Publish Date: June 26, 2011
ISBN: 978-1461046387
Pages: 362
Illustrations: Alex Corrales
I was excited to receive this book from the author for review. It sounded great and was compared to Harry Potter in the only review I could find. Being a big fan of the Potter series, I was understandably excited. It IS similar to HP (Harry Potter) - in fact, to me, it seemed to be HP rewritten. I found so many major similarities that I actually stopped reading and just skimmed for the ones that jumped out at me.
The only other review I found was done by a friend of the author. I would love to read what other reviewers have to say.
Here's a quick list of the similarities of the two books:
1 - both boys orphaned and live with mean families
2 - both boys are famous in 'their' worlds
3 - one has super powers, one has magic
4 - both have an authority figure who seems to hate them and gives out horrid detentions
5 - both have a physical notifier - Parker has a streak of white hair like his mother and HP has a lightening bolt scar and green eyes like his mother
6 - both had mothers that loved them more than anything and that gives power
7 - Lost Forest near school, Forbidden Forest near school
8 - 5 houses named after scientists for Parker, 4 houses named after founders for HP
9 - got a micrograph Level 1 (communication device, unheard of for newbie) Parker, wand special one of only two made for HP
10 - neither are supposed to use their powers as newbies
11 - tabloid names: The Smoking Quill for Parker, The Quibbler for HP
12 - weird candy descriptions sound a lot like Weasley Wizard Wheezes
13 - Human Studies for Parker, Muggle Studies for HP
14 - Cosmic Ball for Parker, Quidditch for HP - neither ever played yet made team as a newbie
15 - neither knew anything of their powers or their world before
16 - Parker's bffs:
Norah Legrande - girl, smart, brown frizzy hair and Lucas Sherwood - boy, always lived there, eats a lot
HP's bffs:
Hermione Granger - girl, smart, brown frizzy hair and Ron Weasley - boy, always lived there, eats a lot
17 - both books the boys are late for their first class on the first day
I don't think that I need to go on or even say anything more. The differences are so slight that it just doesn't matter. Even the author story is similar: single mom, out of work. Even the names: J.K. Rowling - T.S. Welti.
Whoops! Oh dear...
ReplyDeleteI sent you a free signed copy, the least you could have done was contact me or my publicist before posting your review. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the book. I hope you do realize that I am a human being with feelings and it took me over five years to write The Fifth Specter. It may be a stupid, copycat story to you, but that was not my intention and I actually did work very hard on it. I don't expect you to understand what it's like to be a single mom and lose your job in this economy. I don't expect you to understand what it's like to have your life compared to another author as if you engineered your being out of work.
ReplyDeleteYour review of part of my book is fine. I stop reading when I don't like a book, too. You don't have to like my book. Not everyone will. But your opinion of me is misguided and prejudiced. Please let me know if you'd like to send back the book and I'll send a return address label.
Ms. Welti - you did send me a copy of your book in exchange for an honest review and I did so, I am sorry that you do not like the review. This is nothing personal.
ReplyDeleteI told you the review was fine, it was your judgment of me and my life that I take issue with. If you don't want to apologize for that, that's also fine. I just want to be clear about what I objected to. Take care and I wish you the best of luck, Dawn.
ReplyDelete