readers may not: they are on an adult reading level and you need to appreciate this.
I also recommend other books (most of these are fantasy) by Patricia Wrede (her Dragons series, "Dealing with Dragons", "Talking with Dragons", etc), the Unicorn series by Tamora Pierce ("Black Unicorn", "Red Unicorn"), the "Hero and the Crown" and "The Blue Sword" by Robin McKinley.
All of these books, including (especially!) So You Want To Be A Wizard have strong female protagonists. I am, after all, a 13-year-old girl and really dislike the knight-in-shining-armour- rescues-the-damsel-in-distress stuff.
I believe you will really enjoy So You Want to Be A Wizard. Either buy it here or ask for it at a library. Interlibrary Loan works really well!
Enjoy!

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Wizardology: The Book of the Secrets of Merlin (Ologies) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a 24 y/o woman but I enjoy reading about mythology, magic and the like. I saw this book at Borders and I just had to pick it up. I don't know what the cover is made from, but the material is soft and screams for you to touch it. Inside the book, I was amazed at how well crafted it is. The thought behind it was genious.
It is portrayed in a manner that the book was created by Merlin from magic, and passed on to the reader, so that the reader may carry on where Merlin left off. All throughout the pages are little flaps and openings, so it is completely interactive. The artwork is amazing and the colors are well thought out. The pages look like old parchment, many drawings are penciled.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Adults will find it enchanting and fun. Children will be able to let their imaginations run wild. I am a Christian, but I gave this to my own children. I helped them to understand the difference between fiction and fantasy, so they can enjoy this book fully without being confused.
I recommend this book! Go to the library and peek it over if you have doubts. You will not be disappointed. I also recommend the other 2 book in the "Ologies" series. Dragnology and Egyptology. Both are written the same way.

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Aspiring wizards can tune in to the age-old wisdom of Merlin with this dazzling compendium of all things magical — unveiling novelty elements throughout. For any apprentice determined to learn the arcane arts of wizardry, could there be a better teacher than . . . Merlin himself? Originally discovered in 1588,this remarkable text by history's most respected wizard is revealed to the world for the very first time.Lavishly illustrated by four delicate artists, WIZARDOLOGY's intricate design even conceals a series of hidden symbols that spell out a secret message when their code is deciphered — if the reader is clever enough to find them. Among WIZARDOLOGY's special features are:-a glittering crystal ball-like jewel on the front cover - a world map showing locations of wizards around the globe- tactile samples of a "fairy flag" with one wish remaining and a phoenix feather to aid in flying charms- booklets explaining the proper use of spells, familiars, and potions- a removable dragon pendant allowing the user to dowse for mythical beasts- a pack of eight removable fortune-tellling cards- a 48-page mini book of divination on the final spread

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Quidditch Through the Ages Review

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(More customer reviews)This cute little book was actually part of a pair (along with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) produced by J.K. Rowling for the charity Comic Relief. Written in a tongue in cheek manner, this books appears to be straight from the Hogwarts School Library, complete with borrow & due date list that includes one H. Potter! Purportedly written by one Kennilworthy Whisp, this book covers the evolution of Quidditch from its inception, and along the way explains how Quidditch is played.
This is a fun book for any Harry Potter fan to own. It's a good, light-hearted read, and helps explain Quidditch to us muggles, in a manner much more clear than in the regular Harry Potter books. Bet this book!

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The Wandmaker's Guidebook Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a fun gift for a young Harry Potter or Wizardology fan. My 7 year old is enjoying the book immensely. Some parents might be worried about a "pagan" plaything like a wand, but most kids will simply have fun with the kit and learn a little something along the way. Although the "information" in the book is fictional, this is quite an erudite book, and parents who want their children to know something of world history may find this book a great starting point. I particularly enjoyed the reference to the "High Council of Aratta", and gave my son a lecture on Aratta in Sumerian literature, which he listened to with more patience that usual....
Most kids, brought up on a steady diet of cheap paperbacks, are also quite enchanted with beautiful books like this one, and the -ology books.

