Reviewing book reviews!
Oct. 23rd, 2004 10:48 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
conuly
Trickster's Choice
I would have rated this book higher if not for two crucial points -- I absolutely LOATHED both Ali and Nawat.
I seriously wanted to strangle her skinny little neck and pluck out all of Nawat's feathers. Their relationship was so predictable it was sickening. Nawat wasn't cute -- he was annoying. Ali wasn't 'a strong female' -- she's a freaking Mary Sue, and that's that. I cringed during half of her lines, I just couldn't stand her /that much/.
The book does have some redeeming qualties. I like the two princesses, and some of the other characters. I enjoyed the politics, even if they were overdrawn and dry at times. I also enjoyed the familiar feeling of sinking into a Tamora Pierce book.
Overall, not that great. I found the Protecter of the Small series to be the best, then the Alanna series (she was another Mary Sue, but not as annoying), and then the Daine series (oh how I loathe that girl -- even more than Ali).
It's too bad Pierce thinks up the most annoying female protagonists -- she's quite a good storyteller.
Okay, I have a question. You think the vast majority of TP's protagonists are Mary Sues, you can't stand them... why the hell are you still reading the books? If you don't like them, why read them? Seems like a waste of time to me....
When I was younger, I loved Tamora Pierce. I devoured every book she wrote with an innocent intensity only characteristic of children anymore, but now that I have matured more, I read this book, expecting it to be fabulous like the others. I was wrong. Not only was I wrong that this one was not fabulous, but I was also wrong about all the others being fabulous. Tamora Pierce is excellent with plot, but her writing falls a little short of the mark. While I was young, I had no judging eye for well-written books and what young children really like is just something that keeps me captivated. The problem is, now when I read the books, every sentence falls flat with a groan of agony. This book is not good. Now if all of you just think I am an annoying adult, it's not true. I'm talking about realizing this now, and I am thirteen years old. If a thirteen year old can recognize bad writing, shouldn't you be able to?
See, now I'm annoyed. That sort of attitude should never come from anybody under the age of 25, least of all a 13-year-old. I admit, it's much better than standard 13-year-old reviews (OMG! IT SUXXED!!!!!111), but... no. While I was young? YOU STILL ARE YOUNG, YOU PRETENTIOUS LITTLE TWIT!
The book is about this girl named Alianne.She wants to be a
spy like her dad, but her mom doesn't want her to follow the
steps of her dad because she said that her dad is unique.
This book is really interesting because it talks about this
girl that talked to godesses, she made deals with them and she
followed her dreams. She had many adventures and we can see
that she did what her dreams told her to do.
I would recommend this book to those people who like stories
with a lot of adventure and imagination, it's really
interesting and fun book!!!!!!
People, please stop letting your kids write book reports on Amazon. PLEASE. It means that those of us who want actual opinions have to wade through a lot of dreck that was no doubt written to please the teacher.
I think a lot of the people who disliked this book disliked it because they wanted another book like all the others. Well, it's not. And that's not a bad thing. You just have to open your mind a little and accept that not every female character has to be a dedicated, driven warrior princess.
Well, this is classic. I'll do them in reverse order, 'k?
5
I don't think that the author who wrote harrty potter should not make any more books because its bad and it goes against Gods word. Witches and wizards are not of God and people who believe in witches and wizards aren't of God and don't know God. So I think that harry potter books should stay banded.I like the movies but the books NO. the movies are not okay eaither but almost every one knows that TV and movies aren't real.
This one has to be fake. Right?
So people are realising that this is poorly written, uninspired, unimaginative tripe? Now that is reassuring.
Why don't you try a little Tolkein (or even Terry Pratchett), rather than inflict this on your lobotomized cranial cavity?
Tolkein? He's not exactly the best writer in the world. And Terry Pratchett, I love him, but his writing has as many glitches in it as anybody elses.
This is the last Harry Potter book I plan to buy. I was thrilled with books 1 & 3, and I enjoyed books 2 & 4 almost as much. But in learning to develop her writing style, J.K. has turned a light-hearted, fun-to-read series into an adult melo-drama that seems to explore HER frustrations rather than engage me in the delight of reading about the adventures of Harry and friends. The latest book was almost humorless and definitely not an enjoyable read. My nephews have never finished the book...they stopped less than 1/3 the way in the book because it "wasn't fun to read." I agree. With Harry showing little respect to Dumbledore towards the end of the book, I'm not sure I would WANT my nephews to finish the book.
Okay, I can understand wanting more mirth in your books... but who cares how much respect he shows to Dumbledore? Dumbledore messed up! Big time! Really, I'm glad Harry is finally appearing to be somewhat realistic in his reactions to people, instead of the bland hero-worship Dumbledore is always Right he showed before!
... that six kids cannot take on 10 death eaters?? Hello??!! What is this The Goonies??
... that he can trust Dumbledor explicitly??
And when will Rowling realize that having absolutely nothing happen for the first 400 pages is idiotic? I kept getting closer to the middle of the book wondering when it was going to start. There's no way I can read this to my kids!! Snore!!
