Rating: 
Summary: Phatt!
Review: With the longest break between Hogwarts sessions having just passed, I now have a good sense of what Harry feels like those endless summers at the Dursley's, our patience has been rewarded with a tome 776 pages phatt. Warning -- if you have something important to do, do not start reading "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" because you won't be able to get anything done until you finish it. My friends think I am rude, I blew off work for two days and it is either the dishes in the sink or someone let off a Dungbomb.
This is the boldest of all the books in the series, taking on a very serious tone from the beginning. An element that is severely missing from the films is the sense of danger and dread that keep the written Potter series from merely being a children's book. The broad thematic brush strokes of Hollywood are no match for Rowling's fine sense of subtlety. This book reaches into political territory and reveals a quite sophisticated understanding of how we are all to get along in this world. And the Ministry of Magic's paranoid clampdown on freedom is strangely analogous to this last year in the world outside the book.The writing is great (though we have a second Uranus joke) and excruciatingly exciting and well paced. But
the things that I like most about the book as of right now, having only finished it before bedtime last night, are its unflinching look at corruption, good intentions don't lead to the best actions, and that it is ok to make mistakes the important thing is to learn from them. Thank you R.K. Rowling for a most inspiring work of art.
Rating:
Summary: The darkest Harry Potter so far
Review: The theme of the book cover says it all -- this is by far the darkest and scariest book in the series. By the looks of it, this is yet the beginning. I can say that in our present convention of things, Harry Potter: Order of the Phoenix is not anymore considered as a "children's book." Harry's already 15, exposed to the dirty world of Wizard politics, confusing connections between him and the people around him, and the dark powers of the Dark Lord himself. Rowling has again showed her writing prowess. The interconnections between characters are so fantastic and well thought out that you really have to reread the previous books in a new perspective. True, the fifth book lacks the simplicity of the previous ones, but indeed, this is a very important installment in the series. I can't wait for the last two books. I hope that it won't take Rowling 6 years (3 years for each book) to release them.
Rating:
Summary: As good as the last 4.
Review: Gosh, is Dumbledore cool or what? Sorry to not be more helpful, but I dont want to give anything away, and I dont want to ruin it for anyone in any other way. All I can say is it lived up to my expectations, and come the end, exceeded them. Definite 5 stars, no questions.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Review: The latest Harry Potter book was fabulous, as expected. I find myself constantly surprised at how involved I feel in Rowling's books... what a great author, to be able to please children, as well as their parents. This book would most likely prove scary and confusing to smaller children, as it deals quite a bit with corruption in government and realistically menacing characters, but older kids will love it and will enjoy the suspense. A hefty book at 870 pages,I found myself torn between wanting to read it as fast as I could (and did) and wishing I'd gone more slowly so that the magic would last just a little bit longer...a few less days in between finishing this book and beginning the next one.
Rating: 
Summary: An exciting read - but heavy on the anger
Review: As you move through the Harry Potter series the reading level gets progressively more difficult - so does the intensity and darkness of the books. The relative innocence of the first book may fool parents into thinking the whole series is appropriate for young readers. A word of caution - in my opinion it isn't. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the books in the series but I have to say I came away from this latest book with mixed emotions. The innocence is definitely gone! This book is full of anger. Harry Potter's anger and frustration made him seem almost like a stranger at times. I really got caught up in his anger at the injustice, both real and perceived, that he and others suffer in the book. I'm concerned how it may affect younger readers. Plus, at 15, Harry is growing up and facing adult situations and emotions. As a mother I found myself wanting to sit down with him to counsel and comfort him as a parent would. The kid in me wished I could be his friend and fly off on a thestral - to fight at his side! So - do I recommend this book? Yes, I liked the book and didn't want to put it down as is evidenced by me reading all 870 pages in 3 days! But I urge some caution - I think this book is more suited to mature audiences. I won't be reading this one to my 7 year old granddaughter for a few years. Can't wait to see this one in the theatre though! Should have some spectacular scenes!
Am I eager for the next installment? You bet! I am after all a big Harry Potter fan!
Rating:
Summary: Wow (nineteen year old college student's opinion)
Review: This book was absolutely awesome, especially after waiting three torturous years for its release. I have to say though, in comparison to the other four books, this one is terribly depressing. The return of Voldemort, etc. really puts a damper on the whole thing. I've been ill spirited this whole week after finishing the book because of it. Warning to all - it is a sad book, it may make you CRY! However, the twists and turns and surprising revelations characteristic of Rowling's writing style won't let you down. The 870 page epic does tend to drag a bit in the middle, with Harry's schooling, O.W.L.'s, Quidditch and more.
Despite the fact that I did cry over this book, I really loved it and HP fans will not be dissapointed (go read it now!)
Rating:
Summary: Another great read...
Review: ...in the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter fans will devour the details and revel in the return of all their favorite characters: the Hogwarts staff, Harry's schoolmates, old favorites, new villains (Umbridge makes a wonderful Nasty Villain) The best part of the tale lies in all the imaginative details of Harry's world at Hogwarts. Harry seems to be angry all the time, which made the tone of the book more negative for me; obviously this is more realistic behavior for an adolescent, but since this is a fantasy, why not have a lovable teen? Hopefully Harry will pull himself out of the self-pitying mode and go back to his likable self in the next book! Of course I couldn't put it down, so had to give it five stars!
Rating:
Summary: ...so far!
Review: Hehe...tha book iz so long, no1 can review it, its impossible to have finished it yet!! Maybe a full review later...but so far so good!
Rating:
Summary: Rowling does it again!
Review: In book five of the Harry Potter series, J. K. Rowling continues the wonderful story of the boy wizard we have all come to know and love. I feel that Rowling's attention to detail and in-depth characterization are what make not only book five, but the entire series worthy of reading again and again, not just for the fun and exciting story line, but for the enjoyment of watching these characters grow and mature with time.
I recommend all of the Harry Potter books to anyone of any age.
Rating:
Summary: Good Stuff
Review: This is quite frankly a marvelous book. Whatever the reason for delaying its release it definitely paid off in the end. Those looking for a light hearted tale would do well not to be fooled by the story's deceptively simple surface. Year 5 is at once more serious, darker, and more intensely philosophical than any of its predecessors. If the series keeps going in the same direction I'll be surprised if they keep stacking these in the children's section. One thing that surprised me was the different way we see the characters, Harry in particular...you see a much more complex side of them. More weakness, more bickering...but also more strength and emotion..ultimately the characters gain a measure of humanity. You might not always like what you see but you can identify and feel for the them...
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