Harry Potter has over the years developed a complicated legacy. JK Rowling has drawn controversy thanks to her transphobic statements, but the original works...

TW: Harry Potter

Was Harry Potter Ever Good?

No

Video discusses flaws of the Harry Potter works by J.K. Rowling with comparisons to how other fictional YA novels/tv shows handled problematic topics.

  • Ericthescruffy [he/him]
    ·
    7 months ago

    The secret to the success of Harry Potter, fittingly, is kinda hiding in plain sight.

    The first 4 books and even the later ones to a less extent at their core are just well camouflaged "whodunnits". They're mystery books with a magical whimsical twist.

    The world building was never good or cohesive...but that actually didn't matter cause the mystery at the core of each book was tightly written enough and the reveal was always reasonably well telegraphed. The entire series and all of its bloated lore completely fell apart once Rowling stopped doing that.

    • Frogmanfromlake [none/use name]
      ·
      7 months ago

      Those are my thoughts as well. They reminded me of a Roald Dahl story and the mysteries gave each book an episodic feel like the Hardy Boys. Goblet of Fire is where everything goes downhill and most criticisms I’ve seen of the series start with that book and beyond.

      • SerLava [he/him]
        ·
        7 months ago

        I read the books as a kid and forced my way through the 4th book, then completely gave up halfway through the 5th book. All I can remember is that Harry Potter started being a stupid little shit instead of the straight man/insert.

      • Chump [he/him]
        ·
        7 months ago

        I actually just reread most Dahl’s books last summer, and she owes so much to him. Like, he uses the word muggle, even!