not up to his usual standard..., 16 Nov 2008
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, but when i did... i wasn't satisfied.
This book isn't bad at all, and if you are a neil-fan, by all means read it. But, this book just wasn't as inventive, as surprising, touching or original.
the concept is great... the excecution.. not that great. There is nothing new, and i felt that i'd seen all the tricks before.
(Strangely, the book read as a script. i could just see the film sequences in my head.)
Also having read M is for Magic, i was already familiar with a great deal of the story. i almost skipped that part, but forced myself to read it again.
I sometimes thought: this is a real children's book, don't be so critical, but then characters such as victor hugo and the 66th president of U.S.A. are introduced, and i can't imagine kids being that familiar with french literature... It felt like Neil was sending me straight to wikipedia, to read up on some elemental history.
and the end... well... i suppose it was poignant, but i was not satisfied.
i remember being shattered coming to the end of neverwhere, wanting it to go on forever... i hardly dare pick up coraline again, because it disturbed and frightened me so.
The Graveyard book left me... unimpressed.


A children's classic in the making, 11 Nov 2008
Structured so that each chapter works as a short story in its own right while also contributing to the overriding story arc of the novel, this novel includes all the wit, subtlety and bittersweet touches that you expect from a Gaiman book. It begins with the murder of Bod's family and his 'escape' to a nearby graveyard, where he is adopted by the ghostly inhabitants and Silas, a vampire in all but name, agrees to serve as his guardian. Subsequent chapters pick out incidents in Bod's life - one for each year as he ages, including his friendship with a little girl called Scarlett, a centennial dance involving the living and the dead, Bod's accidental visit to the Land of the Ghouls and his encounter with the ghost of a young woman murdered for being a witch. Permeating it all is the threat from The Man Jack who murdered Bod's parents and who, together with The Jacks, is still searching for Bod.

Characterisation is great, particularly Silas and Miss Lupescu (an East European woman who looks after Bod when Silas is on his travels) who are superb and utterly credible. Bod himself is likeable, and the incidents that Gaiman highlights from his life are interesting and believable - the chapter where Bod tries to go to a school for living children is particularly moving.

I would have liked to have seen more of Silas and Miss Lupescu's adventures as the Hounds of God, which Gaiman gives tantalising details of without ever really expanding (what's there works, but I'd have liked more description). I also wasn't enamoured with the introduction of the prophecy element towards the end of the book - it came far too late and I really needed to see it developed more and earlier for it to work and I couldn't help but wish that The Jacks had some other motive for hunting down Bod instead.

That said, I really admire Gaiman for not going for the easy happy ending here. Without going into spoilers, it would have been very easy for him to give the readers what they want and expect and wrap up his novel in a neat little bow. Although he doesn't do this, the ending he does provide is satisfying and fits in well with the characters and hopefully, will set up the possibility of their returning in future novels.

Beyong the Grave..., 06 Nov 2008
Hate to be the one (slightly)dissenting voice here, but just finished The Graveyard Book, and thought I'd offer a differing opinion than those already below...

I don't think this piece of work is accomplished as some are claiming. For me, the opening was wondeful: atmospheric, an interesting tilt to the language, full of colour and excitement and oddness. But after that (and in particular, the middle section), the narrative fell away, exposing what is merely a collection of fantasy cliches (though well-embroidered with Gaiman's imagination), doled out in the form of short stories. This brings me to perhaps my biggest problem with the book - the structure did not serve the story well. As a kind of Bildungsroman, it should have given more of a sense of continuity; change; development. Breaking the narrative into fragments (seemingly without rhyme or reason) does not serve the story well enough as a coming-of-age piece, and the momentum was largely lost...abandoned when it was just gaining pace. As a result, each section resolved itself into a kind of "fable"; each chapter summed by the "lesson" learned in each.

The ending was a major disappointment though: a prophecy? Really? After Harry Potter et al, is this all Mr Gaiman could come up with? And a secret society of (effectively) murderers? His story-telling skills simply weren't up to the task of orchestrating a big ending; it felt shamelessly cinematic, and much too concerned with a contrived tying-up of loose ends. Though on the plus side, the denouement was suitable poignant...

On the whole, I wouldn't recommend NOT to buy this book. I'm just not convinced of its already-touted status as "an instant classic!".

A Ghoulish Delight for Both Adults and Kiddies, 25 Oct 2008
Gaiman is a master story-teller, there is no doubt about that, but it's very hard to think of him as a children's story-book writer (and yes I know he has written other children's books before, but they always seemed...not quite right). However, after reading through this novel of his one can clearly see that he has the skills necessary to delight and educate the young ones without dulling it down too much or losing the young ones on the way.

The story can be considered to be an homage to Kipling's "Jungle Book" with excellent references being made to Kipling's story that are easily recognizable. The hero of the tale, Nobody Owens, is endearing, while at the same time not a weak character. Except for the fact that he was raised by ghots of the graveyard, he is an entirely believable character, which makes the novel even more enjoyable.

Fans of Gaiman will not be disappointed by this novel, those new to him will definitely enjoy it, and those who are looking for a good book to read to a child will also be well served by this.

Raised *by* the dead? That doesn't sound right..., 20 Oct 2008
What one word best describes this tale of an infant whose whole family are murdered, and who toddles to the safety of a local graveyard, where he's raised and educated by the resident dead? That word, surprisingly, would be "charming".

And it is, in every sense of the word. It's eloquent without being condescending, comforting without being soft, sharp without being bitter, and it captivates your attention throughout its entirety, leaving you perfectly satisfied by the end.

The cast of characters are written to perfection. The dead maintain an eerie timelessness, whilst the other supernatural creatures are subtle yet distinct, ("Silas ate only one food, and it was not bananas"); the villains pull off the trick of being both evil *and* credible; the living have a refreshing mundane quality, and Bod the protagonist is left with the uneasy struggle of being neither fish nor fowl (nor dead).

A delight to read and a joy to think about.

The Final Chapter
Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him.

In this final, seventh installment of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling unveils in spectactular fashion the answers to the many questions that have been so eagerly awaited. The spellbinding, richly woven narrative, which plunges, twists and turns at a breathtaking pace, confirms the author as a mistress of storytelling, whose books will be read, reread and read again.

Visit the Harry Potter Store
Our Harry Potter Store features all things Harry, including books, audio CDs and cassettes, DVDs, toys and more.

Begin at the Beginning

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Hardcover Paperback

Why We Love Harry
Favourite Moments from the Series
There are plenty of reasons to love Rowling's wildly popular series--no doubt you have several dozen of your own. Our list features favourite moments, characters, and artefacts from the first six books. Keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive (what we love about Harry could fill ten books!) and does not include any of the spectacular revelatory moments that would spoil the books for those (few) who have not read them. Enjoy.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

* Harry's first trip to the zoo with the Dursleys, when a boa constrictor winks at him. * When the Dursleys' house is suddenly besieged by letters for Harry from Hogwarts. Readers learn how much the Dursleys have been keeping from Harry. Rowling does a wonderful job in displaying the lengths to which Uncle Vernon will go to deny that magic exists. * Harry's first visit to Diagon Alley with Hagrid. Full of curiosities and rich with magic and marvel, Harry's first trip includes a trip to Gringotts and Ollivanders, where Harry gets his wand (holly and phoenix feather) and discovers yet another connection to He-Who-Must-No-Be-Named. This moment is the reader's first full introduction to Rowling's world of witchcraft and wizards. * Harry's experience with the Sorting Hat.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

* The de-gnoming of the Weasleys' garden. Harry discovers that even wizards have chores--gnomes must be grabbed (ignoring angry protests "Gerroff me! Gerroff me!"), swung about (to make them too dizzy to come back), and tossed out of the garden--this delightful scene highlights Rowling's clever and witty genius. * Harry's first experience with a Howler, sent to Ron by his mother. * The Duelling Club battle between Harry and Malfoy. Gilderoy Lockhart starts the Duelling Club to help students practice spells on each other, but he is not prepared for the intensity of the animosity between Harry and Draco. Since they are still young, their minibattle is innocent enough, including tickling and dancing charms.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

* Ron's attempt to use a telephone to call Harry at the Dursleys'. * Harry's first encounter with a Dementor on the train (and just about any other encounter with Dementors). Harry's brush with the Dementors is terrifying and prepares Potter fans for a darker, scarier book. * Harry, Ron, and Hermione's behaviour in Professor Trelawney's Divination class. Some of the best moments in Rowling's books occur when she reminds us that the wizards-in-training at Hogwarts are, after all, just children. Clearly, even at a school of witchcraft and wizardry, classes can be boring and seem pointless to children. * The Boggart lesson in Professor Lupin's classroom. * Harry, Ron, and Hermione's knock-down confrontation with Snape.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