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Become a wandmaker's apprentice.This guidebook covers every aspect of making your own wand, from the type of wood to the powers that you can create with natural elements like sand, herbs, feathers and more.Your personal powers can be placed in the twist off handle.What kind of wand will you make?

Kit includes:24 pp book with pull-out drawer; wooden wand with removable handle; 3 different feathers; 3 vials with different colored sand; vial of multi-colored stones.

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The Characters of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter Stained Glass Books) Review

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(More customer reviews)Not bad, and it's suitable for light reading, espeacially for kids, and it provides further insight on the characters of the book. My younger sister loves it.

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

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(More customer reviews)This is a cute book that has obviously been designed for a young novice in the magical arts, sort of a Harry Potteresque instruction book. It's hard to tell whether this is a serious book on the subject at first, but it does have real magic and techniques for increasing concentration and such, and half of the book is taken up by a "Choose Your Own Adventure" type of novella.
The only annoying thing about it this book is that it mixes fantasy and real magical techniques, but I suppose that might be fun for a younger reader. It's a bit like telling children about Santa Claus, though.
In short, this is a good book for a young adult who is interested in magic and fantasy (and most likely a Harry Potter fan) but doesn't know where to begin, and/or if you want to teach a young adult magical technique but want to do it in a fun way.

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Tongue-in-cheek and deliciously droll, "Cornelius Rumstuckle" is the fictional narrator of The Book of Wizardry. Now featuring a new cover, this highly entertaining guide to wizardry makes genuine magical ideas accessible to young adults.

Brennan's fun wizard training manual is filled with interactive activities: how to make a wand and other wizard tools, discover your Wizard's name, switch on Wizard's Power, read the future in the Wizard's Oracle, and more. Those who successfully complete the Wizard's Adventure and crack the code in this book can become an accredited member of the Wizard's Guild.

A YALSA Teen Top Ten Title (2003)

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Leather Limited Collector's Edition Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets 1st/1st (Harry Potter, Volume 2) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this leather bound collector's edition of Chamber of Secrets for my brother. It came in pristine condition even though it is used. He loved it! I also bought the Sorcerer's Stone, which also came in perfect condition. They are well worth the money. I'd like to find the other 5 books eventually, but I could only find books 1 & 2.

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Literature Guide: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Grades 4-8) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is largely in response to a reader from NJ below who takes issue with teaching Harry Potter as great literature. I am an aspiring librarian, with a BA in English Lit, and former student myself who wants to scream NO! as loudly as possible to this person's antiquated ideas. There are hundreds of books out there that are termed "classics" that will (and should be) taught to youth. Unfortunatly many of these are boring and make children think of reading as a chore for years to come. Why should fun books and educational books be mutually exclusive? I would not teach ONLY Harry Potter in a classroom, but if it will get kids to read I would definitly make it part of the curriculum. At the age this book is aimed at (5-8th grade I assume) shoving classics down the throats of children should be secondary to opening the world of literature to them. There are more books than can ever be taught in any school, give students the interest in reading to find out which ones they want to read themselves. The Harry Potter books are wonderful. The plotting is at an almost adult level. They are complicated and full of symbolism and concepts that most childrens books gloss over (or dumb down). However, instead of intimidating a young audience away, Harry Potter is showing children as young as 8 that reading is one of the most wonderful pastimes available to them. It's working! Please, as educators, parents, and librarians, encourage that. I read those "classics" in Middle School, Johnny Tremain and The Moon is Down almost lost me as a reader forever. They were dry and horrible and full of educational value. It was the seldom taught, but much loved, book Rebecca that showed me what reading has to offer. Remember, no book is a classic until looked at in hindsight, and has stood the test of time, but I would put money on Harry Potter still being around in 20 years.

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Includes a colorful teaching poster and engaging activities!A complete guide to teaching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Includes an author biography, background information, summaries, thought-provoking discussion questions, as well as creative, cross-curricular activities and reproducibles that motivate students.

