Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Ratings364
Average rating3.7
Precise rating: 3.5 ⭐
It was fun, but this works best as an illustrated book, not as an audio book, so maybe I'll adjust that rating should I ever get a physical edition. :)
This was really fun to read, especially with my younger cousin. The creatures in here were vast, and fascinating, so it was pretty fun to dive into it more. Also, the notes that Harry Potter and his friends apparently taken in the book is HILARIOUS.
First time reading
I can't believe I waited this long to finally read this books. It was a interesting expansion on the wizarding world. I hope the next Fantastic Beasts movie actually shows more of the beasts that were in this book. (I know Rowling is super problematic, but I have chosen to separate the art from the artist)
The audiobook is 100% the best way to read this book. Narrated by Newt himself, Eddie Redmayne, it gave a bit of whimsy to this “textbook” and connected it to the movie in my mind. It's a super quick listen, only 2 hours (1 hr 35 min if you listen at 1.2x speed like me). Overall quite enjoyable, although I do miss being able to see if there were illustrations in the actual book.
Such a fun book to delve into. I enjoyed reading more about the magical creatures of Harry Potter's world. Harry's hand-written notes added a touch of fun and nostalgia while reading.
Four stars down to three because this book could have been so much more than it is. Only 95 pages. Only a paragraph or two for each creature. Rowling has so much more creativity to give and share, and so much more than that in her writing notes alone.
Also, structure like a textbook would have been nice, such as questions for discussion and research. I was also surprised at the lack at interlinking in the Kindle edition–one of the major benefits of an ebook, barely used at all!
It would have been great to have actual pictures of the beasts because how am I supposed to find them? Hopefully the movies translates more of these beasts onto the big screen.
ummm, ok? I mean I'm not the biggest HP fan. I like the books well enough (I think a couple of them needed a good editor. Just because you can use 7 words when you only really need 2, doesn't mean you should). But this was honestly kind of boring. And that's with me choosing to listen to the audio version - the one with spiffy sound effects and read by Eddie Redmayne. I'd be half listening and then suddenly there'd be a squawk or screech that made me jump. So I guess that was exciting. But without all that, had I been turning the pages of an actual book, I'm pretty sure I would have been bored.
once again, as an Australian, we miss out on representation and recognition. Our ministry of magic really needs to pull its finger out and get some of our more spectacular magical creatures the recognition they deserve.
The rainbow serpent was not mentioned at all among the large serpents and they carve out rivers.
The Bunyip who are known to protect the local wildlife from outside forces.
Not to mention the world famous drop bear and hoop snake.
such a shame
Not like the movie but it's a bestiary of creatures from the Harry Potter series.
This was just a list of weird animals. Some things were slightly interesting but as an audiobook it was not very enjoyable. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm not sure how you can take a list of creatures and turn it into an actual story.
This was the Kindle in Motion version which had animated pictures, making the book seem magical. I spent a lot of time gazing at my favorite creature, the Niffler. A must have for Potterheads.
After seeing the fabulous movie, I just had to have more!! This was great! I love all things related to Harry Potter (except The Cursed Child) and this was a fun read.
Great info, love learning more about the universe and read it in preparation for the film.
Lost a star as I felt it would have been so much better with proper illustrations of all the creatures.
A little bit too much like school text-book or encyclopedia for my taste, although that's the point of this book. Even if my usual rating for this kind of book (when I don't know what to think of it) is 3 stars, I think that translation of 2 stars (it was ok) is appropriate.
Overall it was nice to find out a little bit more about magical creatures. Also that some creatures, which are still mystery for Muggles, actually are common knowledge to wizards.
A quick and cute read! Really enjoyed all the descriptions - though actual drawings or pictures of the beasts would definitely give a +1* otherwise. The notes written by the characters were a nice touch and I wanted more of them. Wouldn't re-read but a nice addition to the bookshelf.
Reread for me but I absolutely adore this book even more so with Eddie Redmayne reading it. I've always loved the creatures within the series but this book feels like a lesson personalized for you. I wish there was a book on the potions and other studies.