When you think of a popular book series you may think of the Harry Potter series. The Harry Potter series is about a boy who receives a letter to go to a famous wizarding school called Hogwarts. His life changes and he is always in danger of his worst enemy Voldermort. I first read the series before the summer of fourth grade and I have been obsessed with J.K. Rowling’s creations ever since. From amazing books to spectacular movies the Harry Potter series will never stop gaining fans.
Controversy
Though it seems like almost everyone loves the Harry Potter universe, some people tried to ban it. It was mostly in regards to peoples religions. People didn’t like how the characters performed witchcraft and magic. School libraries and libraries in general also wanted to ban the book because of all the violence in it. Supporters of the series held protests to keep the series and in the long run the books were saved.
Reviews of Each of the Books
All of the books were amazing in my opinion. They each introduced new characters and problems that the characters tried to solve. I remember devouring the series unlike any series I have read before. Though all of the books were good I do have my favorites.
The Sorcerer’s Stone– The Sorcerer’s Stone or the Philosopher’s Stone is the first book in the series. I remember all of the characters and I remember getting extremely angry at Harry’s family. I also remember the beginning being a bit slow but in the end it was very important.
Final Rating- 9/10
The Chamber of Secrets– The Chamber of Secrets was an amazing book. Readers got to learn more about Ginny Weasley, Hagrid, and Voldermort. The beginning part before heading to Hogwarts was one of my favorite parts of the Harry Potter series ever. It shows how the characters even after only knowing each other for one year grew extremely close.
Final Rating- 8/10
The Prisoner of Azkaban– The Prisoner of Azkaban introduced one of my favorite characters in the entire series. The way he was introduced was crazy and who knew a rat could have such an evil backstory? At parts it was slow but overall it was an amazing book.
Final Rating- 8/10
The Goblet of Fire– This book was my second favorite book in the series. Every single question I had was answered at the end of the story. Every answer shocked me and left me wondering how J.K. Rowling could possibly write that well. It was an amazing book and it made me so excited to jump into the next book.
Final Rating- 9/10
The Order of the Phoenix– The Order of the Phoenix is when stuff gets really dark. Voldermort’s team ends many important lives in the story. My favorite character is introduced in the story as well. Luna Lovegood’s family dynamics and character was very interesting. This book made me so sad and I was left in shock. Any book that can make you feel that way deserves a high rating.
Final Rating- 9/10
The Half-Blood Prince– This book was very confusing. In order to really understand the ending you have to read the next book. I ended up hating Snape’s character after this book. I couldn’t understand how he could be so cruel. Now I know why and I respect his character a lot.
Final Rating- 8/10
The Deathly Hallows– This is my favorite book in the series. I read it in three days because I just couldn’t put the book down. I loved how everyone at Hogwarts came together to rebel against the real enemy. I was even sad when minor characters from past books passed away. I will never forget this book and I would love to read it again.
Final Rating- 10/10
The Movies
The movies of the Harry Potter series. The fantasy aspects looked realistic and well-detailed. The cast was amazing and portrayed their characters’ personalities so well. They were book accurate and had most of the important scenes only skipping around a little bit. They were long but I didn’t lose patience and I watched the movies usually all the way through. Usually movies are nothing like the books but these movies proved that wrong.
The Deathly Hallows had two parts to the movies. Part one was two hours and twenty-six minutes long and part two was two hours and ten minutes long. Each movie was so detailed and book accurate I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. I will forever be grateful they made two parts for the movie. Each actor worked very hard to bring the Battle of Hogwarts to life and it was amazing. Part two of the Deathly Hallows was definitely my favorite movie of all the others.
Conclusion
After finishing the Harry Potter series I went on to finish many more books. This series opened up a whole new world of reading for me. The more I read the more I realized fantasy would always be my favorite genre. I recommend the Harry Potter series to new readers and people who have been reading for a while. It is such a good series and I guarantee you will connect with the characters and world very quickly.
