a book review for harry potter

A review of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone By J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone By J. K. Rowling Bloomsbury Pub Ltd Paperback: 224 pages, Feb 2000, ISBN-13: 978-0747532743

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J. K. Rowling is a book about bravery and courage. As Professor Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, says “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”

I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it for muggles aged eleven and up. This is the first in the seven book Harry Potter series. I think readers must read Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone before reading the other books in the series, as this book sets the scene for the Harry Potter world.

As the title suggests, the main character in this book is Harry James Potter, also known as the boy who lived. The book follows Harry in his first year at Hogwarts, where he meets Hermione Jean Granger, a genius, and Ronald Bilius Weasley, a red head with six siblings.

When he was just a baby, Harry’s parents were killed by a Dark Arts wizard named Voldemort. Voldemort also tried to kill Harry but failed, leaving Harry with a scar in the shape of a lightning bolt on his forehead, and giving him the title the boy who lived. On the night of his parents’ death, Harry was placed on the doorstep of his aunt and uncle, the Dursley’s, much to their displeasure.

“Harry – yer a wizard” Harry was told on his eleventh birthday. With this news, he left the Dursley’s grasp for Hogwarts.

Harry, Ron and Hermione discover that in a room in the Forbidden Corridor on the third floor at Hogwarts, covered by spells and curses, lays the one and only Philosopher’s Stone – a stone that can transform any metal into pure gold and also produces the Elixir of Life, which will make the drinker immortal. During his time at Hogwarts, Harry develops the feeling that his potions teacher Professor Snape hates him, and has a gut feeling that Snape will try and steal the stone. One night, Harry, Ron and Hermione sneak up to the Forbidden Corridor to get the stone before Snape does. The trio pass through challenging obstacles. In the end, Harry has to finish the mission on his own and to his surprise, it’s not at all what he expected.

The theme of this story is magic and mystery. Nothing is as it seems, with changes at every turn.

This book is unlike any other; J. K. Rowling has opened the door to a whole new world of reading. Those readers who enjoy the Scarlet and Ivy series by Sophie Cleverly should also enjoy the Harry Potter series.

About the reviewer: Cleo was Commended in the 2019 Hunter Writers’ Centre/Compulsive Reader Review competition. She is in Grade 6 and her favourite subjects are novel study, reading groups and writing. Cleo has participated in the Premier’s Reading Challenge since she started school. Cleo plays as the Goal Shooter and Goal Attack in her local netball team, which she loves. Cleo’s dream is to have a dog and she is yet to know what she wants to be in the future.

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Book review: the harry potter series by j.k. rowling.

Over the last month or so I have re-read the entire Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling . Something I haven’t done since I was a child. It reminded me why I feel in love with reading, a throwback to my childhood. A must read for everyone everywhere.

The series consists of seven books. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the first book in the series. I gave it 5 stars. From the first chapter you are drawn into this fantastic world and that you just want to be part of. An adventure from the beginning to the very end. The friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermione is also developed so naturally. I also love how much more assertive Harry is compared to the films.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second book in the series. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book as it is my least favorite film in the series; I gave it 3 stars. There is so much cut out of the film compared to the book. I also love the introduction of Tom Riddle . Every villain needs a beginning.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was a 4-star read. I only marked it down as it did drag a tiny bit. Remus Lupin and Sirius Black are brilliant additions to the world. They provide a new layer of History to the world. They add back story and a new list of emotions for Harry to deal with.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a 5-star read. J.K. Rowling really stepped up her game with the introduction of the Triwizard Tournament ; I was hooked. I really enjoyed how the friendship between Harry and Ron was tested and how the relationship between Hermione and Harry blossomed. You really felt that they were friends through thick and thin. This book contained so much in its pages and all of it seemed relevant. The ending was so shocking, I couldn’t wait to pick up the next edition in the series.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was really long. The narrative was interesting, but I found it drawn out in parts. I only gave it 3 stars. I may have just be overloaded with info, but I found the climax hard to follow. There were a lot of characters and I felt it difficult to follow each strand of the battle. The ending was heart-breaking, another loss for the boy who has lost so much already.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was a 4-star read. I loved the expansion of the friendship group into the other houses besides Gryffindor lot. I felt in this book you got a real sense that the characters had matured. The twist and turns still surprised me after all these years. The twist at the end made me tear up. A twist that I didn’t see coming.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was a fantastic end to the series. A 4-star read, I only marked it down as I felt that it was a slow start to the action. This book had more twists and turns than a roller coaster. It incorporated so much and made a call back to each and every book in the series. I felt I didn’t fully appreciate this book the first time I read it. The characters throughout the series all play such critical roles both big and small.

J.K. Rowling has created something amazing with this series. Stories that don’t age and can be passed down. There is no age limit, they can be enjoyed by young and old. I think I’ll make it an annual read. I think I might even treat myself to the illustrated version for my next excursion into the fantastic wizarding world of Harry Potter .

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The latest book reviews and book news, harry potter and the sorcerer’s stone: book review.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone novel by J. K. Rowling

A novel that needs no introduction is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling. It is the novel that has shaped the lives of millions of readers and is still one of the most read novels today! Keep reading to find out why this novel and series is as popular as it is.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Summary

On his eleventh birthday, Harry Potter finds out he is a wizard and will be attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Before then, Harry did not even know that magic was real or that he was famous. As Harry learns about his past and his parents who died protecting him, he prepares to embark on a new journey.

Harry arrives at Hogwarts and becomes friends with two of his classmates Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. The trio all are members of house Gryffindor and help each other pass the first year at Hogwarts. But as they find out throughout the course of the year, they will face many challenges and enemies.

Suspicious activity at Hogwarts like a three-headed dog guarding a trap door and a troll somehow entering and attacking Hogwarts makes the trio suspicious. Harry, Ron, and Hermione soon discover Professor Dumbledore is hiding something at Hogwarts and someone is trying hard to steal it. As the first years try to manage the workload, they must also stop whoever is after the secret artifact before it is used by the dark forces at the school.

Originally published as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the United Kingdom in 1997, within the first six months of release, the children’s book took off. When Scholastic bought the U.S. rights, Scholastic’s Arthur Levine believes that the title wouldn’t work for American readers. After some discussion, the novel’s title was changed to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone which was suggested by Rowling.

Rowling went on to say that she wished she hadn’t changed it but since it was her first novel, she didn’t have as much leverage. The title change was not necessary and makes it a bit confusing for some people. The good thing is that that is the only novel where that happened. Maybe Scholastics should give readers a little bit more credit.

I was first introduced to the Harry Potter world by the movies. As a kid, I was always intimidated but the size of the Harry Potter novels and did not believe I would be able to read a book that big. It was later on in my life that I tackled bigger novels and even later when I finally read the Harry Potter novels.

I fell in love with the novels wholeheartedly. The writing is great, the characters are wonderful, and the overarching plot and how everything connects was done perfectly. One thing the movies never did well was showcase Harry’s struggle of not having a family and his loneliness. In the novel, we see how they affect Harry’s state of mind and acting out because of those feelings, something the movies don’t do that well.

This novel and the whole Harry Potter series should be read by every reader in my opinion. Not everyone has to like it but reading it and finding that whether you do or not should be a test given to everyone. It will get a lot if children into reading and that is always a great end result. Expect reviews for all the novels in the series in the coming months!

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In the first paragraph u wrote eep instead of keep… XD

Thanks I’ll fix it now 🙂

I used to be a huge fan of the movies but never read the books. It’s always interesting to hear the differences. Good to know that the book expands on the characters a bit more!

The entire series ends differently in the books than in the movies. the boom ending in Deadly Hallow makes much more sense.

My daughter made sure all her copies were the the UK versions

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these series made a reader out of me, thanks for sharing 🙂

Thanks for reading! 👍

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I also saw the movies first. It wasn’t until after “The Goblet of Fire” film came out that I started reading the books. But I read the 4th one first, and the rest out of order, until “The Deathly Hallows” book was released. Not too long ago, I started rereading the 1st “Harry Potter” novel, and picked up on some new details and moments that I’d missed before, including some dark ones.

Rereading them now and there’s a lot that you realize that you missed. Rowling thought it all out!

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I love Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s stone also known as. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

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The cover was good, but I read a little, and I thought that if I read more it would be more interesting. Well, beyond interesting, but my new favorite book!

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HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE

From the harry potter series , vol. 1.

by J.K. Rowling ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1998

It’s slanted toward action-oriented readers, who will find that Briticisms meld with all the other wonders of magic school.

In a rousing first novel, already an award-winner in England, Harry is just a baby when his magical parents are done in by Voldemort, a wizard so dastardly other wizards are scared to mention his name.

So Harry is brought up by his mean Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia Dursley, and picked on by his horrid cousin Dudley. He knows nothing about his magical birthright until ten years later, when he learns he’s to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hogwarts is a lot like English boarding school, except that instead of classes in math and grammar, the curriculum features courses in Transfiguration, Herbology, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry becomes the star player of Quidditch, a sort of mid-air ball game. With the help of his new friends Ron and Hermione, Harry solves a mystery involving a sorcerer’s stone that ultimately takes him to the evil Voldemort. This hugely enjoyable fantasy is filled with imaginative details, from oddly flavored jelly beans to dragons’ eggs hatched on the hearth.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1998

ISBN: 978-0-590-35340-3

Page Count: 309

Publisher: Levine/Scholastic

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1998

CHILDREN'S SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

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THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL

From the school for good and evil series , vol. 1.

by Soman Chainani ; illustrated by Iacopo Bruno ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 14, 2013

Rich and strange (and kitted out with an eye-catching cover), but stronger in the set pieces than the internal logic.

Chainani works an elaborate sea change akin to Gregory Maguire’s Wicked (1995), though he leaves the waters muddied.

Every four years, two children, one regarded as particularly nice and the other particularly nasty, are snatched from the village of Gavaldon by the shadowy School Master to attend the divided titular school. Those who survive to graduate become major or minor characters in fairy tales. When it happens to sweet, Disney princess–like Sophie and her friend Agatha, plain of features, sour of disposition and low of self-esteem, they are both horrified to discover that they’ve been dropped not where they expect but at Evil and at Good respectively. Gradually—too gradually, as the author strings out hundreds of pages of Hogwarts-style pranks, classroom mishaps and competitions both academic and romantic—it becomes clear that the placement wasn’t a mistake at all. Growing into their true natures amid revelations and marked physical changes, the two spark escalating rivalry between the wings of the school. This leads up to a vicious climactic fight that sees Good and Evil repeatedly switching sides. At this point, readers are likely to feel suddenly left behind, as, thanks to summary deus ex machina resolutions, everything turns out swell(ish).

Pub Date: May 14, 2013

ISBN: 978-0-06-210489-2

Page Count: 496

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: Feb. 12, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2013

CHILDREN'S SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

by Soman Chainani ; illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

More by Soman Chainani

by Soman Chainani ; illustrated by RaidesArt

by Soman Chainani ; illustrated by Julia Iredale

Netflix Drops ‘School for Good and Evil’ Trailer

BOOK TO SCREEN

THE LAST EVER AFTER

From the school for good and evil series , vol. 3.

by Soman Chainani ; illustrated by Iacopo Bruno ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 21, 2015

Ultimately more than a little full of itself, but well-stocked with big themes, inventively spun fairy-tale tropes, and...

Good has won every fairy-tale contest with Evil for centuries, but a dark sorcerer’s scheme to turn the tables comes to fruition in this ponderous closer.

Broadening conflict swirls around frenemies Agatha and Sophie as the latter joins rejuvenated School Master Rafal, who has dispatched an army of villains from Capt. Hook to various evil stepmothers to take stabs (literally) at changing the ends of their stories. Meanwhile, amid a general slaughter of dwarves and billy goats, Agatha and her rigid but educable true love, Tedros, flee for protection to the League of Thirteen. This turns out to be a company of geriatric versions of characters, from Hansel and Gretel (in wheelchairs) to fat and shrewish Cinderella, led by an enigmatic Merlin. As the tale moves slowly toward climactic battles and choices, Chainani further lightens the load by stuffing it with memes ranging from a magic ring that must be destroyed and a “maleficent” gown for Sophie to this oddly familiar line: “Of all the tales in all the kingdoms in all the Woods, you had to walk into mine.” Rafal’s plan turns out to be an attempt to prove that love can be twisted into an instrument of Evil. Though the proposition eventually founders on the twin rocks of true friendship and family ties, talk of “balance” in the aftermath at least promises to give Evil a fighting chance in future fairy tales. Bruno’s polished vignettes at each chapter’s head and elsewhere add sophisticated visual notes.

Pub Date: July 21, 2015

ISBN: 978-0-06-210495-3

Page Count: 672

Review Posted Online: June 25, 2015

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Book Review

Harry potter and the sorcerer’s stone – “harry potter” series.

J.K. Rowling

Readability Age Range

Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc.

Year Published

After being raised in the miserably unfair home of his Uncle Vernon Dursley, Harry practically begins life anew when he discovers that he is a wizard and is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Among Harry’s first-year adventures are making new friends (Hagrid, Ron and Hermione), standing up to the torments of school bully Draco Malfoy, and becoming the star player on his Quidditch team (the favored sport in the magical world). Harry’s life as a Hogwarts “first-year” is more interesting than that of most attendees, because he is already famous for surviving the attack of the evil Lord Voldemort, who tried to kill him as an infant. Everyone in the wizard world knows more about Harry’s family and his story than he does, so a great deal of the book is about Harry growing into his heritage.

By far the most important happening of Harry’s first year is unraveling the mystery of the Sorcerer’s Stone and coming face to face with Voldemort. The Sorcerer’s Stone has the power to turn things to gold and to give immortality to humans. Voldemort, who lost most of his power in the battle with Harry’s parents, is desperate to find the stone and use it for his own evil purposes. He enlists the help of one Hogwarts professor, and in the end, Harry meets both of them in hand-to-hand combat. Of course, Harry wins, but Voldemort is not defeated forever.

