Rating:  Summary: Harry needs a Break Review: Please don't read the review if you want to read the book.... This is my opinion about the book.... The book starts off really well and it keeps you wanting to read more.... and not let you keep the book down.... There are lot of moments in the book which are very thrilling and some really laugh aloud jokes... But the climax and the end really makes you feel remorse and depressed and actually think about harry's future life.... The death of the most important character... I think Harry needed a little change in his life....
Rating:  Summary: Teenage angst (hem, hem)!!! NO SPOILERS Review: Rowling has done it again! The fifth Harry Potter volume features an older, edgier Harry and his very real, daily struggles against 'the system' (read Hogwarts and some of its new inhabitants, no longer a happy, friendly 'home'). Harry's leaving his childhood years behind and it shows: his frustration is palpable and agonizing - Rowling has leapt into a 15-yo boy's mind with acumen and ease. Those expecting the typical activity and excitement may be surprised at the sometimes painfully introspective storyline here, however, but I believe that it's in keeping with the hero's necessary mental growth. All major characters are back and there are several new ones as well, adding richness - and sometimes a little much-needed humor - to the plot themes and action. Some important background info is provided and questions are answered (though not enough, IMO) and I will give away no plot hooks, but this a satisfying and definitely angst-ridden read which will no doubt prove a big hit to Harry's legion of adult, teen and pre-teen fans. I would consider carefully before placing this in the hands of Harry's very youngest fans, though; IMO the subject matter is more complicated and rather heavy for under 10yo's.
Rating:  Summary: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Review: "I have nothing more to say to you, Potter," he said quietly. "You have irked me too often, for too long. AVADA KEDAVRA!" Fifth in the Harry Potter series, 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' begins with Harry facing expulsion from Hogwarts and a term in Azkaban. Unanswered questions leave Harry feeling angry, frustrated and sometimes even lonely. To make things worse, The Ministry of Magic continues not to acknowledge The Dark Lord's rise to power, thus not only refuting the credibility of Harry's version of events at the end of the Triwizard Tournament in Book 4, 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' but also making him out to be a 'show-off' going to any lengths to seek attention. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix marks the interim period between Voldemort's coming to power and his rising into action. Lying low, unacknowledged by a majority of the wizarding community, he makes inroads into the enemy's mind through his subtle cunning. Slower than the previous four in the series, this book acquires pace as the last 100 pages are packed with intense gripping action. Full of sub plots and secrets, it sets the pace for Book 6. For those expecting a deeper twist, the explanation about Voldemorts attempt to kill Harry as a baby, comes as a bit of a disappointment. However with the explanation comes a burden - a sense of doom - which harry must carry...till the end...
Rating:  Summary: What was she thinking?? Review: First let me say that I am a HUGE fan of the Harry Potter series. But, although I feel, for a fan who wants to keep up, it a necessary read, I was very unhappy with this latest installment!! Harry was MUCH too angry and unpleasant - down right rude sometimes, to all of his friends and to the adults who have always been his cushions to the many blows he deals with in his life. This book brings him nothing but misery and allows him none of the pleasures that he has always turned to for temporary comfort and escape! I mean she even took away his beloved Quidditch!! Many of his adult supporters are missing for a good part of the book, and those that are there are mostly inaccessible!! (no wonder he is so angry!! I was too!!) I understand that teens go through periods of anger and angst, but this was overkill for Harry, and rather than appearing to be "growing up" he came across as more immature and a bit of a brat! Not our Harry at all!! I felt the story didn't really advance much either, and that frankly we are left at the same place we were at the end of book 4, with only a few new facts and minus a key character. As I said, I do feel it is necessary to read this one, to keep up with the story details, but I doubt I will reread it many times, as I have the others. What a disappointment, it was for me, after such a long wait! :( I can only hope that there are reasons she did this and that Rowling is not losing her way with the story. . . .
Rating:  Summary: Best Yet Review: This book is full of suspense. I could not put the book down until the day I finished! I cannot wait until J.K. Rowling comes out with the next book, but until then, I guess I'll keep having to read this one over and over again. I won't mind at all!
