What are the most popular Halloween themed fantasy books?

Halloween-themed fantasy books can provide the perfect blend of spooky atmospheres, magical elements, and captivating storytelling. Here are some of the most popular Halloween-themed fantasy books that capture the essence of the season:

1. "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling: Although not explicitly Halloween-themed, the Harry Potter series often features Halloween celebrations at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The books' enchanting world, magical creatures, and themes of bravery and friendship make them a favorite choice for Halloween reading.

2. "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman: This enchanting tale follows a young boy named Nobody Owens who is raised in a graveyard by ghostly inhabitants. It explores themes of life, death, and the supernatural, making it a perfect read for Halloween.

3. "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman: Gaiman's dark fantasy novella tells the story of a young girl who discovers a secret door in her house that leads to a parallel world where everything seems perfect. However, she soon realizes there is a sinister presence lurking. With its eerie atmosphere and themes of bravery and self-discovery, "Coraline" is an ideal Halloween read.

4. "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving: This classic short story follows the tale of Ichabod Crane and his encounter with the Headless Horseman in the town of Sleepy Hollow. Its spooky setting, supernatural elements, and thrilling climax have made it a Halloween favorite for generations.

5. "Practical Magic" by Alice Hoffman: This novel weaves together themes of magic, love, family, and the supernatural. Set in a small town in New England, it follows the lives of the Owens sisters, who come from a long line of witches. The book captures a sense of enchantment and is perfect for those seeking a magical Halloween read.

6. "Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury: This dark fantasy novel follows two young boys who encounter a mysterious carnival that arrives in their town. With its atmospheric prose, themes of good versus evil, and evocative Halloween imagery, Bradbury's novel has become a Halloween staple.

7. "The Halloween Tree" by Ray Bradbury: In this imaginative tale, a group of children embarks on a journey through time and space on Halloween night to save their friend. Along the way, they learn about the origins of Halloween and encounter various historical figures. Bradbury's poetic writing and celebration of Halloween traditions make this book a beloved Halloween read.

The Harry Potter Series: Symbolism, Morality and Christian Fantasy

 

Disclaimer: We don't usually talk about religion on Nerdovore, but today we're going to make an exception... Because it involves Harry Potter. Also yes, there will be spoilers ahead.

Guest Post by Chaz G. T. Patto - July 2023.

PART ONE - Christian Symbolism in the Harry Potter Series: Debunking Misconceptions and Celebrating Themes of Faith

The Harry Potter series, authored by J.K. Rowling, has captivated readers worldwide with its magical world of wizards, witches, and fantastic adventures. While the books and movies have garnered immense popularity, they have also faced criticism from some Christian communities who consider the series anti-Christian. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that the Harry Potter series is, in fact, rife with Christian symbolism and themes that promote essential Christian values. This essay explores the Christian symbolism embedded in the series and highlights how it fosters, rather than opposes, a pro-Christian perspective.

1. The Triumph of Love Over Evil:

One of the central themes in the Harry Potter series is the triumph of love over evil. This concept aligns directly with Christian teachings, emphasizing the significance of love and compassion as potent weapons against darkness and sin. Throughout the narrative, Harry Potter's unwavering love for his friends, family, and the greater good echoes the Christian virtue of self-sacrifice, mirroring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity.

2. The Power of Sacrifice and Redemption:

The character of Harry Potter himself embodies Christian symbolism through the themes of sacrifice and redemption. His willingness to sacrifice his own life to save others draws parallels to the sacrificial nature of Christ's crucifixion, emphasizing the transformative power of selflessness and redemption in the face of adversity.

3. The Christ-Like Figure of Harry Potter:

Harry Potter can be interpreted as a Christ-like figure in the series. His journey mirrors Jesus Christ's mission, as he embraces the burden of the prophecy to save the wizarding world, just as Christ embraced his divine mission to save humanity. Furthermore, Harry's resurrection after facing death in the Forbidden Forest reflects the Christian belief in the resurrection of Christ, showcasing themes of hope and eternal life.

4. The Concept of Free Will:

Christianity places a significant emphasis on free will and the choices individuals make in their lives. In the Harry Potter series, characters' decisions often shape their destiny, illustrating the importance of free will and personal responsibility, which aligns with Christian teachings about the consequences of one's actions.

5. Themes of Forgiveness and Redemption:

The series is replete with instances of forgiveness and redemption, portraying the Christian values of compassion and the potential for transformation even in the darkest of hearts. Severus Snape's redemption arc, despite his past mistakes, exemplifies the Christian idea of seeking forgiveness and finding redemption through love and atonement.