* Hermione's disgust at the reception for the veela (Bulgarian National Team Mascots) at the Quidditch World Cup. Rowling's fourth book addresses issues about growing up--the dynamic between the boys and girls at Hogwarts starts to change. Nowhere is this more plain than the hilarious scene in which magical cheerleaders nearly convince Harry and Ron to jump from the stands to impress them. * Viktor Krum's crush on Hermione--and Ron's objection to it. * Malfoy's "Potter Stinks" badge. * Hermione's creation of S.P.E.W., the intolerant bigotry of the Death Eaters, and the danger of the Triwizard Tournament. Add in the changing dynamics between girls and boys at Hogwarts, and suddenly Rowling's fourth book has a weight and seriousness not as present in early books in the series. Candy and tickle spells are left behind as the students tackle darker, more serious issues and take on larger responsibilities, including the knowledge of illegal curses.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

* Harry's outburst to his friends at No. 12 Grimmauld Place. A combination of frustration over being kept in the dark and fear that he will be expelled fuels much of Harry's anger, and it all comes out at once, directly aimed at Ron and Hermione. Rowling perfectly portrays Harry's frustration at being too old to shirk responsibility, but too young to be accepted as part of the fight that he knows is coming. * Harry's detention with Professor Umbridge. Rowling shows her darker side, leading readers to believe that Hogwarts is no longer a safe haven for young wizards. Dolores represents a bureaucratic tyrant capable of real evil, and Harry is forced to endure their private battle of wills alone. * Harry and Cho's painfully awkward interactions. Rowling clearly remembers what it was like to be a teenager. * Harry's Occlumency lessons with Snape. * Dumbledore's confession to Harry.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

* This book is much darker than the rest. Lord Voldemort has been creating chaos in the Wizard and Muggle communities alike, the war is in full swing and the Wizarding community now lives in fear. * It is much more emotional. The story turns at the whim of a temperamental teenager from war and life-changing tragedy, to euphoria and glistening happiness.

Magic, Mystery, and Mayhem: A Conversation with J.K. Rowling

"I am an extraordinarily lucky person, doing what I love best in the world. I'm sure that I will always be a writer. It was wonderful enough just to be published. The greatest reward is the enthusiasm of the readers." --J.K. Rowling

Find out more about Harry's creator in our exclusive interview with J.K. Rowling.

Did You Know?

The Little White Horse was J.K. Rowling's favourite book as a child.

Jane Austen is Rowling's favourite author.

Roddy Doyle is Rowling's favourite living writer.

not up to his usual standard..., 16 Nov 2008
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, but when i did... i wasn't satisfied.
This book isn't bad at all, and if you are a neil-fan, by all means read it. But, this book just wasn't as inventive, as surprising, touching or original.
the concept is great... the excecution.. not that great. There is nothing new, and i felt that i'd seen all the tricks before.
(Strangely, the book read as a script. i could just see the film sequences in my head.)
Also having read M is for Magic, i was already familiar with a great deal of the story. i almost skipped that part, but forced myself to read it again.
I sometimes thought: this is a real children's book, don't be so critical, but then characters such as victor hugo and the 66th president of U.S.A. are introduced, and i can't imagine kids being that familiar with french literature... It felt like Neil was sending me straight to wikipedia, to read up on some elemental history.
and the end... well... i suppose it was poignant, but i was not satisfied.
i remember being shattered coming to the end of neverwhere, wanting it to go on forever... i hardly dare pick up coraline again, because it disturbed and frightened me so.
The Graveyard book left me... unimpressed.


A children's classic in the making, 11 Nov 2008
Structured so that each chapter works as a short story in its own right while also contributing to the overriding story arc of the novel, this novel includes all the wit, subtlety and bittersweet touches that you expect from a Gaiman book. It begins with the murder of Bod's family and his 'escape' to a nearby graveyard, where he is adopted by the ghostly inhabitants and Silas, a vampire in all but name, agrees to serve as his guardian. Subsequent chapters pick out incidents in Bod's life - one for each year as he ages, including his friendship with a little girl called Scarlett, a centennial dance involving the living and the dead, Bod's accidental visit to the Land of the Ghouls and his encounter with the ghost of a young woman murdered for being a witch. Permeating it all is the threat from The Man Jack who murdered Bod's parents and who, together with The Jacks, is still searching for Bod.

Characterisation is great, particularly Silas and Miss Lupescu (an East European woman who looks after Bod when Silas is on his travels) who are superb and utterly credible. Bod himself is likeable, and the incidents that Gaiman highlights from his life are interesting and believable - the chapter where Bod tries to go to a school for living children is particularly moving.

I would have liked to have seen more of Silas and Miss Lupescu's adventures as the Hounds of God, which Gaiman gives tantalising details of without ever really expanding (what's there works, but I'd have liked more description). I also wasn't enamoured with the introduction of the prophecy element towards the end of the book - it came far too late and I really needed to see it developed more and earlier for it to work and I couldn't help but wish that The Jacks had some other motive for hunting down Bod instead.

That said, I really admire Gaiman for not going for the easy happy ending here. Without going into spoilers, it would have been very easy for him to give the readers what they want and expect and wrap up his novel in a neat little bow. Although he doesn't do this, the ending he does provide is satisfying and fits in well with the characters and hopefully, will set up the possibility of their returning in future novels.

Beyong the Grave..., 06 Nov 2008
Hate to be the one (slightly)dissenting voice here, but just finished The Graveyard Book, and thought I'd offer a differing opinion than those already below...

I don't think this piece of work is accomplished as some are claiming. For me, the opening was wondeful: atmospheric, an interesting tilt to the language, full of colour and excitement and oddness. But after that (and in particular, the middle section), the narrative fell away, exposing what is merely a collection of fantasy cliches (though well-embroidered with Gaiman's imagination), doled out in the form of short stories. This brings me to perhaps my biggest problem with the book - the structure did not serve the story well. As a kind of Bildungsroman, it should have given more of a sense of continuity; change; development. Breaking the narrative into fragments (seemingly without rhyme or reason) does not serve the story well enough as a coming-of-age piece, and the momentum was largely lost...abandoned when it was just gaining pace. As a result, each section resolved itself into a kind of "fable"; each chapter summed by the "lesson" learned in each.

The ending was a major disappointment though: a prophecy? Really? After Harry Potter et al, is this all Mr Gaiman could come up with? And a secret society of (effectively) murderers? His story-telling skills simply weren't up to the task of orchestrating a big ending; it felt shamelessly cinematic, and much too concerned with a contrived tying-up of loose ends. Though on the plus side, the denouement was suitable poignant...

On the whole, I wouldn't recommend NOT to buy this book. I'm just not convinced of its already-touted status as "an instant classic!".

A Ghoulish Delight for Both Adults and Kiddies, 25 Oct 2008
Gaiman is a master story-teller, there is no doubt about that, but it's very hard to think of him as a children's story-book writer (and yes I know he has written other children's books before, but they always seemed...not quite right). However, after reading through this novel of his one can clearly see that he has the skills necessary to delight and educate the young ones without dulling it down too much or losing the young ones on the way.

The story can be considered to be an homage to Kipling's "Jungle Book" with excellent references being made to Kipling's story that are easily recognizable. The hero of the tale, Nobody Owens, is endearing, while at the same time not a weak character. Except for the fact that he was raised by ghots of the graveyard, he is an entirely believable character, which makes the novel even more enjoyable.

Fans of Gaiman will not be disappointed by this novel, those new to him will definitely enjoy it, and those who are looking for a good book to read to a child will also be well served by this.

Raised *by* the dead? That doesn't sound right..., 20 Oct 2008
What one word best describes this tale of an infant whose whole family are murdered, and who toddles to the safety of a local graveyard, where he's raised and educated by the resident dead? That word, surprisingly, would be "charming".

And it is, in every sense of the word. It's eloquent without being condescending, comforting without being soft, sharp without being bitter, and it captivates your attention throughout its entirety, leaving you perfectly satisfied by the end.

The cast of characters are written to perfection. The dead maintain an eerie timelessness, whilst the other supernatural creatures are subtle yet distinct, ("Silas ate only one food, and it was not bananas"); the villains pull off the trick of being both evil *and* credible; the living have a refreshing mundane quality, and Bod the protagonist is left with the uneasy struggle of being neither fish nor fowl (nor dead).

A delight to read and a joy to think about.

