I have had a few reviews recently mentioning the similarity of Royal Institute of Magic with the Harry Potter series, so I thought I’d throw my voice into the debate.
When I was writing the book I was very conscious that people might liken it to Harry Potter. It has the underground dragon train (the Dragonway), the magical world set within the real world and then there is the Institute itself. You could argue the Dragonway is similar to Hogwarts Express and the Institute to the school of Hogwarts.
I will concede that the Dragonway could be associated with Hogwarts Express. Both are magical trains of sorts, but the similarities end there. The Dragonway exists underground and is an extension of the subway system. It links the Unseen Kingdoms with England. Also – a minor point – it’s pulled by a dragon. I actually envisioned it as more of a theme park ride rather than a train when I was writing the story.
Then there is the Royal Institute of Magic itself. Yes, you do apprentice there if you want to become a member, but that is really the only similarity to Hogwarts. It’s purpose and function are completely different.
But the most significant difference is the story. I don’t want to give away too much (I’ve probably said more than I should have to those who haven’t read the book) but it has no resemblance to Harry Potter. You’ll understand this more once we second book comes out.
Finally – the world within a world. That concept has been around a long time, way before Harry Potter. What about Narnia, or even the Faraway Tree, by Enid Blyton? Each new author tries to come up with a new twist to the concept, and I’m no different.
Ok, rant over! I might sound like I’m trying to disassociate myself from Harry Potter, but in truth it’s flattering to be compared to such a wonderful, magical series, and I was hoping to re-create the feel of Harry Potter while still being a completely original story.
Over and out.
Hi Jay,
Thanks for getting in touch! Glad you’re enjoying the series so far. I agree that there will obviously be comparisons to HP (which I don’t mind!) but it is very much its own story.
No title for book 5 yet! I generally don’t come up with one until the end of the first draft, when I’m thinking about the book cover and talking to my illustrator.
Thanks for the reviews. Much appreciated!
-Victor
I just read all 4 in a month. I’m 43 years old ,well on July 21, and not a child. There will always be some minor similarities probably between books in a genre but I don’t think you have to defend your series as being similar to Harry as its not in the most fundemental ways. I’m am so glad I stumbled upon the first book and will now await book 5( do you have a title yet?) impatiently. I will also do my Amazon reviews as I understand the importance. Thanks again for a great series.
Jay
Thank you for your kind words, Fred! I definitely won’t publish book two until it is fully ready.
I’m not a teen or a young adult,
I’m a “young” oldster of 73 but have
Been reading Fantasy since my
Earliest years. I read Tolkein in the
Fifties and much since,including the Harry Potter series. you have braved
The public and produced a refreshingly original story right up ther with “so you want to be a wizard” and many, many other fine
Books. Looking forward to the
Sequel. Please do not feel pressured to finish quickly, the words are very important,wasn’t it Emily Dickenson who wrote,”A word I’s dead when it is said,some say.I say it just begins to live, that day”
Cheers,
Fred
Wow, thank you! I love it when people can’t put the book down. =)
Actually, I didn’t click back on old Harry at any time. I got so caught up in Ben’s search that I saw it as more of a mystery type novel. I was so engrossed, I even fobbed off my friends for a few days. “Sorry, can’t put this down,talk later”. It’s the first time in years I’ve been caught up this way. Like you, I download far more books than I read. If it doesn’t catch my attention immediately, it’s gone. I was a little sad at first that we didn’t stay in Elizabeth’s time, but after a page or two of ‘present day’, you were forgiven for switching centuries on me.I read all the HP books, and I had no problem putting any of them down for real life, RIM, I did. I stayed up the other night til almost 2 am, and didn’t stop reading until I started dropping the kindle. I went in search of more titles by you and was disappointed there were none. Please consider other venues besides RIM, as I feel you will do very well no matter what scene you set. Again, congrats on an incredible read!
Thanks Debbie – that’s nice to hear and I’m glad you enjoyed it! The historical theme is a significant of the book and the series, so it’s good to hear that you liked that.
If you have a moment, I would really appreciate it if you could write a review on amazon.com. =)
Thanks again!
-Victor
I think you totally nailed it! Although there are some thematic similarities (the whole magic thing), I loved the more prominent role of magical creatures and I’m really intrigued by the historical connection as well. I also really liked Ben and Charlie… I was so happy to hear that Charlie got invited to be part of RIM too… I was afraid he was just going to be a summer holiday kind of friend and he’s so awesome! I love the the friendship that he and Ben have. Loved the book!