Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So, I've been trying to steer clear of this for quite a long time. Such a long time, that the version I've read was a 20th-year-anniversary edition in fact. The reason I didn't like even the idea of this book mainly was how widely popular it was (and the movies of course) while all the other fantasy works I really admire were (and are) really underappreciated. I voiced my opinion regarding this matter on numerous occasions so finally, a Potter-fan acquaintance of mine bought this for me as a gift. So, I had to read it finally.

Boy, I was wrong. It doesn't even want to pretend it's fantasy. It's a fairy tale for children and for adults alike and a quite good one in that. Its world and the characters in it are quite consistent and I really aprreciate consistent world-building. Also, the author has undeniable talent. It's really well written, even witty in quite a few places.

So, I know that I'm probably the last one on this wagon, therefore I wouldn't write any recommendations but it took me by surprise and I'll definitely continue with the next one. If you appreciate a good tale don't miss this one. The only reason I gave it 4 stars, in the end, is that I really felt that I'm not in the focus group sometimes when it was being the most "tale-like". But it's probably the best read for a child just exploring the world of reading or any adult who wants to be a child again for a little while.

P.s.: It's quite unfair to make such a comparison, but if you liked this storyline and want to experience something similar in a much more adult-like fashion read the Kingkiller Chronicles by Pat Rothfuss. And be in quite exquisite pain waiting for the third volume as the rest of us :D

View all my reviews