J.K. Rowling - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Review

Our second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry finds us in a race to save students from an evil and unknown entity that is attacking students.

This book is quite interesting, it is very entertaining for all ages, however for those of us who are a bit older and wiser there are parallels drawn in regards to racism and doing the right thing when no one is looking.  This book flows really well, it's a bit wordy at some parts but that's the genius of JK Rowling she spins a plot unlike any other author that I have read.

Year two at Hogwarts begins like any other year, there are new spells to learn, old friends to see.  Mysterious things begin to happen when Mrs Norris ( the cat ) is found petrified.  This brings us to a story about one of the founders of Hogwarts who could not only talk to snakes but he believed that magic should only be taught to those of "pure" wizard ancestry.

Terms such as "mudblood" which is a term that is shunned in the book by any character who believes in equality.  JK Rowling does an excellent job at showing both sides of racisim by utilizing this term and showing how it hurts those who are considered to be different by those who think they are better because their blood is "pure"

Throughout this exciting addition to the series JK shows the trials and tribulation of loyalty within friendships, the pain and heartache that generally comes when you are considered to be different.  Harry questions his lineage and makes a choice.  That choice is not only a personal one, but one that will lead harry into his development as a character throughout the remainder of the series.  We get some back story on our favorite groundskeeper Hagrid, and learn why he was kicked out of school.  And of course how that famous umbrella that can do magic came to be.

This book is an easy read, and enjoyable.  You will notice that this book is a bit darker than the first one in the series, the kids are getting older and it is apparent that they are coming into their own.

All in all it's not the best in the series but it does an excellent job at setting up what's to come.  4 out of 5