My Review

(Spoilers abound! I can no longer to an objective review of this book so I'm sticking to a story summary.)

The first of J. K. Rowling's book in the Harry Potter series is a model of awesome introduction techniques, plotting and foreshadowing. One of only two books in the series that can actually be called children's books, it's tone is light, innocent and very engaging.

The book follows Harry through his introduction to the wizarding world and his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There are those things that'll make you groan and roll your eyes - not another poor little orphaned boy mistreated by his aunt and uncle! - but the pace and quality of the plot gives you no time to dwell over these little details. Harry gets his admission letter, makes friends with a friendly giant (not just figuratively, but you're not supposed to know that yet!) who takes him to school, finds himself overwhelmed by the power he has in this world (he's famous here!).. finds a mentor, a couple of friends and some instant enemies.. attends lessons, plays games, and solves a mystery in the end, before meeting, fighting and escaping from his nemesis.

You'll soon find out that the whole first book is just an excuse to plant clues for what's coming. In the second chapter, for example, a seemingly innocuous incident lays the groundwork for the basis of Book II. Almost every name and place that is casually mentioned in this book has proved to be a foreshadow for something in each of the books so far: a passing reference to Sirius Black and Arabella Figg, a major incident involving centaurs (and I have the feeling they haven't played out their role yet, after Book V), even the main aspect of the denouement - all are blown up into major plotlines later. The book is like one long, superbly crafted teaser trailer for what is to come, that still manages to pack its own plot punch. Highly recommended, rating: 8 out of 10 in the kids' books genre.