Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
Arthur A. Levine Books (2016), Edition: First Edition and First Printing, 304 pages
Description
While attending the Magical Congress of the United States of America in 1926, Newt Scamander is pursued by the wizarding authorities when dangerous beasts and their habitats escape from his magical briefcase.
User reviews
LibraryThing member varwenea
If it isn’t obvious, this book is the screenplay of the movie, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”, which is related to but not the same as the small textbook of the same name released for charity; all are tied to the Harry Potter series.
I normally read the book after a movie, IF I
I wouldn’t recommend this book unless you’re a HP fanatic. I nonetheless welcome it. Any literature, especially an uncommon variant (a screenplay), with a subject that is attractive to younger readers can generate creativity and is good for the young minds. I hope it encourages more imaginative writings.
I’m stating the obvious: it is a beautifully assembled book with lots of artistic illustrations of the creatures. It’s difficult for a HP fanatic to not have this.
I normally read the book after a movie, IF I
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very much enjoyed the movie. This time, I thought the movie was ‘okay’ but decided to read the screenplay to see if there is more substance than I realized. Well, there isn’t more. (Admittedly, this is a screenplay so…) Nonetheless, to my pleasant surprise, there is a different layer of enjoyment when the events are unveiling itself slower via reading, versus the in-your-face actions on the screen. Newt Scamander, the beast-master and protagonist, came across stronger and wiser in the book than in the movie where he was uncomfortable in his own skin at times. Credence Barebone’s pain and suffering with his eventual blow-up was more prominent and heartbreaking in the book. The most adorable character remained to be Jacob Kowalski, the No-Maj (muggle), especially during the final scenes.I wouldn’t recommend this book unless you’re a HP fanatic. I nonetheless welcome it. Any literature, especially an uncommon variant (a screenplay), with a subject that is attractive to younger readers can generate creativity and is good for the young minds. I hope it encourages more imaginative writings.
I’m stating the obvious: it is a beautifully assembled book with lots of artistic illustrations of the creatures. It’s difficult for a HP fanatic to not have this.
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LibraryThing member Dreesie
Having seen the movie, this screenplay was actually quite fun—I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it if I didn't know the story from the movie, I certainly do not have the vision required to turn the few words on the page into the sweeping vision of the movie. Much would be confusing. This is the
The layout here is a little odd though—lots and lots of flourishes and rather neat artistic flourishy creatures. But the actual dialogue is centered on the page, which is not easy to read. But a lot of the length here is the flourishes, so it is quite a fast read despite the apparent length.
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first screenplay I have ever read (despite living in LA, haha, most of us here having nothing to do with "the industry"), and there are very limited scene descriptions, even less than in a standard play.The layout here is a little odd though—lots and lots of flourishes and rather neat artistic flourishy creatures. But the actual dialogue is centered on the page, which is not easy to read. But a lot of the length here is the flourishes, so it is quite a fast read despite the apparent length.
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LibraryThing member hawaiianmermaid701
The book design is completely gorgeous! I loved the little illustrations decorating the pages!
The story was good! I really enjoyed the movie, and this is basically the same thing.
Happy reading!
The story was good! I really enjoyed the movie, and this is basically the same thing.
Happy reading!
LibraryThing member benuathanasia
Each subsequent movie trailer made me less and less excited to see the movie. Thankfully, it turned out better than I expected, though still below the quality expected of an HP addition (though SIGNIFICANTLY better than that monstrosity that was The Cursed Child).
LibraryThing member LordKinbote
To be clear from the outset, I loved the film of Fantastic Beasts. Given that this its screenplay, I do think you need to enjoy the movie to appreciate it.
I didn't anticipate how much I would get from reading this book. There were whole lines that I felt I had almost completely missed when I
I would recommend watching Fantastic Beasts and then reading the screenplay to enhance your experience of the story. It's worth it.
I didn't anticipate how much I would get from reading this book. There were whole lines that I felt I had almost completely missed when I
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watched it. Plus the directions and extra fleshing out in those sections gave me extra insight into the events of the movie. Even better, there is one particular line that I found very strange, so I was pleased to see the script had the other characters involved reacting with bemusement, as well. Finally, the art of this book is beautiful, giving it a feeling of art deco sensibilities meeting magic. It's lovely.I would recommend watching Fantastic Beasts and then reading the screenplay to enhance your experience of the story. It's worth it.
