It's hard to fall in love with an earnest, appealing young hero like Harry Potter and then to watch helplessly as he steps into terrible danger! And in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the much anticipated sequel to the award-winning Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, he is in terrible danger indeed. As if it's not bad enough that after a long summer with the horrid Dursleys he is thwarted in his attempts to hop the train to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to begin his second year. But when his only transportation option is a magical flying car, it is just his luck to crash into a valuable (but clearly vexed) Whomping Willow. Still, all this seems like a day in the park compared to what happens that fall within the haunted halls of Hogwarts.

Harry Mania

J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter has captured the imagination of children and adult alike using fresh ideas when stories were running dry. She injected the kind of originality missing for so long in children's fantasy novels. She created a whole new world so complete and detailed that you suspend you disbelief and get immersed immediately.

I, Sneakoscope

There is obviously nothing wrong with this book. Truth be told, it took me three times before I completely understood everything.

Having read all books released (currently five), Chamber of Secrets has always troubled me. Not because Rowling's story is difficult to comprehend, but because Voldemort is different here. I can speak no further without spoiling anything, but the reader must really pay attention as to what's going on.

There is so much going on here, far more than in the first book, that I found myself reading slower, in order to retain as many details as possible. The first book's conclusion makes the reader aware that he or she is not just reading a hack author. These stories are brilliantly thought-out. So obviously the second book will be as complex. This time, the reader is prepared to make mental notes, remember as many of those "little" details... and still, so much slips through, re-reading the book is almost obligatory to fully enjoy Harry Potter's adventure.

Like Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets is a stand alone effort that if, for some strange reason, anyone were to read before any of the other books, the mystery would unfold as any good murder-mystery would. And, both these books are what I would deem murder-mysteries, a wonderful genre, in my opinion. Many of the greatest novels ever penned were classic whodunnit tales. This is one of Rowling's many strengths (and a great addition to the "classics," I say).

After completing book 2, the reader will come to terms with Rowling's writing style: it is quite simply the most efficient, well organized, humorous, dramatic, and comprehensively detailed style I've come across. Rowling's tales are pure enjoyment, almost hearkening to oral tradition. You feel as if the story is being told to you.

While the first book is filled with nervous first-years, here, Harry and his friends are now focusing on adventure (and half the adventure is just getting through those difficult classes!).

Rowling's new characters are simply delightful. No two characters are the same, and it is impossible to confuse them with one another. And while my eyes only well-up at the end (Sorcerer's Stone makes me burst into actual tears everytime I read how they win the House Cup), I am moved in a different way... Harry now has a "family" of friends, young and old alike, and I know, from this point on, he will be protected and loved.

Great story and Ingenious development of the overall plot

J. K. Rowling proves to us that the success of the first book was no fluke by giving HP fans another dose of adventure. There's a new mystery this time, new characters and a new attempt by Voldemort to return.

We see more revelation in this book about the different characters of the four houses at Hogwart's School, most notably the contrast between Gryffindor and Slytherin. The motives and conflicts of the founders are explained as being behind the present day struggles. The "pure-blood" prejudice becomes more of a major theme and becomes a defining issue between good and bad wizards.

Getting to see more of the Weasley family is a special treat in Book II. Arthur's love of muggles and fascination with "muggle artifacts" is humorous and provides insights into a humble attitude toward magical gifts which characterizes the good wizards. The growing relationship between Ron and Hermione continues to spawn great dialogue. Mrs. Weasley continues to endear herself as the good mother who is a bit over-bearing at times and the twins continue to be dedicated to the type of mayhem which is all in good fun.