No ones a muggle when you read potter!
352020
I didn't read Potter as a child, unfortunately Christians were making a fuss over it and it was banned. Now as an adult with an 11 year old daughter I delved in and having read the firs chapter of the first  book , I declared I didn't get the fuss...

I am now in my second read through of the books. I finished them in three weeks.  We've watched the first three movies and I await my daughter finishing each box anxiously so we can watch the next!

The books are so well written they transport you, nothing less. It's a great escape at the end of the day.

As for all the Christian hullabaloo there's no real magic in the book. It's on par with bewitched or cartoons. I suppose if you're the type to ban Disney then these aren't for you, but for the rest of the population they're really harmless and silly.

The later books are a bit darker but the first several are really kind of cartoon magic.

This second book is better than the first as we are already introduced to all the characters. Character development and friendships deepen in the second book and you begin to become attached to the little magicians and start to realize why this series created such a rabid fandom.

The books are adventurous and imaginative and have so much heart. The stories are packed with substance- very little to no filler in these books. They're a kids series, but it's the first time in a long time I have read a book and didn't feel like skimming a good bit. There's nothing you want to miss in these!

It's great for a parent to read with their child, bc anytime you can bond over something especially as they get older it's a wonderful thing.

And for those adults who didn't read as a kid, go ahead, you won't be bored. Yes they're kids books but they're written on a level everyone can enjoy. That's the real magic!
464644
I would like to send a "howler" to everyone who has not read the Harry Potter books.  You are missing a fantastic experience.  Please keep the Harry Potter books coming!
1432516
Why hasn't this series caught on?!?!?!  If you liked the Harry Potter series, then this series is for you.  And, even if you didn't read H.P., or didn't like it (are you a freak?), then this series is still for you!  Fun, fast, magic, excitement, entertaining, great characters, great plot...I absolutely love Skulduggery Pleasant and sincerely hope the talented Mr. Landy doesn't discontinue the series like JK Rowling so senselessly did.  Keep them coming!
4329076
I have to admit that I never read any Harry Potter novel, even found the movies somewhat boring. Having said that, I was so looking forward to what the author would do with an adult novel. She can write, no doubt about it, however why she seems to revel in these dark and disgusting characters and scenes is beyond me. Except for the poor little toddler, who is horribly abused as all the adults in his life fail him, there is no one who seems to have any redeeming qualities. The british underclass is portrayed as criminal, drug addicted, foul mouthed and lacking any compassion or ounce of responsibility. The middle class denizens of the town do not fear much better. They are portrayed as greedy, crooked, selfish, child abusing folks. I could not really enjoy this novel, because it was so dreary, OTT incidents, rape, incest, ugly characters and no bright light at the end of this long slog of a novel. Husbands disliked wifes, wifes hated husbands, and the teens are hating almost everyone who is an adult. Could the author not have found one single human being in this fictional town, that I could admire or want to care about? J.K. Rowling penned a novel that might appeal to some, but I believe the majority of readers will be whoefully disappointed by this book. Overpriced, overrated, not a novel you'll want to read twice!
4154903
The second one gets better than the first! My favourite among the lot of four! This one has more adventures but a great logical ending too! Loved it!! New characters are introduced in this one and believe me nothing like this book! Thank you Ms. Rowling for getting the kids off the idiot box! How can people even think of banning this series?
4654787
I had such a great time reading this book!  I have never seen any of the Harry Potter movies.  I didn't think I'd be interested in wizards, magic, etc.  Boy was I wrong!  This book is lots of fun and appropriate for all ages!  You'll become engulfed in all of the adventures Harry has with his family, friends, and classmates.  I highly recommend it!
3349887
When you first think of the Harry Potter series, the first thought that comes to mind is "Why do I want to read a book about Wizards?" Well first off, this was my reaction, but i ended up reading it.  It happened to be the best book i ever read. You are taken into an enchanting world of wizardry,where the life of a young boy, Harry Potter, intensifies your mind. Harry Potter, is the only wizard ever to have defeated the dark forces, and although he appears innocent to this fact, the dark wizard is planning a return.  When everything is going so well for Harry, things take a turn, when an unexpected surprise comes out of the mysterious Goblet of Fire.  As the book continues you are drawn to the security of Harry's life, while also the enchantment of magic.  Imagine going to a school where they taught you how to perform tricks! Or how about meeting a three-eyed dog? And best yet, Have you ever heard of soccor being played on broomsticks up in the air?  It's the little things like these that make Harry Potter, the book it is.  Filled with mystery, intensity, and fun,  Harry Potter will take you into a world so magical, you will never look at life the same way again!
145071
J. K. Rowling is one of the most successful writers of all time due to her Harry Potter franchise becoming a worldwide phenomenon. I was a bit surprised when she announced that she was writing an adult book instead of another children fantasy series. The moment she made the announcement the pressure for success was on her.