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LibraryThing member SheilaDeeth
This is a screenplay, therefore a fast read, with plenty of detail left to the imagination--or the movie. Author J. K. Rowling brings the story to life with fantastic dialog, cool descriptions, and stage directions that are simple, short and to the point. There’s even a rather nice glossary of
This novel is set convincingly in the past of Harry Potter’s world, in an America that likes its own laws best, among people who, sometimes in spite of themselves and their culture, care more about people than laws, and around the author of Harry Potter’s old school textbook. But authors can have exciting lives too, and Newt Scamander’s perfectly innocent plans go amusingly awry, never quite in the way the reader expects, but always with just the right amount of enticing suspense.
The monsters are cool, well-imagined and definitely fun. Scamander’s ecological aims tie past to present perfectly. And, as always in Harry Potter books, there’s always that slight reminder that we, in our pride and our flaws, are not so very different from these magicians. Those who don’t fit in, those of different beliefs, those with different priorities all prove to be of value—even the muggles (pleasingly given a different American name).
If you’ve never read a screenplay before, this would be a great place to start. And if you haven’t seen the movie yet, this is a great place to learn why you really will have to see it. Great fun, and great to find J. K. Rowling writing in her magical universe again.
Disclosure: It was a Christmas present.
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film terms at the end. Though I’ve not seen the movie, I know I shall. Meanwhile I can confidently proclaim I enjoyed this book far more than the Cursed Child. I guess I want to see Cursed Child for the spectacle. I want to see Fantastic Beasts for the story, and for the chance to revisit a beloved universe.This novel is set convincingly in the past of Harry Potter’s world, in an America that likes its own laws best, among people who, sometimes in spite of themselves and their culture, care more about people than laws, and around the author of Harry Potter’s old school textbook. But authors can have exciting lives too, and Newt Scamander’s perfectly innocent plans go amusingly awry, never quite in the way the reader expects, but always with just the right amount of enticing suspense.
The monsters are cool, well-imagined and definitely fun. Scamander’s ecological aims tie past to present perfectly. And, as always in Harry Potter books, there’s always that slight reminder that we, in our pride and our flaws, are not so very different from these magicians. Those who don’t fit in, those of different beliefs, those with different priorities all prove to be of value—even the muggles (pleasingly given a different American name).
If you’ve never read a screenplay before, this would be a great place to start. And if you haven’t seen the movie yet, this is a great place to learn why you really will have to see it. Great fun, and great to find J. K. Rowling writing in her magical universe again.
Disclosure: It was a Christmas present.
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LibraryThing member Doondeck
Always enjoy Rowling's work. The screenplay was interesting but I'm really looking forward to the movie. The script can't possibly capture all the magic.
LibraryThing member DebbieMcCauley
During a world tour English magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York with his magical case of mythological creatures. When it is misplaced and beasts escape, Newt will need to recapture them as fast as he can. But a dark force is menacing the city, and it's not caused one of his creatures.
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A magical parasite that forms when a wizard or witch suppresses their magical ability, an Obscurus, is wreaking havoic. Newt and his escaped creatures are being blamed. Can he recapture his creatures and calm the Obscurus? Great script and beautiful book design. Really enjoyed. Show Less
LibraryThing member dariazeoli
I enjoyed the movie more than I expected to, and was delighted to revisit these characters when the screenplay was released. Newt Scamander is easily one of my favorite wizards.
LibraryThing member Beammey
While this was very obviously a blatant grab for money because it's related to Harry Potter, I still loved the book. It explained more behind the camera stuff that you might not have known when you watched the movie. It's a fun read with humor and drama. It's very J.K. Rowling. I would recommend it
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if you enjoyed the movie. Plus the cover and illustrations inside are just beautiful. Show Less
LibraryThing member irregularreader
I can’t believe I’m actually saying this: Make sure to watch the movie before cracking open this book! This is not a novel (or even a novelization), and it is not the lackluster and minimal-effort filler Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them“>mini book published in 2001. This is a
I mention this know, because when purchasing from Local Bookstore, the poor, defeated woman behind the counter informed me of this not once, but twice. I guess a few people made a stink about the book not being an actual novel.
But as a Potterhead, and a fan of the movie (and, let’s face it, a completeist) I couldn’t not get this book. Plus, have you seen it? It’s beautiful!