*gigglesnorts*
No arguments here!
Another one?! These books are just plain poorly written. I do not understand why these Harry Potter books are so popular. The charactures are boring and dull, the attempts at humor were pathetic, and these books are plain boring. These are just another fantasy series where its been there done that if you know what I mean. If not, then I will explain: modern fantasy is all going down hill, sort of. There are some good writers out there that are excellent. However, Harry Potter are those books that are going downhill. The writing is very poor and the dialogue is very hard to follow. I also did not feel as though I was there: another mark of poor writing skills. Overall, I give this book one star.
Here's somebody else. If you didn't like the first one... or the second one... or the third one... why are you still reading the fifth one? Stupid, stupid!
4
I have to admit I was impressed with the first harry Potter book...it was new and original. The second one was also quite good. However, by the third one, I realised that there was no suspense or excitement left because, no matter what happens in the books, the end is always going to be the same. Good will always win over evil. harry Potter will survive anything and everything with, at worst, a few broken bones...and why? Firstly because the whole world knows that JK has been contracted to write seven books in the series, so how can Harry ever die? Secondly, if Harry does die, where will the poker-faced JK get her next few hundred million pounds from. This book has given me horrible visions of the series continuing past the seventh book -Harry Potter...The Capuccino years. I think JK should have secured her place in literary history by fading out gracefully after a third book. Instead, she is in danger of becoming droll and predictable.
Yes, we know Harry isn't dying until book seven. There's still many other people who can die. Cheer up!
Oh my good lord! That book is so...
long! I waited until midnight to get that book and it was too long for me to finish! How many years has it been since it came out? I haven't gotten past page 75! It is long enough to be two seperate books! Here is another thought: if J.K. Rowling wanted to be smart, she would have written all of the books and then had them published! It's been so long, the people who were interested in it at the begginning are to old for it now! Also, why didn't they wait for all the books to be out before making the movies and why did they hire a guy in his 70's who had cancer to play a character he would have to play for like eight years! The whole concept is stupid! They should have done what they did in Lord of the Rings: all the movies at one, a guy inhis 50's but no! They had to ruin everything! So many little children are so upset because Dumbledore died! Hollywood should think about how much pain they will cause small children before they make another eight movie series!
Dude. Get a grip.
rowling has poor insights into things, and his harry potter is no more than an ordinary child story. nothing in the book is of rowling's own creation-- everything she just borrow it from somewhere else. for instance, the idea of a wizard, nor goblin is new. about the story and the plot, obviously rowling has adopted such a recipe (start introducing characters> something unexpected happens > band of children miraculous solve the the mystery and become heroes) more than thousands have used in making children stories.
every book of jk rowling is dull, and is repetitive, as they all start with harry having his summer holidays with the whatever it is ( i don't care) , and then goes back to school and something happens, and bah bah bah...
talking about child entertainment, i could find lots of japanese animations thats better than this...
no offence, just expressing my opinions about this book, which i think does not deserve all the popularity.
Oh wow. She stole the idea of goblins! And the English language - writing in English isn't new either! NOOOOOOOO!
Why exactly did you need to insult anime, again?
This fourth book in the Harry Potter series continues to present Harry as a hero who gets by with very little punishment or consequence for disobedience or lying. Other characters who are supposedly 'good,' such as Mr. Weasley, the father of Harry's friend, Ron, also lie and, in fact, Mr. Weasley advises his two sons to not tell their mother that they gambled. The story starts with a murder, and a very gruesome and repulsive ritual is performed towards the end of the book. The book also presents the idea that the ends justify the means. I read all four books and carefully documented many moral problems in the main characters that cause these books to be highly inappropriate for children ages 9-12. Additionally, as a former astrologer, I think it is important for people to know of the book's endorsement of the study and use of occult arts such as casting spells and divination. Harry is not learning to be a witch; he is learning to master forces that are the domain of a would-be sorcerer.
Yes, yes. When the bad guys murder, it means the book is bad. *backs away slowly*
Unlike the more mature fantasies of C.S. Lewis's classic Narina books or King and Straub's Talisman which depict schools as deadening embodiments of progressive aridity Rowling show's them as portals to enchantment rather then as an evil to escape from, something which underscores her "hero's" essential preppy sensibility & vapidity.
*gigglesnorts*
I should send this one to the "harry potter is evil for disobeying his teachers!!!111" folks.
I have given this book one star for just one reason: There isn't a zero star option! I am stunned by the rave reviews this book receives. I have read all four of the books in this miserable series, and have written a review on the first book (my opinion hasn't changed- that review is also a one-star). I'm not planning on spending money on these books anymore. In my experience, many of the people who love Harry Potter are the ones who will read a book only if they have a book report or summer reading to do. These books are for the people whose imaginations are impoverished due to lack of reading. As another reviewer put it, "The adults who like these books are the ones who didn't pay attention in English class." One other thing I've noticed is that this series should have a subtitle: The Lord Of the Rings. This book lacks originality. J.K. Rowling has tried and failed to write a book as great as The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. When Harry Potter #5 arrives on the shelves, leave it alone and pick this one up. You won't regret it! Another series of much higher quality are the Redwall Series, by Brian Jacques. Then, when you've finished with them, read the Sherlock Holmes stories, by A. Conan Doyle. Another series to read as soon as possible are The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis. So, forget Harry Potter, and read good books like these!
