I didn't expect to not like the later books, but I don't. I had already read the first two books when I bought this set, and loved them. The third one I thought was too long, and a little boring at points, but I liked the end. And I just haven't been able to get even half way through the fourth book, it seems like a bizarre little soap opera filled with long (LOOOONG) conversations, details about trivialities like camping trips and especially way too much detail about quidtich (sp?), the weird (and dull) sport Harry is obsessed with, which has always been the weakest part of the books IMHO (I usually skim these parts). I hate sports.I really don't know if I will ever finish the series. The first two books were so tight, short, exciting and funny. I'm so let down.