Reviews with content warning for Death - Harry Potter: The Complete Collection

Reviews tagging 'Death'

Harry Potter: The Complete Collection by J.K. Rowling

10 reviews

isabel_is_reading's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

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

I'll start this review with saying I believe Harry Potter has some merit. JK Rowling did create a world that fans can easily fall in love with and the characters are simplistic enough for a child audience to enjoy. But, once one grows up and re-reads the stories or start thinking more deeply on the series we fall into some problems...

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.

Surprisingly not by the witch and muggle discrimination and blood purity, but by Rowling's additions of other magical creatures. In Harry Potter there are magical

'creatures' who have the intelligence of witches. They can comprehend laws and have the personhood of the human cast, but in the Harry Potter universe they are treated as second class citizens, which completely contradicts her anti racist message. Moreover, the portrayal of certain magical beings, like house-elves and goblins, raises concerns about unintentional racial stereotypes. With Goblins reflecting anti-Semitic stereotypes and house elves being slaves that love being slaves because of their nature???

Content Warnings

cirrusfloccus's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

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

Content Warnings

reka111's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense slow-paced

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).

Content Warnings