1. STOP IT WITH THE TOLKEIN! He's got just as many problems as JKR, especially in the "way too long" area.
2. C.S. Lewis isn't that great either. Especially not once you realize the blatant Christian propaganda. Boy, that ruined my happy childhood memories....
Sure, the books are an OK read, but they lack both the intelligence, and the basic literary foundations to become anything more than brain candy. The books are both filled with cliches, one dimensional characters, (hermione, Ron, and Harry, to name a few) and laughable, inane villains, who are both stupid, and the 'diet pepsi' of evil.
This book does not deserve the recognition that it has recieved. It is a waste of time to read, and does not impart the reader with anything worthwhile. .... (oh, and BTW, I am in the target age range for the 'harry potter' books.)
I completely agree... but here's the thing. I, unlike some people, don't see a problem with light fiction. You can't always eat salads, sometimes you want to have ice cream.
Hello all you blathering fools who actually think this is a decent work of literature. Let me just say that this piece of downright insanity may very well be the downfall of human society. Not only is this atrocity fiction, but it plays upon the vulnerable minds of young children across America. I mean, really, does anybody care about some half-witted, magic-weilding dope of a child? I'm sorry, but all of you people who actually enjoyed this nonsensical creation are just gullable in the first degree! Why don't you read some real books, such as the literature by Stephen Ambrose, whose books remind us of our brave and courageous forefathers who gave their very lives to keep this country free. Or how about a fine Shaara novel that documents the entire Civil War, an event that changed the history of these United States that we live in, and owe so much for. Unfortunately, too many children are taking for granted this glorious country in which we reside. Therefore, I would ask that all Americans boycott the foolish Harry Potter series, and begin to fully comprehend the sacrifices made in order to keep this the UNITED States of America!
What the hell?
3
I was thoroughly enjoying this book, and it was all set to be my favourite of the series until I reached the part towards the latter stages which mentions Hermione's time-controlling hour-glass. A monstrous plot loophole suddenly opened up.
Think about it.
The simplistic technology (or spell) exists in the realms of the world of Harry Potter to enable time-travel. Don't you think a character as powerful and knowledgeable as Voldermort would be aware of this?
As such, no action can ever be final - and therefore the bad guy would be able to go back in time and do whatever he wants to do - so none of these adventures are the finished article, because they could always be changed through time-travel.
For example, Lord V could go back and prevent Harry's parents ever meeting.. and thus solve all his problems in one easy go. Or Dumbledore could do something similar to Voldermort or each of his cohorts, and so on and so on...
If time-travel is to be restricted to a minor part in the tales, it needs to be strictly controlled or very limited - but it isn't. Hermione gets to mess around through the entire story with it, in order to push herself ever-closer to a nervous breakdown.
Up until this point, JK Rowling had been doing so well. The world of magic and spells was imaginative and mad, but suddenly the whole structure has been completely undermined by the introduction of a major shift in the credibility of the world she's created.
I can hear her bank manager laughing at everyone...
*nodnodnod*
I can't believe some people will dress up as Wizards and Witches and run around like idiots just because J K Rowling is making a so called "guest" appearence somewhere near they live. J K Rowling is the worst author EVER and why does the British Goverment even let her books be published if they contain stuff like Witches and Wizards, which I thought Kids weren't supposed to learn about.
Yes, yes, censorship is teh kewlest, got it, moving on!
Hello, As a fan of biographical and history books this book of dragons, wizards and spells do not fit my needs. Harry Potter is not the type of impression I want my kids to read because of it's unrealistic science fiction this book holds. Reading about real events and things that have, do and will happen are more interesting and get your mind thinking rather than reading about something irrelevant and obsure to this world today. Maybe in Feudalistic times this would be a book I enjoy but as for now I stand before you and recommend that if you are the type of reader I am you should not read these books, but if you are the type of person that enjoys these 1000 page books of irrelevant and sci fi topics by all means go right ahead and bore yourself.
Okay. Firstly, it's not science fiction. It's fantasy. Secondly, if you like fantasy, you're not boring yourself by reading it. Third, have you never heard about hiding current themes in fiction? You might want to find out about that.
Look at the symbol on Harry Potter's forehead.
It's the Satanic "S" - It represents a lightning bolt that means "Destroyer". In mythology, It was the weapon of Zeus. Worn to have power over others.
Also was worn by the feared SS of Nazi Germany who killed the Jews after an area was conquered.
Here are some quotes:
Professor Snape who taught Potions: "I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses...."
A Centaur's views on astrology - "We have sworn not to set ourselves against the heaven. Have we not read what is to come in the movements of the planets? ....Or have the planets not let you in on that secret?"
