So on the eve of Harry Potter [Archive] - Diablo: IncGamers Forums

Dondrei

21-07-2007, 04:02

My wife just went out to get her pre-ordered copy. She'll be doing nothing all weekend except reading it. I'm going to stay the hell away from her so she doesn't give anything away, I'll be reading it during the week.

I heard some copies got leaked just before the release date and there are photos of every page circling the internet, sheesh just wait a few days you nerds. You've already waited like two years.

Gotta avoid this thread now in case someone snapekillsdumbledores it.

I've ever been excited for the release of a novel with 700+ pages.

That's not big, wussypants.

RogueJuggalo

21-07-2007, 04:04

That's not big, wussypants.

lol. Yappa for you, sir.

Sir EvilFreeSmeg

21-07-2007, 04:13

That's not big, wussypants.
Try Ayn Rand. Jeez, 1000+ pages of tiny text

Bortaz

21-07-2007, 04:22

Why are you reading that silly, overrated crap, Smeggums?

Dondrei

21-07-2007, 04:24

You suck, Harry Potter rules.

Bortaz

21-07-2007, 04:29

You suck, Harry Potter rules.

If you're talking to me: What does that have to do with anything I said?

Dondrei

21-07-2007, 04:30

Oops, missed a post.

TjejKast

21-07-2007, 04:43

Gotta avoid this thread now in case someone snapekillsdumbledores it.

He does what!?

inanefedaykin

21-07-2007, 04:57

Well, in fall fairness Snape is a tard.

memememe173

21-07-2007, 09:39

I won't have it until the 24th, and I'm debating whether I can stay offline that long.

pancakeman

21-07-2007, 09:45

I drove past the Borders to laugh at the people lined up to get it. Would have been cruel, except they were begging for it. Most of them were in street clothes, save for the admirable few who went all-out and dressed up like characters. I don't know which characters, unless I missed the tale of TooOldTo B. DoingThis.

Paladine

21-07-2007, 10:16

Read the book...

Snape dies
Dumbeldore dies
New Headmaster
Something special happens to Harry

Johnny

21-07-2007, 10:22

I would rather stands next to Michael J Fox while he's holding a bottle of nitroglycerin, than read those sappy books.

Drosselmeier

21-07-2007, 10:27

Thank GOD I have some sort of horrible food poisoning so that I don't have to go work in the bookstore today.

Veilside

21-07-2007, 12:30

It's pretty disgusting for mediocre books like this to get so much attention when far better fantasy books are pretty much ignored.
I certainly won't be buying it, nor am I in any rush to read it.

Ash Housewares

21-07-2007, 13:04

I just finished reading it

*spoilers below*

*further down*

*don't look!*

SPOILER
you didn't honestly think I would read the thing did you?
SPOILER

inanefedaykin

21-07-2007, 13:48

I enjoy them. Sure, authors like Frank Herbert and Heinlein are much better in a classical sense but you really have to realize that THE HARRY POTTER BOOKS ARE FOR CHILDREN. Of course they're sappy and spout the whole good-over-evil thing non stop and the bad guys are total weenies, they're kids books. Enjoy em for what the are or don't read them.

Dondrei

21-07-2007, 13:52

It's pretty disgusting for mediocre books like this to get so much attention when far better fantasy books are pretty much ignored.

This is bull****. There is a reason she is the richest author who ever lived.

Not that you can compare Harry Potter to fantasy books anyway, if you think this is the same sort of thing as Wheel of Time or Magician I don't know what to say to you.

Uncle_Mike

21-07-2007, 13:57

I haven't read a single potter book so far to be honest :smiley:

inanefedaykin

21-07-2007, 14:11

I haven't read a single potter book so far to be honest :smiley:

If you ever decide to just keep in mind that they get better.

Johnny

21-07-2007, 14:13

If you ever decide to just keep in mind that they get better.

This is actualy a quote from the prologue of the first book.

Its about time they made a "last book" that actor playing Potter is old enough to start playing dumbledore any day now.

