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 Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 10:55 am
I was never interested in the series based off of what was said about it in the media and all but. I have at long last fallen in the snare of "Whats so great about it?" Meaning that I read Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone Just recently.
And while I wont say that the book was bad or that dealing with witches and wizards ie "EVIL" (I dont feel that way. I dont know why Wizards are such a big deal anyway. Religious Fanatics, I guess)
Anywho, I read the first book. Here is my brief opinion.
The beggining was SLOW. I was baffled by how terribly slow that beginning was. It kept putting me to sleep.
However once Harry met Hagrid it was slightly better. Once he made it to Hogwarts however it was smooth and entertaining reading. In the end the book was slightly predictable. I knew Snape wasn't evil, but I didn't know that the villian was professor Quirrel.
Anyhow, I was wondering if it is worth reading books 2-6. Just wondering. I would give the book a C (The beggining chapters deducted from its over all grade. Had the beginning been of good quality, I would've given it a solid "B")
Can some one please tell me whether the other books are worth the read? I dont think that any of the other books will have that terribly slow beginning since the most basic things have been taken care of in book one. So maybe the others just continue the good paced story that was in Book one.
Is my thinking rigth or wrong?
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Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 12:27 pm
I was exactly the same as you. I started reading the books right before the 3rd movie came out because I was curious about how much they differed from the movies.
I read the first book, and like you I found it painfully slow until he actually gets to Hogwarts. I do think it set his character up well though because he does go up against a dangerously powerful wizard yet still needs the help of others. I think it helps to not build Harry up to be this amazing person and yes it does make you pity him for being picked on and chased and beaten in his younger years but it helps to establish a very familiar transitional period that most people can identify with. Because we've all been in a bad state in our lives and then something has happened where we can either just forget about our problems, or we are able to finally deal with them and have some measure of power over our lives. My suggestion is read the first book again and you'll probably pick up on a lot of miss information.
I have a very biased opinion when it comes to Harry Potter. I will tell you that you should read them because it is an amazing world that Rowling goes so deep into that when the book ends you don't want it too. That's how I felt, I would always get depressed seeing that my right hand was holding fewer and fewer pages and the end of 2nd, 3rd, 4th up to the six were nearly over.
All in all, Harry Potter is a wonderful fantasy where you can just be a kid and lose yourself in it. The deal with the religious back drop is that the Devil uses magic, and since Harry Potter actually learns magic from an organization built around the use, control and regulation of magic, it sets off a spark in the religious community that people who read the books might try and start something like that. I think it's all rubbish, you know what happened after people started reading Harry Potter? They started writing and drawing about him and his friends. Oh no, hark the apocolypse cometh!
I will warn you that the 5th book, Order of the Pheonix, is painfully dry and terrible to read. I want to say one can skip it, and in all actuality I think you can and it won't really affect how you read the 6th book too much. I read the 5th twice, mainly to prepare for the 6th book, but I didn't find that it really paid off.
I think you should read the books, simply because I thought they were a wonderful fantasy, not because of hype or loyalty. I just really like the series, it could be written better, but nobodies perfect.
the Demon
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Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 1:04 pm
First off, no opinion is right or wrong; it simply is.
I reply to this because I will provide an opposing view to Demon.
I rather disliked the books. It was slow in the beginning, and in my opinion, didn't really pick up at all. I put the book down three quarters through the book, I couldn't bring myself to read the rest.
The characters were predictable, under developed, and far too similar to all the others. The story in itself is not bad, nor is it good. If it was written with care and definition, it would have been much better.
The idea of wizards is getting old. Though, you can pull it off if creative, which didn't happen. Read "The Fionavar Tapestry". It has wizards that are actually interesting.
To me, Harry Potter gets far to much credit than is deserved. It also seems as though the author is trying to kill off the series herself. People still read it though, and I suppose it is a good book for pass time. It is, though, under my level.
If you do not have a taste for deep books, or tricky plot lines, then this is a good book. It also is good for most typical teens. It all depends on what you enjoy reading.
~Kiyo
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Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 2:19 pm
I actually liked the book from beginning to end, but I suppose that's just me. sweatdrop I admit, at points, ti gets so detailed it's boring, but I like the whole series, so far. It's a worthwile read. 3nodding
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Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:04 pm
I really liked Harry Potter, but then again those were some of the first books I read and actually liked. When I reread them recently I still liked them, but they do not have a super complex plot. It's true that the begining of the first book was pretty boring and there are some parts in some of the other books that are kind of boring too, but most of those are not that long no more than about a chapter. And if you liked the rest of the first book then you will probably like the rest of the books in the series.... but you can't know until you read them. And if it gets a little boring and you just put the books down you will never get to the more exiting parts....