"He is with me wherever I go," said Quirrell quietly, referring to Voldmort. "I met him when I traveled around the world. A foolish young man I was then, full of ridiculous ideas about good and evil. Lord Voldemort showed me how wrong I was. There is no good and evil , there is only power, and those too weak to seek it.... Since then, I have served him faithfully."
Headmaster Dumbledore: "To the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure."
Hagrid, the grounds-keeper at Hogwarts, telling Harry about the strange power that saved his life, "Happened when a powerful, evil curse touches you - didn't work on you, and that's why yer famous, Harry. No one ever lived after he [Voldemort] decided ter kill `em, no one except you..."
But other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?
The book Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling is a book put together with the use of the literary device of irony. It is said that Rowling puts together an excellent book thorough the use of the device of irony. Much of the book would have to be written differently if irony was not included.
For instance throughout the book students at Hogwarts are petrified due to the sight of the "monster", later known as the basilisk, hidden in the chamber of secrets. Almost every time this takes place Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter are found at the scene first. Also it just happened to work out that the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher Gilderoy Lockhart is a fake and can't perform magic. Therefore Ron and Harry have to step up and take the lead in finding Ginny Weasley, Ron's younger sister who was captured by Tom Riddle.
Although irony made it possible for every thing to work in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, it is said that there is too much. Everything in the book keeps happening because Harry, Ron, and Hermione happen to be there. Then it is argued as mentioned before the book would not have been able to flow with out the literary device. So all in all Rowling's book was made possible because of irony.
What did I say about not letting kids use amazon for homework? STOP IT. RIGHT NOW.
I think that this book could have been much better...although I do not care for the Harry Potter series at all. They are really unimaginative and uncreative, and at times, rather silly and dumb. (with all due respect) I think that JK Rowling kinda copied it from the Lord of the Rings series, except she made it for younger kids. The movies are not as exciting as I thought they should be. I would highly recommend reading the Lord of the RIngs series instead. The Harry series is a waste of time.
Harry Potter is not exactly similar to LotR. Try again.
I rated Harry Potter 1 star becuase I did not think it wasn that exciting. Harry Potter was not a realistic book, it was just a made up fantasy. I think an adult might enjoy Harry Potter becuase they could understand it better. However someone my age could not understand many of the things the author states in the book.
I really disagree with that. Really.
We have read this book and feel it has no place in the hands of children. This book is at best an introduction into witchcraft.It reaches out to children with tales of sorcery and spells. It glorifies revenge.It puts down family values and their concept. The main character's parents are blown up and murdered. The book states that "Death is the next Great Adventure". This book is close to being banned in 5 states and rightfully so.Our children in this day in age need to embrace family values and be taught to treasure life.
1. I've read it, and feel it does belong with children.
2. I don't think it's an introduction to witchcraft. For one thing, it states that most people (that is, YOUR KIDS) can't do witchcraft at all, so what's the point of trying?
3. Yup, what's your point?
4. Does it? Where, exactly, has revenge been glorified?
5. Ooh, it encourages gay marriage? COOL!
6. Yes, and this is how we know that the blowing-up people were evil.
7. Better than saying that death is horrible and must be avoided at all costs, 'cuz, y'know, you can't.
8. No, it's not. This is the US. You can't ban a book. You can (illegally) restrict it's placement in libraries, but you can't ban it.
9. Or they can learn to distinguish fact from fiction!
I only gave it one star because I wanted to get your attention, yet really it deserves four or five.
Yeah, stop doing that too. It's annoying.
1
This is a book about Harry Potter, who finds himself
in a parallel world of magic.
I am 9 years old and I think this is one of the best books I have read
and I have read a lot of books!! This is definetely the book of the year!
The book is never boring and the people are believable as well as magical. I want to read the sequel!!
This was written in 98, so she's 15 now. Just Harry's age! Kindasorta.
I was disgusted to see how many kids and even adults adore this book. It's among the worst I've ever read.
Though poorly written, the main problem is the poor morality. Harry "hates" all of his enemies, for one thing. What kind of a message is that sending out?
Then there's the lying thing. Harry saves the world by telling a lie, and gets lots of points for his house, therefore winning the school cup. Although it may not be such a bad thing to tell a lie to save the world, HELLO! This is fiction. J.K. Rowling could have found a better way for Harry to save the world.
(Let's not even go into the gross aspects of the book, like vomit-flavored candy, which, I suppose, is supposed to be considered humerous.)
The overall message of the book is that if you're smart and brave enough you can break the rules, lie, cheat, cast spells on the people you dislike, and all the rest, without any danger of being thought of as bad.
One last note to all those people who say it's no different than "Lord of the Rings" or the Narnia books--THIS IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT. Only the bad characters in those books do bad things. In Harry Potter, the good characters also do bad things.
Yes. In these books the good characters aren't perfect. They're somewhat more realistic than perfect people. Yay!
Well, I'm done. Finally. Got that out of my system. Nothing much interesting in those reviews, though I tried.