6. The Power of Faith:

Faith is another central tenet of Christianity, and the Harry Potter series acknowledges the significance of believing in something greater than oneself. Characters like Dumbledore demonstrate unwavering faith in the face of adversity, promoting the idea that trust and belief are essential components of spiritual growth and resilience.

The Harry Potter series is far from being anti-Christian; rather, it is deeply steeped in Christian symbolism and themes that celebrate love, sacrifice, redemption, forgiveness, and faith. By exploring these elements, readers can gain a more profound appreciation for the intricate layers of meaning within the narrative. The series serves as a testament to the universal appeal of timeless Christian values and their ability to resonate with people from all walks of life, irrespective of religious backgrounds. Embracing the rich tapestry of Christian symbolism within the Harry Potter series can foster a more inclusive understanding of the power of literature to convey profound spiritual lessons and moral insights.

PART TWO - The Transformative Influence of Harry Potter: Fostering Morals and Ethical Values in a Generation

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, has undeniably left an indelible mark on an entire generation of readers and moviegoers. Through the combined mediums of books and films, Harry Potter has not only enchanted the world with its magical escapades but has also infused its audience with strong morals and ethical values. This essay explores how the wizarding world of Harry Potter has positively influenced a generation, shaping their perspectives on bravery, friendship, loyalty, empathy, and the fight against injustice.

1. The Power of Bravery:

One of the most prominent moral lessons that resonate throughout the series is the importance of bravery. Harry and his friends consistently face daunting challenges, and their courage in standing up against evil and injustice teaches readers the value of facing one's fears, even in the darkest of times. This emphasis on bravery has inspired a generation to confront adversity head-on and strive to make a positive impact in their own lives and communities.

2. The Strength of Friendship and Loyalty:

Friendship plays a crucial role in the Harry Potter series, exemplified by the unwavering loyalty and support among the central characters. The bond shared between Harry, Ron, and Hermione demonstrates the significance of genuine friendship and loyalty, inspiring readers to cherish and nurture meaningful relationships in their own lives.

3. The Embrace of Diversity and Inclusion:

In the wizarding world, characters of various backgrounds, races, and species coexist, showcasing the beauty of diversity and the importance of acceptance. The series addresses themes of discrimination and prejudice, encouraging readers to challenge societal biases and promote inclusivity and understanding.

4. The Value of Empathy and Compassion:

Throughout the narrative, characters display empathy and compassion, understanding the struggles and emotions of others. Readers learn the importance of empathy in forging meaningful connections and in making a positive impact on the lives of those around them.

5. The Fight Against Injustice:

Harry Potter's quest to defeat Lord Voldemort is essentially a fight against injustice and the abuse of power. The series inspires readers to stand up against injustice and champion what is right, even if the odds seem insurmountable. This theme encourages a generation to be proactive in addressing societal issues and advocating for positive change.

6. Lessons in Perseverance and Resilience:

The challenges Harry and his friends face are numerous and formidable, but they persistently demonstrate perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. This lesson encourages readers to persevere through their own challenges, knowing that determination and resilience can lead to triumph.

The combined mediums of books and films in the Harry Potter series have proven to be a transformative force in shaping the moral compass of an entire generation. From the wizarding world of Hogwarts, readers and viewers have imbibed powerful lessons on bravery, friendship, loyalty, empathy, inclusivity, and the fight against injustice. J.K. Rowling's masterful storytelling has given rise to characters and narratives that resonate with readers on a deeply personal level, fostering a connection that extends beyond the pages or screens.

Harry Potter's influence lies not only in its magical enchantment but also in its ability to instill strong morals and ethical values in its audience. As this generation of Harry Potter fans grows and takes its place in the world, the impact of these moral lessons will continue to shape their actions, decisions, and interactions, ultimately contributing to a more compassionate, empathetic, and just society. The wizarding world of Harry Potter will forever be cherished for its remarkable ability to inspire and empower its readers to be the heroes of their own stories, advocating for the greater good and upholding the principles of love, courage, and resilience.

PART THREE - Embracing Christian Fantasy Amidst Misplaced Concerns

The Harry Potter series, authored by J.K. Rowling, has been the subject of controversy among certain Christian communities due to its portrayal of magic. Some argue that the presence of magic in the books and films is incompatible with Christian beliefs. However, a closer examination of the series reveals that Harry Potter can be seen as a "Christian Fantasy" that incorporates profound Christian themes and values. This essay explores the Christian elements present in the Harry Potter series and argues that Christians' concerns about magic are misplaced, as the story ultimately aligns with Christian principles.

