I was a huge Potterhead back in the day (well…I still am, just not as obsessed). I know the books are great and all, I know how addictive her writing style is, that she can create such vivid and engaging characters and places, and the stories keep you hungry for more…but IMO that still does not completely explain the insane hype that generated. I don’t think there has ever been this level of mania and craze for a book – a children’s/YA book for that matter. So I am wondering, what are some of the factor that led to the hype? I’ve heard things like the rise in Internet (and internet fandom), JKR’s rags-to-riches story, etc all contributed. So for those who have been there, what was the mania like at that point, and what factors (aside from the quality of the books themselves) that lead to it?
But the World Building is no better than any books of the era. Indeed, there were plenty of other books that were far better world building around that same time. Like Wheel of Time has a far deeper, richer magic systems. His Dark Material is similar vibes and a far better magical systems. Others include The Magicians.
The books you are comparing it to are all written for adults or at least much older. Harry Potter was leaps and bounds better than the other children’s books at the times
To each their own on what satisfies their imagination. If you happen to find another series that you like better, good on you. Doesn’t make one better than the other.