Anyhow, the story (again, this is the screenplay from the movie, you should have seen the movie already)follows Newt Scamander, future author of Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, as he travels to the United States to do research for his book, and to conduct some magical animal rescue along the way. He inevitably gets pulled into American wizarding politics, and the dangers of a group known as “New Salem”, who are seeking to unmask and persecute witches. The movie was engaging and fun, while at the same time holding a light onto some important social issues (segregation, conversion therapy, etc.). The scree.play is by Rowling herself (unlike Cursed Child) and so retains a good deal of her whimsy.
So see the movie. The book, being merely a screenplay (a novelization by Rowling would have been spectacular, but perhaps I am greedy), is not a necessary read, nor a necessary purchase, but sometimes I just can’t help myself.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is currently available for purchase.
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screenplay, pure and simple, and follows script format. If you’ve read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (see my review here), then you already know what you’re in for.I mention this know, because when purchasing from Local Bookstore, the poor, defeated woman behind the counter informed me of this not once, but twice. I guess a few people made a stink about the book not being an actual novel.
But as a Potterhead, and a fan of the movie (and, let’s face it, a completeist) I couldn’t not get this book. Plus, have you seen it? It’s beautiful!
Anyhow, the story (again, this is the screenplay from the movie, you should have seen the movie already)follows Newt Scamander, future author of Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, as he travels to the United States to do research for his book, and to conduct some magical animal rescue along the way. He inevitably gets pulled into American wizarding politics, and the dangers of a group known as “New Salem”, who are seeking to unmask and persecute witches. The movie was engaging and fun, while at the same time holding a light onto some important social issues (segregation, conversion therapy, etc.). The scree.play is by Rowling herself (unlike Cursed Child) and so retains a good deal of her whimsy.
So see the movie. The book, being merely a screenplay (a novelization by Rowling would have been spectacular, but perhaps I am greedy), is not a necessary read, nor a necessary purchase, but sometimes I just can’t help myself.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is currently available for purchase.
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LibraryThing member laura.w.douglas
Lovely book and movie.
The screenplay us just like the movie.
However, I do wish there was a novel.
The screenplay us just like the movie.
However, I do wish there was a novel.
LibraryThing member JReynolds1959
I finished reading this, but really didn't get the story line. Will have to see the movie to get that, I guess.
LibraryThing member boredness
I'm not a fan of plays and thought I would have trouble following the story line of this book. But I was pleasantly surprised. The book was very easy and quick to read. It was easy to follow the story and visualize the scenes. I look forward to watching the movie to see how closely the characters
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match the ones I saw in my head. Show Less
LibraryThing member shaunesay
#readorama 2nd book finished! I really enjoyed re-visiting this story as a screenplay. While an actual novelization would have been great, this was like replaying the movie in my mind. I love all the flourishy line drawings as well. I will say I think you should see the movie first, otherwise I
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think the screenplay on it's own would be kind of thin, and you wouldn't quite get the feel for the characters that you have from the movie. Show Less
LibraryThing member ClareRhoden
Thoroughly enjoyable. Flawless recreation of her Potter world, consistent characterisation, a great read for the fan.
LibraryThing member VioletBramble
This is the screenplay for the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. It's a story built around the original book with this title, which is part of a set of Harry Potter school textbooks.I had seen the movie before reading the screenplay, which was helpful in making sense of the stage
Newt Scamander, Magizoologist, travels to 1926 New York City. He is on his way to Arizona to release a Thunderbird in it's natural habitat. Before Newt can head west a few of the fantastic beasts he is carrying in his magical case get loose and cause havoc in New York City. This brings Newt to the attention of MACUSA - The Magical Congress of the USA. Specifically, Tina Goldstein, ex-auror. Tina, her sister Queenie and a No-Maj (aka Muggle) named Jacob Kowalski help Newt locate his beasts. This story is tied to the world of the Harry Potter books by the presence of the evil wizard Grindelwald.
I enjoyed the story -- and the movie. I love visiting the magical world of JK Rowling.
My one issue with the book is the random doodles throughout. I liked the doodles of the beasts but the other doodles were just there to take up space. The book could have easily been 40-50 pages shorter without all the doodles.