Dondrei

21-07-2007, 15:05

Actually, he's almost the perfect age, Harry aged one year with every book and there's been approximately one movie out per year.

inanefedaykin

21-07-2007, 15:20

Movie Name (Year it was made) <Harry's Age> [Radcliffe's Age]
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)<11>[12]
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)<12>[13]
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)<13>[15]
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)<14>[16]
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)<15>[18]

Random Trivia: He was born the same year I was so this was very easy to put together.

dirkdig

21-07-2007, 15:23

§Hex Vex§

21-07-2007, 16:52

Already finished reading it, I'll refrain from posting any spoilers because I'm assuming most people are still going to be reading it over the next few days.

When will it be safe to start posting (fully marked) spoilers?

I'd say a week...Or you could just put huge spoiler tags after a few days.

And dang, when did you get your copy? XD

Dondrei

21-07-2007, 16:53

inanefedaykin

21-07-2007, 17:21

Well, it's far too late to edit now.

Veilside

21-07-2007, 17:23

This is bull****. There is a reason she is the richest author who ever lived.

Not that you can compare Harry Potter to fantasy books anyway, if you think this is the same sort of thing as Wheel of Time or Magician I don't know what to say to you.

Probably the richest author who ever lived because she wrote some easy to read, generic novel that doesn't offend anyones pathetic little childish sensibilities.
What else could you conceivably compare the HP books to?
As for Magician, I absolutely hated that trilogy, i'm not all that interested in the generic fantasy stuff. I prefer stuff that isn't "young boy finds out he has X power, he then goes on to defeat the horrible evil of Y".
Sure Harry Potter books are good, for children. I just wish people over 16 would stop getting such a hard-on about it though, there's far better things out there for people to read.

inanefedaykin

21-07-2007, 17:30

The problem is that in today's culture the average adult has the same reading ability as a 16 year old.

Dondrei

21-07-2007, 17:43

Probably the richest author who ever lived because she wrote some easy to read, generic novel that doesn't offend anyones pathetic little childish sensibilities.

They actually offend quite a few people.

There's nothing generic about them, I can hardly think of a widely known series that's less generic really.

What else could you conceivably compare the HP books to?

Nothing... which is kind of my point...

It's a member of a long-extinct genre of books actually, Enid Blyton sort of stuff I think. But with magic added in (the magic is kind of superfluous, really they're mystery novels). It kind of synthesises a lot of archetypal themes and characters and adds a few of its own. In short, it's original.

As for Magician, I absolutely hated that trilogy, i'm not all that interested in the generic fantasy stuff. I prefer stuff that isn't "young boy finds out he has X power, he then goes on to defeat the horrible evil of Y".
Sure Harry Potter books are good, for children. I just wish people over 16 would stop getting such a hard-on about it though, there's far better things out there for people to read.

Feist's work was far from original but his readable style made it fun.

There's nothing wrong with using archetypes, as long as you add something of interest to the mix. And Harry Potter books aren't just for children.

I get that everyone has different tastes and not everyone likes Harry Potter, that's fine, but frankly I think that lots of people read Harry because lots of people really like Harry and not many people read the sorts of thing you're thinking of because not many people would like it.

Veilside

21-07-2007, 17:54

They actually offend quite a few people.

There's nothing generic about them, I can hardly think of a widely known series that's less generic really.

OK sure, they offend some militantly religious people that see the words "magic" and shout out that children are being corrupted. As far as relatively sane people go, they don't offend anyone.
I meant generic in the sense of "young boy saving the world against some kind of evil", you know, that tired fantasy thing that uninspired authors use to get people to read their books.

Nothing... which is kind of my point...

It's a member of a long-extinct genre of books actually, Enid Blyton sort of stuff I think. But with magic added in (the magic is kind of superfluous, really they're mystery novels). It kind of synthesises a lot of archetypal themes and characters and adds a few of its own. In short, it's original.

OK, I can agree to that but the close comparison to relatively popular books today would be with the other big fantasy authors Erikson, Martin, Feist, Eddings, etc.... A comparison with books that just aren't read much by anyone anymore doesn't really apply.

Feist's work was far from original but his readable style made it fun.

I just found it to be a very tedious read after having read works by Erikson, Baker and Martin.

There's nothing wrong with using archetypes, as long as you add something of interest to the mix. And Harry Potter books aren't just for children.