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Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:42 pm
Kiyome the Dragon First off, no opinion is right or wrong; it simply is. I reply to this because I will provide an opposing view to Demon. I rather disliked the books. It was slow in the beginning, and in my opinion, didn't really pick up at all. I put the book down three quarters through the book, I couldn't bring myself to read the rest. The characters were predictable, under developed, and far too similar to all the others. The story in itself is not bad, nor is it good. If it was written with care and definition, it would have been much better. The idea of wizards is getting old. Though, you can pull it off if creative, which didn't happen. Read "The Fionavar Tapestry". It has wizards that are actually interesting. To me, Harry Potter gets far to much credit than is deserved. It also seems as though the author is trying to kill off the series herself. People still read it though, and I suppose it is a good book for pass time. It is, though, under my level. If you do not have a taste for deep books, or tricky plot lines, then this is a good book. It also is good for most typical teens. It all depends on what you enjoy reading. ~Kiyo I heard a rumour that the series is going to end with the 7th book. Apparently Rowling is getting tired of her fame and wants it to be over. I agree with you that most of the characters are A-typical, very two dimensional and dry. Harry himself lacks actual character to begin with, all he does is play out the stereotypical role of the world(s) he lives in. But then again, what is an interesting character but yet another matter of opinion? I think the books drive the characters, and remember, Rowling is an amateur author, she hasn't been around that long and know that she was turned down by tons of publishers like everyone else. I agree the books could be written better, the characters flushed out more, I mean we know nothing about Ron, Hermiony or anyone's history for that matter, all we really know about Harry is that his parents were killed by a dark wizard and that he was adopted by his aunt and picked on as a child. These things however, a lot of kids can relate to. It wasn't my driving force to read the books, I actually only read them to criticize Chris Columbus and Warner Bros. for making shoddy films. Though I have to admit, the first movie is the best, despite graphical improvements and an increase in Rupert Grint's acting prowess throughout the other three. I think it's the fact that Rowling has three very flexible characters that reel in the body of most Harry Potter fans, and a wide selection of secondary characters, other students and even teachers, that bring in the rest. I credit Rowling with creating something that appeals to a wide range of people at the cost of her own soul, since I doubt she can leave her house. But being able to say she is at the head of a 60 billion dollar franchise is awefully impressive. I would say that if you think wizards and stories about them are getting old, then maybe try reading another genre for a while. That happened to me with sci-fi, so I switched to fantasy, that got boring so I moved onto teen drama, now I read everything I come across in moderation so none of it gets boring. I mean there's nothing worse than reading a book you would normally like but end up hating it because it uses overdone plot devices in an obvious manner. I'm not saying if you read sci-fi for a year then pick up an HP novel that you'll like it, just trying to make a point. I do think you're being a bit harsh by saying if you don't like deep, moving novels, and that HP will appeal to you, that's kind of attacking everyone who likes them. I enjoy deep books and shallow books, I don't think reading either or all the time is good, since you can burn out your mind if all you read is highly indepth stories, sometimes you just need to sit back and let the dull times roll. Anywho, that's my... two cents worth, maybe three cents, I did write a lot. the Demon
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Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 7:39 pm
Kiyome the Dragon First off, no opinion is right or wrong; it simply is. I reply to this because I will provide an opposing view to Demon. I rather disliked the books. It was slow in the beginning, and in my opinion, didn't really pick up at all. I put the book down three quarters through the book, I couldn't bring myself to read the rest. The characters were predictable, under developed, and far too similar to all the others. The story in itself is not bad, nor is it good. If it was written with care and definition, it would have been much better. The idea of wizards is getting old. Though, you can pull it off if creative, which didn't happen. Read "The Fionavar Tapestry". It has wizards that are actually interesting. To me, Harry Potter gets far to much credit than is deserved. It also seems as though the author is trying to kill off the series herself. People still read it though, and I suppose it is a good book for pass time. It is, though, under my level. If you do not have a taste for deep books, or tricky plot lines, then this is a good book. It also is good for most typical teens. It all depends on what you enjoy reading. ~Kiyo Since Kiyo here is far too kind to write what is painfully clear to anyone who reads the books I will. The characters are