holypogchamp 's review for:

3.75
adventurous mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

The prose in later books is noticeably more competent for later books in the series. The novel lacks in substance for anything beyond its surface; beyond an engaging and well paced plot, simplistic but lovable characters that often verge on caricature, and a world that feels alive.

However enthralling the magical world is, the world-building is strikingly cobbled together, regardless of how much you suspend your disbelief. And aspects of the author's problematic world-view rears its ugly head from time to time.

Despite relegating the series to being mere 'cheap thrills', I look back on them fondly. It remains as one of the best ways to get into reading at a young age, with accessible prose, and despite its overall quality, the book rates high on entertainment factor, and its ability to capture one's imagination.