Excellent finish, 16 Nov 2008
Everyone who has read the Harry Potter series knows how fun, interesting and addictive it is to read, so the seventh book is essential for those who have dabbled in the others. Possibly the most engaging book of them all, this last edition takes a different style into what would be Harry's final year at Hogwarts. The sixth book was said to be dark but it is in the seventh that great change happens. The plot deepends enormously as do the characters, who have grown up so much since their first days. J.K. Rowling is a gift to children and adults alike. Conclusion: essential reading if you have read the others, although really that goes without saying!

The series end left me speechless and depressed, 08 Nov 2008
I'd like to say that I was not one of the people who grew up with Harry Potter, it was around me but I never felt interested enough to have a read and even disliked the hype so much that I could have never imagined reading and absolutely loving it.
Eventually, at 22, I gave the first book a chance and read it in a day and I quite enjoyed it, needless to say the more books I read of the series, the more obsessed and involved did I feel and at the last book, The Deathly Hallows I could not imagine that this journey has come to an end.
I felt at points frustrated at the slow pace and not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I think JK Rowling made it quite clear that a big part of this book is about frustration, patience and somewhat hopelessness.
When I then finished this book I was in tears, well I was in tears throughout the book but the end just hit me hard and I realised that there won't be any more books and what I've read can never be read again the same way. I felt depressed, not because it was a bad book, quite the opposite, it was such a good book and such a good series that I felt like I lost friends. As sad as this sounds, I feel that Rowling created a world so detailed, so close to my heart that the end of it felt like a funeral. I think she felt quite the same and of course even worse when she was writing the last chapters of this book and I cannot even imagine the pain she felt for saying goodbye to Harry and his friends.
I don't think any book has touched me the way these did, not because it is the smartest or funniest book I've read but because it feels so real that it is hard to imagine it isn't. For this, I thank JK Rowling, she enriched my life with this epic story and I hope, for generations to come, they feel the same way about it.


Amazing, 16 Oct 2008
The Deathly Hallows is the best book I have ever read, I honestly couldn't put it down. All the questions that were in the books are answered and the story gripped me from beginning to end. Although the ending is weak, this is JK Rowling's masterpiece. A must-have.

Great book, 16 Oct 2008
This is a great end to the harry potter saga, but thats not the reason for this review, i just wanted to ask if anyone knows the difference between the childrens edition and the adult edition? ill thank you in advance if you answer my question

I couldn't put it down, 12 Oct 2008
This thing, the deathly hallows, the beginning wasn't the best beginning, but... I could not stop reading it. I don't understand why people think the ending is disappointing. The Nineteen years later could be expanded into a book, maybe, but, if J.K doesn't then that's all we really need to know to end the Harry potter phenomenon. Hopefully she will deliver another H.P book, because I know, I know, it won't end here.

not up to his usual standard..., 16 Nov 2008
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, but when i did... i wasn't satisfied.
This book isn't bad at all, and if you are a neil-fan, by all means read it. But, this book just wasn't as inventive, as surprising, touching or original.
the concept is great... the excecution.. not that great. There is nothing new, and i felt that i'd seen all the tricks before.
(Strangely, the book read as a script. i could just see the film sequences in my head.)
Also having read M is for Magic, i was already familiar with a great deal of the story. i almost skipped that part, but forced myself to read it again.
I sometimes thought: this is a real children's book, don't be so critical, but then characters such as victor hugo and the 66th president of U.S.A. are introduced, and i can't imagine kids being that familiar with french literature... It felt like Neil was sending me straight to wikipedia, to read up on some elemental history.
and the end... well... i suppose it was poignant, but i was not satisfied.
i remember being shattered coming to the end of neverwhere, wanting it to go on forever... i hardly dare pick up coraline again, because it disturbed and frightened me so.
The Graveyard book left me... unimpressed.


A children's classic in the making, 11 Nov 2008
Structured so that each chapter works as a short story in its own right while also contributing to the overriding story arc of the novel, this novel includes all the wit, subtlety and bittersweet touches that you expect from a Gaiman book. It begins with the murder of Bod's family and his 'escape' to a nearby graveyard, where he is adopted by the ghostly inhabitants and Silas, a vampire in all but name, agrees to serve as his guardian. Subsequent chapters pick out incidents in Bod's life - one for each year as he ages, including his friendship with a little girl called Scarlett, a centennial dance involving the living and the dead, Bod's accidental visit to the Land of the Ghouls and his encounter with the ghost of a young woman murdered for being a witch. Permeating it all is the threat from The Man Jack who murdered Bod's parents and who, together with The Jacks, is still searching for Bod.

Characterisation is great, particularly Silas and Miss Lupescu (an East European woman who looks after Bod when Silas is on his travels) who are superb and utterly credible. Bod himself is likeable, and the incidents that Gaiman highlights from his life are interesting and believable - the chapter where Bod tries to go to a school for living children is particularly moving.

I would have liked to have seen more of Silas and Miss Lupescu's adventures as the Hounds of God, which Gaiman gives tantalising details of without ever really expanding (what's there works, but I'd have liked more description). I also wasn't enamoured with the introduction of the prophecy element towards the end of the book - it came far too late and I really needed to see it developed more and earlier for it to work and I couldn't help but wish that The Jacks had some other motive for hunting down Bod instead.

That said, I really admire Gaiman for not going for the easy happy ending here. Without going into spoilers, it would have been very easy for him to give the readers what they want and expect and wrap up his novel in a neat little bow. Although he doesn't do this, the ending he does provide is satisfying and fits in well with the characters and hopefully, will set up the possibility of their returning in future novels.

Beyong the Grave..., 06 Nov 2008
Hate to be the one (slightly)dissenting voice here, but just finished The Graveyard Book, and thought I'd offer a differing opinion than those already below...

I don't think this piece of work is accomplished as some are claiming. For me, the opening was wondeful: atmospheric, an interesting tilt to the language, full of colour and excitement and oddness. But after that (and in particular, the middle section), the narrative fell away, exposing what is merely a collection of fantasy cliches (though well-embroidered with Gaiman's imagination), doled out in the form of short stories. This brings me to perhaps my biggest problem with the book - the structure did not serve the story well. As a kind of Bildungsroman, it should have given more of a sense of continuity; change; development. Breaking the narrative into fragments (seemingly without rhyme or reason) does not serve the story well enough as a coming-of-age piece, and the momentum was largely lost...abandoned when it was just gaining pace. As a result, each section resolved itself into a kind of "fable"; each chapter summed by the "lesson" learned in each.

The ending was a major disappointment though: a prophecy? Really? After Harry Potter et al, is this all Mr Gaiman could come up with? And a secret society of (effectively) murderers? His story-telling skills simply weren't up to the task of orchestrating a big ending; it felt shamelessly cinematic, and much too concerned with a contrived tying-up of loose ends. Though on the plus side, the denouement was suitable poignant...

On the whole, I wouldn't recommend NOT to buy this book. I'm just not convinced of its already-touted status as "an instant classic!".

A Ghoulish Delight for Both Adults and Kiddies, 25 Oct 2008
Gaiman is a master story-teller, there is no doubt about that, but it's very hard to think of him as a children's story-book writer (and yes I know he has written other children's books before, but they always seemed...not quite right). However, after reading through this novel of his one can clearly see that he has the skills necessary to delight and educate the young ones without dulling it down too much or losing the young ones on the way.

The story can be considered to be an homage to Kipling's "Jungle Book" with excellent references being made to Kipling's story that are easily recognizable. The hero of the tale, Nobody Owens, is endearing, while at the same time not a weak character. Except for the fact that he was raised by ghots of the graveyard, he is an entirely believable character, which makes the novel even more enjoyable.

Fans of Gaiman will not be disappointed by this novel, those new to him will definitely enjoy it, and those who are looking for a good book to read to a child will also be well served by this.

Raised *by* the dead? That doesn't sound right..., 20 Oct 2008
What one word best describes this tale of an infant whose whole family are murdered, and who toddles to the safety of a local graveyard, where he's raised and educated by the resident dead? That word, surprisingly, would be "charming".

And it is, in every sense of the word. It's eloquent without being condescending, comforting without being soft, sharp without being bitter, and it captivates your attention throughout its entirety, leaving you perfectly satisfied by the end.

The cast of characters are written to perfection. The dead maintain an eerie timelessness, whilst the other supernatural creatures are subtle yet distinct, ("Silas ate only one food, and it was not bananas"); the villains pull off the trick of being both evil *and* credible; the living have a refreshing mundane quality, and Bod the protagonist is left with the uneasy struggle of being neither fish nor fowl (nor dead).

A delight to read and a joy to think about.