Every fan, every reader, and every critic are expecting another Harry Potter, but in reality what we get is a small town drama with a bit of dark humor mixed in. The book is getting mixed to negative reviews from critics and fans because of the sudden change in genre. J. K. Rowling warned everyone that she was writing a different kind of book.

Why is everyone so disappointed?

Let me tell you the plot of The Casual Vacancy.

The book opens on a Sunday evening in the small English town of Pagford where Barry Fairbrother drops dead! His wife, kids, and friends are mourning his death, but not everybody cared for him. You see Barry was on the town council and now because of his death there is a casual vacancy. In other words, his spot on the council is open and there are citizens that would die to fill it. In Barry's control, prior to his death, was the rough part of town known as "The Fields" and the lease to the local drug clinic, which are both now up for grabs. The three men interested in the seat are Cubby Wall (Barry's friend and deputy headmaster of the school) Simon Price (He's a hateful man, especially toward his teenage son, Andrew), and Miles Mollison.

After reading several reviews, I saw that readers were comparing this book to the Harry Potter series, which is completely unfair in my opinion. You can't compare a children's book to an adult book. It's like comparing Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing to her adult book Wifey. The two books have nothing in common except for the fact that they are written by the same author. I started reading The Causal Vacancy as is, keeping Harry Potter far from my mind.

How did I like it?

That's a tough question, because it took me forever to finish reading it. J.K. Rowing is one of the greatest authors of our generation. She is a skillful writer. I would even compare her writing style to Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. The Causal Vacancy is filled unlikable and flawed characters. The only character that I even liked was the teenager Krystal Weedon, who is a drug user, swears like a sailor, and will throw a punch at anyone that ticks her off. Her mother is pathetic excuse for a human being as she is heavy into drugs and is neglecting Krystal and her little brother, Robbie.

The Causal Vacancy is a dark twisted satire of our society and how people will do anything to get what they want.

Will there be a sequel?

Considering the negative reviews, I highly doubt it, but the ending leaves it opens for future installments.

After reading the book I'm left with a sour taste in my mouth. Yes, it is beautifully written, but it is quite boring with way too many characters, actually there is not even a main character which is part of the book's problem. I respect the author decision to write something completely different than anyone would expect. The Casual Vacancy will never be considered a classic and it will probably never be adapted to film or television. The book is not for everyone. Your have to read it with an open mind. In the end, I neither liked nor hated the book.
3258979
J.k. Rowling is the best author of books. I've read the series 3 times and I'm not even a real teen! Keep up the good work J.K. Rowling!
4522325
"Leaves of three, leave them be!" chanted Gumblehort, king of the Halflings, and before them the hidden path to the Elven Underwood was revealed.

"Nipsey Russel if this ain't the most dreadful of places," burped Harry in a horrible, mouse-like British accent. "Tingle my fingle if I'm go'a go in nere!"

"Snuffit, `arry, if we're eva go'a to retrieve the magical Staff of Broomswallow and defeat the evil Prince Mallomar, we `ave to go in!" croaked Mimsy, in an equally annoying accent.

Ahhh....this my friends is my favorite scene from the latest Harry Potter tome. And this is by far my favorite book in the series...

Hey everyone, it's me! I'm here to review the products and give you my Scrutinizing opinion! Consumer products beware, MWAHAHA!

Ahem, right. Now, I'm not going to be like the New York Times and ruin the ending for you,  but in order for me to give this book a truly Scrutinizing review, there had to be a few spoilers. You've been warned.

When we last left Potter, He and Mimsy had recovered the 7 keys of Gavamort and were able to enter Menudo.  Their holiday wasn't long, however, and they were forced to enter the Deathly Hallows, the only wood that sells that Staff of Broomswallow. This is where the bulk of this story takes place, because everything, EVERYTHING in this Hallows is out to get them, and Gumblehort and an entire hoard of Halflings won't be enough to save them this time!

