In representing the world of Harry Potter, I would expect nothing short of excellence. Quidditch Through the Ages delivers with an enhanced audiobook featuring surround sound effects to highlight the action.
Narrator Andrew Lincoln delivers JK Rowling’s short book in 90 minutes of game history, taking us back through hundreds of years, from the early days of ball chasing in a park to the complex, international competition as we know it today. He has a fine British accent that really draws you into the magical world that’s normally hidden from muggles.
Quidditch Through the Ages is one of several short stories that Rowling has written for Pottermore, a website dedicated to all things Harry Potter. She spares no effort to continually expand the Potter universe, providing a precise and in-depth historical examination of the Quidditch game, with additional fascinating facts including why broomsticks are the chosen vehicle for flight in the wizarding world.
The foreword by the esteemed Hogwarts Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, not only introduces the book, but briefly tells us about Comic Relief and Lumos Foundation, two charities benefitting from the sale of the audiobook to support children and young people around the world. Lumos Foundation is Rowling’s own charity, transforming institutional care of children globally.
Historian Kennilworthy Whisp then pieces together the facts to create a stunning history lesson filled with fascinating facts, some quirky characters, and some eye-opening reveals about both the development and dangers of the game. Given the popularity of the sport, it is no surprise to learn that Quidditch Through the Ages is the most popular book in Hogwart’s school library.
Lincoln’s reading brings each character to life and he’s particularly at good mimicking some of the more eccentric folk who have contributed to the recorded history of the game. At only 90 minutes long, the audiobook of Quidditch Through the Ages is a short but satisfying listen that is bound to thrill existing fans and entice newcomers to explore the Potterverse further. It’s certainly made me want to watch all the movies again… err… I mean, read the books again!
Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet
Rating out of 10: 9
Distributed by: Bloomsbury Australia
Released: June 2018
RRP: $27.99 CD
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