1. Themes of Good vs. Evil:

At the core of the Harry Potter series lies the battle between good and evil. This theme resonates strongly with Christianity, where the struggle against darkness and the pursuit of righteousness are central tenets. The portrayal of Voldemort as the embodiment of evil and Harry's journey to counter him echoes the Christian belief in the battle between God and Satan, emphasizing the importance of choosing goodness over wickedness.

2. Sacrifice and Redemption:

The theme of sacrifice and redemption runs deep in the series. Harry's willingness to lay down his life for others, mirroring Christ's sacrificial act, highlights the Christian value of selflessness. Additionally, characters like Snape and Draco Malfoy demonstrate redemption arcs, underscoring the Christian belief in the potential for redemption and forgiveness, no matter one's past actions.

3. Love as the Ultimate Power:

Love is a prevailing theme in both Christianity and the Harry Potter series. The idea that love is the most potent force is evident throughout the narrative. Harry's mother's sacrificial love protecting him from Voldemort's curse and the importance of friendship and loyalty exemplify Christian values of compassion and connection.

4. Themes of Forgiveness and Mercy:

Forgiveness is a recurring motif in the series. The characters' ability to forgive and seek forgiveness reflects the Christian principles of mercy and grace. The narrative emphasizes the importance of showing compassion to even the most flawed individuals, promoting the Christian idea of treating others with kindness and understanding.

5. Triumph of Hope over Despair:

The series encourages the triumph of hope over despair, which is central to Christianity. Harry's resilience and determination to overcome challenges and protect his loved ones mirror the Christian belief in hope as an anchor during difficult times. This theme underscores the importance of maintaining faith and optimism, even in the face of adversity.

The concerns raised by some Christians about the presence of magic in the Harry Potter series are misplaced, as the narrative inherently aligns with Christian principles, making it a "Christian Fantasy" rather than an anti-Christian work. The themes of good vs. evil, sacrifice and redemption, love as the ultimate power, forgiveness and mercy, and the triumph of hope over despair are woven throughout the books and films, reflecting the core values of Christianity.

J.K. Rowling's wizarding world not only captures the imagination but also imparts essential moral and ethical lessons that resonate with Christian teachings. By celebrating the triumph of good over evil, promoting love, compassion, and forgiveness, and reinforcing the importance of hope and resilience, the Harry Potter series showcases the universal values shared by various belief systems, including Christianity.

In this light, the Harry Potter series serves as a testament to the power of storytelling to transcend perceived barriers and unite readers under a common appreciation for fundamental human values. Rather than dismissing the series based on its magical elements, Christians can find inspiration and enrichment in the Christian themes that permeate the narrative, making the Harry Potter series a remarkable and meaningful contribution to the world of literature and Christian Fantasy.

The Banned Books Boost

When schools or organizations ban or burn the books of a fantasy writer, it can actually have a paradoxical effect by boosting the sales and popularity of those books. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "forbidden fruit" or the "Streisand effect" and it is frequently the result of people trying to ban fantasy books. Here's how it works:

1. Publicity and Controversy: When news spreads about a book being banned or burned, it generates significant publicity and media attention. People are naturally curious about what is deemed so controversial or dangerous in the book that it warrants such extreme actions. This controversy creates a buzz around the book and piques the curiosity of potential readers.

2. Increased Awareness: The act of banning or burning a book brings attention to the author and their work. People who might not have been aware of the author or their books before now become curious and interested in exploring what they have written. It sparks conversations and discussions about freedom of speech, censorship, and the power of literature, drawing more attention to the books and their themes.

3. Counter-cultural Appeal: Banning or burning a book often leads to a perception of rebellion against authority or an attempt to suppress free expression. This can attract individuals who are naturally inclined to resist or challenge censorship. The banned books gain a counter-cultural appeal, with people wanting to read them as a form of protest or to assert their intellectual freedom.

4. Symbolic Value: Banned or burned books can acquire a symbolic value that transcends their literary content. They represent a struggle between creative expression and control, and reading them becomes an act of defiance or support for intellectual freedom. This symbolism can resonate with a broader audience, drawing more attention to the books and encouraging sales.

