Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One

The Deathly Hallows continues on from where book 6 left off - the death of Albus Dumbledore. Harry has decided not to return to Hogwarts this year and his friends Hermione and Ron are going to join him on his mission to find the remaining Horcruxes and defeat the evil Vold - you know who :) - played by the incredibly menacing Ralph Fiennes. 

Having been a massive fan of the books for years, I was relieved when they announced they'd be making the last book into two films because it's simply impossible to cram it all into one film and do it justice! Unlike the other books, The Deathly Hallows rarely lets up. The book starts with a fight and ends with one and there are only brief moments of calm throughout where our three young heroes are stuck together in a tent for days on end as they plan their next move.

Firstly, the film does an incredible job of sticking to the actual plot. Though a few parts are left out and a couple added in (I actually really liked the cute dance scene between Harry and Hermione), overall the plot is still there which is such a relief! One tiny section really angered me (passion fuelled nakedness is just not necessary in a film watched by children in my humble opinion) but overall it really is darker and more sinister than it's predecessors and compelling viewing.

A stellar cast will leave you wanting more - just a shame we have to wait till July to see the second part!

The effects are amazing so go and see it on the big screen if you can! :) LE x

4/5

Sister by Rosamund Lupton

Do you need to have a sister to enjoy this book? No.  Does it help?  Yes.  

Twenty-something career woman Bea has just been told that her younger sister Tess has been missing for a few days, so she flies back from her house in New York to help with the search.  But when everyone around her - family, friends and police - are convinced that there is nothing suspicious in her sister's disappearance, Bea is convinced otherwise and begins to question everyone she can to find out what really happened to her little sister, not knowing where her investigations will eventually lead...

Lupton's style of writing in this book is incredibly compelling as it starts immediately as a letter from Bea to Tess and continues in this vein throughout.  It has been a long time since I have read a book this gripping, where each twist and turn is surprising. The characters are so brilliantly detailed that each one is relatable. As the plot begins to unravel, the complex but tightly wound relationship between Bea and Tess is put under close scrutiny - as she explains early on to the investigating policeman - "You asked me if we were close, not if I understood her." 

Secrets are revealed, including the surfacing of some very dark characters who appear to be likely candidates for harming Tess.. if only Bea can prove it. The ending is pure class and does not disappoint.
You will not be able to put it down!

Expect great things from Lupton in the future. She is one to watch!


*WARNING: I do advise caution if you have recently lost a loved one. It's heart-wrenching stuff.*


Rating: 5 out of 5 FOBLEs :) Perfect book! 


LE xx

How to Train your Dragon

This film is the tale of a young Viking boy, Hiccup (genius name!), who is struggling to be accepted by his tribe and the tribe leader, his father (voiced by the delectable Gerard Butler).  While the rest of the tribe battle the pesky dragons, he hides away as an apprentice.  After accidentally knocking the most feared dragon out of the sky, he manages to befriend it.  But Hiccup must keep his new friendship a secret because vikings are not known for their compassion and understanding... or are they?

For those with kids or those simply young at heart, this film is as fun and light-hearted as its many other Dreamworks relatives.  The animation is stellar, especially each of the cleverly thought up dragons.  The sheer size of the Viking elders is daunting and watching them battle the pesky dragons is both worrying and comical.  And for those ladies among you that love a sexy Scottish accent, just enjoy the husky sexy tones of Gerard *swoon*.

3/5 FOBLES