Elementary school librarian & fantasy lover, here--2 comments:

I have read the 1st 4 books &, undoubtedly, will sometime read this one, too. I am very upset, though, at the publishing decision to cheat the public by charging hardcover prices for books that are no better bound than paperbacks & only last through a couple of readings before the glue spine cracks & the book starts to self-destruct.

Although the books are somewhat interesting, I don't find them exceptional in the fantasy genre. If you want to read an interesting, well-written fantasy series, try the Earthsea books by Ursula LeGuin. There are 5 now, starting w/ Wizard of Earthsea. As it happens, there's a school of wizardry in those books as well & it predates Hogwarts.

Respectfully,

bbc

P.S.--Are the British-produced books any better bound?