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A review by sams84
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
2.0
I have finally caved in and decided to read the Potter series, partly to see what all the fuss is about and partly to see if it is really worth the all the hype. I must say I did enjoy a little more than I expected however that's not saying much as after subjecting myself to the hype covered Twilight I was cynical about it to say the least. The story is relatively entertaining although it does take a lot from other fantasy and childrens authors. Harry's backstory of losing his parents and being left with relatives that don't like him or treat him well is straigh out of Roald Dahl and the magic and mayhem of Hogwarts can be find in every classic fairytale ever written.
Rowlings has created characters with huge potential for development, including Harry who has far as heroes go has a fair way to go but it is nice to see that he doesn't do everything alone and has a lot of help from his friends and, occasionally, his enemies. It's a shame none of the characters had a bit more depth although I'm hoping this will develop as the series continues. I'm also hoping that the good and bad characters waver a little and aren't so definitely good/bad as I felt that aspect did actually limit their possibilities somewhat.
The story itself was quietly enjoyable although a little predictable in parts and the climax was a bit of a disappointment, would've liked a bit more drama, theatrics, magic, something to set it off a bit more but for a first book it wasn't all bad. Again I'm hoping this aspect will develop as the series does. Overall not a bad little read, not taxing at all but a nice bit of light entertainment to pass the time, definitely not worth the huge amount of hype and attention it has received though.
Rowlings has created characters with huge potential for development, including Harry who has far as heroes go has a fair way to go but it is nice to see that he doesn't do everything alone and has a lot of help from his friends and, occasionally, his enemies. It's a shame none of the characters had a bit more depth although I'm hoping this will develop as the series continues. I'm also hoping that the good and bad characters waver a little and aren't so definitely good/bad as I felt that aspect did actually limit their possibilities somewhat.
The story itself was quietly enjoyable although a little predictable in parts and the climax was a bit of a disappointment, would've liked a bit more drama, theatrics, magic, something to set it off a bit more but for a first book it wasn't all bad. Again I'm hoping this aspect will develop as the series does. Overall not a bad little read, not taxing at all but a nice bit of light entertainment to pass the time, definitely not worth the huge amount of hype and attention it has received though.