5. Strengthening Fan Base: Existing fans of the author or series may rally together when they perceive that their favorite books are under attack. They might actively support the author by buying more copies of the books, sharing the news of the ban, or organizing events to discuss the importance of intellectual freedom. This collective effort can significantly boost sales and increase the visibility of the books.

Overall, the act of banning or burning books by schools or organizations often backfires and leads to increased sales and popularity. The controversy and publicity surrounding the ban attract new readers, and the symbolism of rebellion and intellectual freedom associated with the books can generate a passionate response from both existing fans and new supporters.

Here are a few examples:

1. "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling: The immensely popular "Harry Potter" series has faced challenges and bans in some schools and religious organizations. The books were criticized for promoting witchcraft and wizardry, leading to attempts to ban them. However, these controversies only served to increase the books' popularity, making them even more widely read and cherished by fans worldwide.

2. "The Golden Compass" (Northern Lights) by Philip Pullman: This fantasy novel, part of the "His Dark Materials" trilogy, has faced bans and challenges due to its critical examination of organized religion. Some religious organizations have objected to its themes and questioned its appropriateness for young readers. The controversy surrounding the book contributed to increased sales and a higher level of public awareness.

3. "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger: While not strictly a fantasy book, this classic novel has faced bans and challenges for its explicit language and its themes of teenage rebellion and sexuality. The attempts to ban the book only fueled its popularity, making it a celebrated and widely read work of literature.

It's important to note that while these examples primarily involve book challenges or attempts at banning, actual book burnings are rare occurrences in modern times. However, the principle remains the same: when a book is targeted for censorship or restriction, it often gains more attention and becomes more popular as a result.

The Pros and Cons of Morally Ambiguous Characters

By Charles Moffat

One of my favourite characters I wrote about from the time when I was a teenager was a cutthroat named Pothax (pronounced "Poe-thaks", not to be confused with Pot-hacks or Poth-ax).

Ignoring the fan confusion about how to pronounce his name, Pothax is interesting because at the beginning he starts off as a Morally Ambiguous Character.


Moral Ambiguity is when a character or situation lacks clarity regarding whether the character(s) or the situation they are in is morally good or evil, often the result of the author being deliberately unclear about whether a character is good or evil.

SPOILER ALERT, IGNORE THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH IF YOU HAVEN'T ACTUALLY READ THE LAST HARRY POTTER BOOK.

So for example Severus Snape from the Harry Potter franchise is a Morally Ambiguous Character because for the longest time he appears to evil or selfish, and yet he has sided with Dumbledore and Harry Potter against the main villain Voldemort and acted as a spy for the goodies vs the baddies. It isn't until close to the end of the final book that it is revealed what Snape's true feelings and intentions were, so for 6.9 books he stays Morally Ambiguous and then upon his death we the readers finally learn why he was a spy and where his loyalties lay.

Spies in books often fall into morally ambiguous roles.

As do Assassins.

James Bond is a highly celebrated spy and assassin, and he is frequently morally ambiguous - largely due to a lack of back story until recent decades when new writers have started giving him more back story about his parents, his dead wife, etc.

And in Pothax's case, a cutthroat who becomes an assassin (sorry, no spoiler alert here) and later switches sides (again, sorry), his morals are questionable at best.

But that is just in the Paladin Assassin book. A book which is really about morality in many ways, as the name suggests.

By the second book Ice War and later the third book King Culprit the morals of this cutthroat character change over time. His goals become much more about friends and family. He goes from killing people for money to caring about other people over his own life.

It is a long transformation of his character from moral ambiguity to family man, and it takes three books to do it. (If it happened in just one book it would be rather unbelievable in my opinion.)

I should note that Pothax is just a supporting character in The Crimson Companions Trilogy. He isn't even a main character. He is an interesting supporting character, but he is not a main character. There are many other characters within the trilogy with varying degrees of moral ambiguity. Assassins, members of organized crime, corrupt leaders, leaders who have allied themselves with criminals because they are desperate.

Pros of Morally Ambiguous Characters

• You can focus more on the action, less on character development. This makes the character(s) more exciting.
• When you later focus on character development, the character benefits from having undergone a transformation.

Cons of of Morally Ambiguous Characters

• Criticism from people who dislike Morally Ambiguous Characters, because they don't understand the point of characters who have little or no morals, or they are easily confused by characters whose morals are unclear or confusing. In other words, they are missing the point about morality. That is the point. The author is telling a story about morality using characters who either lack morals or have unclear morals.
• It is also possible the author isn't actually telling a morality story. They might simply be telling a story about an action character, possibly one motivated by vengeance. The vengeance fueled action hero is a staple of Hollywood and pulp fiction, so this is normal.

