Is the latest book worth reading?

[Bookladt]

---

StoryMing wrote:
Without having (yet) taken time to read through all the response posts...

Hi Ken.
No, I don't think the quality of the books is declining; they are, however, subtly *changing*, somewhat. The books build on each other and become more sophisticated as they go on, and Harry ages. In this latest book, Harry is no longer the 11 year old little boy we first met. He is now a young man, shouldering "a grown wizard's burdens".

I will admit, I personally found book 5, Order of the Phoenix, very difficult to read, as it was rather bleak. But book 6, Half-Blood Prince, completely blew me away- I think it's fairly safe to say it's my favorite book in the series (so far!)

In other words, botton line: if you love the movies, DEFINITELY you should read the books! The movies are good, but there is just so much in the books that, for various reasons, does not make it into the movies.

And yes, read them in order. They *can* stand alone, especially the earlier books, but they will make more sense if read in order.

---

chongkenyeo wrote:
Hello Potter Fans,
I am a big fan of the Harry Potter movies but have never read any of the books. I guess that the quality of the books are declining. Is this true? Also should I start from the beginning of the series (cause of inter-related) or are they stand alone books?

A big Potter Fan,
Ken

---

---

I agree wholeheartedly!! Book 5 is a more bleak book but a lot of it has to do with what is happening between Voldemort and Harry, the ultimate connection between them and the Ministry of Magic's state of denial. Book 6 was my favorite by far - more tightly written and exciting. Fan input has forced JKR to realize that there are too many loose ends that needed to be taken care of and she is more careful with her edits. There are less and less errors and slip ups as she goes along and even less hints to the ultimate end.