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This was the only book in the Harry Potter Series that I would not rate Excellent. I feel that she finally fell into the "middle book funk" that plagues so many other book writers and movie producers. My theory on avoiding the "funk" is to provide the characters a few clues they can work for and give them some small victories to show they are at least making progress for their pain. It worked in JK's other books, so why she chose to change her formula here is beyond me. The only "victory" won here is that the wizarding community finally knows Voldermort is back. Small consolation, since those that can do anything about it (the Order of the Pheonix) already believed Harry. The Mininstry of Magic, in an attempt to keep Harry Potter quiet, assign Delores Umbridge to the school. I would call Umbridge worse than Voldermort in many respects. Voldermort kills for the pleasure of killing, but is generally quick and painless about it. Once he sees the fear in his victim's eyes, he is satisfied and finishes them off. Torture is used to either get information from his victim or to make a point to his underlings. Inflicting pain for sport was something his underlings did. Although Umbridge is never specifically mentioned as being a Death Eater, loves to leave people in perpetual misery. In particular, she bans Harry Potter (and the Weasley twins) from Quiddich and locks their brooms up. She also has a magic pen that, when used, prints the words in blood on the paper and etches the words on the writer's hand. These scars remain on Harry at least to the end of the 7th book. Just to keep people on edge between these major attacks, she produces an endless array of Ministry approved prohibitions and takes it upon herself to micromanage every teacher in Hogwarts. She threatened firing just about every staff member at Hogwarts at one time or another, except for Filtch (who loves her changes). What Voldermort and Umbridge do have in common is a desire to impress their idea of a perfect society on others. The fact that their ideals are based on the genetic makeup of people, and therefore impossible to change, does not phase them at all. The obvious solution is to banish or kill those who don't measure up. But this evil is not why I gave this book a low rating. The heroes, Harry in particular, never fully grasp what what is happening and are completely unable to stop it. Figuratively speaking, they are little more than test dummies and take whatever is given to them. There were only two times that Harry and Co took a stand and the both backfired disasterously (three if you count the Weasley twins revenge, but that was short lived and had no lasting affect). The first was when Harry formed Dumbledore's Army, which resulted in Dumbledore being fired. The second was when Harry rushed to save Sirious Black from Voldermort. I won't say how that one ended for the sake of those that haven't read it yet, but suffice to say it caused the only regret Harry had in any of the seven books. There is a difference between suffering and sacrafice, and this book was all suffering. No good came out of what Harry went through, either in this book or the sequels. However, in order to get the full effect of her last two Harry Potter books (which I think are the best in the series), reading this book is a must. John Holland-author of The Necklace of TerrersylvanousRead full review
Goblet of Fire brought a surprise dark ending - this takes it a bit further. This book goes through the whole gamut of emotions for Harry and his friends - Harry is shown to be vulnerable to emotions that he cannot control (not entirely his own fault but you will see) and this book portrays him quite a bit as trying to get things done on his own (a preview of things to come or things to change - who knows). This book goes into the emotional side of Harry and the roller coaster ride it can be for a teen and also reasons highlighted at the end of the book. New characters are introduced and you get a clearer picture of alliances and where people stand in the war against Voldemort. He also finds out how costly it is to not listen to Dumbledore as another person close to him is lost. He blames himself and Dumbledore reveals a lot more answers (and raises a few more questions) at the end of this book. This book clearly answers questions and definitely sets up for the next book. You will get exposed to more dark magic in this book - a nice addition to see the both sides of the coin. The books in this series are getting longer but as you will justly so. This book is definitely more exciting and darker than the others but it is a very good read and my wife and I had to fight for who gets to read it - the next book is being bought with an extra copy for her :-) Disclaimer: I am an eBay employee and this review is my own opinion and is not written on behalf of eBay. This review does not reflect the views of my employer nor is it endorsed by them.Read full review
The book is in great condition and came quickly and in perfect shape. It's a great book for an awesome price!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I had my daddy by this book because I am a Harry Potter Freak :D I had all the books except the order of the phoniex and the prison of azakaban. So my daddy suprised me with this two books and it made my day. I love harry potter so much. I love all the adventures they are so much fun to read, I love the book that was in mint condtion not a single page ripped there was nothing bad about it. there was nothing wrong about that in the book. I would defently by this book again plus who doesn't love harry potter? HARRY POTTER ROCKS!
Great book. A wonderful reread. Not only for children.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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