I would have rated this book higher if not for two crucial points -- I absolutely LOATHED both Ali and Nawat.
I seriously wanted to strangle her skinny little neck and pluck out all of Nawat's feathers. Their relationship was so predictable it was sickening. Nawat wasn't cute -- he was annoying. Ali wasn't 'a strong female' -- she's a freaking Mary Sue, and that's that. I cringed during half of her lines, I just couldn't stand her /that much/.
The book does have some redeeming qualties. I like the two princesses, and some of the other characters. I enjoyed the politics, even if they were overdrawn and dry at times. I also enjoyed the familiar feeling of sinking into a Tamora Pierce book.
Overall, not that great. I found the Protecter of the Small series to be the best, then the Alanna series (she was another Mary Sue, but not as annoying), and then the Daine series (oh how I loathe that girl -- even more than Ali).
It's too bad Pierce thinks up the most annoying female protagonists -- she's quite a good storyteller.
Okay, I have a question. You think the vast majority of TP's protagonists are Mary Sues, you can't stand them... why the hell are you still reading the books? If you don't like them, why read them? Seems like a waste of time to me....
When I was younger, I loved Tamora Pierce. I devoured every book she wrote with an innocent intensity only characteristic of children anymore, but now that I have matured more, I read this book, expecting it to be fabulous like the others. I was wrong. Not only was I wrong that this one was not fabulous, but I was also wrong about all the others being fabulous. Tamora Pierce is excellent with plot, but her writing falls a little short of the mark. While I was young, I had no judging eye for well-written books and what young children really like is just something that keeps me captivated. The problem is, now when I read the books, every sentence falls flat with a groan of agony. This book is not good. Now if all of you just think I am an annoying adult, it's not true. I'm talking about realizing this now, and I am thirteen years old. If a thirteen year old can recognize bad writing, shouldn't you be able to?
See, now I'm annoyed. That sort of attitude should never come from anybody under the age of 25, least of all a 13-year-old. I admit, it's much better than standard 13-year-old reviews (OMG! IT SUXXED!!!!!111), but... no. While I was young? YOU STILL ARE YOUNG, YOU PRETENTIOUS LITTLE TWIT!
The book is about this girl named Alianne.She wants to be a
spy like her dad, but her mom doesn't want her to follow the
steps of her dad because she said that her dad is unique.
This book is really interesting because it talks about this
girl that talked to godesses, she made deals with them and she
followed her dreams. She had many adventures and we can see
that she did what her dreams told her to do.
I would recommend this book to those people who like stories
with a lot of adventure and imagination, it's really
interesting and fun book!!!!!!
People, please stop letting your kids write book reports on Amazon. PLEASE. It means that those of us who want actual opinions have to wade through a lot of dreck that was no doubt written to please the teacher.
I think a lot of the people who disliked this book disliked it because they wanted another book like all the others. Well, it's not. And that's not a bad thing. You just have to open your mind a little and accept that not every female character has to be a dedicated, driven warrior princess.
Well, this is classic. I'll do them in reverse order, 'k?
5
I don't think that the author who wrote harrty potter should not make any more books because its bad and it goes against Gods word. Witches and wizards are not of God and people who believe in witches and wizards aren't of God and don't know God. So I think that harry potter books should stay banded.I like the movies but the books NO. the movies are not okay eaither but almost every one knows that TV and movies aren't real.
This one has to be fake. Right?
So people are realising that this is poorly written, uninspired, unimaginative tripe? Now that is reassuring.
Why don't you try a little Tolkein (or even Terry Pratchett), rather than inflict this on your lobotomized cranial cavity?
Tolkein? He's not exactly the best writer in the world. And Terry Pratchett, I love him, but his writing has as many glitches in it as anybody elses.
This is the last Harry Potter book I plan to buy. I was thrilled with books 1 & 3, and I enjoyed books 2 & 4 almost as much. But in learning to develop her writing style, J.K. has turned a light-hearted, fun-to-read series into an adult melo-drama that seems to explore HER frustrations rather than engage me in the delight of reading about the adventures of Harry and friends. The latest book was almost humorless and definitely not an enjoyable read. My nephews have never finished the book...they stopped less than 1/3 the way in the book because it "wasn't fun to read." I agree. With Harry showing little respect to Dumbledore towards the end of the book, I'm not sure I would WANT my nephews to finish the book.
Okay, I can understand wanting more mirth in your books... but who cares how much respect he shows to Dumbledore? Dumbledore messed up! Big time! Really, I'm glad Harry is finally appearing to be somewhat realistic in his reactions to people, instead of the bland hero-worship Dumbledore is always Right he showed before!
... that six kids cannot take on 10 death eaters?? Hello??!! What is this The Goonies??
... that he can trust Dumbledor explicitly??
And when will Rowling realize that having absolutely nothing happen for the first 400 pages is idiotic? I kept getting closer to the middle of the book wondering when it was going to start. There's no way I can read this to my kids!! Snore!!
*gigglesnorts*
No arguments here!
