Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald ― The Original Screenplay (Harry Potter) Hardcover – Illustrated, November 16, 2018

Such a great book, I love reading screenplays as opposed to watching a movie

“Fantastic Beasts - The Crimes of Grindelwald” is the second entry in J.K. Rowling’s ‘prequel’ to the Harry Potter Series. {Note: this is a screenplay and not a novel. You are reading the script for the movie; enjoy it for what it is.} Rowling is giving the Potter fans background information on many of the characters ~ most notably Dumbledor who has always been a bit of an enigma. Certainly, he possesses great knowledge and history about which we know nothing, so I find it interesting to discover some of his backstory.As a brief reminder, at the end of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald was captured in New York with the help of our antihero Newt Scamander. But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escapes and the real mayhem begins. Now, Grindelwald escapes custody and sets about gathering followers to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings. In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt, his former Hogwarts student, who agrees to help once again, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.I was surprised at many reviews that complained that this was not a novel and so on. Note the work’s formal title ~ it says that it is “The Original Screenplay.” Like a play, a movie comes from a script or screenplay. This work is the script for the movie of the same name; hence, you are reading the screenplay and not a novel. It provides delightful information on many of the characters and information on the evolution of Rowling’s Wizarding World. Enjoy the ride ~ it is a delight!

J.K. Rowling is an amazing writer. Well written, I feel I can see the character's in my mind. Love this book and it's series.

Summary:While being moved from America to England, Grindelwald escapes and starts his campaign to gather his supporters and begin his crusade to raise wizards up in the world so that they rule over non-wizards. Lines are drawn and loyalties are tested as Dumbledore and Grindelwald gather their allies.Newt doesn’t want any part in any of that, but when Dumbledore comes to him for aid he answers the call. It seems simple enough…. There are wizards that want to kill Credence, and some (Grindelwald) that want to use him. But, with help, there might be hope for the boy. If there is a way for the boy to live, and not be a danger to anyone, doesn’t he deserve that?In other news, Queenie and Jacob are an item now- with very different ideas about where their relationship is going. Jacob knows what will happen if they marry… he can’t risk Queenie going to jail for him. Queenie wants what everyone else is allowed to have- love, a family. Grindelwald tells her he wants their people to be “free to love”…. is he actually the answer? Sides are being chosen for a fight that will forever change the wizarding world…. which side are you on?My thoughts:I am torn here. I loved this screen play and I really, really liked the movie (I didn’t feel right doing my review until I had seen the movie, nor seeing the movie before reading the screenplay…. I am weird like that). That said, this was more of a plot moving device than something I can see running on it’s own merit. If I didn’t already love the series, and wasn’t already invested, I might not have even cared about this one- but it’s so important. You have your first look at young Dumbledore, already a bit of a legend if only a teacher at Hogwarts. There’s the fan favorites from the last book: Newt, Tina, Jacob, Queenie, Niffler and Pick. We also have some new characters that may be very important later- Nagini (Credence’s friend), Leta Lestrange (Newt’s childhood friend and his brother’s fiance), Nicholas Flamel, and other. Add to that, some great stuff with Newt and the beasts and I am set.That said, I feel like there’s so much more that could have been done here. It was full length for both screenplay and movie…. but felt like nothing really got done. This was necessary to introduce the key players and explain future conflict. If you aren’t already sold on this series, though…. it can be a bit underwhelming. Visually, it’s stunning… but the first movie had better graphics and was all-around more eye catching. I also don’t know how well it’s doing- well, I hope…. but the movie came to theaters 3 days ago and I had the 3D screening to myself (hopefully just because it was a Monday). I loved seeing Niffler again, and the little nifflers. Pick was great and we saw some other beasts, which I felt were well done- the movie really helped me flesh those out it my head.I didn’t like Queenie’s role here. She was all over the place…. understandably, but come on! I wanted her to be stronger, but I fear that she’ll just be a pawn. I feel bad for Jacob- and absolute favorite of mine. I did feel that Depp made a fantastic Grindelwald- he’s supposed to be charismatic, strong, a bit evil but someone that people would gravitate to. Nailed it. Dumbledore’s casting, as well, seemed to be spot on. I really liked his character. Having information from everyone’s pasts also helped flesh things out. Why doesn’t Dumbledore just kick Grindelwald’s all? Find out in this book. Who is Credence? Find out in this book. Despite not feeling like it can stand on it’s own, I am a HUGE fan of this one… but only because I am taking it as an installment of a series instead of just for itself. Three and a half stars… round up to four for the movie.On the adult content scale, there’s violence, but all things considered it wasn’t over the top at all. I give it a three.

Great book, a must for Harry Potter fans

The Movie is true to the book. Gives backstory on pure blood feud that led to Voldemort rise

Awesome read

As a huge fan of Harry Potter since the release of SS, I absolutely loved this!! It is beautifully written, as to be expected coming from JKR, and the character development and storyline is excellent!! The reviews stating that it is garbage and doesn't make sense must be coming from people that have never read the Harry Potter books. Also, it is a screenplay and not a novel (which is clearly stated) so don't be upset when, SURPRISE, it is in screenplay format! For those that didn't enjoy the Cursed Child, I assure you this is not the disappointment it was and is well worth your time. This one, like the first, is a quick read, captivating and will leave you wanting more.