In other news I recently changed the pricing of the Crimson Companions Trilogy of books. I wrote the books back in 1995-1996 and at some point I want to go back and update them to make a Second Edition version. (The links here are all for the First Edition / Classic Edition version.)

1. Paladin Assassin is now $2.99.
2. Ice War is now $5.99.
3. King Culprit is now $5.99.

Or you can buy all 3 in The Crimson Companions Trilogy for $9.99.

Exact price may vary by country or region. So for example if you are in Canada you may get a better deal by purchasing via Amazon.ca as opposed to Amazon.com.

If you shop on Kobo you may also find a better or worse price there. I may at some point eventually remove the books from Kobo so if you are a fan of Kobo it is recommended you buy now before I make the books Amazon Exclusive.

The Silly Tropes of Bad Fantasy Writing

The Too Convenient Special Ability Trope

I blame the writers who write this nonsense. How can they sleep at night repeating the same tired tropes?

Giving a character special abilities right at the beginning, without having earned them, is far too convenient.

To me a hero's journey should be hard. It should be filled with challenges, some of which they fail at. If they are getting better at something it is because of months or years of practice/failure, and they should never be the equal or greater to any powerful villain(s) who has spent years or decades honing their skills.

It should never be the hero wakes up one day, discovers they have magical powers s/he never knew they had, and then masters their abilities in a few days/weeks/months. I have seen this trope in so many books, usually books aimed at young women, and it is utterly too convenient.

That doesn't mean it is just female lead characters either. Harry Potter also goes through this trope. He suddenly discovers he is a wizard, enters a secret alleyway, a secret train station, and goes to a secret school for wizards. Convenient? I haven't got to the part where he gains an extra powerful wand, is gifted an invisibility cloak, and is just conveniently really good on a broom. See? All too convenient. He even defeats the baddie at the end of Book 1 by simply touching him. Didn't even know he had that power. He just touches the baddie and the baddie ends up doing his impression of the Wicked Witch of the West melting.

Often the convenient hero also operates on a fate based plot... boring. So boring. Again, Harry Potter is guilty of this too, because of the whole prophecy thing. So basically he is fated to defeat Voldemort.

 

So why is this trope boring? Because you already know the ending. Once you learn that the hero is fated / prophesized to beat the villain, then it is now a foregone conclusion. You already know the ending. There wasn't really any surprise when Harry Potter finally defeats Voldemort in Book 7. That was the only possible ending.

 

At least Harry Potter had to go through 6 years of school before he was ready to face Voldemort, so at least his hero's journey was measured in years.

Instead in this trope what you often see is the following:

 

1. Hero discovers they are special.
2. Hero meets villain, magically survives the encounter.
3. Hero masters their special ability in a very short period of time.
4. Hero defeats villain in the 3rd act.
5. The end.

So the hero somehow masters their special abilities in a short period of time and then defeats the main villain in Act 3, a person who has spent years or decades mastering their own abilities. Boring and unrealistic.

So how do you change this?

For starters, stop giving the hero special abilities.

Also don't give them a magical sword/etc when they first start out. (See the next trope further below.)

Example...

Years ago I wrote a book wherein the lead character is a half-demon. Guess what powers she got? None. She had absolutely no magical powers. She didn't even know she had half-demon blood. Her blood plays a role in the plot, but it has zero effect on her abilities. She is otherwise a normal human.

Now she does start with a sword that is reasonably well made, but it isn't magical. It is just a sword.

A plain hero with a plain sword. No powers. No magic.

That means she has to survive based on her skills and wits. Problem solving her way through dangers and challenges, not just blasting her way through problems with newfound magical abilities.

 

She also befriends some allies along the way, which also helps.

That makes a much more interesting story, in my opinion.

 

And because I follow the "Die Hard" approach to heroism, I believe my heroes should bleed. A lot. They should get injured and bleed. All sorts of things happen to them. I don't have them crawling through broken glass or air ducts, but the principle is there. If they are going to survive then they need to earn it.

 

And that to me is heroic. The hero who has no special abilities but is determined to survive and save the day. That is why John McClane is such a classic hero, precisely because he is an average joe type character who refuses to give up. (Now you might think, wait, if he is a classic, doesn't that make him a trope? No. A trope is overused and unremarkable because it has been done before, often poorly. A classic is memorable because it is done well and the storyteller knew what they were doing.)

