Jason Kane's Reviews > Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2

So first of all, this book requires managed expectations from the get-go. Yes, this is a Harry Potter sequel in that the action takes place after Deathly Hollows and revolves around the same characters from the previous seven novels. That being said, this is a published script of a theatrical performance, which means J.K. Rowling is not the true author, although she did write the "story." The play and the words you read in this book are written by John Tiffany and Jack Thorne, director and playwright of the theatrical performance respectively.

This is not to say that the story does not feel authentic; it does. But much of the nuance, detail, and depth normally associated with reading a Harry Potter story are not experienced with this book; it is only 320 (script) pages as well.

The best part of this book is the story. Rowling sets the adventure 19 years after the events of Deathly Hollows. Harry and the gang are in their mid-thirties, and Harry is preparing to send his youngest son, Albus off to Hogwarts. Harry's relationship with Albus is surprisingly strained however, and he struggles to relate to the young boy as Albus's education at Hogwarts progresses. Albus's sense of pressure under the Potter name affects him more than it does his older brother and younger sister. The story focuses mostly on Albus and his experiences from this point forward. Harry's wife Ginny, Ron, Hermoine, Draco, and other familiar characters portray glorified bit roles in this story, but not much more. Fortunately, they are present enough and all serve a worthwhile purpose when they do appear.

Albus's need to live up to his name causes him to take on an adventure with an unlikely partner, Scorpius Malfoy (son of Harry's nemesis Draco). The two boys and unlikely friends learn of a request from Amos Diggory, father of the late Cedric Diggory, that Harry (who now is Head of Magical Law Enforcement) use an illegal Time Turner to go back and save his son from being murdered during the Tri-Wizard Tournament. This sends Potter and Malfoy on a "Back to the Future 2" style adventure in the hopes of rescuing Diggory.

The book has some surprises and like I said, the authenticity of the Potter world is nicely preserved in this story. What's missing are the immersive details and character balancing that made the first seven books so legendary. Potter fans should most certainly read this story and they will enjoy it, but don't expect to be blown away or left feeling satisfied. While the story is enjoyable, and the end of the day, this book is unnecessary.