Well, fellow No-Majs, our loud devastation of being an ocean away from the new Harry Potter play opening in London has been heard, and J.K. Rowling has answered: with a book version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II , set to release on July 31, 2016. DID ANYONE ELSE JUST GET WHIPLASH READING THAT SENTENCE? My fangirl heart basically just did a backflip. The book is set to come out on Harry Potter's birthday, because #swag, and will helpfully help stem some of the extreme FOMO that's been leaking out of our veins since the West End play was first announced.
In case you need a refresher, the play will follow 19 years after the end of the Harry Potter series, this time revolving around the life of Albus Severus Potter, Harry's second child and youngest son. We know that he'll be grappling with the legacy that his father left behind, and that the characters of Ron, Hermione, and Harry have already been cast, meaning the Golden Trio will also be heavily featured in the theatrical version. But since it's impossible for most of the masses to get themselves to the West End when the play debuts this summer, this book has come to save the day (and possibly gut me with feelings). Here is everything we know so far about the novelization of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II.
The Book Doesn't Come Out Until July 31, 2016
As stated before, Harry's birthday. Specifically his 36th birthday, not that anyone is obsessively keeping track or anything unhealthy like that. START COUNTING DOWN, Y'ALL.
The Book Will Be Released As An eBook And A Print Edition
Harry Potter recently celebrated a new eBook edition with cover art by Olly Moss. This is new treatment for the Original Potter Squad, who all grew up with hardback copies when we started devouring them in the late '90s, but the change is welcome if it means getting it onto our eyeballs faster.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Special Rehearsal Edition), $18, Amazon
It Will Be An Early Draft Of The Script
Rowling shared on Pottermore that the book will be a "Special Rehearsal Edition" of the script that will be used on the West End version, or the script that the actors are working with going into previews for the show (which is subject to change).
It Will Be Followed Up By A "Definitive Collector’s Edition"
The book that comes out on July 31, 2016 won't be the only version of the book that we see. The play is in previews and open to the public before its official opening at the end of July, and typically that means that the play is going to change slightly based on audience reactions and reviews. So there's a good chance that what you read in the first edition of this new book is not exactly what you'd be seeing on stage if you happened to see it after the initial premiere — hence, the second version to follow.
The Book Will Cost $14.99
But honestly, take my kidneys, take my firstborn, do you understand how badly we've wanted this???
There Are WAY More Surprises In Store For The Next Year
J.K. Rowling also used the platform today to confirm that there will be four new editions of the Harry Potter books themed with each Hogwarts House, as well as a new edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them due out in 2017 to accompany the upcoming film, with commentary from Rowling. The Hogwarts library books Quidditch Through the Ages and The Tales of Beedle the Bard will also be getting an update.
Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (Original), $14.99, Amazon
The Tales of Beedle the Bard, $8, Amazon
Quidditch Through the Ages, $8, Amazon
Basically, everybody hit the DECK, 2016 is going to be the best year of our little fan lives.
Images: Giphy, Warner Bros, Pottermore