 

The Too Convenient Magical Item Trope

 

Ever read a book where the hero finds a super powerful magical weapon in the first three chapters? Like Arthur pulling the sword out of the stone? Or Harry Potter gaining his extra powerful wand and later his invisibility cloak? Or Bilbo Baggins (or Frodo Baggins) gaining a magical sword and an invisibility ring?

This is another trope that bothers me.

Bilbo at least had to wait longer before he gained a magical sword and ring, Frodo didn't have to wait at all. He inherited both of them from Bilbo close to the beginning of LOTR.

I don't have a problem with characters gaining magical items later in the story, like halfway through the book or near the end, but right at the beginning is awfully convenient.

 

To me the trope of gaining a magical item at the beginning of the book is almost as bad as the hero discovering they have a special ability. Both are far too convenient.

If a hero gains objects or items along the way, they should be more mundane until at least halfway through the book.

 

Sometimes the item might not even usable by the hero, but perhaps goes to a lesser character, or worse, a villain gains possession of the item.

 

I did this several months ago when I was re-writing an upcoming novel. One of the lesser characters gained a magical item close to the halfway point in the book. It was a weapon the main character wasn't particularly skilled with, so it made sense the person who knew how to use it properly should get it.

 

And see? Isn't that more realistic?

 

The characters have skills, and often also lack certain skills. My main character didn't know how to use the weapon in question, but one of his companions not only knew how to use it, but was able to use it well.

 

That makes good logical sense after all. Not every magical item our hero finds he should automatically be able to use properly. Indeed, most weapons he finds should be alien to him. Does he know how to use a horseman's flail? Nope. Not a clue. A glaive? Nope, never even seen one.

 

It is one thing for a hero to pick up a sword and use it, a sword is still a sword after all. But that doesn't mean he is skilled with it. A fencer trained with epees should not be able to use a katana with the same measure of skill. They are two very different swords.

If the hero was skilled in a specific weapon, like harpoons, wouldn't it be awfully convenient if they just found a magical harpoon when they were not expecting to? It makes no sense.

And if you're like "But he was destined to find it!" then you are missing the whole point. Destiny and fate are also too convenient.

Conclusions and Exceptions

Fables and fairy tales. That is where these tropes belong.

If a writer wants to write using these tropes, they can still do so, but they should focus more specifically on writing fables, fairy tales and similar storytelling methods. Something similar to the Princess Bride would be okay too, as that is a swashbuckling fantasy/romance/comedy and comedies can certainly take advantage of silly tropes.

Because that is what they are. Silly.

So lets amend that list: Fables, fairy tales and comedies. That is where silly tropes belong.

And any writer who is writing a "fantasy romance" using the above tropes should be reminded that their book is a dime a dozen on Amazon, which has been flooded with fantasy romances so that their book does not stand out in the thousands of books with the same basic plot I mentioned further above with the following changes.

1. Heroine discovers they are special.
2. Heroine meets Boy #1.
3. Heroine meets villain, magically survives the encounter.
4. Heroine meets Boy #2. Love triangle ensues.
5. Heroine masters their special ability in a very short period of time.
6. Heroine defeats villain in the 3rd act.
7. Love triangle ends somehow. One of the boys becomes a villain or dies. The other one later marries the heroine.
8. The end.

There are literally thousands or tens of thousands of self-published books on Amazon with that same basic plot, all aimed at young women. (And you can often buy them for free due to promo deals. I know, I have gained quite a few for free and then discovered it was another poorly written love triangle disguised as a fantasy.)

Seriously, someone could use this plot, but make it a comedy and it would be so much better.

They could call it "Revenge of the Glitter Vampires" or something similar. Make it clear from the very beginning that it is a comedy. They could give ALL the vampires their own magical swords, so that they are all special in their own special way.

You know how in school these days kids are told that they are all special? All of them are special. Every one. I wonder if that social conditioning played a role in the desire for these young writers to want their main character to be "special" too? So is it millennials and centennials who are to blame for this trope? Quite possibly.

In contrast I was born in the 70s and went through the 80s and 90s. We learned the hard way that if you wanted to be special, you had to earn it. You have to strive for it. Nobody is going to hand you special abilities on a golden platter. You need to have a work ethic and a willingness to hone your craft.

Good night!

Harry Potter vs Game of Thrones

I think George R. R. Martin was sitting in a movie theatre years ago, watching a Harry Potter film and thinking... "Heck, I could do better than this. Heck, it could even be R rated, and people would gobble it up."

