I have read all the books & watched all the movies thus far & let me just say - OF COURSE the books are better & more detailed. That's not the point. The movies are GREAT! The books are even better...so watch the movie first & then go read the book & you will thoroughly enjoy both. This MOVIE (book not reviewed here) was very satisfying... in terms of magic, romance, adventure, effects & character consistency & development. I liked this MOVIE better than the last MOVIE because there was not so much overt evil & terror. What I felt was missing - the ghosts...where'd they go?The ending leaves us all feeling a bit hollow - but also longing for MORE! I do hope more will be out soon!! :)