James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing

Now, don't get excited by the title.  No, J. K. Rowling hasn't surprised us with a continuation of the ever-popular Harry Potter series, but a talented author has given us several novel-length fan-fictions featuring Rowling's characters and her world (with a few new characters tossed in by G. Norman Lippert, the author).

James Potter and the Hall of Elders' Crossing is the first in the series, and follows Harry's oldest son, James, as he begins his first term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 

James Potter enters Hogwarts in the shadow of his father, never believing he could live up to the expectations that everyone has of him, or that he has of himself.  But, a ghostly visitor and a mysterious stranger sneaking about the grounds soon has James and his two friends, Ralph and Zane, on an adventure befitting the Potter legacy, and it soon becomes a race against time to find the Three Relics and save the wizarding world.

While this fanfic lacks the "Rowlingesque" flavor, Lippert still did a fine job of portraying the original characters, and I rather liked the additions of those such as Ralph and Zane (and found it refreshing that they were all in separate Houses).  I have read many a Harry Potter fan-fic, and this one surprised me by how drawn in I was to several chapters.  I really liked how James felt he had such an image to live up to, being that his father is the legendary Harry Potter, and found his emotions and handling of that fact to be believable.

Several scenes were really engaging, to me, such as one scene with a debate.  The writer's talent seeps through in those scenes, where he had me hanging on every word and anxious to see the outcome.

But, while this fanfiction was well written in some areas, I found the major element of the story to be fairly weak.  I am speaking of the ending.  While I will not spoil it for you, I can say that I felt that the moments leading up to it were very anti-climatic.  Perhaps you will disagree (let me know your thoughts!).

It's a very complicated task, writing of Rowling's world, because fans are protective of their beloved characters and the "Rowlings style of writing" must be accomplished to become accepted.  But when it comes to fanfictions, I do believe this one to be one of the better ones out there.

3 Stars

You can read/download this story yourself at GoodReads at this LINK. (for free)