Positive Elements

At the wizards’ bank, Harry reads on the door the following warning against greed: “Enter stranger, but take heed of what awaits the sin of greed. For those who take but do not earn must pay dearly in their turn. So if you seek beneath our floors a treasure that was never yours, thief, you have been warned, beware of finding more than treasure there.”

Unraveling the Sorcerer’s Stone mystery, Harry, Ron and Hermione find themselves involved in a life-sized chess game, in which they become playing pieces. Two positive things here: first, Harry recognizes that Ron is more gifted than he at chess, so he defers to Ron as the wiser partner. More important, Ron proves himself to be such a good friend to Harry that he is willing to sacrifice his playing piece (and get knocked unconscious in the process) so that Harry can go on to find the stone.

Harry’s parents loved him unconditionally, even sacrificially. The message is clear about the effects of this kind of love: Voldemort says, “I killed your father first, and he put up a courageous fight … but your mother needn’t have died. … She was trying to protect you.” Later, Dumbledore says, “Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn’t realize that love as powerful as your mother’s for you leaves its own mark. Not a scar, no visible sign … to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some sort of protection forever.”

Violent Content

No detailed description is given of the death of Harry’s parents. All Harry can remember is a huge flash of green light.

The resident directors in the Hogwarts dormitories are all ghosts. Two of them, in particular, have apparently died rather gruesome deaths, for they are named The Bloody Baron and Near Headless Nick, which gives some clue as to how they became specters.

Nicolas Flamel, the inventor of the Sorcerer’s Stone, agrees that it is in the best interest of humanity for the stone to be destroyed. This means that he and his wife, who both are over 600 years old, will die, because they will have no more sustenance from the stone. Harry expresses his distress over this selfless act, and the good professor Dumbledore responds, “To one as young as you, I’m sure it seems incredible, but to Nicolas and Perenelle, it really is like going to bed after a very, very long day. After all, to the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”

As previously mentioned, an evil professor tries to knock Harry to his death (or at least to serious injury) during a Quidditch match. This same professor slaughters a Unicorn in order to drink the life-giving blood of an innocent animal.

Preceding the final match with Voldemort, Ron is knocked unconscious as he, Harry and Hermione struggle to solve the mystery of the Sorcerer’s Stone. The final battle itself is an intense struggle, for Harry soon discovers that Voldemort cannot touch his body without being badly burned. As Harry’s encounter with Voldemort rises to a climax, Voldemort screams at one of his followers, “KILL HIM! KILL HIM!”

Harry’s Family

Harry is treated horribly by Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley Dursley. The Dursleys make Harry sleep in a closet, and they make no excuses about denying Harry simple pleasures while spoiling Dudley (“Every year on Dudley’s birthday, his parents took him and a friend out for the day, to adventure parks, hamburger restaurants or the movies. Every year, Harry was left behind with Mrs. Figg, a mad old lady who lived two streets away. Harry hated it there. The whole house smelled of cabbage, and Mrs. Figg made Harry look at photographs of all the cats she’d ever owned”).

The Dursleys are not characterized in such a way that the reader understands them to be a respectable or even a normal example of a family. In fact, the Dursleys are set up more as an example of the damage that is done when a child doesn’t have a real family. Children who have been neglected are likely to identify with Harry and be encouraged by his success at changing his station in life.

The Hogwarts community becomes a kind of surrogate family for Harry. He has a better Christmas at Hogwarts than he ever had with the Dursleys. And through his new friend, Ron Weasley, Harry is semi-adopted into the Weasley family, who care for him and even send him gifts, though they are poor themselves.

Throughout the story, there is the understanding that Harry’s real family truly loved him and would have treated him well. Finally, Harry finds them through a magical mirror called Erised (desire spelled backward.) In the mirror, he is able to see his mother and father looking at him longingly and waving. The mirror is intended to show its viewer the deepest desire of his or her heart.

School Discipline

J.K. Rowling paints a detailed picture of each of the prominent professors—McGonagall is fair and an excellent disciplinarian; Snape is grouchy and vengeful; Quirrell is stuttering and spineless; Dumbledore is wise and altogether respected. Harry and friends figure out early where their loyalties lie and what they can get way with in the classroom. They respect McGonagall and Dumbledore most, because these two are upright, wise and understanding.

Hogwarts rules include no fighting, no sneaking around after hours and no use of magic outside the classroom. Harry and company find a lot of their adventure in breaking the sneaking around rule and usually wind up saving someone or making an important discovery when they’re doing things they shouldn’t. They are always justly punished when they are caught in their misdeeds.

Hermione is the dissenting voice, always warning Harry and Ron that they’d better toe the line. Unfortunately, it is when she finally concedes to breaking the rules (for a good cause, of course) that Hermione proves herself a true friend to Harry and Ron (“Ron dropped his wand. Hermione Granger, telling a downright lie to a teacher?… Hermione was the last person to do anything against the rules, and here she was, pretending she had to get them out of trouble. … From that moment on, Hermione Granger became their friend”).

In the end, Harry repents of his rule breaking: “It was a bit late to repair the damage, but Harry swore to himself not to meddle in the things that weren’t his business from now on. He’d had it with sneaking and spying. He felt so ashamed of himself.”

Alcohol Use

Hagrid, the school’s caretaker, likes to drink (both for social reasons and to calm his nerves). “Everyone [in the bar] seemed to know Hagrid; they waved and smiled at him, and the bartender reached for a glass, saying, ‘The usual, Hagrid?’ ‘Can’t Tom, I’m on Hogwarts business,’ said Hagrid.” Hagrid does renounce his drinking habit when he realizes that while he was under the influence, he disclosed secret information that could have cost Harry his life. (“It’s—all—my—ruddy—fault! … I told him! Yeh could’ve died! … I’ll never drink again!”)

Spiritual Elements

Witchcraft and wizardry are central devices in this story. And they are presented in a very stereotypical manner. For example, Harry’s school supply list includes “three sets of plain work robes (black) … one pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar) … one wand, one cauldron (pewter, standard size 2),” and books like “The Standard Book of Spells … Magical Theory and One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi.”

References to dark magic and other evils that pertain to the “dark side” are included, but they are never presented as desirable. Every character who is allied with these forces is an enemy or at least a tormentor to the hero of the story. For instance, one evil professor uses powerful dark magic to try to knock Harry off his broomstick during a Quidditch match. (On a cultural level, Rowling can be commended for steering young fans away from the so-called dark side, but from a spiritual perspective, it’s clear that there are not dark and light sides when it comes to witchcraft; it’s all as black as sin.)

The most intense example of dark magic occurs during Harry’s confrontation with Voldemort, when the evil one tempts Harry to come over to the dark side in order to save his own life: “‘See what I have become?’ the face said. ‘Mere shadow and vapor. … I have form only when I can share another’s body … but there have always been those willing to let me into their hearts and minds. … Don’t be a fool. … Better save your own life and join me … or you’ll meet the same end as your parents. … They died begging me for mercy.'”

“Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, turn this stupid, fat rat yellow” is a spoken charm typical of what Harry and his friends learn at Hogwarts. Some children may be fascinated and want to try these seemingly harmless spells for themselves. Not a wise idea, considering how very real the occult is. The meaningless charms found in this book may not summon occult forces, but there are real charms that do.

That said, Rowling presents life in the supernatural realm as much fuller than life in the physical realm. Colors are brighter, people are more interesting and life is more exciting and surprising. But the side of the supernatural world that Rowling presents is not really the side that offers this abundant life. In fact, biblically speaking, to participate in the world of witchcraft brings death rather than a fuller life (1 Sam. 28:6-18, Is. 8:19 and 47:12-14). That’s more than enough reason for families to think long and hard before embarking on Harry Potter’s magic carpet ride.

Plot Summary

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling (Harry Potter: Book 1)

The Philosopher’s Stone is the first in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series of seven novels that have made her the most successful literary author of all time, selling in excess of 400 million copies world-wide. The books are read and enjoyed by children and adults alike and have also been made into hugely popular films.

Do the Harry Potter books live up to the hype? When I first began reading the Philosopher’s stone I was immediately struck by how good - and laugh-out-loud funny - the humour was. You usually need to read a Terry Pratchett novel to ensure constant laughter throughout but Rowling has managed to infuse this book with a lovely wit and charm that will both amuse and delight adults and children.

Here is an example, with the ending being particularly good:

"Harry was frying eggs by the time Dudley arrived in the kitchen with his mother. Dudley looked a lot like Uncle Vernon. He had a large, pink face, not much neck, small, watery blue eyes and thick, blond hair that lay smoothly on his thick, fat head. Aunt Petunia often said that Dudley looked like a baby angel – Harry often said that Dudley looked like a pig in a wig." Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: The Vanishing Glass

There are characters in this book that will remind us of all the people we have met. Everybody knows or knew a spoilt, overweight boy like Dudley or a bossy and interfering (yet kind-hearted) girl like Hermione. A large number of the younger readers will also be able to easily identify with Harry, especially with his initial feelings of isolation and not belonging, and then through to his excitement at finally leaving that life behind in favour of one where he belongs and will be happy.

When Harry begins his first term at Hogwarts (a wizarding school) he is not alone in being overawed:

‘Yeh’ll get yer firs’ sight of Hogwarts in a sec,’ Hagrid called over his shoulder, ‘jus’ round this bend here.’ There was a loud ‘Oooooh!” The narrow path had opened suddenly on to the edge of a great black lake. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: The Journey From Platform Nine and Three-Quarters

Hogwarts is a truly magical place, not only in the most obvious way but also in all the detail that the author has gone to describe it so vibrantly. It is the place that everybody wishes they could of gone to when they where eleven. And there many adventures befall the trio (Harry, Ron and Hermione) and the stone in the book's title is centre to all that happens. The story builds towards and exciting conclusion that has the ultimate feel-good factor.

J.K. Rowling should be commended for getting so many people reading and excited by books. The biggest surprise must be the effect that this novel had on the adult population, both male and female - at the time the books were published many a commuting train was spotted with Harry Potter books providing world-weary workers with a wonderful sense of escapism. This book is highly recommended to anybody between the ages of 8 and 80.

Is all the hype about the Harry Potter books justified? In a word, yes, the books are a joy to read and possibly the most rewarding young adult’s book since The Hobbit.

9/10 A rewarding read, a classic for children.

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Review by Amanda White

136 positive reader review(s) for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

380 positive reader review(s) in total for the Harry Potter series

JK Rowling biography

Noona from Australia

This book is satisfyingly good, the entire idea of having a young boy who’s parents die in the hands in an blood thirsty super villain isn’t that unique... *cough* *cough* *Batman*. But she makes it so original with hoggwards and the mirror makes this book so good

Athena-Jayde from New Zealand

Best book of all time love the writing and the dream J.k Rowling is my all time favorite writer

Anon from UK

I never thought I'd enjoy Harry Potter so much! It's become my favourite series and absolutely LOVE the magic and everything about the book honestly. You can never get bored and all the chapters always leave you asking tons of questions! Love it! P.S. Joanne Rowling- I love your books. Keep on doing, what you're doing! You are such an amazing author and angel. 😃

Samuel from Australia

Could not tear my eyes away from this book.

Haniya from Pakistan

Harry Potter is the best English novel I read.

Priyal from India

We all know that the book is fab, but have you ever wondered , what if J.K. Rowling ended the book with the the last line saying- '' and then Harry woke up from the dream lying in the cupboard under the stairs....''

Great book for young and old, I have read it so many times i could say it word for word. I think that it is one of the best books that I have ever read.

Anonymous from Rather not Say

An interesting beginning for the award-winning series. This, unlike the other Harry Potters, wasn’t that good. Nearly each on got better. But some kids may find this book boring and lose interest. It just doesn’t have the action and sci-fi like the rest. Philosopher’s Stone: 6/10 Chamber of Secrets: 7/10 Prisoner of Azkaban: 9/10 Goblet of Fire: 9/10 Order of the Phoenix: 10/10 Half-Blood Prince: 6/10 Deathly Hallows: 9/10 Cursed Child: 2/10 Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them: 5/10 The Tales of Beedle the Bard: 4/10

Beauty Queen from India

It was very nice book. I am still reading it even after 100 times. It interesting you see I am a fast reader so I completed the book in 1 day. It tells about how Harry Potter a wizard and how his parents were murdered so he had only one relative his mom's sister Aunt Petunia and her family. Then a letter arrives at his house but his uncle won't let him see it but a giant named Hagrid the gamekeeper says the truth that he was an wizard like he studied in the school Hogwarts the magic school and made some friends too. But he needed to save the philosopher stone from the deadly wizard named Lord Voldemort but the problem was his least favorite teacher Snape who Harry thinks works for Voldemort but that isn't the end but I don't want to be a surprise spoiler so read it yourself I felt it was a good book. How about you?

Anoymous from Somewhere

Very good book. I had read it for more than 5 times.

Anonymous from Somewhere

It’s OK. There’s been better Harry Potters. But Artemis Fowl is more enjoyable.

Mia from Australia

This is the Summary Harry Potter he a kid on his eleventh birthday a big giant man name Hagrid told him that he was a wizard and his parents were witch and wizard too he never knew that he was famous. He started at Hogwarts. Harry made some new friends name Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger there found a three head dog name Fluffy and there need to find out what in that trap door let the magic begin. This is plot When Harry Potter start Hogwarts school of wizard and witchery and Find out what happen to his parents and he find the murder of his parents his name is Voldemort. This is imagery and symbolism That in Harry Potter has a lot of bright colours and some dark colours. Book is mostly about how Harry starts and through the year of Hogwarts. One of the may symbols are Harry scar because he the boy who lived right after Voldemort disappeared. Themes are magic, Friendship and Love because it shows the magic in Hogwarts, friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermione and love between Harry and his mother and father who Harry lose.

Bill from UK

Harry Potter are the greatest books ever. I really enjoy these books the most book I like is The Prisoner of Azkaban because Buckbeak who is a magical creature is cute and the best it is the best book I have.

Sanu from Australia

It enthralled me and I finished all the books in grade 3. But I re-read them and still do! These wonderful masterpieces are perfect for kids and adults. Take a look at it.