And he was partially right.

Except he miscalculated something.

You see J. K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, had known for quite some time she was going to write 7 Harry Potter books in order to complete the storyline. Some, not all, of the books got progressively bigger. But the length of the books were reasonable and everything was plotted out ahead of time, and thus she was able to release books on a schedule that matched and suited the film schedule.

George R. R. Martin however, who is very long winded and has difficulty sticking to any kind of publishing schedule, probably will not publish the 6th and 7th books until 2018 and 2024 respectively. It is currently taking him about 5-6 years to publish 1 book.

Is he a chronic procrastinator? Maybe.

Maybe his ego is the problem. As a white male American, ego can be a huge problem. (It certainly is a problem for Donald Trump. Totally off topic.)

Perhaps he was looking at J. K. Rowling, a white female British author, and thought "If she can do it, I can do better." And he didn't have a clue how long it would take him to write books.

And it is true that Game of Thrones is stylistically and plot-wise better. Harry Potter has the more likeable characters, but suffers from a repetitive good wizards vs dark wizards trope.

As a financial success it is questionable which series has made more money... Harry Potter has toy sales... a huge abundance of toy sales and paraphernalia. Lets just check which series has made more so far.

...

"All told, Rowling created a $15 billion brand. While her net worth is a fraction of that, as it is estimated to be just less than $1 billion, that's still enough to make her the world's richest author. While Rowling's last Harry Potter book was released in 2007, she continues to earn royalties from book sales."

In contrast Game of Thrones popularity earns about $1.1+ billion per year. So when it is done it will have earned approx. $8.8+ billion in revenue. So that much money is certainly a lot, but it is nowhere near what the Harry Potter franchise has made.

And with more films coming out, the new Magical Creatures series, the Harry Potter franchise will continue to make money. The newest film made $812 million at the box office alone.

Game of Thrones meanwhile is working on five possible spinoff series. Which, if successful, could make HBO another $5.5 billion. Maybe. Hard to predict success rates and profits.

So HBO might eventually make $14.3 billion. Maybe. If. No guarantees.

By the time it does Harry Potter/Magical Creatures might be in the $16 to $20+ billion range.

So it is not a contest, but if it was then J. K. Rowling is definitely winning.

Notes

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2 is currently filming and is expected to be released in 2018.

The 8th and final season of Game of Thrones is expected to be released in Summer 2018, after which fans will have to wait for the prequel spinoffs.

Can you name all of Voldemort's Horcruxes?

Honestly - many Harry Potter fans cannot name them all - and it is in large part due to some confusion on the part of fans as to which things are horcruxes and what the total number of horcruxes are.

If you were a fan however who was paying attention you would have realized that Voldemort made too many Horcruxes. As Dumbledore says, Harry was the horcrux that Voldemort never intended to make. That means that he made 7 horcruxes on purpose and then the 8th one, Harry, was by accident.

So lets go through them in Alphabetical Order.

Harry Potter's Scar

Harry became a horcrux at a young age by accident when Voldemort's spell rebounded and killed himself. His soul then latched on to the only thing remaining in the room, which was Harry. Now whether Harry is the Horcrux or whether the scar is the Horcrux is open to debate, but the issue really is moot as Voldemort later destroys that Horcrux when he kills Harry in the final book - but Harry doesn't stay dead thanks to the power of the three Deathly Hallows he now possesses - furthermore only Voldemort could kill Harry thanks to the blood magic he used in the 4th book to bind himself to Harry and bypass Lily Potter's protection.

The problem however is that Harry was the accidental horcrux, which spoiled Voldemort's plan to only make 7 - because 7 was a more magically significant number. He would later make other horcruxes without knowing that Harry was also a horcrux. By making 8 Voldemort made himself vulnerable.

Helga Hufflepuff’s Cup

We see the cup in the final book, where it is stored in the bank Gringotts. Ron and Hermione later destroy it with a basilisk fang's venom.

Marvolo Gaunt's Ring

Professor Dumbledore destroys the ring in the 6th book, but not without injuring his hand - and injury which would have eventually killed him.

Professor Quirinus Quirrell

This is one of the horcruxes that people tend to forget about. Quirrell was an unwilling host to Voldemort and although unwilling, he was still technically a living horcrux just like Harry and Nagini. As such normal magic would simply bounce off of him, but he was vulnerable to Lily Potter's protective magic.

