The Order of the Phoenix
Style: Good
Attitude: Positive
This review was contributed by Ben G
Series: Harry Potter
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Published in: 2003
Age Range: General
Period: Contemporary
Setting: Hogwarts School for Witchcraft & Wizardry
Genres: Adventure , Friendship , Magic , School
Characters:
- Harry Potter is the fifth-year wizard, tensed for a fight which he knows must be coming, and angry when he's unable to join the fray.
Synopsis:
As his fifth year at Hogwarts fast approaches, Harry Potter the young wizard is certainly in adolescence, with mood swings and outbursts of rage. He has to suffer yet another enfuriating summer with his relations the Dursleys, with minimal contact from his best friends at Hogwarts, Ron & Hermione. Harry has to suffer the torment of not knowing what his arch-nemesis, the evil Lord Voldemort is up to. When Harry finally does return to Hogwarts it is as if the wizarding world has been turned upside down over the summer and this year Harry has many new even more difficult challenges to face.
Notes:
See The Harry Potter Series for general comments.
This book is far darker than its predecessors, although far more engaging and interesting at the same time. The reader will really become wrapped up in thew magical world of Hogwarts and despite its length the book does not drag at all, unlike The Goblet of Fire. This new book also provides a lot of room for character development an by the introduction of a particularly loathsome new character, the “toadlike and simpering” Dolores Umbridge.
Harry's strength of character and resilience are really tested to their extremes. Despite some hotheadedness Harry still tries to be a supportive and dutiful friend, really battling with his temper at some points to do this.
As mentioned before this book has a darker side including some tragic circumstances and very strong tension at points, which the reader can really feel. Parents may take a note of this as it may be less suitable for younger children.
Tuesday 1st January 2002