Excellent finish, 16 Nov 2008
Everyone who has read the Harry Potter series knows how fun, interesting and addictive it is to read, so the seventh book is essential for those who have dabbled in the others. Possibly the most engaging book of them all, this last edition takes a different style into what would be Harry's final year at Hogwarts. The sixth book was said to be dark but it is in the seventh that great change happens. The plot deepends enormously as do the characters, who have grown up so much since their first days. J.K. Rowling is a gift to children and adults alike. Conclusion: essential reading if you have read the others, although really that goes without saying!

The series end left me speechless and depressed, 08 Nov 2008
I'd like to say that I was not one of the people who grew up with Harry Potter, it was around me but I never felt interested enough to have a read and even disliked the hype so much that I could have never imagined reading and absolutely loving it.
Eventually, at 22, I gave the first book a chance and read it in a day and I quite enjoyed it, needless to say the more books I read of the series, the more obsessed and involved did I feel and at the last book, The Deathly Hallows I could not imagine that this journey has come to an end.
I felt at points frustrated at the slow pace and not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I think JK Rowling made it quite clear that a big part of this book is about frustration, patience and somewhat hopelessness.
When I then finished this book I was in tears, well I was in tears throughout the book but the end just hit me hard and I realised that there won't be any more books and what I've read can never be read again the same way. I felt depressed, not because it was a bad book, quite the opposite, it was such a good book and such a good series that I felt like I lost friends. As sad as this sounds, I feel that Rowling created a world so detailed, so close to my heart that the end of it felt like a funeral. I think she felt quite the same and of course even worse when she was writing the last chapters of this book and I cannot even imagine the pain she felt for saying goodbye to Harry and his friends.
I don't think any book has touched me the way these did, not because it is the smartest or funniest book I've read but because it feels so real that it is hard to imagine it isn't. For this, I thank JK Rowling, she enriched my life with this epic story and I hope, for generations to come, they feel the same way about it.


Amazing, 16 Oct 2008
The Deathly Hallows is the best book I have ever read, I honestly couldn't put it down. All the questions that were in the books are answered and the story gripped me from beginning to end. Although the ending is weak, this is JK Rowling's masterpiece. A must-have.

Great book, 16 Oct 2008
This is a great end to the harry potter saga, but thats not the reason for this review, i just wanted to ask if anyone knows the difference between the childrens edition and the adult edition? ill thank you in advance if you answer my question

I couldn't put it down, 12 Oct 2008
This thing, the deathly hallows, the beginning wasn't the best beginning, but... I could not stop reading it. I don't understand why people think the ending is disappointing. The Nineteen years later could be expanded into a book, maybe, but, if J.K doesn't then that's all we really need to know to end the Harry potter phenomenon. Hopefully she will deliver another H.P book, because I know, I know, it won't end here.

Loved it!, 20 Jul 2005
A collection of short stories by some of today's most popular authors... and a good cause thrown in for good measure. This collection is extremely varied, in terms of both writing styles and subject matter, so there's bound to be a few stories in there you'll absolutely love.

Buy this book - you won't regret it.

All you could ask for from a collection of short stories., 11 Jan 2005
I'll be honest, I only bought this book because I'm a J.K.Rowling fan and I have to have everything she's ever had published (even if it's only a foreward). I wasn't expecting too much from the actual stories themselves. But I was more than merely pleasantly suprised. The stories are wonderful. Each one is somehow very different from the others but they all share an element of 'sparkle' which makes the collection jell rather well. This 'sparkle' is not just magic, though there is some magic (of sorts) in some of the stories, but is rather a property of the characters. Though the stories are all about different people the main characters have, in their behaviour, something which makes them stand out, something which makes them just a little bit special. Perhaps it's this which makes the stories so enchanting; the fact that the characters are close to being average and normal, but have some small quality which anyone might possess, but which almost no-one actually does possess. I hope that makes some sense. If not, let me simply say that the stories are not only very original but are also very well written and very enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this collection of short stories.

"Magic Moments", 28 Jun 2002
Tilly has wild aspirations of becoming a famous opera diva.
Sandra dreams of creating the perfect bra to revolutionize womens' lives and what has become of Professor Martin Presley whose scientific discovery has the worst repercussions ever?

These are just some of the topics explored in "Magic", which is an interesting anthology produced for The National Council For One-Parent Families. It aims to raise money to support the millions of single parents, like myself, facing financial hardship in bringing up a child single-handedly.
Its forward is by J.K Rowling, Ambassador of this charity and herself a lone parent once caught in the poverty trap.

The stories are kindly donated by well-accomplished authors including Fay Weldon, Sue Townsend and John O' Farrell.
Oozing originality, its tales stretch the imagination and provide its reader with escapism in abundance whilst also supporting a worthwhile cause.
Hocus Pocus this is not. This is British Fiction at its finest.

"Magic Moments", 28 Jun 2002
Tilly has wild aspirations of becoming a famous opera diva.
Sandra dreams of creating the perfect bra to revolutionize womens' lives and what has become of Professor Martin Presley whose scientific discovery has the worst repercussions ever?

These are just some of the topics explored in "Magic", which is an interesting anthology produced for The National Council For One-Parent Families. It aims to raise money to support the millions of single parents, like myself, facing financial hardship in bringing up a child single-handedly.
Its forward is by J.K Rowling, Ambassador of this charity and herself a lone parent once caught in the poverty trap.

The stories are kindly donated by well-accomplished authors including Fay Weldon, Sue Townsend and John O' Farrell.
Oozing originality, its tales stretch the imagination and provide its reader with escapism in abundance whilst also supporting a worthwhile cause.
Hocus Pocus this is not. This is British Fiction at its finest.

Splendid book, filled with sparkling stories, 21 Jun 2002
I rarely read collections of short stories, but this one attracted me - it contans stories written by today's modern (mostly women) writers, and all of them tempted me to read other works by them.

Each story has magic as its theme - that is not to say the rabbit out of the hat magic, but more often the magic of an emotion or a feeling. My personal favourite is indeed the rabbit from a hat story by Meera Syal!

I can imagine that these stories will not appeal to everyone, but most of them will appeal to most women!

Read and enjoy.

Say you've spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand and jellybeans that come in every flavour, including strawberry, curry, grass and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in J K Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In the non-magical human world--the world of "Muggles"--Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is renowned as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoilt, pig-like cousin Dudley.

A mysterious letter, delivered by the friendly giant Hagrid, wrenches Harry from his dreary, Muggle-ridden existence: "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry". Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" Soon enough, however, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts with his owl Hedwig ... and that's where the real adventure--humorous, haunting, and suspenseful--begins.

This magical, gripping, brilliant book--a future classic to be sure--will leave children clamouring for a sequel. (Ages 8-13) --Karin SnelsonSay you've spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand and jellybeans that come in every flavour, including strawberry, curry, grass and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in J K Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In the non-magical human world--the world of "Muggles"--Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is renowned as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoilt, pig-like cousin Dudley.

A mysterious letter, delivered by the friendly giant Hagrid, wrenches Harry from his dreary, Muggle-ridden existence: "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry". Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" Soon enough, however, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts with his owl Hedwig ... and that's where the real adventure--humorous, haunting, and suspenseful--begins.

This magical, gripping, brilliant book--a future classic to be sure--will leave children clamouring for a sequel. (Ages 8-13) --Karin Snelson

not up to his usual standard..., 16 Nov 2008
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, but when i did... i wasn't satisfied.
This book isn't bad at all, and if you are a neil-fan, by all means read it. But, this book just wasn't as inventive, as surprising, touching or original.
the concept is great... the excecution.. not that great. There is nothing new, and i felt that i'd seen all the tricks before.
(Strangely, the book read as a script. i could just see the film sequences in my head.)
Also having read M is for Magic, i was already familiar with a great deal of the story. i almost skipped that part, but forced myself to read it again.
I sometimes thought: this is a real children's book, don't be so critical, but then characters such as victor hugo and the 66th president of U.S.A. are introduced, and i can't imagine kids being that familiar with french literature... It felt like Neil was sending me straight to wikipedia, to read up on some elemental history.
and the end... well... i suppose it was poignant, but i was not satisfied.
i remember being shattered coming to the end of neverwhere, wanting it to go on forever... i hardly dare pick up coraline again, because it disturbed and frightened me so.
The Graveyard book left me... unimpressed.


