Harry Potter Fan-Fic Review: James Potter and The Morrigan Web by G. Norman Lippert

James Potter and The Morrigan Web by G. Norman Lippert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First impression: Wow, this book is long! Second impression: Wow, this book is awesome!

Ok, now that I've got that out of the way, this is the fourth installment of G. Norman Lippert's fan-fic continuation of the Harry Potter series, which focuses on Harry's son, James. If you've not read the first three books and don't want spoilers, I recommend you go and read those first. Still, I'll try not to give away too much.

The world has been turned up on it's head, but life goes on. James returns to Hogwarts for his fourth year, haunted by what happened at Alma Aleron and New Amsterdam (NY City). Soon, he discovers that no one believes him about the Lady of the Lake, and the entire magical community has marked Petra, his soul-mate and long-time crush, as undesirable number one.

This book quickly takes on the oppressive feel of book 5 in the Harry Potter series, the one that features the overbearing Umbridge as head master. However, this is not a rehash of that book. The ministry, faced with the aftermath of the previous book's epic ending, has come up with a plan to foster cooperation, not only between the magical schools, but also with a muggle school. Students are required to sign up for at least two classes at one of the four other school. Meanwhile at Hogwarts, teachers who are against Headmaster Grudje's policies are summarily dismissed and replaced, punishments and restrictions are on the rise, and even Filch begins to feel the pressure.

I really enjoyed this book, but it is incredibly long. It took me three weeks to get through it, and I tend to devour books in only a couple of days. I'm not complaining, though. I like books that keep me busy for a while, and this one doesn't drag on. It's entertaining, action-packed and full of intrigue, like a book based on the Harry Potter series should be. Again, I enjoyed it, but was surprised every time I checked my progress and discovered that I'd barely made a dent.

The quality of this book is excellent from an editing standpoint as well. Even though this is fan fiction, the book feels polished and the plot is purposeful and solid, while still existing in the greater realm of J.K. Rowling's creation.

As for what comes next, who knows? The book ends with an author's note where he says he cannot commit to writing the fifth book, though he does have a plan for it. I really hope he finds some time to finish the series, but I must say I am happy for these four novels he's already provided. I have no complaints.

Overall, I loved this book. I recommend it to fans of the Harry Potter series, particularly those who were left wanting more when that series ended.

This book is available for free on Goodreads.com.

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Harry Potter Fan Fic: James Potter and the Vault of Destinies (James Potter #3) by G. Norman Lippert

James Potter and the Vault of Destinies by G. Norman Lippert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A crazy ride. Lippert has turned the world of Harry Potter on its head.

This is the first of the James Potter books to truly diverge from the formula and style of Rowlings Harry Potter series. Unlike the previous two, this one doesn't link back to or remind one of any of the prior books. In fact, if I had to say what it reminded me of the most, I would say Monsters University, the movie. I'm pretty sure this came out before that, but the story is set in America on a campus where the houses are run like fraternities.

The story kicks off with an illusion gone horribly wrong. Harry Potter and his aurors are called to America to assist with the investigation, and they bring their families along to keep them close while they are there. James and Ralph find themselves joining Zane at Alma Aleron, the American counterpart to Hogwarts. The three, plus their cousin Lucy (Percy's adopted daughter) soon find themselves caught up in a mystery surrounding a mysterious artifact called the loom of destiny.

This story is somewhat darker than the previous two, but it still features plenty of heart and humor. I had no trouble connecting to and caring about the characters, new and old, and it was interesting to see the distinctly American magical world. The quirky houses at Alma Aleron provide the source of much of the humor. The sports rivalry between houses also adds a bit of excitement and entertainment value. All of this plays counterpoint to the underlying struggle of good vs. evil, which is well-executed in this story.

I won't go into any more details, because I don't want to spoil the story. One of the things I like most about book three is the surprise factor. Everything is new. The mystery is revealed gradually with very subtle hints, not predictable ones. I was able to put a few things together as the plot progressed, but I was still shocked by the outcome (though everything fits in hindsight).

Overall, this one is definitely worth reading, but the story is starting to become more Lippert's than Rowlings'. Is that a good thing? Maybe. I can say that I liked it, but things got dark really fast. As I said up front, this one turns the world of Harry Potter on its head.

This book is available for free on Goodreads.com.


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Harry Potter Fan Fic: James Potter and the Curse of the Gate Keeper by G. Norman Lippert

James Potter and the Curse of the Gate Keeper by G. Norman Lippert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Does not disappoint.

Like the first book in the James Potter series by Lippert, this one feels like being back in Rowling's world. He's done a great job keeping the story alive. This one links back heavily to the happenings in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, but it isn't the same story.

It's James Potter's second year at Hogwarts, and this year his brother Albus joins him, but they're both in for a surprise that highlights just how different the brothers are from each other. I enjoyed how the two are compared to each other and how they are compared to Harry Potter, their dad. The sibling rivalry keeps things interesting even as the overall plot deapens.

I also liked how the year is sort of taken over by a non-magical production of a play. Try outs, rehearsals, the kids trying to figure out how things are done in normal plays (and cheating when they can get away with it). Add to that a crush, continuing hints at Voldemort's heir, and a truly fantastic climax, and you have the makings of a great adventure.

This one's definitely worth a read. The humor, the mystery and the adventure are all right on the mark. One word of caution, however, is that Lippert is not afraid of killing off main characters, not even ones we've come to love from the original Harry Potter series. But, then again, neither was Rowling. She got quite good at taking out her own characters, so I don't think the same in fan fic should come as much of a surprise. I can say that it does tie in with the plot.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. I had trouble putting it down, but it still took me a few days to get through. These stories are easy to read, but lengthy, just like the Harry Potter books. As I mentioned in my review of James Potter #1, I would definitely read a similar series by Rowling if she decides to write one, but I'm glad we have this one as an option.

This book is available for free on Goodreads.com.

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Harry Potter Fanfic Review: James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing by G. Norman Lippert

James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing by G. Norman Lippert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lippert channels Rowling very well.

It's so good being back in the world of Harry Potter. I'm impressed with how well this story fits into the world Rowling created. This is excellent fan fic.

The story pics up exactly where Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows leaves off, with the adult heros of the Harry Potter series seeing their kids off for Hogwarts. It's James Potter's first year, but he's not his dad. He's heard about Hogwarts his entire life and has lived in the shadow of his father's exploits. Everything he does is colored by his need to live up to the legend that is his father. I enjoyed how the differences between him and his dad are highlighted throughout the story, simply woven into the plot without being overbearing.

As for the plot, it seems to very closely follow the formula and feel of Rowlings' books. Three friends, ancient evil, and kids of mixed talents stuck trying to prevent a catastrophe, but, unlike the early Harry Potter stories, failure is an option. Things go wrong, successes turn out to be failures, and the hero doesn't always win in the expected way. It made it hard to put this story down.

The familiar characters are there, now all grown up, and even some surprise cameos add flavor to the story. The younger cast, barely mentioned at the end of the Harry Potter series are fully fleshed out in this continuation. Personalities, strengths and weaknesses are revealed in an organic and satisfying way. It just feels right.

Let's just say I really liked this story. It's something I would recommend to any Harry Potter fan, even the younger readers, who want a peek into what happens next. Would reading the James Potter books discourage me from reading a similar series if Rowling decides to write one? No, but since she doesn't seem inclined to do so, I'm glad we have this option.

This book is available for free on Goodreads.com as an ebook download.

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