A review by sunnycollins_
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This book does a great job of setting up some of the later plot points but it feels a bit more drawn out than the first book. There's a hint of comedy, returning favorites from the first book, a good mystery, and a lot of wizard lore that makes this edition an overall pleasant read.
While the plot felt pretty solid throughout, there were a few things I had an issue with. First, I feel like Ginny was shoehorned in at the very end; I assume this was to include the whole Weasley family and add higher stakes, either way it felt extremely forced. Second, I *really* Dobby. There is truly no reason for him to be included in the plot besides the chaos he brings but, in my opinion, his points could have easily been brought by a different character.
There are also some things in this book that I really enjoyed! Gilderoy Lockheart is my one of my favorite characters in the series, I really love the background we get on the school's foundeds, and I think this book does a great job of showcasing Malfoy's father.
Spoiler
(see: the sword, Tom Riddle, Hagrid's backstory and more)While the plot felt pretty solid throughout, there were a few things I had an issue with. First, I feel like Ginny was shoehorned in at the very end; I assume this was to include the whole Weasley family and add higher stakes, either way it felt extremely forced. Second, I *really* Dobby. There is truly no reason for him to be included in the plot besides the chaos he brings but, in my opinion, his points could have easily been brought by a different character.
There are also some things in this book that I really enjoyed! Gilderoy Lockheart is my one of my favorite characters in the series, I really love the background we get on the school's foundeds, and I think this book does a great job of showcasing Malfoy's father.
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Vomit and Injury/injury detail
Minor: Slavery, Death of parent, Blood, and Animal death