Samiya from Bangladesh

Only one thing can say, the book is awesome and every moment and every chapter is incredible. It is the best book I ever read.

Harry Potter are the greatest books ever. I really enjoy these books, the book I likemost is The Prisoner of Azkaban because Buckbeak, who is a magical creature, is cute and the best. It is the best book I have.

Rose from Holly wood

Maria from Pakistan

This book has had me taken into another land in which i remain till now...even though i finished the whole series! I simply cannot get enough of harry potter and i highly recommend this book if you guys love fantasy and a bit of wizard action!😍😍😘😊

Rachel from United Kingdom

Simply the best!

Anna from United States

I don't like fantasy books. This is my one time I have to go against it. Harry Potter is in my top 2 favorite books of all time. It's amazing with all the unique things that you see around the magic world. You will have to think again when you chose a favourite book.

Suzanna from Wales

One of the best book series ever!! Charming and Witty, you just cant put the book down.

Nicole Fernando from Sri Lanka

Harry’s perfectly normal life at number 4 privet drive becomes extraordinary when he finds out that he is a wizard and Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry will teach him all he needs to know.Ignoring his aunt’s and uncle’s(Mr. and Mrs.Dursley) screams of protests Harry ventures into the wizarding world. But even in The wizarding world bad things happen like, the evil wizard ,Voldemort who killed who many innocent people( including Harry’s parents ) coming back to life.Even though Harry escaped from Voldemort once, Harry is not certain he can do it again.Join Harry Potter and his newly found friends Ron Weasly and Hermione Granger to save the wizarding World.Can they do it? Find out in Harry Potter and the philosopher’s stone . This book is great for all ages.The author J.K Rowling created a world full of adventure,fun and mystical places and creatures.This is only the first book from a set of seven.People all around the world would love this series.This book is one of the greatest books I have ever read.

Anna from UK

It’s very good because I enjoy it and it makes me wanna read it a lot and see what happens next.

Anjitha from India

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is one of my favourite books in the Harry Potter series. Reading this book has made me crazy about Harry Potter and I wish to be one among the magical community. I can't imagine how thrilled I would be if I get a letter from Dumbledore saying that I am admitted to Hogwarts!!!!!!!

Cira from Canada

This book made me feel like I was taken to another land. I love it and others should too. I really enjoyed the humpr and thrill that were somehow mixed together into a perfect story. J.K Rowling has that little touch that makes everyone LOVE her books. EVeryone needs to buy it!

Risha from India

One of the best books I've read. Highly recommend it. It's for all ages and it's the best! Humour, thrill, action and a little love. A combo of everything.

Amber from India

It was the best book I had ever read. The first book was a blast. J.k Rowling has really outdone herself this time.I am reading the 7th book now, and it seems to be really interesting. Young readers, I am advising you to start reading Harry Potter, as it is truly amazing and interesting to boost your imagination..... The magical world of Harry Potter is includes dangerous, fun and legendary adventures, starring Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, who are three best friends in this fabulous story. They fought together against many fantastic and dangerous creatures, and came across many obstacles. Finally, it was the time, for Harry Potter to fight against the most powerful, dangerous wizard all the magical people could think of. You wanna know more about this legendary adventure, then reading the Harry Potter series is the best way possible.

Jotaro from Japan

It is very good.

Samit from India

Truly amazing

Neil from Malta

Purely amazing.

Sofia from Mexico

It was good.

Ava from Australia

Get ready to wave your wand, for this wizardry adventure. It start off with a young boy not knowing that he's a wizard until his 11th birthday, on his journey to Hogwarts Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) makes amazing friends with Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Wealsy (Rupert Grint). On learning how to prounce the famous spells like wingardium leviosa, lumos and alohomara, but in every story there's a troubling part were Harry fights for his life.

Jade from UK

This book is the only book I read because nothing else is interesting for me and I could never stop re-reading it.By now I must of read the Harry Potter series 20 times,they are just WOW and AMAZING.I would recommend this book to anyone!

Aoife from Ireland

Just perfect.

Amaal from Austrailia

It is definitely the best book I've ever read! I need to read all!!!! :) SO AMAZING! I now know 100% understand why J.K. Rowling is the most successful and richest author there is! 9.9 STARS!

Palak from India

i have read harry potter book it was amazing i like it

Sofia from USA

Harry Potter and the philospher's stone is one of the best series I have read it more than 8 times

Namratha from India

This is amazing I love it 😙😙😙😙😙😙

Shravani from India

I really loved Harry Potter series. It is one of the greatest fictions for children. The writing, the character development is very good. I really liked it.

Harry from Australia

Best book series if you ask me. I have read each book over 15 times except The Order of the Phoenix and Goblet of Fire. JK Rowling's writing is better than any other writing. I love Emma Watson / Hermione Granger. I have loved Harry Potter since I was in year 2.

Manya Rathore from India

It is the most interesting book I have ever read and It is a wizard story and is a inspirative story.

carissa from singpore

I LOVE harry potter so much that I can read the whole book series like about 20 times. I think that everyone should a lest try reading Harry Potter .

Mubeen from India

When i started reading harry potter and the philosophers stone i was unable to stop myself by reading i read it continously and i hd cmpltd it in just one day without getting bored.....these are the amazing book series i hv ever read....i would luv to read it again and again..

Juveriya from India

I love the harry potter series

Katie from 1 Direction Fandom

Get ready for swish and flick and wingardium leviosa! The best part is the last against Lord Voldemort.

Imogen from UK

Good book =-)

Electra from Greece

I love Harry Potter and I love the Philosopher's Stone so much because it is the book where all the magic began.

Olivia Myers from Australia

I love Harry Potter but I would rather watch the move than read the book :}

Heramb from Australia

Harry Potter was the best book series I've ever read and it is beast. If I could I would rate this 2,000,000 stars out of ten!

Ben from UK

Definitely advise reading these books.

Sanjanaa from India

I like Harry Potter.

Thomas from America

AMAZING! RECOMMEND IT!!!

Aaradhana from India

Whatever it has use for us , whatever it teaches , friendship , believe in magic , confidence in ourselves , whatever , its the craziest thing i have ever read or ever known in my life...I just go mad and imagine myself in that world and actually i wont ever be tired of reading it if its even 100 times 😃😃😃😇😇😌😌 I just love it n u r the most imp part of life-review of others who just shown me that its what makes the harry potter the best story ever atleast fr me... its my life. If i would even be of 50 yrs or more i won't stop admiring it and readinb... yes i am not the best fan but fr me its the best book/series 😁😁 Love u harry pottrr stories.... and yeah 1 thing i forgot to tell u i am really a great fan of Draco Malfoy/TOM FELTON....😍😍�...😄......was that too much to read!!!!�......

Rachana from India

What a nice book it was!

Keira from Canada

This book review is magical and helps me understand what this book is about. Also in my class we are making book reviews and you have helped me alot with exmaples! Thanks.

Frutopia10 from New Zealand

It was awesome! A book that is unforgettable! Even though the series gets better and better this book is a all time favorite for me.

Hemanth from India

This is the book that everyone has to read in their lifetime and the graphics are awesome. Thanks to J. K. Rowling for giving us a awesome book and after reading I realised why the book is so famous.

Akash from India

This book is so amazing. That I can't narrate and Ys I have decided to know what people are so much crazy about these series. At last the thinking of writer is lunatically awesome!!!!

Abcd1234 from Israel

An amazing start for an equally amazing series . The plot is immersive, it takes you by the hands and pulls you into the books. I Read the whole seven books in a row. Must read!!!

Lily from Australia

OMG! this book is amazing. JK Rowling is really good with words i have read this book 100 times i love it keep up the good work JK

Sahla from UK

The magic begins!!! This book is bewitchingly beautiful. I have read all of the Harry Potter books including the Cursed Child and I have to admit that this one never gets old! All book lovers across the world, children or adults, can enjoy this book. Honestly I believe no one can ever say they hate this book true to their heart unless their pathological liars.

Annie from India

This book is amazing. I really like that and I think everyone also like this boo . This book show a philosopher's stone that amazing and their wand spells superb . Thanks to J.K Rowling that gives us very interesting book.

Savannah from Australia

This book is amazing.

Satwika from India

AMAZING!!! I love the book. It is my all time favorite. I am dieing to go to a magical school like Hogwarts. I am inspired to write a fantasy novel.

Harry Potter Fan😍 from Hogwarts

I love this book. I saw the movie and have read the book a million times now!!! (LOL)😍😃😘

Ahmed from Saudi arabia

Awesome Book but chapter one was very boring plzz in the next series dont write all those kind of stuffs. Plzz begin the story neatly and nicely

Sohini from India

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is written by J.K Rowling. Even By reading this small summary I am well liked of the story. And really from now I like Harry Potter.

N from Ireland

AMAZING 😁

Sophie from UK

It was Fantastic!

MAISHA from INDIA

It's a fabulous book, I had heard about it from my friends, and when I found it very interesting. It was like I am in the story watching everything happening. I will now start to read the second book. From my point of view, I feel that JK ROWLING IS THE BEST WRITER IN THE WORLD IN THIS GENERATION.

David from US

The first book in the Harry Potter series has much going for it but I think it is the humour that stands out most for. It is many things but I just found it plain funny. Consistently. This is fantasy in its purest form and it offers wonderful escapement and wish-fulfilment. When a book becomes as massively popular as this those who do not like it tend to really hate it. But make up your own mind - if a school for wizards and oodles of adventure and excitement sound like your type of thing then your not going to find much better than this.

Great story mixed with fantastic world - building combine to form a literary classic of immense proportions.

Emma from America

Chamber of Secrets is the classic that started a classic story about the boy who lived. The book features well rounded characters, a mysterious plot, and heartwarming world-building.

Jessica from Australia

It's amazing! I recommend this book to all ages ❤️

Indrajeet from India

Best book in my life I have ever read before and I have all the version in my home and I read it in leisure time.

Sindhu from India

This wonderful book takes us on a magical journey you can't help falling in love with. The plot, the characters, the tiny details that Rowling so masterfully brings together... mindblowing. Easily the best book series I've ever read. Recommended for everybody- young and old.

ledi from Albania

I love this book because it is a very interesting, mysterious and thrilling book.

Lavisha Malik from India

I like this book. I thank the writer to write such a interesting type of book.

Houssem from Tunisia

What an amazing and fascinating book ! Wow. The journey passed so fast, how you dive into the pages,sink in the events and travel with the characters, how fantastic that is, purely wonderful ^^

Sashreek Havelia from India

This was an amazing book and was my second novel ever. I find myself in a stronghold of books just because of this wonderfully written and out of the box book. I must congratulate author J.K.Rowling on the success of all her books and her skill as an author.

Disha from India

It is very nice.

Harry from UK

I quite liked the book it was interesting I am now on the 2nd book of Harry Potter.

Trevor from US

The only people who don't like Harry Potter books are adults who seem to think that admitting they like Harry Potter makes them less of an adult. Oh, it's a great children's book. STFU. It's not a great children's book. It's just a great book. PERIOD.

Safia Ali from India

I just want to say that I AM MAD ABOUT THIS MAGICAL WORLD AS IT DID A GREAT MAGIC ON MY MIND AND HEART. JUST LOVE IT!

Brychan from UK

An excellent book combining magic and reality in a sensational mix. J.K Rowling has definitely succeeded in writing a brilliant book perfect for all ages. She has created a combination of happy, exciting and sad scenes to create an amazing book. If you have not already read the series then I definitely recommend that you read it as soon as possible. 9/10

Jasmine from India

This book is the best book I have read in a entire life. Love u JK Rowling.

Potter fan from India

Good book but lacks action...

Navneet from India

It really is the most fantastic book which I have ever read in my life.

Michael Anthony from US

Great book!!! Love it.

Himansh from India

Great book! I had read this book almost 10 times but am not at all bored of it. People who feel bored are dumb. The only word for this book is - awesome!!! But the Deathly Hallows is the last part. I'll miss Harry Potter!!!

#potterhead from Pakistan

Oh my god! These books are life. I just cannot describe how amazing they are. I've read them like a million times and I'm still not tired of them. Favourite books and I also lovvveeeee the movies. Potterhead for life!

Priyanka from Dubai

It is such an awesome book, I felt so sad when it was coming to an end. I wish there were more than 7 Harry Potter books.

Gordon from England

It is very funny those who give this book a bad review have a very poor grasp of the English language. Maybe they lack the intellegence to appreciate literature beyond wiser and chips? Totally awesome book.

Faizan from India

Excellent! Wonderful! I love the series of Harry Potter. I have read it 7 times continuously. No words to appreciate. Just enjoy the fantasy world of magic.

Sheepish from India

It is a nice and thrilling book which I had never read in my life. I love this book, thanx for this, bye.

Anakha from India

I love it. An amazing book!

Annastacia Buckley from Singapore

I absolutely loveee this book!! But, I would give it a 10 if the review was longer and have more coverage! Awesome book!

Gregory from Australia

This book was very impressive... how can people hate this book?

xxpa from canada

Great book, I couldn't put it down once I started reading this book. Dark, amazing, fast and thrilling. A must read for all!

Jack from US

It's so good, thanks, you gave me an idea for a book review.

Gunnhildur from Iceland

I loooooved this book! Those dumb Harry Potter haters don´t understand what they are missing! I really hope J.K. Rowling writes more of these, I have read all of them twice! Maybe some stories about Harry and Ron doing Aura business and other stuff!

Deepika from India

The only review is that they are... AWESOME!!!

Pinky from India

I can't give 10 points because it's not enough! Hey! I've started reading Chamber of Secrets. After I completed reading I came to this website. Ah! This book has fans all over the world.

Ramya from India

The best ever book I've read. Fascinating, mesmerizing, so on!!! No other words I've to describe it. I normally hate books but this is the one which gave me the interest to read novels. I'll say this book is best because it's SIMPLY GREAT GREAT GREAT... VERY GREAT!!!

Trina from US

You can't put it down. I really recommend this book, it's filled with enjoyment and it's fascinating. OK, I don't want to say really smart words but just kick back your feet and read - it is so good.