Another one?! These books are just plain poorly written. I do not understand why these Harry Potter books are so popular. The charactures are boring and dull, the attempts at humor were pathetic, and these books are plain boring. These are just another fantasy series where its been there done that if you know what I mean. If not, then I will explain: modern fantasy is all going down hill, sort of. There are some good writers out there that are excellent. However, Harry Potter are those books that are going downhill. The writing is very poor and the dialogue is very hard to follow. I also did not feel as though I was there: another mark of poor writing skills. Overall, I give this book one star.
Here's somebody else. If you didn't like the first one... or the second one... or the third one... why are you still reading the fifth one? Stupid, stupid!
4
I have to admit I was impressed with the first harry Potter book...it was new and original. The second one was also quite good. However, by the third one, I realised that there was no suspense or excitement left because, no matter what happens in the books, the end is always going to be the same. Good will always win over evil. harry Potter will survive anything and everything with, at worst, a few broken bones...and why? Firstly because the whole world knows that JK has been contracted to write seven books in the series, so how can Harry ever die? Secondly, if Harry does die, where will the poker-faced JK get her next few hundred million pounds from. This book has given me horrible visions of the series continuing past the seventh book -Harry Potter...The Capuccino years. I think JK should have secured her place in literary history by fading out gracefully after a third book. Instead, she is in danger of becoming droll and predictable.
Yes, we know Harry isn't dying until book seven. There's still many other people who can die. Cheer up!
Oh my good lord! That book is so...
long! I waited until midnight to get that book and it was too long for me to finish! How many years has it been since it came out? I haven't gotten past page 75! It is long enough to be two seperate books! Here is another thought: if J.K. Rowling wanted to be smart, she would have written all of the books and then had them published! It's been so long, the people who were interested in it at the begginning are to old for it now! Also, why didn't they wait for all the books to be out before making the movies and why did they hire a guy in his 70's who had cancer to play a character he would have to play for like eight years! The whole concept is stupid! They should have done what they did in Lord of the Rings: all the movies at one, a guy inhis 50's but no! They had to ruin everything! So many little children are so upset because Dumbledore died! Hollywood should think about how much pain they will cause small children before they make another eight movie series!
Dude. Get a grip.
rowling has poor insights into things, and his harry potter is no more than an ordinary child story. nothing in the book is of rowling's own creation-- everything she just borrow it from somewhere else. for instance, the idea of a wizard, nor goblin is new. about the story and the plot, obviously rowling has adopted such a recipe (start introducing characters> something unexpected happens > band of children miraculous solve the the mystery and become heroes) more than thousands have used in making children stories.
every book of jk rowling is dull, and is repetitive, as they all start with harry having his summer holidays with the whatever it is ( i don't care) , and then goes back to school and something happens, and bah bah bah...
talking about child entertainment, i could find lots of japanese animations thats better than this...
no offence, just expressing my opinions about this book, which i think does not deserve all the popularity.
Oh wow. She stole the idea of goblins! And the English language - writing in English isn't new either! NOOOOOOOO!
Why exactly did you need to insult anime, again?
This fourth book in the Harry Potter series continues to present Harry as a hero who gets by with very little punishment or consequence for disobedience or lying. Other characters who are supposedly 'good,' such as Mr. Weasley, the father of Harry's friend, Ron, also lie and, in fact, Mr. Weasley advises his two sons to not tell their mother that they gambled. The story starts with a murder, and a very gruesome and repulsive ritual is performed towards the end of the book. The book also presents the idea that the ends justify the means. I read all four books and carefully documented many moral problems in the main characters that cause these books to be highly inappropriate for children ages 9-12. Additionally, as a former astrologer, I think it is important for people to know of the book's endorsement of the study and use of occult arts such as casting spells and divination. Harry is not learning to be a witch; he is learning to master forces that are the domain of a would-be sorcerer.
Yes, yes. When the bad guys murder, it means the book is bad. *backs away slowly*
Unlike the more mature fantasies of C.S. Lewis's classic Narina books or King and Straub's Talisman which depict schools as deadening embodiments of progressive aridity Rowling show's them as portals to enchantment rather then as an evil to escape from, something which underscores her "hero's" essential preppy sensibility & vapidity.
*gigglesnorts*
I should send this one to the "harry potter is evil for disobeying his teachers!!!111" folks.
I have given this book one star for just one reason: There isn't a zero star option! I am stunned by the rave reviews this book receives. I have read all four of the books in this miserable series, and have written a review on the first book (my opinion hasn't changed- that review is also a one-star). I'm not planning on spending money on these books anymore. In my experience, many of the people who love Harry Potter are the ones who will read a book only if they have a book report or summer reading to do. These books are for the people whose imaginations are impoverished due to lack of reading. As another reviewer put it, "The adults who like these books are the ones who didn't pay attention in English class." One other thing I've noticed is that this series should have a subtitle: The Lord Of the Rings. This book lacks originality. J.K. Rowling has tried and failed to write a book as great as The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. When Harry Potter #5 arrives on the shelves, leave it alone and pick this one up. You won't regret it! Another series of much higher quality are the Redwall Series, by Brian Jacques. Then, when you've finished with them, read the Sherlock Holmes stories, by A. Conan Doyle. Another series to read as soon as possible are The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis. So, forget Harry Potter, and read good books like these!