Rating:  Summary: I wish i could give the whole series a 100 stars!!! Review: WOW i all i have to say... How does Rowling do it??!!! even under all the pressures of writing it, she made it one of the best! Yes, this is a darker sadder book, but in the end it is and amazing one!!! My all time favorite chapter was "Snape's Worst Memory". Though i felt a little sorry for snape, it was awesome seeing well i wont give it away, but i thought sirius and james were pretty funny! Though i dont think a review is much needed on a book like this( if you have any sense you've already read the first 4...so why would you not buy this one?) Trust me: It will NOT disappoint! My favorite book in the world! (besides prizoner of azkaban)
Rating:  Summary: A Can't Put Down Book! Review: I have read each of Rowling's works, and this is my favorite! She has developed the relationships between her characters in The Order Of The Phoenix, beyond any of the other novels. It needed the other novels to get to this point, where the reader can broaden the scope of relationships within the wizarding community. The early on bickerings between Ron and Hermoine began to detract from the text, but the situation was resolved. Of all the Harry Potter books, I read this in the shortest amount of time, without skipping even a paragraph to see what's ahead! I have included a few of the elements that made this book my favorite Harry Potter book. I found the character of Luna Lovegood to be an interesting addition along with Grawp, whom we know will cause some kind stir in the future. She was excentric, and mystical, but she remained true to her convictions. The continuing development of Neville Longbottom was well crafted, as was the new Divinination's instructor. We can see from the novel, Neville will come into his own someday. The Order of the Phoenix demonstrated Harry relying on the best talents of friends that chose to accompany him regardless of what they may face. However, in this text, each of the seven were acting as a team. Each of them demonstrating bravery and loyalty well beyond the expectations of the book's hero. The adults in the novel also have been well-developed. The students now in their fifth year have a very good understanding of each of their professors. They may not all have a positve relationship, but it is as should be. The longer one knows someone, the more they will know about the person. The fifth installment of the series gives more complexity on the interwoven relationships of the adults as well as Harry and the other students.
Rating:  Summary: Best, darkest of series, and sets the table for endgame Review: Order of the Phoenix is by far the best of the Harry Potter series. Its storytelling is rich and descriptive, and the plot is highly engaging and interesting. This book sets the table for an exciting books six and seven. This book almost seems like it comes from a different series altogether from the earlier books. Gone is the child prodigy; wide eyed and heroic. The Harry Potter of this novel is brooding, grumpy, and cynical. The same things that seemed mysterious before now seen annoying, corrupted, and prone to the the same problems as the rest of the world. Lord Voldemort is back, but no one seems to believe Harry. The Ministry of Magic sends a dreadful women to watch over Hogwarts, Harry, and Dumbledore. This woman is so mean, you find yourself turning pages hoping beyond hope to see her reach some untimely end. The book ends with good and bad. The ministry finally admits Voldemort is back, harry is acquitted, but a dark time is ahead. As happened years before a war between good and evil will take place. Voldemort and his followers versus the good wizards. A revelation made by Dumbledore to Harry brings weight to this situation and shows that Harry will indeed have a pivotal role in finally bringing about the end of Voldemore. This book is a great read, though I would definitely start with the prior books. A lot of background takes place in these books which is vital to understanding this one.
Rating:  Summary: Sweet Lord in Heaven - is there anything JKR cannot do??? Review: This is the best book I have ever read. I read it in two days and am half way through it for the 4th time. The book was well worth the wait and I would recommend it to anyone - but read the others first. I would wait another 3 years for the book. I would suggest reading the book more than once though, as it helps to clarify things. In the book, through Harry's anger and frustration and through feelings of sorrow and sympathy for him, one cannot help but laugh. The book, though dark and sinister provides the appropriate times for laughter. JKR's brain must be so big as the storylines are so complex, and yet she always sorts all the mysteries out in the end and explains them so simply, often through Dumbledore. I admit, to some, espescially the young, the book may seem dauntingly long and some things (like Grawp) could have been life out and other ways of getting round things used, but as we have seen with Rowling, things carry from book to book - such as Mrs Figg and there possibly will be another use for Grawp. And as for those who say that Harry's anger is unjustifiable - I think it makes the book all the better - and just look what he has been through. If he didn't get angry it would not be so realistic. Besides, the anger makes the humour: "Oh yeah, Quirrell was a great teacher...there was just that minor drawback of him having Lord Voldemort sticking out of the back of his head." That had me laughing for hours. And to those who say that the book was too dark and ruined the series - HELLO! the darkest wizard of all time has returned more powerful than before - of course it has to be dark!! By no means has Order ruined the HP books. JKR has produced yet another classic. Which other author could produce books that I could read 8 times each within two years?? THANK YOU JKR. Long live HARRY! I LOVE YOU!
Rating:  Summary: Brilliant Review: Entering his fifth year at Hogwarts, Harry is much angrier than he has been in previous novels. Like all the other novels, he has been spending his summer with his aunt & uncle of Privett Drive. The book explodes into action with Harry having to defend himself & Dudley against magical murderers. During the night when the rest of the family has left, he is removed from Muggle world and taken to the wizarding world to face legal reprimand for performing the charm that saved both himself and Dudley. Under the watchful eyes of several new characters Harry and his friends begin to learn about the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society of witches and wizards led by Dumbledore. The group is struggling not only to stop Voldemort, but to convince the magical world that he has returned. The Ministry of Magic and the Daily Prophet newspaper have launched a campaign to discredit anyone who speaks the truth. When they finally return to Hogwarts for their fifth year, they realize that they're in for a long ride. They have a new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher, who causes problems wherever she goes and they also have OWL exams to deal with. On top of all that, Harry begins to have nightmares in which he can see events as they happen. Like all her other books, you'll be begging for the 6th even before you finish this one.
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