Harry Potter (wink wink) from Privet Drive

i just finished it and it only took me a day.... i couldn't put it down it was AMAZING. I came to this website before I read it just to be sure it is worth while. If you're doing this now... STOP and read it. No words can explain how good it is, I have already started Chamber of Secrets. There is so much detail in JK Rowling's books! I recommend read this first then watch the movie. It's a great book for all ages :)

Aymar from Canada

Honestly loved the first the most. But the entire series was the best series I have a ever read!

Xavier from Austria

Although I am not totally enamoured by the series as a whole I think the Philosopher's Stone is a beautiful stand-alone book. It oozes charm and offers wish fulfilment on a level I've only ever encountered in the Lord of the Rings. At turns funny, heart-warming, exciting and full of tension it is a book that everyone should read. Even if it is just to find out what the fuss is all about. A great book to read every Christmas.

Ilma from Bangladesh

The best book I've read!

Himika from India

This book taught me to love fantasy! I have read many books ever since, but HP for me is always special!

Rithu from India

The most exciting and interesting to all class of people.

Dang Trung Hieu from Vietnam

Great book!

Iris from Mexico

It was the book that taught me to love reading. And discover the feeling not to be able to leave the chair until you have finished the book. Highly recommended.

Harihara from India

No words can say how much I like this. The best series ever.

Sweata from India

It is a very thrilling book and also it has an interesting mythology... I loved this book very much... I thank J.K. Rowling for writing such a great book...

Samantha from Canada

Amazing, gripping, magnificent.

Sathwik from India

Harry Potter is awesome. It has a lot of action.

Joshua from England

Harry Potter to some is a "boring", "overexaggerated" book with no life in it whatsoever. Those people are absolute idiots. J.K. Rowling's books are gripping, stunning and filled with so much literature. The magic between the pages is just thrilling, when I started reading this particular book in my youth - around 4 years ago, I'm 13 now - it was impossible to put down, I would not sleep until it was finished. Lucky for me I'm a fast reader. In a few words Harry Potter is amazing: gripping and intelligent.

Shubham Mk from India

Just one word... CLASSIC!!! Thumbs up!!

Sarah from Pakistan

I liked this book very much, but this is my first book in the Harry Potter series and now I am very excited to read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets which I've got to read in the school holidays but this book is really awesome and I hope Chamber of Secrets will also be as interesting as this!!!

Julia from America

I thought it was brill!

Jimwel from Philippines

I really love the Harry Potter books, in fact I already finished reading all those 7 series and I really crave for more books. Hope J.K. Rowling make additional series but I don't suppose she will. But who knows?

Tom Marvolo Riddle from England

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the best book of all time!

Ieuan Jones from UK

I love Harry Potter but I think the first one lacks some action, where as the others have a lot of action from near the start, like Chamber of Secrets - there's the bit near the end where Harry kills the Basilisk and the Prisoner of Azkaban, there's the Womping Willow, whereas the first one isn't very exiting because all it is the first part of the end they get through that in like 2 mins of the film and then all they do is play chess and then Harry goes on to get bought in a fire for like a minute and then all it is is him in bed and Dumbledore steeling his sweet. So yeah, it isn't the best book but I think I would put it about 6th out of the eight :D

Amelia from Australia

I LOVE THIS BOOK AND ALL THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES!! They are so engaging and make the reader actually want to be a wizard!! I am absolutely crazy about Harry Potter!! My room is filled with Harry Potter stuff because I am so in-love with these books!!!

Andy from Reading

I have heard a lot of criticism of these books by quite a few adults, and whilst the writing may not be the best they are quite clearly wrong. These books have successfully engaged not just millions of young people across the world but millions of adults as well. Any author who can achieve such a following must be doing something right. Sometimes you just have to enjoy the story and go with the flow, yes there are shortcomings, however in this case it doesn't really matter if it gets millions of people engaged in reading.

Sarah from London

GREAT! That's all I can say!

Cat Fitzpatrick from London

A children's classic, what more can you say? Luckily I was eleven when the first book came out so I was the right age to follow them over the years, but I go back to them again and again even though I'm an adult because there's so much joy to be had in this magic, vivid world. It's funny, charming, heart-breaking and utterly wonderful.

Visenna from Poland

Really great, but still rather for younger readers.

Ankita from India

I love to watch the Harry Potter series.

Adam from Gregory

J.K. Rowling has sharp, lucid prose that carries Harry Potter beyond the realms of simple children's fantasy and into that of timeless literature. It's accessible and clear but at times it can be poetic and downright funny. In addition to her concise writing style, Harry Potter is populated with interesting and relatable characters that the reader can (and will) fall in love with. Yes, you could argue the plot devices are nothing we haven't seen before. Sometimes they even border on cliche. And yes, you could also argue that the villain is a bit too simple on the morality side of things. But none of this really matters, because the Harry Potter series are a helluva lot of fun to read and have a blast-ended-skrewt-sized heart.

Ian from Lisburn

The greatest fantasy series of a generation. If you haven't read these books yet please come out of your cave and rejoin the rest of the world!!! They reminded me why I love reading and fantasy.

Sharnali from London

The Harry Potter books to me are AWESOME!!! They are legendary. J.K Rowling is an inspiration, a William Shakespeare of the present day! ;]

Leisale from Vanuatu

The only word I have for the Harry Potter series is that they are... AWESOME!!!!

Kaan Can from Turkey

Harry Potter's magical world was created perfectly by JK Rowling. It's really interesting!!! The book series and movies are great!! This is a world phenomenon!! Read these books!

Samir from Oran

I wasn't going to read the Harry Potter series because I thought it was an overrated children's book. But one day, I decided that I had to see for myself why so many people liked this series. I couldn't be more wrong. It's an amazing fantasy series with a very solid and interesting mythology. The first book is great but the following books are even better.

Laura from England

I love Harry Potter, I started reading it in primary school and I keep re-reading the whole series - it's amazing! I love the magic of it all, it's so unique. I must have read the series through at least 6 times now, and I don't get bored! They are brilliant. I love all the characters, they're so interesting. This book is just....wow! Not my favourite of the series but I still love it... I like it when they go through the trap door, it's hard to stop reading :)

9.7 /10 from 138 reviews

All JK Rowling Reviews

Harry Potter (Harry Potter)
The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Harry Potter Companion)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Harry Potter Companion)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter: Book 1)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter: Book 2)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter: Book 3)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter: Book 4)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter: Book 5)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter: Book 6)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter: Book 7)

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The Literary Edit

Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J. K. Rowling

However, I recently asked for recommendations from the BBC Big Read and got a rather curt reply from my best friend Lexy: ‘Lucifer please do yourself a favour and just bloody read the Harry potter books! They’re brilliant, easy and quick to read and you can tick a load off your list – what’s stopping you?!! X’ And so, having run out of excuses as to why I didn’t want to read them, I gave in and began the first in the series of seven: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

I’ve previously spoken about how I tend to avoid books that every second person on the tube appears to be reading and it was with a certain amount of reluctance that I finally read J. K. Rowling’s debut; one that has made her a millionaire many times over and catapulted her to the kind of stardom that is usually reserved for actors and popstars. However, as soon as I began Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, it became crystal clear why the books are so ingrained in the hearts of many readers.

Following the death of his parents, Harry Potter is left in the care of his non-wizzard family, Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia who are parents to the particularly vile Dudley, a spoilt bully and Harry’s chief tormentor. After ten years of being made to sleep in the cupboard under the stairs, having coat hangers given to him as Christmas presents and being forced to wear Dudley’s hand-me-downs, Harry is summoned by Rubeus Hagrid to wizzard-school Hogwarts, which is where his adventures begin.

With echoes of the Enid Blyton boarding-school tales I grew up reading and a not dissimilar battle between good and evil to that found in The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone also has a great deal of its own magic. With a lovingly created cast of characters and a fantasy world which immediately sweeps away its reader, it’s little surprise that the first four Harry Potter books, and indeed the only four that had been published at the time the BBC Big Read results were announced, all made it into the nation’s 100 best-loved books.

As the saying goes, ‘better late than never’ and while I may have jumped on the Harry Potter bandwagon 15 years after it first started, I’m sure I’m in for one hell of a ride!

About Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

When a letter arrives for unhappy but ordinary Harry Potter, a decade-old secret is revealed to him that apparently he’s the last to know. His parents were wizards, killed by a Dark Lord’s curse when Harry was just a baby, and which he somehow survived. Leaving his unsympathetic aunt and uncle for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry stumbles upon a sinister mystery when he finds a three-headed dog guarding a room on the third floor. Then he hears of a missing stone with astonishing powers, which could be valuable, dangerous – or both. An incredible adventure is about to begin!

About J. K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling is the author of the record-breaking, multi-award-winning Harry Potter novels. Loved by fans around the world, the series has sold more than 450 million copies, been translated into 80 languages and made into eight blockbuster films.

She has written three companion volumes in aid of charity: Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (in aid of Comic Relief and Lumos), and The Tales of Beedle the Bard (in aid of Lumos).

In 2012, J.K. Rowling’s digital company and digital publisher Pottermore was launched, a place where fans can enjoy the latest news from across the wizarding world, features and original writing by J.K. Rowling.

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1 comment on “Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J. K. Rowling”

Its definitely a series most people would enjoy 🙂

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

By j.k. rowling.

'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' is quite popular but is also one of the least well-received books in the Harry Potter series. It does have a lot of interesting developments that set up the narrative for upcoming books.

Article written by Mohandas Alva

M.A. Degree in English Literature from Manipal University, India.

‘ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ‘ by J. K. Rowling is probably most known for being a very memorable and significant book in the entire series. It has a lot of very memorable events, including Harry spending time in the Burrow for the first time, Mr. Weasley and Lucius Malfoy fighting each other, Lord Voldemort revealing himself as Tom Riddle, and the truth about the actual reason that Hagrid was expelled from Hogwarts. Although not as popular as the other books, it is very significant for addressing a lot of social issues and political problems that have plagued our world throughout history.

Addressing Discrimination and Slavery

One major triumph of ‘ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ‘ is its open criticism and illustration of discrimination. While the first book is heavily involved in world-building and keeping its repute as a kid’s book for entertainment, this book delves right into the struggle of being discriminated against when it introduces Salazar Slytherin’s claims on blood superiority and eventually connects these to that of Lord Voldemort .

The reader is familiarized with what is actually at stake here. More than being just about blood superiority, ideas like these tend to grow into venomous monstrosities that are very difficult to defeat once strong. One could draw a parallel between Nazi Germany and this idea. It is also safe to say that the Basilisk , the beast in Slytherin’s Chamber, is a metaphor for these very ideologies that have grown over the centuries to consume more followers and believers, making it more dangerous than ever.

Another idea that the story of ‘ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ‘ heavily deals with is how slavery is openly treated as a normal occurrence. When Dobby explains his predicament and the fact that he is a house-elf, Harry is taken aback and eventually begins to question the structure of how house-elves come to be. This is to resonate with the thoughts of the reader and sheds light on what is actually happening when slavery is being normalized.

However, in the magical community, house-elves are a very normal occurrence, and there are several thousands of house-elves employed within the Hogwarts castle for several chores, as is revealed in later books. By making Harry conscious of how the mere existence of house-elves is, in fact, unethical and immoral, the narrative invokes the readers’ minds to think about this problem.

Free Will, Determinism, and Identity

‘ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ‘ has a very interesting argument that questions the nature of identity. It delves deeply into the human condition and its struggles and alludes to the constant doubt that we all possess about our lives – Do we exist for a reason, or do we create reason as long as we exist? It is famously known as the debate between a case for free will and determinism.

When Harry lacks clarity on who he is, he seeks to find out if he could have been in Slytherin house or even if it’s possible for him to be an evil dark wizard. These questions arise from his clouded sense of identity arising from doubt. He ceases to see the true nature of his identity as more sources of doubt engulf around him. It is only when Professor Dumbledore claims that identity is solely a function of what we choose to act upon that Harry realizes that it is his choices and what he does that define who he is. Beyond that truth, there is no real need for justification of who he is.

Tom Riddle’s Diary and Manipulation

Manipulation has always been a major difficulty to oversee. When people are in power or have enough resources to create an elusive reality, they tend to make other people believe what they want them to believe. Tom Riddle’s diary is a major example of manipulative entities. It could be powerful governments, excessively capitalistic companies, media, or anything else that uses different means to convince us that something is the case when it actually isn’t.

Tom Riddle used his abilities to understand people’s psyches to learn about Ginny and eventually exploit her vulnerabilities and finally possess her and do things that she would otherwise never do. He also eventually manipulated Harry into believing that Hagrid was responsible for the opening of the Chamber of Secrets fifty years ago, which Harry believed to be true for a while.

Dealing with Fame

Harry Potter is undoubtedly one of the most famous wizards in all of Great Britain. However, he is not someone who seeks attention. He even faces a lot of challenges dealing with too much fame and attention. But as soon as Gilderoy Lockhart graces his presence in this book, we are treated with a very different representation of fame. Lockhart is very attention-seeking and almost a talentless wizard with no actual substance to represent all his accolades. Yet he basks in the glory of fame, something he doesn’t even deserve. By juxtaposing these two characters in the same book , Rowling captures the two sides of what fame can do to a person.

Why does Gilderoy Lockhart try to run away in the end?

Gilderoy Lockhart is a phony and a con man who makes outlandish claims about his exploits and adventures in the books he writes. None of these stories are even about the things he did. Therefore, when he is actually assigned the task of saving Ginny from the Chamber of Secrets, he decides to flee.

Why does Tom Riddle’s Diary get destroyed by Basilisk Fangs?

Basilisk Fangs are highly venomous and contain the magical abilities to evade the black magic used to make a Horcrux and eventually destroy the part of the soul that is hidden in it. Harry used it to great effect to stop Lord Voldemort from coming back to his life form.

Why was Ron sent a Howler by Mrs. Weasley?