A children's classic in the making, 11 Nov 2008
Structured so that each chapter works as a short story in its own right while also contributing to the overriding story arc of the novel, this novel includes all the wit, subtlety and bittersweet touches that you expect from a Gaiman book. It begins with the murder of Bod's family and his 'escape' to a nearby graveyard, where he is adopted by the ghostly inhabitants and Silas, a vampire in all but name, agrees to serve as his guardian. Subsequent chapters pick out incidents in Bod's life - one for each year as he ages, including his friendship with a little girl called Scarlett, a centennial dance involving the living and the dead, Bod's accidental visit to the Land of the Ghouls and his encounter with the ghost of a young woman murdered for being a witch. Permeating it all is the threat from The Man Jack who murdered Bod's parents and who, together with The Jacks, is still searching for Bod.

Characterisation is great, particularly Silas and Miss Lupescu (an East European woman who looks after Bod when Silas is on his travels) who are superb and utterly credible. Bod himself is likeable, and the incidents that Gaiman highlights from his life are interesting and believable - the chapter where Bod tries to go to a school for living children is particularly moving.

I would have liked to have seen more of Silas and Miss Lupescu's adventures as the Hounds of God, which Gaiman gives tantalising details of without ever really expanding (what's there works, but I'd have liked more description). I also wasn't enamoured with the introduction of the prophecy element towards the end of the book - it came far too late and I really needed to see it developed more and earlier for it to work and I couldn't help but wish that The Jacks had some other motive for hunting down Bod instead.

That said, I really admire Gaiman for not going for the easy happy ending here. Without going into spoilers, it would have been very easy for him to give the readers what they want and expect and wrap up his novel in a neat little bow. Although he doesn't do this, the ending he does provide is satisfying and fits in well with the characters and hopefully, will set up the possibility of their returning in future novels.

Beyong the Grave..., 06 Nov 2008
Hate to be the one (slightly)dissenting voice here, but just finished The Graveyard Book, and thought I'd offer a differing opinion than those already below...

I don't think this piece of work is accomplished as some are claiming. For me, the opening was wondeful: atmospheric, an interesting tilt to the language, full of colour and excitement and oddness. But after that (and in particular, the middle section), the narrative fell away, exposing what is merely a collection of fantasy cliches (though well-embroidered with Gaiman's imagination), doled out in the form of short stories. This brings me to perhaps my biggest problem with the book - the structure did not serve the story well. As a kind of Bildungsroman, it should have given more of a sense of continuity; change; development. Breaking the narrative into fragments (seemingly without rhyme or reason) does not serve the story well enough as a coming-of-age piece, and the momentum was largely lost...abandoned when it was just gaining pace. As a result, each section resolved itself into a kind of "fable"; each chapter summed by the "lesson" learned in each.

The ending was a major disappointment though: a prophecy? Really? After Harry Potter et al, is this all Mr Gaiman could come up with? And a secret society of (effectively) murderers? His story-telling skills simply weren't up to the task of orchestrating a big ending; it felt shamelessly cinematic, and much too concerned with a contrived tying-up of loose ends. Though on the plus side, the denouement was suitable poignant...

On the whole, I wouldn't recommend NOT to buy this book. I'm just not convinced of its already-touted status as "an instant classic!".

A Ghoulish Delight for Both Adults and Kiddies, 25 Oct 2008
Gaiman is a master story-teller, there is no doubt about that, but it's very hard to think of him as a children's story-book writer (and yes I know he has written other children's books before, but they always seemed...not quite right). However, after reading through this novel of his one can clearly see that he has the skills necessary to delight and educate the young ones without dulling it down too much or losing the young ones on the way.

The story can be considered to be an homage to Kipling's "Jungle Book" with excellent references being made to Kipling's story that are easily recognizable. The hero of the tale, Nobody Owens, is endearing, while at the same time not a weak character. Except for the fact that he was raised by ghots of the graveyard, he is an entirely believable character, which makes the novel even more enjoyable.

Fans of Gaiman will not be disappointed by this novel, those new to him will definitely enjoy it, and those who are looking for a good book to read to a child will also be well served by this.

Raised *by* the dead? That doesn't sound right..., 20 Oct 2008
What one word best describes this tale of an infant whose whole family are murdered, and who toddles to the safety of a local graveyard, where he's raised and educated by the resident dead? That word, surprisingly, would be "charming".

And it is, in every sense of the word. It's eloquent without being condescending, comforting without being soft, sharp without being bitter, and it captivates your attention throughout its entirety, leaving you perfectly satisfied by the end.

The cast of characters are written to perfection. The dead maintain an eerie timelessness, whilst the other supernatural creatures are subtle yet distinct, ("Silas ate only one food, and it was not bananas"); the villains pull off the trick of being both evil *and* credible; the living have a refreshing mundane quality, and Bod the protagonist is left with the uneasy struggle of being neither fish nor fowl (nor dead).

A delight to read and a joy to think about.

Excellent finish, 16 Nov 2008
Everyone who has read the Harry Potter series knows how fun, interesting and addictive it is to read, so the seventh book is essential for those who have dabbled in the others. Possibly the most engaging book of them all, this last edition takes a different style into what would be Harry's final year at Hogwarts. The sixth book was said to be dark but it is in the seventh that great change happens. The plot deepends enormously as do the characters, who have grown up so much since their first days. J.K. Rowling is a gift to children and adults alike. Conclusion: essential reading if you have read the others, although really that goes without saying!

The series end left me speechless and depressed, 08 Nov 2008
I'd like to say that I was not one of the people who grew up with Harry Potter, it was around me but I never felt interested enough to have a read and even disliked the hype so much that I could have never imagined reading and absolutely loving it.
Eventually, at 22, I gave the first book a chance and read it in a day and I quite enjoyed it, needless to say the more books I read of the series, the more obsessed and involved did I feel and at the last book, The Deathly Hallows I could not imagine that this journey has come to an end.
I felt at points frustrated at the slow pace and not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I think JK Rowling made it quite clear that a big part of this book is about frustration, patience and somewhat hopelessness.
When I then finished this book I was in tears, well I was in tears throughout the book but the end just hit me hard and I realised that there won't be any more books and what I've read can never be read again the same way. I felt depressed, not because it was a bad book, quite the opposite, it was such a good book and such a good series that I felt like I lost friends. As sad as this sounds, I feel that Rowling created a world so detailed, so close to my heart that the end of it felt like a funeral. I think she felt quite the same and of course even worse when she was writing the last chapters of this book and I cannot even imagine the pain she felt for saying goodbye to Harry and his friends.
I don't think any book has touched me the way these did, not because it is the smartest or funniest book I've read but because it feels so real that it is hard to imagine it isn't. For this, I thank JK Rowling, she enriched my life with this epic story and I hope, for generations to come, they feel the same way about it.


Amazing, 16 Oct 2008
The Deathly Hallows is the best book I have ever read, I honestly couldn't put it down. All the questions that were in the books are answered and the story gripped me from beginning to end. Although the ending is weak, this is JK Rowling's masterpiece. A must-have.

Great book, 16 Oct 2008
This is a great end to the harry potter saga, but thats not the reason for this review, i just wanted to ask if anyone knows the difference between the childrens edition and the adult edition? ill thank you in advance if you answer my question

I couldn't put it down, 12 Oct 2008
This thing, the deathly hallows, the beginning wasn't the best beginning, but... I could not stop reading it. I don't understand why people think the ending is disappointing. The Nineteen years later could be expanded into a book, maybe, but, if J.K doesn't then that's all we really need to know to end the Harry potter phenomenon. Hopefully she will deliver another H.P book, because I know, I know, it won't end here.

Loved it!, 20 Jul 2005
A collection of short stories by some of today's most popular authors... and a good cause thrown in for good measure. This collection is extremely varied, in terms of both writing styles and subject matter, so there's bound to be a few stories in there you'll absolutely love.

Buy this book - you won't regret it.

All you could ask for from a collection of short stories., 11 Jan 2005
I'll be honest, I only bought this book because I'm a J.K.Rowling fan and I have to have everything she's ever had published (even if it's only a foreward). I wasn't expecting too much from the actual stories themselves. But I was more than merely pleasantly suprised. The stories are wonderful. Each one is somehow very different from the others but they all share an element of 'sparkle' which makes the collection jell rather well. This 'sparkle' is not just magic, though there is some magic (of sorts) in some of the stories, but is rather a property of the characters. Though the stories are all about different people the main characters have, in their behaviour, something which makes them stand out, something which makes them just a little bit special. Perhaps it's this which makes the stories so enchanting; the fact that the characters are close to being average and normal, but have some small quality which anyone might possess, but which almost no-one actually does possess. I hope that makes some sense. If not, let me simply say that the stories are not only very original but are also very well written and very enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this collection of short stories.

"Magic Moments", 28 Jun 2002
Tilly has wild aspirations of becoming a famous opera diva.
Sandra dreams of creating the perfect bra to revolutionize womens' lives and what has become of Professor Martin Presley whose scientific discovery has the worst repercussions ever?

