by A. Dean

Created on: October 18, 2007

As a long time reader of science fiction and fantasy, the Potter series caught my attention the first time I came in contact with it. I began my Harry Potter habit with an audio book of The Chamber of Secrets. This engaging and at times very funny story was read to me by Jim Dale. Mr. Dale is hugely competent, able to change voice and accent at a moments notice. Revealing the emotions of humor,angst,horror and stress of the characters. After that one story, I was hooked. This was at a time that only 5 of the books had come out. But my appetite was whetted and I went looking for more information and stories about Harry Potter. And this is when I found fan-fiction ! Thousands of full novel length stories utilizing Ms. Rowling's characters in every conceivable situation. Usually leading to the ultimate outcome in the battle between Harry and Lord Voldemort.

These books are great I think because they are told for the most part from Harry's point of view. Harry is a kid. All of the things we have all went through growing up is there for us to think about again as we travel with Harry through the abuse of bullies as a child. The abuse of authority of those in power over us. The fear of losing friends. Losing friends and being put into situations that we did not ask for nor want. And THEN..it gets bad ! The first book..was indeed a child's book. The second book is entertaining but has that shiver me timbers reek of malice about it. The third book surrounds Harry's long imprisoned Godfather and the beginnings of the return of the dark lord. The fourth book brings the dark lords full return and the death of a classmate. The fifth book goes deeper into the relationship that Harry shares with Lord Voldemort and book six ends with the death of Harry's headmaster and mentor Albus Dumbledore. Book seven..is the series finale..and I was fully convinced that Ms. Rowling would snuff Harry like Sir Conan Doyle did to Mr.Holmes. But..in the end she did not. And much to my delight...there are suggestions and questions left unanswered that hint at future novels from this gifted writer concerning the wizarding world.

One of the most intriguing things about the Potter series is the complexity of the wizarding world. Small minute details are in there. Things that congeal and make a story and a make believe world real. And the names she comes up with. A streeler. A giant snail. Ashwinders. Snakes that live in flames. A broom that can accelerate to 150 miles per hour in ten seconds. Thats zero to sixty in four seconds. Nose bleed territory ! Apparation. Portkeys. The floo network. Hippogriffs. Thestrals. A fine collection of transportation methods here. Blood replenisher potion. Skelegrow for replacing bones. Instant healing of minor wounds. Pretty much anything Star Trek can do can be found in a Harry Potter story.

And the near ultimate of evil..Lord Voldemort. A being that has sacrificed his humanity for immortality. Splitting his very soul and hiding the pieces. What a concept.

Everything you ever wanted in a story of a boy, a teenager and a man is in a Harry Potter book. The good, the evil, the humorous, the tragic. And may I suggest you check out some of the fan fiction sites? Look for stories that have been completed. Some are non canon..some follow the straight and narrow..and nearly all are engaging and interesting to read. You will find super Harry's. Blind Harry's. Evil Dumbledores. Harry as a grown man and chasing evil doers and etc. Fascinating reading...I highly recommend.

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