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Harry Potter Deluxe Coloring Kit: The Magic of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is cool it comes with markers to color it in with.It also show different cool [pictures of Harry Potter and all his friends and enemys.(Snape)

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Garri Potter i Prints-polukrovka/Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Russian Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)I read this in a few hours... It was pretty good. If you've read the English version, I'd still recommend reading a version in a different language. You see things differently and it'll help you see the story in a more interesting light.
Of course, if you aren't fluent in Russian, it's probably challenging to read. But for everyone fluent in Russian, reading it is definitely a good idea.

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) (Audio CD) + free Harry Potter t-shirt (Harry Potter, Book 1) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm not going to bother with a synopsis for this one since by this point most people have either read the book, seen the movie, or both. This was not my first time reading it, or even second time, but it was my first time listening to it. To avoid fights in the car we always have a book going even for short trips. This was the first time my children had heard this book. After listening we watched the movie again and it was great to see the differences they saw and what they noticed being left out. It really helped reinforce the idea that often times the book is more detailed and interesting than the movie since it doesn't have to fit into a certain amount of time.
There were details I had forgotten since my last reading of this novel and things I looked at differently based on the ultimate outcomes through the series. One of the things I really noticed were details in how Professor Snape treated Harry and acted towards him due to revelations about his feelings for Lily Potter. Seeing that he loved her and hated James I would have thought that his love for Lily would have won out and made him more protective of Harry than he was. That said, while writing this as the first book in the series Rowling may not have made the decision for that love to exist in the future. She never contradicted herself, but it was something I wondered about when reading one of the later books.
My children all really enjoyed this one. At some point I would like to read it with them again from our copy of the book, but I have to say that I am now loving audio books. I haven't listened to one for adults in years, but even the ones for children's chapter books are fun to listen to. i recommend them to anyone going on long trips with their kids or with kids who tend to fight when forced to sit next to each other for prolonged periods of time. Check out you library. Often they have great selections.

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Movie Poster Book Review

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(More customer reviews)What can I say? I'm a Potter fanatic, and I jumped to buy the Movie Poster book as soon as it came out. The posters are beautifully done and cover a wide range of scenes. There are headshots of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, a scene from Gringotts, and even Ron and Harry at Christmas.
If you have seen the first and second trailors for the film, then you won't being seeing many new things. That's why I only gave it 4 stars. Personally, I think that it is worth getting the Poster Book just to see the first picture released of Harry in his Quidditch uniform. I also enjoyed a shot of Dumbledore visiting Harry in the Hospital Wing.
The casting for the film was excellent, and the pictures in the book only support that fact. Each character matches the wonderful descriptions that JK Rowling provides in all four books.
As I said before, your not seeing much new, but the book is money well spent. This way you don't have to wait 2 hours to download the trailor or pay for a movie ticket just to see the trailor! It will be there in your library to view again and again.

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The HARRY POTTER POSTER BOOK includes 16 high quality HARRY POTTER posters, each featuring a different beloved character or thrilling scene from HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE.Using movie stills from the upcoming Warner Bros. movie, this exciting collection brings Harry's magical adventures to life.Each page is perforated, so posters can be easily torn out and displayed.No Harry fan's home will be complete without these exciting full-color posters from the feature film everybody is talking about!

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Harry Potter & the Philosopher's Stone (Hebrew Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this when the first movie came out so that my wife and I could find out what all the excitement was about. We wanted to read it before renting the video. The only used English-language edition we could get at that time was a paperback printed in Britain. We really enjoyed reading it, and we were anxious to see the movie and compare it to the book. Both book and movie were excellent, though much had to be left out of the movie in order to keep the movie to less than seven or eight hours. We were puzzled that objections to this marvelous book came from so many people.Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) Review

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(More customer reviews)I thought I had ordered the American version of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but received the British version. Since this was a replacement for a well loved copy, it was fun to read the book in it's original format. The copy I received was in new condition, and arrived promptly. Thanks!

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