manalll's Reviews (38)




Where to begin is a challenge, but this book has unequivocally become my favorite in the series thus far. As my friend wisely observed, "You'll see how Harry Potter transitions from children's books to adult ones," and I could not concur more. From the outset, I sensed that Mad-Eye Moody would play an important role in the narrative, but the revelation of his centrality astonished me. I was utterly floored when it was unveiled that he was the one who placed Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire, and even more so when it was disclosed to be Barty Crouch Jr. in disguise. The author's skill in intertwining minute details to ultimately reveal the truth is nothing short of mesmerizing.

It is unfortunate that it was Crouch Jr. assisting Harry, rather than the real Moody, rendering those seemingly wholesome moments somewhat hollow in hindsight. I vividly recall the intense nervousness I felt during the first task, and Dobby's unexpected appearance remains one of my cherished moments.

The scene of Cedric's death brought tears to my eyes. The final chapters were so gripping that I raced through them, eager to keep pace with the action and fully immerse myself in the story. The moment Voldemort rises again stands as one of the most powerful in literary history. Every detail was emblazoned in my mind—Wormtail's sobbing, the palpable fear, the dark and frigid night, the mounting anticipation. The utter devastation I felt when Cedric's ghost implored, "Take my body back to my parents," was overwhelming.

I greatly admired the author's treatment of the aftermath of the traumatic events. Dumbledore's care for Harry, ensuring he slept and cautioning others not to disturb him, was profoundly moving. The wisdom in Dumbledore's words, such as "Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery," and "It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be," deeply resonated with me.

Mrs. Weasley's hug, "as though by a mother," was a particularly touching moment.

Upon finishing the book, I watched the movie and found myself somewhat disappointed, but I shall not dwell on that here.

Avada Kedavra!

The Weasley family's escapade in Egypt brought a delightful smile to my face—a moment deserving of such joy. Their adventure intricately wove into the plot, connecting seamlessly with Sirius's revelation about Pettigrew through the captured image.

I appreciate J.K. Rowling's knack for subtly reintroducing fundamental details at the onset of each book, like the reminder that the Dursley's are Harry's sole living relatives.

Unlike the previous volumes, I found myself annotating passages in "The Prisoner of Azkaban." It brought forth a tapestry of wholesome moments, undeniable truths, and a cascade of new adventures and mysteries. While it lacked the immediate thrill of the first two books, the narrative crescendoed in the final chapters, compelling me to read incessantly until its completion.

The departure of Professor Lupin left me melancholic.

A ray of wintery sunlight fell across the classroom, illuminating Lupin's gray hair and the lines on his young face.
 
And the pinnacle was Harry witnessing himself on the cliff during the Patronus charm, a skill Lupin had imparted—a moment that resonated deeply in the fabric of the story.

Cannot wait to watch the movie then continue with the series. 

I'm not sure where to begin, but as I was tracking my progress here, I've realized there's so much to express, yet I struggle to recollect and arrange my thoughts coherently. So, for the upcoming books, I plan to keep a notebook by my side to jot down my reflections after each chapter or even every page.

The story keeps improving, with the unfolding of scenes, mysteries, magic, and the intricate logic connecting every detail, leading to a spectacular conclusion. I have a deep admiration for Dumbledore and his sagacity. He exudes an aura of knowing everything, even amidst chaos, which provides a sense of comfort. The author masterfully conveys the message that everything will ultimately be alright, but, paradoxically, the narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat, anxiously flipping through pages to reach the promising conclusion.

The storytelling is brilliant, filled with humor, particularly with Ron's antics. I found great amusement in Dobby's liberation and had a good laugh at Lockhart's deserved fate. It's worth noting Hermione's brilliance, and I'm relieved that Hagrid's innocence was finally revealed. It's a bit sorrowful. To sum it up, I'm eagerly diving into the third book.

A very touching quote I had to take out:
"It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities"~ the great headmaster. 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

As a 24-year-old adult, I recently embarked on a journey into the magical realm of Harry Potter, and it's easily one of the best choices I've made this year. Despite having watched the films in my childhood - having a somewhat hazy recollection - I'm elated to read the books and then revisit the cinematic adaptations.

While it's a bit disappointing that some scenes are altered or left out in the movies, it's understandable given the constraints of film.
However, my imagination ran wild as I lost myself in each and every page and scene. 
It's like stepping into a whole new universe, and I couldn't be happier. I'm rapidly transforming into a devoted fan of the world of wizardry and witchcraft.

J.K. Rowling's brilliance shines through as she constructs an entire universe from scratch, complete with its own website, devoted fanbase, and an extensive wiki community. 

The challenges Harry faces with his adoptive family are powerfully depicted.
The bond that develops between Harry, Ron, and Hermione, with their diverse personalities and character growth, is a highlight. 
The air of mystery that envelopes the story from the very first page is utterly engrossing.

Honestly, I can't wait to complete the entire series. I owe a heartfelt thanks to my dear friend, a true Harry Potter aficionado, for encouraging me to pick up these books in the first place.
emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This captivating book flows seamlessly, drawing you in with its predictability yet keeping you engaged throughout. It evokes a range of emotions and takes you on a rollercoaster of a journey. The character development, forgiveness themes, and attention to detail, such as the pigeon, the ring, and the cross, are commendable. I thoroughly enjoyed this compelling ride, as always. 
tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I literally want to pull my hair out of its roots, that's exactly how that book made me feel, it provoked me in the worst way possible, she was humiliated, shamed, mortified, hurt, and she kept going and coming back to that toxic asshole in the name of love and possession, I tried to keep an open mind, (also I've read similar reviews before starting it but I didn't want to judge) to put myself in her shoes, to defend her actions and thoughts and feelings, justify her behaviour a bit, but holy shit, the amount of toxicity, and she knows, that's the bad part she knows that she's doing herself so wrong yet here she is, asking HIM for forgiveness and asking HIM to take HER back, as if she's the one at fault and he's the angel. The amount of clinginess in that (if you can call it even) a relationship, is disgusting. I'm afraid to start the second book. 
dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense fast-paced

My heart is full with feelings, and my eyes with tears, I finished this book fast enough to keep up with every detail.. Every little detail, every relatable quote, every beautiful word of this piece of art, I'm so glad I got the chance to experience it.
emotional funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

That was like a bandage to our hearts and souls, this book literally healed us, gave us back hope. 
slow-paced

Tbh I've spent like 4 months with this book, it wasn't that good, it was kind of boring and prosaic, I literally had to force myself to read it, overrated as hell.
sad medium-paced

That was my ever first book to read for the amazing Dostoevsky, it was a bit hard because the translation was kind of heavy, but later on it got better, and it was so sad.. Loving someone without being loved back is one of the ugliest feelings a person can experience, especially if there was hope then it was stolen in the last minute, I feel for him..