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isabel_is_reading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
One prominent concern revolves around the lack of substantial character development. Despite the characters aging, their growth seems confined to merely acting their age without undergoing transformative arcs. For instance, Harry's reaction to significant events, such as killing Voldemort at age eleven, lacks the depth one might expect. His perpetual awe and naivety about magic persist even after years of exposure, making his character development appear stunted. He doesn't show a mastery of his craft or slowly turn into an autonomous character or change in any meaningful way. This leaves the story hollow of a strong, interesting lead, which is needed to make a story with substance.
The rushed inclusion of crucial details, such as the nature of the horcruxes and Voldemort's past, contributes to a sense of narrative whiplash. A more organic integration of these elements throughout the earlier books could have enhanced the overall cohesiveness of the story. JK Rowling also info-dumps...A LOT. Info-dumping isn't always bad, but it shows an immaturity in the writing and can become annoying for the reader to sit through. JK Rowling also lacks an ability to create a cohesive and well written fantasy world. The illogical elements within the fantasy world, such as the loosely defined magic system and inconsistencies in the a-lot. can be distracting for those who appreciate a well-constructed fictional universe.
JK Rowling also has problems developing the romantic relationships of certain characters, especially Harry's love interests. The abrupt shift from Cho Chang to an awkward love triangle involving Ginny Weasley seems contrived, contributing to the perception that character relationships were manipulated to serve the plot rather than evolving naturally. It just seemed like Rowling shoved the relationship to develop her 'love wins all' message without actually writing an authentic, strong and loving relationship.
There's also Rowlings attempt at conveying an anti-racist message...which SPOILER ALERT: failed horribly.
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Emotional abuse, War, Bullying, Death, and Child abuse
cirrusfloccus's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Violence, Murder, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: War and Child abuse
reka111's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love
This series was a defining part of my childhood, not only because it transported me to a world that every child longs for, but because of these books, I started reading.
The characters (most of them) were likeable and well developed.
JK Rowling definitely deserves the fame she got for this book series (I can't say anything else good about her).
Graphic: Death of parent, Animal cruelty, Death, Kidnapping, War, Animal death, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Blood, Bullying, Toxic relationship, and Mental illness
sasquatch_3's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Blood, Death, and Emotional abuse
maeveh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Minor: Death of parent, Grief, War, and Death
darnov99's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Moderate: Torture
Minor: Death and Child death
anythingforourmoony's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
Graphic: Death
nicole_m's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Violence, Torture, Murder, Hate crime, Death of parent, and Child abuse
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Animal death
If those warnings trigger you I don’t recommend. Yet try to remember it’s fiction and the magic reels you into its world.42donotpanic's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Blood
petaraf9a9's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Death