Wizarding World Content

WWP Pressroom

News/Rumors

Chats

Authors

Games

Movie

Events

Artwork

Shop

Fans/Trivia

Press

WWP REVIEWS BOOK 5 (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) This is an emotional book -- but we don't mean for Harry. Of all the books in J.K. Rowling's septology, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has the highest emotional impact for readers. Book 5 doesn't tug at our heartstrings... it yanks at them. We have all the familiar affronts that Harry faces each year (abuse from his relatives, slander by the media, etc.), but this year, Harry talks back! As Rowling cautioned, the series has matured; we are witnessing Harry Potter (now 15) growing up. He is no longer just a punching bag for Dudley (his cousin) and other bullies. Nonetheless, he has the realization and frustration that he is being forced to fight these attacks unaided. Even though he has proven to be able to stand up to Voldemort (power-hungry tyrant) as a grown wizard, he feels he is not being treated as an adult. While everyone else seems to be aware of ongoing events, he is uninformed -- left out of the loop. That would be an insult to anyone, and Harry is angry. J.K. Rowling has a talent for controversy among critics, and she has now broadened that to include her own fans. This is a book that polarizes the readers. As evidence of her literary talent, one cannot read this book and be indifferent. Harry's anger permeates the plot to the point of being disconcerting for the fans who want their teenage hero to rise above these challenges. At this time, Harry seems unable to do that -- for reasons that are quite intentional by the author, and which we are carefully investigating for further analysis. However, the real essence of the story goes far beyond teenage angst. The Harry Potter septology has now evolved into a sophisticated mystery as well. Gone are the blatant, easy-to-interpret hints about "lupine" teachers and "bagman" bookies. There are more mysteries embedded in this book than all the rest combined, and there are more red herrings than there are hints. That makes it difficult to know how to interpret the copious "grim" clues baiting us in each chapter. Yes, we have already been told a major character will die, but we are forced to use all our HP Sleuthing skills to stay on guard at all times, making it challenging for even the most astute sleuths. There is one event in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix that fans have been waiting for ever since the first book. It is more spellbinding than why Voldemort wanted to kill Harry, and just as exciting as a game of Quidditch. We finally get to witness an all-out wizard duel! That alone should make this novel worthwhile for fantasy adventure enthusiasts. Our favorite feature of this book is the new insights into several old characters (especially the "old crowd"), coupled with the introduction of some really intriguing new ones (Tonks and Luna in particular). Character development is definitely one of J.K.R.'s strengths, and she has excelled at cultivating these very different, multifaceted personalities. We enjoyed the way that the students were brash and mature enough to organize and conduct their own "projects." We see this as a book specifically for Harry Potter fans. Both the action and the characters have become very exciting and highly complex. Whereas the first three books (and probably the fourth) can be enjoyed on a more superficial level and read independently from the other books in the septology, this latest book would be highly lacking (and possibly confusing) as a stand-alone. The character profiles need the background of the previous volumes in order for the reader to appropriately understand both relationships and motivations; additionally, there are several ongoing sub-plots, which are not re-explained yet are augmented with new information and tantalizing clues. Book 5 firmly establishes that we are in the middle of an epic fantasy. So, how does this installment stack up against the rest of the series so far? From a mystery perspective (our expertise), WWP considers this more as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, PART 2. At the end of Book 4 we were left with the threat of war, and pages of questions to be answered. Book 5 primarily continues on those themes, answering and/or enlightening us on many of the questions, but the majority are still as mysterious as they were 3 years ago. We also have been assigned enough new clues and unsolved mysteries to fill many yards of parchment! HP Sleuths should be forewarned that the septology clues in this story are not only extensive, but well hidden. We have been given our hardest detective assignment yet, and it will give fans months and months of enchanting homework while waiting for the next installment. J.K.R. specifically stated that the reason this book had to be so long was that she wanted to make sure she inserted all the key clues to get us through to the final revelations. Those readers who are not aware of the plethora of hints being stuffed into her text have found the book to be a bit wordy. But we mystery fans are elated, and have been hanging on every word. If you are the dectective type, you will be truly bewitched. From a literary perspective, if your intention is to read a warm, fuzzy children's book, you will be disappointed. If, however, you are looking for a ribbiting addition to the Harry Potter septology that is packed with alluring characters, puzzles to solve, and clues to pursue, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the book for you.

 Submit a Link to us via e-Owl !