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Friday 25 November 2016

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone . . . 

 Inspired by the original Hogwart's textbook by Newt Scamander, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original screenplay marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. A feat of imagination and featuring a cast of remarkable characters and magical creatures, this is epic adventure-packed storytelling at its very best. Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition for any film lover or reader's bookshelf. 

The film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will have its theatrical release on 18th November 2016.


I have to admit that after barely tolerating Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, I was a bit nervous about reading another story set in the Harry Potter world. Yet, there was something about this story that I found really appealing. So I was really excited when I received a copy from Hachette Australia.

Newt Scamander is a Magizoologist and he's visiting New York in hopes of finding a certain beast. However, when a No-Maj (American version of Muggle) ends up with Newt's case and he accidentally lets out a bunch of magical creatures capable of causing mischief, Newt has to get them back. But these beasts aren't the only problem in New York.

There's a dark threat calling attention to the wizard world, a zealot trying to find an audience, an ambitious wizard, a troubled witch trying to prove herself, and an ordinary man caught in the middle.

And all of these things end up leading back to Newt...

Wow. What a fun thrill ride! This story has a bit of everything, which amounts to much awesomeness. I loved Newt, he was so kind and caring and shy and scatterbrained and cute! Tina was brave and determined and decent and driven to prove herself. Jacob was nice and sweet and loyal. Queenie was so cheeky and fun and smart and knew how to use her beauty.

And the beasts! OMG. They were all so adorable and amazing and wondrous and TOTALLY AWESOME. The only thing I missed while reading was the actual movie imagery, but I had no trouble imagining all of the magical details.

BTW, did I mention that the setting was perfect? The 1920's was definitely a great time to set such a colourful story. Plus,  it's far enough in the past that it doesn't interfere with future events, but close enough to still be familiar and even foreshadow a thing or two.

Not to mention that this hardback book is gorgeous! There are so many lovely illustrations, and even the font and page settings are lovely.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is definitely an unexpected gem in the Harry Potter world. But more than that, it's a brilliant fast-paced, intriguing story full of interesting characters, fascinating magical animals and a bunch of surprises.

There's also something else this book proves, and that's: the ONLY person who can truly write a Harry Potter story is the always brilliant J.K. Rowling. (Yes, this needs to be in bold!)

I seriously LOVED this book so much more than I thought I would. I'm looking forward to watching the movie.


Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay, November 2016, ISBN 9781408708989, Little, Brown

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