Ron was sent a Howler, which is a very angry magical letter that explodes after being read. His mother, Mrs. Weasley, was enraged because he had taken his father’s flying car along with Harry to go to Hogwarts after they missed the train when the barrier for platform nine and three-quarters stopped working.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Review - A Great Anchor between its Sequels and Prequel

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Digital Art

Book Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Book Description: 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' explores new themes like slavery and discrimination, setting the stage for the series with crucial details and a fun narrative.

Book Author: J.K. Rowling

Book Edition: First Edition

Book Format: Hardcover

Publisher - Organization: Bloomsbury Publishing

Date published: July 2, 1998

Illustrator: Mary GrandPré

ISBN: 978-0-7475-4227-0

Number Of Pages: 352

Writing Style
Lasting Effect on the Reader

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Book Review

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J K Rowling was published in 1999 and is a great way to connect the first installment to the rest of the books in the series. It delves deeply into a lot of new avenues that aren’t explored in the first book. Although not considered as one of the best in the series, it has its own credits. It deals with several interesting problems like slavery and discrimination and also makes a decent attempt to build up the next book in the series by revealing some details that will become crucial in later books. Overall, it is a fun read and does justice to the Harry Potter Series, despite containing minor plot holes.

The plot is very considerate of its prequel and the sequels and anchors the two well.
It deals with several major problems of the real world and builds parallels with it.
It inspires readers to do new things by speaking in favor of actions and choices over abilities.
The characters are well developed and the story world is well structured and interesting.
It has several plot holes which make the stakes of the climax slightly lower.
It doesn’t account for several mishaps by the headmaster and stuff and therefore makes it a less believable story.
It portrays Hogwarts in a very unrealistically dangerous light making it difficult to see it in a realistic perspective.

Harry Potter Quiz

Summon your wit and wisdom—our Harry Potter Trivia Quiz awaits you! Do you have the knowledge to claim the title of Master Witch or Wizard? Take the challenge now!

1) Which character is killed by Bellatrix Lestrange in the Battle of Hogwarts?

2) Who was the Peverell brother that owned the invisibility cloak?

3) Who teaches Herbology at Hogwarts?

4) Who originally owned the Elder Wand before Dumbledore won it?

5) Which potion did Hermione brew in her second year that allowed her, Ron, and Harry to assume the identities of Slytherins?

6) Which spell is used to open the Marauder's Map?

7) What creature is Aragog?

8) What is the core ingredient of the wand owned by Harry Potter?

9) What does the incantation "Obliviate" do?

10) What is the name of Harry Potter's pet owl?

11) What is the name of the goblin-made object that is supposed to bring its owner prosperity, but also brings them into conflict with goblins?

12) What form does Hermione Granger's Patronus take?

13) Who is the Half-Blood Prince?

14) In the "Order of the Phoenix," who is NOT a member of the original Order of the Phoenix shown in the old photograph that Moody shows Harry?

15) What specific type of dragon does Harry face during the Triwizard Tournament?

16) What is the name of the goblin who helps Harry, Ron, and Hermione break into Gringotts?

17) In which Harry Potter book does Harry first speak Parseltongue?

18) What are the dying words of Severus Snape in both the book and the film "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"?

19) Which creature can transform into a person's worst fear?

20) What does the Mirror of Erised show?

21) Which object is NOT one of the Deathly Hallows?

22) What was the last Horcrux to be destroyed?

23) What is the name of the train that takes students to Hogwarts?

24) What is the effect of the Cheering Charm?

25) What is the name of the book Hermione gives to Harry before his first ever Quidditch match?

26) What animal represents Hufflepuff house?

27) What potion is known as "Liquid Luck"?

28) What is Dumbledore's full name?

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About Mohandas Alva

Mohandas is very passionate about deciphering the nature of language and its role as a sole medium of storytelling in literature. His interests sometimes digress from literature to philosophy and the sciences but eventually, the art and craft of narrating a significant story never fail to thrill him.

About the Book

The Harry Potter section of Book Analysis analyzes and explorers the Harry Potter series. The characters, names, terminology, and all related indicia are trademarks of Warner Bros ©. The content on Book Analysis was created by Harry Potter fans, with the aim of providing a thorough in-depth analysis and commentary to complement and provide an additional perspective to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

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Book Reviews

[Book Review] ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ by J.K. Rowling

Download Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone PDF by J.K. Rowling

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J.K. Rowling needs no introduction. She is, of course, the author of the famous Harry Potter series . She was born on July 31, 1965 at Yate General Hospital near Bristol, and grew up in Gloucestershire in England and in Chepstow, Gwent, in south-east Wales. Rowling conceived the idea of Harry Potter in 1990 while sitting on a delayed train from Manchester to London King’s Cross. Over the next five years, she began to map out all seven books of the series. She wrote mostly in longhand and gradually built up a mass of notes, many of which were scribbled on odd scraps of paper. The result is known to us all – a series of unparalleled fame and popularity that we all enjoy. Under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith , J.K. Rowling also writes crime novels, featuring private detective Cormoran Strike.

“The truth.” Dumbledore sighed. “It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.”

Harry Potter books tell the story of orphan Harry James Potter, the discovery of his secret magical powers and the role he plays in the safety of the hidden world of witchcraft and wizards.

After being raised in the miserably unfair home of his Uncle Vernon Dursley, Harry practically begins life anew when he discovers that he is a wizard and is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry . Among Harry’s first-year adventures are making new friends (Hagrid, Ron and Hermione), standing up to the torments of school bully Draco Malfoy, and becoming the star player of his Quidditch team (the favored sport in the magical world). Harry’s life as a Hogwarts “first-year” is more interesting than that of most attendees, because he is already famous for surviving the attack of the evil Lord Voldemort, who tried to kill him as an infant. Everyone in the wizard world knows more about Harry’s family and his story than he himself does.

Download free PDF Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone J.K. Rowling

This first book – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – introduces you to this magical world for the first time, and it does so in a smooth and comfortable fashion, introducing both you and Harry to strange wonders never yet experienced. This makes the transition into the world of magic an easy and pleasant experience. Rowling has built a strong and multi-layered world with immense amounts of detail , yet it is written in such a way that it doesn’t feel tedious or as though you are being fed all the information at once, as is the case with many fantasy novels . Through Harry’s eyes, you encounter wands, monsters and spells with their magical properties, purposes and history laid out in small, easily consumable chunks. This means that the book never ceases to envelope you in its world or characters, whereas many epic fantasies have a habit of pulling you aside in a rather obvious fashion and indulging in the rather fruitless exercise of explaining every newly encountered item.

All the characters, teachers, students and bad guys alike have truly believable personalities, eccentricities and flaws, which, more often than not, helps to make them the truly lovable and long-standing characters that they have gone on to become. These friendships and relationships drive the book forward, providing comical respite and emotional engagement along the way.

It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.

There are characters in this book that will remind us of all the people we have met. All of us have known a spoilt, overweight boy like Dudley, or a bossy and interfering (yet kind-hearted) girl like Hermione. A large number of the younger readers will also be able to easily identify with Harry, especially with his initial feelings of isolation and a sense of not belonging, and then through to his excitement at finally leaving that life behind in favor of one where he does belong and will be happy.

Hogwarts is a truly magical place, not only in the most obvious way but also in all the sheer detail that the author has gone to describe it. It is the place that everybody wishes they could have been to when they were eleven , for that’s where many adventures befall the trio (Harry, Ron and Hermione), and the stone in the book’s title is center to all the events that unfold as the plot progresses. The story builds toward the exciting conclusion that has the ultimate feel-good factor.

In conclusion, this epic journey out of the Muggle world and into the school and world of witchcraft and wizardry bags 4 out of 5 stars. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a must-read for anyone within the age-group of 8 to 600 years (for those who have used the stone :p) who want to be mesmerized by an enigmatic world.

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: book review

A spoiler filled review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which shouldn't be read by any ten-year old who's still stuck on page 93...

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Warned you once: there’re spoilers in here about books six and seven. Read on at your peril…

This was the most highly anticipated book release of the year, and rightly so. Harry Potter is a worldwide phenomenon, and the books and films have earned some serious cash.

Personally, I was desperate to read this book, the fact there had been leaks and numerous rumours going round only made me more excited and curious as to what the final book in the series had in store for our young hero. J K Rowling’s own comments on the Jonathan Ross show made me think he was going to die, so I had prepared myself for the worst.

To recap: poor Dumbledore has been murdered by Snape, leaving Harry with a monstrous task – he must destroy the remaining Horcruxes (parts of Voldemort’s soul hidden in objects to make him immortal) and only then would he be able to kill the Dark Lord once and for all. So Harry, Ron and Hermione set off together on their quest.

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On the way, they run into many problems, but somehow, everything seems to work out. The attraction between Ron and Hermione becomes more and more obvious, I even found myself rolling my eyes in a Hermione-like way when they refused to admit their feelings for one another. There’s no time for dilly-dallying when Voldemort’s after you, is there?

Then things began to get confusing. As well as there just being Horcruxes to look for, there were now something called Hallows. You have to concentrate and remember what they’re talking about, and pay attention when the story of their origination is told, or you won’t have a clue.

So Hallows are nothing to do with Voldemort, as such, except there’s a wand which is unbeatable knocking around, and the Dark Lord, furious at the failure of his own wand, wants this one to finish The Boy Who Lived off.

And so the story continues. The book is full of the usual gripping action, and I was in anticipation of a sobbing fit when I got towards the end, so I had tissues at the ready. However, none came. After awaiting a chapter that had, apparently, made J K Rowling herself cry when she wrote it, I was expecting something really special and emotional, particularly as she’d also said some main characters die. I had a tear in my eye, but it was nowhere near as emotional as Dumbledore’s death. I cried more over poor Dobby earlier in the book.

There was nothing in the book that I thought was predictable, which is obviously a good thing. I wouldn’t have guessed Harry was a Horcrux if it hadn’t been circulated on the Internet previously, so I can’t count that.

I was immensely pleased that Bellatrix Lestrange got her comeuppance, but I thought it would have been so much more satisfying had “the boy with the balls” Longbottom finished her off. Also, why the hell is Draco “the bastard” Malfoy still alive? I wanted to kill him in the first book!

I thought the book was ace, because it’s Harry Potter , after all. However I thought Rowling really cheated herself out of what could have been a much more powerful and dramatic ending.

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I don’t want to include too many spoilers in here, but to say what I really want to say, I’ll have to. I was expecting one of the three main characters to die, and to sob my little heart out. I was even expecting Harry to die. But Rowling copped out. Totally.

She may as well have written “And they all lived happily ever after.” But in all fairness, I don’t think I’ve have killed a character that had made me that much money either. She’s too far away from retirement to throw away a guaranteed cash cow.

Lucy Felthouse

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter was an incredibly amusing read, with amiable characters that truly made the story stand out. This novel is a must-read for people of all ages. It has an air of mystery, is captivating, and provides entertainment. The book portrays real-world events in a fantasy world. The characters, including the main character Harry Potter, are relatable and undergo character development while making mistakes. One of the great features of the novel is how each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and each one has a distinct way of feeling. For instance, Neville Longbottom is a shy boy, but his loyalty to his friends and his house team is unwavering. Harry Potter is a book that can be enjoyed by all ages, as it accurately portrays the struggles that come with different stages of life. Even though Harry is a wizard, his teenage problems are relatable to those of a typical teenager. As a reader, you can judge the characters in the book based on the tone of the novel. Relationships are also a significant feature of this novel and are portrayed differently depending on the type of relationship. For example, the relationship between a sibling and a friend is distinct but can be differentiated only by the tone or mood portrayed accurately. This book is an absolutely enchanting experience, overflowing with captivating magical creatures, spells, and enchantments that will undoubtedly keep readers completely engaged. The characters are exceptionally well-crafted and relatable, while the plot moves at a fast pace, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat. The author's vivid and immersive writing style transports readers into the heart of the story, allowing them to experience it as if it were their own. At Hogwarts, Harry befriends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The trio works together to unravel the mystery surrounding the Sorcerer's Stone. In their quest to counter Voldemort's plan to use the stone to regain his body, Harry and his friends embark on a perilous adventure. Overall, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a timeless classic that continues to interest and entertain readers of all ages. It is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, and magic. I highly recommend this book to anyone who hasn’t read it yet.

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Harry potter and the goblet of fire: harry potter, book 4, common sense media reviewers.

Fourth Potter has brilliant plotting -- and dragons.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Harry Potter, Book 4 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Author J.K. Rowling borrows from many established

The whole series is full of positive messages abou

Harry faces many big challenges bravely. He has go

There's a little diversity at Hogwarts. Lee Jordan

A Hogwarts student dies suddenly in a burst of mag

Students are found kissing in the bushes after the

"Damn" is said fewer than 10 times, "hell," even l

Mention of a PlayStation.

Madame Maxime's horses only drink single-malt whis

Educational Value

Author J.K. Rowling borrows from many established stories and myths to piece together her magical world. Kids can look up more about dragons, elves, goblins, hippogriffs, boggarts, grindylows, sphinxes, giants, leprechauns, unicorns, blast-ended screwts (a mix of manticores and fire-crabs), magic wands, flying brooms, etc., compare the author's take with other interpretations, and think about how and why she weaves these magical elements and beings into her stories.

Positive Messages

The whole series is full of positive messages about the power of love, friendship, and self-sacrifice. This book also tackles sportsmanship (the students seem to possess it, while the adults cheat and gamble), activism, the drawbacks of fame, and why you shouldn't believe everything you read or hear -- especially if you heard it from Rita Skeeter! Dumbledore reminds students that "we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." Students can fight against the enmity and discord Voldemort stands for with strong bonds of friendship and trust.

Positive Role Models

Harry faces many big challenges bravely. He has good mentors in his godfather, Sirius, and in Dumbledore. Hermione and Ron are mostly supportive, though it takes a while for Ron to get over his jealousy of Harry. Hermione becomes an activist for house-elf rights and sticks with it even though her campaign lacks support. Despite some adults trying to lead the Triwizard competitors astray, Harry always shows sportsmanlike conduct -- fair play is very important to him.

