A 10-year-old speed-reading prodigy has been challenged by Amazon to write the first review of the new Harry Potter story.

Toby L’Estrange, from Wheathampstead in Hertfordshire, aims to post his critique of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Parts One and Two shortly after its midnight release on Sunday.

The schoolboy can read an average 400-page book in under two hours using techniques he learnt from his grandmother Susan Norman, a speed-reading expert.

Toby L'Estrange will speed-read Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Parts One and Two (Amazon/Shine Communications)
Toby L’Estrange will speed-read Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Parts One and Two (Amazon/Shine Communications)

Toby will have the latest instalment of the Harry Potter stories delivered direct to his Amazon Kindle just after midnight on Sunday morning. He will immediately start speed-reading at a rate of 1,000 words per minute.

He said: “Harry Potter and reading are my two favourite things so to be able to combine them is a dream come true. My little brother Harry is pretty jealous, but he will be able to read all about it in my review which I hope will be the fastest one posted to Amazon.”

Toby added: “I have been practising loads on my Kindle and am confident I can be the fastest reviewer, although I promise not to give away any spoilers.”

Toby L'Estrange is a speed-reading prodigy   (Amazon/Shine Communications)
Toby L’Estrange is a speed-reading prodigy (Amazon/Shine Communications)

A self-confessed super-fan, Toby had read all the Harry Potter books by the age of eight and can recite all the spells used in the stories. He will go to bed early on Saturday and set his alarm for just before midnight so he is ready when the book becomes available.

Amazon Kindle’s Amy Worth said: “Kindle is one of the fastest ways to get your hands – and eyes – on the new Harry Potter story.

“We are excited to deliver the magic of Potter direct to fans at midnight. We wish Toby good luck with his speed-reading on the night and look forward to seeing his review online.”

Potter author JK Rowling (Dan Hallman/Invision)
Potter author JK Rowling (Dan Hallman/Invision)

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Parts One and Two is the script of the Harry Potter And The Cursed Child stage play. Written by Jack Thorne, the play is from an original idea by Potter author JK Rowling and is directed by John Tiffany.

Amazon customers have made the book the top pre-order, including print and Kindle, for 2016.