Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
There’s a reason as to why the Harry Potter book series turned into a multibillion dollar movie franchise along with having its own large fandom base which has inspired other authors to create pieces of literature similar to this series. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone transports you into a world of magic and mystery in every page. J.K. Rowling’s ability to write such a complex and exciting world within her books will make you feel as if you actually live in Harry Potter’s world and are part of the story yourself. Not only do you feel like a character in the story, but you also get a sense of community and life-long friendship that assures you that you aren’t alone in the world. The plot of the story never gets boring, assuring there’s always excitement waiting to be revealed by the reader. Overall, the Sorcerer’s Stone is a must-read for those who love cliffhangers, story development and those needing a sweet escape from reality.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a masterful gothic tale featuring a town plagued by the age-old myth of The Headless Horseman. The novel is packed with brilliant imagery that illustrates the haunting-yet-beautiful town of Sleepy Hollow. The cold mist creeping in during the witching hour, the plentiful barrels of bright-red apples from the recent harvest and even the subtle clapping of hooves in the background as travelers make their way home create a chilling experience for the reader. The characters, specifically the endearing main character Ichabod Crane, are familiar and detailed, bringing this classic tale to life. The short story moves quickly and will leave you enthralled until the last page. Ending with a cliffhanger that is open to interpretation, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a timeless tale that will continue to enchant readers for many decades to come.
The Only One Left
The Only One Left is a nail-biting novel full of twists and turns that keep the reader engrossed through both present-day action following the main character Kit, and flashbacks detailing the night of the original murder. The pacing is quick and the plot never dulls, making for an absolute thrill-ride of a novel that I read in one day. The gothic atmosphere of the ancient mansion sitting atop a crumbling cliff on the rocky Maine coast was described with haunting imagery that added to the eerie tone of the novel. Although the cast of characters is small- including only the staff at Hope’s End and Lenora herself – they are multifaceted and fleshed out expertly. The ending is full of twists that will completely blindside the reader, and it will have you flipping through the book to find all of the foreshadowing that was secretly clued throughout the novel. Although some of the plot twists were unbelievable and too convenient, the ending was still enjoyable, and it concludes an engrossing thriller novel that will leave the reader thinking for weeks.