Nagini the Snake

It is unknown why Voldemort chose to make Nagini into a horcrux. Living horcruxes seem to have a bad habit of dying. It is eventually killed by Neville using Gryffindor's Sword in the Battle of Hogwarts.

Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem

Eventually found in the final book, the diadem is hidden in the Room of Requirement. In the book the diadem is destroyed by magical Fiendfyre, but in the film it is destroyed with a basilisk fang's venom, and then thrown into the Fiendfyre.

Salazar Slytherin's Locket

Voldemort takes extra steps to hide and protect this particular locket, and it is only through sheer luck that Dumbledore manages to locate it - or what he thinks is it. With Harry's help they manage to secure to find the original location of the locket during book 6, but it turns out it wasn't there any more. Instead the locket is later revealed to be around the neck of Dolores Umbridge, and it takes a caper just to steal it from her during book 7. Ron manages to destroy the locket using Gryffindor's Sword.

Tom Riddle's Diary

Found during the events of the second book, this book and the Voldemort trapped inside tries to return by sucking out the life of Ginny Weasley - but Harry stops the process by stabbing the book with a basilisk's fang, which conveniently is one of the few things that can destroy a Horcrux.



So there you go. That is the complete list of all eight horcruxes.

Many lists you find online might not even list all 8, because many lists fail to remember that there are actually 8, not 7.



The Horcruxes in Order of when they were Found and later Destroyed

Book 1 - Professor Quirinus Quirrell
Book 2 - Tom Riddle's Diary
Book 6 - Marvolo Gaunt's Ring
Book 7 Salazar Slytherin's Locket, Helga Hufflepuff’s Cup, Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem, Harry Potter's Scar, Nagini the Snake.

Wonder Woman schools a Dictator...

The above image of a dictator getting schooled by Wonder Woman reminds me of Donald Trump.

Trump, aka He Who Must Not Be Named, is basically a James Bond villain.

With nuclear weapons.

And brags about how super rich he is. Like Goldfinger and a host of other Bond villains. Only problem is Trump is real, and James Bond is fictional.

Trump also bears similarities to Voldermort (the villain from Harry Potter) with his obsession against Muslims and Mexicans - whereas in the Harry Potter franchise, Voldermort hates "mudbloods" and "muggles", but the comparison is apt.

Clearly Darth Trump is strong with the power of the Dark Side.

In Star Trek terms Trump is basically a Ferengi. And the USA just elected him Grand Nagus, with the power to commit genocide and nuclear war.

And last but not least...

Game of Thrones. In which Trump is basically like almost every villain you can think of.


Sadly Wonder Woman isn't around to school Donald Trump on why he is an horrible person and how we probably destroy the USA and the word "Trump" in the future will have a very different meaning.

Fool. Stupid. Racist. Worse than Hitler. That kind of thing. Trump will make Hitler look like an amateur.

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IMDB user thinks Lord of the Rings is ripped off from Harry Potter...

"Overall, I like Lord of the Rings. However, I do feel that Tolkien kind of rips off Harry Potter in many ways. There are several parallels, such as elves, dwarfs, wizards, goblins, trolls, magic (especially invisibility), etc. Sauron is referred to as “Dark Lord” just like Voldemort is. There is also the elder white-haired bearded wizard who serves as a mentor, Gandalf, who is reminiscent of Dumbledore. Some of the character names are similar, such as Wormtongue as opposed to Wormtail, too. There is even a gigantic spider (Shelob) at the end of “The Two Towers” that reminds one of Aragog from Chamber of Secrets. I even noticed that the plots of both series begin with the protagonists’ birthday. Now I see that Tolkien, this unoriginal bastard, is coming out with The Hobbit in December. This would be fine, but why didn’t he just write this book first to begin with? I still like Lord of the Rings, though–don’t get me wrong–but I wonder if Tolkien has ever said in interviews whether he borrowed elements from Harry Potter. I’ll be watching the extended DVDs later this week and I think he’s featured on the commentary track, so I look forward to that."

- IMDB user.

Response. Wow. Almost as dumb as the Deer Lady on the radio.

Fantasy World Maps: Harry Potter

Map of Hogwarts, from the fictional world of Harry Potter

Another version of Hogwarts, from the fictional world of Harry Potter

The Marauders Map, the Interior of Hogwarts Castle

A Map from a Harry Potter Computer Game, the Interior of Hogwarts Castle

The Exterior of Hogwarts Grounds, with Sites of Interest