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directions in sections that were a little technical. Newt Scamander, Magizoologist, travels to 1926 New York City. He is on his way to Arizona to release a Thunderbird in it's natural habitat. Before Newt can head west a few of the fantastic beasts he is carrying in his magical case get loose and cause havoc in New York City. This brings Newt to the attention of MACUSA - The Magical Congress of the USA. Specifically, Tina Goldstein, ex-auror. Tina, her sister Queenie and a No-Maj (aka Muggle) named Jacob Kowalski help Newt locate his beasts. This story is tied to the world of the Harry Potter books by the presence of the evil wizard Grindelwald.
I enjoyed the story -- and the movie. I love visiting the magical world of JK Rowling.
My one issue with the book is the random doodles throughout. I liked the doodles of the beasts but the other doodles were just there to take up space. The book could have easily been 40-50 pages shorter without all the doodles.
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LibraryThing member booklover3258
Ok I know this was written exactly like the movie but I've only watched the end of the movie so reading it was like for the first time for me. Did not like the screenplay format of the writing but enjoyed the story. Basically its about a wizard going to America to release an animal and winds up
I give this book 3 stars.
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releasing more beasts and finding an evil wizard. All in all a good story.I give this book 3 stars.
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LibraryThing member wolfeyluvr
Fantastic Beasts is totally fantastic. It speaks greatly to me. Newt is a pioneer in the wizard version of a conservation biology. Totally my new fictional hero.
I'm no expert on screenplays but through reading I was basically able to rewatch the movie in my head. It matches up perfectly as far as
My only complaint is focused on the glossary of set terms. It fails to explain what a "beat" is which I had to look up myself.
I'm no expert on screenplays but through reading I was basically able to rewatch the movie in my head. It matches up perfectly as far as
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my memory goes. I gained knowledge of just a few details by reading this. Such as the fact Langdon was often drunk. Or slightly more information about what Queenie saw in another's head. Oh and of course seeing the spelling of the magical creatures species was useful. My only complaint is focused on the glossary of set terms. It fails to explain what a "beat" is which I had to look up myself.
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LibraryThing member MontzaleeW
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling is in the wizarding world of Rowlings but with new characters. I must admit that I do not like reading screenplays, novels add so much more to a story and I think the story would have been a lot more fun and exciting
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as a novel. But the book is titled as a screenplay so I must rate it as such. So as a screenplay I would give it a 5 Star, but rating it like it is now as a novel only a 4 star. Just saying. I wish there had been an option to read the screenplay or the novel. Anyway, this book has new and exciting creatures, a host of new characters both good and bad that sounds like we will probably hearing more from, a great plot, and good directions with the screen script. The story was fast and exciting starting from page go and didn't stop until the end. Wonderful story, just would like to have seen it in a different format. Beggars can't be chosey can they? Now I can't wait to see the movie! I got this from the library and I was on a long list but I think everyone decided just to buy the book so I was able to get it right away! Yoohoo! Show Less
LibraryThing member InnahLovesYou
Amazing book, though expected a bit more magic to be honest.
LibraryThing member DKnight0918
I loved this one. I can't wait to watch the movie. This screenplay was everything I hoped it would be and more. I read it in one day because I just had to know what would happen next. I really enjoyed the characters in this one, especially Queenie and Tina, but Newt was my favorite of course. He
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was very charming. I hope this means we will learn more about Ilvermorny. I would love for there to be a whole series about Ilvermorny similar to the Harry Potter series. I liked Cursed Child, too, but this one was more enjoyable. Rowling can do no wrong by me. I love everything she writes. This book has me planning my next trip to Orlando so I can go back to the wizarding world. Show Less
LibraryThing member M.Akter.Tonima
I absolutely love it. The writing is so brilliant that i could imagine every bit of it. Noy many books are like that anymore. The characters develop well. NEWT has always been an interesting character, shafowing hagrid for us. Even though it probably should be the other way round. Rowling created
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yet another masterpiece. Show Less
LibraryThing member M.Akter.Tonima
I absolutely love it. The writing is so brilliant that i could imagine every bit of it. Noy many books are like that anymore. The characters develop well. NEWT has always been an interesting character, shafowing hagrid for us. Even though it probably should be the other way round. Rowling created
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yet another masterpiece. Show Less
LibraryThing member InnahLovesYou
Amazing book, though expected a bit more magic to be honest.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2016-11-18
Physical description
96 p.; 5.9 inches
ISBN
1338109065 / 9781338109061
UPC
746264018206