These are just some of the topics explored in "Magic", which is an interesting anthology produced for The National Council For One-Parent Families. It aims to raise money to support the millions of single parents, like myself, facing financial hardship in bringing up a child single-handedly.
Its forward is by J.K Rowling, Ambassador of this charity and herself a lone parent once caught in the poverty trap.

The stories are kindly donated by well-accomplished authors including Fay Weldon, Sue Townsend and John O' Farrell.
Oozing originality, its tales stretch the imagination and provide its reader with escapism in abundance whilst also supporting a worthwhile cause.
Hocus Pocus this is not. This is British Fiction at its finest.

"Magic Moments", 28 Jun 2002
Tilly has wild aspirations of becoming a famous opera diva.
Sandra dreams of creating the perfect bra to revolutionize womens' lives and what has become of Professor Martin Presley whose scientific discovery has the worst repercussions ever?

These are just some of the topics explored in "Magic", which is an interesting anthology produced for The National Council For One-Parent Families. It aims to raise money to support the millions of single parents, like myself, facing financial hardship in bringing up a child single-handedly.
Its forward is by J.K Rowling, Ambassador of this charity and herself a lone parent once caught in the poverty trap.

The stories are kindly donated by well-accomplished authors including Fay Weldon, Sue Townsend and John O' Farrell.
Oozing originality, its tales stretch the imagination and provide its reader with escapism in abundance whilst also supporting a worthwhile cause.
Hocus Pocus this is not. This is British Fiction at its finest.

Splendid book, filled with sparkling stories, 21 Jun 2002
I rarely read collections of short stories, but this one attracted me - it contans stories written by today's modern (mostly women) writers, and all of them tempted me to read other works by them.

Each story has magic as its theme - that is not to say the rabbit out of the hat magic, but more often the magic of an emotion or a feeling. My personal favourite is indeed the rabbit from a hat story by Meera Syal!

I can imagine that these stories will not appeal to everyone, but most of them will appeal to most women!

Read and enjoy.

THE BEST HARRY POTTER BOOK, 02 Dec 2008
This is the best Harry Potter book by far. Once you have read all of them watched the films, if you come back to Philosphers Stone and you read about the beginging you will probably agree with me.
Its the first time at Hogwarts, when he meets Ron Weasley and gets a broom stick.


A great escape, 24 Nov 2008
This (the first in the series), or any other Harry Potter book for that matter, needs no introduction. Once you've followed Harry to Hogworts and back during his first term, you'll be coming back for more time and time again! Its one of those books which you wish will never end - its that magical. Say what you will about J K Rowling (and lots of people do!), but theres no denying she does write exceedingly good books!

Spectacular, 03 Nov 2008
this is only one of the harry potter books.if you liked this you should read the rest.th ewhaole collection is utterly fantastic.brought me into the stoty straight from the start!

And from here it all began ..., 02 Nov 2008
All credit to Joanne Rowling. This is the book that launched a global phenomenon and should be on the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in children's literature or classic stories.

As for the book, yes, it's very good - however, I don't think it's brilliant. Writing your first novel is a mammoth undertaking and in this book JK sets out the parameters for what was to be developed and built upon in the later novels.

This novel probably inspired thousands more to do the same and finally write the book that germinated in their mind for so long. I should know, as I'm one of those people. My first book is now for sale on Amazon etc, and it may not have happened if this book had simply been lost in the slush pile of every major publisher and agent.

Great Book, 17 Oct 2008
I understand that everyone had their own opinion but i do not understand how anyone cannot like the harry potter books! in relation to another review made! Hagrid can do magic in front of the Dursleys because they know about magic! I defo do not believe that these books are just for kids either!

Just when it seems that there cannot possibly be another twist to the Harry Potter tale, Stephen Fry dons his haughtiest and naughtiest tones to bring Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to vibrant life on audio.

Harry Potter has spent the first 10 years of his life at the mercy of the dreadful Dursleys--the aunt, uncle and fat, spoilt brat of a cousin who reluctantly gave him a home after the death of his mother and father. But on his 11th birthday Harry discovers that he is no ordinary boy, and despite the best efforts of his hideous relatives he escapes to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to begin his new life as a trainee wizard. And the rest, as they say, is history...

As Harry battles against the evils thrown in his path, Stephen Fry injects the proceedings with a wry, dry and extremely contagious humour that perfectly suits the tale, wringing out the best in Harry and his cohorts as they get to grips with their new lives at the sharp end of Hogwarts. Fry's innate upper-class drone is perfectly suited to the telling of this most magical tale, cracking into the high-pitched squawking of Hermione the swat, or the gentle tones of the firm but fair Dumbledore, or the evil sniping of slimey Snape at precisely the right moments.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a fine story and much has been written about its success but until you have heard Fry's cracking reading of this most magical of stories then you simply haven't lived. As with any audio book, this one is perfect for car journeys and an ideal way of introducing reluctant readers to the magic that is Harry Potter. (Ages 9 and over) --Susan Harrison

not up to his usual standard..., 16 Nov 2008
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, but when i did... i wasn't satisfied.
This book isn't bad at all, and if you are a neil-fan, by all means read it. But, this book just wasn't as inventive, as surprising, touching or original.
the concept is great... the excecution.. not that great. There is nothing new, and i felt that i'd seen all the tricks before.
(Strangely, the book read as a script. i could just see the film sequences in my head.)
Also having read M is for Magic, i was already familiar with a great deal of the story. i almost skipped that part, but forced myself to read it again.
I sometimes thought: this is a real children's book, don't be so critical, but then characters such as victor hugo and the 66th president of U.S.A. are introduced, and i can't imagine kids being that familiar with french literature... It felt like Neil was sending me straight to wikipedia, to read up on some elemental history.
and the end... well... i suppose it was poignant, but i was not satisfied.
i remember being shattered coming to the end of neverwhere, wanting it to go on forever... i hardly dare pick up coraline again, because it disturbed and frightened me so.
The Graveyard book left me... unimpressed.


A children's classic in the making, 11 Nov 2008
Structured so that each chapter works as a short story in its own right while also contributing to the overriding story arc of the novel, this novel includes all the wit, subtlety and bittersweet touches that you expect from a Gaiman book. It begins with the murder of Bod's family and his 'escape' to a nearby graveyard, where he is adopted by the ghostly inhabitants and Silas, a vampire in all but name, agrees to serve as his guardian. Subsequent chapters pick out incidents in Bod's life - one for each year as he ages, including his friendship with a little girl called Scarlett, a centennial dance involving the living and the dead, Bod's accidental visit to the Land of the Ghouls and his encounter with the ghost of a young woman murdered for being a witch. Permeating it all is the threat from The Man Jack who murdered Bod's parents and who, together with The Jacks, is still searching for Bod.

Characterisation is great, particularly Silas and Miss Lupescu (an East European woman who looks after Bod when Silas is on his travels) who are superb and utterly credible. Bod himself is likeable, and the incidents that Gaiman highlights from his life are interesting and believable - the chapter where Bod tries to go to a school for living children is particularly moving.

I would have liked to have seen more of Silas and Miss Lupescu's adventures as the Hounds of God, which Gaiman gives tantalising details of without ever really expanding (what's there works, but I'd have liked more description). I also wasn't enamoured with the introduction of the prophecy element towards the end of the book - it came far too late and I really needed to see it developed more and earlier for it to work and I couldn't help but wish that The Jacks had some other motive for hunting down Bod instead.

That said, I really admire Gaiman for not going for the easy happy ending here. Without going into spoilers, it would have been very easy for him to give the readers what they want and expect and wrap up his novel in a neat little bow. Although he doesn't do this, the ending he does provide is satisfying and fits in well with the characters and hopefully, will set up the possibility of their returning in future novels.

Beyong the Grave..., 06 Nov 2008
Hate to be the one (slightly)dissenting voice here, but just finished The Graveyard Book, and thought I'd offer a differing opinion than those already below...

I don't think this piece of work is accomplished as some are claiming. For me, the opening was wondeful: atmospheric, an interesting tilt to the language, full of colour and excitement and oddness. But after that (and in particular, the middle section), the narrative fell away, exposing what is merely a collection of fantasy cliches (though well-embroidered with Gaiman's imagination), doled out in the form of short stories. This brings me to perhaps my biggest problem with the book - the structure did not serve the story well. As a kind of Bildungsroman, it should have given more of a sense of continuity; change; development. Breaking the narrative into fragments (seemingly without rhyme or reason) does not serve the story well enough as a coming-of-age piece, and the momentum was largely lost...abandoned when it was just gaining pace. As a result, each section resolved itself into a kind of "fable"; each chapter summed by the "lesson" learned in each.

