Harry Potter and the Pod people
352357
If you loved the characters of Harry, Ron and Hermione is books 1-5, do not bother to buy this book because you would not find them in HBP.  Harry is no longer interested in saving people, saving the WW or even hanging out with his best friends Ron and Hermione, he is obsessed with Draco Malfoy and has bad stomach problems (the moster in his belly) which prompts him to snogg Ginny Weasley in view of the entire common room.  Hermione is no longer interested in promoting civil rights, she is no longer interested in Harry's safety, she is no longer and strong, self assured and independent woman.  All she wants now is to snogg Ron and will resort to cheating, open physical attacks and promiscuity in order to achieve said goal.  Ron reverted to being the Ron from book 1 who is willing to hurt anyone and anything who is better than him (primarily Hermione) in order to make himself feel better about his lack of character or achievements, but as soon as he spends some time snogging Lavender and gets bored of her, he turns back to Hermione.

There is absolutely no plot in this book. Harry came to school, had a history lessons, which could have been giving in 5 pages instead of 550, snogged Ginny, and attended a funeral.

HBP is humongous disappointment.  I am giving it one star only because I have no option of giving it a zero.
1612527
This Book is great! I have been trying to find a substitute to my Harry Potter fix between books. This books comes very close. Eventhough I'm an adult reader, I love reading books in the 9-12 range. Cornelia Funke is a great discriptive writer. I can't believe she started out as an illustrator. I tend to prefer books in a series. I'm hoping the this book is a long series like Harry Potter, in which I can read more about these characters and see how they develop. Thanks.
531927
I loved this newest installment to the Harry Potter series. I mainly read books on my iPad these days, but I needed this one in hardcover to keep with my H.P. collection. I absolutely loved the screenplay format and tore through it, but I know some friends and family who couldn't get used to the screenplay format. I say give it a few pages and you'll adjust. I can't wait until the next one.
3714010
I LOVE this book. It has a lot of characters, action and adventure. I recommend this book for kids who love Harry Potter and the first Land Of Stories book. Reviewed by a 3rd grade reader.
2778457
JK Rowling is the best author in the entire world!!! The books are gret and they tell a great story of friendship and bravery!!!
2821884
This is great for the Harry Potter or Fantasy fan.  J.K. Rowlings tells the mythological stories of the Wizarding World.  It's a great way to introduce Myths and Mythology to upper elementary and middle school students.  I have used it to get students to think about the differences between fact and opinion, critical thinking and even how advertising tries to create their own myths.
3224469
The 2nd year of Harry Potter at Hogwarts sees more adventures. The second of the Harry Potter scintillates readers with musch twist-and-turns and surprises. It is more or less a detective plot in the wizardry world. Piece by piece, Harry and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger probed identity of the Heir of Slytherin through traces of evidence. Who launched the spree of Muggle-born attacks? Who turned the Hogwarts students into stone? What kind of monster stands behind the Chambers of Secrets? Who kept the Very Secret Diary and how did it end up in Hogwarts? The three friends unveiled, little bit little, the mystery of the Chamber and trapped into unprecedent danger. The element of suspense makes story interesting to follow. Dobby, the impish Malfoy family house-elf, warned Harry not to go back to Hogwarts at the beginning makes it very difficult for me to put the book down! I rate this second of the series 4.5 stars. Another good read.
2818785
The Harry Potter books by J.K Rowling is by far the best contemporary series.

J.K Rowling has the keen ability to capture the minds, hearts and imaginations of her audience regardless of age, socio-econonomic class, gender, or national origin.  Her books have been translated into numerous languages and to date have been made into 4 movies (with the 4th movie release date set for Fall 2005).

The "Magic" of the Harry Potter books is not only reserved for the world of wizards and witches where humans are mere Muggles. J.K. Rowling herself is a wizard who has unleased her magic.

Rowling's has cast a spell on children of all ages to turn off television sets, game boys, video games, computers and to focus their attention on reading not only her books but other books.  She has given children the gift of reading and has lowered the iliteracy rate -- THAT IS MAGIC!!

~FallenMoon
1467679
We are Harry Potter fanatics. My husband and I were delighted to find out they were releasing illustrated versions of our favorite series.  The art inside is so beautiful and really adds to the story for me. It is also easier to get our toddlers to sit through their HP indoctrination when there are lovely pictures to keep their attention.
902133
I sincerely hope that JK Rowling has a series in mind w these two- such an odd, yet enjoyable couple!  great writing!!
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!
1013095
Harry Potter fans will like this book, it gives back that feeling of belonging. I cant wait for the next one.
320975
I just ordered this book and had a great time reading it. It's so much fun and gives you an idea of what they were reading in the Deathly Hallows. JK Rowling rocks and has a real way with storytelling. I highly suggest this to fans of the series.
913943
I'll admit from the get-go that I'm a fan of Rowling's series. The fantastic idea of a magic school transports me back to simpler days of big adventure and small responsibility. If you're a fan of the series, Hallows will not disappoint. It's full of adventure, anguish and maturing characters.

Out from the protective wing of Dumbledore and in harsh limelight of the scrutiny of the corrupted press Harry and his chums must build an army, gain support and keep confidence. They are disillusioned and confused about what to believe. At long last, they face the issues adults in the series have always faced but will they understand? The coming of age series reaches its close with grace, moral dilemma and action to go around.

Detail oriented dummies like me might quibble over the apparent lack of consistency in magical rules. I can name a few oddities: like why can't Harry come up with some way to get that sword out of the puddle without jumping in... or why on earth would they continue to try "alohamora" to open locks when any first-year can get into something locked the muggle way.

Generally the book is witty, entertaining and in the spirit of the series. About the ending... if only the fan base wasn't so intent on speculation. Predictions aside Hallows was so much anticipated that it almost couldn't live up to the hype no matter how well written it was. Rowling delivers and the masses are entertained - especially me.

~Mother Hen
2135791
My children really liked these books. The best was Fantastic Beasts and Wehre to Find Them. They were not as interested in Quidditch Through The Ages, it didn't seem as good. Both are great books for Harry Potter fans.
4025411
I'm 8 and I love Harry Potter!  He is awesome! A lot of people like him in my class! Smile :{)
2020966
I am very happy with this book. Rowling had me hooked with the Harry Potter Series. It is a good read but some people who aren,t acquainted with British Traditions and culture may find it a bit of a bore. So take the story for it's face value and enjoy the intricacies of daily life in a British village