I made a deal with my best friend to read this series if she read Harry Potter. I regret this decision so much. I have yet to make it to the second book, but I will persevere for the sake of HP. I give it two stars because this just epically horrible book finally got my best friend somewhat into reading. I guess whatever gets people into a really great hobby? Don't worry, I hope to move her on to bigger and better things. The first step of course is her journey through HP.