The ending was a major disappointment though: a prophecy? Really? After Harry Potter et al, is this all Mr Gaiman could come up with? And a secret society of (effectively) murderers? His story-telling skills simply weren't up to the task of orchestrating a big ending; it felt shamelessly cinematic, and much too concerned with a contrived tying-up of loose ends. Though on the plus side, the denouement was suitable poignant...

On the whole, I wouldn't recommend NOT to buy this book. I'm just not convinced of its already-touted status as "an instant classic!".

A Ghoulish Delight for Both Adults and Kiddies, 25 Oct 2008
Gaiman is a master story-teller, there is no doubt about that, but it's very hard to think of him as a children's story-book writer (and yes I know he has written other children's books before, but they always seemed...not quite right). However, after reading through this novel of his one can clearly see that he has the skills necessary to delight and educate the young ones without dulling it down too much or losing the young ones on the way.

The story can be considered to be an homage to Kipling's "Jungle Book" with excellent references being made to Kipling's story that are easily recognizable. The hero of the tale, Nobody Owens, is endearing, while at the same time not a weak character. Except for the fact that he was raised by ghots of the graveyard, he is an entirely believable character, which makes the novel even more enjoyable.

Fans of Gaiman will not be disappointed by this novel, those new to him will definitely enjoy it, and those who are looking for a good book to read to a child will also be well served by this.

Raised *by* the dead? That doesn't sound right..., 20 Oct 2008
What one word best describes this tale of an infant whose whole family are murdered, and who toddles to the safety of a local graveyard, where he's raised and educated by the resident dead? That word, surprisingly, would be "charming".

And it is, in every sense of the word. It's eloquent without being condescending, comforting without being soft, sharp without being bitter, and it captivates your attention throughout its entirety, leaving you perfectly satisfied by the end.

The cast of characters are written to perfection. The dead maintain an eerie timelessness, whilst the other supernatural creatures are subtle yet distinct, ("Silas ate only one food, and it was not bananas"); the villains pull off the trick of being both evil *and* credible; the living have a refreshing mundane quality, and Bod the protagonist is left with the uneasy struggle of being neither fish nor fowl (nor dead).

A delight to read and a joy to think about.

Excellent finish, 16 Nov 2008
Everyone who has read the Harry Potter series knows how fun, interesting and addictive it is to read, so the seventh book is essential for those who have dabbled in the others. Possibly the most engaging book of them all, this last edition takes a different style into what would be Harry's final year at Hogwarts. The sixth book was said to be dark but it is in the seventh that great change happens. The plot deepends enormously as do the characters, who have grown up so much since their first days. J.K. Rowling is a gift to children and adults alike. Conclusion: essential reading if you have read the others, although really that goes without saying!

The series end left me speechless and depressed, 08 Nov 2008
I'd like to say that I was not one of the people who grew up with Harry Potter, it was around me but I never felt interested enough to have a read and even disliked the hype so much that I could have never imagined reading and absolutely loving it.
Eventually, at 22, I gave the first book a chance and read it in a day and I quite enjoyed it, needless to say the more books I read of the series, the more obsessed and involved did I feel and at the last book, The Deathly Hallows I could not imagine that this journey has come to an end.
I felt at points frustrated at the slow pace and not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I think JK Rowling made it quite clear that a big part of this book is about frustration, patience and somewhat hopelessness.
When I then finished this book I was in tears, well I was in tears throughout the book but the end just hit me hard and I realised that there won't be any more books and what I've read can never be read again the same way. I felt depressed, not because it was a bad book, quite the opposite, it was such a good book and such a good series that I felt like I lost friends. As sad as this sounds, I feel that Rowling created a world so detailed, so close to my heart that the end of it felt like a funeral. I think she felt quite the same and of course even worse when she was writing the last chapters of this book and I cannot even imagine the pain she felt for saying goodbye to Harry and his friends.
I don't think any book has touched me the way these did, not because it is the smartest or funniest book I've read but because it feels so real that it is hard to imagine it isn't. For this, I thank JK Rowling, she enriched my life with this epic story and I hope, for generations to come, they feel the same way about it.


Amazing, 16 Oct 2008
The Deathly Hallows is the best book I have ever read, I honestly couldn't put it down. All the questions that were in the books are answered and the story gripped me from beginning to end. Although the ending is weak, this is JK Rowling's masterpiece. A must-have.

Great book, 16 Oct 2008
This is a great end to the harry potter saga, but thats not the reason for this review, i just wanted to ask if anyone knows the difference between the childrens edition and the adult edition? ill thank you in advance if you answer my question

I couldn't put it down, 12 Oct 2008
This thing, the deathly hallows, the beginning wasn't the best beginning, but... I could not stop reading it. I don't understand why people think the ending is disappointing. The Nineteen years later could be expanded into a book, maybe, but, if J.K doesn't then that's all we really need to know to end the Harry potter phenomenon. Hopefully she will deliver another H.P book, because I know, I know, it won't end here.

Loved it!, 20 Jul 2005
A collection of short stories by some of today's most popular authors... and a good cause thrown in for good measure. This collection is extremely varied, in terms of both writing styles and subject matter, so there's bound to be a few stories in there you'll absolutely love.

Buy this book - you won't regret it.

All you could ask for from a collection of short stories., 11 Jan 2005
I'll be honest, I only bought this book because I'm a J.K.Rowling fan and I have to have everything she's ever had published (even if it's only a foreward). I wasn't expecting too much from the actual stories themselves. But I was more than merely pleasantly suprised. The stories are wonderful. Each one is somehow very different from the others but they all share an element of 'sparkle' which makes the collection jell rather well. This 'sparkle' is not just magic, though there is some magic (of sorts) in some of the stories, but is rather a property of the characters. Though the stories are all about different people the main characters have, in their behaviour, something which makes them stand out, something which makes them just a little bit special. Perhaps it's this which makes the stories so enchanting; the fact that the characters are close to being average and normal, but have some small quality which anyone might possess, but which almost no-one actually does possess. I hope that makes some sense. If not, let me simply say that the stories are not only very original but are also very well written and very enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this collection of short stories.

"Magic Moments", 28 Jun 2002
Tilly has wild aspirations of becoming a famous opera diva.
Sandra dreams of creating the perfect bra to revolutionize womens' lives and what has become of Professor Martin Presley whose scientific discovery has the worst repercussions ever?

These are just some of the topics explored in "Magic", which is an interesting anthology produced for The National Council For One-Parent Families. It aims to raise money to support the millions of single parents, like myself, facing financial hardship in bringing up a child single-handedly.
Its forward is by J.K Rowling, Ambassador of this charity and herself a lone parent once caught in the poverty trap.

The stories are kindly donated by well-accomplished authors including Fay Weldon, Sue Townsend and John O' Farrell.
Oozing originality, its tales stretch the imagination and provide its reader with escapism in abundance whilst also supporting a worthwhile cause.
Hocus Pocus this is not. This is British Fiction at its finest.

"Magic Moments", 28 Jun 2002
Tilly has wild aspirations of becoming a famous opera diva.
Sandra dreams of creating the perfect bra to revolutionize womens' lives and what has become of Professor Martin Presley whose scientific discovery has the worst repercussions ever?

These are just some of the topics explored in "Magic", which is an interesting anthology produced for The National Council For One-Parent Families. It aims to raise money to support the millions of single parents, like myself, facing financial hardship in bringing up a child single-handedly.
Its forward is by J.K Rowling, Ambassador of this charity and herself a lone parent once caught in the poverty trap.

The stories are kindly donated by well-accomplished authors including Fay Weldon, Sue Townsend and John O' Farrell.
Oozing originality, its tales stretch the imagination and provide its reader with escapism in abundance whilst also supporting a worthwhile cause.
Hocus Pocus this is not. This is British Fiction at its finest.

Splendid book, filled with sparkling stories, 21 Jun 2002
I rarely read collections of short stories, but this one attracted me - it contans stories written by today's modern (mostly women) writers, and all of them tempted me to read other works by them.

Each story has magic as its theme - that is not to say the rabbit out of the hat magic, but more often the magic of an emotion or a feeling. My personal favourite is indeed the rabbit from a hat story by Meera Syal!

I can imagine that these stories will not appeal to everyone, but most of them will appeal to most women!

Read and enjoy.

THE BEST HARRY POTTER BOOK, 02 Dec 2008
This is the best Harry Potter book by far. Once you have read all of them watched the films, if you come back to Philosphers Stone and you read about the beginging you will probably agree with me.
Its the first time at Hogwarts, when he meets Ron Weasley and gets a broom stick.