I get that everyone has different tastes and not everyone likes Harry Potter, that's fine, but frankly I think that lots of people read Harry because lots of people really like Harry and not many people read the sorts of thing you're thinking of because not many people would like it.

The storyline and general level of the language screams that it's a child's book, if adults want to read fantasy then their are far better works out there from much better (entirely in my opinion) authors.
I know not many people read some of the fantasy stuff I read, which is really rather sad because they're all such good books.
I just get annoyed when after reading such well written, interesting books, everyone then goes on to shout out the praises of mediocre stuff.

inanefedaykin

21-07-2007, 17:57

I just get annoyed when after reading such well written, interesting books, everyone then goes on to shout out the praises of mediocre stuff.

I feel the same way about Neil Gaiman.

Veilside

21-07-2007, 18:00

I feel the same way about Neil Gaiman.

Can't say I've read his stuff, I'll have to try pick up a cheap copy on ebay, if I've got any money left after my cd buying frenzy.
Any particular book to reccomend?

Drosselmeier

21-07-2007, 18:02

This is bull****. There is a reason she is the richest author who ever lived.

You can't argue with success. :rolleyes:

inanefedaykin

21-07-2007, 18:07

Can't say I've read his stuff, I'll have to try pick up a cheap copy on ebay, if I've got any money left after my cd buying frenzy.
Any particular book to reccomend?

I mean I've found Gaiman's stuff mediocre at best. I wouldn't recomend anything.

Veilside

21-07-2007, 18:16

I mean I've found Gaiman's stuff mediocre at best. I wouldn't recomend anything.

Aha, gotcha :grin:

Dondrei

21-07-2007, 18:22

OK sure, they offend some militantly religious people that see the words "magic" and shout out that children are being corrupted. As far as relatively sane people go, they don't offend anyone.
I meant generic in the sense of "young boy saving the world against some kind of evil", you know, that tired fantasy thing that uninspired authors use to get people to read their books.

That stuff isn't the point of the books though. That's just a broad premise looked at from a distance.

OK, I can agree to that but the close comparison to relatively popular books today would be with the other big fantasy authors Erikson, Martin, Feist, Eddings, etc.... A comparison with books that just aren't read much by anyone anymore doesn't really apply.

I just found it to be a very tedious read after having read works by Erikson, Baker and Martin.

I disagree, it's not that close. You'd be closer trying to compare them to Nancy Drew.

And anyone who mentions Eddings is in no position to complain about childish books.

The storyline and general level of the language screams that it's a child's book, if adults want to read fantasy then their are far better works out there from much better (entirely in my opinion) authors.
I know not many people read some of the fantasy stuff I read, which is really rather sad because they're all such good books.
I just get annoyed when after reading such well written, interesting books, everyone then goes on to shout out the praises of mediocre stuff.

In my experience a lot of fantasy is juvenile at best anyway. Eddings is certainly mediocre crap.

And I think you look at Harry Potter on a very superficial level, I've read books that are supposedly targeted at adults that are far less intelligent. Don't let the setting or style of a work fool you.

I mean I've found Gaiman's stuff mediocre at best. I wouldn't recomend anything.

I think it's important for you to know that you suck.

S Z

21-07-2007, 18:27

It's a member of a long-extinct genre of books actually, Enid Blyton sort of stuff I think. But with magic added in (the magic is kind of superfluous, really they're mystery novels). It kind of synthesises a lot of archetypal themes and characters and adds a few of its own. In short, it's original.

Thinks....

"The Famous Five in Narnia, with more subtle religious allegory."

Carnage-DVS

22-07-2007, 01:34

I LOVED ENID BLYTON!

The faraway tree! The magical chair!

*childhood memories*

I really liked this last book. Much better than then last couple of books, in my honest opinion. Choked me up a few times.

Carnage-DVS

22-07-2007, 01:40

Also, Gaiman is amazing. Pick up American Gods or Anansi Boys.

And Eddings is childish crud.

And Martin is god.

S Z

22-07-2007, 01:42

Honestly, for Fantasy Fiction, I prefer Steven Brust to any of those already listed. And David Gemmell (R.I.P.)