1. STOP IT WITH THE TOLKEIN! He's got just as many problems as JKR, especially in the "way too long" area.
2. C.S. Lewis isn't that great either. Especially not once you realize the blatant Christian propaganda. Boy, that ruined my happy childhood memories....
Sure, the books are an OK read, but they lack both the intelligence, and the basic literary foundations to become anything more than brain candy. The books are both filled with cliches, one dimensional characters, (hermione, Ron, and Harry, to name a few) and laughable, inane villains, who are both stupid, and the 'diet pepsi' of evil.
This book does not deserve the recognition that it has recieved. It is a waste of time to read, and does not impart the reader with anything worthwhile. .... (oh, and BTW, I am in the target age range for the 'harry potter' books.)
I completely agree... but here's the thing. I, unlike some people, don't see a problem with light fiction. You can't always eat salads, sometimes you want to have ice cream.
Hello all you blathering fools who actually think this is a decent work of literature. Let me just say that this piece of downright insanity may very well be the downfall of human society. Not only is this atrocity fiction, but it plays upon the vulnerable minds of young children across America. I mean, really, does anybody care about some half-witted, magic-weilding dope of a child? I'm sorry, but all of you people who actually enjoyed this nonsensical creation are just gullable in the first degree! Why don't you read some real books, such as the literature by Stephen Ambrose, whose books remind us of our brave and courageous forefathers who gave their very lives to keep this country free. Or how about a fine Shaara novel that documents the entire Civil War, an event that changed the history of these United States that we live in, and owe so much for. Unfortunately, too many children are taking for granted this glorious country in which we reside. Therefore, I would ask that all Americans boycott the foolish Harry Potter series, and begin to fully comprehend the sacrifices made in order to keep this the UNITED States of America!
What the hell?
3
I was thoroughly enjoying this book, and it was all set to be my favourite of the series until I reached the part towards the latter stages which mentions Hermione's time-controlling hour-glass. A monstrous plot loophole suddenly opened up.
Think about it.
The simplistic technology (or spell) exists in the realms of the world of Harry Potter to enable time-travel. Don't you think a character as powerful and knowledgeable as Voldermort would be aware of this?
As such, no action can ever be final - and therefore the bad guy would be able to go back in time and do whatever he wants to do - so none of these adventures are the finished article, because they could always be changed through time-travel.
For example, Lord V could go back and prevent Harry's parents ever meeting.. and thus solve all his problems in one easy go. Or Dumbledore could do something similar to Voldermort or each of his cohorts, and so on and so on...
If time-travel is to be restricted to a minor part in the tales, it needs to be strictly controlled or very limited - but it isn't. Hermione gets to mess around through the entire story with it, in order to push herself ever-closer to a nervous breakdown.
Up until this point, JK Rowling had been doing so well. The world of magic and spells was imaginative and mad, but suddenly the whole structure has been completely undermined by the introduction of a major shift in the credibility of the world she's created.
I can hear her bank manager laughing at everyone...
*nodnodnod*
I can't believe some people will dress up as Wizards and Witches and run around like idiots just because J K Rowling is making a so called "guest" appearence somewhere near they live. J K Rowling is the worst author EVER and why does the British Goverment even let her books be published if they contain stuff like Witches and Wizards, which I thought Kids weren't supposed to learn about.
Yes, yes, censorship is teh kewlest, got it, moving on!
Hello, As a fan of biographical and history books this book of dragons, wizards and spells do not fit my needs. Harry Potter is not the type of impression I want my kids to read because of it's unrealistic science fiction this book holds. Reading about real events and things that have, do and will happen are more interesting and get your mind thinking rather than reading about something irrelevant and obsure to this world today. Maybe in Feudalistic times this would be a book I enjoy but as for now I stand before you and recommend that if you are the type of reader I am you should not read these books, but if you are the type of person that enjoys these 1000 page books of irrelevant and sci fi topics by all means go right ahead and bore yourself.
Okay. Firstly, it's not science fiction. It's fantasy. Secondly, if you like fantasy, you're not boring yourself by reading it. Third, have you never heard about hiding current themes in fiction? You might want to find out about that.
Look at the symbol on Harry Potter's forehead.
It's the Satanic "S" - It represents a lightning bolt that means "Destroyer". In mythology, It was the weapon of Zeus. Worn to have power over others.
Also was worn by the feared SS of Nazi Germany who killed the Jews after an area was conquered.
Here are some quotes:
Professor Snape who taught Potions: "I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses...."
A Centaur's views on astrology - "We have sworn not to set ourselves against the heaven. Have we not read what is to come in the movements of the planets? ....Or have the planets not let you in on that secret?"
