Ahhh.....tell me why do you consider the series idiotic? It's seems a well written series to me that pits good versus evil while teaching some valuable lessons in life as well to the many children who read it as well as adults.
It's not well written though. It's simplistically written, designed to ensnare those whose fantasy consists of having special powers as a child. Thus, being able to break the bonds of the opressive adults on the child. Take that, and apply it to adults as needed. If you want well written, read Herbert, Michener, Clavell. Even Tolkien wasn't well written. His only 'great' work, The Silmarillion, is great not because of his writing style, but because of his extraordinary ability to create a world.
And while we are talking about plot holes, how come Frodo just doesn't ride a freaking Eagle all the way to Mount Doom and drop it in? Or heck, a whole freaking army of Eagles each with a Hobbit to confuse the bad guys. Is this ever addressed in the LOTR. (Sorry, off topic from HP, but jeez)
Nomar, you wouldn't like me when I'm angry... Have you finally swallowed your pride and read the books? Or are you just blabbering about something you only THINK you know? You had already formed a negative opinion of the series without even reading the books. Why should I (or anyone else for that matter) listen to you now? Man, I wish the search function was active again. It makes life so much easier (and more fun!)... So... Rowling hasn't done that, either? She's created a magical world within a world. Would it make you happy if she included detailed world maps, family trees, calendar systems, and a grandiose history, much like Tolkien and Herbet have done in their books? We're still talking about a children's book here. According to Amazon, Harry Potter: "Reading level: Ages 9-12." OF COURSE IT'S SIMPLISTICALLY WRITTEN! Geez....
That's my point. It's a children book. And I don't think simplistic writing can be classified as good writing, however entertaining it can be. And it certainly couldn't satisfy my literary needs, after reading the Dune series. I think we can agree that Dune rules buddy, lets just leave it at that.
Dude, nobody said Rowling was a literary genius. It's her storylines and characterization that grab you. A book doesn't have to be well written to be GOOD. CASE CLOSED.
Book 4 summary. Voldemort is getting stronger, but he is still in need of one more thing to be fully revived.... The books starts off with Harry attending the Quidditch finals with Ron's family and a LOT of other wizards (really cool by the way). **** happens. Then they go back to Hogwarts where it is announed that the Quidditch season is cancelled due to a special event involving to other wizard schools. Basically, the three schools each get 1 contestant, chosen by the Goblet of Fire, and is entered into a the competition. But the goblet of fire does something unexpected that has never happened in the history of this event, it selects an extra person....
How exactly is Harry Potter not well-written? Because Rowling doesn't use big words or flowery language? If you believe that, then you're full of baloney. The Harry Potter series is well-written, in a style perfectly suited to the content. The fact that Rowling has been able to draw so many fans from outside her target market and keep them interested for so long is good enough evidence of her skill. I know university English professors and professional writers who absolutely adore the series; one of Rowling's greatest fans is Stephen King. Who is better qualified to evaluate the Harry Potter series: people who read, create and dissect literature for a living, including one of the best-selling writers of all time, or some kid with a grudge who hasn't even read the books? Nomar's argument against Harry Potter is, and has always been, paper thin. The last time he got into it with Mrs. JB et al, he lost horribly, degenerating into incoherent raving drunkenness if I remember correctly.
more of a synopsis... Book 4 opens with the story of how the aloof, obnoxious Riddle family died. Then the scene shifts to Voldemort, whose original name was Riddle. Voldemort has met up with Pettigrew and is hatching another plot to bring himself back to a physical form and full power. The plot requires blood and death — preferably Harry's. An evil minion at Hogwarts is in place to help the wizard get his hands on Harry when the time comes. Harry, meanwhile, has joined Ron and his family at the Quidditch World Cup finals. Once back at Hogwarts, Harry is entered in a dangerous magical competition with two other wizard schools. Harry ends up temporarily in Voldemort's clutches, although the evil wizard's plan doesn't go quite as he had hoped. Harry and Voldemort end up in a duel, and the ghostly forms of those Voldemort has killed come back to aid Harry and help him get away. Once back at school, the minion is revealed, and Dumbledore realizes that Voldemort is again ready to cause trouble. Dumbledore tries to persuade the Minister of Magic to take steps to stop the evil wizard, but the minister refuses to believe him. So Dumbledore starts making preparations of his own to combat the battle he anticipates. Harry and company leave Hogwarts at the start of summer knowing they will soon face an extraordinary fight.
Didn't Dumbledore say something at the end of the third book about Pettigrew being in debt to Potter because Potter saved his life and that Voldemort would not want him as a companion? Does it explain in the fourth book why Voldemort took him in even though Pettigrew is in debt to Potter?
Hearing all this Harry Potter hoopla makes me sad. Ex-RM95's Girl and I read the books together on a couple of road trips and were really looking forward to this one. I have it pre-ordered, but I'm just going to give it to her, I don't think I can handle reading them without her.
