Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) - , reviewed on 3/20/2017 + 569 more book reviews

I have read the first novels in a few YA series written by authors whose adult mysteries impressed me. I've not read a second book in those series. As such, I have been reluctant to jump into the highly regarded âHarry Potterâ series â after all, if I was unable to get into the Percy Jackson series, why would I think that Harry Potter would be any different? Both have received rave reviews from all age groups, including adults â but I could barely get through the first Percy Jackson book (and THAT was after putting it aside for a few weeks, then jumping back in to slog through.)

I need not have worried. I was impressed. VERY impressed. Rowlings was able to mix plot and characterization, and fantasy with a grounding in modern-day England, into a page-turner that had my attention from the first track until the last. (I listened to this book on audio during my commute to / from work, hence âtrackâ rather than âpageâ.)

Most impressively, the characters are nuanced. Our protagonist, his friends, and even his teachers are not perfect. (The villains are largely simply bad guys; based on what I've read to date, I expect that future books in this series will also show other sides of them, as well. If not â well, that is a short-cut that many writers have and will continue to take over the years.)

I've added J. K. Rowling to a short list, currently including Sophie Davis and Lauren Tarshsis, as YA authors who have been able to grab and maintain my attention as an adult, and to get me to want to read further works in their YA series.

RATING: 5 stars.

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