"He is with me wherever I go," said Quirrell quietly, referring to Voldmort. "I met him when I traveled around the world. A foolish young man I was then, full of ridiculous ideas about good and evil. Lord Voldemort showed me how wrong I was. There is no good and evil , there is only power, and those too weak to seek it.... Since then, I have served him faithfully."
Headmaster Dumbledore: "To the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure."
Hagrid, the grounds-keeper at Hogwarts, telling Harry about the strange power that saved his life, "Happened when a powerful, evil curse touches you - didn't work on you, and that's why yer famous, Harry. No one ever lived after he [Voldemort] decided ter kill `em, no one except you..."
But other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?
The book Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling is a book put together with the use of the literary device of irony. It is said that Rowling puts together an excellent book thorough the use of the device of irony. Much of the book would have to be written differently if irony was not included.
For instance throughout the book students at Hogwarts are petrified due to the sight of the "monster", later known as the basilisk, hidden in the chamber of secrets. Almost every time this takes place Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter are found at the scene first. Also it just happened to work out that the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher Gilderoy Lockhart is a fake and can't perform magic. Therefore Ron and Harry have to step up and take the lead in finding Ginny Weasley, Ron's younger sister who was captured by Tom Riddle.
Although irony made it possible for every thing to work in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, it is said that there is too much. Everything in the book keeps happening because Harry, Ron, and Hermione happen to be there. Then it is argued as mentioned before the book would not have been able to flow with out the literary device. So all in all Rowling's book was made possible because of irony.
What did I say about not letting kids use amazon for homework? STOP IT. RIGHT NOW.
I think that this book could have been much better...although I do not care for the Harry Potter series at all. They are really unimaginative and uncreative, and at times, rather silly and dumb. (with all due respect) I think that JK Rowling kinda copied it from the Lord of the Rings series, except she made it for younger kids. The movies are not as exciting as I thought they should be. I would highly recommend reading the Lord of the RIngs series instead. The Harry series is a waste of time.
Harry Potter is not exactly similar to LotR. Try again.
I rated Harry Potter 1 star becuase I did not think it wasn that exciting. Harry Potter was not a realistic book, it was just a made up fantasy. I think an adult might enjoy Harry Potter becuase they could understand it better. However someone my age could not understand many of the things the author states in the book.
I really disagree with that. Really.
We have read this book and feel it has no place in the hands of children. This book is at best an introduction into witchcraft.It reaches out to children with tales of sorcery and spells. It glorifies revenge.It puts down family values and their concept. The main character's parents are blown up and murdered. The book states that "Death is the next Great Adventure". This book is close to being banned in 5 states and rightfully so.Our children in this day in age need to embrace family values and be taught to treasure life.
1. I've read it, and feel it does belong with children.
2. I don't think it's an introduction to witchcraft. For one thing, it states that most people (that is, YOUR KIDS) can't do witchcraft at all, so what's the point of trying?
3. Yup, what's your point?
4. Does it? Where, exactly, has revenge been glorified?
5. Ooh, it encourages gay marriage? COOL!
6. Yes, and this is how we know that the blowing-up people were evil.
7. Better than saying that death is horrible and must be avoided at all costs, 'cuz, y'know, you can't.
8. No, it's not. This is the US. You can't ban a book. You can (illegally) restrict it's placement in libraries, but you can't ban it.
9. Or they can learn to distinguish fact from fiction!
I only gave it one star because I wanted to get your attention, yet really it deserves four or five.
Yeah, stop doing that too. It's annoying.
1
This is a book about Harry Potter, who finds himself
in a parallel world of magic.
I am 9 years old and I think this is one of the best books I have read
and I have read a lot of books!! This is definetely the book of the year!
The book is never boring and the people are believable as well as magical. I want to read the sequel!!
This was written in 98, so she's 15 now. Just Harry's age! Kindasorta.
I was disgusted to see how many kids and even adults adore this book. It's among the worst I've ever read.
Though poorly written, the main problem is the poor morality. Harry "hates" all of his enemies, for one thing. What kind of a message is that sending out?
Then there's the lying thing. Harry saves the world by telling a lie, and gets lots of points for his house, therefore winning the school cup. Although it may not be such a bad thing to tell a lie to save the world, HELLO! This is fiction. J.K. Rowling could have found a better way for Harry to save the world.
(Let's not even go into the gross aspects of the book, like vomit-flavored candy, which, I suppose, is supposed to be considered humerous.)
The overall message of the book is that if you're smart and brave enough you can break the rules, lie, cheat, cast spells on the people you dislike, and all the rest, without any danger of being thought of as bad.
One last note to all those people who say it's no different than "Lord of the Rings" or the Narnia books--THIS IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT. Only the bad characters in those books do bad things. In Harry Potter, the good characters also do bad things.
Yes. In these books the good characters aren't perfect. They're somewhat more realistic than perfect people. Yay!
Well, I'm done. Finally. Got that out of my system. Nothing much interesting in those reviews, though I tried.
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Date: 2004-10-23 09:06 pm (UTC)Well, it was fantasy....