Diverse Representations

There's a little diversity at Hogwarts. Lee Jordan is described as having dreadlocks. Angelina Johnson is Black, the Patil twins are Harry and Ron's dates for the Yule Ball, Cho Chang is Harry's crush. Referee for Quidditch World Cup is Egyptian, and wizarding schools from Bulgaria and France come together for the Triwizard Tournament; all have strong accents. Characters face lots of discrimination in the wizarding world, especially for not being "pure-blood," or, in Hagrid's case, for being part giant. Some diverse family structures: Harry lives with his aunt and uncle; Neville, with his grandmother. Ron's insecurity over being from a poorer family comes up a lot. Women have prominent roles at Hogwarts: Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout are both heads of houses, Madame Maxime is head of Beauxbatons Academy. Lots of negative language around the size of Dudley and his father (Dudley is described as "the size and weight of a young killer whale") and of Malfoy's Slytherin friends Crabbe and Goyle.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

A Hogwarts student dies suddenly in a burst of magic and is heavily mourned. Another man dies suddenly. Other murders are talked about, three that take place close to or during the timeline of the book (from killing curses and a soul-sucking "kiss" from a dementor) and long before when Voldemort was in power and he and his followers were responsible for many deaths. Talk of torture before these deaths through a painful curse and talk of a student's parents who were tortured into insanity. A man cuts off his own hand; someone is tied up, cut, and tortured with pain. Fights with dragons, big spiders, and other magical creatures lead to injuries including burns and a broken ankle. Stories of how prisoners in Azkaban who are surrounded by dementors lost the will to live. A broken, bloody nose in a Quidditch game.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Students are found kissing in the bushes after the Yule Ball. Harry and friends navigate crushes, disappointment, and jealousy, and Hermione laments that her friends Harry and Ron will take the best-looking girl available even if she's "completely horrible."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

"Damn" is said fewer than 10 times, "hell," even less often. A joke about Uranus in Divination class.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Drinking, drugs & smoking.

Madame Maxime's horses only drink single-malt whiskey. Students drink butterbeer -- a magical-world drink with a pinch of alcohol. Percy (18 or 19) drinks wine with dinner, Mrs. Weasley takes some whiskey in her tea to calm her nerves, Hagrid drinks at a bar. A house elf gets drunk regularly and stops taking care of herself. Characters in picture frames get tipsy on Christmas. Talk of a woman drinking her fourth sherry at a bar while dishing gossip.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the fourth book in J.K. Rowling' s Harry Potter series about an orphan boy at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Know right off the bat that a Hogwarts student dies in this one, and he's heavily mourned by fellow students and young readers alike. The overall mood is darker -- the book opens with another murder -- and Goblet of Fire is about 300 pages longer than Book 3 , so if kids younger than 10 are begging to keep rolling with the series, consider reading it aloud to them first to see how they fare. You can also check out our Harry Potter Age-by-Age Guide as well as details in individual reviews to help you decide. Other murders are talked about, three that take place close to or during the timeline of the book (from killing curses and a soul-sucking "kiss" from a dementor) and long before when Voldemort was in power and he and his followers were responsible for many deaths. There's talk of torture before these deaths through a painful curse, and talk of a student's parents who were tortured into insanity. A man cuts off his own hand; someone is tied up, cut, and tortured with pain. Fights with dragons, big spiders, and other magical creatures lead to injuries, including burns and a broken ankle. Harry and friends are 14 now and go to a Yule Ball; there's some drama around crushes and finding dates, and older students are caught kissing in the bushes after the ball. There's some drinking, but mostly by adults, house elves, and flying horses (they drink single-malt whiskey). The butterbeer that students drink has only a tiny bit of alcohol in it. Harry faces many big challenges bravely in this book, and lessons are learned about fair play (kids play fair, adults don't) and why you shouldn't always believe what you read. This book is also available in an illustrated edition with art by Jim Kay.

Where to Read

Community reviews.

Parents say (29)
Kids say (135)

Based on 29 parent reviews

e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for kids under 10

What's the story.

In HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE, Harry wakes up at his aunt and uncle's house with a start, his scar searing, after he dreams of Wormtail and Voldemort and murder. He nearly forgets all about it when his friend Ron invites him to the Quidditch World Cup. It's Ireland vs. Bulgaria, and it seems the whole wizarding world is there to watch the excitement. Harry gets his first look at a pro Quidditch match, and everyone is in awe of the Bulgarian Seeker, Viktor Krum. Celebrations after the match carry so far into the night that Harry dozes off -- only to be awakened suddenly by screams of panic. Masked figures are moving through the campsites, floating innocent Muggles in front of them and taunting them for fun. These are the Death Eaters, Voldemort's followers, and they are growing bolder. It's an ominous display that casts a cloud over what is supposed to be a thrilling school year ahead. Hogwarts is hosting the Triwizard Tournament, and two other schools are journeying there to compete: Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. Each school gets a champion selected by the magical Goblet of Fire, and the champions will perform three difficult tasks during the year. From Durmstrang, the Goblet selects none other than the famous Seeker Viktor Krum, from Beauxbatons, a girl named Fleur Delacour, and from Hogwarts, handsome Hufflepuff Cedric Diggory. But, to everyone's utter astonishment, the Goblet of Fire spits out one more name: Harry Potter. While the other schools are in an uproar over the unfairness of it all, Harry and those closest to him wonder who could have put his name in the cup. Could it have anything to do with his painful dream before the World Cup, and exactly how much danger is he in now?

Is It Any Good?

This first of the truly hefty Hogwarts volumes -- 300 pages longer than the last one – launches the darker second half of the series with an exciting tournament and the return of a terrifying foe. In Book 3, we get a break from Voldemort-level evil and are scared out of our wits only when those soul-sucking dementors appear. Book 4 begins in Voldemort's lair, not the safe haven of Privet Drive. Voldemort is a grotesque, infant-size thing accompanied by his giant pet snake and Wormtail, his simpering rat-servant. Right away the tone is unsettling, and when Harry wakes up with his scar searing in pain after being witness to a real murder in his dreams, you can predict the intense showdown to come. Yes, this is the one where a student dies, and geez, it's horrible. But Voldemort is ruthless, and the more we learn during the course of the book about his followers, the Death Eaters, and what happened the last time the Dark Lord was in power, the more this senseless loss makes sense, and the more readers will realize what kind of perilous ride is ahead for Harry and friends in the rest of the series.

Like all the Potter books, though, there's a whole school year at Hogwarts to distract us from the inevitable, and even better, a Triwizard Tournament and students from two rival schools, and a Yule Ball with all kinds of crushes and shenanigans -- Harry and friends are 14 now, so it's time for that stuff. Many, many fans call Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire their favorite of the series for one reason: dragons. Maybe the mermaids, too, but definitely not for Hagrid's blast-ended screwts. Older fans will enjoy the hilariously infuriating antics of crooked reporter Rita Skeeter, and budding activists will feel for Hermione's attempts to bring rights to the house elves (a storyline the fantastic movie version doesn't have the time to touch on). We're nearly lulled into a sense that it's just another school year -- that is, if we haven't been paying attention to those mysterious disappearances, or the casting of the Dark Mark at the World Cup, or how exactly Harry became a Triwizard champion at all.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about Rita Skeeter in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . Who trusts the stories she writes and who doesn't? How do you know when you're getting information from a reliable source and how do you know when it's been heavily embellished or downright false? What do news outlets gain by writing sensationalized stories?

Kids just getting into the series will find a whole world of Harry Potter available to them, from Chocolate Frogs for sale at the grocery store to theme parks. A die-hard Potter fan can spend a lot of money in their lifetime on merchandise and experiences. Do you think this is worth your money? Are there other ways you can celebrate books you love without raiding your piggy bank?

At the end of the book, the Minister of Magic outright rejects the startling news Harry tells him. What do you think this will mean for Book 5? If they believed Harry, what do you think would happen next?

Book Details

Author : J. K. Rowling
Illustrator : Mary Grandpre
Genre : Fantasy
Topics : Activism , Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Adventures , Brothers and Sisters , Bugs , Cats, Dogs, and Mice , Friendship , High School , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
Book type : Fiction
Publisher : Scholastic Inc.
Publication date : July 8, 2000
Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
Number of pages : 734
Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
Last updated : June 10, 2022

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince...

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Book 6

J.K. Rowling has kept her promise --- that each of Harry Potter's years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be darker and more difficult than the one before. This sixth installment is the darkest and most complex of the books yet. But just in case you have any doubt, Harry is proving well up to the tasks at hand --- and his magical world seems more vivid and real than ever.

Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts is off to a rocky if exciting start. The Wizarding world is at war after the violent showdown at the end of Book Five that saw the death, injury or arrest of several key characters --- and the clear return of evil Lord Voldemort/ He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Mysterious murders and magically triggered disasters continue, and there has been a mass breakout from Azkaban, the wizard community's prison. Even Muggles are starting to notice, including the Prime Minister. Families of students heading back to school on the Hogwarts Express are on high alert, but reassured that new security measures are in place along with a tough new Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour.

Meanwhile, Harry has received an unusual summer visit from Hogwarts headmaster Professor Dumbledore during which the trusted mentor explains just how different Harry's upcoming school year will be. Among other things, it will include private study sessions with Dumbledore where the elder wizard will shed more light on the prophecy about Harry laid out in Book Five and help Harry discover --- through memories viewed via Dumbledore's magical Pensieve ---Lord Voldemort's heritage and just what makes him tick, including the dark magic that has rendered him seemingly immortal.

Now 16, Harry and his pals Ron and Hermione have received their O.W.L. exam results and must buckle down in their studies to focus on the more specialized N.E.W.T. level. As in years past, there is a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher; this time a most surprising candidate fills the post. All this means piles of homework and ever-more-challenging classroom projects. It's a good thing that Harry has discovered a used potions textbook filled with helpful --- and sometimes dangerous --- spells and hints scribbled in the margins. The book says it was once property of the Half-Blood Prince, a mystery that Harry and company are determined to solve. And sneering bully Draco Malfoy continues to be an annoyance and more as he sorts out where his own loyalties lie and tries to master more complicated magic.

The little free time Harry has is spent captaining the Gryffindor Quidditch team, and readers who love the high-flying action of the game won't be disappointed. Social lives are not completely put on hold either, as Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny Weasley are among those contemplating their fluttery romantic feelings (sometimes for each other). And Fred and George Weasley's joke shop is doing booming business, which accounts for some of the good bits of humor throughout.

As spring arrives and the end of the school year nears, Harry accompanies Dumbledore on a secret and perilous mission that at its heart contains a key to Voldemort's undoing. The two brave wizards could not know, however, that their actions would help trigger a high stakes battle back at Hogwarts pitting Death Eaters (Voldemort's henchmen) and yes, vicious traitors to Hogwarts, against the good guys. When the blood and the Dark Mark in the sky are cleared, not everyone survives.

When it comes to the clever weaving of plot threads all the way back to the sorcerer's stone and Chamber of Secrets, Rowling is at the top of her game. She keeps a broad roster of familiar faces in the fore and reminds us of past characters and events and how they play perfectly into her ultimate plan for Harry. She also writes in a slightly more sophisticated style than the earlier books, with a richer emotional tone that matches Harry's developing maturity.

Away from all the action of his latest story, Harry is indeed growing into a young man. He is still grieving over losses experienced during his fifth year but knows he must move on. He's learning to be more comfortable in his own skin, even if it means accepting being “The Chosen One” singled out by Voldemort and a subject of constant scrutiny and curiosity to classmates, teachers and the public at large. It's the kind of stuff that makes a guy really appreciate who his true friends are, and Harry has some gems in Ron and Hermione.

By the end of HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, Harry emerges as a calmer, more psychologically deep teenager who seems to have lived lifetimes far beyond his 16 years. He is now fully confident about his life's calling --- to defeat Voldemort at any cost --- and has developed a steely resolve, bolstered by great emotional pain, to carry it out. Whatever the wait for a final battle-to-the-death in Book Seven, it will be too long.

--- Reviewed by Shannon Maughan

And don't miss Jim Dale's stellar performance of Book Six on the audiobook from Listening Library. It's a blast to hear his character voices, and the dramatic flair --- and care --- he uses in unfolding Harry's story.

Reviewed by Shannon Maughan on July 16, 2005

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Book 6 by J. K. Rowling

Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Genres: Fantasy
Paperback: 688 pages
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
ISBN-10: 1338299190
ISBN-13: 9781338299199

10 Iconic Harry Potter Book Quotes (That Weren't in the Movies)

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It's important to remember the ongoing controversial statements by the creator of the Harry Potter franchise. CBR supports the hard work of industry professionals on properties fans know and love and the wider world of Harry Potter that fans have adopted as their own. You can find CBR's continuing coverage on Rowling here .

One of the biggest appeals of the Harry Potter franchise, otherwise known as the Wizarding World, is its sheer size. The movies give fans a detailed peek into the world established by the books, but J.K. Rowling also has plenty of supplementary material that adds to the already sprawling world of Hogwarts, witches, and wizards. Therefore, it is natural that the movies couldn't quite include everything from the source material, especially some of the best quotes.

Plenty of book quotes are funny, emotional, clever, and wise. Uttered by the main and supporting characters, these quotes add a lot of value and flavor to the Harry Potter series, and fans would have loved to see them in the movies. Perhaps these iconic quotes can be included in HBO's Harry Potter TV show.

Who Gave Harry Potter The Cloak Of Invisibility?

The Cloak of Invisibility got Harry Potter out of a lot of sticky situations, but just how did he come by such a valuable magical artifact?

10 "It Is Our Choices, Harry, That Show What We Truly Are, Far More Than Our Abilities"

Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) reaches for his Pensieve in Harry Potter.

Said By	Albus Dumbledore
Book	Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Seeing how many similarities Harry shared with Voldemort after surviving the Killing Curse , it was natural for him to wonder if he would turn out evil. This was covered in the movies, but Dumbledore's beautiful quote didn't quite make it. What the Hogwarts Headmaster said was applicable to Harry's situation, but it was also useful for anyone who needed a sense of direction in life.

