I love the wizarding world of harry potter so much so when Author Heidi Bolton told me that she wanted to do a guest post about it, I was super excited! And there is even a great giveaway for her books. Check it out 🙂
Imagine listening to the familiar melody from the Harry Potter movies as it trickles out from every crevice. The Hogwarts Express and its conductor are on your right. To the left are Zonko’s joke shop and Honeydukes, where you will find interesting toys and candy, respectively, including chocolate frogs and every flavor beans. A cart sits in the middle of the street, where muggles line up to purchase pumpkin juice and butterbeer (which tastes like cream soda). Wander past the Three Broomsticks tavern and stumble into Hog’s Head pub (complete with a live-motion hog’s head). Muggles can purchase a wand at Ollivanders and attempt to cast spells. You can even drop a letter in the postbox, and it will be delivered with a Hogsmeade postmark. 
Gaze up at the portraits and listen to them talk to one another; enter Dumbledore’s office, and he bids you welcome; travel inside the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and pay close attention to Harry, Hermione and Ron — they have an important message to share; next thing you know, candles are floating above your head and your broomstick appears (a seat for the ride). Fly with Harry Potter and race away from a dragon. Dodge between dementors and barely escape spitting spiders. Try to do all of this while not closing your eyes — okay, so I closed my eyes a little and screamed a lot. This adventure might be one of the most amazing rides I’ve ever encountered, but it made me feel slightly nauseated. I suppose I won’t be trying out for the Quidditch team any time soon.
Did you love the Percey Jackson series as much as I did? Then you should check out The Serpent’s Ring and The Trickster’s Totem
The Serpent’s Ring by Heidi Bolton
Evan and Claire Jones are typical teenagers, forced to go with their parents to yet another boring museum … that is, until something extraordinary happens to make their day a little more than interesting. After following a strange little creature into a closed exhibit, Evan and his older sister, Claire, discover the Serpent’s Ring, one of the magical relics formed from the shattered Mysticus Orb. Purely by accident, they have awakened its powers and opened a portal to Sagaas, land of ancient gods.
Before the siblings can comprehend what has happened, the Serpent’s Ring is wrenched from Evan’s hand by an enormous fish and flown back to Aegir, the Norse god of the sea. Evan and Claire, accompanied by a band of unlikely heroes, must retrieve the Serpent’s Ring before Aegir uses its immense powers to flood all the lands on Earth.
For Middle Grade readers and higher
The Trickster’s Totem by Heidi Bolton
Life has returned to normal for fourteen-year-old Evan and his older sister, Claire. That is until Dunkle, a clever but stinky little imp, pays an unexpected visit to their school. He has come to take the siblings back to Sagaas, the mythical realm of the gods. Once again, a Relic from the ancient Mysticus Orb has fallen into the wrong hands. Only Evan and Claire, with their unique mystical abilities, can help find it.
Through the power of the Trickster’s Totem, a coyote trickster has escaped. His laughter echoes throughout the realm, as he spreads mischief and mayhem. He burns an entire crop of popcorn, carves his grinning image into sacred artifacts, and things really get interesting when he shape-shifts into Evan’s friends.
Claire and Evan must capture the Trickster, retrieve the Totem, and be careful not to become sidetracked by robotic Steampunk animals, “sweet” pixie-like Pains, and a problematic mermaid … all while dodging Mothman-like aces. Most surprising, Evan discovers the true reason dragons exist in the Native American Spirit World.
A magical part of H.B. Bolton’s childhood was being swept into worlds of enchanting characters, fantastical creatures and extraordinary powers—simply by picking up a book. As a mother and a teacher, she was compelled to create imaginary worlds of her own in order to share them, not just with her children, but with all children. H.B. Bolton lives in Florida with her supportive husband and two highly spirited children.
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H.B. Bolton
I appreciate having an opportunity to share my stories. Thanks for having me, and good luck to those entering the giveaway.
Michelle @ In Libris Veritas
I absolutely adored the Wizarding World! My only regret is that there were far too many people when I went and I didn’t get to go in any of the stores, so I’m planning a trip back and hopefully pay for early morning passes. It’s beautiful and I remember being breathless when I saw my first glimpse of the castle in the distance. The ride was a ton of fun as well and since I fear heights I thought the floor would be safe to look at…until I saw that the screens were on the floor too, then I freaked hehe. Great post!
H.B. Bolton
Try going on a week day and not during the summer or near a holiday. There’s also a phone app that shows the wait times for the rides. It’s so much better when it’s not crowded 🙂
Humaun Kabir
Thank you for your post. This is excellent information.
Jack Harries Girlfriend