Veilside

22-07-2007, 01:52

Honestly, for Fantasy Fiction, I prefer Steven Brust to any of those already listed. And David Gemmell (R.I.P.)

The one Gemmel book i read was utter pants. I'd much rather read some Erikson or Lynch.

S Z

22-07-2007, 02:04

Veilside

22-07-2007, 02:08

To each his own. Gemmell works are simple and unassuming and great if you like that sort of thing. I've never read any Lynch or Erikson (I presume you mean Scott and Steven respectively), so I can't compare his works to them.

Yup, those are the two I mean and if you like fantasy you really should read their stuff, it's absolutely amazingly good.

S Z

22-07-2007, 02:16

Well, i've got nothing lined up after Dan Simmons' Olympos, so I'll give them a go. Cheers Veilside :)

kidsmokin

22-07-2007, 02:43

Well, in fall fairness Snape is a tard.

But...

I read the whole ~750 pages in about 5 hours, with little breaks for eating and the trip to the 'room.

It was tasty. I'm not going to give anything away, but damn this installment is a LOT darker than others, they all just pale in comparison. This one was probably my favorite out of the Potter books, but I loved the fifth book, that was a brilliant one.

Here's the breakdown, in my opinion, of the writing quality of the books, from best to worst:

1. Order of the Phoenix
1. Deathly Hallows
3. Goblet of Fire
4. Half-Blood Prince
5. Prisoner of Azkaban
6. Chamber of Secrets
7. Sorcerer's Stone

It looks weird but to be honest it all got A LOT better after Sorcerer's Stone. I liked CoS, but it wasn't stunning like the other installments.

Then again everyone will assail me for my thoughts, but keep in mind I'm no fantasy buff, I just like good reads.

Dondrei

22-07-2007, 04:22

Crap, people have finished reading already, I'm going to have to avoid this thread now.

I always thought Gaiman's comics work was better than his prose, Sandman is his zenith for me. I should read more though.

arcticknight

22-07-2007, 05:00

I finished it as well in just under 9 hours I think. Lost track of time. Rowling supposedly had all this story figured out before she began writing it and in the end she brought it to a close wonderfully. To those thinking its weird that the teenagers actually want to read this, you also have to remember that we grew up and were still kids when the first book came out. That first book got a lot of people hooked and each one after that has built up even more people following the story. These books were the only ones I have ever read more than once. Thanks to J.K. Rowling for keeping me entertained for the past 9 or so years (I don't remember when they first started coming out).

Carnage-DVS

22-07-2007, 05:26

Sandman was amazing, but his books are good reading as well.

Carnage-DVS

22-07-2007, 05:27

Maybe that's why I don't hold them as close to my heart as others. I did grow up with them, but I had already read a lot of fiction before I picked up Harry Potter, so I wasn't instantly impressed or mesmerized. Can't say the same about my younger brother though, I think this is the only series he reads.

Dondrei

22-07-2007, 05:41

Coraline was very good, I didn't really care for Good Omens though. Seemed to be a bit of a retread.

Carnage-DVS

22-07-2007, 05:42

American Gods? Anansi Boys?

Dondrei

22-07-2007, 05:43

I've been meaning to read them.

Carnage-DVS

22-07-2007, 05:53

You should. American Gods more so than Anansi Boys.

Night

22-07-2007, 09:31

I loved the book :D

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

inanefedaykin

22-07-2007, 12:36

I found American Gods to be complete trash and Neverwhere boring and predictable. No one has been able to convince me to pick up another of his books so those are the only ones I can offer my opinion on.

Veilside

22-07-2007, 13:01

To those thinking its weird that the teenagers actually want to read this, you also have to remember that we grew up and were still kids when the first book came out. That first book got a lot of people hooked and each one after that has built up even more people following the story. These books were the only ones I have ever read more than once. Thanks to J.K. Rowling for keeping me entertained for the past 9 or so years (I don't remember when they first started coming out).