A great escape, 24 Nov 2008
This (the first in the series), or any other Harry Potter book for that matter, needs no introduction. Once you've followed Harry to Hogworts and back during his first term, you'll be coming back for more time and time again! Its one of those books which you wish will never end - its that magical. Say what you will about J K Rowling (and lots of people do!), but theres no denying she does write exceedingly good books!

Spectacular, 03 Nov 2008
this is only one of the harry potter books.if you liked this you should read the rest.th ewhaole collection is utterly fantastic.brought me into the stoty straight from the start!

And from here it all began ..., 02 Nov 2008
All credit to Joanne Rowling. This is the book that launched a global phenomenon and should be on the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in children's literature or classic stories.

As for the book, yes, it's very good - however, I don't think it's brilliant. Writing your first novel is a mammoth undertaking and in this book JK sets out the parameters for what was to be developed and built upon in the later novels.

This novel probably inspired thousands more to do the same and finally write the book that germinated in their mind for so long. I should know, as I'm one of those people. My first book is now for sale on Amazon etc, and it may not have happened if this book had simply been lost in the slush pile of every major publisher and agent.

Great Book, 17 Oct 2008
I understand that everyone had their own opinion but i do not understand how anyone cannot like the harry potter books! in relation to another review made! Hagrid can do magic in front of the Dursleys because they know about magic! I defo do not believe that these books are just for kids either!

Better than the book, 11 Mar 2008
The story is well known and you would think that nothing compares to the magic of Harry Potter. Then you discover the wonder of Steven Fry. His unique voice is adapted for every charater perfectly, you always know who is speaking. Steven Fry and Harry Potter really is a magical combination!!!

Stephen Fry is a genious, 02 Mar 2007
Most of these reviews concentrate on praise for J K Rowling, and as I agree with all that has been said, I won't add to them, but instead heap praise onto Stephen Fry. His narration is far and away the best that I have listened to over many years of enjoying audio books. Each and every character has their own distinctive and perfectly-judged voice, so that you know instantly who is speaking before the name is given. This makes it so much easier to simply enjoy the wonderful story without being distracted by confusion as to who is saying what, as so often happens with other narrators. I would probably never have bothered with Harry Potter if the unabridged Philosopher's Stone had not been broadcast on Boxing Day several years ago. We had a very long drive home after a family visit, and thought that this would wile away at least part of the journey. Part of it! We were completely enthralled all the way home, and then made a dash for the house, and frantically retuned the radio. We sat at the kitchen table until it was finished. We have bought all of the others as they came out, and they have all been great. I recommend listening to these stories whilst curled up on the sofa on a Winter's evening over any T.V program that I can think of.

The book I fell in love with., 13 Nov 2005
I’ll never forget the day I first began Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone. I believe I can say, with out hesitation, that it changed my life. My friend had received it for her birthday, and she suggested we give it a try. I admit I was curious, but I was not expecting anything spectacular. After all, I was an adult, and these books were for children, right? I’ve never been so wrong in my life. From the start, I was entranced. I had no idea where the story was going, but JK Rowling had me hooked. I lapped it up. I kept wanting more, and by the end, I knew I’d stumbled on to something wondrous. A series that was quite literally addictive. I adored this eleven year old boy, who had captured my heart from the time he was left wrapped in a blanket on his aunt and uncle’s doorstep. My imagination was caught from the moment the tall wizard appeared on a normal suburban street, put out the street lamps, and began sucking on a Sherbet Lemon. This book has seen me through good times and bad. It’s been my friend in unfamiliar places, and comforted me when I was sick. What could’ve been such a simplistic idea (a boy discovering he’s a wizard and being spirited off to magic school) turned out to have so much more to it. Humour, originality, mystery, and above all, plenty of magic. It helped me rediscover books from my childhood that I’d loved, and has lead to what I suspect will be a life long love of fantasy literature. I am now a firm Quidditch fan, and I think Harry’s sighting of his dead parents in a magic mirror is one of the most moving and poignant scenes I’ve ever read. And let’s not forget of course, the truly wonderful narration of Stephen Fry. He really should get an Oscar for all his character portrayals. I’ve never known anyone put so much heart in to what they read. A magical beginning to a magical series.

Harry Potter rulz!, 04 Aug 2005
Harry Potter is an 11 year old bot who goes through lots of challenging things in his live. Firstly he has to stay with the Dursleys (his aunt and uncle) who locks him up in a cupboard and never treat him well. Then one day when he is sleeping on the floor someone bursts in trough the door and explains to Harry that he is a wizard. Harry is startled at first but understands that he is a wizard and goes to Hogwarts, a school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He soon makes friends and joins in.

This book is a great book and I would reccomend it to all of you. I have enjoyed this book and I am sure you will too.

The first of a great series!, 03 Aug 2005
What a fabulous read! The first book in the series, the Philosophers Stone, will grip your imagination and hold onto it untill you have read the entire book!

Harry Potter, an eleven year old boy, has a past that will change his future.
When Harry was one year old, the Dark Lord Voldemort killed his parents. But he couldn't kill Harry. Instead Harry is left with a lightning bolt scar for the rest of his life.

Harry is shocked when he is told that he is a wizard. This means a new school (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), making new friends and learning how to turn a matchstick into a needle!

I think this book is very imaginative. I mean who would have thought that you could fit a massive castle in the middle of London and teach magic?

If you read this book you will experience J.K. Rowling's exquisite imagination!(Katherine, 11)

The Final Chapter
Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him.

In this final, seventh installment of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling unveils in spectactular fashion the answers to the many questions that have been so eagerly awaited. The spellbinding, richly woven narrative, which plunges, twists and turns at a breathtaking pace, confirms the author as a mistress of storytelling, whose books will be read, reread and read again.

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Begin at the Beginning

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Hardcover Paperback

Why We Love Harry
Favourite Moments from the Series
There are plenty of reasons to love Rowling's wildly popular series--no doubt you have several dozen of your own. Our list features favourite moments, characters, and artefacts from the first six books. Keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive (what we love about Harry could fill ten books!) and does not include any of the spectacular revelatory moments that would spoil the books for those (few) who have not read them. Enjoy.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

* Harry's first trip to the zoo with the Dursleys, when a boa constrictor winks at him. * When the Dursleys' house is suddenly besieged by letters for Harry from Hogwarts. Readers learn how much the Dursleys have been keeping from Harry. Rowling does a wonderful job in displaying the lengths to which Uncle Vernon will go to deny that magic exists. * Harry's first visit to Diagon Alley with Hagrid. Full of curiosities and rich with magic and marvel, Harry's first trip includes a trip to Gringotts and Ollivanders, where Harry gets his wand (holly and phoenix feather) and discovers yet another connection to He-Who-Must-No-Be-Named. This moment is the reader's first full introduction to Rowling's world of witchcraft and wizards. * Harry's experience with the Sorting Hat.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

* The de-gnoming of the Weasleys' garden. Harry discovers that even wizards have chores--gnomes must be grabbed (ignoring angry protests "Gerroff me! Gerroff me!"), swung about (to make them too dizzy to come back), and tossed out of the garden--this delightful scene highlights Rowling's clever and witty genius. * Harry's first experience with a Howler, sent to Ron by his mother. * The Duelling Club battle between Harry and Malfoy. Gilderoy Lockhart starts the Duelling Club to help students practice spells on each other, but he is not prepared for the intensity of the animosity between Harry and Draco. Since they are still young, their minibattle is innocent enough, including tickling and dancing charms.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

* Ron's attempt to use a telephone to call Harry at the Dursleys'. * Harry's first encounter with a Dementor on the train (and just about any other encounter with Dementors). Harry's brush with the Dementors is terrifying and prepares Potter fans for a darker, scarier book. * Harry, Ron, and Hermione's behaviour in Professor Trelawney's Divination class. Some of the best moments in Rowling's books occur when she reminds us that the wizards-in-training at Hogwarts are, after all, just children. Clearly, even at a school of witchcraft and wizardry, classes can be boring and seem pointless to children. * The Boggart lesson in Professor Lupin's classroom. * Harry, Ron, and Hermione's knock-down confrontation with Snape.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

* Hermione's disgust at the reception for the veela (Bulgarian National Team Mascots) at the Quidditch World Cup. Rowling's fourth book addresses issues about growing up--the dynamic between the boys and girls at Hogwarts starts to change. Nowhere is this more plain than the hilarious scene in which magical cheerleaders nearly convince Harry and Ron to jump from the stands to impress them. * Viktor Krum's crush on He