about as flat as my pancakes on Saturday morning (Sorry, Kiyo, I know). The plot is sheerly obvious and has less layers than any onions while managing to be as frail and smelly. The villains seem spit out one after another just to be there. Whenever I pick up a new HP book, I expect to see the tall thin evil guy who always twists that winding mustache in the old cartoons. This series is meant for young teens, and I suppose in that respect, it isn't too shabby. But for this series to get a quarter of the publicity it did is nothing short of amazing. I suppose it wil always be the simple books that get famous and have movies named after them, sans LOTR, of course. I mean, look at Eragon. His name is dragon with a letter misspelled. Tom Riddle? His name has the word riddle in it! But of course, this is the stuff Hollywood chooses to make into movies. Forget books of substance and intellect, with deep characters and a riveting storyline. Goodbye, sweet Jordan, goodbye, sweet Hobb. The new trend among fantasists is to make your books as easy to read as possible, and to hell with good, committed writing. Oh, and who really needs their soul anyway, right? You can just sell it for fame and fortune, and far too many people choose such a path. Well, that's my tear for the day, I hope you've all enjoyed yourselves greatly, and look forward to Demon's sharp reply that I'm sure I'll be seing on the morrow. Love and Vale, sweet ones, -LD
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Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 9:01 pm
Awe, it appears I'm far to predictable these days, sorry Leavaros, I just got off a nostalgic, teary eyed reunion with some sad, chick flics. And yes, I do have a gf, doesn't mean I can't watch sad movies... I just felt like crying a little that's all. Which means there will be no sharpness, sorry bro, only understanding is coming from my heart tonight.
Anyway, back onto topic.
I agree with you totally on everything you said.
Now will someone please call 911 for Leavaros? We may need a defibulator.
I agree that the characters are totally 2D and dry. Same with the villains, I mean Voldemort? Dear god I just figured it out, why Voldemort's followers are called death eaters! Rowling's you should be shot... HAHA! Oh dear, it would seem that "volde" in latin means "to eat" or simply "eat" where as the French translation for morte is OBVIOUSLY "death". Therefore when we put the two together we are left with Death Eater, the clan that follows his evilness around. I'm guessing everyone knew this already, so I'm just gonna bask in my own Holmes'ness for a minute... okay I'm good.
It's sad though, because in my opinion, the best villains are the ones you can relate with, not the ones you can't. Voldemort is some overhyped psychopath who likes killing, now how many people can see eye to eye with that? I hope not many... But even the people he employs are simply flat and boring, we knew nothing about Quirrel, we had absolutely no knowledge of horcruxes in book two, Book 3, Dementors?! Honestly? the real bad guy turned out to be an overly loved uncle of Harry's, the fourth book's villain spent all his time being someone he wasn't, number 5 you couldn't hate Umbridge because she was working arrogantly as well as ignorantly with the Ministry, everyone wanted her to be the bad guy but nope, He Who Eats Death decided to do his own work. And six, our Snape-spicions were finally realised, the only villain in the book who has any depth is the one that has more "good" friends than bad. It's rediculous in my opinion.
I agree that the HP trend was overhyped, that was the main reason I never read it in the first place because of all the hype.
Oh, and Valen, check where on your keyboard for me, where is "E" in respect to "D"? I think you'll find it sad that a typo is launching the next set of teen inspired movies, I know I am.
I think you're taking the dumbing down trend a bit too over zealously. There are still many more serious fantasy writers than there are Rowlings and Puciolios? Whatever his name is. And it's a sad fact that Hollywood chooses dumber books than stronger books not out of want, but because they're cheaper and easier to produce. I would have a s**t if I ever saw the Abhorsen Trilogy become a movie, those characters were amazing, the storyline was a little weak but everything else made up for it.
I do think you're being a tad bit over critical, perhaps due to your illness? I mean, I personally am an avid fantasist, both on and off the keyboard. I've taken to writing my novels so that even if someone wanted too, they wouldn't be able to make a single movie about it, not to mention when I do get them published, I'm slapping a media ban on them to prevent anyone from being able to buy rights to make movies out of them. I know that sounds a bit egotistical, I can only dream of being a successful night writer, but dreams often become reality, I've seen it happen too often.
Anywho, I wish everyone a good night who is along my time zone, and to everyone else... it can't stay day forever!
the Demon
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Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 5:37 am
Bravo everyone for making such good and critical replies. Each one shows talent as a writer, speller and an intelegent mind behind those dancing fingers. (Or are we all just using the new generations universal language: Sarcasm? It matters not either way.)
