The second novel in the Harry Potter series is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling. Harry is in his second year of Hogwarts and his second year goes even worse then his first year. Keep reading to see the epic adventures that follow Harry as he returns to Hogwarts.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Summary
School is a month away and Harry Potter is staying with his aunt and uncle who despise him and make his life as miserable as they can. Things are boring and calm until Dobby, an elf, appears in Harry’s bedroom. Dobby warns Harry not to return to Hogwarts as there is someone there plotting to kill him. Even though Harry believes Dobby, there is no way he won’t return to the only place where he is happy. Dobby tries to prevent Harry from returning and will do anything in his powers to just that.
Harry, Ron, and Hermoine return to Hogwarts and soon after, a message on the wall appears that says the Chamber of Secrets has been opened. The trio try to learn more about the Chamber of Secrets and what it has to do with Harry. Students are attacked and Harry and the group suspect Malfoy of being the one behind the attacks.
The trio attend classes and during their free time, try to figure out the culprit. But the attacks hit close to home for the group and the teachers become paranoid. Now, it is up to Harry to defeat the evil creature lurking in Hogwarts.
Commentary
I enjoyed this book a lot and when I finished reading it, changed my original four star rating to a five star. The book has a good pace, throws a lot yet balances it all out, and creates a mystery that you as the reader can solve. The novel is targeted towards a younger audience and that is evident throughout the book.
There are some flaws in this novel such as why Lord Voldemort’s previous life isn’t common knowledge, why Hagrid went to jail for doing absolutely nothing, and why Dumbledore was banished easily. Maybe you shouldn’t let the guy who worked for Voldemort be a board member.
Yes, yes, I know, that was needed for the plot. Rowling has a lot of the plot thought out which is why those things seem like an easy way out. Besides my small complaints, I enjoyed the character development from the various characters. I will say Hogwarts has a lot of secrets for a school that is about a thousand years old.
Lastly, reading these novels makes you realize your luck is never going to be as bad as Harry’s. If it isn’t Lord Voldemort trying to kill him, it is usually a professor making his life hell. Or other students. Or even ghosts. And in this novel, a ghost from 50 years ago. Did I forget to mention snakes? And this is only book two and we all know it doesn’t get any better from here.
Conclusion
Book two stands the test of time and was a fun read. It was short and the school term flew by but I was still turning the pages as the mystery of who opened the chambers takes another turn. Tune in for the next review in the upcoming days!
I highly recommend reading The Worst Witch books too.
They have a very similar concept, but remain as short, heartwarming children’s stories.
Not the greatest books ever, but they’re a must read for any Harry Potter fan, as they’re also an important part of English pop culture and helped pave the road for stories about boarding schools of magic.
It was a great book