I definitely don't think it's weird for that, probably because i'm still a teenager myself it's just that I've moved on a hell of a lot since the books started coming out and I've moved on to read much better things.
I will certainly read the book once my sister is done with it, I just don't expect it to be anywhere near as enjoyable as some of the other things i've read, regardless of the fact that i started the series when I was younger.
As a stepping stone onto reading it's a great series, likewise with the LOTR, they're both very good books to read in your very early teens and can help you start reading other things.

Dondrei

22-07-2007, 13:36

LuckyMe

22-07-2007, 20:01

I used to read a lot of books, however when I read the Chamber of Secrets (I didn't read them in order) I was pleasantly surprised. In fact I was more than surprised, I was captivated. All these years later, the books have never disappointed, and I think that's what makes them so special.

Anyways I can re-enter the Internet world now that I'm done the book. For the record..it was amazing.

ap2oo4

23-07-2007, 04:39

But...

I read the whole ~750 pages in about 5 hours, with little breaks for eating and the trip to the 'room.

It was tasty. I'm not going to give anything away, but damn this installment is a LOT darker than others, they all just pale in comparison. This one was probably my favorite out of the Potter books, but I loved the fifth book, that was a brilliant one.

Here's the breakdown, in my opinion, of the writing quality of the books, from best to worst:

1. Order of the Phoenix
1. Deathly Hallows
3. Goblet of Fire
4. Half-Blood Prince
5. Prisoner of Azkaban
6. Chamber of Secrets
7. Sorcerer's Stone

It looks weird but to be honest it all got A LOT better after Sorcerer's Stone. I liked CoS, but it wasn't stunning like the other installments.

Then again everyone will assail me for my thoughts, but keep in mind I'm no fantasy buff, I just like good reads.

It took me a while to read but i finished it..i have to admit, this is my fav. book out of the whole series. Rowling did an excellent job closing out the series and i actually thought each book got progressing better...with Stone being least fav. (but still a great read) to Hallows being the best. i just cant wait until we can start discussing it...when can we start???

Gertlex

23-07-2007, 05:14

I need to stop reading opinions about the book. (Slashdot and here...) It's like crack.

RogueJuggalo

23-07-2007, 05:47

I just finished reading the book too. It's the best of the series in my opinion. It's really gripping from the start but slows down for a chapter or two in the middle. The end is awesome though. This was one of the few book series that I was completely satisfied with the way it was wrapped up.

Stoutwood

23-07-2007, 06:06

I've read books that are supposedly targeted at adults that are far less intelligent. Don't let the setting or style of a work fool you.

Da Vinci Code anyone?

Carnage-DVS

23-07-2007, 07:14

Yeah, I loved the ending too. Wrapped up really well. I think I wiped away a tear of joy somewhere there.

LuckyMe

23-07-2007, 07:26

**SPOILER**

I love how Rowling started the book right away with some action. I did not expect deaths to begin as early as Chapter 2 and 3, and she really did a good job of making it seem that their lives were always in danger.

I was a bit disappointed at the character development of Dumbledore, however I suppose I will have to deal with the fact that he does make mistakes.

She also created a very nice conclusion to story bringing the lives of Harry and the other main characters to a point of happiness. Moreover, she closed all doors on Kreacher, Snape, Dumbledore, Harry's parents and so much more..

My list:

Deathly Hallows
Half-Blood Prince
Prisoner of Azkaban
Goblet of Fire
Chamber of Secrets (yes..before Ootp)
Order of the Phoenix
Philosopher's Stone

**SPOILER ends**

MinasMorgul

23-07-2007, 10:08

One series down, Two more to go...

I got ahold of one of the many copies at the nearest supermarket Sunday morning, and finished it a few hours ago. I won't even pretend and say its the best book I've ever read, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless, and in true Harry Potter fashion it does outshine the one that came before it. A couple teary eyed moments, and the ending was unexpected, at least it was for me. All in all it does wrap up the series quite well.

Crap, people have finished reading already, I'm going to have to avoid this thread now.

But you won't.

**POSSIBLE SPOILER BELOW**
If your bright enough to put two and two together anyways. If you want to risk it then by all means...

But...
Yeah, that was about my reaction to inane's post too...

**POSSIBLE SPOILER ABOVE**
I'm probably just being over cautious, but better safe than sorry.