I under stand what you two were saying about the silliest books becoming movies. I mean really. Hello!!! Hollywood, anyone home? I'd like to see Bartimaeus Trilogy onscreen. The Anhorsen trilogy, The Unicorn Hunt--this is old and very unknown but It was the book that made me love fantasy more than anything else, and several others too! Harry Potter and Eragon? Give me a break!!!
Kiyome, I COMPLETELY AGREE!!! Harry Potter is undeserving of the LEVEL of attention that he gets. Though I disagree that HP is only fit for people who dont like deep plot lines. Some people-meaning most-dont have good reading comprehension. They need something that is complex on the simplest, most minor level. (I know, paradoxical statement. But I have a certain 10 year old in mind. He tries to be like me, and read "cool" books but he has little love of reading and I think he might be encouraged to read, and whos reading skills could be greatly improved if we just found something that he LIKED to read. Something on a "complexity level" like Harry Potter.)
Leavaros, I understand how you feel. Those characters ARE terribly shallow, too predictible (They do little enough as is), Not one of them is expounded upon!
Desert_Demon...That was an interesting post. I didn't know any of the meanings to the later characters. I too like villians that I can relate to, some one who you can like or dislike for a reason. The same goes for my heros.
Oh!!! By the way, its Christopher Paolini. (I think thats italian, but I am not certain)
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Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 11:53 am
Demon, you views spin around faster than a blender. In any case, I stand by all that I say. Even the ones no one agrees with (Deep plot line one). In my opinion purely, this book has nothing to work with. She started with a bad plot, and dragged it out.
I don't think any big fantasy readers really like Harry Potter as anything but a trifle or pass time.
On the note of Eragon... When I first saw the book I thoughy "This guy can't even come up with his main characters name?" How simple is it to make up a good name? I guess he got lazy. "Hmm, my book has dragons...Everyone likes dragons...The main character loves dragons...But I can't name him "Dragon" ....Hm, Aragon? No. Bragon? No. Cragon? No. Eragon? Yeah, I'll go with that one!" stare
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Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 1:44 pm
chibminshiy,
you agree with me, put up a good backup, AND spell my name right...?
You're okay with me, man. cool
-LD
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Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 9:47 am
Leavaros chibminshiy, you agree with me, put up a good backup, AND spell my name right...? You're okay with me, man. cool -LD Thanks. And I have to admit that you made very good points (Can you read my mind through my posts or something?--its eerie how your words to similar to some of my unspoken thoughts.)
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Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 10:18 am
chibminshiy Leavaros chibminshiy, you agree with me, put up a good backup, AND spell my name right...? You're okay with me, man. cool -LD Thanks. And I have to admit that you made very good points (Can you read my mind through my posts or something?--its eerie how your words to similar to some of my unspoken thoughts.) Nope, I just say what needs to be said, and should be clear to anyone who's read the series. Normally, though I'm not so objective. Demon & Kiyo:THAT'S OBJECTIVE!?! *Leavaros ignore them* I can be cold, fluctuating, and downright mean at times, and I don't like to keep up appearances. I'm a Fantasy-loving, poetry-writing, Anime geek with a thing for Ayama from Fruits Basket. (He looked amazing in that wedding dress, damn it!) But I'm always fairly point-blank which is a thing some people love and others hate. It's rare to find an in-between. I just hope I make more friends than enemies, not so much because I crave friends or detest making enemies, but because friends help in taking over the world! *Demon & Kiyo look at one another, then at me. stare * Just kidding! Friends make life easier. They encourage growth and conversation, and it's blissfully hard to stay mad at them. And they serve as buffers for the irritation that enemies often put out. (If only a certain W--l would...well, never mind.) Anyway this is getting way off topic. Anyone want to drag us back? -LD
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Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 11:00 am
Poppycock! Enemies make life interesting! And what's this about me rolling my eyes at taking voer the world!? That's my life's dream! If I had the resources I would lead a grand crusade to crush the enemies of a Unified Mankind Alliance! And from the blasted wastelands of the poor men and women who refused to ally themselves with my cause I would rebuild and make beautiful oasese to house the familes of those who died for and against my cause! For honouring all lives lost is a pure deed, for even heretics are human, and all humans should be treated as equal!
Anyway.
So... about that Harry Potter fella? Wouldn't it be awesome if Quidditch were real? I'd play it all the time, flying on brooms and catching gold balls... brilliant.
the Demon
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