I've read all the others, and although i havent read this new one, i've heard nothing but bad reviews. A few guys in my summer school class are reading it, and so far their biggest peeves are that they are half way through the book, and it still hasnt gotten to the point yet. As well, it appears to be far less discriptive in the classic Harry Potter manner, and leans almost to The Lord of The Rings style. Mind you, thats 2nd hand knowledge, and I'll leave hard reviews to those who have read it themselves.