Dumbledore made it amply clear that even if someone had the power and ability to do something cruel, it was their choice not to that made all the difference. Even if Harry shared qualities with Voldemort (and a fragment of his soul, as Harry found out later), his will to be good and do good was what mattered the most.

9 "Are You Insane? Of Course I Want To Leave The Dursleys!"

Said By	Harry Potter
Book	Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

"Are you insane? Of course I want to leave the Dursleys! Have you got a house? When can I move in?"

One shortcoming of the Harry Potter movies was that they couldn't ever depict the hilarious side of The Boy Who Lived. Harry was actually quite witty throughout his years at Hogwarts, and he could be himself the most around his godfather, Sirius. Their bond was so strong that Sirius had asked Harry to live with him after Sirius escaped Azkaban .

Harry's response to Sirius' proposal was equal parts adorable and funny. Understandably, Harry was so fed up of living with the Dursleys that he jumped at the opportunity to move in with Sirius, ready to do so immediately if Sirius had a place for him to stay. This iconic quote showed just how close Sirius and Harry were, and it also showed readers Harry's humorous side.

8 "Give Her Hell From Us Peeves!"

Fred and George Weasley stand together in Harry Potter

Every Weasley Sibling - And Where They Ended Up in Harry Potter

The Weasley siblings were crucial in Harry Potter, but where did they end up by the end of the story?

Said By	Fred and George
Book	Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Fred and George's antics at Hogwarts were legendary, but a lot of their best dialogue didn't make it to the movies because of the absence of Peeves. Peeves was a chaotic trickster who caused no shortage of mayhem in the Harry Potter books, but in this moment, it was heartwarming to see the twins hand over their baton of mischief to the poltergeist when they zoomed out of Hogwarts, leaving a trail of fireworks and swamps for Umbridge to deal with.

Peeves was more than happy to give Dolores Umbridge a hard time because even he understood how pedantic and evil she could be. The iconic line, "Give her hell from us, Peeves," was an extremely satisfying moment for Harry Potter fans, who universally hated Umbridge.

7 "We’re All Human, Aren’t We? Every Human Life Is Worth The Same, And Worth Saving"

Kingsley Shacklebolt at Hogwarts with students in the background

Said By	Kingsley Shacklebolt
Book	Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows depicted a dark time in Wizarding history, where people were split by their blood purity, and Muggles were being killed indiscriminately. Remus, Kingsley, the twins, and a few others kept the good faction updated through the radio, which was when Kinglsey made this touching and astute observation.

Putting Muggles first or putting wizards first was not the solution to everything. Every single person in Voldemort's war was a human being and their lives were important, whether they were magical or not. This iconic book quote proved how wise Kingsley was, and the Wizarding World needed leaders like him to show them the way.

6 "What Do I Care How 'E Looks?"

Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour ride a Thestral in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

Said By	Fleur Delacour
Book	Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

"What do I care how 'E looks? I am good-looking enough for both of us, I think! All these scars show is zat my husband is brave!"

Fleur was a secondary character in Goblet of Fire , but she rose to prominence when she fell in love with Bill Weasley and got ready to marry him. Sadly, she was painted as a vain and superficial character who cared for nothing but looks, and it was very gratifying to see her prove everyone, from Mrs. Weasley to Ginny, wrong about her values and beliefs.

After Fenrir attacked Bill, Fleur stood steadfastly by his side. She fell even further in love with him, which came as a shock to the Weasleys, who expected Fleur to bolt. Instead, the part-Veela joined Bill in his fight against the Dark Lord and became an invaluable player in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows .

5 "Oi! There’s A War Going On Here!"

Harry, Griphook, Dobby, Hermione, and Ron in Malfoy Manor, Harry Potter

Said By	Harry Potter
Book	Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Hermione Granger in front of a flaming Hogwarts in Harry Potter.

Harry Potter: Hermione Granger's 15 Best Quotes

Hermione Granger can sometimes lay it on thick with her cleverness, but this can lead to entertaining moments, both funny and insightful.

One of the most unexpected moments in the last Harry Potter book was Hermione and Ron's sudden kiss. Unlike the movies, the two friends actually kissed in front of Harry, who was astounded by the development. However, when Hermione and Ron wouldn't stop kissing, Harry pulled out one of his signature witticisms to remind his friends that they were still at war.

It was quite disappointing to see that this moment between the Golden Trio was changed so much for the big screen, because it was something that mattered to all of them. Harry always wanted what was best for Hermione and Ron, but he also lightened up the situation with his funny reminder.

4 "You Think The Dead We Loved Ever Truly Leave Us?"

Said By	Albus Dumbledore
Book	Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

"You think the dead we loved ever truly leave us? You think that we don't recall them more clearly than ever in times of great trouble? Your father is alive in you, Harry, and shows himself plainly when you have need of him."

For a long time in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Harry thought that the spirit of James Potter was guiding and protecting him. He felt this most when he was saved by the Patronus of a deer, but he later learned that the Prongs-like Patronus had been cast by himself using the Time Turner. This disappointed him greatly.

Dumbledore assured Harry that the fact that Harry had his father's Patronus was proof itself that James was watching over him. It was a sweet quote that soothed Harry, and perhaps countless readers, that the people who passed weren't ever truly lost, and they lived through their loved ones. Maybe Dumbledore felt this way about his own family , too.

3 "Dumbledore’s Man Through And Through, Aren’t You Potter?"

Rufus Scrimgeour giving a speech in the Ministry of Magic

Said By	Rufus Scrimgeour
Book	Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry's undying loyalty to Dumbledore bothered many characters, especially those in the Ministry of Magic. While readers have pointed out that Dumbledore may not have deserved it, this was a very touching moment. Rufus Scrimgeour likely asked a rhetorical question, but Harry gave him an answer anyway, responding that he was, indeed, Dumbledore's man.

Later, when Harry relayed this conversation to Dumbledore, the Headmaster got teary at how attached Harry was to him. It was a sweet reaffirmation of the deep bond that he shared with The Boy Who Lived, which many think was akin to the love shared between parents and children.

2 "You Care So Much You Feel As Though You Will Bleed To Death With The Pain Of It"

Said By	Albus Dumbledore
Book	Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Split image of Dumbledore in duel, in the Great Hall, and in a ring of Fire in Harry Potter

10 Best Dumbledore Moments in Harry Potter

Albus Dumbledore was the greatest wizard of all time, and he had some of the most impactful and emotional moments in Harry Potter.

Harry's anguish at Sirius Black's death was heartbreaking, and he naturally took out all of his anger on Dumbledore, who was his guide in his war against Voldemort. Even as Harry vandalized his office, Dumbledore remained calm. When the young man asked to be excluded from Voldemort's narrative, the Headmaster made him realize that Harry cared too much to do so.

Even if he wanted out at that moment, Harry would never be able to live with the pain of not doing his part in the war. Dumbledore understood Harry better than others, and he also understood the pain he had to endure to be the Chosen One. This iconic line was an accurate summation of Harry's character.

1 "Age Is Foolish And Forgetful When It Underestimates Youth"

Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter

Said By	Albus Dumbledore
Book	Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Albus Dumbledore, for all of his faults, is an incredibly wise character in Harry Potter . Dumbledore made plenty of mistakes, but he learned from his follies. He was over a century old, but he did not think of himself as superior because of his age. He believed that the youth had just as much knowledge to impart as the more senior members of their community.

Young people aren't affected by cynicism and weariness, which means they have a great perspective on things that Dumbledore felt mature people could benefit from. Everyone's voice had value, and the Headmaster understood this better than others. This quote just goes to show that Dumbledore learned from his students as they learned from him.

Harry Potter

The Harry Potter franchise follows the adventure of a young boy introduced a whole new world of magic, mayhem and darkness. Traversing the obstacles in his path, young Harry's rise to heroics pits him against Lord Voldemort, one of the most dangerous wizards in the world and all his minions.

The Harry Potter Movies Failed Slytherin’s Greatest Hero

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The Big Picture

Regulus Black is the greatest Slytherin hero in the Harry Potter series, showing true selflessness and bravery.
Regulus, once a loyal follower of Voldemort, turned on him and stole the Slytherin locket that Voldemort turned into a Horcrux, in the hope of destroying it.
The Harry Potter films minimized Regulus Black's story, missing key details of his sacrifice and diminishing his redemption arc.

Out of all the Hogwarts Houses , Slytherins have the worst reputation. The Harry Potter franchise often makes them out to be the villains, and it's easy to see why. With the likes of Voldemort ( Ralph Fiennes ), Bellatrix Lestrange ( Helena Bonham Carter ), and Lucius Malfoy ( Jason Isaacs ), there are plenty of examples of Slytherins who grew up to be evil. But that is not a fair representation of the entire House. Just like there are evil Gryffindors — think Peter Pettigrew ( Timothy Spall ) — there are heroic Slytherins. The most prevalent Slytherin to help Harry ( Daniel Radcliffe ) is Severus Snape ( Alan Rickman ), whose demeanor and role as a spy often make him seem villainous, even to Harry himself. Snape famously has one of the most complex plots in the series, but despite his crucial role in defeating Voldemort, Snape is not the greatest hero Slytherin produced.

Instead, the title belongs to Regulus Arcturus Black, who more than deserves to be called a hero despite never meeting Harry. Though he is dead long before the series begins, Regulus played a part in defeating Voldemort. Once a Death Eater himself, Regulus has a complete redemption story detailed in the books as Harry, Ron ( Rupert Grint ) , and Hermione ( Emma Watson ) discover they are not the first to chase Voldemort's Horcruxes . However, the films brush over the details of Regulus' story. He is mentioned a few times, most notably in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 , but only briefly as they cut his most heroic actions.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1

The seventh installment in the Harry Potter movie franchise, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1, follows the eponymous boy wizard (Daniel Radcliffe) as he and his friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) leave the safety of Hogwarts and set off in search of dark magical artifacts known as Horcruxes. Finding them is the key to defeating the dark wizard Voldemort who threatens war with the magic and non-magic communities alike.

The Harry Potter Films Mention Regulus But Don't Do Him Justice

Regulus is impossible to cut from the story entirely, but the films greatly reduce his part. After Slughorn sets him up in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by listing Regulus among his most promising former students and giving us the only glimpse we ever get of him, the film ends with Harry in possession of a mysterious note "RAB" wrote to Voldemort when he took the true Horcrux, Salazar Slytherin's locket. It isn't until the next film that the heroes discover that Sirius Black's ( Gary Oldman ) little brother, Regulus , is RAB. The note reveals that Regulus learned of the locket that Voldemort turned into a Horcrux and took it with plans to destroy it. Regulus finding a Horcrux is significant, not just because Harry must do the same, but because they are a well-guarded secret, making Regulus one of the few to know about them. Yet he believed there was only one, thinking that destroying the locket would make Voldemort mortal.

Though he expected this would kill him, Regulus willingly sacrificed himself in hopes that Voldemort would be able to be killed . However, things didn't go to plan for Regulus, as his loyal House Elf, Kreacher ( Simon McBurney ) , was unable to destroy the locket after Regulus' death because of the near-indestructible nature of Horcruxes, leaving Ron to destroy it later. That is the extent of Regulus' story in the films. Although uncovering and stealing a Horcrux is impressive, this pared-down version of the story neglects Regulus' most heroic actions.

The Scene That the Harry Potter Movies Did Better Than the Books

It was all thanks to Alfonso Cuarón and John Williams.

The Harry Potter Books Tell the Full Tragedy of Regulus Black

Kreacher being offered the locket of his old master, Regulus Black

Regulus' story is one of redemption. Coming from one of the few pureblood families, Regulus was an ideal follower of Voldemort. From the portrait of his mother and his family's reaction to Sirius' rebellion, it's clear that Regulus was raised to believe that wizards were a superior race, making becoming a Death Eater an easy jump. Plus, his cousin, Bellatrix Lestrange, was one of Voldemort's most trusted allies. Regulus joins the Death Eaters and subsequently dies shortly after graduating from Hogwarts.

Despite a lifetime of being taught the same prejudices as the Death Eaters, Regulus turned against Voldemort, and, unlike the film, the book explains why . After Voldemort borrows Kreacher for a secret task, the poor House Elf is left to die. However, due to Regulus' specific instructions and House Elf magic, he was able to return to Regulus and tell him what happened. Already doubting Voldemort's cause, Regulus sees this act of cruelty towards Kreacher as a reason to defect, despite the danger to himself. With Kreacher's story, he works out why the locket is so important and has Kreacher bring him to it. To replace the Horcrux with the locket Harry and Dumbledore ( Michael Gambon ) find, Regulus drinks the poison, expecting to die as Kreacher escapes to destroy the Horcrux.

Only Kreacher knows the truth about Regulus' death until he shares the information with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Though Sirius tries to learn what happened to his brother, he dies believing Regulus got too deep in the Death Eaters before balking at an order and getting killed by them. He sees Regulus not as a hero but as a young man who made mistakes by getting involved with the wrong people. While that is partially true, Regulus found redemption in the end , demonstrating kindness and bravery as he tried to right his wrongs by sacrificing himself to aid in defeating Voldemort.

The Harry Potter Films Cheat Regulus By Cutting His Story

Slughorn and Regulus Black in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

By leaving out the details of Regulus' story, the films minimize his actions and the complex motivations that led to his choices. The films never explain his relationship with Kreacher or the fact that Regulus could have survived if he were willing to let Kreacher die instead. Regulus' death was selfless as he went to his death, only hoping to aid in Voldemort's defeat and expecting no recognition or praise for his sacrifice.

Regulus' story is a tragedy of a good man who was led astray but found his way in the end. No, Regulus isn't the one to destroy the locket, and really, his actions made it more difficult for Harry and his friends as they had to go on a detour to the Ministry of Magic to steal the Horcrux off Umbridge ( Imelda Staunton ) , but that was not Regulus' intention. His final act is unadulterated heroism as he rejects Voldemort and the ideologies he has been taught his entire life to do what he knows is right.

