It’s that time of year when students buckle down and start revising for their examinations, so I decided to join in with The Magical Readathon and sit my O.W.Ls. For the muggles amongst you, O.W.Ls (Ordinary Wizarding Levels) are the examinations taken by 5th year Hogwarts students as they prepare to go down their magical career path and select their N.E.W.T subjects. I loved the later books, when students were cramming and sparks were flying, so I thought it was a perfect time to involve myself with a fun readathon.
The lovely Gintare, of Book Roast fame, is hosting this wizarding event, and has invited us all to take part. Officially, it started on April 2nd, but I only found out about it yesterday so I am a little late to the party, but oh well. There are 12 subjects to choose from, completing 5 of them earns you Outstanding in your O.W.Ls. I received my letter today (the themed rules that can be found here) and I’m ready to begin.
Before I start on my TBR, there is an extra level for those so inclined to take the readathon a little too far (y’know, people like me). Gintare also laid out some career paths, listing O.W.Ls you have to take to complete the relevant exams in order to follow your chosen career. I’m not quite sure what career I’ve always wanted: Auror, Hogwarts Professor, Curse Breaker, so I’ve decided to try and come up with a book for each challenge and as I go narrow down my job options. The thoughtful host compiled a thread for said paths, so have a look and see what you would have to read:
I do have to confess that I am backdating my reading efforts to try and pass my O.W.Ls. I started reading The Watchmaker of Filigree Street on April 2nd so have made the executive decision that this counts, but that all other reads I’m indulging in that I started reading before the readathon began don’t count. I think that’s fair. Now as the sign up is done, let’s get revising and reading:
Ancient Runes
Read a book with a symbol on the cover
Shadowblack by Sebastian de Castell
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Arithmancy
Read a book with a number on the cover or in the title
TwoSpells by Mark Morrison
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Astronomy
Read a science fiction read
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
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Care of Magical Creatures
Read a book that includes magical creatures OR features a magical creature on the cover
The Horse and His Boy by C S Lewis
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Charms – PASSED
Read a fantasy book
The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley
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Defence Against the Dark Arts
Read a book featuring/about secret societies/clubs
Moonraker by Ian Fleming
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Divination
Read a book featuring prophecies
The Alchemist Paolo Coehlo
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Herbology
Read a book with a nature related word in the title
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
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History of Magic – PASSED
Read a historical fiction
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue Mackenzi Lee
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Muggle Studies – PASSED
Read a muggle non-fiction book
Very Good Lives by J K Rowling
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Potions
Read a book about/with alchemy
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Illustrated) by J K Rowling
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Transfiguration
Read a book that deals with transfiguration/shapeshifting or similar theme OR a book with a cat on the cover
Spellslinger by Sebastian de Castell
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I’m not sure how well I will be able to complete this readathon, but I really would like to try and pass my O.W.Ls without bending too much, so we’ll see what happens. It would be nice if I could complete the required subjects for a good career too, but I don’t want to get too carried away or caught up with the wrong book. I hope to update this post as I go and complete the exams as I finish the books, so do keep your eye out!
Are you taking part? What career path have you chosen?
What will you be reading?
I look forward to seeing what you think of Spellslinger if you get to it. I’ve got it waiting on my kindle but haven’t got around to it yet.
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I just was granted the follow ups on net galley and have wanted to read it for ages. Thinking of starting it this weekend, will undoubtedly review it as well 🙂
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I saw the third one on netgalley but was like….. I haven’t read the first yet so stopped myself from requesting haha
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I’ve read Charms and Potions this month already. 😊
I’m hoping to fit in Astronomy, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Divinations before the end.
Charms: Caraval
Potions: The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue
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That’s amazing. I’m reading a 4 books at once at the moment, so hopefully will start to finish things in the next couple of days!!
I really want to read Caravel and Gentleman’s Guide, I just downloaded Gentleman’s on audiobook!
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