A review by kelly_e
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Title: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter #5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: June 21, 2003

T H R E E • W O R D S

Angsty • Revealing • Adventurous

📖 S Y N O P S I S

With Harry set to enter his fifth year at Hogwarts, yet another awful summer with the Dursley's comes to a dramatic end. Harry is eager to get back to school and find out what his friends have been so secretive all summer long. When Dumbledore reveals everything, Harry's world will be turned upside down, yet again.

💭 T H O U G H T S

As I continue my re-read of the Harry Potter series, I recall Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix being my least favourite of the books. I'll admit to enjoying it much more this time around, despite it being rather lengthy.

Book five introduces a host of new characters, and answers a bunch of questions. The plot has certainly darkened and although there is a lot of filler, everything felt necessary to move the story forward. I absolutely love Ginny's place is this installment and she remains one of my favourite characters, along with Hagrid (obviously for different reasons). I also appreciated Harry's time with Sirius.

Reading this as an adult, I noticed a bunch of teenage milestones and behaviours that I hadn't picked up on as a teenager. At times Harry can be downright annoying, but honestly who could blame him with everything he has been through and each new challenge he faces.

Jim Dale's brilliant narration continues to be a welcome enhancement to my reading experience. Returning to Hogwarts is always an enjoyable time, and I am looking forward to reading the final two books to complete my re-read. In all honesty, it's been so long that I don't really remember much of what happens.

📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Harry Potter fanatics
• readers of all ages

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike."

"Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect." 

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