Regulus Black Is the Greatest Slytherin Hero in Harry Potter

It's impossible to deny that Slytherins can be evil. If Voldemort isn't enough proof, look at Bellatrix or Umbridge. Even the founder of the house, Salazar Slytherin, left a Basilisk in the castle meant to kill muggle-born students. There are plenty of bad examples, but Slytherin House stands for ambition, cunning, and determination, which are not innately evil traits. Many are not totally evil. Draco Malfoy ( Tom Felton ) may not be the best example, as he antagonizes Harry throughout their years at Hogwarts, but he is unwilling to kill Dumbledore and doesn't immediately give Harry away when the trio is captured and taken to Malfoy Manor. Narcissa Malfoy ( Helen McCrory ) is another Slytherin who does some good, lying to Voldemort to say that Harry is dead. Though she certainly has personal reasons for this, it allows Harry to surprise Voldemort and win the war.

Though Draco and Narcissa save Harry, they spend the war siding with Voldemort. Meanwhile, other Slytherins defy him for a longer time. For example, Horace Slughorn ( Jim Broadbent ) was once taken in by young Voldemort but never became a Death Eater and, more to the point, is among the heroes during the Battle of Hogwarts. Severus Snape is often considered the greatest Slytherin hero because of his years secretly working with Dumbledore, but he has a convoluted arc that is difficult to classify as truly heroic . On the other hand, Regulus' story is a pure redemption arc, with the tragic twist that no one knows what he did. Cutting the full story in the films did a disservice to Regulus and all Slytherins who deserved that kind of hero.

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I'll never forgive the harry potter movies for what they did to the weasleys.

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The Harry Potter movies portrayed the Weasleys poorly, focusing on their worst qualities.
Ron, Ginny, and other Weasleys were less quirky and unique in the movies compared to the books, and their strangeness is what made them more magical.
HBO's Harry Potter TV show has the potential to fix these issues and provide a more accurate adaptation.

I've always believed that the Harry Potter film franchise did a solid job of adapting the original eight books, yet there is one major character change that I will never get over. There are many ways in which Harry Potter's directors succeeded in bringing Harry and his peers to life. For one thing, the Harry Potter cast was incredibly strong, and managed to play their characters until the very end. On top of that, I thought some of my favorite book moments, from Quidditch to the Battle of Hogwarts, were executed in epic ways.

Of course, the Harry Potter movies made plenty of mistakes as well. Many of them were small enough that I couldn't blame the franchise too much. For example, Daniel Radcliffe's eyes were blue rather than Harry's iconic green. Even bigger missteps may have been the right choice for the movies. As much as I loved Hermione's campaign for the house elves in the Harry Potter books, that plot didn't quite fit the films. However, the Harry Potter movies made other, more integral changes that I think ruined the reputations of certain characters forever.

The Potterverse: All The Wizarding World Films In Chronological Order

All the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films from WB and J K Rowling - from the Fantastic Beasts of the 20s to the Deathly Hallows.

I Still Can't Believe The Harry Potter Movies Did Such A Poor Job Portraying The Weasleys

Most of the weasleys were badly adapted.

I will always love the Harry Potter movies, but I continue to be disappointed by how they portrayed certain members of the Weasley family . Ron was Harry's most loyal friend throughout the entire series, yet the movies portrayed him as whiny and selfish. Though Ron had low moments in the books, he was much funnier and kinder than the movies made him out to be. His dialogue was often witty, and he balanced out Harry's stressed personality. Unfortunately, though, the movies cut so much of Ron's original dialogue that he appeared more bratty than heroic.

Where the book's Ginny was bold and funny, Bonnie Wright's Ginny was quiet, and easily faded into the background.

Other Weasley family members fared even worse. Like Ron, Ginny was written to be much more intelligent and brash than the movies portrayed her. Where the book's Ginny was bold and funny, Bonnie Wright's Ginny was quiet, and easily faded into the background. The same goes for Percy, whose redemption arc in the book was a delight to read. Additionally, we can't forget that Bill only appeared in the very last Harry Potter movie, and Charlie didn't make an appearance at all. Overall, the movie cut back so much on the Weasleys that many of them lost their best attributes .

The Weasley Siblings Were So Much Better In The Harry Potter Books

The weasleys were magical.

Fred and George in Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes

I strongly believe the Weasleys were more entertaining in the Harry Potter books than in the movies. Not only are they better individually, but as a family unit, they are also improved. On the page, all the Weasleys were quirky and unique. Though they each had their defining features, they were brought together by their humor and their ability to be themselves. Though Ron may have been more fearful at times, and Percy more uptight, they were still Weasleys. The movie ruined this idea by focusing on their worst qualities, rather than those that made them enjoyable.

Furthermore, I think the books' focus on the Weasleys' oddity was vital to Harry Potter, and the movies tarnished it. The wizarding world was already strange, but the Weasleys proved that it could be even stranger. In the books, they were clearly not like other wizards, but that was part of their charm. Through the Weasleys, Harry learned that magic was fun and weird and something to embrace. I think that the movies attempted to make Ron and Ginny more normal, and by doing this, gave up what was most heartwarming and genuine about the Weasleys.

HBO's Harry Potter Remake Can Finally Fix This Major Movie Flaw

Hbo can make the weasleys weird.

Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in Harry Potter

Although I have long had a problem with the Harry Potter movies and their depiction of the Weasleys, I'm thrilled that HBO can finally fix the problem. Now that the Harry Potter television show is coming out, the Weasleys can have a proper on-screen adaptation once and for all. In fact, I think it's integral that HBO make this change, considering that the series' main draw is its dedication to book accuracy. If HBO wants to really be accurate, they will revive the amazing Ron moments that the film franchise cut out.

The Harry Potter TV show is set to premiere in 2026.

HBO can give the Weasleys a strong adaptation by making them weird. As previously mentioned, I think the heart of the Weasleys is their strangeness, and by focusing on this, I believe HBO can rejuvenate the magic that the movies lost. Additionally, on the character level, I think that Ron needs to be portrayed as a better friend, Ginny needs to appear more confident, and the remaining Weasley siblings must have bigger roles. By doing this, Harry Potter will be on its way to fixing its old mistakes that fans like me just can't stop thinking about.

Harry Potter

Harry Potter is a multimedia franchise about an orphaned boy who enrolls at Hogwarts School of Wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family, and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world. Adapted from the novels, Harry Potter is an eight-episode film saga that follows the journey of Harry Potter and his friends, Hermoine Granger and Ron Weasley, as they navigate the tricky world of growing up, school life, and magic. Starting from year one and moving to their seventh year, the films chronicle the students' time at Hogwarts while unfurling a sinister plot that centers around the unsuspecting Harry. With the return of the dark wizard, Voldemort, the students and professors at Hogwarts will fight to carry on as the world around them may change forever. Harry Potter has expanded beyond the world of its films and novels with several video games, a spin-off film series titled Fantastic Beasts, and even attractions at Universal Studios.

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Harry Potter cover art fetches a record price at auction in New York

By Freddy Foulston

Updated on: June 27, 2024 / 11:40 AM EDT / CBS News

Expelliarmus to all previous records! An original watercolor illustration for the cover of Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone, the first book in J.K. Rowling's international hit series, has become the most expensive piece of Potter paraphernalia ever sold at auction.

The illustration , which featured on the debut edition of the 1997 novel, was sold for $1.9 million by Sotheby's New York after a four-way bidding battle that lasted almost 10 minutes.

The artist, Thomas Taylor, was only 23 years old when he painted the iconic image of Harry Potter on Platform 9¾, awaiting his first ride on the Hogwarts Express.

Taylor completed the painting in just two days using concentrated watercolors on cold-pressed watercolor paper with black pencil, depicting the bespectacled boy hero of the wizarding world.

A first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone previously held the record for expensive Potter memorabilia . It sold for $421,000 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas in 2021.

Taylor's illustration sold for almost four-times the expected amount of between $400,000 and $600,000.

Sotheby's said it was the "highest pre-sale estimate ever placed on an item of any Harry Potter-related work."

"This is really the first visualization of Harry Potter and the wizarding world," said Kalika Sands from Sotheby's.

She said the final auction price demonstrated the enduring popularity of Rowling's creation.

"In the intervening decades, it's been extraordinary to see not just the conclusion of Harry's story, but also how the Harry Potter franchise has taken off, and in that time, new generations have come to appreciate Harry and his journey as well," she said.

J.K. Rowling
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Original ‘Harry Potter’ Cover Smashes Auction Records, Selling for $1.9 M.

By Francesca Aton

Francesca Aton

Associate Digital Editor, ARTnews and Art in America

Thomas Taylor's illustration for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone", 1997.

The original watercolor on the cover of the first book in the “ Harry Potter ” series sold for nearly four times its previous record, going for $1.9 million at Sotheby’s in New York on Wednesday. This makes it the most expensive piece of “Harry Potter” ephemera ever sold.

The painting surpassed its $400,000–$600,000 pre-auction estimate, and has now increased in value by more than 1,650 percent since it was first auctioned in 2001. At that time, when Sotheby’s London auctioned the piece, it exceeded expectations, fetching a $107,000 (£85,750) price tag.

Sotheby’s has not identified the person who bought the watercolor this time.

In addition to the watercolor, a handwritten manuscript of J.K. Rowling’s The Tales of Beedle the Bard , a book of fictional fairy tales referenced in Harry Potter, is also in the sale. The manuscript is expected to garner between $250,000 and $350,000. Bidding for the item comes to a close on Friday.

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Lasting effect on the reader. 4.5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Book Review. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J K Rowling is a thrilling read that hooks the reader from page one. Published in the year 1997, it is one of the highest grossing novels ever written. Some elements of the novel like its elaborate yet ...
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone By J. K. Rowling Bloomsbury Pub Ltd Paperback: 224 pages, Feb 2000, ISBN-13: 978-0747532743. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling is a book about bravery and courage. As Professor Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, says "It takes a ...
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the first book in the series. I gave it 5 stars. From the first chapter you are drawn into this fantastic world and that you just want to be part of. An adventure from the beginning to the very end. The friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermione is also developed so naturally.
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone novel by J. K. Rowling. Suspicious activity at Hogwarts like a three-headed dog guarding a trap door and a troll somehow entering and attacking Hogwarts makes the trio suspicious. Harry, Ron, and Hermione soon discover Professor Dumbledore is hiding something at Hogwarts and someone is trying hard to ...
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From the Harry Potter series , Vol. 1. It's slanted toward action-oriented readers, who will find that Briticisms meld with all the other wonders of magic school. In a rousing first novel, already an award-winner in England, Harry is just a baby when his magical parents are done in by Voldemort, a wizard so dastardly other wizards are scared ...
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The Sorcerer's Stone has the power to turn things to gold and to give immortality to humans. Voldemort, who lost most of his power in the battle with Harry's parents, is desperate to find the stone and use it for his own evil purposes. He enlists the help of one Hogwarts professor, and in the end, Harry meets both of them in hand-to-hand ...
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Find out in Harry Potter and the philosopher's stone . This book is great for all ages.The author J.K Rowling created a world full of adventure,fun and mystical places and creatures.This is only the first book from a set of seven.People all around the world would love this series.This book is one of the greatest books I have ever read.
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In HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, Harry Potter is left on his aunt and uncle's doorstep as a baby after his parents are killed. For 10 years he's forced to sleep in a cupboard under the stairs while his bullying cousin, Dudley, is spoiled rotten. The summer before the start of secondary school, a letter arrives with his name on it, no ...
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Book 1. by J. K. Rowling. Eleven-year-old Harry Potter is an orphaned English boy forced to live with his horrible aunt and uncle, the Dursleys, and their chubby, spoiled son Dudley. They treat Harry cruelly and dislike him so much that they don't even celebrate his birthday.
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Review. For people who want to enjoy an intriguing, fast paced novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the perfect book to read. It keeps you involved throughout the book as most chapters have cliffhangers at the end. This novel is the first of the seven famous Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. The book is about 11 year old Harry ...
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Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - J. K. Rowling. 10.10.12. Much to the horror of a number of my friends, many of whom are huge Harry Potter fans, up until recently I was yet to read a single one of the best-selling series. This is despite both the books and the films dominating much of popular culture since they were first ...
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4.5. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Book Review. ' Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' is one of the best Harry Potter books ever written because it incorporates a multitude of themes and ideas into a children's novel and makes it a way bolder book than the others. Its ability to still be a children's book but impart ...
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4. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Book Review. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J K Rowling was published in 1999 and is a great way to connect the first installment to the rest of the books in the series. It delves deeply into a lot of new avenues that aren't explored in the first book. Although not considered as one of ...
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The story builds toward the exciting conclusion that has the ultimate feel-good factor. Ameya Rating: . In conclusion, this epic journey out of the Muggle world and into the school and world of witchcraft and wizardry bags 4 out of 5 stars. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a must-read for anyone within the age-group of 8 to 600 ...
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Harry Potter is a worldwide phenomenon, and the books and films have earned some serious cash. Personally, I was desperate to read this book, the fact there had been leaks and numerous rumours ...
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Review. Harry Potter was an incredibly amusing read, with amiable characters that truly made the story stand out. This novel is a must-read for people of all ages. It has an air of mystery, is captivating, and provides entertainment. The book portrays real-world events in a fantasy world. The characters, including the main character Harry ...
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Original 'Harry Potter' cover art sells for $1.9 million, setting
Children's book author and illustrator Thomas Taylor created the original cover art for J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone" at age 23, according to auction house Sotheby's
Harry Potter cover art fetches a record price at auction in New York
A first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone previously held the record for expensive Potter memorabilia.It sold for $421,000 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas in 2021. Taylor's ...
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Adapted from the novels, Harry Potter is an eight-episode film saga that follows the journey of Harry Potter and his friends, Hermoine Granger and Ron Weasley, as they navigate the tricky world of ...
'Harry Potter' Cover Smashes Auction Record, Selling for $1.9 M
In addition to the watercolor, a handwritten manuscript of J.K. Rowling's The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a book of fictional fairy tales referenced in Harry Potter, is also in the sale. The ...

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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Tom Riddle’s Diary and Manipulation

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