Sure, Harry has his spells, and Mimsy her bag of tricks, but the dangers they face in these Hallows will test these skills to their limits! And none of these is more dangerous than the evil Spinelli Bafangool. Immediately, Harry casts Berserkergang which sends Mimsy into a rage and she bludgeons Spinelli with her purse. Then, brandishing the tome of Agathorth, Harry leaps off her shoulders and gives Spinelli a smashing good bop on the noggin.

Just when they've retrieved the Staff however, Sigmoid the Colostomate of Eurupa appears and the !@#$ really hits the fan! Will Harry and Mimsy defeat the evil Sigmoid, retrieve the Staff and defeat the evil Prince!?!?! To find out, read it for yourself! BA-DUM-DUM!
3842476
Never would I ever see my self being in love with harry potter! Trust me you are going to fall in love with every character!
4083798
I'm in a book club with 15 other readers.  There wasn't a single person in our club who enjoyed reading this book!  We made our decision to read this particular book based on feedback from other supposed readers.  I felt the need to inform other potential reads to not bother!  Nothing of any interest happens in this book!
3758298
Great book! Last night I was not able to go to sleep until I have finished it. "La chambre des secrets" was opened again and anything can happen now. I came with Harry back to Hogwarts and was affraid with him about his school-mates and friends, the most annoying thought was that the scholl can be closed and Harry will have to spent the rest of his life with Dursleys ... I was really close to belive that Hagrid is ... uuuuf what a night. I really like old Dumbledore's phoenix. And as a girl maybe I can join Harry Potter's fan club togehter with Myrtle and little Ginny. Which of us will have Harry's attention most ?
I really recommend you not to read this book just before sleep, better close it before the end and start at the morning again. Or aren't you affraid of any monsters dreaming of, are you?
4106004
Whats not to love about Harry Potter? He has you hooked from page one!  Muggles unite and read all about the magical world of Hogwarts.
3318311
I was totally surprised to discover that I absolutely 'fell' into the book!  The way I judge a book I read is whether I feel like I  am actually "in" the story myself.  Some books are just filled with thousands of words - and I have to go back and 're-read' many paragraphs because I lose concentration on what the author is saying even!  This book definitely was not like that! I haven't felt this pleased reading a book since I finished reading the Harry Potter series!  Lyla Payne has a great future in front of her if she can keep up the pace of the Not Quite Dead series!!
3683833
The Harry Potter series is an amazing phenomenon.  Aside from being a great read for all ages, it has created a resurgence of reading in the US.  Each book stands alone as a complete story, but read in sequence they create a wonderful suspence.

At the end of book 1, we see Harry returning to his muggle aunt and uncle.  Dumbledore is determined that Harry is safest there.  The only thing that makes this summer a little easier is that Dudley is afraid he'll end up with another pig-tail!

But as usual things cannot go easy for Harry.  Something horrible is brewing at Hogwarts this year and someone is convinced that Harry must be kept away!

As the year progresses, Harry discovers hidden talents and his sense of right and wrong are put to the test.  Even Hermione cannot solve this one by going to the library.

Now that there are six books, we know that there is a very important clue in this book.  The first glimpse of how Voldemort has been keeping himself alive for all these years since Harry's parents were killed.

Will Harry make the right choice?  After all we know that what matters is whether he does "what is easiest, or what is right."
1237041
*****Spoiler Alert*****

J.K. Rowling should never have given away that Snape was actually on Voldemort's side because then the readers expect that Snape is going to do something awful and Malfoy had already become a Death Eater. Why not make it a surprise that Snape is evil? The reader knows more than the characters and that makes the book much more predictable. You could pretty much guess that Dumbledore would be killed by Snape because Malfoy would never have enough guts to do it. (He was actually crying to Moaning Myrtle because he thought he was going to be killed by Voldemort!) Everyone already knew that Dumbledore would have to die because he's the "only wizard Voldemort ever feared." Anyways, since we know about the prophecy, Dumbledore would never be able to kill Voldemort anyways. So, I think the second chapter ruined the whole book and took away the twist that always happens at the end of Harry Potter books. Without this chapter, I would probably like the book a whole lot better.